The AMD AM5 motherboard platform, along with the 600-series motherboards, has been around for three years, showcasing impressive compatibility with the Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 CPU families. With the continuous quest for enhanced user experiences, AMD has rolled out a new chipset series, the 800-series, promising to elevate the gaming and content creation landscape for both newcomers and long-time users.
Introducing the X870 and B850 Series
AMD has unveiled the X870 and B850 series chipsets, designed for high-end and mainstream AM5 motherboards. These new chipsets are a fresh wave of innovation, featuring exciting designs and capabilities to attract both new and existing AMD enthusiasts. 
Upon receiving a range of motherboards from different manufacturers, we delve into the refreshed designs. Our review focuses on MSI’s latest addition to its “MAX” series, the MEG X870E ACE MAX, which marks a powerful and aesthetically pleasing return to the AM5 platform.
The AMD AM5 Platform Innovations
The AMD AM4 platform has been a cornerstone of modern computing since its 2017 debut and remains a critical player in 2025. Continuing this legacy, AMD launches the second generation of the AM5 platform under the new 800-series family. This lineup is directed at high-end enthusiasts, featuring the X870E and X870 chipsets, which promise enhanced features, IO memory support, and additional overclocking capabilities for the Zen 5-based Ryzen 9000 “Granite Ridge” CPUs and future Ryzen processors.
Certain standout upgrades for the AMD X870E & X870 motherboards include the USB 4.0 standard on all boards, PCIe Gen5 on Graphics and NVME, and heightened EXPO memory clock support. These boards are equipped to fully support the new PBO and CO algorithms set to debut with Ryzen 9000 CPUs. In addition to the X870E and X870 models, AMD is also rolling out the B850 & B840 chipsets aimed at mainstream users. These innovations highlight AMD’s relentless drive to offer cutting-edge technology to cater to both high-end and mainstream market segments.
Exploring the LGA 1718 Socket and Its Future
The transition from the AM4 to the AM5 socket ushers in a new era with the LGA 1718 socket, shifting from a PGA (Pin-Grid-Array) to an LGA (Land-Grid-Array) design. This advancement provides more pin connections for enhanced features and communication between the CPU and motherboard. AMD is committed to ensuring the longevity of the AM5 socket, targeting support through 2027 and beyond.
The AMD Ryzen 7000/8000/9000 Desktop CPUs are designed with a square shape and a robust integrated heat spreader. With dimensions identical to earlier Ryzen models, cooler compatibility remains seamless, ensuring an easy transition for users upgrading to the latest AMD CPUs.