Pcie Version Explained: What It Means for Motherboards

Pcie Version Explained for Buyers

The pcie version explained in this guide refers to the specific generation of the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express standard used by your motherboard and processor. This standard defines the rules for data transfer between high-speed components like graphics cards, storage drives, and network adapters. You will typically see two main versions in current hardware: PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0.

PCIe 4.0 was introduced several years ago and remains the standard for most mid-range and high-end systems. It offers a theoretical bandwidth of 16 gigatransfers per second per lane. This speed is sufficient for most modern graphics cards and NVMe solid-state drives. If you are building a system for general gaming or productivity, PCIe 4.0 lanes provide ample throughput. You will find these lanes on motherboards that pair with recent AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors.

PCIe 5.0 is the newer generation, doubling the bandwidth to 32 gigatransfers per second per lane. This increase is primarily aimed at future-proofing your system for next-generation graphics cards and extremely fast storage devices. The jump in speed is significant, but the practical benefit depends on the specific components you install. Currently, very few consumer graphics cards can fully utilize this bandwidth. However, for enthusiasts who want the latest technology, PCIe 5.0 support is becoming a key feature on premium motherboards.

When shopping, check the specifications for both the motherboard and the processor. Both must support the same PCIe version to achieve the maximum speed. A PCIe 5.0 motherboard paired with a PCIe 4.0 processor will operate at the lower speed. Look for labels like Gen4 or Gen5 in the product details. This number indicates the generation of the lanes available for your primary graphics slot and M.2 storage slots. Understanding this helps you match your components correctly for optimal performance.

PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 Compared

PCIe 5.0

PCIe 5.0 doubles the bandwidth of the previous generation, offering up to 32 GT/s per lane. This speed is ideal for future-proofing your build, particularly for the latest NVMe SSDs and graphics cards. You will see significant benefits if you handle large file transfers or use high-end hardware. For example, the MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi supports this standard on Intel platforms, making it a practical choice for modern Intel builds. The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi also provides PCIe 5.0 for AM5 users. However, current peripherals rarely saturate this bandwidth. You pay a premium for this readiness, even if immediate gains are limited to specific high-end storage devices.

PCIe 4.0

PCIe 4.0 remains the reliable standard for most current builds, providing 16 GT/s per lane. This speed is sufficient for nearly all modern graphics cards and fast NVMe drives. It offers a stable balance of performance and value. If you do not need the absolute latest expansion speeds, this version suits you well. The MSI PRO B760-VC WiFi supports PCIe 4.0 on Intel 12th and 13th Gen platforms, prioritizing DDR5 performance and networking over cutting-edge expansion. Similarly, the MSI PRO B650-P WiFi offers this standard for AM5 builders who do not require PCIe 5.0 lanes. It is a practical choice for gamers and general users who want proven performance without paying for unneeded future capacity.

Is PCIe 5.0 Worth The Upgrade

Who needs it

You should prioritize a motherboard with PCIe 5.0 support if you plan to use the latest high-end graphics cards or NVMe solid-state drives. These components benefit directly from the doubled bandwidth that PCIe 5.0 provides. The standard offers up to 32 GT/s per lane, which ensures your hardware can transfer data without bottlenecks. This speed is particularly important for future-proofing your system. If you intend to keep your build for several years, investing in the newer generation makes sense. It prepares your platform for upcoming devices that will rely on higher data rates. Buyers who demand maximum throughput for professional workloads or high-end gaming will find this spec essential for optimal performance.

Who can skip it

You can safely ignore PCIe 5.0 if you are building a budget system or using mid-range components. PCIe 4.0 remains fully capable for most current graphics cards and storage drives. The performance difference is negligible for everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and standard gaming. Instead of focusing on the latest PCIe version, you should prioritize other specs that impact your daily experience. Look for a motherboard with more USB ports, better audio codecs, or enhanced connectivity options. These features often provide more tangible benefits for typical users. Saving resources on the PCIe generation allows you to allocate your budget toward a stronger processor or more system memory. This approach ensures a balanced build without paying for speed you do not currently need.

PCIe Glossary Terms

PCIe Generation

The version number of the PCIe standard, such as 4.0 or 5.0. Newer generations offer higher data transfer speeds for connected devices like graphics cards and storage drives.

Lane

A single data path within a PCIe connection. Lanes are grouped in multiples of four. More lanes provide greater total bandwidth for data movement between components.

GT/s

Giga Transfers per second. This unit measures the speed of data transmission on a PCIe lane. Higher numbers indicate faster potential data throughput for your hardware.

