Expert Review & Guide
Micro-ATX is the form factor that still makes the most sense for a lot of real desks: smaller than a mid-tower ATX board, roomier than ITX gymnastics, and wide enough for a proper GPU plus a sensible air cooler. The motherboard you choose inside that outline decides whether the build feels like a compromise or like a deliberately compact powerhouse. Socket choice comes first—AMD AM5 for Ryzen 7000/8000/9000 and DDR5 longevity, AMD AM4 for proven Ryzen 5000 value on DDR4, or Intel LGA 1700 when you are standardized on 12th–14th Gen Core and want to reuse DDR4 kits.
This roundup ranks ten micro-ATX and mATX boards from our best-micro-atx-motherboards pack only. We weighed VRM phase counts and heatsink coverage for small-case thermals, M.2 count and PCIe generation, wired and wireless networking from gigabit and WiFi 6 up through 2.5GbE, WiFi 6E, and WiFi 7, plus builder conveniences such as BIOS flash buttons, EZ-Latch, and Q-Release. Flagship ROG Strix hardware wins when storage density and future networking matter; Eagle and Gaming X boards win when the GPU budget is sacred; AM4 ProSeries and Prime options win when a Ryzen 5000 chip is already on the bench.
We do not list dollar prices because motherboard street pricing moves constantly with CPU bundles and seasonal sales. Ratings reflect Amazon listing averages at writing time. Start with the three top picks for an overall AM5 flagship, a value AM5 workhorse, and a WiFi 6E AM4 refresher. Use the comparison table to separate sockets and wireless generations at a glance, then read each review for clearance caveats, BIOS gotchas, and who should actually skip the board.
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Scan this table to separate AM5 B850 boards from AM4 B550 holdouts and the Intel B760 DDR4 option. Specs highlight socket and chipset class, power or storage traits, and the networking feature that shapes daily use. No prices—check each Amazon listing for the live offer and bundle details.
The ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi II is the board we keep recommending when someone wants a compact AM4 gaming or creator PC without pretending they need WiFi 7 or a white shrouded showpiece. Micro-ATX still leaves room for a full-size GPU and a sensible air cooler in most mATX cases, and this Prime model covers the essentials that actually show up in daily use: a PCIe 4.0 x16 SafeSlot for graphics, dual M.2 including a PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe path, WiFi 6, and HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 60 Hz if you run an APU or need a secondary display path.
Power delivery and cooling are tuned for mainstream Ryzen chips rather than extreme all-core overclocks. ASUS includes a VRM heatsink, a PCH heatsink, hybrid fan headers, and Fan Xpert 2 so you can keep case airflow quiet while still responding to CPU load.
Connectivity is thoughtfully midrange. WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth cover apartments and rooms where Ethernet is awkward, while the 1Gb LAN is adequate for most home internet plans even if it will not saturate a multi-gig NAS transfer.
Protection features are part of the Prime identity. LANGuard, DRAM overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, SafeSlot Core, and a stainless-steel back I/O shield are the kind of boring reliability items you notice only when a cheap board lacks them.
Who should skip it? Anyone starting fresh on AM5 for a multi-year upgrade path, or anyone who needs 2.5Gb Ethernet and WiFi 6E/7 out of the box. In a micro-ATX chassis that tradeoff shows up quickly during long gaming sessions and warm summer ambient temperatures.
Choose the Prime B550M-A WiFi II if you already own or plan to buy a Ryzen 3000/5000 desktop CPU and want WiFi, dual M.2, and PCIe 4.0 graphics in a compact case. It is especially strong for living-room PCs and small desks where running Ethernet is inconvenient.
Update the BIOS before installing a newer Ryzen 5000 chip if the board ships older. Seat the GPU fully in the SafeSlot, install the primary NVMe in the PCIe 4.0 M.2 position, and use Fan Xpert 2 after the first boot to quiet chassis fans that micro-ATX cases often run too aggressively out of the box.
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The GIGABYTE B550M K is the no-drama AM4 micro-ATX board for builders who already have Ethernet or a preferred WiFi card and refuse to pay for radios they will not use. It supports Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors on AM4, keeps DDR4 with four DIMM slots, and includes the modern essentials: a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, a PCIe 4.0 M.2, a second PCIe 3.0 M.2, and enough USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for a clean first build.
