INLAND AMD Ryzen 5 5500 Unlocked Desktop Processor with MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming Motherboard (AMD AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0, Micro-ATX),
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AI Verdict
This bundle offers a 6-core, 12-thread Ryzen 5 5500 CPU and an A520M Micro-ATX board, ideal for budget-focused 1080p gaming builds requiring a discrete GPU.
This bundle is a situational fit because while the Ryzen 5 5500 offers solid 6-core performance for gaming, the MSI A520M-A PRO motherboard presents significant hurdles for initial setup, specifically the likely need for a BIOS update without a Flash BIOS Button. Its PCIe 3.0 limitations also mean you won't get full PCIe 4.0 speeds from the CPU or a compatible GPU.
If you want easier setup and full PCIe 4.0 support, look for a B550 chipset motherboard with a BIOS Flash Button.
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Pros
- The Ryzen 5 5500 CPU features 6 cores and 12 processing threads, boosting up to 4.2 GHz for gaming performance.
- The unlocked Ryzen 5 5500 allows for overclocking, offering potential performance gains for users willing to tweak settings.
- The MSI A520M-A PRO motherboard supports DDR4 memory up to 4600(OC) MHz, enabling faster RAM speeds.
- Includes an AMD Wraith Stealth cooler, so you don't need to buy a separate CPU cooler immediately.
- The motherboard's 2oz Thickened Copper PCB design improves heat dissipation and performance stability.
- Features a M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot for NVMe SSDs, maximizing storage performance.
Cons
- The Ryzen 5 5500 CPU lacks integrated graphics, requiring a separate graphics card for any display output.
- The A520M-A PRO motherboard often ships with an older BIOS version that doesn't support the Ryzen 5 5500 out of the box, necessitating a BIOS update.
- The motherboard does not have a Flash BIOS Button, meaning an older, compatible CPU is required to perform a BIOS update.
- The A520 chipset and the motherboard's M.2 slot are limited to PCIe 3.0, despite the CPU supporting PCIe 4.0.
- The A520M-A PRO uses entry-level components for VRM, sound, and LAN, and lacks a heatsink for the CPU VRM section.
Dimension Scores
The A520M-A PRO uses entry-level VRM components and lacks a heatsink for the CPU VRM section, which is below average for even budget boards.
It includes basic features like Audio Boost, Core Boost, DDR4 Boost, and a 2oz copper PCB, but lacks more advanced options found on mid-range boards.
With only one M.2 PCIe 3.0 slot and four SATA 6Gb/s ports in a Micro-ATX form factor, expansion is limited compared to many other motherboards.
The frequent need for a BIOS update for Ryzen 5 5500 support, combined with the absence of a Flash BIOS Button, makes initial setup a significant hurdle.
Best For
- Building a budget-conscious 1080p gaming PC with a dedicated graphics card.
- Users who already own an older AM4 CPU for BIOS flashing.
- Compact PC builds due to the Micro-ATX form factor.
- First-time PC builders comfortable with potential BIOS update troubleshooting.
Not Recommended For
- Users expecting integrated graphics for display output.
- Builders who need PCIe 4.0 speeds for their M.2 SSDs or graphics card.
- Anyone unwilling to perform a BIOS update with an older CPU.
Watch Out For
- The Ryzen 5 5500 does not have integrated graphics, so you absolutely need a dedicated graphics card to get any display output.
- You'll likely need to update the motherboard's BIOS to support the Ryzen 5 5500, and since there's no Flash BIOS Button, you'll need an older, compatible AM4 CPU to do it.
- Overclocking the Ryzen 5 5500 beyond its stock settings with the included Wraith Stealth cooler can lead to instability if not paired with better cooling.
- Some users reported compatibility issues with non-optimized or older DDR4 RAM, which can hinder performance.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0CHJ3XSWB |
| Brand | INLAND |
| Platform | Windows |
| CPU Model | Ryzen 5 |
| CPU Socket | Socket AM4 |
| Model Name | A520M-A PRO |
| Item Weight | 3.16 pounds |
| Chipset Type | AMD A520 |
| Manufacturer | INLAND |
| Item model number | A520M-A PRO |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Memory Clock Speed | 4400 MHz |
| Package Dimensions | 13.27 x 11.3 x 5.87 inches |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR4 |
What Buyers Say
Many users praise this bundle for its value in budget gaming, noting the Ryzen 5 5500's ability to hit 100+ FPS in popular titles when paired with a discrete GPU. However, a recurring complaint is the BIOS compatibility issue, where the motherboard often ships with an older BIOS version that doesn't recognize the 5500, forcing users to find an older CPU to update it since there's no BIOS Flash Button. The lack of integrated graphics on the 5500 also catches some first-time builders off guard, leading to no display output.
