ASRock A520M-HDV Supports AMD AM4 Socket Ryzen™ vs INLAND AMD Ryzen 5 5500 Unlocked Desktop Processor

Overview of ASRock A520M-HDV and INLAND AMD Ryzen 5 5500

The ASRock A520M-HDV and the INLAND AMD Ryzen 5 5500 are both compelling choices for those looking to build or upgrade a desktop PC. The ASRock A520M-HDV motherboard is priced at $68.49, while the INLAND bundle, which includes the Ryzen 5 5500 processor and MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming motherboard, is significantly higher at $179.99. This approximately 163% price difference reflects the inclusion of a processor in the INLAND offering, which positions it as a more complete solution for gamers and power users.

Performance Comparison

When it comes to performance, the INLAND AMD Ryzen 5 5500 stands out with its 6 cores and 12 processing threads, capable of reaching a maximum boost clock of 4.2 GHz. This makes it particularly adept at handling demanding applications and gaming, delivering over 100 FPS in popular titles with the right discrete graphics card. In contrast, the ASRock A520M-HDV motherboard is designed to support various AMD Ryzen processors, including the Ryzen 3000, 4000, and 5000 series, but lacks an integrated CPU, making it reliant on an external processor for performance.

Features and Connectivity

The ASRock A520M-HDV offers a range of features, including support for DDR4 memory up to 4733+ MHz (overclocked) and multiple graphics output options like D-Sub, DVI-D, and HDMI, which supports 4K resolution. However, it is limited by its compatibility, as it does not support certain Ryzen models like the Ryzen 5 3400G and Ryzen 3 3200G. In contrast, the INLAND bundle includes the MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming motherboard, which supports DDR4 memory up to 4600 MHz (overclocked) and offers advanced features like Turbo M.2 for NVMe SSDs, enhancing overall data transfer and gaming performance.

Cooling Solutions

Cooling is a critical aspect of any PC build, and the INLAND Ryzen 5 5500 comes bundled with the AMD Wraith Stealth cooler, designed to keep the CPU temperatures in check during high-load scenarios. This feature is particularly beneficial for users planning to overclock their processors. The ASRock A520M-HDV, while it may support various cooling solutions, does not include a CPU cooler, which means users must purchase one separately, adding to the overall cost of the build.

Build Quality and Reliability

Both the ASRock A520M-HDV and the MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming motherboard included in the INLAND bundle exhibit solid build quality. The MSI board boasts a 2oz thickened copper PCB for improved heat dissipation and reliability, which is crucial during prolonged gaming sessions. The ASRock A520M-HDV does not specify such enhanced features, which could be a consideration for users looking for long-lasting durability in their components.

Gaming Capabilities

For gamers, the INLAND AMD Ryzen 5 5500 is designed to deliver powerful performance in modern titles with its unlocked overclocking capabilities and robust processing power. The MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming motherboard complements this with support for high-speed memory and advanced connectivity options. Meanwhile, the ASRock A520M-HDV can support various Ryzen processors for gaming but lacks the additional performance optimizations found in the INLAND bundle. This makes the INLAND offering more appealing to those focused on gaming performance.

Price Considerations

At $68.49, the ASRock A520M-HDV is significantly less expensive than the INLAND bundle, which retails for $179.99. This price difference of about $111.50 makes the ASRock a potential choice for budget-conscious users who may already have a compatible Ryzen processor. However, the INLAND bundle provides a complete solution that includes both a capable processor and a motherboard optimized for gaming, which may justify its higher price for many users.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the decision between the ASRock A520M-HDV and the INLAND AMD Ryzen 5 5500 comes down to your specific needs. If you're looking for an economical motherboard and already have a compatible AMD processor, the ASRock A520M-HDV is a cost-effective choice. However, if you want a powerful gaming experience with an excellent processor and motherboard combination, the INLAND bundle offers superior performance and features that are well worth the investment for serious gamers and power users.