AM4 motherboards are boards for AMD Ryzen processors that use the AM4 socket, made for new desktop builds and upgrades of existing PCs. Our range covers B550, A520 and B450 chipset models from GIGABYTE, ASUS, MSI and ASRock, with either two or four memory slots. They suit anyone building or refreshing a Ryzen system.
How to choose an AM4 motherboard
Chipset. B550 is the most common chipset in our range and adds PCIe 4.0 support, which matters if you plan to fit a fast NVMe SSD or a recent graphics card. A520 is the entry-level option and does not officially allow processor overclocking. B450 boards are older, so there are fewer of them.
Processor compatibility. Every board here takes Ryzen processors with the AM4 socket, but older boards may need a BIOS update before they recognise newer Ryzen 5000 series chips. Check the manufacturer's CPU support list for the exact board before you buy, especially with A520 and B450 models.
Memory slots. Most boards in our range have four DDR4 slots, which leaves room to add modules later. Some have only two, which is common on smaller boards and limits future upgrades. All AM4 boards use DDR4, so DDR5 modules will not fit.
Video output and ports. Most boards offer one HDMI port, and it only works with Ryzen processors that have built-in graphics. If you will use a separate graphics card, you can ignore it. Many boards have four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports and two USB 2.0 ports. Some have no USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, while others have one or two, which is worth checking if you use fast external drives.
AM4 motherboard brands we carry
- GIGABYTE: the largest group in our range, known for its Aorus gaming series alongside simpler boards for everyday builds.
- ASUS: offers the ROG Strix and TUF Gaming lines, which are among the best-known gaming board families.
- MSI: known for the MAG and MPG gaming series, and for Pro boards aimed at office and home PCs.
- ASRock: known for Steel Legend and Phantom Gaming boards, and for models with many features at modest cost.
- AMD: designed the AM4 socket and the chipsets these boards are built around.
Also in our range: BIOSTAR and SAPPHIRE.
AM4 motherboard FAQ
Is an AM4 motherboard still worth buying?
Yes, if you already own a Ryzen processor with an AM4 socket or want to build an affordable system around one. AM4 boards use DDR4 memory, which is cheaper than DDR5. The platform will not take newer processors that need a different socket, so it has no further upgrade path beyond Ryzen 5000 series chips.
What is the difference between B550 and A520?
B550 supports PCIe 4.0 and allows processor overclocking, while A520 is a simpler, cheaper chipset without official overclocking. B550 boards usually have more expansion options and more M.2 slots. A520 is enough for a straightforward office or home PC.
Will a Ryzen 5000 processor work on any AM4 board?
Not necessarily. A board must have a BIOS version that supports the processor, and some older boards ship with a version that does not. Check the manufacturer's CPU support list for the exact model before buying. Some boards can be updated without a processor installed, while others cannot.
Do AM4 motherboards need a graphics card?
It depends on the processor. Ryzen chips with built-in graphics can use the HDMI port on the board, so no separate graphics card is needed. Ryzen processors without integrated graphics need a graphics card to produce any picture.
