ASUS Prime B450M-A II
ASUS Prime B450M-A II Specifications Review
ASUS Prime B450M-A II by ASUS is a Micro-ATX form factor motherboard based on the mid-range B450M chipset and AM4 socket, providing a balanced set of features and connectivity. It is designed to support DDR4 memory, with 4 slots, a maximum capacity of 128 GB, and an overclocking speed of up to 4400 MHz. It features channels, a voltage of V and supports Error-Correcting Code (ECC) memory.
VRM Quality
The ASUS Prime B450M-A II has a basic VRM configuration, delivering 50 A across 5 phases. Best for low-power CPUs (≤65 W TDP). Using high-wattage chips or overclocking could cause severe thermal issues and instability. Recommended for budget builds, office workstations, and media PCs.
See the VRM Appropriate CPU Specification Table at the bottom of this page for recommended CPU options.
Expansion and Storage Overview
The ASUS Prime B450M-A II offers a simplified expansion and storage configuration with PCIe 3.0 support, meaning it uses PCI Express 3.0, still capable for most current GPUs and expansion cards, but with less bandwidth than newer standards. It also includes 3 x16 slots , and 2 x1 slots. These PCIe slots are used to connect expansion cards — with the x16 slots typically reserved for graphics cards, while x8, x4, and x1 slots are used for devices like capture cards, sound cards, or network adapters.
For storage, this motherboard provides 1 M.2 slot (PCIe 3.0 x4) and 6 SATA ports. M.2 slots are high-speed connectors for modern NVMe SSDs, which are much faster than older storage, while SATA ports are used for traditional hard drives and 2.5-inch SSDs. Together, they allow you to mix fast primary storage with larger, more affordable drives for bulk data.
Connectivity Overview
This motherboard has essential connectivity features with wired Realtek® RTL8111H Ethernet . USB connectivity covers basic needs. Please refer to the specification table for details.
For video output, this motherboard includes HDMI . These video outputs are intended for integrated graphics and will only function if your CPU includes integrated GPU capabilities.
Audio Quality
The motherboard includes a standard audio chipset (Realtek ALC887/897) that covers basic needs for casual listening. While adequate for everyday use with mainstream headphones or desktop speakers, discerning users may want to add a USB DAC or sound card for improved fidelity, especially for music production or high-end headphones.
Overall Quality and Value
ASUS Prime B450M-A II is basic and functional, carrying an overall quality score of 40.40. It is designed for budget-conscious builds or office setups where advanced features are not required, handling standard tasks effectively but lacking the polish or expandability of higher-tier models.
This motherboard offers an impressive 79.3% performance-to-price ratio, delivering excellent value by combining strong performance with reasonable cost, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to sacrifice quality.
General Information
| Manufacturer | ASUS |
|---|---|
| Motherboard Name | ASUS Prime B450M-A II |
| Current Price Amazon | $97 |
| Amazon Price Updated | 15 hours, 58 minutes ago. |
| Motherboard Available | True |
| Chipset / Socket | B450M / AM4 |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX |
VRM Configuration
| CPU Power Phases (Amps) | 5 (50 A) |
|---|---|
| Power Design | 5+1 |
Memory Information
| Type / Slots | DDR4 / 4 slots |
|---|---|
| Max Capacity / Max OC | 128 GB / 4400 MHz |
| ECC Support | ✔️ ECC (Error-Correcting Code) Supported |
PCIe Slot Configuration
| Supported Version | PCIe 3.0 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Size | Physical Slots | Gen3 |
|---|---|---|
| x16 | 3 | 3 |
| x1 | 2 | 0 |
Storage Configuration
| M.2 Slot Count | 1 slot |
|---|---|
| M.2 Supported Lengths | 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 |
| M.2 PCIe Modes | PCIe 3.0 x4 |
| SATA Ports | 6 |
Onboard Audio Features
| Audio Chipset | Realtek ALC887/897 |
|---|---|
| Analog Audio Jacks | 3 jacks |
Motherboard Display Outputs
| HDMI Output | HDMI |
|---|
USB and Thunderbolt Connectivity
Rear USB Ports
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps) | 4 |
