ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-E GAMING WIFI Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD, CPU

Lifecycle and support

No lifecycle information available.

Memory (RAM) upgrades

The board has 4 DIMM slots running dual channel. They take standard desktop DDR5 DIMMs only (not laptop SO-DIMMs, and not older DDR4 modules, which are notched differently and must not be forced in). Unbuffered ECC and non-ECC memory are both listed; registered memory is not. Non-ECC unbuffered DDR5 only provides the on-die ECC built into DDR5 chips.

ASUS's current spec pages give a maximum of 192 GB and speeds up to DDR5-8000+ (OC). The older user manual says 128 GB and DDR5-6400+ (OC). ASUS doesn't state a per-module maximum directly. The manual lists 8, 16 and 32 GB modules, and 192 GB across 4 slots would work out to 48 GB modules, but that is our arithmetic rather than a stated spec. Treat 192 GB as the current figure, since the manual is the older document.

Only DDR5-5200, 5000 and 4800 are listed without an OC label. Anything faster is an overclock, not a guaranteed speed, and depends on your CPU and memory kit. EXPO profiles are supported, but modules start at their default SPD speed until you enable EXPO in the BIOS. Filling all 4 slots, especially with dual-rank kits, commonly lowers the speed you can reach.

Buying tips

• Buy DDR5 desktop DIMMs, not SO-DIMMs or DDR4.
• Check the ASUS memory QVL and CPU support list for your exact kit and CPU, since limits depend on the CPU.
• For the best chance of top speeds, use two modules rather than four.
• If you add to an existing setup, match CAS latency and ideally the same kit, version and vendor.
• Mixed sizes across channels work, but the extra capacity runs single-channel.

Storage upgrades (M.2 SSDs and SATA)

There are 4 M-key NVMe M.2 slots. M.2_1, M.2_2 and M.2_3 connect to the CPU at PCIe 5.0 x4, and ASUS recommends them for Gen 5 SSDs. M.2_1 and M.2_2 take 2242, 2260 and 2280 lengths. M.2_3 is the only slot that also takes 22110. M.2_4 connects through the X670 chipset at PCIe 4.0 x4 and takes up to 2280, so a Gen 5 SSD placed there runs at Gen 4 speed.

Two things to watch. Using M.2_3 drops the top graphics slot (PCIEX16_1) to x8 and PCIEX16_2 to x4. And on M.2_1, don't fit the bundled rubber backplate piece with a double-sided SSD.

There are also 4 SATA 6Gb/s ports for 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives. These are ports only: the board has no drive bays, so your case needs the mounts, and you need SATA cables. ASUS lists AMD RAIDXpert2 with NVMe and SATA RAID 0, 1 and 10, with available levels depending on system licensing. No maximum drive capacity is published; it depends on the drives you buy.

Buying tips

• Put a Gen 5 SSD in M.2_1, M.2_2 or M.2_3 to get its full speed.
• Choose M.2_4 for a Gen 4 or slower drive, or when you want to keep the graphics slot at full width.
• Only buy a 22110 SSD if you plan to use M.2_3.
• Check that your case has free 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch mounts before buying a SATA drive.
• Buy SATA cables if you don't already have spares.

Processor (CPU) upgrades

The board has one AMD Socket AM5 and the AMD X670 chipset. ASUS's CPU support list covers Ryzen 7000, Ryzen 8000G and Ryzen 9000 desktop processors. The older manual only mentions Ryzen 7000, which is launch-era wording, so confirm your exact chip on the ASUS CPU support list before buying. The highest listed TDP is 200 W (Ryzen 9 9950X3D2); the 170 W parts include the 9950X, 9950X3D, 7950X and 7900X.

Newer chips need a minimum BIOS. Examples from the list: Ryzen 9000 9950X, 9900X, 9700X and 9600X from BIOS 2124; 9800X3D from 2403; 9950X3D and 9900X3D from 2704; 9850X3D from 3402; 9950X3D2 from 3513. The 7950X3D and 7900X3D list 1303, while the 7950X, PRO 7945 and 7900X work with all BIOS versions. We couldn't confirm the minimum BIOS for every Ryzen 7000 and 8000 part, so check the full list.

If the board won't boot with a new chip, BIOS FlashBack can update the BIOS without a working CPU. Use an AM5 cooler with the stock AM5 backplate, and keep the socket's plastic PnP cap: ASUS only processes an RMA if the board comes back with the cap on the socket. Socket damage from incorrect CPU installation or removal isn't covered by warranty. For power-hungry builds, ASUS recommends a higher-output PSU, and 1000 W or more for two or more high-end PCIe x16 cards.

Buying tips

• Look up the exact CPU model on the ASUS CPU support list and note its minimum BIOS.
• If your board has an older BIOS, update it before fitting a Ryzen 9000 chip, or have FlashBack ready.
• Pick an AM5-compatible cooler.
• Keep the socket PnP cap in a safe place.
• Check your PSU is up to the job for a high-power chip.

