AMD B650E Chipset : Specifications, Architecture, Working, Vs AMD X670E & Its Applications

The AMD B650E chipset was introduced in October 2022, next to the Ryzen 7000 Zen 4 desktop processor. It is a premium version of the standard B650 chipset, designed for users who require next-gen features without the need for the highest connectivity. The Extreme ‘E’ in B650E signifies that the motherboard should support PCIe 5.0 for both the M.2 storage and GPU. It is a high-performance mid-range chipset positioned between B650 and X670E that provides for the Socket AM5 platform. It was designed to link the gap between high-end X670E or X670 motherboards & standard B650 boards. The AMD B650E chipset is a premium mid-range AM5 platform designed for enthusiasts who want PCIe 5.0 support without paying for the flagship X670E. It guarantees next-generation GPU and NVMe support while maintaining strong overclocking capabilities.

What is the AMD B650E Chipset?

The AMD B650E chipset is an extreme high-performance and mid-range motherboard platform, designed for AMD Ryzen series processors on Socket AM5. This processor provides the features, like mandatory PCIe® 5.0 support for both GPUs and NVMe storage, along with EXPO over-clocking technology and DDR5 memory support. The ‘E’ signifies better connectivity at a more accessible price point as compared to X670E. The AMD B650E motherboard platform is designed for Ryzen series processors.

Specifications

The AMD B650E Chipset specifications include the following.

• It is a high-performance and overclocking-enabled platform.
• It uses AM5 (LGA 1718) Socket.
• Supports Ryzen 7000 series natively and later AM5-supported CPUs (via BIOS updates).
• Memory type is dual-channel DDR5.
• CPU provides: 16 PCIe 5.0 (GPU) 4 PCIe 5.0 (NVMe) 4 PCIe 4.0 (chipset link) Chipset provides additional PCIe 4.0/3.0 lanes.
• Storage Support is 1×4 PCIe 5.0 NVMe + 4x PCIe GPP.
• It supports over-clocking like CPU & DDR5/EXPO.
• It supports HDMI 2.1 & DisplayPort 1.4 displays.
• This normally 2.5GbE LAN & Wi-Fi 6E USB capabilities
• It features 20 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, various 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports & USB 2.0 headers.
• It features Integrated Wi-Fi 6E & 2.5 GB Ethernet networking.
• PCIe 5.0 support is mandatory for both graphics (x16) & M.2 NVMe slots (x4).

How does the AMD B650E Chipset Work?

The AMD B650E chipset works as a single-chip solution that allows faster PCIe 5.0 signaling to one NVMe drive & one x16 GPU slot by supporting AMD EXPO and DDR5 memory. It is the mid-range AM5 platform, designed for High-performance desktop workloads, merging overclocking support through mandatory PCIe 5.0 for both graphics & storage. The B650E chipset provides the next-gen, high-speed interconnects (PCIe 5.0) of the finest X670E boards. It is perfect for content creation and high-end gaming setups. This high-bandwidth, mid-range controller hub for the AM5 platform specifically connects Ryzen series processors with today’s high-speed peripherals.

AMD B650E Chipset Architecture

The AMD B650E chipset is a single-chip AM5 platform architecture with high-performance, designed for Ryzen series processors. It focuses on PCIe 5.0 support for both graphics & NVMe storage to deliver 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes for GPUs, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connectivity, and PCIe 5.0 for M.2 SSDs. It uses a single Promontory 21 chip to deliver robust overclocking support, DDR5 memory compatibility, and 12+ PCIe 4.0/3.0 lanes to make it a cost-effective and future-proof alternative to X670E.

Components

 The AMD B650E chipset architecture is constructed using various components, such as the Promontory 21 chipset, PCIe 5.0 support, a CPU-chipset link, storage interfaces, expansion slots, storage support, USB connectivity, a voltage regulator module, networking, and memory.

Chipset (Promontory 21)

The AMD B650E chipset uses a versatile PCIe 4.0 hub like a single Promontory 21 or Prom21 chip. ASMedia and AMD designed it to provide essential USB 3.2, I/O, and SATA support, specifically for AM5 motherboards. This chipset stands out by requiring PCIe 5.0 for the GPU and including at least one M.2 slot.. The Promontory 21 chip is the engine that allows the I/O abilities of the chip platform, whereas the motherboard manufacturer states the specific, better PCIe 5.0 features.

PCIe 5.0 Support

The AMD B650E chipset can support PCIe 5.0 for both the main graphics card & as a minimum of one NVMe M.2 SSD slot, which delivers PCIe 5.0 x4 = ~16 GB/s (not 128 Gbps in user terms) and PCIe 5.0 x16 = ~64 GB/s. B650E chipset ensures top-tier bandwidth for upcoming SSDs and GPUs by needing higher-quality PCB signaling. The B650E is perfect for users looking for future-proof performance without the maximum price of X870E/ X670E motherboards.

