Looking Beyond the SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL Motherboard? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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You might be looking for shangzhaoyuan a520m gl motherboard alternatives if you need different specs or a larger footprint. The SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL Micro ATX supports AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series CPUs with dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 3600MHz. It includes HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort outputs, plus a Gigabit Ethernet port. This makes it a practical choice for compact systems that require integrated video and basic connectivity.
However, you may prefer a different size, chipset, or wireless capability. Some users need PCIe 4.0 speeds for faster storage or networking. Others want built-in Wi-Fi 5 or a standard ATX layout for better airflow. The alternatives on this list were chosen because their specifications overlap with the original. They share the AM4 socket and DDR4 support, ensuring compatibility with similar processors. Each option offers distinct features like enhanced power delivery or modern expansion slots to suit your specific build requirements.
Alternatives to the SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL
MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge ATX Motherboard
The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge ATX uses the AMD X570 chipset and supports PCIe 4.0, offering higher bandwidth for modern storage and graphics cards compared to the SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL’s PCIe 3.0 limit. It includes built-in Wi-Fi 5, whereas the original board requires a separate M.2 Wi-Fi card for wireless connectivity. This ATX motherboard is larger, measuring 12 inches by 9.6 inches, so it fits standard mid-tower cases rather than compact builds. You should choose this if you need faster PCIe lanes and onboard wireless for gaming or data-heavy tasks.
ASUS Prime AM4 ATX Motherboard
The ASUS Prime X470-Pro ATX relies on the older X470 chipset and PCIe 3.0, matching the SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL’s expansion speed but without the newer features of B550 or X570 boards. It lacks integrated Wi-Fi, requiring you to install a separate adapter for wireless networking. This standard ATX form factor is significantly larger than the original’s Micro ATX design, offering more mounting points and slot availability. Pick this board if you prioritize wired stability and a larger chassis footprint over compact size or modern PCIe 4.0 speeds.
MSI MPG Gaming Edge Wi-Fi ATX Motherboard
This MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge WiFi ATX motherboard shares the same chipset and Wi-Fi 5 capabilities as the second option, providing PCIe 4.0 support and onboard wireless. It differs from the SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL by offering a more established brand ecosystem and larger ATX dimensions for better airflow and component spacing. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 5 eliminates the need for additional cards, which the original requires. Choose this alternative if you want a premium ATX gaming board with reliable wireless connectivity and faster data transfer speeds for peripherals.
ASUS Prime Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard
The ASUS Prime B550M-A AC Micro ATX upgrades to the B550 chipset and PCIe 4.0, providing faster storage and GPU bandwidth than the SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL’s PCIe 3.0. It includes integrated Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth, removing the need for the separate M.2 Wi-Fi card the original requires. While both are Micro ATX, this board offers more modern connectivity options for compact builds. Select this motherboard if you need PCIe 4.0 speeds and built-in wireless in a small form factor without sacrificing too much space.
MSI ProSeries Micro-ATX AM4 Motherboard
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi Micro ATX features the B550 chipset and PCIe 4.0, offering superior expansion speeds compared to the SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL. It includes integrated Wi-Fi 5, whereas the original board lacks wireless connectivity and requires a separate adapter. This Micro ATX design matches the compact footprint of the original but provides a more robust feature set for Ryzen 5000 series processors. Choose this option if you want a small board with modern PCIe 4.0 support and built-in wireless networking.
ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-PLUS Micro-ATX
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-PLUS Micro ATX uses the B550 chipset and supports PCIe 4.0, delivering faster data rates than the SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL’s PCIe 3.0. It focuses on wired networking and durability, omitting integrated Wi-Fi, which means you will need a separate wireless adapter like with the original. This Micro ATX board is designed for gaming stability and power delivery. Pick this motherboard if you prefer wired connections and want the performance benefits of PCIe 4.0 in a compact chassis without the need for onboard wireless.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL Micro ATX
Best for: compact builds with AMD Ryzen 3000 or 5000 series
- CPU Socket
- AM4
- Form Factor
- Micro ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 3.0
- Ethernet Speed
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Power Phases
- 4+2 phase
View on Amazon: SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL Micro ATX Affiliate link
The SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL is a Micro ATX motherboard built for AMD AM4 processors, including Ryzen 3rd through 5th generation CPUs. It supports dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 64GB with speeds reaching 3600MHz. Connectivity includes HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, and Gigabit Ethernet. It features PCIe 3.0 lanes and an M.2 slot for NVMe drives. This board suits users building compact systems with mid-range Ryzen chips who need basic video outputs and reliable storage options.
Pros
- Supports AMD Ryzen 3rd to 5th generation CPUs on the AM4 socket
- Dual-channel DDR4 memory support up to 64GB at 3600MHz
- Includes HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort for integrated graphics output
- Features Gigabit Ethernet and M.2 NVMe connectivity
- Micro ATX form factor fits in smaller cases
Cons
- Limited to PCIe 3.0 instead of PCIe 4.0 found on higher-end boards
- Only two memory slots restrict maximum RAM expansion
- Basic 4+2 phase power delivery limits extreme overclocking potential
Good fit if
- You are building a compact PC using a Ryzen 3000 or 5000 series processor
- You need integrated graphics outputs like HDMI and VGA without a discrete card
- You want a Micro ATX board that fits in small form factor cases
Skip if
- You require PCIe 4.0 speeds for next-generation SSDs or GPUs
- You plan to use more than two sticks of RAM
- You need advanced VRM cooling for heavy overclocking
Verdict: The SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL Micro ATX is a practical option for users building compact systems with AMD Ryzen 3000 or 5000 series processors who need integrated video outputs. It offers solid DDR4 support and basic connectivity for standard desktop use.
MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge ATX Motherboard
Best for: AM4 gaming builds needing Wi-Fi 5
- CPU Socket
- AM4
- Chipset
- X570
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 4.0
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 5
View on Amazon: MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge ATX Motherboard Affiliate link
This ATX motherboard uses the AMD X570 chipset and AM4 socket for Ryzen 2nd and 3rd Gen processors. It supports PCIe 4.0 and DDR4 memory. You get built-in Wi-Fi 5 and Audio Boost 4. The FROZR Heatsink uses double ball bearings. It suits gamers who want a stable platform with wireless connectivity.
Pros
- Supports PCIe 4.0 for faster data transfer
- Built-in Wi-Fi 5 with MU-MIMO
- ATX form factor for standard cases
- FROZR Heatsink with double ball bearings
Cons
- Limited to Wi-Fi 5, not Wi-Fi 6
- Heavier at 4.1 pounds than micro ATX boards
- Requires a compatible AM4 Ryzen processor
Good fit if
- You need PCIe 4.0 support for modern GPUs
- You want built-in wireless connectivity
- You prefer a standard ATX size
Skip if
- You require Wi-Fi 6 or newer
- You are building a small form factor PC
- You use Intel processors
Verdict: MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge WiFi ATX offers solid PCIe 4.0 performance and Wi-Fi 5 for AM4 systems. It fits gamers who value standard ATX size and onboard wireless without needing the latest Wi-Fi standard.
ASUS Prime AM4 ATX Motherboard
Best for: Wired Ryzen 2 builds
- CPU Socket
- AM4
- Chipset
- X470
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- Ethernet Speed
- Gigabit LAN
- Dimensions
- 12 × 2.8 × 9.6 inches
View on Amazon: ASUS Prime AM4 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link
The ASUS Prime X470-Pro is an ATX motherboard built for AMD Ryzen 2 and 7th Gen Athlon processors. It features an X470 chipset, DDR4 memory support, and Gigabit LAN. The board includes M.2 slots for NVMe drives and USB 3.1 Gen2 ports. Its 8-channel HD audio uses the Realtek S1220A codec. This setup suits users who need robust connectivity and standard ATX expansion for their desktop builds.