|---|---|
| USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps) | 2 |
Front USB Ports
| USB 2.0 Type-A (480 Mbps) | 4 |
|---|---|
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps) | 2 |
Internal USB Headers
| USB 2.0 Header (480 Mbps) | 4 |
|---|---|
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 Header (5 Gbps) | 2 |
Networking Information
| Ethernet | Chipset: Realtek® RTL8111H LAN Ports: 1 |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi |
Module: Not Included |
| Bluetooth | Supported: No |
Button Features
| Buttons |
BIOS Flashback |
|---|
Quality & Features
Additional Information
| RAM | Supports DDR4 Un-buffered Memory with speeds from 2133 MHz up to 4400 MHz (O.C.). ECC Memory (ECC mode) support varies by CPU. The maximum memory frequency supported also varies by processor. Compatible with 3rd/2nd/1st Gen AMD Ryzen, 2nd/1st Gen AMD Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics, and Athlon with Radeon Vega Graphics processors. |
|---|---|
| Display | Video output requires a CPU with integrated graphics, such as 2nd and 1st Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics or Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processors. Graphics specifications may vary between CPU types. |
| Expansion | The motherboard has three physical PCIe 3.0 x16 slots. One operates at x16 mode, one at x8 mode, and one at x4 mode. There are also two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. Slot configuration and performance depend on the installed CPU (Ryzen or Athlon) and the AMD B450 chipset. |
| Storage |
M.2 Slot Details:
The text is ambiguous regarding M.2 slot functionality. It lists two separate descriptions for what appears to be a single M.2 slot. One description states 'SATA mode' support, while the other states 'SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode'. This may be dependent on the installed CPU. The 6 SATA ports are provided by two sources: 4 from the AMD B450 chipset and 2 from another source (likely CPU). |
| Audio | Premium audio capacitors. Supports: Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking, up to 24-Bit/192kHz playback. Features LED-illuminated design, Audio Shielding, and Dedicated audio PCB layers. A chassis with an HD audio module in the front panel is required to support 8-channel audio output. |
| Buttons | The motherboard includes one Clear CMOS jumper. |
| Dimensions | 24.4 cm x 24 cm |
Note: The specifications and descriptions above are extracted by AI to present the official manufacturer data in a clearer and more natural way for easier understanding. However, this AI-processed information may contain inaccuracies. Please verify all details by consulting the official manufacturer's information provided below.
ASUS Prime B450M-A II Compared to Motherboards with Similar Performance and Features
Motherboard Quality & Features per Price Table
| Motherboard (Desc) | Price (Desc) | Overall_Q (Desc) | VRM_Q (Desc) | Chipset (Desc) | Exp_Str (Desc) | Connect (Desc) | Audio (Desc) | Q&F/Price (Desc) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$90
|
0.0%
|
48.0%
|
30.0%
|
75.0%
|
60.0%
|
30.0%
|
45.0%
|
101.3%
|
|
|
$80
|
0.0%
|
42.4%
|
13.0%
|
81.0%
|
46.0%
|
27.0%
|
45.0%
|
100.7%
|
|
|
$70
|
0.0%
|
42.2%
|
12.0%
|
75.0%
|
48.0%
|
31.0%
|
45.0%
|
114.6%
|
|
|
$97
|
↑
1.9%
|
40.4%
|
13.0%
|
67.0%
|
49.0%
|
33.0%
|
40.0%
|
79.3%
|
|
|
$80❗
|
↓
-1.4%
|
38.0%
|
13.0%
|
58.0%
|
37.0%
|
37.0%
|
45.0%
|
90.7%
|
|
|
$188❗
|
0.0%
|
37.8%
|
14.0%
|
77.0%
|
45.0%
|
13.0%
|
40.0%
|
38.2%
|
|
|
$100
|
0.0%
|
36.2%
|
18.0%
|
49.0%
|
35.0%
|
39.0%
|
40.0%
|
68.8%
|
|
|
$72
|
0.0%
|
33.8%
|
12.0%
|
58.0%
|
30.0%
|
29.0%
|
40.0%
|
89.2%
|
|
|
$146
|
↑
38.8%
|
33.0%
|
24.0%
|
41.0%
|
29.0%
|
31.0%
|
40.0%
|
43.0%
|
Motherboard Comparison and Detail Specifications Table
| Specification | Perf Chart | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price |
$90
|
0.0%
|
$80
|
0.0%
|
$70
|
0.0%
|
$97
|
↑
1.9%
|
$80❗
|
↓
-1.4%
|
$188❗
|
0.0%
|
$100
|
0.0%
|
$72
|
0.0%
|
$146
|
↑
38.8%
|
