Choosing among CPUs, motherboards & memory starts with a platform question: are you replacing a board for an older Intel processor, building around AMD AM4 or AM5, or adding one DDR5 module? The wrong socket or memory standard can matter more than a small price difference. Here, the listed spread is $67.00, but the practical split is between LGA 1151, AM4/DDR4, AM5/DDR5, and a standalone UDIMM.
Quick take
- For 8th- or 9th-generation Intel systems: The NEW MSI Z390-A PRO targets LGA 1151 processors and DDR4 memory, with M.2 and USB 3.1 named in the title.
- For an AMD AM5 build: The AORUS X870E PRO ICE pairs AM5 with DDR5, AMD EXPO, WiFi 7, M.2 expansion, and on-board audio.
- For an AMD AM4 build: The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi supports Ryzen families from the 3000 through 5000 series and DDR4.
- For a memory-only upgrade: The SK hynix Lenovo module is one 16GB DDR5 UDIMM, not a motherboard.
Listed-price comparison
The four prices span $67.00 from the lowest to the highest listed amount. That gap is useful context, but the products serve different jobs, so platform fit should come first.
| Product | Listed price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| NEW MSI Z390-A PRO Motherboard LGA 1151 for 9th/8th Intel ATX M.2 USB 3.1 DDR4 | $172.21 | |
| AORUS X870E PRO ICE AM5 ATX DDR5 PCIE WIFI 7 AMD EXPO Gaming Motherboard | $199.99 | |
| MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Gaming Motherboard AM4 DDR4 ATX | $167.99 | |
| SK hynix Lenovo 16GB PC5-5600B UDIMM DDR5 Desktop Memory RAM HMCG78AGBUA081N | $234.99 |
Decision matrix
Use these filters in order:
- CPU socket: LGA 1151 points to the MSI Z390-A PRO; AM4 points to the MSI MAG B550; AM5 points to the AORUS X870E PRO ICE. These are different platform paths, not interchangeable board choices.
- Memory type: The MSI Z390-A PRO and MSI MAG B550 both name DDR4. The AORUS board and SK hynix module name DDR5, so the memory standard separates the upgrade routes.
- Expansion and networking: The AORUS emphasizes PCIe 5.0 storage options and WiFi 7. The MSI MAG B550 lists PCIe 4.0, an M.2 Shield Frozr, 2.5G LAN, and Wi-Fi 6E. The MSI Z390-A PRO specifically names M.2 and USB 3.1.
- Purchase format: Three choices are motherboards; the SK hynix Lenovo item is a single UDIMM. Select it only when the goal is a desktop memory upgrade rather than a new board platform.
Product notes
NEW MSI Z390-A PRO Motherboard LGA 1151 for 9th/8th Intel ATX M.2 USB 3.1 DDR4
The NEW MSI Z390-A PRO is the Intel-focused choice for a system built around an LGA 1151 processor, with the title explicitly naming 9th- and 8th-generation support. DDR4, ATX, an M.2 slot, and USB 3.1 make the intended platform clear. Choose it when the parts plan already centers on those Intel generations and you want the board features named here. Its limitation is platform scope: it is tied to LGA 1151 and DDR4, so it is not the natural match for the AMD AM4 or AM5 routes in this comparison. The $172.21 listed price places it between the two motherboard prices shown in the table.
AORUS X870E PRO ICE AM5 ATX DDR5 PCIE WIFI 7 AMD EXPO Gaming Motherboard
AORUS X870E PRO ICE is a strong fit for an AMD AM5 build that calls for DDR5. Its title names PCIe, WiFi 7, AMD EXPO, and gaming use; the attributes add M.2 expansion and on-board audio, while the product details identify four DIMM slots and PCIe 5.0 storage options. Choose it when those platform and connectivity features matter more than matching an older DDR4 system. The tradeoff is that it is listed as open box, and populating certain secondary PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots may scale the primary x16 graphics slot down to x8. That lane detail matters for a build with several high-speed storage devices.
MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Gaming Motherboard AM4 DDR4 ATX
MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is the AMD AM4 alternative, with DDR4 support and explicit support for Ryzen 5000, 5000 G, 4000G, and 3000 Series processors. It also lists PCIe 4.0, an M.2 slot with Shield Frozr, 2.5G LAN, and AMD Wi-Fi 6E, so it suits a gaming-oriented AM4 system that needs networking and storage features on the board. Its concrete limitation is the AM4/DDR4 platform: it is the wrong direction for an AM5/DDR5 parts plan. Choose it when the processor generation and memory standard are already settled around AMD's AM4 family.
SK hynix Lenovo 16GB PC5-5600B UDIMM DDR5 Desktop Memory RAM HMCG78AGBUA081N
SK hynix Lenovo 16GB PC5-5600B UDIMM is the only memory module rather than a motherboard, making it the direct choice for a DDR5 desktop memory upgrade. The item identifies one 16GB module, PC5-5600B bus speed, and UDIMM form factor. Those details define the purchase clearly for a desktop that calls for that memory type. The limitation is purchase shape: it is one stick totaling 16GB, not a multi-module package. It is also listed as open box. Choose it when a single-module DDR5 addition fits the build, rather than when you need an AM4/DDR4 or AM5 motherboard to anchor the whole system.
Final recommendation by use case
- 8th- or 9th-generation Intel LGA 1151 build: Choose the NEW MSI Z390-A PRO for its explicitly named Intel socket, processor generations, DDR4 support, M.2, and USB 3.1.
- Existing AMD AM4 and DDR4 system: Choose the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi for its Ryzen 3000-through-5000 support, PCIe 4.0, 2.5G LAN, and Wi-Fi 6E.
- AMD AM5/DDR5 gaming foundation: Choose the AORUS X870E PRO ICE for AM5, DDR5, AMD EXPO, WiFi 7, and PCIe 5.0 storage features, while accounting for its open-box condition and stated lane consideration.
- Single DDR5 memory upgrade: Choose the SK hynix Lenovo module when the target desktop calls for one 16GB PC5-5600B UDIMM.
- If price is the deciding factor: The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is the lowest-priced entry, while the SK hynix Lenovo memory is the highest; the $67.00 spread does not change their different roles.
