SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard or SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL Motherboard? Which SHANGZHAOYUAN Model to Buy
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You are deciding between the shangzhaoyuan h97 strong lga 1150 motherboard vs a520m gl motherboard. Both boards offer gigabit Ethernet and basic video outputs. They share similar power phase counts and all-solid capacitor designs. The main difference lies in their architecture. One targets Intel’s fourth-generation processors with DDR3 memory. The other supports AMD Ryzen CPUs using DDR4 memory. Your choice depends on the CPU and RAM you already own or plan to buy.
Key differences
| Aspect | SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard | SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL Micro ATX |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Socket | LGA 1150 | AM4 |
| Form Factor | Mini ITX | Micro ATX |
| Chipset | H97 | A520 |
| Memory Type | DDR3 | DDR4 |
| Max Memory | 16GB | 64GB |
Which one should you choose?
Choose SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard if
- You are building with an Intel fourth-generation Core processor.
- You need a compact Mini ITX case for a small form factor build.
- You already have DDR3 RAM and want to reuse it.
Choose SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL Micro ATX if
- You are building with an AMD Ryzen 3rd or 5th generation CPU.
- You want to support up to 64GB of system memory.
- You prefer the larger Micro ATX form factor for easier installation.
Verdict: Choose the LGA 1150 model if you are upgrading an older Intel system or need a tiny case. Pick the AM4 A520M-GL if you are building a new AMD system that requires more memory capacity and modern Ryzen support.
H97 vs A520M-GL Comparison
cpu socket
The SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard uses the LGA 1150 socket. It supports Intel 4th generation Core i7, i5, i3, and E3 series processors. You must pair it with older Intel chips like the i5 4570 or i7 4790k. In contrast, the SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL Motherboard features the AM4 socket. This socket is compatible with AMD Ryzen 3rd through 5th generation CPUs. You can use modern processors such as the Ryzen 5 3600X or Ryzen 5 5600. This makes the A520M-GL a much more current platform for new builds.
memory type
Memory support differs significantly between these two boards. The Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard relies on DDR3 RAM. It has two DIMM slots with a maximum capacity of 16GB. It supports speeds of 1066, 1333, 1600, and 1866MHz. The A520M-GL Motherboard uses DDR4 memory. It also has two slots but supports up to 64GB total. It handles faster speeds ranging from 2133MHz to 3600MHz. DDR4 offers better bandwidth and higher capacity limits. This gives the A520M-GL a clear advantage in modern memory performance and future-proofing.
form factor
Size matters for your case selection. The Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard is a Mini-ITX board. Its dimensions are approximately 6.69 by 6.7 inches. This compact form factor fits into small ITX cases. The A520M-GL Motherboard is a Micro ATX board. It measures about 8.86 by 8.86 inches. This larger size requires a Micro ATX or Mid-Tower case. If you are building a small form factor PC, the Mini-ITX board is the only viable option. For standard towers, either works, but the Micro ATX offers more physical space for components.
chipset
The underlying chipset defines feature sets and compatibility. The Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard uses the H97 chipset. This is an older Intel platform designed for fourth-generation processors. It provides standard connectivity options for its era. The A520M-GL Motherboard uses the A520 chipset. This is a modern AMD platform supporting Ryzen processors. The A520 chipset supports PCIe 3.0 and offers basic overclocking capabilities for non-X CPUs. The newer chipset architecture generally provides better support for contemporary standards and drivers compared to the legacy H97.
connectivity
Both boards offer similar basic connectivity. They both include HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort outputs. They both feature Gigabit Ethernet ports. They both have USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports. They both support SATA 3.0 drives. The Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard includes an M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs. The A520M-GL Motherboard also includes an M.2 slot for NVMe and an additional WIFI M.2 slot. The presence of a dedicated slot for Wi-Fi expansion gives the A520M-GL a slight edge in wireless connectivity options.
power phases
Power delivery stability is crucial for system uptime. The Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard uses a 4-phase power supply design. It relies on all-solid-state capacitors for stability. The A520M-GL Motherboard uses a 4+2 phase power supply design. It also uses all-solid capacitors. The additional two phases on the A520M-GL suggest a slightly more robust power delivery system for the CPU. This may provide better stability under load, especially with higher-end Ryzen processors. Both require at least a 500W power supply for reliable operation.
Which SHANGZHAOYUAN Motherboard Fits You
Building a compact old Intel PC
Choose the Mini-ITX LGA 1150 board if you need a small form factor. It supports Intel 4th Gen Core processors and DDR3 memory up to 16GB. The H97 chipset and PCIe 3.0 x16 slot provide reliable performance for legacy systems. Its compact 6.7-inch size fits tight cases, making it ideal for retro builds or space-constrained setups.
Upgrading to modern AMD Ryzen
Select the A520M-GL for AMD Ryzen 3 to 5th Gen CPUs. It uses the AM4 socket and supports faster DDR4 memory up to 64GB. The 4+2 phase power supply and additional PCIe x1 slot offer better connectivity for newer components. This Micro ATX board is the practical choice for building or upgrading an AMD-based desktop system.
Needing more RAM and modern ports
The A520M-GL supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, doubling the capacity of the Intel option. It also includes a dedicated WIFI M.2 slot and a PCIe x1 slot for extra expansion cards. If you require higher memory limits and modern connectivity features for your AMD platform, this motherboard provides the necessary specifications for a versatile build.
