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MOTHERBOARDS · YOUR NEXT FACE-OFF

MSI A520M-A PRO vs MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Real specs. Clear sources.Exact models · UK & US buying links

Compared products

YOUR FIRST CHOICE

MSI A520M-A PRO

AM4 · Micro-ATX · DDR4 · board-only configuration · MSI global specification

MSI A520M-A PRO motherboard, top view of the exact global model; CPU and memory are not installed
Exact model & source notes

A compact Micro-ATX AM4 motherboard with AMD A520: two DDR4 slots (up to 64 GB, DDR4-4600+ OC), a PCIe 3.0 x16 graphics slot, one M.2 slot and Realtek 1 Gb Ethernet.

Specifications checked 21 Sept 2026.

Amazon links open search results. Check the exact variant, current price and availability with the retailer.

Manufacturer specifications
WHICH SUITS YOU?

Choose the A520M-A PRO for

  • A Micro-ATX board

Choose the MPG B550 GAMING PLUS for

  • An ATX board
  • More stated DIMM slots: 4 vs 2
  • Higher stated maximum listed memory: 128 GB vs 64 GB
Built from verified specifications that differ. Not a rating or a recommendation.
See the 17 verified differences
THE CONTENDER

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

AM4 · ATX · DDR4 · board-only configuration · MSI global specification

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS motherboard, top view of the exact global model; CPU and memory are not installed
Exact model & source notes

An ATX AM4 motherboard with AMD B550: four DDR4 slots rated up to DDR4-4400+ (OC), a PCIe 4.0 x16 graphics slot, two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 x4), six SATA ports and Realtek 1 Gb Ethernet.

Specifications checked 21 Sept 2026.

Amazon links open search results. Check the exact variant, current price and availability with the retailer.

Manufacturer specifications

A520M-A PRO UK & US retailers

UK & US price history: no verified listing yet

MPG B550 GAMING PLUS UK & US retailers

UK & US price history: no verified listing yet

Search links open retailer results, not a matched listing; eBay listings are checked daily. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

THE DIFFERENCES, MADE VISIBLE

Visual facts

Differences first. Select a topic for its graphic, sources and conditions.

How to read this comparison
  • Manufacturer facts for the exact models shown. Not a quality rating or a test result.
  • “Different” means the known values differ, not that one is better.
  • Missing or conflicting evidence is marked and never counts as a difference. Source chips hold each fact’s sources and conditions.
SPECIFICATIONS SIDE BY SIDE7 topics
SELECTED TOPIC
01 / 07

Chipset

Different hardware. A chip name or generation does not quantify real-world performance.

MSI A520M-A PROAMD A520

Manufacturer specification

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUSAMD B550

Manufacturer specification

Explore the full specifications

Plan the complete platform. Check the exact CPU-support list, required BIOS and memory validation before buying. PCIe generations and lane allocations can change with the processor. A socket match or slot count is not a guarantee that every component works together at its highest advertised setting.

WHAT CHANGES BETWEEN THEM?

Key differences

Full specifications ↓

17 verified differences, most decision-relevant first. 7 are also drawn in Visual facts above. Missing information stays separate.

Form factor

In Visual facts
MSI A520M-A PROMicro-ATX; 236 × 200 mm
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUSATX; 305 × 244 mm
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Board dimensions, not retail packaging. Check case mounting positions, clearance and cable routing.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Board dimensions, not retail packaging. Check case mounting positions, clearance and cable routing.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Memory type, slots and limit

In Visual facts
MSI A520M-A PRO2 DDR4 DIMM slots; dual channel; up to 64 GB; up to DDR4-4600+ (OC); A-XMP; non-ECC unbuffered
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS4 DDR4 DIMM slots; dual channel; up to 128 GB; up to DDR4-4400+ (OC); A-XMP; non-ECC unbuffered
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

The overclocked speed is MSI's 1DPC 1R maximum; MSI lists 1DPC 2R up to 3866 MHz. JEDEC speeds run up to DDR4-3200. · Manufacturer specification · CPU, BIOS and validated DIMM population determine supported capacity and speeds. DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

The overclocked speed is MSI's 1DPC 1R maximum; MSI lists 1DPC 2R up to 3866, 2DPC 1R up to 4000 and 2DPC 2R up to 3600 MHz. JEDEC speeds run up to DDR4-3200. · Manufacturer specification · CPU, BIOS and validated DIMM population determine supported capacity and speeds. DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