Pros
- Supports AMD Ryzen 2 and 7th Gen Athlon CPUs via AM4 socket
- Includes M.2 slots for NVMe storage and USB 3.1 Gen2 ports
- Features 8-channel HD audio with Realtek S1220A codec
- Provides Gigabit LAN for wired network connectivity
Cons
- Lacks built-in Wi-Fi compared to WiFi-enabled alternatives
- Does not support PCIe 4.0 speeds found in newer chipsets
- No wireless networking capabilities included
Good fit if
- You need a reliable ATX board for Ryzen 2 processors
- You prioritize wired Gigabit LAN over wireless connectivity
- You want standard USB 3.1 Gen2 and M.2 support
Skip if
- You require PCIe 4.0 for next-gen GPU bandwidth
- You need integrated Wi-Fi for wireless networking
- You are building with newer Ryzen 3000 series CPUs
Verdict: The ASUS Prime X470-Pro ATX Motherboard offers solid foundational specs for Ryzen 2 users. It fits those who value wired stability and standard connectivity over cutting-edge wireless or PCIe 4.0 features.
MSI MPG Gaming Edge Wi-Fi ATX Motherboard
Best for: AM4 gamers needing Wi-Fi 5
- CPU Socket
- AM4
- Chipset
- AMD X570
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 4.0
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 5
View on Amazon: MSI MPG Gaming Edge Wi-Fi ATX Motherboard Affiliate link
This MSI motherboard uses the AMD X570 chipset with PCIe 4.0 support for AM4 processors. It includes built-in Wi-Fi 5 and Audio Boost 4 technology. The ATX form factor fits standard cases. You get DDR4 memory slots and pre-installed IO shielding. This board suits gamers who want modern connectivity and stable performance for Ryzen CPUs.
Pros
- PCIe 4.0 support for fast data transfer
- Built-in Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Audio Boost 4 with Nahimic 3 enhancement
- Pre-installed IO shielding for protection
Cons
- Wi-Fi 5 is older than Wi-Fi 6
- ATX size requires a larger case
- No mention of USB 4 support
Good fit if
- You need PCIe 4.0 speeds
- You want built-in wireless connectivity
- You have an ATX case
Skip if
- You require Wi-Fi 6E
- You are building in a small form factor case
- You are using an Intel CPU
Verdict: MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge WiFi ATX delivers solid PCIe 4.0 performance and integrated Wi-Fi 5 for AM4 builds. It is a strong option for gamers who prioritize wireless convenience and standard ATX compatibility.
ASUS Prime Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard
Best for: compact Ryzen builds needing Wi-Fi
- CPU Socket
- AM4
- Form Factor
- Micro ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 4.0
- M.2 Slots
- 2
- Ethernet Speed
- 1Gb LAN
View on Amazon: ASUS Prime Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard Affiliate link
This Micro ATX motherboard supports 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs via the AM4 socket. It includes built-in Wi-Fi 5 and 1Gb LAN for connectivity. You get two M.2 slots, one supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds. The board features VRM and PCH heatsinks for cooling. ECC memory support is available for stability. It targets users needing wireless options in a compact form factor.
Pros
- Built-in Wi-Fi 5 connectivity
- Two M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 support
- VRM and PCH heatsinks for cooling
- ECC memory support for stability
Cons
- Micro ATX form factor limits expansion slots
- Wi-Fi 5 is slower than Wi-Fi 6
- Only one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot available
Good fit if
- You need Wi-Fi on a compact motherboard
- You use 3rd Gen Ryzen processors
- You want ECC memory support
Skip if
- You require Wi-Fi 6 speeds
- You need full ATX expansion slots
- You plan to use PCIe 5.0 devices
Verdict: ASUS Prime B550M-A AC Micro ATX fits users who need wireless connectivity and ECC support in a small build. It is a solid choice for compact Ryzen systems.