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| Manufacturer | GIGABYTE | MSI | GIGABYTE | ASUS | ASRock | MSI | ASUS | Asrock | ASRock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chip/Socket | B550 / AM4 | B550M / AM4 | B550M / AM4 | B450M / AM4 | B450M / AM4 | B550 / AM4 | A520M / AM4 | B450M / AM4 | A520M / AM4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Form | Standard-ATX | Micro-ATX | Micro-ATX | Micro-ATX | Micro-ATX | Standard-ATX | Micro-ATX | Micro-ATX | Mini-ITX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CPU Phases | 10 (60 A) | 5 (50 A) | 5 (50 A) | 5 (50 A) | 6 (42 A) | 5 (55 A) | 6 (60 A) | 5 (50 A) | 8 (60 A) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PWR Design | 10+3 | 5+1 | 5+1 | 5+1 | 6+2 | 5+1 | 6+1 | 5+1 | 8+1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mem Slots | 4 / DDR4 | 4 / DDR4 | 4 / DDR4 | 4 / DDR4 | 4 / DDR4 | 4 / DDR4 | 4 / DDR4 | 2 / DDR4 | 2 / DDR4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Max Mem | 128 GB / 4733 MHz | 128 GB / 4400 MHz | 128 GB / 4733 MHz | 128 GB / 4400 MHz | 128 GB / 3200 MHz | 128 GB / 4400 MHz | 128 GB / 4866 MHz | 64 GB / 3200 MHz | 64 GB / 4733 MHz | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PCIe | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PCIe Slots | 1x16 Gen4 | 1x16 Gen3 | 3x1 Gen3 | 1x16 Gen4 | 2x1 Gen3 | 1x16 Gen4 | 1x1 Gen3 | 3x16 Gen3 | 2x1 | 1x16 Gen3 | 1x1 | 2x16 Gen3 | 4x1 | 1x16 Gen3 | 2x1 Gen3 | 1x16 Gen3 | 1x1 | 1x16 Gen3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M.2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SATA | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Audio | Realtek® ALC892/ALC897 | Realtek® ALC892/ALC897 Codec | Realtek® ALC892/ALC897 | Realtek ALC887/897 | Realtek ALC892/897 Audio Codec | Realtek® ALC897 Codec | Realtek ALC887/897 | Realtek ALC887/897 | Realtek ALC887/897 Audio Codec | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| S/PDIF | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HDMI | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (None) | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (2.0b) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (None) | ✔️ (2.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DP | ❌ | ✔️ (None) | ✔️ (1.4) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ (1.2) | ❌ | ✔️ (1.4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LAN | Realtek® GbE LAN chip (1… (1 ports) | Realtek® 8111HN Gigabit (1 ports) | Realtek® GbE LAN chip (1… (1 ports) | Realtek® RTL8111H (1 ports) | PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/1… (1 ports) | 1x Realtek® RTL8111H LAN… (1 ports) | 1 x Realtek 1Gb Ethernet… (1 ports) | PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/1… (1 ports) | PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/1… (1 ports) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wi-Fi | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 | ❌ | Wi-Fi 802.11ac | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BT | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | v5.0 | ❌ | v4.2 | Rear USB |
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❌ |
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| USB Headers |
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||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Front USB |
|
|
❌ |
|
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
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VRM Appropriate CPU Specification Table
| CPU | Price | App_Performance | Game_Performance | TDP/Max | C/SC/T | L2/L3 Cache | Base/Boost | Code Name | GPU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No compatible CPU available. The motherboard's VRM is too weak to be recommended with any CPU in the database. | |||||||||
Official Manufacturer Data
Memory:
Graphics:
Storage:
Expansion Slots:
USB:
Internal I/O:
Back Panel I/O:
Audio:
Special Features:
- ASUS DIGI+ VRM
- ASUS LANGuard
- ASUS Overvoltage Protection
- ASUS SafeSlot Core
- ASUS Stainless-Steel Back I/O
ASUS Q-Design
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS Q-Slot
ASUS Thermal Solution
- Aluminum heatsink design
ASUS EZ DIY
- BIOS FlashBack™ button
- BIOS FlashBack™ LED
AURA Sync
- AURA RGB header
ASUS Lighting Control
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