DIMM slots

In Visual facts
MSI A520M-A PRO2
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS4
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Physical DDR4 module positions, not included modules. Consult the board manual for population order and compatible capacities.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Physical DDR4 module positions, not included modules. Consult the board manual for population order and compatible capacities.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Maximum listed memory

In Visual facts
MSI A520M-A PRO64 GB
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS128 GB
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Manufacturer capacity ceiling for this exact board, not included memory or a performance measurement. CPU, BIOS, DIMM population and the validated-module list determine support. DDR4 slots require DDR4 modules; DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Manufacturer capacity ceiling for this exact board, not included memory or a performance measurement. CPU, BIOS, DIMM population and the validated-module list determine support. DDR4 slots require DDR4 modules; DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Storage interfaces

In Visual facts
MSI A520M-A PRO1 × M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4; M.2 slot also supports SATA; 4 × SATA 6 Gb/s
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS1 × M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4; 1 × M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4; M2_1 also supports SATA; 6 × SATA 6 Gb/s
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

The M.2 slot connects to the CPU. · Manufacturer specification · With Athlon processors with Radeon Vega Graphics the M.2 slot works in SATA mode only. It accepts 2242/2260/2280 drives.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

M2_1 connects to the CPU; M2_2 connects to the B550 chipset. · Manufacturer specification · M2_1 runs at PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 depending on the installed processor. A PCIe SSD in M2_2 disables PCI_E3.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Show 11 more verified differences

Onboard M.2 storage slots

In Visual facts
MSI A520M-A PRO1
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS2
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Onboard M.2 storage positions only. With Athlon processors with Radeon Vega Graphics, MSI lists SATA mode only for M.2. Supported M.2 lengths are 2242/2260/2280; verify the exact processor support list.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Onboard M.2 storage positions only. M.2 generation depends on the CPU. A PCIe SSD installed in M2_2 disables PCI_E3.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Diagnostic indicators

MSI A520M-A PROEZ Debug LED
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS4 EZ Debug LEDs
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · MSI's datasheet lists EZ Debug LED without the LED count; it is not a numeric POST code display.

MSI A520M-A PRO — exact model datasheet
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Status LEDs, not a numeric POST display or an automatic repair guarantee.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

ECC memory operating mode

MSI A520M-A PROECC UDIMM accepted in non-ECC mode
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUSECC UDIMM supported in non-ECC mode
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · ECC modules run in non-ECC mode, so error correction is not active.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · ECC modules run in non-ECC mode, so error correction is not active.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Fan and pump headers

MSI A520M-A PRO1 CPU; 1 system fan header
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS1 CPU; 1 pump; 6 system fan headers
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Counts do not establish connector current limits.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Board headers, not supplied fans or an assertion of current limits.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Processor-dependent display outputs

MSI A520M-A PROHDMI 2.1: up to 4096×2160 at 60 Hz; DVI-D: up to 1920×1200 at 60 Hz
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUSHDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort: up to 4096×2160 at 60 Hz
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Requires a processor with integrated graphics; supported modes depend on the CPU.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Requires integrated CPU graphics; supported modes depend on processor.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Memory population OC limits

MSI A520M-A PRO1DPC 1R: 4600 MHz; 1DPC 2R: 3866 MHz
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS1DPC 1R up to 4400; 1DPC 2R up to 3866; 2DPC 1R up to 4000; 2DPC 2R up to 3600
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

MSI labels these memory speeds in MHz (manufacturer notation); they are the rated data rates. · Manufacturer specification · Manufacturer A-XMP/OC limits, not guaranteed stability or measured performance. CPU, BIOS and memory-module compatibility apply.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

MSI labels these memory speeds in MHz (manufacturer notation); they are the rated data rates. · Manufacturer specification · Manufacturer OC configurations, not guaranteed kit speed or measured application performance. CPU, BIOS, memory rank and DIMMs per channel determine support.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Primary PCIe link

MSI A520M-A PROx16 slot: CPU PCIe 3.0 up to x16
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUSPCI_E1: PCIe 4.0 x16
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · x16 with Ryzen 5000/5000G/4000G/3000; x8 with Ryzen 3000G; x4 with Athlon with Radeon Graphics processors. Check the CPU support list for the exact processor.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 depending on the installed processor; not a measured graphics performance result.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

