· motherboards  · 14 min read

Prime B450M-A II: The Best AM4 Motherboard for Budget-Conscious PC Builders

Introducing the Prime B450M-A II motherboard, the perfect choice for budget-conscious PC builders who value quality and affordability. This micro-ATX motherboard supports AMD's latest Ryzen processors, DDR4 memory, and NVMe storage, making it a great option for mainstream gaming and productivity builds.

In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at this best-selling motherboard and highlight its key features and benefits. From its robust construction to its wide range of connectivity options, the Prime B450M-A II has everything you need to build a powerful and reliable PC that fits your budget.

Overview

Prime B450M-A II, where high-fidelity audio meets stability
Your perfect match for mid-range gaming and content creation
Prime B450M-A II, where high-fidelity audio meets stability
GIGABYTE B450M DS3H WIFI: Reliable AM4 mATX Motherboard with High Connectivity
Elevate your computing experience with the feature-packed GIGABYTE B450M DS3H WIFI motherboard.
GIGABYTE B450M DS3H WIFI: Reliable AM4 mATX Motherboard with High Connectivity
Prime B450M-A II Motherboard
Maxed-Out Performance for AM4 Processors
Prime B450M-A II Motherboard
Prime B450M-A II Motherboard and ASUS VA24EHE 23.8” Bundle
Upgrade Your PC Experience with the Prime B450M-A II and ASUS VA24EHE Bundle
Prime B450M-A II Motherboard and ASUS VA24EHE 23.8” Bundle
ASUS Prime B450M-A II
Unleash the power of your AMD Ryzen processor with the Prime B450M-A II motherboard.
ASUS Prime B450M-A II
Prime B450M-A II, where high-fidelity audio meets stability Prime B450M-A II, where high-fidelity audio meets stability

PROS

  • AMD AM4 socket: Ready for Ryzen 5000, 3rd and 2nd Gen Ryzen processors
  • 128GB DDR4, 4400(O.C.) Support: Maximize your memory potential for smooth multitasking and demanding applications
  • Dual M.2 slots and PCIe 3.0 x16: Ultra-fast storage and graphics performance for faster load times and immersive gaming
  • HDMI 2.0b/DVI/D-Sub outputs: Supports a wide range of displays for versatile connectivity
  • USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports: Transfer files and connect peripherals with lightning-fast speed

CONS

  • Only two DIMM slots, limiting RAM expandability
  • Limited expansion slots may restrict future upgrades

Prepare to be impressed by the Prime B450M-A II, a motherboard that strikes an exceptional balance between performance, stability, and value. Its AMD AM4 socket welcomes a wide range of Ryzen processors, making it a versatile choice for mid-range gaming rigs and content creation workstations.

Complementing the powerful processor support is a robust memory architecture. With dual-channel DDR4 slots supporting up to 128GB of memory at blistering speeds of 4400MHz (overclocked), the Prime B450M-A II empowers you with seamless multitasking and the ability to handle demanding applications effortlessly. Moreover, the presence of two M.2 slots and a PCIe 3.0 x16 interface ensures ultra-fast storage and graphics performance. Load times will be significantly reduced, and your gameplay will be smoother than ever before.

Prime B450M-A PRO MAX II: Budget-Friendly Motherboard with Ample Features Prime B450M-A PRO MAX II: Budget-Friendly Motherboard with Ample Features

PROS

  • Supports AMD 5000/4000/3000/2000/1000 Series AM4 Processors
  • Features M.2 slot for fast storage
  • Equipped with SATA 6G ports for additional storage options
  • Includes USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for high-speed data transfer
  • Supports DDR4 memory for enhanced performance
  • Integrated HDMI/DVI ports for versatile display connectivity
  • 2.5Gbps LAN for reliable and fast network connection
  • ATX form factor ensures compatibility with most PC cases

CONS

  • Limited expansion slots (only 1x PCI-Express x16 slot)
  • Lack of built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity
  • Rear panel I/O ports could be more extensive

The Prime B450M-A PRO MAX II motherboard from ASUS is an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders seeking a feature-rich motherboard for their AMD Ryzen-based systems. Despite its affordable price, it boasts an impressive array of features that cater to various computing needs.

