MSI B450-A Pro Max User Manual

Quick Start

Thank you for purchasing the MSI® B450-A PRO MAX motherboard. This Quick Start section provides demonstration diagrams about how to install your computer. Some of the installations also provide video demonstrations. Please link to the URL to watch it with the web browser on your phone or tablet. You may have even link to the URL by scanning the QR code

Preparing Tools and Components

AMD® AM4 CPU

DDR4 Memory

SATA DVD Drive

Thermal Paste

CPU Fan

Power Supply Unit

Chassis

SATA Hard Disk Drive

Graphics Card

Phillips Screwdriver

A Package of Screws

Quick Start

Installing a Processor

https://youtu.be/Xv89nhFk1vc

Quick Start

Important

If you are installing the screw-type CPU heatsink, please follow the figure below to remove the retention module first and then install the heatsink.

Quick Start

Installing DDR4 memory

http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs

Quick Start

DIMMB2 DIMMB2

DIMMA2 DIMMA2 DIMMA2

DIMMB1

DIMMA1

Connecting the Front Panel Header

RESET SW

POWER SW

POWER LED+

POWER LED-

HDD LED

http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI

Power LED

JFP1

Power Switch

+++-

2 10 1

Reserved

HDD LED Reset Switch

1 HDD LED + 2 Power LED +

3 HDD LED - 4 Power LED -

5 Reset Switch 6 Power Switch

7 Reset Switch 8 Power Switch

9 Reserved 10 No Pin

HDD LED

POWER LED

HDD LED

HDD LED HDD LED +

POWER LED POWER LED +

Quick Start

RESET SW

JFP1

Installing the Motherboard

Quick Start

BAT1

Installing SATA Drives

http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc

Quick Start

Installing a Graphics Card

http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A

Quick Start

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Processor with integrated

graphics

Quick Start

Connecting the Power Connectors

http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

Quick Start

ATX_PWR1

CPU_PWR1

Power On

Quick Start

Contents

Quick Start ............................................................................................................. 1

Preparing Tools and Components .......................................................................... 1

Installing a Processor ............................................................................................. 2

Installing DDR4 memory ........................................................................................ 4

Connecting the Front Panel Header ....................................................................... 5

Installing the Motherboard ..................................................................................... 6

Installing SATA Drives............................................................................................. 7

Installing a Graphics Card ...................................................................................... 8

Connecting Peripheral Devices .............................................................................. 9

Connecting the Power Connectors ....................................................................... 10

Power On............................................................................................................... 11

Safety Information ............................................................................................... 15

Specifications ....................................................................................................... 16

Package contents ................................................................................................ 20

Block Diagram .................................................................................................... 21

Rear I/O Panel ..................................................................................................... 22

LAN Port LED Status Table................................................................................... 22

Audio Ports Configuration .................................................................................... 22

Realtek HD Audio Manager .................................................................................. 23

Overview of Components .................................................................................... 25

Processor Socket .................................................................................................. 27

DIMM Slots ............................................................................................................ 28

PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots .......................................................................... 29

M2_1: M.2 Slot (Key M) ......................................................................................... 30

SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors ....................................................................... 31

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors ................................................................... 31

CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors ....................................................... 32

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................32

JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors ............................................................................. 33

JUSB3: USB 3.2 Gen1 Connector ......................................................................... 33

CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors ................................... 34

JCOM1: Serial Port Connector ............................................................................. 34

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector ....................................................................... 35

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector ........................................................................... 35

JLPT1: Parallel Port Connector ........................................................................... 36

Contents

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper ........................................................... 36

JRGB1: RGB LED connector ................................................................................. 37

EZ Debug LEDs ..................................................................................................... 37

BIOS Setup ........................................................................................................... 38

Entering BIOS Setup ............................................................................................. 38

Resetting BIOS ...................................................................................................... 39

Updating BIOS ....................................................................................................... 39

EZ Mode ................................................................................................................ 41

Advanced Mode .................................................................................................... 43

SETTINGS .............................................................................................................. 44

Advanced ............................................................................................................... 44

Boot ....................................................................................................................... 49

Security ................................................................................................................. 50

Save & Exit ............................................................................................................ 51

OC .......................................................................................................................... 53

M-FLASH .............................................................................................................. 57

OC PROFILE .......................................................................................................... 58

HARDWARE MONITOR .......................................................................................... 59

Software Description ........................................................................................... 60

Installing Windows® 10 ......................................................................................... 60

Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 60

Installing Utilities ................................................................................................. 60

APP MANAGER ..................................................................................................... 61

LIVE UPDATE 6 ...................................................................................................... 62

COMMAND CENTER ............................................................................................. 64

X-BOOST ............................................................................................................... 68

MYSTIC LIGHT ....................................................................................................... 70

MYSTIC LIGHT PARTY ........................................................................................... 74

SMART TOOL ......................................................................................................... 78

RAMDISK............................................................................................................... 80