SATA storage ports

MSI A520M-A PRO4
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS6
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · SATA 6 Gb/s connectors, not supplied drives or power cables. With Athlon processors with Radeon Vega Graphics, MSI lists SATA mode only for M.2. Supported M.2 lengths are 2242/2260/2280; verify the exact processor support list.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · SATA 6 Gb/s connectors, not supplied drives or power cables. M.2 generation depends on the CPU. A PCIe SSD installed in M2_2 disables PCI_E3.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Front USB header capacity

MSI A520M-A PRO4 USB 2.0; 2 USB 5 Gb/s
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS4 USB 2.0; 2 USB 5 Gb/s Type-A; 1 USB 5 Gb/s Type-C
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Internal-header capacity; requires compatible case ports and wiring. Not rear-panel sockets.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Requires compatible case ports and cabling; not rear sockets.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Rear USB ports

MSI A520M-A PRO2 USB 2.0; 4 USB 5 Gb/s Type-A
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS4 USB 2.0; 2 USB 5 Gb/s Type-A; 1 USB 10 Gb/s Type-A; 1 USB 10 Gb/s Type-C
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · The detailed specification identifies the two rear USB 2.0 ports as Type-A.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Port inventory and interface ratings, not simultaneous measured throughput or charging power.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Configuration & compatibility details (1)

CPU support / BIOS source

MSI A520M-A PROAMD Ryzen 5000 / 5000 G-Series / 4000 G-Series / 3000 / 3000 G-Series
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUSAMD Ryzen 5000 / 3000 Series (except Ryzen 5 3400G and Ryzen 3 3200G) and 4000 G-Series
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Check MSI's exact CPU support list and its required BIOS. Family support does not confirm the firmware installed on a retail board.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Check MSI's exact CPU support list and its required BIOS. Family support does not confirm the firmware installed on a retail board.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

These descriptions or measurements differ. Wording alone does not establish a different capability; check the exact configuration.

Missing or non-comparable evidence (4)

Onboard audio hardware

MSI A520M-A PRORealtek ALC892 or ALC897 codec; 7.1-channel
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUSNot verified
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Manufacturer-listed onboard audio hardware, not a measured sound-quality result. Where alternatives are listed, no particular unseen controller revision is promised.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

MSI lists ALC892 or ALC897: its specification gives the codec as 'ALC892/ALC897', meaning a board may ship with either, and does not say which. Both describe Realtek 7.1-channel High Definition Audio with S/PDIF output support. · Manufacturer specification

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Rear Flash BIOS button

MSI A520M-A PRONot verified
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUSYes
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

MSI's rear-panel list for this board does not mention a Flash BIOS button; check the manual if you need BIOS flashback. · Manufacturer specification

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Button presence only. Recovery procedure and USB preparation require the exact manual.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Expansion/storage lane sharing

MSI A520M-A PRONot verified
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUSA PCIe SSD in M2_2 disables PCI_E3.
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

No source recorded for this side.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Plan storage drives and expansion cards together; this restriction applies to this board's slot wiring.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

NVMe RAID modes

MSI A520M-A PRONot verified
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUSRAID 0/1
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

MSI lists RAID modes for SATA drives only; NVMe RAID support is not stated. · Manufacturer specification

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Requires compatible drives and array configuration; no data protection guarantee.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

3 shared fields have the same recorded value.

WHAT EACH CHOICE ASKS OF YOU

What it brings and what to check

MSI A520M-A PRO

What it brings

  • HDMI 2.1 (up to 4096 × 2160 at 60 Hz) and DVI-D outputs for processors with integrated graphics, plus four rear 5 Gb/s USB ports.
  • Memory rated up to DDR4-4600+ (OC) in a compact 236 × 200 mm board.

What to check

  • Only two DDR4 slots (64 GB), one M.2 slot at PCIe 3.0 x4 (SATA only with Athlon processors), 1 Gb Ethernet and no Wi-Fi.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

What it brings

What to check

  • Only 1 Gb Ethernet and no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and a PCIe SSD in M2_2 disables PCI_E3.
COMPARE THE DETAILS

