AM5 USB4 Support: What Boards Have It

Yes, some AMD AM5 motherboards support USB4, but it is not a standard feature of the AM5 platform itself. USB4 support on AM5 is implemented by motherboard manufacturers using third-party controllers, typically the ASMedia ASM4242, and is found on higher-end X670E, X670, and B650E boards. This article explains how USB4 works on AM5, which boards have it, what you need to know about compatibility and performance, and how to choose the right board for your needs.

Background: What Is USB4 and Why It Matters

USB4 is the latest USB standard, offering data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps, which is double the 20 Gbps of USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. It is based on the Thunderbolt 3 protocol, which means it supports PCIe tunneling, allowing you to connect external GPUs, high-speed NVMe SSDs, and docking stations. USB4 also supports DisplayPort 1.4 (and sometimes 2.0) for video output, and it is backward compatible with older USB devices.

For AM5 users, USB4 is particularly appealing for content creators and professionals who need fast external storage or want to connect multiple high-resolution monitors through a single port. However, unlike Intel’s platforms, where Thunderbolt is integrated into the CPU or chipset, AMD has not integrated USB4 into the AM5 chipset or CPU. Instead, motherboard makers add a separate controller chip, which increases cost and complexity.

How USB4 Works on AM5

On AM5 motherboards, USB4 is implemented via a discrete controller, most commonly the ASMedia ASM4242. This chip connects to the motherboard’s chipset (usually the Promontory 21, which is part of X670E/X670/B650E) via a PCIe 4.0 x4 link. The controller then provides two USB4 ports, typically a USB-C port (often with DisplayPort alt mode) and sometimes a second USB-C or USB-A port.

The key point is that USB4 on AM5 is not a chipset feature; it is an add-on. This means it uses PCIe lanes from the chipset, which can reduce available lanes for other devices (like M.2 SSDs or additional PCIe slots) on some boards. Also, because it is a third-party controller, driver support and firmware updates are handled by the controller vendor, not AMD. In practice, this has led to some early compatibility issues, but most have been resolved with BIOS and driver updates.

Which AM5 Motherboards Have USB4

As of mid-2024, the following AM5 motherboards are known to include USB4 (either natively or via header):

• ASRock X670E Taichi Carrara – includes a USB4 controller with two USB-C ports (one front, one rear).
• ASRock X670E Taichi – similar to the Carrara, with USB4 support.
• ASRock B650E Taichi – has USB4 via an ASMedia controller.
• Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master – includes USB4 with a USB-C port on the rear I/O.
• Gigabyte B650E Aorus Master – also features USB4.
• MSI MEG X670E Ace – has a USB4 controller with two USB-C ports.
• MSI MEG X670E Godlike – includes USB4, but this board is extremely expensive.
• ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme – has two USB4 ports (one rear USB-C, one front header).
• ASUS ProArt X670E-Creator WiFi – designed for creators, includes two USB4 ports.

Note that this list is not exhaustive, and new boards may be released. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications before purchasing.

How to Choose an AM5 Board with USB4

When selecting an AM5 motherboard with USB4, consider the following factors:

• Number of USB4 ports: Most boards have two, but some have only one. If you need to connect multiple devices, ensure you have enough ports.
• DisplayPort support: Check if the USB4 port supports DisplayPort alt mode and what version (1.4 or 2.0). This is crucial for video output.
• Power delivery: USB4 ports can deliver up to 100W (USB PD 3.0) or 240W (PD 3.1) for charging. If you plan to charge a laptop, check the wattage.
• Chipset and PCIe lanes: USB4 uses PCIe lanes from the chipset. If you have many M.2 SSDs or other expansion cards, ensure the board has enough lanes to avoid bottlenecks.
• Price: USB4 adds cost. Expect to pay a premium for boards with USB4, often $100-$200 more than similar boards without it.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that USB4 is the same as Thunderbolt 4. While USB4 is based on Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4 has stricter requirements (e.g., minimum PCIe bandwidth, mandatory 40 Gbps, and support for docks). USB4 devices may not work with Thunderbolt 4 docks unless the dock supports USB4. Conversely, Thunderbolt 4 devices may not work on USB4 ports if they require Thunderbolt-specific features.

Another issue is driver compatibility. Some users have reported that USB4 ports do not work until the correct driver is installed. On Windows, you may need to install the ASMedia USB4 Controller Driver from the motherboard’s support page. On Linux, support has been improving, but it may require recent kernels.

Also, note that USB4 on AM5 is not certified by Intel’s Thunderbolt program, so you cannot assume Thunderbolt devices will work. In practice, many Thunderbolt 3 devices do work, but it is not guaranteed.

USB4 vs. Thunderbolt on AM5

Intel platforms have Thunderbolt 4 integrated into the CPU (on some models) or via a dedicated controller (e.g., JHL8540). This provides better compatibility and performance, as the controller is directly connected to the CPU’s PCIe lanes. On AM5, the USB4 controller is connected to the chipset, which introduces a slight latency and uses chipset PCIe lanes. In real-world tests, the performance difference is negligible for most tasks, but for high-bandwidth applications like external GPUs, you might see a small drop.

Additionally, Thunderbolt 4 requires certification, which ensures a consistent experience. USB4 does not have mandatory certification, so implementation quality can vary between boards. That said, the ASMedia controller used on AM5 boards is generally reliable after firmware updates.

Cost and Value

Adding USB4 to an AM5 motherboard increases the cost by roughly $50-$150 depending on the board’s tier. For example, a B650E board with USB4 might cost around $300, while a similar board without USB4 could be $200. For most users, the extra cost is not justified if you only use standard USB devices. However, if you work with large video files, need to connect multiple 4K monitors, or use external GPUs, USB4 is a worthwhile investment.

Consider your workflow: if you already have a Thunderbolt dock or external SSD, USB4 might be a future-proofing option. But if you are on a budget, you can skip USB4 and use USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) or Gen 2×2 (20 Gbps) ports, which are sufficient for most peripherals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AM5 support USB4 natively?

No, AM5 does not have native USB4 support in the CPU or chipset. Motherboard manufacturers add a separate controller (like ASMedia ASM4242) to provide USB4 ports. This is why only certain high-end boards have it.

Can I use a Thunderbolt device on an AM5 USB4 port?

Many Thunderbolt 3 devices work on USB4 ports because USB4 is based on Thunderbolt 3. However, Thunderbolt 4 devices may not work if they require specific Thunderbolt 4 features. It is best to check with the device manufacturer for compatibility.

Is USB4 faster than USB 3.2 Gen 2×2?

Yes, USB4 offers up to 40 Gbps, which is double the 20 Gbps of USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. However, actual speeds depend on the device and cable. For example, a USB4 NVMe SSD can achieve around 3,000 MB/s, while a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 SSD might reach 2,000 MB/s.

Do I need a special cable for USB4?

Yes, to get 40 Gbps speeds, you need a USB4-certified cable, which is typically marked with the USB4 logo. A standard USB-C cable may only support USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mbps) or USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps).

Can I add USB4 to an AM5 board that doesn’t have it?

No, USB4 cannot be added via an expansion card because it requires a direct connection to the chipset and specific firmware support. You would need to buy a motherboard that already has USB4.

Does USB4 on AM5 support external GPUs?

Yes, USB4 supports PCIe tunneling, which allows you to connect an external GPU via an eGPU enclosure. However, performance may be lower than a Thunderbolt 3/4 connection due to the chipset connection, but it is still usable for gaming or rendering.

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