I really wanted to like the Asus X670E ITX...

[@ZioComposite]

Always love how you get down to the nitty gritty and don't sugar coat things. Rough start for AM5 itx so far lol

[@robojimtv]

the B650E ITX from ROG looks way more interesting and tbh I feel like X670E is overkill for 90% of people

[@mehutolkki3232]

Yeah B650e-i is the way to go, I got one, and it has mostly everything you need and its cheaper even.

[@NeoVester]

​@@mehutolkki3232have you had any issues with the wifi on that board? I've seen people complain that it cuts out constantly

[@mehutolkki3232]

@@NeoVester Hard to say as I basically never use wireless connectivity. How ever sometimes (quite rarely) I get disconnects even with wire. I think I had some problems with wifi when I tried it but I thought it was my routers fault instead of the MoBo, but dunno.

[@Donbros]

Hope they fix it on b850, though stable lan is the most important for me

[@alpenfoxvideo7255]

This channel is getting better and better!

[@JiajuChen]

I have the exact same board. For me the four lights takes me 18s, 6s, 6s, and 8s. (39.33s combined to be exact). I am definetely pissed that they removed HD Audio. I thought they only removed the audio jacks from the IO panel. The FPS card was no problem to me though. This is my first ever built and it's a A4 H2O. Cable routing was definitely time consuming but not hard at all. I did have to use clear CMOS twice and bios flashback once. I was leaving my board in my case and just poked the pins with a small knife. That did not bother me too much as a first time builder, but your mileage may vary. I liked the feature of the Hive thing, and the thing I wanted most was a dp in for thunderbolt pass-through. I would've definitely bought the msi unify itx if it still exists... That's honestly too sad and left ROG with zero competition. I also had a lot of problems with boot and the motherboard sometimes wants to be stuck at any part of the boot and I had to manuelly force reboot as well. By the way I also experienced a lot of problem with Intels 2.5g network card driver. The new driver from ASUS did resolve it for me. Overall I still enjoyed the features of this board. Just didn't want to invest in intel plattforms since I knew I want to upgrade the CPU from i7/R7 to the next Gen i9/R7 in the future. Future Bios update are still kind of needed to conclude this board as a Recommendation from my side.

[@sykescalvin09]

Definitely interested to hear your thoughts on the MSI board!

[@petermilian4455]

Wouldn't Asus B650E-I be preferrable over Asus X670E since it avoids most of the Asus X670E issues while keeping the vast majority of the features? Essentially everything but USB 4 support? And the MSI MPG B650I seems seriously cut down in comparison - Asus B650E-I has 1x more USB-C, SPDIF out, better power delivery and PCIE5 for both x16 slot & 1x m.2. The black IO shield on the Asus boards also makes your system run 2-3 degrees cooler (chromax style) vs the off white shield on the MSI board.

[@TheGreenReaper]

Yes, I think the B650-I makes far more sense than this board (which was one reason I bought it). Same memory issues, though, and trying to restore the context seems to just freeze the board. It's unlikely to be a problem in regular use, just annoying when trying to tweak an OC.

[@mepm]

For post times, after the first memory training time if you disable XMP/EXPO it boots much quicker. You can then re-enable EXPO in software via ryzen master and it still keeps the faster boot times. For BIOS updating, you can actually update the BIOS from any usb port using the old method (i use the one on top of my case) from within the EZflash utility located in your bios as long as you can post - you only need to use the hive if you are using its built in new bios flasher that doesn't require posting.

[@ChusmaChusme]

Bought it myself. Wasn't really a big fan the volume nob only controlling the volume on that specific headphone jack on the hive. Would be nice if I can control the volume on that nob on other sound devices. The 64gb of DDR5 RAM I bought didn't work with the motherboard. Needed it to work asap so I had to run by Best Buy and buy some random DDR5 sticks, hoping that it'll work. It did and had to update the bios and manually install all chipset drivers one by one, ie wifi, ethernet, Bluetooth, etc. I carry my pc in a duffle bag a lot, and the fps card, where I have my sata drives and front io header connected, gets loose and disconnects. I added tape around it, but it still gets loose some time to time and have to reach around and push it in. And I think those were pretty much all the complaints I have to it that wasn't mentioned.