MSI ProSeries Micro-ATX AM4 Motherboard
Best for: Compact Ryzen 5000 builds with Wi-Fi needs
- CPU Socket
- AM4
- Form Factor
- Micro-ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 4.0
- Dimensions
- 9.6 × 9.6 × 1.5 inches
- Weight
- 2.43 pounds
View on Amazon: MSI ProSeries Micro-ATX AM4 Motherboard Affiliate link
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi is a Micro ATX motherboard for AMD AM4 sockets. It supports DDR4 memory up to 128 GB at 4400 MHz and includes PCIe 4.0 lanes. You get built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, plus an M.2 slot with a Shield Frozr heatsink. The board features Core Boost for stable power delivery and a Flash BIOS button for easy updates without a CPU installed.
Pros
- Supports DDR4 memory up to 128 GB at 4400 MHz speeds
- Includes PCIe 4.0 support for faster data transfer rates
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- M.2 slot protected by a Shield Frozr heatsink for thermal management
- Flash BIOS button allows updates without a CPU installed
Cons
- Micro ATX form factor limits expansion slots compared to ATX boards
- Audio codec is Realtek ALC892/897, which is entry-level
- No mention of RGB lighting control or sync features
Good fit if
- You need a compact Micro ATX board with Wi-Fi
- You want PCIe 4.0 support for modern Ryzen processors
- You prefer simple BIOS updates via a physical button
Skip if
- You require a full-size ATX board for maximum expansion
- You need advanced audio codecs for studio-grade sound
- You want extensive RGB lighting customization options
Verdict: MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi Micro ATX fits users who want a compact AM4 board with modern PCIe 4.0 speeds and wireless connectivity. It is a solid choice for Ryzen 5000 series builds where space is limited but performance matters.
ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-PLUS Micro-ATX
Best for: Compact AM4 gaming builds with wired networking
- CPU Socket
- AM4
- Chipset
- AMD B550
- Form Factor
- Micro-ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 4.0
- M.2 Slots
- Dual M.2
View on Amazon: ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-PLUS Micro-ATX Affiliate link
This ASUS motherboard uses the AMD B550 chipset for AM4 processors. It supports PCIe 4.0 and DDR4 memory. The board features a robust 8+2 DrMOS power solution. You get dual M.2 slots for storage. It includes 2.5 Gb Ethernet for faster network speeds. This Micro ATX board suits gamers who need strong power delivery and modern connectivity in a compact size.
Pros
- AMD B550 chipset with PCIe 4.0 support
- 8+2 DrMOS power stages for stable performance
- Dual M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs
- 2.5 Gb Ethernet for faster networking
Cons
- Micro ATX form factor limits expansion slots
- No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
- Lacks USB-C connectivity on rear I/O
Good fit if
- You need PCIe 4.0 speeds for fast storage
- You want a compact Micro ATX build
- You prioritize wired network speed over Wi-Fi
Skip if
- You require built-in Wi-Fi for wireless connections
- You need a full-size ATX board for more slots
- You want USB-C ports on the rear panel
Verdict: ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-PLUS Micro ATX delivers strong power and modern PCIe 4.0 speeds for AM4 builds. It fits users who want reliable wired networking and a compact form factor.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL Micro ATX | MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge ATX Motherboard | ASUS Prime AM4 ATX Motherboard | MSI MPG Gaming Edge Wi-Fi ATX Motherboard | ASUS Prime Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard | MSI ProSeries Micro-ATX AM4 Motherboard | ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-PLUS Micro-ATX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Socket | AM4 | AM4 | AM4 | AM4 | AM4 | AM4 | AM4 |
| Chipset | not stated | X570 | X470 | AMD X570 | not stated | not stated | AMD B550 |
| Form Factor | Micro ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX | Micro ATX | Micro-ATX | Micro-ATX |
| Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR4 | DDR4 | DDR4 | DDR4 | DDR4 | DDR4 |