The digital 3+3 VRM design with premium chokes and capacitors targets steady delivery for mainstream Ryzen chips. That is appropriate for Ryzen 5 and many Ryzen 7 configurations in micro-ATX gaming PCs; it is less ideal if you insist on aggressive all-core overclocks on the hottest AM4 silicon.
Memory support is a quiet strength. Four DDR4 slots with Extreme Memory Profile support mean you can start with 16 GB and grow to 32 or 64 GB without swapping kits awkwardly. In a micro-ATX chassis that tradeoff shows up quickly during long gaming sessions and warm summer ambient temperatures.
Connectivity is wired-first. Gigabit LAN is standard, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 covers keyboards, headsets, and everyday peripherals. In a micro-ATX chassis that tradeoff shows up quickly during long gaming sessions and warm summer ambient temperatures.
Q-Flash support is the builder convenience that saves Saturday afternoons. Being able to update BIOS more confidently reduces the fear of buying a board and CPU that shipped months apart. In a micro-ATX chassis that tradeoff shows up quickly during long gaming sessions and warm summer ambient temperatures.
Ideal for Ethernet-connected desks, office-gaming hybrids, and budget AM4 upgrades where every dollar should go to the CPU cooler, GPU, or storage rather than onboard WiFi.
Install the OS drive in the PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot. Leave the second M.2 for a scratch or media drive.
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The GIGABYTE B850M Eagle WIFI6E is our favorite way to enter AM5 without buying a full ATX fortress. It supports Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series CPUs, runs DDR5 across four DIMMs, and brings PCIe 5.0, dual M.2, USB-C, WiFi 6E, and 2.5GbE LAN into a micro-ATX outline.
The 8+2+2 power design is aimed at mainstream and upper-mainstream Ryzen chips rather than extreme overclocking showcases. In a micro-ATX case with decent airflow, that is usually enough for Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 gaming builds, and many Ryzen 9 configurations that stay within stock or mild PBO limits.
Networking is where Eagle feels current. WiFi 6E opens the 6 GHz band in supported routers, and 2.5Gb Ethernet is a meaningful jump over gigabit for local backups and NAS. In a micro-ATX chassis that tradeoff shows up quickly during long gaming sessions and warm summer ambient temperatures.
Storage and expansion are practical rather than maximal. Two M.2 slots cover OS plus games for most people; creators who archive locally may want an external drive or should look at the Strix B850-G’s four M.2 layout.
Warranty and expectations matter. The three-year warranty is fine for many buyers but shorter than the five-year story GIGABYTE attaches to some Gaming X and AORUS Elite SKUs. In a micro-ATX chassis that tradeoff shows up quickly during long gaming sessions and warm summer ambient temperatures.
First AM5 builds in micro-ATX cases, apartment gamers on WiFi 6E routers, and upgraders leaving AM4 who still want a compact footprint.
The non-ICE Eagle is the standard black or typical aesthetic twin to the white Eagle ICE. Gaming X steps up the power phase count and warranty pitch.
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GIGABYTE B850M AORUS Elite WIFI6E ICE
The GIGABYTE B850M AORUS Elite WIFI6E ICE is the micro-ATX board we point at when the build is white, the CPU is ambitious, and the owner still refuses a full ATX tower. It supports the Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 stack on AM5, pairs DDR5 across four DIMMs, and backs the CPU with a 12+2+2 power design plus VRM and M.2 thermal guards.
Thermals are the AORUS Elite argument. Micro-ATX gaming PCs often trap heat between a thick GPU and a short chassis; MOSFET and M.2 guards help keep boost behavior and SSD temperatures in a healthier range during long sessions.
Connectivity matches the 2026 mid-premium brief: PCIe 5.0, dual M.2, USB-C, WiFi 6E, and 2.5GbE. You will not get the Strix B850-G’s WiFi 7 or four M.2 slots, but you will get a cleaner white PCB and shroud language that photographs well with white coolers, white GPUs, and tempered-glass mATX cases.