“Man, this thing runs games okay for the money, but I almost returned it because it wouldn't even boot until I found an old CPU to update the BIOS, what a pain!”
Common Praise
- The Ryzen 5 5500 provides solid gaming performance for its price point.
- The CPU is unlocked, allowing for easy overclocking for those who want to push performance.
- The included Wraith Stealth cooler handles the CPU's thermal management at stock speeds.
- The Micro-ATX form factor is suitable for smaller PC cases.
Common Complaints
- The motherboard frequently requires a BIOS update to recognize the Ryzen 5 5500.
- The A520M-A PRO lacks a BIOS Flash Button, making the BIOS update process difficult without an older CPU.
- The Ryzen 5 5500 does not have integrated graphics, which is a common oversight for new builders.
- The motherboard's M.2 slot and chipset are limited to PCIe 3.0, not PCIe 4.0.
Ownership Tips
- You'll definitely need a dedicated graphics card from day one; don't expect any display without it.
- Be prepared to troubleshoot BIOS issues or find an older AM4 CPU for a BIOS update if you don't have one.
- The included Wraith Stealth cooler is fine for basic use, but if you're thinking about overclocking, plan on buying a better cooler.
- Don't expect top-tier expansion; this board is pretty basic with just one M.2 slot and limited SATA ports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ryzen 5 5500 have integrated graphics?
No, the Ryzen 5 5500 does not have integrated graphics. You will need a separate, dedicated graphics card to get any video output from your PC.
Do I need to update the BIOS for the Ryzen 5 5500?
Yes, it's highly probable you'll need to update the BIOS on the MSI A520M-A PRO motherboard to support the Ryzen 5 5500. The motherboard often ships with an older BIOS version.
How do I update the BIOS if I don't have an older CPU?
Unfortunately, the MSI A520M-A PRO does not have a BIOS Flash Button. You would need to borrow or acquire an older, compatible AM4 CPU (like a Ryzen 3000 series) to update the BIOS, or take it to a PC shop.
Does this motherboard support PCIe 4.0?
No, the MSI A520M-A PRO motherboard and its M.2 slot are limited to PCIe 3.0, even though the Ryzen 5 5500 CPU supports PCIe 4.0.
Is the included Wraith Stealth cooler sufficient for the Ryzen 5 5500?
The Wraith Stealth cooler is adequate for stock operation of the Ryzen 5 5500. However, if you plan on overclocking, you'll likely need a more robust aftermarket cooler to maintain stability.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a CPU and motherboard bundle like this, you need to understand that the motherboard's chipset (A520) sets a lot of limits, even if the CPU (Ryzen 5 5500) is more capable. This means you won't get the fastest storage or graphics card speeds, and you might hit some snags during initial setup. Always check if the CPU has integrated graphics if you don't plan on buying a separate GPU.
Socket AM4
This is the physical connection type for the CPU. It tells you which generation of AMD Ryzen processors are compatible with the motherboard, and in this case, it's for older Ryzen 3000, 4000, and 5000 series CPUs.
Chipset: AMD A520
The chipset is like the motherboard's control center. An A520 chipset is entry-level, meaning it's more budget-friendly but comes with limitations like only supporting PCIe 3.0 for storage and graphics, and generally having fewer features than B550 or X570 chipsets.
DDR4 Memory Speed (up to 4600(OC) MHz)
This indicates the maximum speed of RAM the motherboard can support. Faster RAM can improve CPU performance, especially for Ryzen processors, but you'll need to buy RAM rated for these higher speeds and enable the XMP profile in the BIOS.
PCIe 3.0 (for M.2 slot)
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is how components like graphics cards and SSDs connect to the motherboard. PCIe 3.0 is slower than PCIe 4.0, meaning your NVMe SSDs and potentially your graphics card won't reach their absolute maximum theoretical speeds.
Alternatives
If you need full PCIe 4.0 support for faster SSDs and graphics cards, or want an easier BIOS update process, look for a motherboard with a B550 chipset and a BIOS Flash Button feature.
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