Full specifications

How we verify
25 of 25 specifications Sources in each row
Source-backed specifications for MSI A520M-A PRO and MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
SpecificationMSI A520M-A PROMSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
CPU socket
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Match the exact CPU and required BIOS as well as the physical socket.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Match the exact CPU and required BIOS as well as the physical socket.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
AM4AM4
ChipsetDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
AMD A520AMD B550
Form factorDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Board dimensions, not retail packaging. Check case mounting positions, clearance and cable routing.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Board dimensions, not retail packaging. Check case mounting positions, clearance and cable routing.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
Micro-ATX; 236 × 200 mmATX; 305 × 244 mm
CPU support / BIOS sourceDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Check MSI's exact CPU support list and its required BIOS. Family support does not confirm the firmware installed on a retail board.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Check MSI's exact CPU support list and its required BIOS. Family support does not confirm the firmware installed on a retail board.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
AMD Ryzen 5000 / 5000 G-Series / 4000 G-Series / 3000 / 3000 G-SeriesAMD Ryzen 5000 / 3000 Series (except Ryzen 5 3400G and Ryzen 3 3200G) and 4000 G-Series
Rear Flash BIOS button
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

MSI's rear-panel list for this board does not mention a Flash BIOS button; check the manual if you need BIOS flashback. · Manufacturer specification

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Button presence only. Recovery procedure and USB preparation require the exact manual.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
Not providedYes
Memory type, slots and limitDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

The overclocked speed is MSI's 1DPC 1R maximum; MSI lists 1DPC 2R up to 3866 MHz. JEDEC speeds run up to DDR4-3200. · Manufacturer specification · CPU, BIOS and validated DIMM population determine supported capacity and speeds. DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

The overclocked speed is MSI's 1DPC 1R maximum; MSI lists 1DPC 2R up to 3866, 2DPC 1R up to 4000 and 2DPC 2R up to 3600 MHz. JEDEC speeds run up to DDR4-3200. · Manufacturer specification · CPU, BIOS and validated DIMM population determine supported capacity and speeds. DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
2 DDR4 DIMM slots; dual channel; up to 64 GB; up to DDR4-4600+ (OC); A-XMP; non-ECC unbuffered4 DDR4 DIMM slots; dual channel; up to 128 GB; up to DDR4-4400+ (OC); A-XMP; non-ECC unbuffered
Maximum listed memoryDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Manufacturer capacity ceiling for this exact board, not included memory or a performance measurement. CPU, BIOS, DIMM population and the validated-module list determine support. DDR4 slots require DDR4 modules; DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Manufacturer capacity ceiling for this exact board, not included memory or a performance measurement. CPU, BIOS, DIMM population and the validated-module list determine support. DDR4 slots require DDR4 modules; DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
64 GB128 GB
DIMM slotsDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Physical DDR4 module positions, not included modules. Consult the board manual for population order and compatible capacities.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Physical DDR4 module positions, not included modules. Consult the board manual for population order and compatible capacities.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
24
Memory population OC limitsDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

MSI labels these memory speeds in MHz (manufacturer notation); they are the rated data rates. · Manufacturer specification · Manufacturer A-XMP/OC limits, not guaranteed stability or measured performance. CPU, BIOS and memory-module compatibility apply.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

MSI labels these memory speeds in MHz (manufacturer notation); they are the rated data rates. · Manufacturer specification · Manufacturer OC configurations, not guaranteed kit speed or measured application performance. CPU, BIOS, memory rank and DIMMs per channel determine support.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
1DPC 1R: 4600 MHz; 1DPC 2R: 3866 MHz1DPC 1R up to 4400; 1DPC 2R up to 3866; 2DPC 1R up to 4000; 2DPC 2R up to 3600
ECC memory operating modeDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · ECC modules run in non-ECC mode, so error correction is not active.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · ECC modules run in non-ECC mode, so error correction is not active.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
ECC UDIMM accepted in non-ECC modeECC UDIMM supported in non-ECC mode
Storage interfacesDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

The M.2 slot connects to the CPU. · Manufacturer specification · With Athlon processors with Radeon Vega Graphics the M.2 slot works in SATA mode only. It accepts 2242/2260/2280 drives.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

M2_1 connects to the CPU; M2_2 connects to the B550 chipset. · Manufacturer specification · M2_1 runs at PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 depending on the installed processor. A PCIe SSD in M2_2 disables PCI_E3.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
1 × M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4; M.2 slot also supports SATA; 4 × SATA 6 Gb/s1 × M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4; 1 × M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4; M2_1 also supports SATA; 6 × SATA 6 Gb/s
Onboard M.2 storage slotsDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Onboard M.2 storage positions only. With Athlon processors with Radeon Vega Graphics, MSI lists SATA mode only for M.2. Supported M.2 lengths are 2242/2260/2280; verify the exact processor support list.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Onboard M.2 storage positions only. M.2 generation depends on the CPU. A PCIe SSD installed in M2_2 disables PCI_E3.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
12
SATA storage portsDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · SATA 6 Gb/s connectors, not supplied drives or power cables. With Athlon processors with Radeon Vega Graphics, MSI lists SATA mode only for M.2. Supported M.2 lengths are 2242/2260/2280; verify the exact processor support list.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · SATA 6 Gb/s connectors, not supplied drives or power cables. M.2 generation depends on the CPU. A PCIe SSD installed in M2_2 disables PCI_E3.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
46
SATA RAID modes
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Requires compatible drives and array configuration; no data protection guarantee.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
RAID 0/1/10RAID 0/1/10
NVMe RAID modes
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

