When building or upgrading a PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two popular budget options for AMD Ryzen processors are the A520M and B450M chipsets. Both offer solid performance but cater to slightly different needs.
In this comparison, we’ll break down the differences between A520M vs B450M in terms of features, performance, compatibility, and value to help you decide which one is best for your build.
1. Overview of A520M and B450M
What is the A520M?
The A520M is a budget-oriented motherboard chipset released by AMD in 2020 as part of the 500-series lineup. It’s designed for users who want a stable, no-frills platform for Ryzen CPUs without overclocking support.
What is the B450M?
2. Key Differences Between A520M and B450M
| Feature | A520M | B450M |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2020 | 2018 |
| CPU Support | Ryzen 3000, 4000G, 5000, 5000G | Ryzen 2000, 3000, 4000G, 5000 (with BIOS update) |
| PCIe Version | PCIe 3.0 (some have PCIe 4.0 for GPU) | PCIe 3.0 |
| Overclocking | No CPU overclocking (limited RAM OC) | Yes (CPU & RAM overclocking) |
| Memory Support | Up to DDR4-4600 (OC) | Up to DDR4-4133 (OC) |
| USB Ports | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) | USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps) |
| NVMe Support | Yes (PCIe 3.0) | Yes (PCIe 3.0) |
| SLI/CrossFire | No | No |
| Price | Slightly cheaper | Slightly more expensive |
3. Detailed Comparison: A520M vs B450M
3.1 CPU Compatibility
- A520M: Supports Ryzen 3000, 4000G (APUs), 5000, and 5000G series out of the box. No support for older Ryzen 1000/2000 CPUs.
- B450M: Supports Ryzen 2000, 3000, 4000G, and 5000 series (with BIOS updates). Some boards even unofficially support Ryzen 5000G APUs.
Winner:
- If you have a Ryzen 5000 CPU, A520M is better.
- If you need support for older Ryzen CPUs, B450M is the choice.
3.2 Overclocking Support
- A520M: No CPU overclocking (AMD locked it). Only RAM overclocking (XMP/DOCP) is allowed.
- B450M: Full CPU and RAM overclocking support, making it better for enthusiasts.
Winner: B450M if you want to overclock.
3.3 PCIe and Storage Support
- PCIe Lanes:
- A520M: Mostly PCIe 3.0, but some boards support PCIe 4.0 for GPU (depends on manufacturer).
- B450M: Only PCIe 3.0 (no PCIe 4.0 support).
- NVMe SSD Support: Both support PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSDs, but A520M may have better future-proofing if PCIe 4.0 is enabled.
Winner: A520M (if PCIe 4.0 is important).
3.4 USB and Connectivity
- A520M:
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
- More modern I/O options
- B450M:
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
- Some boards have more legacy ports
Winner: A520M for better USB support.
3.5 Memory Support
- A520M: Supports higher RAM speeds (up to DDR4-4600 with OC).
- B450M: Typically up to DDR4-4133 (OC).
Winner: A520M for better memory compatibility.
3.6 VRM and Power Delivery
- A520M: Generally has better power delivery due to newer designs.
- B450M: Older boards may have weaker VRMs, but high-end models (like MSI B450 Tomahawk) are solid.
Winner: A520M for better efficiency, but high-end B450M boards can compete.
3.7 Price and Value
- A520M: Usually cheaper, but lacks overclocking.
- B450M: Slightly more expensive, but offers overclocking.
Winner:
- Budget users → A520M
- Overclockers → B450M
4. Which One Should You Choose?
Choose A520M If:
You have a Ryzen 3000/5000 CPU and don’t need overclocking.
You want better RAM speeds and PCIe 4.0 support (on select boards).
You prefer newer USB and connectivity options.
You’re on a tight budget and want a no-frills motherboard.
Choose B450M If:
You want CPU overclocking support.
You have an older Ryzen CPU (2000/3000 series).
You need a proven, reliable motherboard with good VRMs.
You don’t care about PCIe 4.0.
5. Final Verdict: A520M vs B450M
| Aspect | Winner |
|---|---|
| CPU Support | A520M (for Ryzen 5000) |
| Overclocking | B450M |
| PCIe & Storage | A520M (if PCIe 4.0 is available) |
| USB & I/O | A520M |
| Memory Support | A520M |
| Price | A520M (cheaper) |
Best Overall Choice:
- For most users → A520M (newer, better features, good for budget builds).
- For overclockers → B450M (if you need CPU tweaking).
6. Conclusion
Both the A520M and B450M are excellent budget motherboards, but they serve different needs.
- A520M is the better choice if you want a modern, stable platform with support for Ryzen 5000 and faster RAM.
- B450M is ideal if you need overclocking or have an older Ryzen CPU.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your CPU, budget, and whether you plan to overclock.
Which one are you choosing? Let us know in the comments!