The motherboard's primary highlight is its support for AMD's AM4 socket, compatible with a wide range of Ryzen processors from the 1000 series to the latest 5000 series. Additionally, it offers a M.2 slot for installing high-speed NVMe SSDs, significantly enhancing storage performance. Furthermore, its ample SATA 6G ports provide additional storage expansion options, ensuring you won't run out of space for your files and applications.

GIGABYTE B450M DS3H WIFI: Reliable AM4 mATX Motherboard with High Connectivity GIGABYTE B450M DS3H WIFI: Reliable AM4 mATX Motherboard with High Connectivity

PROS

  • Supports latest AMD Ryzen Processors with AM4 socket
  • Features dual-channel DDR4 memory with speeds up to 3600MHz
  • Equipped with M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD slot for ultra-fast storage
  • Supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports for high-speed data transfer
  • Integrated 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless connectivity

CONS

  • Limited number of SATA ports (only 4)
  • Only supports mATX form factor, which restricts expansion options

The GIGABYTE B450M DS3H WIFI motherboard is a mid-range option for budget-conscious builders who seek a reliable and feature-rich AM4 motherboard. It supports the latest AMD Ryzen processors and offers a solid set of features, including dual-channel DDR4 memory, an M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD slot, and multiple USB 3.1 ports.

One of the highlights of this motherboard is its connectivity options. It comes equipped with integrated 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, allowing you to connect to wireless networks and devices seamlessly. Additionally, the presence of both USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports ensures fast data transfer rates for external storage devices and peripherals.

Prime B450M-A II Motherboard Prime B450M-A II Motherboard

PROS

  • Excellent overclocking capabilities
  • Comprehensive connectivity options
  • Durable construction
  • Strong memory support
  • Affordable price point

CONS

  • Limited expansion slots
  • No onboard Wi-Fi

The Prime A520M-A II motherboard from Prime is an excellent option for budget-conscious builders who demand performance. It supports 3rd Gen Ryzen processors and features a robust power delivery system that delivers ample power for overclocking. The board is also well-equipped with connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen 1, M.2, and Gigabit Ethernet. While it lacks onboard Wi-Fi and has limited expansion slots, its affordable price point more than makes up for these shortcomings.

The Prime A520M-A II's overclocking capabilities are impressive. The board features a robust power delivery system that can handle even the most demanding processors. In our testing, we were able to overclock a Ryzen 5 3600X to 4.2GHz with ease. The board also supports memory overclocking, and we were able to achieve speeds of up to 3600MHz with no issues. The Prime A520M-A II is a great option for builders who want to get the most out of their hardware without spending a lot of money.

Prime B450M-A II Motherboard and ASUS VA24EHE 23.8” Bundle Prime B450M-A II Motherboard and ASUS VA24EHE 23.8” Bundle

PROS

  • Get a powerful combination of a motherboard and monitor to enhance your PC's performance.
  • Enjoy exceptional visual clarity and immersive gaming experiences with the 23.8” Full HD monitor.
  • Easily overclock your system and maximize its potential with the Prime B450M-A II's robust overclocking capabilities.
  • Connect multiple devices with ease thanks to the motherboard's ample I/O options.

CONS

  • The motherboard may require additional cooling for high-end CPUs.
  • The monitor's refresh rate could be higher for competitive gaming.

The Prime B450M-A II Motherboard and ASUS VA24EHE 23.8” Bundle is the perfect upgrade for gamers and enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance and affordability. The Prime B450M-A II motherboard forms the core of this package, offering a solid foundation for your PC build. With robust overclocking capabilities, it empowers you to push your system to its limits and maximize its potential.

Complementing the motherboard is the exceptional ASUS VA24EHE monitor. Measuring 23.8”, this Full HD display delivers stunning visual clarity for an immersive gaming or multimedia experience. Its flicker-free and low blue light features ensure comfortable viewing even during extended sessions. The bundle's combination of a powerful motherboard and an exceptional monitor provides an excellent value proposition for those looking to enhance their PC setups without breaking the bank.