The products compared
SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard
Best for: Compact 4th-Gen Intel DDR3 builds
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1150
- Chipset
- H97
- Form Factor
- Mini ITX
- Memory Type
- DDR3
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 3.0
- M.2 Slots
- 1
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This Mini-ITX board features an Intel LGA 1150 socket paired with the H97 chipset. It provides two DDR3 slots supporting up to 16GB of memory, an NVMe M.2 slot, and dual Gigabit Ethernet ports. It suits you if you want to assemble a compact system or maintain an existing fourth-generation Intel Core build using existing DDR3 hardware.
Pros
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet network ports
- Compact Mini-ITX footprint measuring 6.7 by 6.7 inches
- Display connectivity includes DisplayPort, HDMI, and VGA
- Onboard M.2 slot supporting NVMe SSDs
Cons
- Memory capacity caps at 16GB across two DDR3 slots
- Package does not include a CR2032 CMOS battery or printed manual
- Restricted to older fourth-generation Intel processors
Good fit if
- You need a compact Mini-ITX replacement board for an Intel 4th Gen Core processor.
- You plan to reuse existing DDR3 desktop memory modules.
- You require dual Gigabit Ethernet connections on a single board.
Skip if
- You require more than 16GB of system memory.
- You plan to run newer DDR4 or DDR5 RAM.
Verdict: SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard delivers dual Gigabit LAN and compact dimensions for users repairing or running a fourth-generation Intel system with DDR3 memory.
SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL Micro ATX
Best for: Ryzen 3000 to 5000 series budget builds
- CPU Socket
- AM4
- Form Factor
- Micro ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 3.0
- Ethernet Speed
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Power Phases
- 4+2 phase
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This SHANGZHAOYUAN Micro ATX board features an AMD AM4 socket designed for Ryzen 3000 to 5000 series processors. You get two DDR4 memory slots supporting up to 64GB at speeds up to 3600MHz, alongside dedicated NVME and Wi-Fi M.2 slots. It suits you if you want a compact foundation for a modern budget AMD desktop build.
Pros
- Supports AMD Ryzen 3000 through 5000 series processors on the AM4 socket
- Dedicated NVME/NGFF M.2 and Wi-Fi M.2 expansion slots
- Triple display outputs with HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA ports
- Dual-channel DDR4 memory support up to 64GB and 3600MHz
Cons
- Package does not include a CR2032 CMOS battery or printed user manual
- Limited to two DDR4 memory slots
- Restricted to PCIe 3.0 bandwidth across expansion slots
Good fit if
- You plan to build an AMD desktop using a Ryzen 3000, 4000, or 5000 series CPU.
- You need flexible display options across HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA outputs.
- You want dedicated M.2 slots for both NVME storage and an add-in Wi-Fi module.
Skip if
- You need more than two memory slots or plan to run Intel-specific DDR4 modules.
- You require PCIe 4.0 expansion speeds for high-speed storage or modern graphics cards.
Verdict: SHANGZHAOYUAN Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard delivers essential AM4 connectivity and DDR4 capability for builders pairing a 3000 to 5000 series Ryzen CPU with standard Micro ATX cases.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard | SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL Micro ATX |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Socket | LGA 1150 | AM4 |
| Chipset | H97 | not stated |
| Form Factor | Mini ITX | Micro ATX |
| Memory Type | DDR3 | DDR4 |
| PCIe Version | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| M.2 Slots | 1 | not stated |
| Ethernet Speed | Gigabit | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Power Phases | 4-phase | 4+2 phase |
| Use Case | Gaming | not stated |
| Series | Core i7 | Ryzen 3 |
| Dimensions | 6.7 × 6.69 × 6.7 inches | 8.86 × 8.86 × 8.86 inches |
| Model | H97-STRONG | A520M-GL |
Frequently asked questions
Does the SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 motherboard support DDR4 memory?
No. This board uses the H97 chipset and is designed for Intel 4th generation processors. Those chips require DDR3 memory. You cannot install DDR4 RAM on this platform. If you need DDR4 support, you should look at the A520M-GL model instead, which is built for AMD Ryzen CPUs.
What is the physical size of the SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 motherboard?
The board measures 6.69 inches in width and 6.7 inches in length. This compact Mini-ITX form factor allows it to fit into small cases. It is ideal for users who want a small footprint for their system. The A520M-GL is larger, measuring 8.86 inches square.
Can I use an AMD Ryzen processor with the SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 board?
No. The LGA 1150 socket is exclusive to Intel processors. It supports 4th generation Core i7, i5, i3, and E3 series chips. You cannot install AMD Ryzen CPUs on this motherboard. For AMD builds, you must choose the A520M-GL model with the AM4 socket.
Which motherboard supports newer AMD processors?
The SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL supports AMD Ryzen processors. It features the AM4 socket, which is compatible with various Ryzen generations. The Mini-ITX LGA 1150 board only works with older Intel chips. Choose the A520M-GL if you are building a system with modern AMD hardware.
Is the SHANGZHAOYUAN A520M-GL Micro ATX or Mini-ITX?
It is a Micro ATX motherboard. The board measures 8.86 inches by 8.86 inches. This standard size fits most mid-tower cases. The Mini-ITX LGA 1150 board is much smaller at 6.69 inches square. Your choice depends on the case size you plan to use.
Does the Mini-ITX board include M.2 storage support?
Yes. The SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 motherboard includes an M.2 slot for storage. This allows you to install NVMe or SATA M.2 drives. The A520M-GL also offers storage connectivity. Both boards provide options for fast storage, but the Mini-ITX is better for compact builds.