[@myactionvideos310]

Thanks for the detailed review. Helped me make my decision. :)

[@JohnSmith-sh1sy]

kudos for checking coil whine (my asus 650e-i had coil whine only when idling in Windows or moving in mouse, not during bios or load)

[@mcbowler]

I hooked up reset button to clear cmos headers. 👍👍. I don’t need onboard audio. Board run crazy good. Make sure to set memory 1:1 timing , I forget the setting name.

[@jabronilifestyle]

>Make sure to set memory 1:1 timing , I forget the setting name. Hey do you remember what this setting was called pls?

[@johnpaulbacon8320]

Thanks for your well done review.

[@DarrinLin]

same problems and headache for the equivalent intel version (rog strix z790-i). drove me up the wall with memory training and boot times. too late to return cause my build took a while longer than the return period amd combined with waiting for custom psu cables. fortunately the intel version has a clear cmos button on the back. i hope asus watches and reads these comments. there is no excuse considering their current pricing. my next itx build for my sim rig will be with an msi board instead.

[@RichardServello]

I have this motherboard and have had zero issues and do NOT experience boots half this long (longest is maybe 20 seconds after changing a component). I also have the button set to sleep so waking takes about 3 seconds.

[@nuclearmonster]

I’ve got this board and share many of the same concerns about it, especially how often I’ve wondered “Is this memory training or do I need to reseat the RAM?” One other issue I have is that the USB-C cable for the hive seems to be unique. If you ever lose that cable, who knows if the Hive will work with a replacement, especially when the C end of the cable is strangely oriented and not reversible like other C cables. So many odd decisions on this board.

[@tyriddik2282]

My noob mistake on this board was using a pci-3 gen three riser cable with my new build. I blamed this board for boot failures... but it was just the riser. For the memory learning boot time, I dont notice them after making the bois changes recommended. (Gskill 32g 6000-30).

[@mcbowler]

And there is a dedicated switch on the board for pcie 3.0. Glad you got it working.

[@jameslundy2700]

I totally agree with your take on the Asus board, I have buyer's remorse.

[@yonson_racing]

Being a big fan of ASUS, I have the same qualms about this MB. The ROG B650E-i looks to be a better option IMO.

[@petermilian4455]

I went with the Asus B650E-I and it is better. Excellent board without most of the issues the X670E-I has. Only minor annoyance is lack of USB4.

[@ahsookee]

The 650e has severe coil whine issues atleast with one production batch. It's on the rog forum and r/sffpc

[@arthur78]

​@@petermilian4455 does the B650E-I also suffer from long post times like the X670E-I?

[@cracky1970]

The latest BIOS update 1616, for me, has dramatically reduced the boot time and I'm able to update my BIOS through any of the usb 2 ports on the motherboard instead of the BIOS flashback on the Hive.

[@Donbros]

I though you can do thst on any usb honestly. At least i could on my old msi 170a lol

[@salty3522]

Could you please review the Asus B650E-I in a NR200P with noucta air cooler?

[@ab185]

B650e-i over this then? I want USB4 so I was leaning towards this board sadly.

[@petermilian4455]

Was in the same situation. USB4 is tempting, but X670E-I has too many issues. Heard numerous reports of hive qc issues - having so much functionality on the hive and potentially having it die outside of warranty period would be extremely frustrating.

[@TheGreenReaper]

I would have liked it, too, but probably best to just wait for alternatives or get a card (might not have DP output, though).

[@Rossyboyy]

Hey, are you going to be testing the new Cooler Master V SFX Platinum PSU's? Have been waiting to the pull the trigger and buy one, as I am worried about issues with the high power density, noise, etc.

[@kelisg4272]

what ddr5 do you use? i have asus b650e and with context restore on auto, it boots up as fast as x570.

