[Chipset/Socket/Standards]
AMD B550 / AM4 Socket/ MicroATX [OS] Windows 10 64-bit
[CPU]
AMD Socket AM4 for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Processors
[Supported memory]
Number of slots: 4 (maximum 128GB) 4400(O.C)/4266(O.C)/4133(O.C)/4000(O.C)/3866(O.C)/3600(O.C)/3466(O.C.)/3200/3000/2800/2666/2400/2133 MHz, Unbuffered Memory
[Expansion slot]
1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (supports x16 mode)
[Storage]
4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
[Interface]
7x USB 3.2, 2 x USB 2.0, etc.
[External dimensions]
mATX Form Factor 9.6 inch x 9.6 inch (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm)
[Product Appeal & Recommended Points]
●Strong Ryzen Support
Equipped with an AMD AM4 socket, compatible with up to 3rd generation Ryzen (including G-series) CPUs. It also offers flexibility for future CPU upgrades.
●High-Speed Connectivity
Features dual M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 4.0 ×4, allowing you to maximize the performance of NVMe SSDs for high-speed storage.
Additionally, four SATA 6Gb/s ports provide flexible configuration for traditional drives.
●Convenient Expansion Slots
Comes with a PCIe 4.0 ×16 slot, ideal for high-performance graphics cards. Two PCIe 3.0 ×1 slots are also included, making it easy to install small devices and expansion cards.
●Robust Cooling & Power Design
Equipped with VRM and PCH heatsinks to effectively dissipate heat. Fan Xpert 2+ software and hybrid fan headers on the motherboard allow precise fan control.
The "Stack Cool 3+" design with 2 oz copper layers lowers overall board temperature and ensures stability.
●Balanced Stability & Power Efficiency
DIGI+ VRM provides precise voltage control, optimizing real-time power delivery to the CPU for a balance of performance and stability.
EPU (Energy Processing Unit) enables efficient management of overall system power consumption.
●High-Quality Audio
Uses the Realtek ALC887 codec and premium Japanese audio capacitors to deliver high-quality sound. A dedicated audio PCB layer and LED visual effects further enhance the experience.
●Reliable Protection Circuits
Overvoltage Protection (OVP) safeguards the motherboard from abnormal power lines.
Memory slots include resettable fuses for overcurrent protection, addressing accidental contact issues or static electricity.
●Durable I/O Components
Features reinforced PCIe slots "SafeSlot Core," offering greater strength against lateral and vertical stress than standard slots.
Stainless steel I/O back panels improve corrosion resistance approximately threefold, ensuring longevity.
●RGB Support for Custom Builds
Onboard addressable Gen-2 RGB headers support Aura Sync, allowing synchronization with compatible RGB devices for personalized lighting setups.
●User-Friendly BIOS & Tuning Features
UEFI BIOS offers both EZ mode and advanced mode, catering to beginners and advanced users alike.
EZ XMP allows one-click memory optimization to easily enhance memory speed.
●Extensive Durability Testing
ASUS conducts over 8,000 hours of rigorous validation tests to ensure reliability and durability.
●Wide Compatibility
Supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory across four slots, offering flexible memory configurations.
Referring to ASUS’s published Memory QVL (Qualification List) further expands compatible options.
[Summary]
The ASUS PRIME B550M-A is a highly capable motherboard offering excellent cost-performance and essential features. Despite its Micro-ATX form factor, it provides fast M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0), robust power and cooling designs, and reliable protection circuits, making it suitable for gaming, everyday use, and high-performance builds.
ASUS tuning tools (Fan Xpert 2+, EPU, etc.) allow for power-saving, silent operation, and performance optimization. With Aura Sync-compatible RGB headers, you can also create a visually stunning build.
For those planning future Ryzen CPU upgrades while prioritizing reliability, cooling, and expandability, this motherboard is a well-balanced choice.