MSI B550-A PRO ATX DDR4
The MSI B550-A PRO motherboard is built for AMD AM4 processors and supports DDR4 RAM, offering a maximum memory capacity of 128GB. It features PCIe 4.0 support, extensive connectivity options including USB 3.2 Gen 2 and multiple display outputs, making it a versatile choice for a high-performance PC build.
Popularity: Medium
Specifications:
Model: MSI B550-A PRO ATX DDR4
Chipset: AMD B550
Form Factor: 12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm ), ATX Form Factor
CPU Compatibility: AMD AM4 Socket 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Processors
Memory Support: 4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4 4400(O.C)/4133(O.C.)/4000(O.C.)/3866(O.C.)/3600(O.C.)/3466(O.C.)/3200/3000/2800/2666/2400/2133 MHz Un-buffered Memory
Maximum Memory Capacity: 128GB
Memory Speed: DDR4 4400(O.C)/4133(O.C.)/4000(O.C.)/3866(O.C.)/3600(O.C.)/3466(O.C.)/3200/3000/2800/2666/2400/2133 MHz
Memory Features: OptiMem II, Dual Channel Memory Architecture, ECC Memory (ECC mode) support varies by CPU.
RAM Slots: 4.0
Graphics Output: 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x HDMI 2.1(4K@60HZ), Integrated Graphics Processor, Multi-GPU Support
Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode), 3 x PCIe 3.0 x1, 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x16 mode)
Storage Options: Total supports 2 x M.2 slot(s) and 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports, Support Raid 0, 1, 10
Ethernet: Intel® I225-V 2.5Gb Ethernet, ASUS LANGuard
Wireless Bluetooth: 2x2 Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) support, Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX200, Bluetooth v5.1
USB Ports (Rear): 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port(s)(4 x Type-A), 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port(s), 2 x USB 2.0 port(s)
USB Ports (Front): 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 port(s)(1 x Type-A +1 x USB Type-C®)
Audio: ROG SupremeFX7.1-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC S1220A, Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback
Back Panel I/O Ports: 1 x BIOS FlashBack™ Button(s), 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (1 x Type-A+1 x USB Type-C®), 1 x Intel® I225-V 2.5Gb Ethernet, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Optical S/PDIF out, 5 x Audio jack(s)
Internal I/O Connectors: 1 x M.2 Socket 1, 1 x M.2 Socket 2, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1(up to 5Gbps), 1 x Thunderbolt header(s), 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s), 1 x AAFP connector, 1 x Thermal sensor connector(s), 1 x CPU Fan connector(s), 1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s), 3 x Chassis Fan connector(s), 1 x AIO_PUMP connector, 2 x Aura RGB Strip Header(s), 1 x Addressable Gen 2 header(s), 2 x USB 2.0 connector(s)
Cooling Headers: 1 x CPU Fan connector(s), 1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s), 3 x Chassis Fan connector(s), 1 x AIO_PUMP connector
Power Connectors: 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s), 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s), 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
BIOS: 256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS
Manufacturer Page: Link
Review
The MSI B550-A PRO motherboard emerges as an enticing option for builders who seek a blend of efficiency, performance, and affordability. As a member of MSI's B550 family, this board caters to both budget-conscious users and professional-grade performance seekers by integrating a collection of modern features without breaking the bank.
Design and Build Quality
Adopting a clean and functional monochrome design, the MSI B550-A PRO maintains a premium look while emphasizing utility and performance. As an ATX form factor motherboard, it provides ample room for various components and cooling solutions, making it an ideal choice for versatile PC builds AnandTech.
Features and Specifications
- Socket & Chipset: The board supports AMD AM4 Socket processors, including the latest 3rd Gen Ryzen CPUs, and is based on the AMD B550 chipset.
- Memory Support: With four DIMM slots, the motherboard can accommodate up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM, with speed support up to 4400MHz (OC). This flexibility ensures robust performance for intensive applications and multitasking.
- Expansion Capabilities: Featuring a dual PCIe 4.0 x16 slot configuration and additional PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, the B550-A PRO is well-equipped to handle multiple GPUs and other expansion cards.
- Storage Options: Users benefit from two M.2 slots, one operating at PCIe 4.0 speeds, and six SATA ports, enabling extensive storage configurations for gamers and content creators.
- Connectivity: The motherboard supports USB 3.2 Gen 2, Type-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort video outputs, facilitating a comprehensive range of connectivity options.
- Ethernet and Audio: Realtek RTL811H Gigabit Ethernet and ALC892 HD Audio ensure adequate networking and sound capabilities, although these might be less appealing to audiophiles and high-end users seeking premium options AnandTech.
User Experience and Performance
Having been in use for a year by some, the MSI B550-A PRO is praised for its stability and performance. One user's experience indicates that despite some minor BIOS update hurdles, which required perseverance with different USB drives, the motherboard consistently delivered reliable performance. The XMP profile adjustments were minor, resolving RAM speed issues easily LDLC Review.
Value Proposition
At a price point of $109.99, the MSI B550-A PRO captures attention by offering features typically found in more costly models. It supports PCIe 4.0, a leap from previous generations like the B450. This incorporation of modern technology for a modest investment portrays a compelling argument for its worth against competitors and past-price entries AnandTech.
Final Verdict
The MSI B550-A PRO motherboard stands out as a strategic choice for builders prioritizing both functionality and economy. It presents a robust foundation for gaming rigs or professional workstations seeking to harness the power of AMD's latest processors, all within a keenly competitive price bracket.