DIY conveniences such as EZ-Latch continue GIGABYTE’s recent focus on less painful GPU and SSD swaps. In a compact case, being able to release a graphics card without contortion is not a luxury—it is how you avoid scraping PCB corners.
Choose this over the standard Eagle when you want more VRM confidence or the ICE look. Choose Strix B850-G instead when storage density, WiFi 7, and ROG software DIY toolkit matter more than a white GIGABYTE aesthetic.
White or silver themed micro-ATX gamers, Ryzen 7/9 owners who want more phase headroom than Eagle, and builders who value GIGABYTE’s longer warranty messaging.
Prioritize front intake and GPU clearance. Keep M.2 thermal guards installed.
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MSI’s B550M PRO-VDH WiFi is a long-running ProSeries micro-ATX board that still makes sense for AM4 holdouts who want wireless, triple display outputs, and a Flash BIOS button without chasing 2026’s newest chipset letters. It supports 3rd Gen Ryzen and later Ryzen desktop chips with BIOS updates, dual-channel DDR4 up to high capacities, PCIe 4.0, and a Lightning Gen 4 M.2 with Shield Frozr.
Core Boost and digital power regulation aim for precise current delivery rather than RGB spectacle. MSI pairs that with a heatsink thermal pad rated for strong conductivity and a PCB with 2 oz thickened copper—language that sounds marketing-heavy but maps to better heat spreading under sustained loads.
I/O flexibility is a quiet advantage. D-SUB, HDMI, and DisplayPort cover legacy office monitors and modern panels alike, which is perfect for mixed households or LAN machines that move between desks. In a micro-ATX chassis that tradeoff shows up quickly during long gaming sessions and warm summer ambient temperatures.
The Flash BIOS button is the feature that prevents return anxiety. Updating firmware without a CPU or memory installed—when supported as advertised—lets you prepare the board for a Ryzen 5000 chip before the rest of the build is assembled.
Compared with the newer MSI PRO B550M-VC WiFi, the PRO-VDH is the classic pick: proven, widely documented, and still capable. The VC model is the better buy if you specifically want WiFi 6E and a refreshed ProSeries feature set.
AM4 upgraders who want MSI BIOS familiarity, multi-display rear I/O, and a Flash BIOS workflow in a compact case.
Pick the PRO B550M-VC WiFi if WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and a newer ProSeries feature bundle matter more than sticking with the widely known PRO-VDH name.
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The MSI PRO B550M-VC WiFi is the AM4 micro-ATX board to buy when you refuse to abandon DDR4 Ryzen 5000 but still want wireless that matches a WiFi 6E router. It supports Ryzen 5000 and 3000 series desktop processors (with important APU exceptions noted by MSI), Ryzen 4000 G-series desktops, DDR4 with overclocking headroom, PCIe 4.0, and a Lightning Gen4 x4 M.2 protected by Shield Frozr.
Thermals are a ProSeries talking point done right: 7W/mK pads, additional choke thermal pads, and M.2 Shield Frozr target nonstop workloads—compiling, streaming, or long game sessions—in smaller chassis. Core Boost, digital PWM, and a 2 oz thickened copper PCB continue MSI’s pitch for stable delivery under load.
Software helpers like Creator Genie and DDR4 Boost will not replace careful BIOS setup, but they lower the friction for builders who want a guided path to a snappy memory configuration. HDMI and DisplayPort cover modern monitors; if you need VGA for a legacy panel, the PRO-VDH’s D-SUB may still be preferable.
Read the compatibility footnote carefully. MSI calls out that the board is not compatible with Ryzen 5 3400G and Ryzen 3 3200G. In a micro-ATX chassis that tradeoff shows up quickly during long gaming sessions and warm summer ambient temperatures.
In a 2026 buying landscape dominated by AM5 marketing, the PRO B550M-VC WiFi exists for a specific honest scenario: you already own a great AM4 CPU, you want a smaller case, and your router’s 6 GHz band is sitting unused. That scenario is common enough that this board earns a dedicated badge rather than being dismissed as last-gen.
Ryzen 5000 owners refreshing an aging B450/X470 board, compact rebuilds that keep DDR4 kits, and apartments with WiFi 6E routers.
Avoid the listed incompatible APUs. Confirm BIOS version for your exact CPU.