RAID Configuration .............................................................................................. 81

Using AMD RAID Controller BIOS Configuration Utility ....................................... 81

Initialize Disks ...................................................................................................... 83

Create Arrays ........................................................................................................ 84

Delete Arrays ........................................................................................................ 85

Swap Arrays .......................................................................................................... 86

Manage Spares ..................................................................................................... 87

Contents

Change the Controller Options ............................................................................. 88

Booting the system from an array ........................................................................ 88

Pausing the boot sequence for warning messages ............................................. 88

Change the Staggered Spinup Count ................................................................... 89

Using UEFI to create a 2.2TB RAID ...................................................................... 90

Installing RAID Driver ........................................................................................... 91

Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 92

Regulatory Notices .............................................................................................. 93

Contents

Safety Information

y The components included in this package are prone to damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Please adhere to the following instructions to ensure successful computer assembly.

y Ensure that all components are securely connected. Loose connections may cause the computer to not recognize a component or fail to start.

y Hold the motherboard by the edges to avoid touching sensitive components.

y It is recommended to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling the motherboard to prevent electrostatic damage. If an ESD wrist strap is not available, discharge yourself of static electricity by touching another metal object before handling the motherboard.

y Store the motherboard in an electrostatic shielding container or on an anti-static pad whenever the motherboard is not installed.

y Before turning on the computer, ensure that there are no loose screws or metal components on the motherboard or anywhere within the computer case.

y Do not boot the computer before installation is completed. This could cause permanent damage to the components as well as injury to the user.

y If you need help during any installation step, please consult a certified computer technician.

y Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing any computer component.

y Keep this user guide for future reference.

y Keep this motherboard away from humidity.

y Make sure that your electrical outlet provides the same voltage as is indicated on the PSU, before connecting the PSU to the electrical outlet.

y Place the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not place anything over the power cord.

y All cautions and warnings on the motherboard should be noted.

y If any of the following situations arises, get the motherboard checked by service personnel:

 Liquid has penetrated into the computer.  The motherboard has been exposed to moisture.  The motherboard does not work well or you can not get it work according to user

guide.

 The motherboard has been dropped and damaged.  The motherboard has obvious sign of breakage.

y Do not leave this motherboard in an environment above 60°C (140°F), it may damage the motherboard.

Safety Information

Specifications

Supports 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™/ Ryzen™

CPU

Chipset AMD

Memory

Expansion Slots

with Radeon™ Vega Graphics/ 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics/ Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Desktop Processors for Socket AM4

* Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.

* PCI_E4 will run x1 speed when installing devices in PCI_E2/ PCI_E3/ PCI_E5 slot.

B450 Chipset

y4x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 64GB*

Supports 1866/ 2133/ 2400/ 2667Mhz (by JEDEC) Supports 2667/ 2800/ 2933/ 3000/ 3066/ 3200/ 3466 MHz

(by A-XMP OC MODE) yDual channel memory architecture ySupports non-ECC UDIMM memory ySupports ECC UDIMM memory (non-ECC mode)

y 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (PCI_E1)

 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ support x16 mode  Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics and 2nd Gen AMD

Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics support x8 mode

 Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics support x4 mode y 1x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot (PCI_E4, supports x4 mode)* y 4x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots*

y 1x VGA port, support a maximum resolution of 2048x1280

@60Hz,1920x1200 @60Hz*

y 1x DVI-D port, support a maximum resolution of 1920x1200

@60Hz*

Onboard Graphics

y 1x HDMI™ 1.4 port, supports a maximum resolution of

4096x2160 @30Hz, 2560x1600 @60Hz*

* Only support when using Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics and 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics/ Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics processors

* Maximum shared memory of 2048 MB

Multi-GPU y Supports 2-Way AMD® CrossFire™ Technology

LAN y 1x Realtek

8111H Gigabit LAN controller

Continued on next page

Speciﬁcations

Audio

Storage

RAID

USB

Continued from previous page

y Realtek

ALC892 Codec

y 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio

CPU

AMD

y 2x SATA 6Gb/s ports* y 1x M.2 slot (Key M)*

 Supports PCIe 3.0 x4 (1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD

Ryzen™/ Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics and 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics) or PCIe 3.0 x2 (Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics) and SATA 6Gb/s standards 2242/ 2260/ 2280/ 22110 storage device

AMD

B450 Chipset

y 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports

* SATA5 and SATA6 ports will be unavailable when installing a M.2 device in M.2 slot.