Bandwidth

The maximum amount of data that can pass through the PCIe connection in a given time. Doubling the PCIe version typically doubles this available bandwidth for components.

NVMe SSD

A type of fast solid-state drive that connects directly via PCIe lanes. These drives offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to older SATA-based storage solutions.

Graphics Card

The GPU installed in your system. It uses PCIe slots to communicate with the CPU. Higher PCIe versions help reduce bottlenecks when transferring large amounts of visual data.

Future-Proofing

Choosing hardware with higher specs than currently needed. Supporting PCIe 5.0 ensures your motherboard can handle upcoming devices that require greater bandwidth than older standards provide.

Quick picks

Our 6 picks

1

MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard

Best for: Intel 12th-14th Gen builds with PCIe 5.0 needs

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0 (what this guide is about)

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

Ethernet Speed

2.5Gbps

View on Amazon: MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard Affiliate link

This MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi motherboard supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It features PCIe 5.0 for the latest graphics cards and storage devices. You get four DDR5 memory slots for up to 128GB of RAM. The board includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet for fast networking. It is a solid choice for Intel-based builds needing modern expansion standards.

Pros

• Supports PCIe 5.0 for high-speed data transfer
• Compatible with 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel CPUs
• Includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
• Offers four DDR5 memory slots

Cons

• PCIe 5.0 support is limited to the primary slot
• Only includes 2.5Gbps Ethernet, not 10GbE
• Lacks USB4 or Thunderbolt connectivity

Good fit if

• You are building with 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen Intel processors
• You want PCIe 5.0 support for future GPUs
• You need reliable Wi-Fi 6E connectivity

Skip if

• You are using AMD Ryzen processors
• You require DDR4 memory support
• You need 10GbE Ethernet speeds

Verdict: MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi Intel ATX is a practical foundation for Intel users who want PCIe 5.0 readiness and modern wireless standards without premium gaming features.

2

MSI PRO DDR5 ATX Motherboard

Best for: 12th/13th Gen Intel builds with DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 4.0 (what this guide is about)

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Chipset

Intel B760

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

M.2 Slots

2

View on Amazon: MSI PRO DDR5 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This MSI PRO B760-VC WiFi motherboard supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It uses DDR5 memory and PCIe 4.0 lanes for storage and graphics. You get Wi-Fi 5 and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet for networking. The ATX form factor fits standard cases. This board suits users who need reliable connectivity without the cost of newer chipsets.

Pros

• Supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel CPUs
• Uses fast DDR5 memory
• Includes 2.5 Gbps Ethernet
• Provides Wi-Fi 5 connectivity

Cons

• Only supports PCIe 4.0, not the newer PCIe 5.0
• Wi-Fi 5 is slower than modern Wi-Fi 6 standards
• Limited to 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors

Good fit if

• You are building with 12th or 13th Gen Intel CPUs
• You want DDR5 memory speeds
• You need reliable wired networking at 2.5 Gbps

Skip if

• You plan to use 14th Gen Intel processors
• You require PCIe 5.0 for future-proofing
• You want the latest Wi-Fi 6 or 6E speeds

Verdict: MSI PRO B760-VC WiFi ATX is a solid mid-range option for 12th and 13th Gen Intel builds. It fits users who prioritize DDR5 performance and stable networking over cutting-edge wireless or expansion speeds.

3

MSI Tomahawk ATX AM5 Motherboard

Best for: AM5 builders wanting PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 7

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0 (what this guide is about)

CPU Socket

AM5

Chipset

B850

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 7

View on Amazon: MSI Tomahawk ATX AM5 Motherboard Affiliate link

This MSI motherboard uses the AM5 socket for Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 processors. It features PCIe 5.0 support for future graphics cards and SSDs. You get Wi-Fi 7 and 5G LAN for fast networking. The ATX form factor fits standard cases. DDR5 memory ensures high bandwidth. This board suits builders who want modern connectivity and top-tier expansion options.

Pros

• PCIe 5.0 support for latest GPUs and storage
• Wi-Fi 7 for high-speed wireless connectivity
• 5G LAN for fast wired networking
• AM5 socket supports Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series

Cons

• B850 chipset lacks some advanced overclocking features of X870 boards
• ATX size requires a mid-tower or full-tower case
• DDR5 only, not compatible with older DDR4 modules

Good fit if

• You are building a new AM5 system with Ryzen 7000 or newer
• You want PCIe 5.0 readiness for future hardware upgrades
• You need high-speed Wi-Fi 7 and 5G LAN connectivity

Skip if

• You are using an older AM4 socket CPU
• You prefer DDR4 memory to save on RAM costs
• You need a smaller ITX form factor for a compact build

Verdict: MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is a solid AM5 platform for builders prioritizing modern PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 7 standards. It fits users upgrading to Ryzen 9000 or 8000 series processors who want robust networking and expansion capabilities.

