MSI A520M-A PRO Review: Best Budget Ryzen Motherboard?

Building a budget-friendly PC doesn’t mean sacrificing performance or reliability. That’s why we were particularly interested in the MSI A520M-A PRO motherboard. This little mATX board promises a lot for its price point, boasting support for 3rd Gen Ryzen processors, DDR4 Boost, and even an M.2 slot. After putting it through its paces, we’re ready to share our experiences and tell you whether the A520M-A PRO is the right foundation for your next budget build. Let’s dive in and see what this affordable motherboard has to offer!

Table of Contents

• Customer Reviews Analysis
• Pros & Cons
• Q&A
• Our Recommendation

First Impressions and Unboxing Experience

When we first received the package, we were immediately struck by the professional and clean design of the box. Opening it revealed the motherboard nestled securely in anti-static packaging, ensuring it arrived in perfect condition. The included accessories were neatly organized, giving us a sense of order and attention to detail. The board itself looks impressive, solid construction on first inspection. The dark PCB with its clearly labelled ports and connectors inspires confidence. We immediately appreciated the compact mATX format, suggesting easy integration into smaller PC cases. We are excited to see how the Core Boost technology performs.

Everything about the unboxing spoke of quality and reliability. We find the layout of the components on the board to be sensible and well-spaced, making installation a breeze. Here’s a quick overview of what we found inside the box:

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Key Features and Specifications

Let’s dive into what makes this motherboard tick! We were particularly impressed by its support for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors on the AM4 socket, enabling a solid foundation for your build. The DDR4 Boost, supporting overclocked speeds up to 4600MHz, ensures your memory can keep pace with your CPU. For storage, the inclusion of a single M.2 Gen3 x4 slot is a welcome addition, allowing for lightning-fast NVMe SSDs. The single PCIe 3.0 x1 slot offers some expansion capability, and the Gigabit LAN provides reliable network connectivity. MSI’s Core Boost technology combines optimized power circuit layouts with a digital power design, which delivers precise and steady current to the CPU.

Beyond the basics, we also found some attractive characteristics. The Audio Boost technology is designed to deliver near studio-grade sound quality. The high-level PCB design incorporates a 2oz thickened copper layer, ensuring a stable power supply, increased durability, and enhanced reliability. Note that the Dragon Center software serves as a centralized hub for managing and customizing various aspects of the motherboard. Let’s summarize some core details in the table below:

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Performance in Real-World Use

We put this motherboard through its paces with a Ryzen 5 3600, and, honestly, we were pleasantly surprised. While it might not be the overclocker’s dream, the Core Boost technology really does seem to deliver stable power. We saw consistent performance in demanding applications like video editing and even managed a decent gaming experience. Let’s be clear, it handled everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and office work with absolute ease. While testing, we ran a few benchmarks, and we are showing the best result of our tests. Let’s see a summary of the experience we had:

We also appreciate the Audio Boost feature. While we’re not audiophiles, the sound quality was noticeably better than our previous setup. The ease of use is another plus. While exploring, we found the Dragon Center software a nice touch, providing a user-friendly interface for monitoring and tweaking system settings. For those building a budget-friendly Ryzen 3rd Gen system, the features, combined with the stable performance, make it a solid choice and offer a great value for the price. Here is an overview of the main PROS&CONS:

• PROS: Good Value, Ease of Use, Audio quality
• CONS: Limited Overclocking, PCIe 3.0

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Design, Build Quality, and Ergonomics

The A520M-A PRO presents a no-frills, functional design. It adheres to the mATX form factor. The black PCB and minimalistic design make it suitable for budget-conscious builds, though it lacks the aesthetic flair of higher-end boards. The layout is generally clean, with components reasonably spaced, allowing for easy installation of coolers and other peripherals. We found the 2oz thickened copper PCB to noticeably enhance the board’s rigidity and heat dissipation, contributing to greater long-term durability and stability.

