MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi Motherboard vs MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming Motherboard

Performance and Processor Support

The MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi supports the latest AMD Ryzen 9000 series processors, while the MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming is limited to 3rd Gen Ryzen and Ryzen 4000 G-Series processors. This means the PRO B850M-A WiFi is designed for higher performance with newer CPUs on the AM5 platform, compared to the older AM4 platform of the A520M-A PRO Gaming.

Specifically, the PRO B850M-A WiFi employs a Direct 8-phase CPU power design with 60A Smart Power Stages, optimized for the AMD B850 chipset, enabling it to handle the demands of Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 processors. In contrast, the A520M-A PRO Gaming supports 3rd Gen Ryzen desktop CPUs and AMD Ryzen 4000 G-Series processors, without the advanced power delivery of the newer board. This makes the PRO B850M-A WiFi a better choice for users seeking the latest AMD architecture and greater upgrade potential.

Memory and Expansion Slots

The MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi motherboard supports DDR5 memory with speeds over 8200 MT/s on 4 DIMM slots, while the MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming supports DDR4 memory up to 4600 MHz (OC) on its slots. This reflects a generational gap where the PRO B850M-A WiFi offers faster memory technology that can improve system responsiveness and multitasking.

Additionally, the PRO B850M-A WiFi features a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with Steel Armor for graphics cards, supporting 128GB/s bandwidth, whereas the A520M-A PRO Gaming does not specify PCIe 5.0 support. The newer PCIe 5.0 slot on the PRO B850M-A WiFi ensures compatibility with cutting-edge GPUs and future expansion, while the A520M-A PRO Gaming's PCIe Gen3 slots are more limited in bandwidth. Overall, the PRO B850M-A WiFi provides a more modern and high-performance memory and expansion setup.

Storage Options and M.2 Connectivity

Storage capabilities differ significantly between these two motherboards. The MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi offers two M.2 slots: one M.2 Gen5 x4 slot with a 128Gbps bandwidth and one M.2 Gen4 x4 slot with a 64Gbps bandwidth. This provides users with ultra-fast NVMe SSD options and flexibility for multiple drives.

By contrast, the MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming supports a single Turbo M.2 slot running at PCIe Gen3 x4 speeds, which is considerably slower than the Gen5 and Gen4 options on the PRO B850M-A WiFi. The PRO B850M-A WiFi also includes EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II technology to help prevent thermal throttling, enhancing sustained performance for high-speed SSDs. For users prioritizing fast and versatile storage, the PRO B850M-A WiFi is clearly superior.

Cooling and Thermal Management

The MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi motherboard features advanced cooling solutions, including 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads, extra choke thermal pads, and an extended heatsink. It also incorporates a chipset heatsink, EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II, and a combo fan header for pump and system fans, all designed to maintain optimal temperatures.

In contrast, the MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming motherboard does not specify any dedicated cooling features beyond standard design. The enhanced cooling of the PRO B850M-A WiFi is particularly important when running high-performance Ryzen 9000 series processors and fast DDR5 memory, which can generate more heat. This means the PRO B850M-A WiFi is better suited for sustained heavy workloads and overclocking scenarios.

Connectivity and Networking

Connectivity is another area where the two boards differ markedly. The MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi includes the latest Wi-Fi 7 module with Bluetooth 5.4 and a 5Gbps LAN port, providing cutting-edge wireless and wired networking options. It also offers rear USB ports including a USB 10Gbps Type-C connector.

Meanwhile, the MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming motherboard does not list Wi-Fi or Bluetooth support, and its networking capabilities are limited to standard Gigabit Ethernet. The absence of advanced wireless technology and slower LAN means the A520M-A PRO Gaming is less equipped for high-speed internet connectivity and wireless peripherals. For users who require fast and versatile networking, the PRO B850M-A WiFi is the clear choice.

Audio and Software Features

Both motherboards include features aimed at enhancing audio quality. The PRO B850M-A WiFi provides 7.1 HD Audio with Audio Boost, while the A520M-A PRO Gaming offers Audio Boost as well, which suggests studio-grade sound quality.

On the software side, the A520M-A PRO Gaming highlights the Dragon Center software, which integrates MSI’s exclusive tools with a user-friendly interface. The PRO B850M-A WiFi’s software features are not detailed but likely include MSI’s standard utilities. While both provide solid audio experiences, the A520M-A PRO Gaming emphasizes user-friendly software management, which may appeal to beginners.

Price and Value

Price-wise, the MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi is listed at C$224.99, more than double the MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming’s C$99.99. This reflects the significant difference in features, with the PRO B850M-A WiFi offering support for the latest processors, DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, advanced cooling, and faster networking.

For users on a tight budget or building a basic gaming or productivity PC with older Ryzen CPUs, the A520M-A PRO Gaming provides good value. However, for those wanting future-proofing and cutting-edge technology, the higher price of the PRO B850M-A WiFi is justified by its superior specs.

Which should you buy?

Choose the MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi motherboard if you want support for the latest AMD Ryzen 9000 processors, DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 expansion, advanced cooling, and modern connectivity like Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps LAN. Its C$224.99 price reflects these high-end features, making it ideal for users seeking future-proofing and top-tier performance.

Opt for the MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming motherboard if you need a budget-friendly option at C$99.99 that supports older 3rd Gen Ryzen or Ryzen 4000 G-Series CPUs and DDR4 memory. It is suitable for basic gaming builds or users not requiring the latest tech. However, it lacks modern expansion slots, advanced cooling, and high-speed connectivity found on the PRO B850M-A WiFi. Your choice depends on your processor generation and performance needs balanced against your budget.