MSI B520M - A Motherboard

🔌 Core Features

🧠 CPU Support

• Supports AMD Ryzen 3rd, 4000G, and 5000 series processors (with integrated graphics support depending on the CPU).

📏 Chipset & Form Factor

• AMD A520 chipset — reliable platform for basic builds.

• Micro-ATX form factor (approx. 23.6 × 20 cm) — fits most smaller PC cases.

🧠 Memory

• 2 × DDR4 DIMM slots supporting dual-channel memory up to 64 GB total.

• Supports a wide range of DDR4 speeds (including 3200 MHz and higher with XMP/OC modes).

🖥️ Graphics & Display

• 1 × HDMI 2.1 output — supports up to 4K @ 60 Hz on CPUs/APUs with integrated graphics.

• 1 × DVI-D port — supports up to 1920×1200 @ 60 Hz.

Note: Integrated graphics only work with CPUs that include an iGPU (e.g., Ryzen G-series).

💾 Storage & Expansion

• 1 × M.2 slot (Key-M) for NVMe or SATA SSDs (2242/2260/2280).

• 4 × SATA III (6 Gb/s) ports for SSDs/HDDs.

• 1 × PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for discrete GPUs.

• 1 × PCIe 3.0 x1 slot for small expansion cards.

🔗 Connectivity

Network:

• Realtek RTL8111H Gigabit LAN for high-speed wired networking.

USB Ports:

• Rear and internal USB options including USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0.

Audio:

• Integrated Realtek 7.1-channel high-definition audio codec.

💡 Other Features

• Dual-channel memory support for better performance.

• EZ Debug LED / simple troubleshooting features on some revisions.

• TPM header for security module support (varies by region).

• Solid PCB design with good durability for daily use.

📌 Use Case

The MSI A520M-A PRO (often mistakenly labeled as B520M-A) is a budget-friendly motherboard perfect for:

• Everyday desktops and office PCs.

• Home-theater PCs and HTPC builds.

• Entry-level gaming systems with a discrete GPU.

• Builds using Ryzen APUs without a dedicated graphics card.

It doesn’t include advanced features like PCIe 4.0 or high-speed networking, but provides solid performance and essential connectivity for most budget to mid-range builds.