The electronics market has found itself in a tough spot: due to a global memory shortage and a sharp price hike, many manufacturers and consumers are facing significant challenges. In recent months, the cost of RAM and storage devices has multiplied several times, immediately impacting prices for laptops, smartphones, and PC components. According to MuyComputer, the memory price index in January showed an unprecedented surge—up to 500% for certain items. As a result, companies have been forced to look for unconventional solutions to retain customers and sustain sales.
In this environment, affordable platforms play a crucial role, allowing users to build working systems without paying extra for the latest technologies. Relying on time-tested components has become the only way to keep assembly costs at a reasonable level. Against this backdrop, MSI has introduced an updated line of budget motherboards designed for those unwilling to accept high prices and seeking maximum value for their money.
Affordable solutions
MSI has launched two new microATX motherboards based on the B550 chipset—PRO B550M-B and B550M-A PRO. Both models are intended for systems built with AMD Ryzen 5000 processors and support DDR4 memory, which, despite its price increase, is still cheaper than the latest DDR5 modules. This approach helps reduce the final cost of a PC without sacrificing performance for everyday tasks or gaming.
The PRO B550M-B stands out for its flexibility: two memory slots support speeds up to DDR4-4600, making it suitable for most usage scenarios. For storage, there are two M.2 slots—one using the PCIe 4.0 standard, allowing for the installation of a fast NVMe SSD. The second operates on PCIe Gen3 and can be used for an additional drive. There are also several SATA ports for connecting hard drives or other SSDs.
The graphics card connects via a reinforced PCIe 4.0 x16 slot with Steel Armor technology, providing extra reliability when installing heavy GPUs. For network connectivity, there’s Gigabit Ethernet, and for lighting enthusiasts, a 5V ARGB header compatible with Mystic Light. The board is priced at around $78, making it one of the most affordable in its class on the market.
Savings without compromise
The second model, the B550M-A PRO, is even more affordable—approximately $67. Here, the manufacturer has made some simplifications: there is no heatsink on the VRM, and CPU power is supplied through a 4-pin connector. This indicates that the board is designed for standard tasks and moderate workloads, without overclocking or extreme operating conditions.
For stability and reliability, MSI uses a double-ounce copper PCB, which has a positive effect on thermal performance. Memory support is the same as the higher-end model—two DDR4 slots up to 4600 MHz. For storage, there is one M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, and for expansion, an additional PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. This set of features allows you to build a workstation or home PC without extra costs and without overpaying for unnecessary options.
Both boards are designed for long-term use: the manufacturer provides at least a three-year warranty, and in practice, such systems last much longer. This is especially important now, as upgrading hardware is becoming less accessible due to rising component prices.
Meeting the challenges of the market
The launch of new budget MSI motherboards is not just another announcement, but an attempt to adapt to the new realities of the market. With memory and other components becoming more expensive at an unprecedented pace, the ability to build a computer using DDR4 and Gen4 drives is a real lifesaver for many users. This approach not only helps save money, but also avoids overpaying for the latest, but still expensive, technologies.
As MuyComputer notes, demand for affordable solutions will only increase until the memory situation stabilizes. Manufacturers are forced to look for compromises in order not to lose customers and maintain competitiveness. MSI is betting on time-tested platforms that make it possible to build a reliable system without extra expenses.
For buyers, this is a chance to upgrade or build a new PC without having to wait for memory and other component prices to drop. In times when every penny counts, such offers become especially relevant. We can only hope other manufacturers will follow MSI’s example and introduce their own affordable solutions.
MSI is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computer components, well known for its motherboards, graphics cards, and laptops. The company has been active in the market for several decades, offering both premium and budget-friendly solutions for a wide range of users. Thanks to its flexible policies and focus on customer needs, the brand remains highly popular among PC builders and enthusiasts worldwide.
