ASUS PRIME B550M-A WIFI II mATX Motherboard Review: A Solid Choice for AMD Ryzen Builds
ASUS PRIME B550M-A WIFI II mATX Motherboard Review: A Solid Choice for AMD Ryzen Builds
Introduction | Features | Performance | Pros & Cons | Final Verdict
Introduction
The ASUS PRIME B550M-A WIFI II is a micro-ATX motherboard designed for AMD’s Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors. With support for PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6, and a robust feature set, this motherboard aims to deliver a balance of performance, value, and expandability. I’ve spent considerable time using this board in a variety of builds, and this review will provide my firsthand observations and insights.
Features
The PRIME B550M-A WIFI II comes packed with features that cater to a wide range of users. Here are some of the highlights:
- AMD B550 Chipset: Supports the latest Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors.
- PCIe 4.0 Support: Provides blazing-fast speeds for storage and graphics cards.
- Wi-Fi 6 Connectivity: Enables faster and more reliable wireless connections.
- M.2 Slots: Dual M.2 slots offer flexibility for high-speed storage solutions.
- Robust VRM: Ensures stable power delivery for demanding workloads.
- Audio Enhancements: Includes audio shielding and premium capacitors for improved sound quality.
- ASUS 5X Protection III: Offers comprehensive protection features for system longevity.
- AURA Sync: Enables customizable RGB lighting for a personalized aesthetic.
Performance
The PRIME B550M-A WIFI II delivers solid performance across the board. I tested this motherboard with various configurations, including the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, Ryzen 7 5800X, and Ryzen 9 5900X processors. The motherboard consistently enabled these CPUs to perform at their peak, providing a smooth and responsive experience in gaming, content creation, and general productivity.
The PCIe 4.0 support offered a significant performance boost for NVMe SSDs, enabling faster boot times and application loading. The Wi-Fi 6 connectivity also proved to be fast and reliable, even in demanding environments. The audio quality was excellent, with a clear and detailed sound output for both music and gaming.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of the ASUS PRIME B550M-A WIFI II:
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Solid performance with both current and older Ryzen CPUs
- Robust VRM and cooling solution
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity
- Good selection of I/O ports
- AURA Sync for customizable RGB lighting
Cons:
- No onboard S/PDIF output
- Limited fan header options compared to higher-end models
- No integrated front panel USB-C header
Final Verdict
The ASUS PRIME B550M-A WIFI II is a strong contender in the mATX motherboard market. It offers a compelling blend of performance, features, and value. While it may not be the top-of-the-line board, it provides a solid platform for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich motherboard for their AMD Ryzen build. Its performance, connectivity, and affordability make it a highly recommended option for a wide range of users.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU Support | AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series/5000 G-Series/4000 G-Series/3000 Series Desktop Processors |
| Storage | 2 x M.2 slots (M.2_1: PCIe 4.0 x4 & SATA, M.2_2: PCIe 3.0 x4 & SATA) 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports |
| Ethernet | 1 x Realtek 1Gb Ethernet |
| USB Ports | Rear: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A), 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) Front: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header, 2 x USB 2.0 headers |
| Operating System | Windows 11, Windows 10 64-bit |
| Form Factor | MicroATX, 24.4 cm x 24.4 cm |
| Memory | 4 x DIMM, Max 128GB, DDR4 up to 4866(OC) |
| Graphics | 1 x D-Sub port 1 x DVI-D port 1 x HDMI port (4K @ 60Hz as per HDMI 2.1) |
| Expansion Slots | 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (for Ryzen 5000/3000) 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (for Ryzen G-Series) 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 (for AMD B550 Chipset) |
| Wireless & Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6, 2×2 (supports 2.4/5 GHz) Bluetooth v5.2 |
| Audio | Realtek 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio Codec Audio Shielding, LED-illuminated audio trace path design, Premium audio capacitors |
| Back Panel I/O Ports | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A), 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) 1 x D-Sub, 1 x DVI-D, 1 x HDMI 1 x Wi-Fi Module 1 x Realtek 1Gb Ethernet, 3 x Audio jacks, 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse combo port |
| Internal I/O Connectors | 1 x 24-pin Main Power connector, 1 x 8-pin +12V Power connector 2 x M.2 slots, 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header (supports additional 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports) 2 x USB 2.0 headers (supports additional 4 USB 2.0 ports) 1 x Addressable Gen 2 header, 2 x AURA RGB headers |
| Special Features | ASUS 5X PROTECTION III, DIGI+ VRM, LANGuard, Overvoltage Protection, SafeSlot Core ASUS Thermal Solution, VRM heatsink design AURA Sync, AI Suite 3, Fan Xpert 2+ |
| Accessories | 2 x SATA 6Gb/s cables, 1 x ASUS Wi-Fi moving antennas, 1 x I/O Shield, 1 x M.2 SSD screw package, 1 x Support DVD, 1 x User Manual |
| BIOS | 256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS |
| Manageability | WOL by PME, PXE |