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Check the ASUS CPU support list and memory QVL for the exact parts you plan to buy.
• Note your current BIOS version, and download the latest BIOS from ASUS support if you're changing the CPU.
• Back up important files before opening the PC.
• Have your case's drive mounts, SATA cables and an AM5-compatible cooler ready if needed.
• Keep the owner's manual handy for exact disassembly and slot positions.

Steps

1. Back up and update
   Back up your data. If you're fitting a newer CPU, update the BIOS first where possible, following ASUS's instructions.
2. Power off and unplug
   Shut the PC down, switch off the power supply and unplug the power cable and all other cables. The manual says to unplug all power before installing a CPU.
3. Ground yourself
   Touch a bare metal part of the case or use an anti-static strap before handling components, and hold parts by their edges.
4. Open the case
   Remove the side panel and lay the PC down if that makes access easier. Remove the cooler, graphics card or M.2 covers only as far as needed. See the owner's manual for exact disassembly.
5. Install the part
   For RAM, use DDR5 desktop DIMMs and follow the manual for which slots to fill. For an M.2 SSD, pick the slot that suits its length and speed, and remember the M.2_3 and M.2_1 notes above. For a SATA drive, mount it in a case bay and connect the cable and power. For a CPU, do not force it into the socket, as that can bend the socket contacts. Keep the PnP cap and refit an AM5 cooler as the manual describes.
6. Close up and reconnect
   Refit any covers or the graphics card, close the case, then reconnect the cables and power.
7. Check the BIOS
   Power on and enter the BIOS to confirm the new CPU, memory or drive is detected. For RAM, enable EXPO if you want the kit's rated speed. If a new CPU doesn't boot, use BIOS FlashBack as described in the manual.

Good to know

• ASUS's older manual says 128 GB and DDR5-6400+, while current spec pages say 192 GB and DDR5-8000+ (OC). We've used the newer figures, but check the memory QVL for your kit.
• Memory speeds above DDR5-5200 are overclocks and depend on the CPU and kit.
• The maximum size of a single memory module isn't stated by ASUS; 48 GB modules are our own working from the 192 GB total.
• Minimum BIOS versions couldn't be confirmed for every Ryzen 7000 and 8000 chip; check the full ASUS CPU support list.
• The manual and older product wording mention only Ryzen 7000, while current pages say Ryzen Desktop Processors; confirm your CPU on the ASUS list.
• Available RAID levels depend on system licensing, according to the manual.
• Socket damage from incorrect CPU installation or removal isn't covered by warranty, and ASUS only handles RMA requests if the PnP cap is on the socket.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the ROG STRIX X670E-E GAMING WIFI take?

ASUS's current spec pages list up to 192 GB across 4 DDR5 slots. The older user manual says 128 GB, so treat 192 GB as the current figure and check the ASUS memory QVL and CPU support list for your CPU.

What is the fastest memory it supports?

The current spec pages list up to DDR5-8000+ (OC). Only DDR5-5200, 5000 and 4800 are listed without an overclock label, so higher speeds aren't guaranteed. Using all 4 slots, especially with dual-rank kits, commonly lowers achievable speed.

Does it support PCIe 5.0 SSDs?

Yes, on M.2_1, M.2_2 and M.2_3, which run at PCIe 5.0 x4 from the CPU. M.2_4 is limited to PCIe 4.0 x4, so a Gen 5 SSD there runs at Gen 4 speed.

Does using the M.2_3 slot affect my graphics card?

Yes. When M.2_3 is used, PCIEX16_1 drops to x8 and PCIEX16_2 runs at x4. M.2_3 is also the only slot that takes 22110 SSDs.

Which Ryzen CPUs does it support, and do I need a BIOS update?

ASUS lists Ryzen 7000, 8000G and 9000 desktop processors for Socket AM5, up to 200 W. Newer chips, especially Ryzen 9000, need a minimum BIOS, which varies by chip, so check the ASUS CPU support list.

What if the board won't boot after a CPU upgrade?

Use BIOS FlashBack. Per the manual: use a USB drive (USB 2.0 is recommended), download the latest BIOS, rename it SX670EE.CAP, copy it to the drive, shut down, then hold the FlashBack button for 3 seconds until the LED blinks three times. Wait for the light to go out, and don't unplug the drive or press CLR_CMOS meanwhile.

Official documents and references

• PDF ROG STRIX X670E-E GAMING WIFI user manual (PDF)
  Slot layout, CPU and memory installation, BIOS FlashBack steps
• ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-E GAMING WIFI specifications
  Current memory, M.2 and socket specs
• ASUS CPU support list
  Supported Ryzen chips and minimum BIOS versions
• PDF ROG STRIX X670E series BIOS manual (PDF)
  BIOS options including power limits
• ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-E GAMING WIFI product page
  Overview and features