ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Gene Motherboard Review – Features, Aesthetics & BIOS

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The X670E Chipset

The ASUS ROG Crosshair Gene motherboard is one of many that utilises brand new next generation features. Due to the Gene motherboard sitting on the X670E chipset, manufacturers are able to cram as many new inclusions into this board as possible. One of the newest features that consumers can get access to is of course PCI-E 5.0. We saw the new generation of PCI-E 5.0 on Intel’s 12th generation platform, but this was primarily reserved for the top-end Z690 chipset.

AMD have made their new motherboards compatible with the next generation of PCI-Express but with more slots overall. The X670E chipset is set to have widespread for support for this new generation, with users being able to install a brand new GPU and SSD with the numerous amount of slots. This sets up the X670E chipset to be best for those that want to upgrade to the latest components.

Along with PCI-E 5.0, users can also sink their teeth into some better IO in the form of USB4. Select motherboards will have access to the latest generation of USB ports, which are blazing fast. On top of this, all of the new motherboards on the AM5 platform can utilise the new EXPO memory technology which decreases latency while increasing clock speed for a performance boost.

Table of Differences

To give you an idea of the differences between the X670E chipset, and other available options we’ve created a table that highlights the specs and principal features of two motherboards. We’ve taken the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Gene, and compared it against MSI‘s X670-P WiFi motherboard. We’ll be taking a look at each of them and breaking down the kind of sacrifices you could be making when choosing one chipset over another.

Comparison of Features

Looking at the features between both motherboards, the X670-P holds up pretty well compared to the X670E Gene, and is arguably better in some instances. In terms of overclocking capability, the X670E Gene has a 16+2 power phase design, whereas the X670-P has only 17 overall. This could ultimately be the difference in getting a higher score on Cinebench, but unless you’re prioritising benchmarks, both hold up very well when it comes to overclocking.

Moving onto expansion slots, this is where both motherboards start to differ significantly. The X670E Gene has access to an x16 and two x4 PCI-E 5.0 slots. Comparatively, MSI’s X670-P board only has an x4 slot. This is a commonality we’re seeing with X670 motherboards, and honestly it’s disappointing. Gatekeeping one of the main selling points behind a top-end chipset (which is frankly very expensive) is not consumer friendly at all.

Looking at the IO, despite the X670E Gene utilising the Micro-ATX form factor, it actually has the same amount of IO when compared to the MSI X670-P full-sized ATX board. The major difference when looking at the IO is unfortunately USB4 ports, which we’re only seeing on X670E motherboards it seems. Networking also seems to be the same with both boards retaining 2.5 Gigabit LAN capability, along with the latest WiFi 6E support. Generally speaking, both chipsets seem to offer similar features but differ significantly on the latest features like USB4, and PCI-E 5.0.

ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Gene Aesthetics & Design

Moving onto the design of the ROG Crosshair X670E Gene, this board sports a Micro-ATX form factor, so there will be less room for extended heatsinks and massive amounts of RGB. However, ASUS have done a very good job with this smaller board by making it look uniform and adding plenty of nice aesthetic options. On top of the integrated IO shield, you’ll be able to see the ROG Crosshair logo that lights up with vivid RGB, of course. Towards bottom right of the board, you’ll find the signature ROG logo which also lights up with RGB and can be customised/synced up with the ASUS Aura Sync software.

The rest of the motherboard doesn’t offer much else in terms of aesthetic as this board offers a relatively simplistic design. We can see more exposed PCB, which is perfectly fine in my opinion. I’m not a huge fan of designs that go overboard on extended heatsinks. Otherwise the the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Gene will blend in well with any black builds coupled with some extra customisation options for additional flair.

Features

Despite the smaller size of the X670E Gene, this board is absolutely crammed with features that we’ve broken down in this section. You can check out all of the standout features that we’ve discussed below!

VRMs & Overclocking

First off, we’re taking a look at the overclocking capability of the X670E Gene. With a 16+2 digital power phase design, you’re well positioned to get some overclocking underway with the new Ryzen 7000 CPUs. There’s also an ample amount of cooling on the VRMs keeping your thermals at an acceptable level while reaching high levels of performance.

USB 4 Ports

The ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Gene is one of the few new motherboards to support the latest high speed USB ports – USB 4. These new ports are rated up to speeds of 40GB/s whilst also giving users the opportunity to charge their devices at an incredible speed with QuickCharge 4+.

PCI-E 5.0 Support

Looking at your expansion options, the X670E Gene has multiple PCI_E 5.0 slots with support for much more. On the GPU front, you can install your graphics card into the Gen5 compatible x16 slot. And once we some brand new Gen5 SSDs, you can make use of the dual PCI-E 5.0 x4 slots, along with extras through the use of the expansion card included in the box.

Networking

On the rear IO, you’ll notice there are two options for networking that you can use. On the ethernet side, there is a 2.5 Gigabit LAN port optimised for some online gaming! Alternatively, if you’re trying to build a ‘wire free’ setup, then you can use the included WiFi 6E dongle, screw the antennae into your rear IO and you’re off to the races!

Usability Features

To make you’re building experience much easier, ASUS has included a number of extra features that make setting up your PC a breeze. Towards the right of the main PCI-E x16 slot, you’ll find a latching mechanism that allows you to easily remove your graphics card. A similar mechanism also applies to your SSDs, where you’ll be able to install any M.2 storage options with a latch which holds them in place with ease.

Diagnosis and troubleshooting also becomes an easier job with some extra features. Towards the top right of the motherboard is a Q-Code LED that cycles through POST codes as your PC boots. If the LED hangs on a code but doesn’t boot, you can quickly look up this code to find out what the issue is.

What’s In The Box?

As the motherboard that we’ve picked out today is a top performing X670E board, there’s loads of extra stuff included in the box that can help building a little bit easier, but also can save you some money when it comes to extra parts and expansion. We’ve covered everything that comes with this motherboard below!

ASUS BIOS USB

ASUS Voltician Card

ASUS ROG GPU Holder

WiFi 6E Dongle

SATA Cables

ASUS ROG Gen Z.2 Card

BIOS

Conclusion