Colorful CVN X870 Ark Frozen V14 specifications and in-depth review

Colorful CVN X870 Ark Frozen V14

Manufacturer: Colorful

The Colorful CVN X870 Ark Frozen V14 is a high-performance motherboard designed for the AM5 socket, offering a robust foundation for powerful systems. It supports Wi-Fi 7 and features a modern ATX form factor, making it an ideal choice for advanced users looking to build or upgrade their PCs.

This motherboard includes up to 192GB of memory support, with a maximum RAM speed of 5000 MHz and overclocked speeds reaching 8200 MHz. Notable connectivity options include a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and multiple USB 3.2 ports. It also supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 1, 10, and 5, and features a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio for high-quality audio output.

Pros
  • Supports multiple modern Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 7, for fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
  • Includes support for RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 0, offering flexible options for data redundancy and performance.
  • Has a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, providing high-speed expansion options for the latest graphics cards and other components.
  • Offers RGB lighting for customization and visual appeal in PC builds.
  • Includes five audio connectors and supports 7.1 channel audio, providing good flexibility for high-quality sound setups.
Cons
  • Lacks integrated graphics, requiring a dedicated GPU for display output.
  • Does not support dual BIOS, limiting backup options in case of BIOS failure.
  • No USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, potentially limiting high-speed connectivity options for certain devices.
  • Does not support mSATA or U.2 connectors, which may be a limitation for users with specific storage needs.
Who is this for?

This motherboard is well-suited for users who require high-speed connectivity and flexibility, such as gamers or content creators. With support for Wi-Fi 7 and multiple RAID configurations like RAID 1 and RAID 10, it excels in environments that demand fast data transfer and high redundancy. Additionally, its support for PCIe 5.0 x16 and RGB lighting makes it ideal for those looking to build a high-performance, visually striking system.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be the best choice for users who need integrated graphics or dual BIOS for redundancy. Its lack of integrated graphics means a dedicated GPU is required, which may not be ideal for simple office or media use. Additionally, the absence of dual BIOS limits backup options in case of BIOS corruption, making it less suitable for users who prioritize system stability in critical environments.

General info:

CPU socket AM5
chipset X870
form factor ATX
release date April 2025
supports Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Has Bluetooth
Bluetooth version 5.4
HDMI version HDMI 2.0
Easy to overclock
has RGB lighting
Easy to reset BIOS
Has dual BIOS
has aptX
CPU sockets 1
Has integrated graphics
warranty period 3 years
height 245 mm
width 305 mm
Has integrated CPU

The Colorful CVN X870 Ark Frozen V14 motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket and supports the X870 chipset, making it suitable for high-performance setups. It has an ATX form factor and offers a variety of wireless options with Wi-Fi 7 support, along with Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity. The motherboard includes RGB lighting for added customization and is designed for easy overclocking. While it does not support dual BIOS or integrated graphics, it offers a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 192GB
RAM speed (max) 5000 MHz
overclocked RAM speed 8200 MHz
memory slots 4
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory

The Colorful CVN X870 Ark Frozen V14 motherboard supports a maximum memory capacity of 192GB, with four memory slots and dual memory channels for optimal performance. It is compatible with DDR5 memory, offering a maximum RAM speed of 5000 MHz, and can be overclocked to 8200 MHz for enhanced speeds. However, it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 4
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 2.0 ports 2
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports 0
USB 4 40Gbps ports 1
USB 4 20Gbps ports 0
Thunderbolt 4 ports 1
Thunderbolt 3 ports 0
has an HDMI output
DisplayPort outputs 1
RJ45 ports 1
Has USB Type-C
eSATA ports 0
DVI outputs 0
has a VGA connector
PS/2 ports 0

The Colorful CVN X870 Ark Frozen V14 motherboard offers a range of versatile connectivity options. It includes USB 4 40Gbps ports and a Thunderbolt 4 port for fast data transfer, along with an HDMI output and a DisplayPort for video output. Additionally, it has one RJ45 port for wired network connections and supports USB Type-C. However, it does not feature any eSATA, DVI, or VGA connectors.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion) 2
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion) 1
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion) 4
SATA 3 connectors 4
fan headers 5
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion) 2
M.2 sockets 3
Has TPM connector
U.2 sockets 0
Has mSATA connector
SATA 2 connectors 0

The Colorful CVN X870 Ark Frozen V14 motherboard provides ample expansion options with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, and additional USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports through expansion. It also includes four SATA 3 connectors for storage devices, three M.2 sockets for high-speed SSDs, and five fan headers for cooling management. Additionally, it supports a TPM connector, but does not feature mSATA or U.2 connectors.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots 1
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x1 slots 1
PCI slots 0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x4 slots 1
PCIe x8 slots 0

The Colorful CVN X870 Ark Frozen V14 motherboard features a variety of expansion slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for the latest graphics and high-performance cards. It also has one PCIe x4 slot and one PCIe x1 slot for additional expansion cards. However, it does not include PCIe 4.0 or PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, nor does it support PCI or PCIe 2.0 slots.

Audio:

Signal-to-Noise ratio (DAC) 120 dB
audio channels 7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port
audio connectors 5

The Colorful CVN X870 Ark Frozen V14 motherboard delivers high-quality audio with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio (DAC) and support for 7.1 audio channels. It includes five audio connectors for flexible setups and features an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output, ensuring superior sound performance for both gaming and media consumption.

Storage:

Supports RAID 1
Supports RAID 10 (1+0)
Supports RAID 5
Supports RAID 0
Supports RAID 0+1

The Colorful CVN X870 Ark Frozen V14 motherboard offers robust storage options with support for several RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 10, RAID 5, and RAID 0, allowing users to choose the best balance of performance and data redundancy. However, it does not support RAID 0+1, limiting some options for mirrored and striped arrays.

Final Verdict

The motherboard stands out with its advanced support for PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 7, making it an excellent choice for high-performance users such as gamers and content creators who demand cutting-edge connectivity and expansion capabilities. Its ability to support various RAID configurations, including RAID 10, adds versatility for those needing reliable data management. While it lacks integrated graphics and dual BIOS, its strengths in speed, connectivity, and customization make it a solid option for demanding builds.

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