[@BobbyJohnny]

i am about to do a new build and was thinking of this board, but now i think not lol. will check out other boards,

[@FluxStage]

Will probably get the gigabyte 650i for the 7950x3d. Seems almost to good. 3 nvme and all the other jazz I care about. Good on Asus for their matx board tho!

[@petermilian4455]

In for the same combo (currently running 7950x on B650E-I and will upgrade when 7950x3D arrives).

[@FluxStage]

@@petermilian4455 how do you like the board so far? Haven't got mine yet

[@longer_xd5668]

@@FluxStage I think it's hard to get that one - at least from my observation I see that availability is rather poor. Even for testing/reviewing content for that board there nothing comprehensive yet.

[@FluxStage]

@@longer_xd5668 true. Only one store in Canada that carries it. Pretty crazy how the prices went from am4 to am5 tho

[@MikeBob2023]

Generally speaking I really like ASUS motherboards, but I don't think I'd ever own that one. I had a devil of a time finding an adequate motherboard for my (Intel 12th/13th gen based) m-ITX build, though (and I mean a REALLY hard time), but I eventually chose ASRock's H670M-ITX/ax: it has all the features + connectivity I need (I'm not too concerned with aesthetics, although it *does* look a lot better in person than online), the price point was right, and it has none of the apparent deltas of the ASUS X670E-I.

[@AeroCluster]

This board was an immediate no-go for me when they announced it and showed that hive nonsense. The fps2 card is equally terrible. If I was in the market to build in the next few months, I would be considering the Asus B650E-I over this. It still has a PCIE Gen 5 slot (for whatever that's worth), no hive, apparently no fps2 card, and a relatively lower price tag (but still too expensive). My current setup is still more than sufficient though, and I really don't like the current state of the DDR5 memory training issues you mentioned. Plus, after dealing with some unfixable USB dropout issues on my last AM4 board, I'm still wary of similar annoyances on AM5.

[@changliu7346]

Really wish that this board could be as good as the dtx x570 board, that board is just insane with all those features, it could almost match the functionality of the x670 gene, for the price I think we should get a board at that level.

[@swlak516]

Asus needs to make a new Crosshair impact ...

[@DominikZalewski85]

When is the MSI board review coming :) ?

[@blopin2002]

I can't help but notice that at the boot-up timestamp it seems like you're using the NH-L12S. Will it fit this board?

[@alexanderm2702]

I have a Gigabyte Z790 (DDR4) and have similar issue with memory training, where it takes a very long time to start after power has been interupted. Unplugging all USB things seems to help for some reason (sometimes). Water temp sensors seem to be gone from all mid-range boards this generation, not just Asus. There's not much they can do to make the $800 boards better so they make the $300 boards worse.

[@epicw0lf]

Which M.2 is gen 5 lower or upper slot?

[@munozyoshi]

I wanted this board, but the lack of onboard audio is ridiculous. Having an external dongle is just stupid. I moved down to B650E itx. Still has the pcie gen 5 nvme support on the main slot so I'm good to upgrade my storage down the road.

[@NunatakPL]

If that hive could have a power button functionality it would be in my opinion a lot more usefull. Anyway I'm very intersted in geting that board for upcomming 7000x3d cpu, but now You planed doubts in my head...

[@PrivacyEnt]

So, do you need a driver/software running in the background in windows to use this "hive" sound system?

[@MinjisHusband-o1t]

if i primarily use a wireless bluetooth headset do I really need to use the Hive?

[@rhufnagel]

Looking to build a high end itx rig in the Cooler Master NR200P Max case using either the AMD 7800X3D or 7950X3D with an AMD 6950xt or 7900xt, which motherboard would you suggest I check out? Ive heard several boards have super loud fans on them?

[@trenthargreaves9803]

Does the new x670i have the same spacing from the top to the ram clips as the x570i? Wondering if will fit with the slim rad setup like the x570i does.

[@KemalDARA]

7600 or 12600k /13400f for game dev build? (blender, Unity3D, visual studio) for pricing it's same about 600us : (z690itx+12600k +32gb ram =600us) or (msi mpg B650i +7600+32gb of ram =600us)...

