If you’re someone who invested in a high-speed PCIe Gen 5 solid-state drive, you likely expect top-notch performance. However, some users with AMD X670E motherboards are facing significant speed issues with these advanced drives. Reports from owners of MSI and Asus motherboards utilizing the X670E chipset suggest that these motherboards are severely limiting the speeds of Gen 5 SSDs.
Instead of achieving the expected 10GB/s read speeds, some users are experiencing speeds as low as 1GB/s on an x4 lane, which is comparable to performance from a decade-old storage drive. This drastic drop in performance has understandably caused frustration among users who paid a premium for cutting-edge technology.
According to information from WCCFTech, a response from a Crucial representative indicated that the problem may be linked to the motherboard’s “first” M.2 slot. This slot commonly shares PCIe lanes with the primary PCIe expansion slot, where many users install their graphics cards. Moving the SSD to a different slot could potentially resolve the speed issue, although it may mean sacrificing the high speeds associated with Gen 5 SSDs in favor of Gen 4 speeds.
While some users have reported success in resolving the problem by updating their motherboard’s BIOS, not all users have been as fortunate. If you’re encountering sluggish performance or boot issues with your AMD-based system, consider relocating the SSD to a different slot as a troubleshooting step. Additionally, ensure that you have a reliable backup of your data to prevent any potential data loss during this process.
Michael, a seasoned technology journalist with a passion for keyboards and PC hardware, has been covering the tech industry for a decade. His work has been featured in various publications, including PCWorld, Android Police, Digital Trends, and more. With a keen interest in all things tech, Michael enjoys exploring the latest gadgets and building custom mechanical keyboards in his spare time. When he’s not immersed in the world of technology, you can find Michael planning his next kayaking adventure in his home state of Pennsylvania.
