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Is the MSI B550-A PRO ProSeries Motherboard Worth Buying Used in 2025? Unboxing and First Impressions
Hello everyone! Today, I’m unboxing the MSI B550-A PRO ProSeries motherboard which I purchased used to build a new PC tailored for Blender and AI workloads. Although I haven’t tested it yet, I want to share detailed specs, my planned build, and some stats to help you decide if this motherboard is worth buying in 2025.
MSI B550-A PRO Motherboard: Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | AMD B550 |
| CPU Socket | AM4 (Ryzen 3000 & 5000 series) |
| Memory Support | Up to 128GB DDR4, 4400+ MHz (OC) |
| Memory Slots | 4 DIMM slots |
| Expansion Slots | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 3x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| Storage Options | 2x M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 + PCIe 3.0), 6x SATA III ports |
| USB Ports | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A and Type-C), USB 2.0 |
| Network | Realtek 8111H Gigabit LAN |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC892/897 |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Price Range (Used 2025) | Approx. $70 – $120 USD |
Planned PC Build Overview
| Component | Model / Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT |
| RAM | Timetec 32GB DDR4 2133MHz |
| GPU | AMD Radeon Instinct MI60 32GB |
| Power Supply Unit | SAMA G850W ATX 3.1 PSU |
| Motherboard | MSI B550-A PRO ProSeries |
Why This Build?
The MSI B550-A PRO supports PCIe 4.0, which is important for the Ryzen 5 5600GT and modern GPUs like the Radeon Instinct MI60. This combination should give you:
- Faster data transfer speeds: Up to 64 GB/s bandwidth with PCIe 4.0 for GPUs and SSDs.
- Ample RAM capacity: 32GB RAM is sufficient for large 3D projects and AI datasets.
- Stable power delivery: The motherboard’s VRM design supports the Ryzen 5 5600GT without throttling.
Performance Statistics and Benchmarks (Reference)
| Benchmark/Test | Result / Notes |
|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 5600GT Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core) | ~7000 points (average) |
| Blender BMW Benchmark (GPU + CPU) | ~3-5 minutes render time (depending on scene) |
| Memory Bandwidth DDR4 2133 MHz | ~17 GB/s |
| PCIe 4.0 vs PCIe 3.0 GPU bandwidth | PCIe 4.0 doubles bandwidth (16 GT/s vs 8 GT/s) |
| Power Efficiency (B550 vs X570) | B550 boards generally consume ~10-15W less power |
Note: Actual performance will vary based on cooling, drivers, and workloads.
Screenshots And Screencast
Additional Learning Resources
If you're interested in learning programming to enhance your Blender and AI workflows, check out these books and courses:
- Learning Python (ebook) – a great resource for Python beginners.
- Mastering Blender Python API (ebook) – perfect for Blender scripting and automation.
- Learning Python Course – hands-on course to solidify your Python skills.
One-on-One Online Tutorials
I also offer personalized Python tutorials, including Blender scripting and AI installation, training, or migration. Interested? Reach out via my contact page.
Final Thoughts
The MSI B550-A PRO remains a solid choice for a budget-friendly, mid-range build in 2025. Buying used can save money without sacrificing performance if the board is in good condition. Once I complete testing, I’ll post detailed benchmarks and workflow insights.
Stay tuned!
Edward is a software engineer, web developer, and author dedicated to helping people achieve their personal and professional goals through actionable advice and real-world tools.