MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming Motherboard vs SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO LGA 1150 Motherboard for

Overview of the MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming Motherboard

The MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming Motherboard is priced at $68.99, making it a competitive option for users looking to build or upgrade their AMD Ryzen systems. This motherboard supports 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen desktop processors and includes features like DDR4 memory support, with speeds up to 4600 MHz (OC). Its Turbo M.2 slot runs at PCI-E Gen3 x4, maximizing performance for NVMe SSDs, while the Audio Boost feature promises studio-grade sound quality. The inclusion of the Dragon Center software enhances user experience by integrating MSI's exclusive tools within a user-friendly interface, appealing to both gamers and professionals.

Overview of the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO Motherboard

The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO Motherboard is available at a higher price of $79.99, positioning it as a more premium option for Intel users. This motherboard is designed for Intel's 4th Gen processors, supporting a range of CPUs from the Core i7 to Celeron series via its LGA 1150 socket. It features dual-channel DDR3 memory support with an impressive maximum capacity of 32GB, accommodating various memory speeds. Additionally, it supports M.2 protocol for NVME and SATA mode switching, making it versatile for different storage needs. Despite lacking a detailed product description, its emphasis on stability with a 4-phase power supply highlights its design for reliability.

Performance Capabilities

The MSI A520M-A PRO excels in performance with its ability to run DDR4 memory at high speeds, which can significantly enhance overall system responsiveness and gaming performance. The Turbo M.2 slot ensures that users benefit from the fastest SSDs available, making it an excellent choice for gamers who require quick load times. On the other hand, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO provides solid performance through its support for dual-channel DDR3 memory, but it does not match the speed capabilities of the A520M-A PRO. Users may notice a performance gap, especially in memory-intensive applications, given the limitations of the DDR3 standard.

Connectivity Options

The MSI A520M-A PRO offers a robust selection of connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen 1, DVI, and HDMI ports, which cover most modern display and peripheral needs. It also includes multiple SATA ports, ensuring ample support for storage devices. Comparatively, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO includes a similar range of ports, such as VGA, DVI, and HDMI, but it is limited to SATA 3.0. Both motherboards support NVME M.2 drives, but the additional features and modern standards present in the MSI A520M-A PRO may give it an edge in contemporary setups.

Build Quality and Design

The MSI A520M-A PRO is recognized for its high-quality assembly and stable functionality, aimed at ensuring longevity and reduced troubleshooting. Its M.2 SHIELD FROZR technology provides thermal protection for SSDs, maintaining high performance even under heavy use. Conversely, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO touts an 8-layer PCB design for durability and effective heat dissipation, contributing to stable bus communication. While both motherboards focus on durability, the MSI motherboard's advanced thermal solution may appeal more to users prioritizing performance under load.

Target Audience

The MSI A520M-A PRO is primarily targeted at gamers and content creators who demand high performance and efficiency from their systems. Its advanced features and support for the latest AMD processors make it ideal for users looking to build a powerful machine. In contrast, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO is geared towards budget-conscious users or those with existing Intel 4th Gen components. Its price point and specifications make it suitable for everyday computing tasks, though it may not meet the demands of high-end gaming or professional workloads.

Pricing Comparison

With the MSI A520M-A PRO priced at $68.99 and the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO at $79.99, the MSI option is about 17% cheaper. This price difference can be significant for users on a budget, especially when considering the performance improvements offered by the A520M-A PRO. While the SHANGZHAOYUAN motherboard has its merits, the cost-to-feature ratio of the MSI model may be more appealing to a broader audience.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming Motherboard and the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO will depend on your specific needs and existing hardware. If you are building a new system or upgrading with AMD Ryzen processors, the MSI A520M-A PRO offers superior performance, modern features, and better value at $68.99. However, if you are looking to utilize an existing Intel 4th Gen processor and prioritize stability over cutting-edge features, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO at $79.99 may still be a viable option.