AM4 Motherboard for Ryzen 7 1700 & OC - B350 or X370

[Raevenlord]

Hey guys.

Looking to sell my mobo and Intel CPU before value plummets with Coffee Lake, and want to replace it with a Ryzen 7 1700. I'm torn between the ASUS ROG STRIX B350-F, which is the top tier B350 mobo and supposedly has equal power delivery to the X370 Prime, or an X370 board (looking at the X370 Prime, or similar pricing.)

The B350 one has everything I need (won't ever look to SLI or CrossFire). However, since I want to overclock the CPU, its supposedly offset-only overclocking is putting me slightly off. I don't want to do anything crazy with the OC, though.

Also relevant is the question of my G.SKILL memory (F4-3200C16D-16GTZ), which isn't in the supported list for the Prime. Any inputs or experience?

I wouldn't even be torn if I wasn't such a sucker for price/performance =(

 

[Jhelms]

I can say I have had great luck with the confirmed samsung B-die CL14 set from Gskill. In my 1700 based system, runs at XMP without a hitch. My board is rather limited so attempts push beyond 3200 or to tighten timings at all led to instability.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...gb&N=100007611 600546709 600561668&isNodeId=1

 

[HD64G]

From what I have read about this topic, if I were you, I would buy 1700X or 1800X to get 4GHz all cores no matter what. With the 1700 model, B350 and tis usual limi at 3.8GHz all cores will be easy task also. So, no need for X370 with the 1700 imho. And CL14 RAM is a good option for any Ryzen to get you close to its max performance.

 

[infrared]

I don't think the 3200 CL16 stuff is samsung B-die, which is why it's not on the QVL. Get the 3200mhz cl14 stuff as @HD64G suggested. Overclocking wise the B350 board should be fine, there's no real advantage to having the X370 unless you want sli/crossfire like you said.

 

[TheLostSwede]

I got the X370 Prime and I have to say that I'm not overly impressed by Asus' support when it comes to UEFI updates. The ROG boards are getting a lot of unofficial updates, but the Prime is getting little to nothing. Sure, they released an AGESA 1.0.0.6a UEFI, but it's not what I'd call a great release.
The board is stable and my CPU is running at 3.85GHz with a hefty watercooler attached, but it's not stable at 3.9GHz and 4GHz is a no go.

Can't help you on the RAM though, I got Hynix based RAM (as apparently Corsair offers two SKUs and you don't know what you get) and it runs fine at 3,066MHz, but I can't get it stable at 3,200MHz.

 

[Raevenlord]

Thanks for your replies, guys.

I'm on the verge of settling in for the B350 mobo, honestly. Even though I'd love to have the latest and greatest, I really don't have a reason to justify the higher price-tag.

I won't be changing my RAM soon; that I know. That's one of the reasons I'm more in doubt regarding B350 or X370, since BIOS updates and overall support for that chipset is more prevalent.

 

[MIRTAZAPINE]

I can only comment based on experience on my B350. My B350m msi gaming pro, I selected this board because it the cheapest board and it being basic no frills. I am not entirely impressed with it both for memory overclock and cpu overclock with the lastest agesa bios.

My R7 1700 can get to 3.7Ghz stable with 1.3V. But I can't seem to get to 3.8 stable the clock would reset to 1.5Ghz in windows despite high voltage which max out at 1.4v for me the limitation of my board. If you want clock speed I highly recommend the 1800x for the ease and peace of mind. I got a "dud" for my chip.

As for ram overclock I am able to get 3200mhz with c15 timings seemingly no long term prime yet. C14 result in prime crashing. Not sure if it is my board limitation again as my ram is a corsair 3466mhz c16.

Right now I would lean towards a x370 board the mature ones.

So far I have a rather disappointing experience. It is too early for me to say as I have not done a clean windows install yet.

Edit: From price to perf ratio going my route of b350m and r7 1700, I am satisfied in that respect.