[@davids8345]

What other AM5 ITX boards have a temp sensor header? I know the Asus B650E-I does. But any others?

[@hadoken80]

It is wild how hard it is to find ASUS Motherboards at a reasonable price or not thrashed ... even the previous series.

[@daniilrozputnii4636]

i have this board and the VRM fan is spinig very loud at start while the mamory training

[@MachinesMore]

Yeah, I noticed that- do you like it otherwise?

[@Paradigmfusion]

My main quesiton I cant seem to get an answer to, can its m.2 heatsink handle a gen 5 SSD? I know its a dual setup (1 gen 5, 1 gen 4)

[@lewiswright4038]

thanks for this review can you run a egpu test with this board i cannot find any info if it will work even though it has usb4 support and is the only am5 itx MB that has those ports. I plane on putting this in a velka 3 with a 7800X3D and a 3060 aero ect.. as a super portable workstation that i can hook up to a egpu dock for more power when needed might even skip the 3060 if it works and get buy on the igpu when on the road for emulation low tier gaming watching movies ect.. then dock when i get back home for hi resolution thanks in advance

[@ethanwan7653]

does the assassin 4s fit on this mobo? thanks

[@Bruceeej]

Can you put a audio interface like a scarlett into the motherboard without using the audio interface that comes with the motherboard?

[@ihategoogle4717]

Yes, install drivers connect it and there you go

[@spektrumB]

One of the disappointments of current gen motherboards, both AMD and Intel, is the lack of USB4 in mid to budget options. Even the Asus B650E-i only has one 20GB/s USB-C, which is a $300 motherboard. Same for MSI B650i Edge, one 20GB/s USB-C, for $250. This Asus has two 40GB/s USB-C ports but it is a $450 highend board. Many mini PCs from Miniforum, Beelink, have two or more USB4/Thunderbolt 4 ports now. I just don't understand why any motherboard less than $400 will have no USB4/Thunderbolt 4 connection(I know there are a few exceptions, but very limited).

[@atta1798]

you cannot compare the mini PCs next to these motherboards.... their audio solutions are crap

[@moevor]

To everyone - do you think the B650/X670 chipset will be the only one for AM5? What are the odds that future chipsets will be released considering how overbuilt they currently are. I imagine only likely the inclusion of PCIe Gen 5 (NB: and USB 4) will be the upsell.

[@robojimtv]

We probably won't see a new one before Zen 5 CPUs arrive late 2023/early 2024.

[@moevor]

@@robojimtv that's really soon, relatively speaking. There are barely any decently priced boards out now. It feels like the early adopter tax for AM5 is disproportionately high. I would hate to be buying now.

[@robojimtv]

@@moevor doesn't stop more lower end ITX boards from being released but seems OEMs have abandoned the budget ITX market. Agree it sucks that you can't find a ~130-160 dollar ITX board.

[@muinarc0]

In 2013 I had an Asus mITX board with 6 SATA ports and now we're down to 2. This is a weird board, it is like a Porsche GT3, pay more for less!

[@sss-ht1jp]

Did your board also had m.2 slots at that time?

[@AlongTheBorderSide]

So the 2 storage slots is confusing me just a little. One is a gen 4 and one is a gen 5 right? So you cannot just get 2 samsung 990 pro and use both, can only use 1 and other slot needs to be a different one? I was planning on this motherboard to pair with a 7900 xtx and a 7950x3d, but more and more I look it just doesn't seem to be the move, unrelated to my confusion with the storage of course. Edit: Hit send before adding that I can never find anything related to current usage based on if anything has been fixed from updates either so as is that is another reason why it seems like a poor choice

[@MrBluePoochyena]

You can use the same drive on both, the other will just be doing Gen 4 speeds. Not like the Gen 5 is even worth it over Gen 4

[@neur0toxic]

I have the asrock b650e pg-itx and it's perfect.

