MSI A520M-A Pro Gaming Motherboard

MSI A520M-A Pro Gaming Motherboard

Motherboard • MSI • $ 64.99

Share This Component

Overview

The MSI A520M-A Pro Gaming Motherboard is a budget-friendly foundation for AMD Ryzen builds, offering essential features and reliable performance for gamers and PC enthusiasts. Designed for the AM4 platform, this micro-ATX board supports a wide range of AMD processors, from entry-level Athlon to the latest Ryzen 5000 series, making it a versatile choice for both new builds and upgrades.

Target Audience

This motherboard is ideal for budget-conscious gamers, office users, and first-time PC builders who want a solid platform without breaking the bank. It's also a great option for upgrading an older AM4 system with modern features like M.2 storage and USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity.

Key Features

  • AMD AM4 Socket: Supports AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000, 3000 series and Athlon processors.
  • DDR4 Memory: Two DIMM slots, up to 64GB, with overclocking support up to 4600MHz (OC) for enhanced performance.
  • Storage Options: Includes an M.2 slot for ultra-fast NVMe SSDs and four SATA 6Gb/s ports for traditional drives.
  • Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (Type-A and Type-C), HDMI and DVI outputs for integrated graphics, and Gigabit LAN for stable networking.
  • Form Factor: Micro-ATX size fits in most cases, offering a compact yet expandable layout.

Performance Highlights

With PCIe 3.0 support, the A520M-A Pro delivers ample bandwidth for graphics cards and NVMe SSDs. The board's memory overclocking capability up to 4600MHz ensures snappy system response and improved frame rates in memory-sensitive games. The M.2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 drives, enabling rapid boot times and game loading.

Use Cases

Perfect for building a budget gaming rig with a Ryzen 5 5600 or Ryzen 7 5700X, paired with a mid-range GPU. It also serves well as a home office PC, media center, or entry-level content creation workstation. The DVI and HDMI ports allow for multi-monitor setups using AMD APUs with integrated graphics.

Why Choose MSI A520M-A Pro?

MSI's reputation for quality and durability is evident in this board's solid build, including military-class components and a user-friendly BIOS. The A520 chipset provides all essential features for mainstream users, while the mATX form factor keeps the build compact and cost-effective. Whether you're upgrading or building from scratch, this motherboard offers excellent value.

Key Specifications

Form Factor: mATX
Socket: AM4
Chipset: AMD A520
RAM Type: DDR4
Max. RAM: 64GB
RAM Slots: 2
Connectivity
PCIe 3.0, SATA 6Gb/s,, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 1,, DVI/HDMI

Detailed Parameters

Platform:
AMD
Socket:
AM4
RAM Type:
DDR4
Number of RAM Slots:
2
Maximum RAM/slot:
32
Maximum RAM Capacity in GB:
64
PCI Express Version:
3
Form Factor:
Micro-ATX
Maximum RAM Speed in MHz:
4600

Where to Buy

Pros

  • Supports latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors
  • M.2 slot for high-speed NVMe SSDs
  • Memory overclocking up to 4600MHz
  • Compact mATX form factor fits small cases
  • Affordable price point for budget builds

Cons

  • Only two RAM slots limit future expansion
  • No PCIe 4.0 support (limited to 3.0)
  • Limited USB ports on rear I/O

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the MSI A520M-A Pro support Ryzen 5000 series CPUs?

Yes, the MSI A520M-A Pro motherboard supports AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors (e.g., Ryzen 5 5600, Ryzen 7 5700X) with a BIOS update. It is compatible with all AM4 socket CPUs from the Ryzen 5000, 4000, 3000 series and Athlon.

Can I use two M.2 SSDs on this motherboard?

No, the MSI A520M-A Pro has only one M.2 slot. It supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe SSDs and SATA M.2 drives. For additional storage, you can use the four SATA 6Gb/s ports.

What is the maximum RAM speed supported?

The motherboard supports DDR4 memory up to 4600MHz (OC) when overclocking is enabled. Without overclocking, it runs at standard DDR4 speeds (e.g., 2133MHz to 3200MHz depending on CPU).

Does this motherboard have Wi-Fi built-in?

No, the MSI A520M-A Pro does not have built-in Wi-Fi. It includes a Gigabit LAN port (Realtek RTL8111H) for wired networking. You can add a Wi-Fi card via the PCIe x1 slot or use a USB Wi-Fi adapter.

What are the video outputs available?

The motherboard has both HDMI and DVI-D ports. These are useful when using an AMD APU with integrated graphics (e.g., Ryzen 5 3400G or 5600G) to connect monitors. For discrete GPUs, you'll use the GPU's outputs.

You cannot copy content from this page

Scroll to Top