 

[Cvrk]

you answered your own questions.
Dd not have the courage to start a new thread,so i am asking around Ryzen official thread and so on...
I was 24 hours away from buying a x370 MSi board, just cuz Taichi Asrock is to expensive. They say it's the number one Ryzen board.
When it comes to the Ryzen platform Asus is the last option. Maybe Biostar is the last option...They were the last ones to get 3200mhz working,theya re always the last to get the bios updates, and around may this year their update bricked the prime models (sure not all of them) still people complain on eMag.ro on comments, sending the cards back.
I think the very high-end expensive Asus forgot how to make cards for AMD.
If you have the money go Taichi.
B350 would be your only option...except i think Taichi is only x370. I wanted to get the x370 MSi Gaming Pro Carbon, when i realized i don't need it

As it turns out, X370 will get more updates ,but not the important ones, those will be provided for all. x370 will have , kinda more options for OC extrem .
If you are looking for 4 GHz with 3200 MHz memory, don't need SLI a pro version B350 will have all you ever need. The materials used are the same. I've been reading this on the net.
MSi has the fastest bios updates, fallowed close buy Asrock. But tey say MSI has bigger power consumption . While Taichi as far as Reddit says it's the best mobo for Ryzen.

I'm trying to get the MSI b350 Gaming Pro Carbon.... on the phone and emails to local shops , hoping they can deliver it. No way i will get it from Amazon,and then strugle in case of need with the return costs and etc..it's a nightmare.


I will love to get some LPX Corsair CL 16 ram. Cuz their so much cheaper, than the Flare X. Cuz no, i don't nee the CL14. Thing is with the D-Die Samsung memory your 100% to get 3200MHz. With the hynix not so much, it's a silicon lottery. Even tho latest updates should have got things right...some people here on TPU can confirm.
Btw, i am aiming for 1700x . I read about people getting the 1700 to 4GHz...i'm not sure about that. I am ready to pay a little bit more for a better binned cpu,that has stock higher clock.

PS: You see @MIRTAZAPINE he did not get 3200MHz. There is a guy here on forum, i talked with today, with LPX Corsair Cl16 on a Taichi board he made 3200mhz

 

[infrared]

Taichi Asrock is to expensive. They say it's the number one Ryzen board.
When it comes to the Ryzen platform Asus is the last option.

Hmm, why does everyone always forget about the Crosshair VI hero? It's as good as the Taichi easily in terms of overclocking.. And was one of the first boards with the agesa updates and frequent bios updates. Just sayin, the bit i quoted rubbed me the wrong way haha



Another I found (4.23ghz/3640mhz):

 

[Raevenlord]

Well, thank you all for your input.

I opted for the Ryzen 7 1700 and an MSI X370 Gaming Pro Carbon. I had incredible luck not ordering earlier and snagged the 1700 with a 30€ discount, which I put towards the mobo. I checked, and it really does seem that MSI has been one of the first to issue BIOS updates for new AGESA codes, so I'm hoping they continue that trend.

Wish me luck with my G.Skill C16 RAM, though. I'm not overly confident on that. Anyone who has this mobo/has some tips on improving memory behavior under Ryzen? =)

 

[infrared]

Congrats, sounds like a good deal on the 1700!

Now things are pretty well ironed out it should be as simple as choosing the ram frequency, setting main timings and ram voltage and it should work. If it doesn't want to play ball SoC voltage is probably the first thing to try, you shouldn't need more than 1.15v, start at 1.1v. Setting the sub timings manually can help a lot too. I hope you get on with it!

 

[Raevenlord]

Yeah, I mean, savings are always nice. Got it at the lowest price possible, 299€ (usually go for 330€, if you don't count the scalpers selling at 399€ )

Thanks. You're probably the only good copy of Mr. Smith

Will keep those tidbits in mind. I don't plan to OC much - mainly will see how far I can get with stock cooling. Getting to stock 1800X levels would leave me satisfied. Should arrive the day after tomorrow (tomorrow is national holiday, a bittersweet one considering...)

 

[Norton]

Wish me luck with my G.Skill C16 RAM, though. I'm not overly confident on that. Anyone who has this mobo/has some tips on improving memory behavior under Ryzen? =)

You should be fine with that TridentZ ram imo, thanks to the latest BIOS updates you should be able to get at least 2933Mhz out of it. I have similar spec'd TridentZ ram and was able to get 2933 in one board and the full 3200 in another (Asrock AB350 Fatal1ty Gaming K4 and an X370 Taichi).