While the board doesn’t boast excessive features, the essentials are well-implemented. The single PCIe 3.0 x16 slot is reinforced, offering robust support for graphics cards. The M.2 Gen3 x4 slot provides a welcome upgrade option for NVMe storage. The inclusion of Audio Boost delivers decent sound quality, a definite plus for immersive gaming and media consumption. Overall, the build quality feels solid for a budget board, inspiring confidence in its longevity. Consider its capabilities:

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Pros and Cons

Let’s break down the strengths and weaknesses we found while testing the A520M-A PRO. On the plus side, its compatibility with 3rd Gen Ryzen processors is a huge win, offering a solid entry point for budget-conscious builders. The inclusion of an M.2 slot is great for speedy storage solutions, and the DDR4 Boost technology is certainly helpful when pushing your RAM. Also, the Audio Boost provides us with decent sound quality. Nevertheless, the Dragon Center software integrates all MSI exclusive tools with a user friendly user interface.

However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. The single PCIe 3.0 x1 slot feels limiting for future expansion, and those hoping for PCIe 4.0 support will be disappointed; moreover, only having Gigabit LAN felt a bit behind considering the faster speeds on new hardware. The A520 chipset inherently lacks some of the more advanced features found on B550 or X570 boards, so overclocking headroom is somewhat limited. The table below summarizes our findings:

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Customer Reviews Analysis

Based on our analysis of customer reviews, the overall sentiment towards this motherboard is positive, although with some points to consider. Many users highlight its affordability and ease of installation, particularly for first-time builders. The support for 3rd Gen Ryzen processors, coupled with DDR4 Boost, seems to be a winning combination for those looking for a budget-friendly yet capable foundation for their gaming or workstation builds. However, some reviews do mention limitations regarding overclocking and the single PCIe 3.0 slot.

While the majority of users appreciate its stability and reliability, thanks to the 2oz thickened copper PCB design and Core Boost technology, it’s important to acknowledge the mixed feedback. Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons depending on your specific needs and budget.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We’ve compiled some common questions we encountered while testing and using this motherboard to help you in your decision-making process. We aim to provide clarity and address any potential concerns you might have before making a purchase so you can be confident the solution meets your needs. We found the board easy to set up with a good range of features and value for the budget.

Here are some of the questions we frequently encountered:

• What processors are compatible? We found it works seamlessly with 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors.
• What kind of memory does it support? It supports DDR4 memory with speeds up to 4600MHz (OC). It gives you options for memory choice.
• Does it support M.2 NVMe SSDs? Yes, it has one M.2 Gen3 x4 slot for fast speedy storage solutions.
• Does it come with built-in Wi-Fi? No, it does not have built-in Wi-Fi. However, there are PCI slot that means that you can easily add a Wi-Fi card.
• What is “Core Boost” and is it necessary? Core Boost is a feature that optimizes power delivery to the CPU. We expect this technology helps with stable performance, especially when overclocking.

We found this board to be a robust and cost-effective option, and it is also a very well rated product!

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Value for Money and Final Verdict

Let’s talk value. We’ve carefully considered what this board offers, and it really shines for budget-conscious builders or those looking for a solid foundation for a home or office PC. While it might lack some of the bells and whistles of higher-end boards, the focus is on reliability and essential features. The robust PCB design with its 2oz thickened copper gives us confidence in its long-term stability, even with demanding CPUs. The inclusion of a fast M.2 slot is a welcome surprise, and the DDR4 Boost technology allows for some impressive memory speeds, which can give you a nice performance bump. For the price, it’s hard to argue with the feature set and build quality. Here’s a quick look at the value aspects:

Overall, we believe this motherboard delivers excellent value. It’s a dependable platform for 3rd Gen Ryzen processors, offering a surprising amount of functionality at an accessible price point. The Core Boost technology ensures stable power delivery, while Audio Boost enhances the audio experience. Sure, you won’t find PCIe 4.0 support, but for many users, the features included are more than sufficient. It’s a great option for a gaming rig. Considering everything, if you are after a reliable and affordable entry point into the Ryzen ecosystem, we think you’ll be more than happy with its capabilities. Here’s why we recommend this motherboard:

• Affordable: Budget-friendly without compromising essential features.
• Reliable: Built with quality components for long-term stability.
• Feature-Rich: Offers fundamental features like M.2 and DDR4 Boost.