4

MSI Pro Series ATX AM5 Motherboard

Best for: AM5 builders needing Wi-Fi 6E

PCIe Version

PCIe 4.0 (what this guide is about)

CPU Socket

AM5

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

Dimensions

12 × 9.6 × 2.5 inches

View on Amazon: MSI Pro Series ATX AM5 Motherboard Affiliate link

The MSI PRO B650-P WiFi is an ATX motherboard for AMD AM5 processors. It supports DDR5 memory and uses PCIe 4.0 lanes. This version connects to Wi-Fi 6E networks. You get standard ATX dimensions and solid connectivity options. It fits builders who need reliable AM5 support without the cost of next-generation PCIe 5.0 slots.

Pros

• Supports AMD AM5 CPU socket
• Uses DDR5 memory modules
• Includes Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
• Standard ATX form factor

Cons

• Limited to PCIe 4.0 bandwidth
• No mention of USB4 support
• Basic PRO series feature set

Good fit if

• You are building an AM5 system
• You prefer DDR5 memory speeds
• You want Wi-Fi 6E built-in

Skip if

• You need PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
• You require USB4 connectivity
• You want premium VRM cooling

Verdict: MSI PRO B650-P WiFi ATX Motherboard offers solid AM5 performance with Wi-Fi 6E. It suits users who do not need PCIe 5.0 expansion lanes.

5

MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard

Best for: Intel gamers needing PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6E

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0 (what this guide is about)

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

View on Amazon: MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard Affiliate link

This MSI motherboard supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It features PCIe 5.0 for future-proofing high-end graphics cards and storage. You get DDR5 memory support and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. The ATX form factor fits standard mid-tower cases. It targets gamers who need fast data transfer speeds and modern wireless standards.

Pros

• PCIe 5.0 support for next-gen GPUs and SSDs
• Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless connections
• DDR5 memory compatibility for higher bandwidth
• 2.5Gbps Ethernet for reliable wired networking

Cons

• Limited to Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors only
• No mention of USB4 or Thunderbolt support
• No audio codec details provided in specifications

Good fit if

• You are building a high-performance Intel gaming PC
• You want PCIe 5.0 readiness for future upgrades
• You need Wi-Fi 6E for low-latency wireless play

Skip if

• You use AMD Ryzen processors
• You require DDR4 memory support
• You need a smaller ITX form factor

Verdict: MSI Z790 Gaming Plus ATX Motherboard suits Intel gamers seeking PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6E. It delivers modern connectivity for high-speed storage and graphics.

6

MSI Tomahawk AM4 DDR4 Motherboard

Best for: AM4 Ryzen gamers needing dual LAN

PCIe Version

PCIe 4.0 (what this guide is about)

CPU Socket

AM4

Memory Type

DDR4

Ethernet Speed

2.5G, Gigabit

Chipset

AMD B550

Use Case

Gaming

View on Amazon: MSI Tomahawk AM4 DDR4 Motherboard Affiliate link

This MSI motherboard uses the AMD B550 chipset and AM4 socket. It supports 3rd Gen Ryzen processors and DDR4 memory. The board features PCIe 4.0 for faster data transfer. It includes dual LAN ports with 2.5G and Gigabit speeds. The design includes a premium thermal solution with an aluminum cover. It suits gamers building on the AM4 platform.

Pros

• Supports 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors
• PCIe 4.0 connectivity for storage and expansion
• Dual LAN with 2.5G and Gigabit speeds
• Premium thermal solution with aluminum cover

Cons

• Uses older DDR4 memory instead of DDR5
• AM4 socket is not compatible with newer Ryzen 9000 series
• Renewed condition rather than new retail packaging

Good fit if

• You are building a budget-friendly AM4 system
• You need dual LAN connectivity for networking
• You want PCIe 4.0 speeds for your GPU

Skip if

• You require DDR5 memory support
• You plan to use a Ryzen 9000 series CPU
• You prefer a new retail unit over renewed

Verdict: MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk AM4 Motherboard is a solid choice for users sticking with the AM4 platform. It offers reliable PCIe 4.0 speeds and strong networking options for gamers on a budget.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• pcie version explained
• USB version explained