MSI lists RAID modes for SATA drives only; NVMe RAID support is not stated. · Manufacturer specification

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Requires compatible drives and array configuration; no data protection guarantee.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
Not providedRAID 0/1
Primary PCIe linkDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · x16 with Ryzen 5000/5000G/4000G/3000; x8 with Ryzen 3000G; x4 with Athlon with Radeon Graphics processors. Check the CPU support list for the exact processor.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 depending on the installed processor; not a measured graphics performance result.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
x16 slot: CPU PCIe 3.0 up to x16PCI_E1: PCIe 4.0 x16
Secondary expansion linksDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · A PCIe SSD in M2_2 disables PCI_E3.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
1 PCIe 3.0 x1 slot1 long PCIe 3.0 slot wired x4; 2 PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
Expansion/storage lane sharing
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

No source recorded.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Plan storage drives and expansion cards together; this restriction applies to this board's slot wiring.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
Not providedA PCIe SSD in M2_2 disables PCI_E3.
Onboard audio hardware
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Manufacturer-listed onboard audio hardware, not a measured sound-quality result. Where alternatives are listed, no particular unseen controller revision is promised.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

MSI lists ALC892 or ALC897: its specification gives the codec as 'ALC892/ALC897', meaning a board may ship with either, and does not say which. Both describe Realtek 7.1-channel High Definition Audio with S/PDIF output support. · Manufacturer specification

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
Realtek ALC892 or ALC897 codec; 7.1-channelNot listed by the manufacturer
Processor-dependent display outputsDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Requires a processor with integrated graphics; supported modes depend on the CPU.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Requires integrated CPU graphics; supported modes depend on processor.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
HDMI 2.1: up to 4096×2160 at 60 Hz; DVI-D: up to 1920×1200 at 60 HzHDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort: up to 4096×2160 at 60 Hz
Rear USB portsDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · The detailed specification identifies the two rear USB 2.0 ports as Type-A.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Port inventory and interface ratings, not simultaneous measured throughput or charging power.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
2 USB 2.0; 4 USB 5 Gb/s Type-A4 USB 2.0; 2 USB 5 Gb/s Type-A; 1 USB 10 Gb/s Type-A; 1 USB 10 Gb/s Type-C
Front USB header capacityDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Internal-header capacity; requires compatible case ports and wiring. Not rear-panel sockets.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Requires compatible case ports and cabling; not rear sockets.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
4 USB 2.0; 2 USB 5 Gb/s4 USB 2.0; 2 USB 5 Gb/s Type-A; 1 USB 5 Gb/s Type-C
Network interfaces
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Wired Ethernet only; MSI lists no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth hardware for this board.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Wired Ethernet only; MSI lists no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth hardware for this board.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
Realtek 8111H 1 Gb EthernetRealtek 8111H 1 Gb Ethernet
Fan and pump headersDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · Counts do not establish connector current limits.

MSI A520M-A PRO — manufacturer specifications
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Board headers, not supplied fans or an assertion of current limits.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
1 CPU; 1 system fan header1 CPU; 1 pump; 6 system fan headers
Diagnostic indicatorsDifferent
Sources
MSI A520M-A PRO

Manufacturer specification · MSI's datasheet lists EZ Debug LED without the LED count; it is not a numeric POST code display.

MSI A520M-A PRO — exact model datasheet
MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS

Manufacturer specification · Status LEDs, not a numeric POST display or an automatic repair guarantee.

MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS — manufacturer specifications
EZ Debug LED4 EZ Debug LEDs
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MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI

Maximum memory
128 GB
DIMM slots
4 slots
M.2 slots
2 slots
Prices & product profile

Each record represents an explicitly checked model and configuration. Original import: 5 Sept 2026; this is not its verification date. This is not a list of current offers or a popularity ranking.