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Benchmark Results
Our standard benchmarks and power tests are performed using the CPU’s stock frequencies (including any default boost/turbo) with all power-saving features enabled. We set optimized defaults in the BIOS and the memory by enabling the XMP profile. For this baseline testing, the Windows power scheme is set to Balanced (default) so the PC idles appropriately.
Synthetic Benchmarks
Synthetics offer a valuable method for evaluating a board's performance, as identical settings are expected to yield similar results. Turbo boost wattage and advanced memory timings are areas where motherboard manufacturers can still optimize for stability or performance, though, and these settings can impact specific testing scenarios.
Looking at our synthetic benchmarks, the Pro was average across the board. The only results that stood out were the slightly slower Procyon results, but that’s something you’re never going to notice outside of a benchmark.
Timed Applications
In the timed applications, the Pro was average to slightly above average. The Corona and LAME results were the slower of the two, but they are tight and consistent. We have nothing to worry about so far.
3D Games and 3DMark
Starting with the launch of Zen 5, we’ve updated our game tests. We’re keeping the F1 racing game but have upgraded to F1 24. We also dropped Far Cry 6 in favor of an even more popular game in Cyberpunk 2077. We run both games at 1920x1080 resolution using the Ultra preset (details listed above). Cyberpunk 2077 uses DLSS, while we left F1 24 to native resolution scaling.
The goal with these settings is to determine if there are differences in performance at the most commonly used (and CPU/system-bound) resolution with settings most people use or strive for (Ultra). We expect the difference between boards in these tests to be minor, with most falling within the margin of error. We’ve also added a minimum FPS setting, which can affect your gameplay and immersion.
In our 3DMark and game tests, the Pro X870E-P was average in the 3DMark tests (Steel Nomad was slower; Speedway was average) and in games. Overall, nothing to worry about. This board performs well across a wide variety of functions, including productivity and gaming.
Overclocking
Over the past few CPU generations, overclocking headroom has been shrinking on both sides of the fence, while the out-of-the-box potential has increased. For overclockers, this means there’s less fun to have. For the average consumer, you’re getting the most out of the processor without manual tweaking. Today’s motherboards are more robust than ever, and they easily support power-hungry flagship-class processors; We know the hardware can handle them. There are multiple ways to extract even more performance from these processors: enabling a canned PBO setting, manually tweaking the PBO settings, or just going for an all-core overclock. Results will vary and depend on the cooling as well. In other words, your mileage may vary. Considering all the above, we will not be overclocking the CPU. However, we will try out our different memory kits to ensure they meet the specifications.
For memory testing, we start with our fastest non-clock driver kit: Klevv 32GB (2x16) DDR5-8000. Per usual on this platform, it booted to Windows but wouldn’t pass a stress test with our 9900X. The Team Group DDR5-7200 kit worked without issue. Those speeds are well past the ‘sweet spot’ for the AMD platform, and with today’s RAM prices, we doubt many people are looking at these higher speeds in the first place.
Dropping in our Ryzen 5 8600G APU, we were able to run our Klevv DDR5-8000 kit without issue. I’d imagine we’ll see similar results moving forward, with the better IMC on the APU.
Power Consumption / VRM Temperatures
We used AIDA64’s System Stability Test with Stress CPU, FPU, cache, and Memory enabled for power testing, using the processor's peak power consumption value. The wattage reading is obtained from the wall via a Kill-A-Watt meter, capturing the entire PC (excluding the monitor). The only variable that changes is the motherboard; all other parts remain the same. We've moved to using only the stock power use/VRM temperature charts, as this section aims to ensure the power delivery can handle flagship-class processors.
Stress testing the Pro X870E-P with our DDR5-6000 kit showed it to be a relatively efficient board. At idle, it sat around 80W and peaked at 252W. This averages out to 166W, and above average efficiency.
VRM temperatures for this test were completed on the APU. Unsurprisingly, the more efficient Ryzen 5 8600G didn’t stress the system as much, and the results show it was the coolest-running of the Ryzen 9 9900X models. Temperatures peaked at just over 40 degrees Celsius on our hottest sensor, while their internal sensor read slightly higher, a hair over 41 degrees Celsius. Although the power delivery isn’t the most robust, it won’t have any issues running more powerful flagship-class processors.
Bottom Line
Although this board has been out since 2024, it’s still a valid option in the X870 space. It has a unique, squared-off black-and-silver aesthetic and a comprehensive feature set that’s worth the sub-$300 price point. It performed on par with most boards and, for professionals (read: anyone), offers plenty of connectivity and expansion capabilities.
There are several boards around that price point, most of which could pass as ‘productivity’ boards anyway. Asus’ TUF Gaming X870E-Plus Wi-Fi ($329.99) offers a well-rounded solution, including four M.2 sockets and a better audio codec. The Gigabyte X870E Aorus Pro ($284.99) is also a viable contender, with ample connectivity and better audio, though it has slower 2.5 GbE. Finally, the ASRock's X870E Taichi Lite ($299.99) is arguably the best of the bunch, offering modern flagship-class audio, dual USB 4 Type-C ports, and 10 other USB ports, though expansion is limited to only two PCIe slots.
Overall, the Pro X870E-P Wifi is a solid offering. Its distinctive, blocky black-and-silver aesthetic provides flexibility for either black or white build themes. While it is worth considering, particularly for productivity-focused users who don't prioritize high-end audio, it doesn't stand out otherwise. Gamers may find better alternatives at this price point, but if it's lower, around that $250 range, it's a good deal.
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