The world of PC building is always evolving, and as new hardware becomes available, enthusiasts often find themselves asking whether their existing components can work with newer parts. One common question that has gained traction is whether the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X or its slightly more powerful sibling, the Ryzen 7 5700X3D, is compatible with older motherboards like the ASRock B450M Pro4.
TL;DR
Yes, both the Ryzen 7 5700X and Ryzen 7 5700X3D are compatible with the ASRock B450M Pro4, but only after a BIOS update. The motherboard may need to be flashed with a supported BIOS version before installing the processor. While the 5700X is officially supported, the 5700X3D may have mixed support as it’s not widely listed across all vendor compatibility charts. Always check your motherboard’s CPU support list and make sure you’re on the latest BIOS.
Understanding the B450 Chipset and ASRock B450M Pro4
The B450 chipset was launched by AMD as a mid-range solution supporting Ryzen 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation processors. ASRock’s take on this platform, the B450M Pro4, has remained a popular budget choice due to its solid build and wide compatibility.
Initially, these motherboards were designed with Ryzen 1000 and 2000 series CPUs in mind, but over time and with sufficient BIOS updates, support has been extended to newer processors such as the Ryzen 5000 series. This makes boards like the ASRock B450M Pro4 particularly attractive to users looking to upgrade without replacing the entire motherboard.
What is the Ryzen 7 5700X?
The Ryzen 7 5700X is a powerful 8-core, 16-thread processor based on AMD’s Zen 3 architecture. With a base clock of 3.4GHz and boost up to 4.6GHz, it’s a solid performer for both gaming and productivity tasks. It uses the same AM4 socket as earlier Ryzen chips, which is key in assessing compatibility with older motherboards.
Ryzen 7 5700X Compatibility with ASRock B450M Pro4
Officially, the ASRock B450M Pro4 supports the Ryzen 7 5700X — but only with the correct BIOS version installed.
According to ASRock’s official CPU support list, the Ryzen 7 5700X is supported starting with BIOS version P4.60. If your motherboard has an older BIOS version, you’ll need to update it before installing the CPU.
The steps generally involve:
- Checking current BIOS version (visible in BIOS settings or using a utility like CPU-Z)
- Downloading the correct BIOS file from the ASRock support page
- Using Instant Flash from within BIOS to update
If you don’t yet own a compatible CPU to perform the update, you may need to borrow one or opt for a motherboard that supports BIOS Flashback (sadly, the B450M Pro4 does not).
What About the Ryzen 7 5700X3D?
The Ryzen 7 5700X3D is a more recent release that adds AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology on top of the already-capable 5700X chip. It’s engineered for higher gaming performance by stacking an additional layer of L3 cache memory, a method first introduced with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D.
Compatibility with older chipsets like B450 is slightly murkier with these “X3D” chips. As of now, ASRock has not officially listed support for the 5700X3D on the B450M Pro4 CPU support page. However, since the 5700X3D shares a similar architecture and TDP with the 5800X3D — which has been supported on some B450 boards — enthusiasts have reported successful usage, but it remains unofficial and potentially unstable.
Community Feedback and Real-World Results
Many users in forums like Reddit, Tom’s Hardware, and Overclock.net have shared varied experiences regarding the 5700X3D on B450 motherboards. Some report full stability after BIOS update, while others mention random crashes or lack of full BIOS options.
Bottom line? Proceed with caution if you’re planning to use the 5700X3D. You may get lucky, but without official support, there’s always risk involved.
Steps to Prepare the B450M Pro4 for Ryzen 7 5700X
Assuming you want to install a Ryzen 7 5700X and your ASRock B450M Pro4 has an older BIOS, here are the steps to follow:
- Visit the ASRock Support Page and locate the BIOS files for the B450M Pro4.
- Download BIOS version P4.60 or newer (ideally the latest release).
- Transfer the BIOS file to a USB flash drive formatted to FAT32.
- Enter BIOS using your current CPU and press F6 to access the Instant Flash utility.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to select the BIOS file and flash it.
- After the update and reboot, shut down the system and install the Ryzen 5700X.
Performance Expectations
Once upgraded, users can expect:
- Significant gaming improvement compared to earlier Ryzen CPUs
- Smoother multitasking and productivity for applications like video editing, Photoshop, and streaming
- Better energy efficiency and thermals than previous generations
However, note that pairing a 5700X with B450 may limit some higher-end features like PCIe Gen 4 support, which only works fully with 500-series chipsets like B550 or X570.
Should You Upgrade?
If you already own an ASRock B450M Pro4 and want a near top-tier AM4 chip without splurging on a new motherboard, the Ryzen 7 5700X is a fantastic upgrade path. The BIOS update process is relatively straightforward for anyone with prior DIY PC experience.
If you’re eyeing the 5700X3D, do your homework first. Forums and hardware community threads are filled with stories — both success and failure. Unless you’re comfortable with experimentation, wait for official support or stick with a more well-supported chip like the 5800X or 5700X.
Conclusion
The Ryzen 7 5700X is fully compatible with the ASRock B450M Pro4 given the proper BIOS update. The 5700X3D, while architecturally similar, currently lacks official support, though it may work with some tinkering and risk. Older B450 motherboards still hold considerable value in today’s market, especially with extended CPU compatibility from AMD. With the right preparation, you can breathe new life into your system without breaking the bank.
FAQ
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Q: Is the Ryzen 7 5700X officially supported by ASRock B450M Pro4?
A: Yes, with BIOS version P4.60 or later. -
Q: Can I install the 5700X on a B450M Pro4 out of the box?
A: Only if your motherboard already has the updated BIOS. Otherwise, you will need to update it first. -
Q: What if I don’t have a CPU to perform the BIOS update?
A: You may need to borrow a compatible older Ryzen CPU or take the board to a store for updating. -
Q: Is the Ryzen 7 5700X3D compatible with the ASRock B450M Pro4?
A: Not officially. Some users report success, but results vary and it’s not guaranteed. - Q: Will I