Top choice board for an APU with long-term support.
Top choice board for an APU with long-term support.
You should consider a reliable motherboard that supports the Ryzen 3 3200G and allows for future upgrades like a GPU. Look for models compatible with Intel’s latest socket and have sufficient ports and expansion options.
I think AMD and Intel might release new socket designs around 2020 or 2021, making it a less favorable period for purchases focused on future compatibility. It's tough to predict how many Ryzen processors will remain available, especially once they cease producing compatible models. I imagine the last generation of compatible CPUs will maintain their value and high prices if Intel’s earlier final lines for each platform hold up. If you have patience, it could be worthwhile. Otherwise, waiting until you can afford a feature-rich B450, 3600, and a solid graphics card might be better. Buying a CPU that only meets current needs now seems like a missed opportunity before it becomes outdated soon.
I don't agree to wait for a new socket. With AM4 you'll retain options for future upgrades up to a 3950x with 16 cores and 32 threads. A later socket such as AM5 on AMD would offer only small improvements like DDR5 support, PCIe 4.0 (which is already present in AM4), perhaps USB 4 (I'm unsure about Thunderbolt because Intel...). In short, my main concern is DDR5 capability. While you could still get DDR3 and have DDR4 sticks available in 16 and 32 GB sizes, I don't see upgrading to a new socket as a valuable move. I believe AMD will release more processors on AM4, or at least the memory controller will support both DDR5 and DDR4, and some select chips will remain on AM4. The APUs like the Ryzen 3200G are still built on Zen+ (Ryzen 2xxx generation), so I expect a future APU using similar technology to laptops. You should be okay with a B450 motherboard, good ones start around $70. The cheapest choice is likely the Gigabyte B450M DS3H: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/hpRzK8/...b450m-ds3h It's better than the ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0 or MSI B450M PRO-M2 as it offers better VRMs and more power support for high-end chips like 10+ cores. The two I mentioned aren't ideal beyond eight cores. A solid pick for value is the Asrock B450 Pro4 at $75: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/dQgzK8/...b450m-pro4 Then the ATX versions are available at lower prices. For top upgrade potential, consider the MSI B450 A Pro or B450 Gaming Plus (or B450 Tomohawk) – the latter models with "MAX" have larger chipsets and more advanced BIOS features.
I see your point, though I’ve been considering this for a while. If I hold off, I won’t purchase anything now since I expect a better opportunity next year.
The Asrock B450 Pro4 -F offers enhanced features compared to the standard model, particularly in performance and build quality.
Here’s a concise overview of the key differences:
- ATX B450 Pro4 focuses on high-performance builds with robust cooling.
- mATX models offer more compact designs suitable for smaller spaces.
- ATX provides better airflow and thermal management.
- mATX emphasizes space-saving and cost-effectiveness.
For the MTS B450 models, the best value in a mATX setup is usually the one with the latest 3rd generation Ryzen chips. Be aware that some users report problems with certain Ryzen releases, so double-check compatibility and reviews before buying.