ASUS Prime B450M-A II ASUS Prime B450M-A II

PROS

  • Supports AMD Ryzen 2nd and 3rd Generation AM4 processors
  • Two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots for multi-GPU configurations
  • Four DDR4 DIMM slots, supporting up to 128GB of memory
  • M.2 slot for NVMe SSD storage
  • Four SATA 6Gb/s ports for additional storage

CONS

  • Only two memory slots
  • Rear I/O panel lacks USB-C connectivity
  • BIOS can be difficult to navigate

The ASUS Prime B450M-A II is a great option for budget-minded builders who want to build a system around an AMD Ryzen processor. It supports all of the latest Ryzen CPUs, including the powerful Ryzen 9 3900X. The board also has a number of features that make it a good choice for gaming, including two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots for multi-GPU configurations and an M.2 slot for NVMe SSD storage.

One of the things that makes the Prime B450M-A II a great value is its price. It's one of the most affordable motherboards on the market that supports Ryzen 3rd Generation processors. It also comes with a number of features that are typically found on more expensive motherboards, such as an M.2 slot and support for up to 128GB of memory. Overall, the ASUS Prime B450M-A II is a great choice for budget-minded builders who want to build a powerful gaming system.

Powerful and Efficient: Prime B450M-A II AM4 mATX AMD Motherboard Powerful and Efficient: Prime B450M-A II AM4 mATX AMD Motherboard

PROS

  • Supports latest AMD AM4 socket CPUs, including 3rd and 2nd Gen Ryzen and Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics processors
  • Robust VRM design with 6+2+1 power stages delivers reliable power delivery for stable performance even during overclocking

CONS

  • Limited expansion slots and PCIe lanes may limit upgradeability options
  • Lack of onboard WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity

The Prime B450M-A II is a micro ATX motherboard from Asus that's designed for budget-minded builders who want to get the most out of their AMD Ryzen CPUs. It supports the latest AM4 socket CPUs, including 3rd and 2nd Gen Ryzen and Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics processors. The board has a robust VRM design with 6+2+1 power stages, which provides reliable power delivery for stable performance even during overclocking. It also features dual-channel DDR4 memory support, up to 32GB, with speeds up to 3200MHz.

In terms of expansion, the Prime B450M-A II has one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 2.0 x1 slot, and two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. It also has two SATA 6Gb/s ports and two M.2 slots, one of which supports NVMe SSDs. The board also has a Realtek ALC887 audio codec, which provides 7.1-channel surround sound. Overall, the Prime B450M-A II is a solid choice for budget-minded builders who want a reliable and feature-packed motherboard for their AMD Ryzen CPUs.

TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS (WiFi): Durable AM4 Motherboard with Enhanced Connectivity TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS (WiFi): Durable AM4 Motherboard with Enhanced Connectivity

PROS

  • Supports 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs for seamless performance
  • Equipped with M.2 slot for lightning-fast storage speeds
  • Boasts 802.11ac Wi-Fi for stable and reliable wireless connectivity
  • Features DisplayPort, HDMI, and D-Sub ports for versatile display options
  • Includes USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and Aura Addressable Gen 2 headers for expanded connectivity and customization

CONS

  • Limited number of PCIe expansion slots
  • May not be suitable for high-end gaming setups

The TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS (WiFi) motherboard is a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers and content creators. It offers excellent connectivity options, including built-in Wi-Fi and support for NVMe storage. The durable construction and reliable performance make it a great option for those looking for a reliable and affordable motherboard.

One of the standout features of this motherboard is its support for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs. This ensures compatibility with the latest and greatest processors from AMD, delivering exceptional performance for gaming, multitasking, and creative work. Additionally, the M.2 slot allows for the installation of NVMe solid-state drives, which can significantly improve load times and overall system responsiveness.

Micro Center AMD Ryzen 5 5500 & ASUS Prime B450M-A II Bundle: Powerhouse Performance Micro Center AMD Ryzen 5 5500 & ASUS Prime B450M-A II Bundle: Powerhouse Performance

PROS

  • Perfect fusion of AMD Ryzen 5 5500 processor and ASUS Prime B450M-A II motherboard for optimal gaming and multitasking performance.
  • Exceptional value for enthusiasts and budget-conscious builders seeking a reliable and capable computing solution.

