Home / Tech · Product overviews / Computers & Accessories / Motherboards · More from ASUS
ASUS Prime B550-PLUS AC-HES AM4 Motherboard: features, specs and fit
An ATX AM4 motherboard for 3rd Gen Ryzen with PCIe 4.0, dual M.2, WiFi 5 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C. What the specs mean and what to check.
This page contains an affiliate link, marked as such. If you buy through it, Bloiq may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The ASUS Prime B550-PLUS AC-HES is an ATX motherboard with an AMD AM4 socket, built around the B550 chipset. It is the foundation of a desktop PC: the processor, memory, storage and expansion cards all connect to it. ASUS aims it at mainstream users and DIY builders who want PCIe 4.0 and built-in wireless.
Socket and processor support
The AM4 socket is for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors, as ASUS lists it. AM4 boards and CPUs have several generations, so the exact processor you plan to use matters. Check the support list for this model on the maker's site, because some chips need a BIOS update before they will start.
What PCIe 4.0 and dual M.2 mean
PCIe 4.0 doubles the per-lane bandwidth of PCIe 3.0. It matters most for fast NVMe SSDs and recent graphics cards, which can use the extra bandwidth. The board has two M.2 slots for compact NVMe drives, which sit directly on the board without cables. SATA 6 Gbps ports are also listed, for 2.5-inch drives and hard disks.
Connectivity
The listing names WiFi 5, 1 Gb Ethernet, rear USB 3.2 Gen 2 in both Type-A and Type-C, and front USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and Type-C. Gen 2 runs at up to 10 Gbps and Gen 1 at up to 5 Gbps. The front Type-C header needs a case with a matching front connector.
Power design and cooling
ASUS describes 8+1 DrMOS power stages with alloy chokes and durable capacitors, which deliver power to the CPU. A VRM heatsink and a PCH heatsink help manage heat. Hybrid fan headers take both 3-pin and 4-pin fans, and the Fan Xpert 2 utility adjusts fan behaviour.
Protection and memory
The brand's 5X Protection III covers LANGuard, DRAM overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, SafeSlot Core and a stainless-steel back I/O. ASUS says its OptiMem trace layout lets memory kits run at higher frequencies with lower voltages. Actual memory speeds still depend on the kit and the processor.
Lighting
An RGB LED header and an Addressable Gen 2 RGB header work with Aura Sync, ASUS's lighting software, to coordinate compatible parts. The board is also described as CEC Tier II ready, which relates to energy-use rules in some regions.
Who it suits
It suits someone building or upgrading a mainstream AM4 desktop, in a case that takes full-size ATX boards.
What to check before you buy
- CPU compatibility: confirm your exact Ryzen model and any BIOS version it needs.
- Case size: an ATX board needs a case with ATX mounting. It measures about 12.0 x 9.5 inches.
- Memory: check the memory type and speeds the board supports in the manual.
- Storage: make sure the two M.2 slots and SATA ports match your drives.
- Front ports: check that your case has a front USB Type-C connector if you want to use that header.
- Graphics and power: confirm your power supply has the connectors your parts need.
The short version
- An ATX motherboard with AM4 socket and the B550 chipset, for 3rd Gen Ryzen.
- PCIe 4.0, dual M.2 and SATA 6 Gbps storage options.
- WiFi 5, 1 Gb Ethernet and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C at the rear.
- 8+1 DrMOS power stages, heatsinks and hybrid fan headers.
- Aura Sync RGB headers and 5X Protection III.
Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.