CPU-Chipset Link

The CPU-Chipset link is a high-speed interface, particularly PCIe 4.0 x4, which connects the Ryzen CPU to the only Promontory 21 chipset. Therefore, it allows communication between the peripherals and the CPU managed by the B650E chipset. B650E uses a single chip by providing roughly 8 to 12 PCIe 4.0/3.0 lanes next to CPU-direct PCIe 5.0 lanes. It is liable for handling I/O communication from networking, USB 3.2 (20 Gbps), and extra NVMe drives. Therefore, it complements the direct PCIe 5.0 lanes from the processor for the main graphics card & M.2 storage.

Storage Interface

The Storage Interface in this chipset plays a key role in high-speed connectivity. It features fixed support for PCIe 5.0 on at least one M.2 NVMe slot for premium SSD performance, next to SATA III and PCIe 4.0 connectivity. The storage abilities mainly include: SATA Storage and NVMe SSD Support (M.2 Slots) based on the chipset specifications from B650E motherboards.

Expansion Slots

The AMD B650E chipset provides top expansion capabilities for AM5. It features fixed PCIe 5.0 support for the main graphics slot (x16) & minimum one M.2 NVMe slot (x4). It is designed for the AM5 platform to provide future-proof and robust connectivity, such as several PCIe 4.0/3.0 slots, USB 3.2, and M.2 slots support.

Storage Support

The AMD B650E chipset provides strong, high-performance-based storage support for AM5 motherboards. It features at least one PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 NVMe slot for leading NVMe SSDs. In addition, it supports various M.2 slots & SATA 6Gb/s ports, including NVMe RAID 0/1/10 support. In addition, it supports high-speed NVMe storage, SATA 6Gb/s ports, RAID 0, 1 & 10 configurations for both SATA and NVMe drives.

USB Connectivity

The AMD B650E chipset provides strong USB connectivity with a mix of Gen 2 (10Gbps), USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) & Gen 1 (5Gbps) ports with USB 2.0. High-end boards frequently support 40Gbps USB4 through dedicated controllers. Connectivity is divided between rear I/O, front panel headers, and direct-to-CPU lanes. USB connectivity of the AMD B650E chipset is designed for modern, high-speed peripheral support, with several motherboards supporting 20Gbps or even 40Gbps speeds based on the processor connected to it.

Voltage Regulator Module

The voltage regulator module is the critical onboard power delivery system in the context of AMD B650E chipset motherboards. It is designed to change the +12V power supply from the lower from the PSU. It is a stable voltage that is necessary for the AM5 CPU & other components. B650E chipsets are designed for high-performance and overclocked scenarios. Generally, their voltage regulator modules are robust with various power stages, large heatsinks, and high-quality chokes to manage heat. In addition, the B650E VRM is the power engine of the motherboard. It is specialized for low-noise, consistent, and high-efficiency power delivery by allowing maximum performance from the AMD Ryzen AM5 socket.

Networking

B650E motherboard features high-speed 2.5 Gb Ethernet, which uses Intel or Realtek controllers for stable, fast wired connections. Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) is the standard for B650E boards, which allows usage of the 2.4/5/6GHz frequency bands for less congested & faster wireless networking. The integrated Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3 of this chipset typically features the Wi-Fi module.

Software System

The AMD B650E chipset architecture is surrounded by the software system to support the Socket AM5 platform. Therefore, it facilitates communication between the Ryzen series processors, PCIe 5.0/4.0, and DDR5 memory peripherals. This software ecosystem is centered on UEFI BIOS, complete driver support for Windows 10/11, and tuning utilities for performance optimization.

The key software system components mainly include: AMD chipset drivers (v7.11.26.2142 or newer), AMD Ryzen power plans, AMD RAID installer (RAIDXpert2), UEFI BIOS (AMI), AMD EXPO™, and AMD Ryzen master utility. The B650E architecture depends on a single Promontory 21 chip to handle I/O with a 4-lane PCIe 4.0 uplink to the CPU. Therefore, the software should manage this to ensure suitable allotment of PCIe 5.0 lanes for M.2 NVMe storage and graphics.

Comparison Table : B650 vs B650E vs X670E

Maintenance

The steps involved in AMD B650E Chipset maintenance mainly include the following.

Physical Maintenance

• Clean your motherboard regularly with compressed air.
• An electrostatic discharge wrist strap must be used while cleaning or touching internal components to prevent static damage.
• The B650E chipset can run hot, particularly when using several M.2 NVMe drives. Make sure good airflow within your case & the heat-sink of the chipset is not obstructed.
• Ensure that components like GPUs, M.2 SSDs, and RAM are tightly locked within their slots.
• AMD B650E chipset motherboard maintenance involves a combination of software, firmware, and physical maintenance to ensure long-term stability, good performance, and longevity, mostly for the AM5 platform.

