AMD: B450 and X470 will support Zen 3 CPUs

Contrary to earlier official statements, AMD is now saying that its B450 and X470 chipset will both support the upcoming Zen 3-based "Vermeer" desktop processors. Previously, the company said a motherboard with the B550, X570, or the future 600-series chipsets would be necessary to use the Zen 3-based Ryzen 4000 series.

It's definitely good news for enthusiasts. AnandTech writes AMD misread the situation from its userbase and didn't think pushing support for Zen 3 to the 500-series would be that big of an issue. Due to demand from fans, AMD will try to make it work but the company still recommends a new motherboard for optimal performance.

Here's an overview of how AMD will support Zen 3 on its B450 and X470 chipsets:

1. We will develop and enable our motherboard partners with the code to support “Zen 3”-based processors in select beta BIOSes for AMD B450 and X470 motherboards.
2. These optional BIOS updates will disable support for many existing AMD Ryzen™ Desktop Processor models to make the necessary ROM space available.
3. The select beta BIOSes will enable a one-way upgrade path for AMD Ryzen Processors with “Zen 3,” coming later this year. Flashing back to an older BIOS version will not be supported.
4. To reduce the potential for confusion, our intent is to offer BIOS download only to verified customers of 400 Series motherboards who have purchased a new desktop processor with “Zen 3” inside. This will help us ensure that customers have a bootable processor on-hand after the BIOS flash, minimizing the risk a user could get caught in a no-boot situation.
5. Timing and availability of the BIOS updates will vary and may not immediately coincide with the availability of the first “Zen 3”-based processors.
6. This is the final pathway AMD can enable for 400 Series motherboards to add new CPU support. CPU releases beyond “Zen 3” will require a newer motherboard.
7. AMD continues to recommend that customers choose an AMD 500 Series motherboard for the best performance and features with our new CPUs.

The first Zen 3-based processors are expected later this year.