Performance Comparison: 2700X on X370 vs 1800X on X470

Performance Comparison: 2700X on X370 vs 1800X on X470

Title: Comparing the Performance of First-Generation Ryzen CPUs on X470 and X370 Platforms

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Compatibility of First-Generation Ryzen CPUs with X470 and X370
3. BIOS Updates and Discontinued Motherboard Support
4. testing Procedures and Hardware Used
5. RAM Compatibility and Overclocking
6. Performance Benchmark: Cinebench Scores
7. Performance Benchmark: Asus Realbench Scores
8. Performance Benchmark: Gaming Results
9. Performance Benchmark: Dirt Rally Results
10. Conclusion

Introduction In this article, we will explore the performance differences between first-generation Ryzen CPUs on the X470 and X370 platforms. Whether you already have a first-generation Ryzen CPU or are considering buying a new 2000 series Ryzen chip and want to save some money by opting for an older X370 motherboard, this article will provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision. We will compare the 1800X on both X470 and X370 platforms, as well as the new 2700X on the X470 platform and the X370 platform.

Compatibility of First-Generation Ryzen CPUs with X470 and X370 The sockets used by these chips will remain compatible until around 2020 or when DDR5 becomes the norm. AMD has assured users that they will strive to ensure backward compatibility, but it's essential to note that some features on older boards may not work with newer chips or vice versa. Additionally, some budget-tier or low-selling boards may not receive BIOS updates for future supported chips. Therefore, it is crucial to research and confirm the compatibility of specific motherboards with the chips you plan to use.

BIOS Updates and Discontinued Motherboard Support As motherboards get discontinued, it becomes less likely that future chips will work on older boards due to a lack of BIOS updates. It is essential to keep this in mind if you plan on upgrading to Ryzen 3 or 4000 series chips while still using an X370 board. Furthermore, purchasing an older board that hasn't been flashed could prevent you from updating the BIOS without obtaining a donor chip from AMD. Therefore, choosing a board that fully supports your desired chip simplifies the process and may offer slight performance benefits, especially in computationally-heavy tasks.

Testing Procedures and Hardware Used For testing purposes, we used the 1800X, the first-generation Ryzen CPU, paired with Gigabyte's Aorus X370 Gaming 5 motherboard, as well as the 2700X, the new Ryzen chip, paired with the Asus ROG X470 Gaming 7 motherboard. We also used G.Skill Sniper RAM, a 3400MHz kit, which was surprisingly compatible with the X370 board after a BIOS update, allowing for optimal performance.

RAM Compatibility and Overclocking Despite initial difficulties with RAM compatibility on the X370 board, the BIOS update resolved the issue. The 1800X, which previously struggled to support higher RAM frequencies, could effortlessly handle the 3400MHz kit. This highlights the importance of keeping the motherboard's BIOS up to date for optimal performance.

Performance Benchmark: Cinebench Scores When comparing Cinebench scores, we observed a reasonable hit in multi-core performance for the 2700X when switching platforms. In contrast, the 1800X performed relatively the same on both the X470 and X370 platforms, indicating marginal differences within the margin of error.

Performance Benchmark: Asus Realbench Scores Similar trends were observed in the Asus Realbench scores, with only marginal speed differences between the 1800X on the X470 platform and the X370 platform. The 2700X, on the other hand, experienced a significant performance hit.

Performance Benchmark: Gaming Results Gaming benchmarks showcased more variability, with the 1800X performing worse on the X470 platform and the 2700X exhibiting a noticeable performance difference. Factors such as variables in gaming benchmark results and individual preferences come into play when analyzing these results.

Performance Benchmark: Dirt Rally Results In Dirt Rally, we again saw slightly better performance on the X470 platform for both the 1800X and the 2700X. However, the most significant difference was observed in the performance of the 1800X.

Conclusion If you already own an 1800X or are planning to purchase a first-generation Ryzen CPU and are not concerned about the performance differences compared to the second-gen chips, opting for an X370 board can be a cost-effective choice. However, if you want to get the most out of your Ryzen CPU and benefit from better BIOS support and additional features, investing in an X470 board is recommended. For those planning to buy a new Ryzen chip and seeking cost savings, choosing a cheaper motherboard like the X370 or B350 will still work well, with minor performance differences and the trade-off of potentially fewer future BIOS updates. As always, conduct thorough research and consider your specific requirements before making a final decision.

Highlights:

• Performance comparison of first-generation Ryzen CPUs on X470 and X370 platforms
• Compatibility issues and the importance of BIOS updates
• RAM compatibility and overclocking capabilities
• Performance benchmarks: Cinebench scores, Asus Realbench scores, gaming results, and Dirt Rally results
• Conclusion: considerations when choosing an X470 or X370 motherboard for first-generation Ryzen CPUs

FAQ: Q: Will first-generation Ryzen CPUs be compatible with future Ryzen chips? A: While AMD intends to maintain backward compatibility, support may vary depending on specific motherboard features and vendor BIOS updates.

Q: Can I use faster RAM kits with the X370 motherboard? A: The X370 board, after a BIOS update, can support higher frequencies, as observed with the successful use of a 3400MHz RAM kit with the 1800X.

Q: Should I choose an X470 or X370 motherboard for a new Ryzen CPU? A: If optimal performance and future-proofing are a priority, investing in an X470 board is recommended. However, choosing an X370 or even a B350 board can provide cost savings without significant performance differences.