Updating a 6-year-old X370 motherboard for a Ryzen 5950X – here are some questions you might have!
Updating a 6-year-old X370 motherboard for a Ryzen 5950X – here are some questions you might have!
Hello, I'm looking to replace my Ryzen 1700 on an X370 Killer SLI board with a 5950X. My current setup is about six years old, and I have the AsRock X370 Killer SLI motherboard (non-AC version). I'm wondering if I can keep the board and upgrade the CPU to the 5950X. I have a few questions:
1) Does my motherboard accept the Ryzen 5950X? The official site lists it as not supported, but the BIOS section says "Support Renoir, Vermeer, and Cezanne CPU" – does that include the 5950X? Also, some users claim they're running Vermeer or similar CPUs on this board. Is the 5950X actually listed in the supported CPUs?
2) Can I update the BIOS to version 7.30? I need to make sure everything works fine with the new BIOS before replacing the CPU. Would it be safe to do that, especially since my old Ryzen 1700 is still in the socket? What about the AC version of the board – does it have the same features?
3) Are there any warnings from others about using certain CPUs (like Vermeer or Summit Ridge) on this board? I've heard mixed things online.
4) Should I wait until I've tested the BIOS update and confirmed compatibility before buying the 5950X, or should I go ahead and order it now?
Thanks for your help!
When multiple users are testing this setup and the alternative board confirms compatibility with the 5950X, it’s likely the main board does support it as well. ASRock was keen to be among the first to handle 5000 series CPU support on 300 series chipsets. AMD initially seemed uncertain but might have accidentally deleted the 5000 series info from their site, possibly due to stability concerns. Updating the BIOS could resolve any issues, though applying changes in one go is risky—breaking it into smaller steps is usually safer. This update was posted on January 24, 2023 by Fasauceome.
Asrock hasn’t likely refreshed their product page to include CPU compatibility for the 5000 series. My own board’s listing didn’t specifically state support for that series beyond the BIOS update notes. I’d have been worried if a few units were mentioned, but there’s no indication of an outdated spec sheet.
I should really think about using that CPU with that motherboard again. It consumes a lot of peak power—up to about 160 watts—and the VRM isn’t very strong. They only used four phases from the controller and then doubled it to eight phases. The VRM also uses lower quality MOSFETs, like the 65A SM4336 with a 5.3 mOhm resistance, whereas even cheaper models such as the 4C06N from Gigabyte on similar boards are rated for much higher currents (69A and 4 mOhm). A lower Rds(on) means better efficiency and less heat generation.
I can always go back in time...? Just load older versions and play it fresh as if it were brand new?
I understand the VRM on this board isn't the best fit for the 5950x. The AC version should be a close match, aside from the fact that it includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features. Most users claim they're running the CPU on this board. What concerns you is whether high temperatures might affect its longevity. You mentioned the board has been running well for six years with your current setup—1700W, big air cooler, Scythe Ninja 4. From what I know, those temps stayed low. If things heat up again with the 5950x, you could probably add small fans near the VRMs to help. Would that be enough? As for risks, it seems unlikely to damage other parts or the mainboard itself. Modern boards have safety features to prevent overheating. The system might shut down automatically to protect itself. What would be the worst-case scenario? Could it shorten the board’s lifespan if you push VRM temps too high? Thanks for asking.