Board Layout

The Valkyrie motherboard line is only two years old at this point in 2022. This is BIOSTAR's first Valkyrie motherboard for AMD. Visually, BIOSTAR has toned down the neon colors in comparison to the Intel based Z690 and Z590 before it. By doing so, it will appeal to a wider market and gamers, though this doesn't mean it directly translates into more sales. Flair can backfire as well, because when a product stands out, it tends to get more attention that isn't always positive.

BIOSTAR was wise by sticking to the ATX form factor, as it greatly increases case compatibility. Along with a new, paired chipset, the CPU socket has physically changed. Together with firmware and design changes, this also physically prevents previously released Ryzen CPUs (Zen1, Zen2, Zen3) from being installed, which will not be compatible moving forward for a clean sheet generational leap.


AMD's changes to the socket also comes with some compatibility challenges. Many brands selling CPU coolers have already announced forwards compatibility. However, some will need an adapter, as the backplate that was previously removable for the AM4 (PGA) socket is now an integral part of this new AM5 (LGA) socket. BIOSTAR keeps the X670E VALKYRIE socket clear of obstructions too. Whether an All-In-One (AIO), custom CPU waterblock, or air-cooler is used, the BIOSTAR X670E VALKYRIE looks to have enough physical clearance around the socket to alleviate compatibility concerns for AIOs. Those with air-coolers may have a problem concerning the VRM heatsink on the left, depending on their cooler orientation and size.

AMD recommends 240-280 mm AIOs (or better) for the Ryzen R9 7950X/7900x, to keep the turbo frequency on target. Thermal observations from using the AMD Ryzen 7950X during this review place the CPU at 95°C, which is perfectly normal. The AIO solution isn't a requirement if heavy multi-threaded application performance is a priority, though it will provide the highest boost clocks overall. Undervolting and using PBO is also an option as well, to circumvent CPU cooler thermal limitations. AMD ECO Mode also is a option as it sets the target wattage to 90 and still performs quite well, matching the performance of an Ryzen 5950X in Cinebench R23. For more information regarding Ryzen 7000 cooling requirements, TechPowerUp has a great article covering this specific topic. Click THIS for Article LINK.


The BIOSTAR X670E VALKYRIE offers three PCI Express x16 slots, with all of them being reinforced for extra stress support. PCIe slot one and two are PCIe Gen5 certified, with a total of x16 lanes coming from the CPU. This means that slot one can either operate at x16 or x8. Slot 2 is wired for PCIe Gen5 x16 as well. Once either of these are populated it will split the available lanes with the other PCIe Gen5 slot. Unlike on the Intel Z690 platform, this second 16x PCIe slot will not become disabled if the M.2 Gen5 socket is populated. This is because the AMD 7000 series has 24 PCIe Gen5 lanes that can be divided into M.2 Sockets, USB4 and PCIe slots based on the motherboard implementation. The 3rd slot is physically and internally wired Gen4 x16 as well, but it will only run at Gen4 x4, as stated by the manual.


Because the Ryzen CPU provides 24 PCIe Gen5 lanes, motherboard vendors have the ability to include two M.2 Gen5 sockets as well, without losing the second PCIe Gen5 slot entirely, as seen on the Intel Z690 platform. Here BIOSTAR has implemented two M.2 Gen5 x4 sockets (labeled M2M_CPU_1 and M2M_CPU_2). These M.2 sockets bandwidth are provided by the CPU. The remaining two M.2 sockets are Gen4 x4, and get their bandwidth from the X670 chipset(s). All M.2 sockets have passive heatsink coverage as well.


BIOSTAR has an M.2 slot (Key-E) prepped for a Wi-Fi card. The Rear IO already has antennas, which makes the process a bit easier on the user. The Wi-Fi M.2 card shown in the photo is a Intel AX-200, which supports Wi-Fi 6 and was bought on Amazon e-tailer for $20.


In the top right corner are physical power and reset buttons. These buttons are helpful if you just want to power on the motherboard before you have everything connected up, or if it's on a test bench.


BIOSTAR includes a post code debugger for easier troubleshooting. Considering that the AM5 socket is new to everyone, it is always good to get a readout of what stage the boot process is on, or what it may be stuck on. First boot after clearing the CMOS or new memory will be anywhere from 2-6 minutes depending on the configuration.


In the bottom right below the SATA ports is the clear CMOS button. Next to that is a 2-pin jumper pad used for clearing the CMOS if ever the button stops functioning. Lastly is a switch labeled LN2. This type of switch can often be found on overclocking orientated motherboards, but the function is not always the same. BIOSTAR's implementation of this will bring the CPU down to 800 MHz if switched on.


Right below the socket is a BIOS switch which can be used if for any reason BIOS Flashback fails, and corrupts the data during a update. This can also be used to test out a newer BIOS, without giving up a previous stable one with all your saved settings. If you find for any reason this newer version isn't up to the standards of the last BIOS, you can just switch it back. No need to re-flash to a older BIOS version again.

Next to the BIOS switch is a Trusted Platform Module Header (TPM), along with two smaller headers that are unlisted in the manual.


The BIOSTAR X670E VALKYRIE uses a two 8-Pin EPS connector for higher power management.


Next to the power buttons in the top right of the motherboard are three RGB LED Headers. One provides 12v (4-pins) while the other two are ARGB 5 V headers (3-pins).

Amp / Wattage per header not provided by BIOSTAR


Included with the BIOSTAR X670E VALKYRIE are one USB 3.2 Gen2 Headers (10 Gb/s), two USB 2.0 headers and a single Type-E header for USB-C (20 Gb/s). A thunderbolt header is also present for use with a Thunderbolt add-on card.


Here is a closeup of the X670 chipsets in tandem.


The X670E VALKYRIE motherboard has a total of six 6 Gbps SATA ports, each of which are connected to the X670 Chipset (PCH).


BIOSTAR has used the Realtek ALC1220 Codec for it's on-board audio solution.


Getting a peek at the Rear IO, BIOSTAR is looking to accommodate a wide group of users with the X670E VALKYRIE. Since the AMD Ryzen 7000 series has onboard graphics, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 are provided for video output from the CPU. On-board video output is always optional to use, but is a nice fallback for troubleshooting purposes nonetheless. Next up is a load of USB 3.2 Gen2 (10 Gb/s) ports. These are all 10 Gb/s and are high enough bandwidth for most users. In the event you need more throughput, a 20 Gb/s USB-C port is available as well.

BIOSTAR X670E VALKYRIE also includes a BIOS Flashback button for easy recovery, which is always nice to see.

• 2x Antenna Ports
• 1x BIOS Flashback Button
• 1x HDMI Port (2.1)
• 1x DisplayPort 1.4
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 2x2 Type-C (20 Gb/s)
• 9x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (10 Gb/s)
• 1x RJ-45 LAN Port
• 5x Audio Jacks