Micro Center AMD 5500 Processor with Gigabyte A520M S2H MATX Motherboard

This bundle pairs the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 desktop processor with the Gigabyte A520M S2H Micro ATX motherboard. It is designed for PC builders putting together a gaming or everyday desktop on the AM4 platform. By combining the core CPU and motherboard in a single package, it simplifies component selection for entry-level and budget-conscious builds.

The Ryzen 5 5500 CPU features 6 cores and 12 processing threads with a 4.2GHz max boost clock, 19 MB of cache, and unlocked overclocking support. It operates at a 65W TDP and comes packed with an AMD Wraith Stealth cooler. The pairing is capable of delivering smooth 100+ FPS performance in popular games when matched with a dedicated graphics card. For memory, the platform supports dual-channel DDR4 RAM up to 64GB across two DIMM slots.

The Gigabyte A520M S2H motherboard provides solid baseline connectivity in a compact Micro ATX footprint. You get an ultra-fast NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 connector, four SATA 6Gb/s ports, and GIGABYTE 8118 gaming LAN with bandwidth management. Helpful build features include Smart Fan 5 with hybrid headers and fan stop technology, RGB Fusion 2.0 headers, and Q-Flash Plus, which allows BIOS updates without needing a CPU, memory, or graphics card installed.

Keep in mind that the Ryzen 5 5500 processor does not include integrated graphics. You must install a discrete graphics card to get a display signal, making the motherboard video ports usable only with compatible APUs. Additionally, the board features two DIMM slots, limiting total memory expansion compared to larger four-slot motherboards.

Verdict: This processor and motherboard bundle is a practical, value-focused foundation for a budget AM4 gaming PC or home desktop. It is ideal for builders who plan to install a dedicated graphics card and want an included cooler with straightforward BIOS updating capabilities.

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (6 Cores, 12 Threads)
• Max Boost Clock: 4.2GHz
• CPU Cache: 19 MB
• Thermal Design Power (TDP): 65W
• Included CPU Cooler: AMD Wraith Stealth
• Motherboard Form Factor: Micro ATX
• CPU Socket: Socket AM4
• Memory Support: Dual Channel DDR4 up to 64GB (2 DIMMs)
• Storage Interfaces: 1x PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2, 4x SATA 6Gb/s
• Display Outputs: HDMI, DVI-D, D-sub
• Operating System Support: Windows 11/10 64-bit

A great fit if you:

• Plan to build an AM4 desktop PC using a separate discrete graphics card
• Want an included CPU cooler right in the box to keep build costs down
• Need a compact Micro ATX motherboard for smaller PC cases
• Appreciate the convenience of updating the BIOS without components installed

Consider something else if you:

• Need integrated processor graphics to run a monitor without a dedicated GPU
• Want four memory slots for high-capacity four-stick RAM setups

Does the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 have integrated graphics?
No, this processor does not have integrated graphics. You must install a discrete graphics card to output display to a monitor.

Does this bundle include a CPU cooler?
Yes, the AMD Wraith Stealth cooler is included in the package with the processor.

Can I update the motherboard BIOS without installing the processor or RAM?
Yes, the Gigabyte A520M S2H features Q-Flash Plus, which allows you to update the BIOS without installing the CPU, memory, or graphics card.

How much RAM can the motherboard support?
The motherboard features two DIMM slots supporting dual-channel DDR4 memory up to a maximum capacity of 64GB.