Software Maintenance

• Update the AMD chipset drivers regularly to ensure suitable communication between the processor & peripherals like SATA, USB & NVMe drives.
• Use the specific drivers supplied on your motherboard manufacturer’s support page for Audio, Wi-Fi, and LAN components.
• Before installing the latest chipset drivers, it is suggested to eliminate the old ones to keep away from potential conflicts because of the driver structure differences.
• Update your BIOS frequently, exclusively for the latest AGESA versions, which improve stability and performance.
• Utilize features like EZ Flash 3 or BIOS FlashBack to update the BIOS securely.

AMD B650E Vs AMD X670E

The difference between AMD B650E and AMD X670E includes the following.

Advantages

The advantages of the AMD B650E Chipset include the following.

• B650E ensures both the NVMe slot (x4) & primary graphics card (x16) by supporting the ultra-fast PCIe 5.0 standard.
• These boards are designed to manage faster SSDs and next-gen graphics cards without bandwidth bottlenecks.
• Generally, B650E motherboards feature stronger power delivery systems (VRMs) as compared to normal B650. Therefore, it is suitable for overclocking high-core-count processors.
• B650E motherboards often feature high-speed 20Gbps Type-C ports or USB4, faster 2.5 GB Ethernet networking & better cooling solutions for high-performance builds.
• B650E chipset ensures both the main PCIe x16 slot & minimum one M.2 NVMe slot support PCIe 5.0.
• It provides the highest bandwidth for upcoming PCIe 5.0 SSDs & graphics cards by providing superior longevity for high-end gaming rigs.
• B650E boards frequently feature more robust power designs to manage heavy overclocking and high-core-count processors.
• It gives support for Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 Gb Ethernet, and USB4 for quick networking & peripheral data transfer.
• It provides near-flagship performance at a more accessible price point as compared to the X670E chipset.
• This chipset supports AMD PBO (Precision Boost Overdrive) & Dynamic OC Switcher for safer, better performance tuning.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of the AMD B650E Chipset include the following.

• B650E chipsets are normally expensive.
• Some boards may limit the primary GPU slot to x8 speed in place of x16 while using all PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots.
• It delivers fewer SATA ports & high-speed USB ports as compared to the X670E chipset.
• Many users have reported long system boot times because of memory training, which is a regular complaint with the AM5 platform or B650E chipset.
• There is no support for low-cost DDR4 memory, similar to all AM5 chipsets, increasing the overall price of the system.
• These motherboards have limited high-speed connectivity.
• B650E boards frequently occupy a similar value bracket to the basic level of X670E boards. Therefore, it offers better USB options, more PCIe expansion, and more connectivity capabilities.
• Some B650E boards have less robust VRMs (voltage regulator modules) as compared to top-tier X670E boards, which make them less perfect for severe overclocking.

Applications

The applications of the AMD B650E Chipset include the following.

• The AMD B650E is crafted for high-performance Socket AM5 motherboards, targeting enthusiasts, content creators, and gamers who need next-generation features.
• B650E boards are perfect for designing gaming systems that support the newest, fastest technologies like high-speed NVMe storage and PCIe 5.0 graphics cards.
• These boards offer the robust power delivery and high-speed data transfer required for 3D rendering, simulation, and video editing with Ryzen series processors.
• This is the best choice for users planning to upgrade to next-gen components.
• B650E motherboards support memory overclocking & CPU by allowing users to maximize performance for demanding applications.
• Many B650E boards are perfect for systems requiring fast network connectivity.
• It is perfect for workstations demanding quick data transfer speeds with PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs.
• It allows higher overclocking features for memory and CPU, frequently connected with strong power delivery systems.
• This chipset delivers the required bandwidth for heavy workloads like 3D rendering, AI, and video editing applications.
• It uses AMD Smart Technologies to provide better performance in content creation and gaming systems.

FAQs

What does the letter “E” mean in B650E?

The letter “E” stands for Extreme that guarantees PCIe 5.0 support for both the graphics card slot & minimum one M.2 NVMe SSD slot.

Does the B650E Chipset support overclocking?

The B650E motherboard supports memory and CPU overclocking with AMD EXPO technology for DDR5.

Is PCIe 5.0 essential on a B650E?

While current RTX 4090 graphics cards do not saturate PCIe 4.0 then B650E chipset ensures your system is prepared for NVMe drives and future GPUs that will use the higher bandwidth.

Is a BIOS update required for the latest Ryzen CPUs?

Most B650E chipset features a BIOS flashback knob, which allows the BIOS update with a USB drive without requiring a previous CPU.

This is an overview of the AMD B650E chipset, its working, and its applications. The AMD B650E chipset signifies the best value for enthusiast AM5 builders, providing PCIe 5.0 for both NVMe SSDs and GPUs, complete overclocking support & superior longevity as compared to the normal B650. It is considered the best balance of price and future-proofing. Here is a question for you: What is AMD B650?