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ASUS ROG Strix B850-G Gaming WiFi
The ASUS ROG Strix B850-G Gaming WiFi is the clearest overall winner in this micro-ATX pack when the goal is a compact AM5 gaming or AI-ready PC that does not feel compromised. It is ready for Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 processors, pairs a robust 14+2+1 power solution rated for 80A per stage with 8+8-pin ProCool connectors, and stacks four M.2 slots—including a PCIe 5.0 M.2 plus additional PCIe 4.0 paths, one on the underside—for storage configurations that usually require ATX boards.
Power and thermals are built for multi-core Ryzen behavior. Massive heatsinks bridged to the VRMs with high-conductivity pads and an integrated I/O cover help when a micro-ATX case packs a hot GPU beside the socket.
Storage flexibility is the Strix’s killer feature versus every other board here. One PCIe 5.0 M.2 and multiple PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with substantial heatsinks mean you can run OS, game library, and media drives without a SATA breakout nightmare.
Networking and USB are similarly ambitious. WiFi 7 (802.11be) is the forward play, with the important OS caveat from ASUS: full Wi-Fi 7 functions on Windows 11 want 24H2 or later; older Windows 11 builds may land on Wi-Fi 6E behavior, and Windows 10 support is more limited.
DIY features are where ROG earns its keep in cramped cases: PCIe Slot Q-Release, M.2 Q-Latch and Q-Release, Q-Antenna, Q-Dashboard, Q-LED, BIOS FlashBack, Clear CMOS, and a pre-mounted I/O shield. AI Advisor, AI Networking II, and AEMP aim to simplify tuning.
Enthusiasts building compact Ryzen 7000/9000 gaming PCs, creators who want four M.2 drives, and anyone prioritizing WiFi 7 plus ROG’s DIY conveniences in mATX.
Update to a Windows 11 version that unlocks the board’s WiFi 7 feature set when possible. If you must stay on older Windows builds, treat wireless as WiFi 6/6E class until you upgrade the OS.
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The ASUS B760M-AYW WiFi D4 II exists for a very specific—and still popular—builder: someone who wants a 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen Intel Core desktop in a micro-ATX case without jumping to DDR5. It uses the Intel B760 chipset on LGA 1700, supports Pentium Gold and Celeron parts as well, and focuses on practical speed: PCIe 5.0 x16, two M.2 slots, Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, HDMI, SATA 6 Gbps, and front USB 5Gbps support.
Cooling hardware includes VRM and PCH heatsinks with hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 2+, which helps micro-ATX Intel builds that often run warmer around the socket when paired with thick dual-slot GPUs. Aura Sync addressable Gen 2 headers let you match case strips without a separate controller hub for basic setups.
Networking is solid rather than bleeding edge. 2.5Gb Ethernet is excellent for local transfers, and WiFi 6 covers most home wireless needs. In a micro-ATX chassis that tradeoff shows up quickly during long gaming sessions and warm summer ambient temperatures.
Choose this board when the CPU decision is Intel and the case is small. It is the only Intel option in this particular pack, which makes the comparison less about beating every AMD board on features and more about being the right socket.
BIOS and memory advice: enable XMP for your DDR4 kit, confirm CPU cooler clearance in mATX, and do not assume every B760 board behaves identically with unlocked K-SKU overclocking—B760’s tuning story is more limited than Z-series by design. For gaming at stock or moderate limits, that is usually fine.
Intel 12th–14th Gen builders with DDR4 kits, office-gaming micro-ATX PCs, and anyone standardized on LGA 1700 coolers and cases.
If you want longer socket longevity messaging and DDR5 as default, the AM5 B850 boards and ROG Strix B850-G are the stronger 2026 platform picks in this roundup.
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GIGABYTE B850M Gaming X WIFI6E
The GIGABYTE B850M Gaming X WIFI6E is the mid-ladder AM5 micro-ATX board for buyers who outgrew Eagle’s 8+2+2 design but do not need AORUS Elite ICE theming or ROG’s full toolkit. It supports Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 CPUs, DDR5 on four DIMMs, and a 10+2+2 power design behind fully covered MOSFET heatsinks.
