ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming Motherboard: AM4, PCIe 4.0, 2.5Gb LAN

The ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming is an ATX motherboard for AMD's AM4 socket, built on the B550 chipset. It is the base of a desktop PC: the processor, memory, storage and graphics card all connect through it. ASUS positions it for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen and Ryzen 5000 processors, with PCIe 4.0 and fast networking.

Socket, chipset and processors

AM4 is the socket used across several generations of Ryzen processors. ASUS says this board is a pairing for Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 and 3rd Gen Ryzen CPUs. Before ordering a processor, check the maker's compatibility list for the board, as older BIOS versions may need an update to recognise newer chips. The B550 chipset brings PCIe 4.0 support, which matters mainly for fast SSDs and current graphics cards.

Memory and storage

There are four DIMM slots that accept DDR4 UDIMM memory, up to a maximum of 128GB. Four slots let you add memory in pairs over time. For storage, the board has dual M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, one of them with PCIe 4.0 x4 connectivity, plus six SATA ports for hard drives and 2.5-inch SSDs. This is a flexible mix for a drive-heavy build.

Power design and cooling

The board has 12+2 DrMOS power stages with alloy chokes and durable capacitors. In general, the power stages smooth and deliver current to the processor, and more of them can help keep voltage steady under high-core-count loads. ASUS describes the cooling as its Stack Cool 3+ design, aimed at reliable running during long sessions.

Networking, video and audio

A 2.5Gb Ethernet port with ASUS LANGuard offers more bandwidth than standard gigabit, though you need a matching router or switch to see the benefit. For display output the board offers HDMI 2.1 (4K at 60Hz) and DisplayPort 1.2, which is useful with processors that have built-in graphics. Other connectors include a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port and a Thunderbolt 3 header. For sound there is a SupremeFX S1220A codec supporting up to 32-bit/192kHz playback, with DTS Sound Unbound, Sonic Studio III and AI Noise Cancelling Mic technology for calls.

Who it suits

It suits builders who want a full-size ATX board for a Ryzen gaming or general-purpose PC, with room for several drives and PCIe 4.0 parts. If you want a small-form-factor case, you would need a Mini-ITX or Micro-ATX board instead.

What to check before you buy

• Processor support. Check the CPU list and the BIOS version needed.
• Case size. ATX boards require an ATX-compatible case.
• Memory type. It takes DDR4, not DDR5.
• Display output. The video ports only work with a processor that has integrated graphics.
• Wireless. Wi-Fi is not listed, so check if you need an adapter.
• Promotions. The software subscription offer in the listing is dated and has expired.
• Mounting parts. Confirm cooler compatibility with the AM4 socket and what comes in the box.

The short version

• ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming: ATX, AM4 socket, B550 chipset.
• Supports Ryzen 5000 and 3rd Gen Ryzen processors, PCIe 4.0.
• Four DDR4 slots up to 128GB, dual M.2 slots and six SATA ports.
• 12+2 DrMOS power stages and 2.5Gb Ethernet.
• HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and SupremeFX audio.

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