APUs and budget options for an Asrock B550m itx
APUs and budget options for an Asrock B550m itx
I recently purchased an Asrock B550m itx with plans to use it as a secondary machine. It seems I can't fit in an ATHLON 3000, 1600 AF, or the models I really wanted like the APUs (2200/2400/3200 or 3400). Some users have shared experiences with certain APUs, but I'm worried about instability or failure to boot. Has anyone seen any upcoming releases from AMD for general consumers? From what I've noticed, new APUs are mostly available only for OEM builds. If installing any APU isn't an option, the only affordable choices seem to be 3100/3500 or 3300 models. Using an Athlon chip isn't really an option right now. Thanks ahead!
B550 lacks support for the latest APU models at the moment, but it does work with older generations like the Athlon and Zen series. Zen 2 APUs can be enabled via a BIOS update, though currently only OEM versions are available. For now, you'll need a GPU since it doesn't include an integrated graphics solution.
I've heard about people using a 3400g with the original BIOS and the setup is functioning, but it's risky. I'm sure a new BIOS might break the setup. Also, it seems a BIOS update is needed for the new APU? I wasn't aware of that. Yeah, I realize I need a VGA with those specs—I've already installed the new motherboard because it offered better VRM, PCIe 4.0 for the M2, and a Type C on the IO panel. Still, I'm worried about losing my chances for a cheaper secondary rig if I upgrade. I don't want another VGA. I thought even if I don't like the new APUs, they'd be available for regular users. Now I'm considering swapping it for an older B450, but that's not ideal either.
I haven't come across anything similar before, but natively b550 doesn't support the agesa code for any current APU models. Yes, APUs use different agesa codes depending on the version—like a 3200G with Zen+ has a distinct code compared to Zen+ CPUs. You might have to wait for Zen 2 APUs to become available to regular buyers, and even then you'd likely need a 3100/3300X or similar GPU to make it work.
Some fellas in youtube tried it and worked, but I guess that the results might vary depending on the Mobo Brand and BIOS. I feel it's still too risky to buy a 3200 or 3400 APU in my case. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1wo9uWu6ro Do you know if there is some launch date for the new APUs to be available for regular consumers? is that actually a possibility or it might end being just for OEM?
It will eventually be available for regular consumers, though I don't know the exact timeline.