The MSI A520M PRO is an affordable micro-ATX motherboard designed to meet the needs of entry-level and mid-range users. With support for the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors, it strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, making it a perfect choice for budget gaming builds, home office use, or general computing.
At Php 3,500 (around $61), this motherboard offers a range of essential features that are more than enough for most casual users.
Key Features and Specifications
- Socket: AMD Socket AM4
- Chipset: AMD A520
- Memory Channels: Dual-channel
- DIMM Slots: 2 slots supporting up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM
- PCI-E Slots:
- 1 PCI-E x16 Gen3 slot (for discrete graphics cards)
- 2 PCI-E x1 slots (for expansion cards)
- Storage: 4 SATAIII ports for HDDs/SSDs
- 1 M.2 slot (supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA)
- RAID: Supports RAID 0, 1, and 10 for SATA devices
- USB Ports: Front: 2 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, 4 USB 2.0 ports
- Rear: 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports
- Audio: Realtek® ALC892/ALC897 codec supporting 7.1-channel audio
- Video Outputs: 1 VGA port, 1 HDMI 2.1 port (supports 4K @ 60Hz), 1 DisplayPort 1.4 (supports 4K @ 60Hz)
- CPU Support: Compatible with AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000G, 3000 Series, and Athlon processors
- Form Factor: Micro-ATX (M-ATX)
Compatibility and Performance
CPU Compatibility
The MSI A520M PRO supports a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors, including the latest 5000 series as well as the 4000G and 3000 series. This makes it an excellent choice for users looking to build a system around a modern AMD processor without the need for overclocking.
The lack of overclocking support keeps the motherboard affordable, yet highly capable for casual gaming and productivity.
Memory Compatibility
This board supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM across its two DIMM slots, running in dual-channel mode. While it doesn’t support memory overclocking due to the A520 chipset, you can still reach decent memory speeds of up to 3200 MHz, which is more than enough for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
Graphics Compatibility
For those looking to build a gaming PC, the PCI-E x16 Gen3 slot allows for the installation of a discrete graphics card. Paired with a mid-range GPU like an NVIDIA GTX 1660 or an AMD RX 6600, this board can handle 1080p gaming without breaking the bank.
If you’re using a Ryzen APU with integrated graphics, the VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort outputs offer flexible display options.
Storage
The MSI A520M PRO provides solid storage options with 4 SATAIII ports for traditional hard drives and SSDs, along with one M.2 slot that supports both PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA SSDs. This gives users the flexibility to choose between high-speed NVMe SSDs or more affordable SATA drives.
Expansion and Connectivity
This board offers reasonable expansion capabilities with 2 PCI-E x1 slots, allowing users to add peripherals like Wi-Fi adapters, sound cards, or additional USB hubs. The USB connectivity is also quite robust, with 6 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports in total and 6 USB 2.0 ports, ensuring that you’ll have plenty of connectivity for all your peripherals.
Networking and Audio
The board features Gigabit Ethernet (Realtek® RTL8111H), providing stable and fast internet connectivity. For audio, the Realtek ALC892/ALC897 codec supports 7.1-channel high-definition audio, which is more than adequate for gaming and media consumption.
Power, Cooling, and Overclocking
Power
Since the A520 chipset doesn’t support CPU overclocking, the MSI A520M PRO is built for users who want reliable, stock performance. The board has a basic power delivery system, making it suitable for Ryzen processors that are running at stock speeds, but it may struggle with high-performance or power-hungry CPUs under sustained load.
Cooling
In terms of cooling, there are basic fan headers available, including one CPU fan header and one system fan header. This should be enough for most users relying on stock coolers or standard air cooling setups, but enthusiasts looking to push their system harder will need a motherboard with more extensive cooling options.
Pricing and Where to Buy
The MSI A520M PRO is priced at Php 3,500 (roughly $61), making it a very affordable option for users looking to build a system on a budget. This price point is competitive, especially considering the board’s support for Ryzen 5000 series processors and PCIe 3.0 technology.
This motherboard is not available in the Philippines. It is marketed outside the Philippines.
Video: MSI A520M Pro Overview
The MSI A520M Pro is a solid, budget-friendly choice for building your next Ryzen PC! It’s packed with essentials like two DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 64GB of RAM, an M.2 slot for super-fast NVMe SSDs, and four SATA ports for extra storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable: At ₱3,500 (~$61), it offers excellent value for an entry-level to mid-range build.
- Ryzen 5000 support: Future-proof with support for the latest AMD processors.
- Good USB connectivity: 6 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports for modern peripherals.
- Multiple display options: HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort for flexible monitor setups.
- Decent memory support: Up to 64GB of DDR4 at 3200 MHz.
Cons
- No overclocking: A520 chipset limits CPU and RAM overclocking.
- Only one M.2 slot: Limits NVMe SSD expansion.
- Basic power delivery: May not handle heavy loads or high-end Ryzen CPUs well.
- No built-in Wi-Fi: Requires a separate Wi-Fi card or adapter for wireless connectivity.
Who Should Buy the MSI A520M PRO?
The MSI A520M PRO is an ideal motherboard for users building a budget-friendly PC for everyday tasks, casual gaming, and home office work. It’s perfect for first-time builders who don’t need overclocking or high-end features but still want a motherboard that can support a modern AMD Ryzen CPU and provide solid performance for years to come.
Final Verdict
For Php 3,500 (~$61), the MSI A520M PRO delivers excellent value for those looking to build an entry-level or mid-range PC. While it lacks advanced features like overclocking and extensive storage options, it more than makes up for it with Ryzen 5000 support, good connectivity, and solid performance for the price.
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a capable, modern PC, the MSI A520M PRO is an excellent choice.