@_JP_ is running an MSI board with similar ram so you may want to see how his does

 

[Raevenlord]

You should be fine with that TridentZ ram imo, thanks to the latest BIOS updates you should be able to get at least 2933Mhz out of it. I have similar spec'd TridentZ ram and was able to get 2933 in one board and the full 3200 in another (Asrock AB350 Fatal1ty Gaming K4 and an X370 Taichi).

@_JP_ is running an MSI board with similar ram so you may want to see how his does

That seems to be the general consensus, yeah. Positives of being a late adopter =)

That's great, pretty similar systems. Thanks for the intel (no pun), @Norton =)

@_JP_ from Portugal, how is your system holding up? =)

 

[MIRTAZAPINE]

Yeah, I mean, savings are always nice. Got it at the lowest price possible, 299€ (usually go for 330€, if you don't count the scalpers selling at 399€ )

Thanks. You're probably the only good copy of Mr. Smith

Will keep those tidbits in mind. I don't plan to OC much - mainly will see how far I can get with stock cooling. Getting to stock 1800X levels would leave me satisfied. Should arrive the day after tomorrow (tomorrow is national holiday, a bittersweet one considering...)

Yeah, I mean, savings are always nice. Got it at the lowest price possible, 299€ (usually go for 330€, if you don't count the scalpers selling at 399€ )

Thanks. You're probably the only good copy of Mr. Smith

Will keep those tidbits in mind. I don't plan to OC much - mainly will see how far I can get with stock cooling. Getting to stock 1800X levels would leave me satisfied. Should arrive the day after tomorrow (tomorrow is national holiday, a bittersweet one considering...)

I snagged the 1700 like you because it got a discount like you too! Haha if not for the discount I would not have snagged it and still remain on my humble Pentium G3258, the price have gone back up sadly. Should have grab two and see which one is the better bin and sell the other one haha, I doubt anyone would buy it though lol.

I can guarantee 99% say the 1700 can reach 1800x stock level and a tad better. Here is my dud overclocked to 3.7GHz. The max stable for mine. Ignore the voltage as is in power saving. Ram would allow it to perform better. Hey even at stock the 1700 is faster than a 5960x.

Update the bios to the lasted agesa bios would be my advise. Just posting alone is a big win on initial bios. I thought I got an incompatible ram when I first post as it took a long time to respond. Once the bios update is done it is a lot less buggy. In the initial bios even ram clock at 2400mhz is hard. With the agesa you should be able to hit 3000mhz easily with it topping at 3200mhz if you are lucky enough. Anything higher requires a good board with good bios plus good memory controller on cpu. My msi B350M bios on my b350m board should technically be the similar as your x370. I post a few screenshot pics when I am free. I suggest you try msi "memory try it function". You just have to select the memory clockspeed and it would key in the rest of the timing automatically. A very convenient feature for me for someone that is a beginner for ram overclocking.

 

[Raevenlord]

I snagged the 1700 like you because it got a discount like you too! Haha if not for the discount I would not have snagged it and still remain on my humble Pentium G3258, the price have gone back up sadly. Should have grab two and see which one is the better bin and sell the other one haha, I doubt anyone would buy it though lol.

I can guarantee 99% say the 1700 can reach 1800x stock level and a tad better. Here is my dud overclocked to 3.7GHz. The max stable for mine. Ignore the voltage as is in power saving. Ram would allow it to perform better. Hey even at stock the 1700 is faster than a 5960x.

View attachment 91093




Update the bios to the lasted agesa bios would be my advise. Just posting alone is a big win on initial bios. I thought I got an incompatible ram when I first post as it took a long time to respond. Once the bios update is done it is a lot less buggy. In the initial bios even ram clock at 2400mhz is hard. With the agesa you should be able to hit 3000mhz easily with it topping at 3200mhz if you are lucky enough. Anything higher requires a good board with good bios plus good memory controller on cpu. My msi B350M bios on my b350m board should technically be the similar as your x370. I post a few screenshot pics when I am free. I suggest you try msi "memory try it function". You just have to select the memory clockspeed and it would key in the rest of the timing automatically. A very convenient feature for me for someone that is a beginner for ram overclocking.

Yup, apparently manual entry of the timings, followed by A-XMP and Memory Try It are the steps to take for memory speed troubleshooting. The extra voltage on NB as Norton pointed out as well.