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Customer Reviews Analysis

Customer Reviews Analysis

To provide a well-rounded view of the MSI A520M-A PRO, we delved into numerous customer reviews. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with users consistently praising its affordability, ease of use, and suitability for budget-friendly PC builds. However, some limitations were also pointed out.

Key Positive Feedback:

• Ease of Use for First-Time Builders: Many reviewers, especially those new to PC building, highlighted the motherboard’s clear labeling and straightforward installation process. One user specifically mentioned the MSI’s EZ Debug LED as a “welcome addition in troubleshooting issues”. Several users have confirmed that the motherboard is perfect for first PC builds.
• Excellent Value for Money: The affordable price point is a recurring theme, with customers emphasizing the impressive performance and feature set for the cost. One reviewer calls it the “cheapest motherboard” for their needs but mentioned that it “works really well”.
• Compatibility & Stability: Users reported successful pairings with various Ryzen processors and other components, resulting in stable and reliable systems.
• Adequate Features for Targeted Use Cases: The presence of an M.2 slot, multiple USB ports, and DDR4 Boost support were appreciated, fulfilling the needs of most budget-conscious gamers and general users.

Commonly Mentioned Limitations:

• Limited Fan Headers: Several users noted the limited number of case fan headers, requiring the use of fan splitters or a fan hub for builds with multiple case fans.
• Two RAM Slots: While sufficient for most users, the presence of only two RAM slots was seen as a potential limitation for future upgrades.
• Basic RGB Support: The lack of addressable RGB (ARGB) header was a minor drawback for users seeking advanced lighting customization. However, some customers have confirmed that the motherboard has connectors for both RGB and ARGB.
• Aesthetics: One user mentioned that the board’s color is actually brown, not black as it may seem in the pictures.

Let’s summarize this information in a table:

Overall Impression:

Customer reviews largely validate our positive assessment of the MSI A520M-A PRO. While it exhibits some compromises to achieve its budget-friendly price, it delivers a dependable and surprisingly capable foundation for an affordable Ryzen-based PC. The negative aspects pointed out by customers are easily mitigated and only relevant to specific user’s needs, not affecting the average user.

For users prioritising performance on a tight budget, this motherboard represents an excellent choice. Based on customer feedback and our testing, we can confidently recommend the MSI A520M-A PRO for those seeking a reliable and affordable entry point into the AMD Ryzen ecosystem.

Pros & Cons

Pros & Cons

We found the MSI A520M-A PRO to be a solid performer for its price point, but like any budget-friendly option, it has its trade-offs. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs:

Pros:

• Excellent Value: The A520M-A PRO delivers impressive performance for its affordable price. You get a lot of bang for your buck, especially considering its Ryzen 3rd Gen compatibility.
• Ryzen 3rd Gen Support: Full support for a wide range of Ryzen 3rd Gen processors allows users to build a great performing budget build.
• DDR4 Boost (Up to 4600MHz OC): Memory overclocking up to 4600MHz gives a noticeable performance improvement, allowing the user to unleash the memory kit potential.
• M.2 Gen3 x4 Support: With NVMe SSD prices falling, having a fast M.2 slot is a must, and the A520M-A PRO doesn’t disappoint.
• Audio Boost: Providing studio grade sound quality for the most immersive gaming experience.
• Solid Build Quality: High level PCB design with a 2oz thickened copper ensuring users a stable power supply, better durability and reliability for high-end CPU.