[@arthur78]

No bios flashback and looks uggo

[@A_z_z_y]

I had Asus B650E-I for about a week and I am almost happy with it. Very clean look, decent vrm, better nvme radiator, spdif-out port for external DAC. The biggest issue so far is CPU cooler output cannot be attached to any temperature reading (t-sensor as well). So I am forced to use it as pump header in my custum loop. But use motherboard pump header for fans. While bios booting pump header get 100% pwm signal so my tiny SFF case sounds like a jet :(

[@A_z_z_y]

Short update - B650E chipset is placed onboard under nvme drive. It has own small radiator and heats at about 61C. The problem is that it heats all around so nvme drive temperatures are quite high: 46C (PCB), 65C (controller). This is in watercooled SSUPD Meshlicious case so there is no direct airflow on nvme/chipset place. I ordered nvme waterblock to solve this issue and add additional complexity to the system :)

[@p3tr1c0r]

So here's the thing: I'm apparently stuck with this board if I want to cram like-a-lot-of-punch (7950x/3D) into something like-really-small (S4 Mini) and connect it to a TB4 monitor (Studio Display). Don't ask why... Also, my build hypothesis is contingent on not using the vertical daughter board for the second M.2 drive and containing the second Promontory 21 chip as that tower is consuming too much space. Another long story. I can totally live without a second M.2 but have not found a satisfying answer (or a board specific block diagram) to which ports or I/O I lose without it (LAN would be traumatic, no Wifi/ BT would suck). Question: Can anyone pull the vertical daughter board and confirm which ports and devices go offline without the second Promontory Chip? Rumour has it that the board boots just fine without it... much appreciated and a great service to science!

[@GFDthatsMe]

What are you planning to cool the ryzen 9 7950x/3d? I have a ryzen 9 5900 oem 65w variant and 3060ti in my skyreach 4 mini. But going with a meshroom s for my 7950x3d and 4090 build

[@atta1798]

Buy a workstation motherboard and you are golden

[@dreamshooter90]

What's the m-ATX equivalent like?

[@TheGreenReaper]

Bigger.

[@Argooh]

That's not an NR200P case ;(

[@YoloVib3s]

Asus should have just made an updated DTX board! Plenty of room to properly include all the things enthusiasts want!!

[@supergeek1]

Yeah I regret getting the ASUS X670E ITX I should have gone with B650i Aorus Ultra instead. Would have saved me money and headaches.

[@fi0nn]

I bought this mobo few months ago to feel AM5 platform, there was no b650e-i available at that time. If you like ASUS, then B650e-i is far better choice. otherwise, go MSI instead.

[@latlanticcityphil]

That's why I still use only X570 mother boards no problems

[@megadeth8592]

the hive makes this a no go

[@luisolivera9307]

I've started to move away from Asus however, MSI needs constant BIOS updates.

[@trastewere]

Wtf? 50s+ boot time? What is this? 1998 HDD era?

[@longer_xd5668]

Maybe it's kind of remake

[@TheGreenReaper]

Gotta whip those memory cells into shape, test with lots of patterns to make sure it's reliable - and of course, the more sticks and the denser they are, the longer it takes.

[@zach1860]

how can you say "no coil whine" when this mobo is practically infamous for it's coil whine....

[@Pamani_]

More expensive than a 7900x...

[@ms.stability]

u have so huge room why build so tiny PC?

[@catarinoneptune]

the b650e itx version of this board is much better for the price, still overpriced tho

[@TheGreenReaper]

Overclockers UK has a deal with it and a 7600 which I jumped on. Whether it's still overpriced - maybe, but capacity is limited right now so prices went up, and I get the impression there's about to be an almighty trade war if China starts supplying Russia, so might be best to jump on what you can get.

[@steeel]

Nothing but errors for me> This is the last Asus product that I purchase.

[@ouki4925]

B650e itx has coil whine so that means this overpriced shit is the only viable option lol

[@CAPBY660]

it’s so bad:(

[@AB-bu8ti]

First!

[@sooperspeedy]

Second!

[@TheGreenReaper]

He who is first shall be last - in ranking.

[@jeanbiroute]

No one wants that hive crap

[@vulatuii]

Hi, I'm wondering if this mobo can fit my Deepcool Assassin 4s cooler, can you please tell me?