Are you using the Ryzen optimized profile or just the balanced one?

BIOS update will be the second thing I do, after I check that Windows is working

 

[_JP_]

Got it at the lowest price possible, 299€ (usually go for 330€, if you don't count the scalpers selling at 399€ )

Now I know where you get the stuff

@_JP_ is running an MSI board with similar ram so you may want to see how his does

@_JP_ from Portugal, how is your system holding up? =)

At bare stock with the 7A33v53 UEFI, just fine. v54 is available, still deciding if I'm going to update or test first.
I'll mess with it tomorrow, to reach 3200MHz or thereabouts

EDIT: Do keep in mind, my goal is to run at the rated specs, even though RAM@3.2GHz is off-spec for Ryzen

 

[Raevenlord]

Now I know where you get the stuff


At bare stock with the 7A33v53 UEFI, just fine. v54 is available, still deciding if I'm going to update or test first.
I'll mess with it tomorrow, to reach 3200MHz or thereabouts

Easy enough, right?

Cool. Your memory isn't at 3200 MHz yet, then?

 

[_JP_]

I can't complain, didn't pay much more but I am using it for close to a month now (actually not as much as I'd like too, but still)

Nope, running at a trouble-free JEDEC-dictated SPD-carved 2133MHz C15 But there is just so much performance available for what I do (coming from a A8-5600K), I didn't get the urge to mess with the damn thing

 

[Cvrk]

I also ordered today (a few hours ago) the MSI B350 Gaming Pro Carbon, with more stuff.... but i will post the finished build when i have it all made,in a few weeks. The Board will come in 2 days, but the case,cpu cooler & ram it takes up to 10 days.

@Raevenlord so you listened to our advise , particularly mine , and choose the board that you don't need. It's the same exact peace of plastic,with the same exact bios, without the 2 graphics card feature. Good choice.

If you know something that i don't, i will cancel my order and get the X370. No joke.
Amaze me.

 

[_JP_]

I didn't get lucky with higher speeds

@Cvrk Maybe it's the extra lanes, extra M.2...SLI support?

 

[Raevenlord]

This just in

Spoiler: Spoiler

Will put it together later today (got the Phanteks LED strip for free, will see what I do with it later.) Wish me luck. I always sweat when it comes to screwing the mobo to the case...

@Cvrk, there is no rational explanation. I just took the budget I had, and with the ryzen discount, chose to put it towards an upgrade on the mobo, which landed me on the MSI with some leftover money. So that's what happened. The second m.2 slot and the extra sata connectors are nice to have, but weren't critical.

Edit: Disregard the second image, there is no image there, funky mobile uploader, it seems.

Edit 2: @_JP_, I'll let you know (you guys, on the Ryzen thread) my luck on configuring the memory. I'll probably just let it stand as it works until I get my system up and running, and go from there.

 

[Cvrk]

You had a Ryzen discount ?!
is that a MSi Phanteks rgb strip ? That does not come with the motherboard, right ? it's different money right ?

@_JP_ your asking me about the extra lanes ...i don't know man... i am the Jon Snow of computers (Jon without the H) Witch mean i will put up a fight, but no idea what i'm doing

Respect. Hope you enjoy the build @Raevenlord

 

[Raevenlord]

You had a Ryzen discount ?!
is that a MSi Phanteks rgb strip ? That does not come with the motherboard, right ? it's different money right ?

@_JP_ your asking me about the extra lanes ...i don't know man... i am the Jon Snow of computers (Jon without the H) Witch mean i will put up a fight, but no idea what i'm doing

Respect. Hope you enjoy the build @Raevenlord

The e-tailer I bought the parts on had a 30€ discount on the Ryzen 7 over street price. The MSI mobo also brought that free Phanteks RGB Strip, yeah =) so all in all, good buys.

I will, I'm sure of it. I also have the will to fight Ryzen's memory limitations. Let's see if my hairs don't grow all white thanks to that

 

[Recca29]

I was also confused between ASUS ROG STRIX B350-F and Asus X370 Prime.
As per my understanding both have the same VRM design, so OC results should be same. Audio is better on the STRIX B350-F, that's why i opted for it.