Connectivity matches the modern GIGABYTE B850M brief: PCIe 5.0, dual M.2, USB-C, WiFi 6E, and 2.5GbE LAN. EZ-Latch features continue to matter in small chassis where PCIe slot levers and M.2 screws become fingernails-only exercises.
Versus Eagle, you are mostly buying power and thermal coverage confidence. Versus AORUS Elite ICE, you are usually trading away the white aesthetic and some premium positioning while keeping a very similar day-to-day feature set.
Gaming X naming can confuse shoppers used to ATX Gaming X boards. On micro-ATX, judge it by the phase count, heatsink coverage, and I/O—not by ATX sibling assumptions. In a micro-ATX chassis that tradeoff shows up quickly during long gaming sessions and warm summer ambient temperatures.
Setup advice mirrors other AM5 boards: update BIOS for newest CPUs if needed, enable EXPO on a quality DDR5 kit, install the primary SSD in the fastest M.2 slot, and keep antenna leads routed away from GPU power cables to reduce ugly snags when you reseat the card.
Ryzen 7 AM5 builders in micro-ATX cases who want stronger VRM coverage than Eagle and a longer warranty story without ROG styling.
Eagle for value, Gaming X for mid power, AORUS Elite ICE for premium white, Strix B850-G for maximum features.
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GIGABYTE B850M Eagle WIFI6E ICE
The GIGABYTE B850M Eagle WIFI6E ICE is the aesthetic twin to the standard Eagle WIFI6E with the white ICE treatment that dominates popular micro-ATX showcase builds. Under the paint, you still get AM5 support for Ryzen 9000/8000/7000, DDR5 with four DIMMs, an 8+2+2 power design, PCIe 5.0, dual M.2, USB-C, WiFi 6E, and 2.5GbE LAN.
Functionally, treat it like the non-ICE Eagle for capability planning. It is a value AM5 micro-ATX host, not a VRM monster. In a micro-ATX chassis that tradeoff shows up quickly during long gaming sessions and warm summer ambient temperatures.
DIY-friendly latches and Wi-Fi EZ-Plug remain excellent for first-time builders. White boards show dust and fingerprint smudges more readily—plan a quick wipe after cable work before you close a glass panel, because micro-ATX builds are photographed constantly by their owners.
Networking and storage expectations match Eagle: WiFi 6E for modern routers, 2.5GbE for wired speed, two M.2 slots for OS and games. Creators with huge local libraries should budget external storage or choose the Strix B850-G.
Choose ICE Eagle over standard Eagle purely for theming. Choose AORUS Elite ICE when you want white plus stronger power and thermal hardware. In a micro-ATX chassis that tradeoff shows up quickly during long gaming sessions and warm summer ambient temperatures.
Theme builders on a value AM5 budget, compact white gaming PCs, and upgraders who want WiFi 6E without black PCB contrast.
Match cables and GPU support brackets to the white stack. Avoid dense RGB overload—ICE boards look best with restrained lighting and clean routing.
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Form factor is not a platform. Micro-ATX only tells you the board’s mounting footprint and roughly how many expansion slots you get.
If you are building fresh for multi-year upgrades, AM5 is the default recommendation in 2026. If you already own a strong 5600X3D/5800X3D-class chip and a fast DDR4 kit, a high-quality B550 micro-ATX board can still be the smarter spend, especially when the GPU is the real frame-rate limiter.
Micro-ATX chassis pack the GPU closer to the socket and often restrict rear exhaust. A board with covered MOSFET heatsinks and a sane phase design will hold boost more consistently than a bare bargain board with the same chipset name.
Also plan cooler clearance. Tower air coolers can overhang M.2 heatsinks and RAM slots on mATX boards.
Two M.2 slots are enough for most gamers; four M.2 slots, as on the ROG Strix B850-G, change the board’s job into a compact creator workstation. Prefer PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 NVMe for the boot drive.
PCIe 5.0 x16 graphics slots are future-ready even if your current GPU is PCIe 4.0. In micro-ATX cases, physical slot position and GPU length usually matter more than theoretical lane generation—confirm case clearance early.
Gigabit LAN is still fine for many home internet plans, but 2.5GbE is the better local networking default on newer boards. WiFi 6 is the baseline; WiFi 6E adds 6 GHz where your router supports it; WiFi 7 is the premium forward option on the Strix B850-G with OS version caveats.
