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Sapphire A520M-E specifications and in-depth review

Sapphire A520M-E

Manufacturer: Sapphire

The Sapphire A520M-E is a Micro-ATX motherboard designed for the AM4 socket, compatible with A520 chipsets. It offers a straightforward setup for users needing a solid foundation without advanced overclocking or integrated graphics. With a maximum memory capacity of 64GB, it supports basic computing tasks for users looking for an affordable and functional motherboard.

For storage, the Sapphire A520M-E features 4 SATA 3 connectors and 1 M.2 socket. It includes 1 PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and 1 PCIe x1 slot for expansion. This model also supports HDMI and VGA outputs, but lacks features like built-in Bluetooth, dual BIOS, or Wi-Fi support. The motherboard is backed by a 3-year warranty for added reliability.

Pros
  • Supports a maximum memory capacity of 64GB for sufficient RAM expansion.
  • Offers 1 M.2 socket for fast NVMe storage solutions.
  • Equipped with an HDMI output and a VGA connector for versatile display options.
Cons
  • Lacks support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Does not support advanced RAID configurations like RAID 0+1 for storage redundancy.
  • No USB Type-C or Thunderbolt ports for modern peripheral connectivity.
  • Does not include integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for display output.
Who is this for?

The Sapphire A520M-E motherboard is ideal for users building a budget-friendly system with up to 64GB of memory and basic storage configurations. It is a solid choice for those who do not require advanced features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or high-speed RAID setups. The presence of 1 M.2 socket allows for fast storage, while the HDMI and VGA outputs provide versatile display options for a variety of monitors.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard is not suitable for users who require high-end connectivity features, such as USB Type-C, Thunderbolt, or integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It also lacks support for RAID 0+1 and advanced storage configurations, making it less appropriate for users who need redundancy or high-performance storage setups. Additionally, the absence of integrated graphics means a discrete GPU is mandatory for visual output.

General info:

CPU socket AM4
chipset A520
form factor Micro-ATX
release date September 2025
supports Wi-Fi ✕
Has Bluetooth ✕
Easy to overclock ✕
has RGB lighting ✕
Easy to reset BIOS ✕
Has dual BIOS ✕
CPU sockets 1
Has integrated graphics ✕
warranty period 3 years
height 235 mm
width 244 mm
Has integrated CPU ✕

The Sapphire A520M-E motherboard is designed with an AM4 CPU socket and supports the A520 chipset. This Micro-ATX board features a single CPU socket and does not include integrated graphics or an integrated CPU. It lacks advanced features like Wi-Fi support, Bluetooth, RGB lighting, dual BIOS, and an easy-to-reset BIOS. The motherboard comes with a 3-year warranty, and its dimensions are 235 mm in height and 244 mm in width.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 64GB
memory slots 2
DDR memory version 4
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory ✕

The Sapphire A520M-E motherboard supports a maximum memory capacity of 64GB and features 2 memory slots, providing flexibility for memory expansion. It is compatible with DDR4 memory and operates with 2 memory channels for improved performance. However, it does not support ECC memory, which means it is not designed for error-correcting code memory modules.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 4
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 2.0 ports 2
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports 0
USB 4 40Gbps ports 0
USB 4 20Gbps ports 0
Thunderbolt 4 ports 0
Thunderbolt 3 ports 0
has an HDMI output ✓
DisplayPort outputs 0
RJ45 ports 1
Has USB Type-C ✕
eSATA ports 0
DVI outputs 0
has a VGA connector ✓
PS/2 ports 1

The Sapphire A520M-E motherboard offers a variety of ports, including 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB-A ports and 2 USB 2.0 ports for peripheral connections. It includes an HDMI output for video, as well as a VGA connector for legacy display options. Additionally, the board provides 1 RJ45 port for Ethernet connectivity and 1 PS/2 port for older input devices, though it does not feature USB Type-C, Thunderbolt, or DisplayPort outputs.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion) 2
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion) 2
SATA 3 connectors 4
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion) 2
M.2 sockets 1
U.2 sockets 0
Has mSATA connector ✕
SATA 2 connectors 0

The Sapphire A520M-E motherboard offers several connectors for expanded storage and peripheral options. It includes 4 SATA 3 connectors for storage devices, 1 M.2 socket for fast NVMe drives, and 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and 2 additional USB 2.0 ports for expansion. Notably, the board does not support U.2 sockets or an mSATA connector, limiting some advanced storage configurations.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots 1
PCIe x1 slots 1
PCI slots 0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x4 slots 0
PCIe x8 slots 0

The Sapphire A520M-E motherboard features 1 PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for high-speed expansion cards and 1 PCIe x1 slot for additional peripherals. It does not support PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 x16 slots, nor does it include PCIe x4, x8, or PCI slots, making it suitable for basic expansion needs without advanced configurations.

Audio:

audio channels 5.1
Has S/PDIF Out port ✕
audio connectors 3

The Sapphire A520M-E motherboard supports 5.1 audio channels, providing surround sound for a more immersive experience. It is equipped with 3 audio connectors but does not include an S/PDIF Out port, limiting digital audio output options.

Storage:

Supports RAID 0+1 ✕

The Sapphire A520M-E motherboard does not support RAID 0+1, limiting its ability to provide redundancy and performance benefits through this specific RAID configuration.

Final Verdict

The Sapphire A520M-E motherboard is a solid choice for users seeking a basic, reliable foundation for their PC builds. With support for up to 64GB of memory and 1 M.2 socket for fast storage, it offers essential functionality for everyday computing. However, its lack of advanced features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and support for RAID configurations limits its suitability for high-performance setups. Overall, this motherboard is best for those who need a straightforward, budget-friendly option without requiring high-end connectivity or graphics capabilities.