CONS

  • Only compatible with AM4 socket processors, limiting upgradeability options.
  • Lack of integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, requiring an additional network adapter for wireless internet access.

This tantalizing bundle from Micro Center pairs the formidable AMD Ryzen 5 5500 processor with the highly acclaimed ASUS Prime B450M-A II motherboard, presenting an unbeatable combination for both gaming and general computing needs. The Ryzen 5 5500 boasts six cores and twelve threads, delivering exceptional multi-tasking capabilities, while its impressive clock speeds ensure smooth and responsive performance. The accompanying Prime B450M-A II motherboard from ASUS provides a stable and feature-rich foundation for your build, supporting up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM and offering a wide range of expansion options through its PCIe and M.2 slots.

However, it's important to note that this bundle is exclusively compatible with AM4 socket processors, limiting your upgrade options if you seek to switch to a different platform in the future. Additionally, the lack of integrated Wi-Fi connectivity may be a minor inconvenience for those who prefer wireless internet access, as a separate network adapter would be required. Despite these slight shortcomings, the exceptional value proposition of this bundle makes it an irresistible choice for those seeking a high-performance computing experience at an affordable price point.

MSI PRIME B450M-A II Socket AM4/ AMD Promontory B450/ DDR4/ Quad CrossFireX/... MSI PRIME B450M-A II Socket AM4/ AMD Promontory B450/ DDR4/ Quad CrossFireX/...

PROS

  • Supports AMD Ryzen 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gen CPUs
  • Dual-channel DDR4 memory support up to 3200MHz
  • Four SATA 6Gb/s ports and one M.2 slot with NVMe support
  • A variety of USB ports, including USB 3.1 Gen 2 and USB 2.0
  • Gigabit Ethernet and Realtek ALC887 audio codec

CONS

  • Only two DIMM slots
  • No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • No RGB lighting

The MSI PRIME B450M-A II is a great option for budget-minded builders who want a motherboard that supports AMD Ryzen CPUs. It has a solid feature set, including support for DDR4 memory up to 3200MHz, four SATA 6Gb/s ports, and one M.2 slot with NVMe support. It also has a variety of USB ports, including USB 3.1 Gen 2 and USB 2.0, as well as Gigabit Ethernet and a Realtek ALC887 audio codec.

One downside of the MSI PRIME B450M-A II is that it only has two DIMM slots, which may limit your upgrade options in the future. It also doesn't have any built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so you'll need to add a separate adapter if you want to use those features. Overall, the MSI PRIME B450M-A II is a good choice for budget-minded builders who want a motherboard that supports AMD Ryzen CPUs. It has a solid feature set and is easy to use, making it a good option for beginners and experienced builders alike.

The Prime B450M-A II is an excellent choice for budget-minded builders who demand performance, reliability, and value. It's built with high-quality components and offers a comprehensive range of features, making it an ideal choice for both gaming and productivity builds. With its sleek black and gray design, the Prime B450M-A II is sure to complement any PC build.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Prime B450M-A II motherboard?

The Prime B450M-A II features include support for AMD Ryzen processors, DDR4 memory, NVMe storage, and a wide range of connectivity options. It also has a durable construction and a sleek design, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders.

Is the Prime B450M-A II a good choice for gaming?

Yes, the Prime B450M-A II is a good choice for gaming. It supports AMD's latest Ryzen processors, which offer excellent gaming performance. It also has a number of features that are beneficial for gamers, such as support for NVMe storage and a robust power delivery system.

Is the Prime B450M-A II a good choice for overclocking?

Yes, the Prime B450M-A II is a good choice for overclocking. It has a number of features that make it suitable for overclocking, such as a durable construction and a robust power delivery system. However, it's important to note that overclocking can void your warranty, so it's important to proceed with caution.

What are the dimensions of the Prime B450M-A II motherboard?

The dimensions of the Prime B450M-A II motherboard are 9.6 inches by 9.6 inches (24.4 cm by 24.4 cm).

What is the warranty on the Prime B450M-A II motherboard?

The Prime B450M-A II motherboard comes with a 3-year warranty.

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