ASUS Prime B450M-A II mATX DDR4
The ASUS Prime B450M-A II is a Micro ATX motherboard compatible with AMD's AM4 socket, supporting Ryzen 5000 and earlier generations, with a maximum memory capacity of 128GB and speeds of up to DDR4 4400 MHz when overclocked. It features various connectivity options including HDMI 2.0b, multiple USB ports, and support for NVMe storage, making it a versatile choice for building a powerful PC setup.
Popularity: High
Specifications:
Model: ASUS Prime B450M-A II mATX DDR4
Chipset: AMD B450
Form Factor: Micro ATX Form Factor
CPU Compatibility: AMD AM4 Socket for AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series/ 5000 G-Series/ 4000 G-Series/ 3rd/2nd/1st Gen AMD Ryzen™/ 2nd and 1st Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics/ Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processors
Memory Support: 4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4 4400(O.C)/4000(O.C.)/3866(O.C.)/3733(O.C.)/3600(O.C.)/3466(O.C.)/3400(O.C.)/3300(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666/2400/2133 MHz Un-buffered Memory
Maximum Memory Capacity: 128GB
Memory Speed: DDR4 4400(O.C)/4000(O.C.)/3866(O.C.)/3733(O.C.)/3600(O.C.)/3466(O.C.)/3400(O.C.)/3300(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666/2400/2133 MHz
Memory Features: Dual Channel Memory Architecture, ECC Memory (ECC mode) support varies by CPU.
RAM Slots: 4.0
Graphics Output: Integrated Graphics in the 2nd and 1st Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics/ Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processors, 1 x HDMI 2.0b
Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode), 2 x PCIe 2.0 x1, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 mode), 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x8 mode)
Storage Options: Total supports 1 x M.2 slot(s) and 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
Ethernet: ASUS LANGuard, Realtek® RTL8111H
Wireless Bluetooth:
USB Ports (Rear): 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) port(s) (2 x Type-A), 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port(s) (4 x Type-A), 4 x USB 2.0 port(s)
USB Ports (Front): 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1(up to 5Gbps) connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 port(s)
Audio: Realtek ALC887/897 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
Back Panel I/O Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (teal blue) (2 x Type-A), 1 x BIOS FlashBack™ Button(s), 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (blue) Type-A, 1 x DVI-D, 1 x D-Sub, 3 x Audio jack(s), 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s), 1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s), 1 x HDMI
Internal I/O Connectors: 1 x RGB Header, 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, 2 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (2 x 4-pin), 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s), 1 x Speaker connector, 1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (1 x 4-pin)
Cooling Headers: 2 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (2 x 4-pin), 1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (1 x 4-pin)
Power Connectors: 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s), 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
BIOS: 256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS
Manufacturer Page: Link
Review
The ASUS Prime B450M-A II mATX DDR4 is an adept representation of modern-day PC hardware with its flexibility and extensive support for AMD Ryzen processors. As a micro ATX motherboard, it manages to pack a punch in terms of performance while maintaining a compact form factor, supporting the complicated needs of both gaming enthusiasts and professional users.
Technical Specifications and Features
Sporting an AM4 socket, this motherboard is compatible with a broad range of AMD processors, including both the latest Ryzen 5000 series and earlier generations. This compatibility ensures future-proofing and versatility for builders looking to maximize performance over various build generations. The board supports up to 128GB of dual-channel DDR4 RAM, with overclocking capabilities reaching up to 4400 MHz.
One of the highlights of the ASUS Prime B450M-A II mATX DDR4 is its comprehensive expansion capabilities which leverage PCIe slots. It features two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, one in x16 mode and another in x4 mode, and two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. This setup not only supports a wide array of peripherals such as GPUs and SSDs but also facilitates high data transfer rates demanded by intense computing tasks.Supporting Reference
Circuitry and Cooling
Enabling optimal performance, the motherboard is equipped with robust VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) heatsinks and PCH (Platform Controller Hub) heatsinks. These components substantially reduce the risk of overheating and system throttling, ensuring stability under demanding workloads. The Fan Xpert 2+ utility further enhances temperature control by allowing flexible fan configuration to maintain a balanced thermal environment.
Moreover, the board features 5X Protection III including various hardware safeguards ensuring longevity and reliability, crucial for system longevity in high-performance scenarios.Supporting Reference
Connectivity and Audio
The motherboard also excels in connectivity with its inclusion of high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, ensuring seamless data transfers and peripheral connectivity. Users can access M.2 support for ultra-fast storage solutions, pivotal for reducing boot times and enhancing load speeds.
The audio experience provided by the ASUS Prime B450M-A II mATX DDR4 is superior, thanks to the Realtek ALC887/897 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC, offering an immersive and crystal-clear sound environment that's essential for both gaming and media consumption.Supporting Reference
Aesthetics and RGB Lighting
Emphasis on aesthetics is evident with the incorporation of Aura Sync RGB Lighting. This feature supports on-board connectors for RGB LED strips, allowing users to synchronize lighting effects across a spectrum of Aura Sync-compatible hardware, contributing to a personalized and thematic setup.Supporting Reference
Conclusion
The ASUS Prime B450M-A II mATX DDR4 stands out as an outstanding choice for users aiming to build a system around the AMD platform. Its comprehensive feature set offers flexibility, robust performance, and the latest connectivity options, making it a wise investment for those who demand high reliability and efficiency from their PC hardware. Given its competitive price point and robust build quality, this motherboard is certainly a frontrunner in its segment.