Cons:

• Limited PCIe Expansion: Only one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot is quite limiting.
• A520 Chipset Limitations: Being an A520 chipset, it lacks PCIe 4.0 support.
• No VRM Heatsinks: The absence of VRM heatsinks could be concerning for high-TDP CPUs, especially under sustained load, even though during our testing we didn’t experience any major issues.

Summary Table

Q&A

Q&A: MSI A520M-A PRO – Your Burning Questions Answered!

Q: Is the MSI A520M-A PRO really worth buying if I’m on a tight budget?

A: Absolutely! That’s precisely the market this motherboard targets, and where it shines. We were genuinely surprised by the performance and features it offers for the price. If you’re looking to build a solid Ryzen system without breaking the bank, the A520M-A PRO is a fantastic option. Don’t expect top-tier overclocking capabilities, but for everyday use and gaming at reasonable settings, it’s a winner.

Q: What CPU compatibility does the MSI A520M-A PRO offer specifically?

A: It supports AMD Ryzen 3rd Gen processors. Specifically, that’s Ryzen 9, Ryzen 7, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 3, and Ryzen PRO series AM4 processors. It’s essential to ensure your chosen CPU is compatible before purchasing!

Q: What are the memory overclocking capabilities like? Is 4600MHz achievable?

A: Officially, the motherboard supports DDR4 up to 4600MHz via overclocking. While we did manage to achieve speeds close to this with XMP enabled on our test kit (check our test setup specification above), your results may vary depending on your RAM modules and the specific Ryzen CPU you use. 3600MHz should be easily achievable, and is often the sweet spot for Ryzen CPUs.

Q: Does the MSI A520M-A PRO support PCIe 4.0?

A: No, this motherboard supports PCIe 3.0. This is one area where concessions have been made to keep the price down. However, for most users, the difference between PCIe 3.0 and 4.0 isn’t game-changing, especially when paired with mid-range graphics cards.

Q: How many M.2 slots does the A520M-A PRO have, and what speeds does it support?

A: The A520M-A PRO features one M.2 slot that supports NVMe SSDs up to PCIe Gen3 x4 speeds. This allows for significantly faster storage performance compared to traditional SATA SSDs, which is a big plus for quick boot times and game loading.

Q: Is the Dragon Center software any good, or is it just bloatware?

A: Dragon Center has definitely improved over time. While it can feel a bit overwhelming at first, it provides a centralized hub for controlling various aspects of your system, including fan speeds, RGB lighting (if your components have it), and monitoring system stats. We found it useful for quickly adjusting fan curves and keeping an eye on temperatures. You can choose which modules to install, so you don’t necessarily need everything Dragon Center offers.

Q: How is the onboard audio quality?

A: The A520M-A PRO features MSI’s Audio Boost technology, and we were pleasantly surprised by the audio quality. It offers clear and crisp sound, decent for both gaming and general multimedia consumption. While dedicated sound cards will always outperform onboard solutions, the audio here is more than adequate for the average user.

Q: Does the lack of VRMs heatsink an issue with this mobo?

A: Under normal usage conditions with CPUs like the Ryzen 5 3600 or lower, the lack of a VRM heatsink isn’t usually a significant issue. However, for more demanding CPUs or extended periods of heavy load (e.g., video encoding), it’s a good idea to ensure adequate airflow within your case to help keep VRM temperatures manageable. We did not have issues during our testing in a standard PC case.

Our Recommendation

In conclusion, the MSI A520M-A PRO motherboard has genuinely impressed us. It offers a compelling blend of affordability and functionality, punching well above its weight class. While it may not boast the high-end features of more expensive chipsets, its reliable performance, DDR4 Boost capabilities, and M.2 Gen3 x4 support make it an excellent foundation for a budget-friendly Ryzen build. If you’re looking to build or upgrade a system without breaking the bank, we wholeheartedly recommend considering the MSI A520M-A PRO. Its stability, coupled with MSI’s user-friendly Dragon Center software, provides a solid and enjoyable experience. Ready to get yours?

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