Jesper Berg
MSI’s X570-A Pro is an entry-level motherboard form MSI based on AMD’s X570 chipset, which was launched at the same time as the 3rd-generation AMD Ryzen processors. This platform introduces the PCIe 4.0 interface on the mainstream consumer market. PCIe 4.0 doubles the theoretical bandwidth for devices that can utilize the new interface – primarily high-end solid state drives in the M.2 form factor. The X570-A Pro is in many ways identical to the more gaming-oriented X570 Gaming Plus.
MSI X570-A Pro: Key Features
AMD’s X570 platform for Ryzen 3K (and 2K) CPUs is quite demanding with a comprehensive list of minimum features. This means that there are few particularly cheap motherboards based on the chipset. The MSI X570-A Pro is nevertheless one of the most affordable alternatives. It bears a striking resemblance to MSI’s own Gaming Plus variety and has an almost identical layout and feature set.
The type of VRM is not disclosed but appears to offer 8 phases to the processor. Power delivery components on the X570-A Pro are covered by heatsinks – slightly smaller ones than on the Gaming sibling. There’s also a small chipset fan.
Considering that PCIe 4.0 is a key feature of the platform, it’s interesting to look at how any X570 motherboard utilizes the updated interface. In this case, there are two M.2 slots for SSDs, out of which one is PCIe 4.0-compatible if the drive can use the added bandwidth. Additionally, the board as two x16-sized PCIe 4.0 slots for graphics cards and three x1 slots. Nvidia SLI is not supported, but dual-GPU AMD CrossfireX setups can be used.
Like all other motherboards based on the same chipset (at launch), the X570-A Pro can hold up to four 32 GB RAM slots for a total of 128 GB of DDR4. The maximum overclocked speeds for the memory modules is 4400 MHz.
No onboard RGB lighting is provided.
MSI X570-A PRO Vs. MPG X570 Gaming Plus
| Product | MSI X570 Gaming Plus | MSI X570-A PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| CPU Support | 2nd- and 3rd-gen AMD Ryzen | 2nd- and 3rd-gen AMD Ryzen |
| Power Delivery | 8-phase(?) | 8-phase(?) |
| RAM Support (up to) | 4400+ MHz (OC) | 4400+ MHz (OC) |
| Memory Slots (Channels) | 2 (4) | 2 (4) |
| Max. RAM | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| PCIe 4.0 X16 Slots | 2 | 2 |
| PCIe 4.0 X1 Slots | 3 | 3 |
| SATA III Ports | 6 | 6 |
| PCIe 4.0 M.2 Slots | 2 | 2 |
| RAID Support | 0/1/10 | 0/1/10 |
| Network Adapters | Realtek 8111H Gigabit LAN | Realtek 8111H Gigabit LAN |
| USB Ports incl. header | 8x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 6x USB 2.0 | 8x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 6x USB 2.0 |
| SLI/Crossfire | N/Y | N/Y |
MSI’s two entry-level boards come with a similar layout and virtually identical spec sheets. The more gaming-focused MPG model has a different color scheme, slightly larger heatsinks, and also comes with an extra in the form of an included M.2 SSD heatsink.
Reviews
… if you’re happy with a stock speed CPU and just want to get on the PCIe 4.0 bandwagon, then the MSI X570-A Pro has everything you need to build a decent X570 system
Specification: MSI X570-A PRO
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