| PCIe Version | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0 | not stated | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| M.2 Slots | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 2 | not stated | Dual M.2 |
| Ethernet Speed | Gigabit Ethernet | not stated | Gigabit LAN | not stated | 1Gb LAN | not stated | 2.5 Gb |
| Power Phases | 4+2 phase | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 8+2 |
| Wi-Fi | not stated | Wi-Fi 5 | not stated | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 | not stated | not stated |
| Use Case | not stated | Gaming | not stated | Gaming | not stated | not stated | Gaming |
| Series | Ryzen 3 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Dimensions | 8.86 × 8.86 × 8.86 inches | 12 × 9.6 × 2.5 inches | 12 × 2.8 × 9.6 inches | 12 × 9.6 × 2.5 inches | 10 × 2.6 × 10 inches | 9.6 × 9.6 × 1.5 inches | 9.61 × 1.57 × 9.61 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 4.1 pounds | 2.29 pounds | 4.1 pounds | 1.27 pounds | 2.43 pounds | 1.76 pounds |
| Model | A520M-GL | MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge WiFi | Prime X470-Pro | MPG X570 GAMING EDGE WIFI | B550M-A AC | B550M PRO-VDH WIFI | 90MB14A0-M0EAY0 |
| Size | not stated | 1 | ATX | 1 | Micro ATX | (Pack of 1) | Micro-ATX |
| Color | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Black |
If you need dedicated networking hardware for your setup, you can compare specifications across gl inet gl ax1800 alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Which motherboard is best for compact AMD Ryzen builds?
The SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL Micro ATX is a practical option for users building compact systems with AMD Ryzen 3000 or 5000 series processors. It measures 8.86 inches by 8.86 inches, making it ideal for small form factor cases. It also provides integrated video outputs for standard desktop use without needing a dedicated graphics card.
Do I need Wi-Fi 5 for an AM4 gaming build?
The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge ATX Motherboard includes built-in Wi-Fi 5, which suits gamers who value standard wireless convenience. It pairs this with PCIe 4.0 performance for high-speed storage and graphics. This makes it a strong choice if you want wireless connectivity without needing the latest Wi-Fi standard.
What is the best budget-friendly option for wired Ryzen 2 systems?
The ASUS Prime X470-Pro ATX Motherboard offers solid foundational specs for Ryzen 2 users who prioritize wired stability. It supports DDR4 memory and fits the standard ATX form factor. This board is suitable for those who do not require cutting-edge wireless features or PCIe 4.0 speeds in their build.
Which Micro ATX board supports ECC memory and Wi-Fi?
The ASUS Prime B550M-A AC Micro ATX fits users who need wireless connectivity and ECC support in a small build. It features PCIe 4.0 speeds and 1GbE wired networking. This board is a solid choice for compact Ryzen systems where memory reliability and wireless convenience are important requirements.
Is there a compact board with PCIe 4.0 and Wi-Fi?
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi Micro ATX fits users who want a compact AM4 board with modern PCIe 4.0 speeds. It includes integrated Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity. This is a solid choice for Ryzen 5000 series builds where space is limited but performance and network flexibility matter.
Which Micro ATX board is best for gaming with wired networking?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-PLUS Micro ATX delivers strong power and modern PCIe 4.0 speeds for AM4 gaming builds. It focuses on reliable wired networking rather than wireless options. This board fits users who want a compact form factor with robust power delivery for their graphics card and storage.
How does the X570 chipset compare to the A520 chipset?
The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge uses the AMD X570 chipset, offering PCIe 4.0 performance compared to the SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL’s PCIe 3.0 limit. This provides higher bandwidth for modern storage and graphics cards. The X570 platform is designed for users needing more expansion capabilities than the entry-level A520 offers.