Antenna placement beats marketing names. Route antennas outside solid metal panels.
Yes for a huge number of builders. Micro-ATX usually keeps dual or triple expansion slots, better cooler compatibility than ITX, and easier cable routing than the tightest ITX layouts, while still fitting popular compact cases. ATX remains better when you need maximum storage slots, more fan headers, or roomier VRM cooling.
Buy AM5 if you are purchasing a new CPU and want a longer upgrade runway into Ryzen 9000-class chips and DDR5. Stay on AM4 B550 if you already own a strong Ryzen 5000 CPU and DDR4 memory, and your next performance jump is a GPU rather than a platform swap. In this roundup, the ROG Strix B850-G and GIGABYTE B850M boards represent the AM5 path; ASUS Prime, GIGABYTE B550M K, and MSI B550M boards represent the AM4 path.
Mainstream Ryzen 5 and many Ryzen 7 gaming builds run well on Eagle-class 8+2+2 designs with decent case airflow. Step up to Gaming X 10+2+2 or AORUS Elite 12+2+2 when you want more thermal margin in warmer compact cases. The Strix B850-G’s 14+2+1 solution is for enthusiasts who want headroom and denser feature sets.
Only if you have a WiFi 7 router or clear plans to get one, and you are on a Windows version that unlocks the features you care about. For many households, WiFi 6E already provides a strong 6 GHz experience. WiFi 6 remains fine on older routers.
Usually yes—the limitation is almost always the case, not the motherboard form factor. Micro-ATX boards still use standard PCIe graphics slots. Check case GPU length, slot spacing, and whether a thick dual- or triple-slot card will block M.2 heatsinks or side cables.
Think in tiers. Eagle WIFI6E and Eagle ICE are the value AM5 mATX entry with an 8+2+2 design and modern essentials. Gaming X steps to 10+2+2 with stronger MOSFET heatsink coverage and a longer warranty pitch.
Not if your CPU plan is Intel. Platforms are not fashion seasons. If you have a 12th–14th Gen Core CPU cooler ecosystem and DDR4 kits ready, the B760M-AYW WiFi D4 II is the coherent micro-ATX choice in this pack.
Most boards in this roundup include two M.2 slots, which covers OS plus games for the majority of users. The ASUS ROG Strix B850-G stands out with four M.2 slots, including a PCIe 5.0 path and an underside slot. Always check which slots are PCIe 4.0 versus 3.0 or 5.0 and whether enabling certain slots disables SATA ports on your specific model.
Color does not change silicon thermals by itself. Heatsink mass, pad quality, VRM design, and case airflow do. The ICE versions in this guide are primarily aesthetic variants of GIGABYTE’s B850M designs.
Update to a CPU-supporting BIOS if required, load optimized defaults, install your OS, then enable EXPO/XMP/DOCP for memory and retest stability. Set fan curves after you understand case airflow. On ASUS boards, explore Q-LED indicators when POST fails.
The best micro-ATX motherboard in 2026 depends on whether you are extending AM4, starting AM5, or staying with Intel DDR4—not on which board has the loudest marketing subtitle. For most new compact Ryzen builds, the ASUS ROG Strix B850-G Gaming WiFi is the capability ceiling in this pack, while the GIGABYTE B850M Eagle WIFI6E is the smarter value on-ramp. The MSI PRO B550M-VC WiFi keeps AM4 feeling modern with WiFi 6E when a platform swap would waste a still-excellent CPU.
If your build is a white showcase, shortlist the Eagle ICE and AORUS Elite ICE. If you need midrange AM5 power without ROG styling, the B850M Gaming X sits in a comfortable middle. Intel builders should go straight to the ASUS B760M-AYW WiFi D4 II rather than forcing an AMD board into the wrong socket story.
Pick socket and memory first, confirm case clearances second, then buy the simplest board that still has the wireless, M.2 count, and VRM comfort you will actually use. That discipline is how micro-ATX stays clever instead of cramped. Keep notes on your BIOS version after the first successful update, and photograph cable routing before the side panel goes on so the next GPU swap is faster.