MSI A520M-A Pro DDR4 AMD Motherboard

The MSI A520M-A Pro is a Micro-ATX form-factor motherboard built on the AMD A520 chipset, designed to support 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Desktop Processors as well as AMD Ryzen 4000 G-Series Desktop Processors via the AM4 socket. It is part of MSI's PRO series, which emphasises stable, reliable operation for productivity-focused and value-oriented desktop builds. Memory support is handled by two DDR4 DIMM slots that accept up to 64 GB of unbuffered, non-ECC (or ECC in non-ECC mode) memory. JEDEC speeds range from DDR4-1866 through DDR4-3200, while A-XMP overclocking profiles push single-rank configurations to 4600 MHz and dual-rank configurations to 3866 MHz. The board features MSI's DDR4 Boost circuitry to help maintain signal integrity across the memory traces. Storage options include four SATA 6 Gb/s ports and a single M.2 Key-M slot routed from the processor, supporting PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe drives as well as SATA-based M.2 modules in 2242, 2260, and 2280 lengths. RAID 0, 1, and 10 are supported for SATA devices; RAID 0 and 1 for M.2 NVMe devices. For expansion, the board carries one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for a discrete graphics card and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot for additional peripherals. Display output relies on the processor's integrated graphics, delivered through one HDMI 2.1 port (up to 4096×2160 @ 60 Hz) and one DVI-D port (up to 1920×1200 @ 60 Hz). USB connectivity totals four USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Type-A ports on the rear panel from the processor, plus two additional USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports via an internal header, and six USB 2.0 ports (two rear panel, four internal). Networking is provided by a Realtek RTL8111H Gigabit LAN controller. Audio uses a Realtek ALC892/ALC897 codec delivering 7.1-channel High Definition Audio. The PCB incorporates a 2 oz thickened copper layer design, which MSI states improves conductivity and heat dissipation, particularly relevant to power delivery during sustained loads. Fan management is available through MSI's Total Fan Control, supporting up to four temperature targets mapped to the 4-pin CPU fan and 4-pin system fan headers. Key Verified Specifications: - Form Factor: Micro-ATX, 9.3 in × 7.9 in (23.6 cm × 20 cm), 8 mounting holes - Chipset: AMD A520 - CPU Support: 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen; AMD Ryzen 4000 G-Series Desktop - Memory: 2× DDR4 DIMM, max 64 GB; JEDEC up to DDR4-3200; A-XMP OC up to 4600 MHz (1DPC 1R) - Storage: 4× SATA 6 Gb/s; 1× M.2 (Key-M, PCIe 3.0 / SATA, 2242/2260/2280) - Display: 1× HDMI 2.1 (4K@60Hz), 1× DVI-D (1920×1200@60Hz) - USB: 4× USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (rear, processor); 2× USB 3.2 Gen 1 (internal header); 6× USB 2.0 - Audio: Realtek ALC892/ALC897, 7.1-channel HD Audio - LAN: Realtek RTL8111H Gigabit - Warranty: 3 Years