AMD

B450 Chipset

y Supports RAID 0, RAID1 and RAID 10 for SATA storage

devices

y AMD

B450 Chipset

 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) Type-A

ports on the back panel

 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports available

through the internal USB 3.2 Gen1 connector

 6x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (2 Type-A ports on

the back panel, 4 ports available through the internal USB 2.0 connectors)

y AMD

CPU

 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) Type-A ports on the

back panel

Continued on next page

Speciﬁcations

Back Panel Connectors

Internal Connectors

Continued from previous page

y 1x Flash BIOS Button y 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port y 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports y 1x VGA port y 1x DVI-D port y 1x HDMI

™

port y 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports y 1x LAN (RJ45) port y 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports y 6x audio jacks

y 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector y 1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector y 6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors y 2x USB 2.0 connectors (support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports) y 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 connectors (support additional 2 USB 3.2

Gen1 ports)

y 1x 4-pin CPU fan connector y 1x 4-pin water-pump-fan connector y 4x 4-pin system fan connectors y 1x TPM module connector y 1x Front panel audio connector y 2x System panel connectors y 1x Serial port connector y 1x Parallel port connector y 1x Chassis Intrusion connector y 1x Clear CMOS jumper y 1x 5050 RGB LED strip 12V connector

I/O Controller NUVOTON NCT6797 Controller Chip

y CPU/System temperature detection

Hardware Monitor

y CPU/System fan speed detection y CPU/System fan speed control

Continued on next page

Speciﬁcations

Continued from previous page

Form Factor

BIOS Features

Software

Special Features

y ATX Form Factor y 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

y 1x 256 Mb flash y UEFI AMI BIOS y ACPI 6.1, SM BIOS 2.8 y Multi-language

y Drivers y APP MANAGER y SUPER CHARGER y COMMAND CENTER y LIVE UPDATE 6 y SMART TOOL y RAMDISK y X-BOOST y MYSTIC LIGHT y Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) y CPU-Z MSI GAMING

™

y Norton

Internet Security Solution

y Google Chrome

™

, Google Toolbar, Google Drive

y Audio

 Audio Boost

y Storage

 Turbo M.2  StoreMI

y Fan

 Pump Fan  Smart Fan Control

y LED

 Mystic Light Extension (RGB)  Mystic light SYNC  EZ DEBUG LED

Continued on next page

Speciﬁcations

Continued from previous page

y Protection

 PCIe Steel Armor  PCIe Steel Slot

y Performance

 Multi GPU-CrossFire Technology

Special Features

 DDR4 Boost  AMD Turbo USB 3.2 Gen 2  CORE Boost

y VR

 VR Ready

y BIOS

 Click BIOS 5

Package contents

Please check the contents of your motherboard package. It should contain:

y Motherboard y Driver DVD y Quick Installation Guide y Case Stand-off Notification y I/O Shielding y SATA 6G Cable x2 y Case Badge y Product Registration card y M.2 Screw x1

Important

If any of the above items are damaged or missing, please contact your retailer.

Package contents

Block Diagram

HDMI DVI-DVGA

2 Channel DDR4 Memory

CPU

2x USB 3.2 Gen1

PCI Express Bus

NV6797 Super I/O

PS/2 Mouse / Keyboard

1 x M.2

SwitchSwitch

2x SATA 6Gb/s

4x SATA 6Gb/s

6 x USB 2.0

PCI Express Bus

CHIPSET

2 x USB 3.2 Gen1

Switch

Realtek

ALC892

Audio Jacks

PCIe x1

PCIe x4

PCIe x1

2 x USB 3.2 Gen2

Block Diagram

Rear I/O Panel

Flash BIOS Port

PS/2

VGA

USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A

LAN

Audio Ports

DVI-D

USB 2.0 Type-A

USB 3.2 Gen2

Type-A

Flash BIOS Button

y Flash BIOS Port/ Button - Please refer to page 40 for Updating BIOS with Flash BIOS

Button.

LAN Port LED Status Table

Link/ Activity LED

Status Description

Off No link

Yellow Linked

Blinking Data activity

Speed LED

Status Description

Off 10 Mbps connection

Green 100 Mbps connection

Orange 1 Gbps connection

Audio Ports Configuration

Rear I/O Panel

Audio Ports

Line-In

Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out ● ● ● ●

Rear Speaker Out ● ● ●

Center/ Subwoofer Out ● ●

Side Speaker Out ●

Mic In

Channel

2 4 6 8

(●: connected, Blank: empty)

Realtek HD Audio Manager

After installing the Realtek HD Audio driver, the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon will appear in the system tray. Double click on the icon to launch.

Device Selection

y Device Selection - allows you to select a audio output source to change the related

options. The check sign indicates the devices as default.

y Application Enhancement - the array of options will provide you a complete guidance

of anticipated sound effect for both output and input device.

y Main Volume - controls the volume or balance the right/left side of the speakers that

you plugged in front or rear panel by adjust the bar.

y Jack Status - depicts all render and capture devices currently connected with your

computer.

Application Enhancement

Main Volume

Jack Status

Auto popup dialog

When you plug into a device at an audio jack, a dialogue window will pop up asking you which device is current connected.

Each jack corresponds to its default setting as shown on the next page.

Important

The pictures above for reference only and may vary from the product you purchased.

Rear I/O Panel

Audio jacks to headphone and microphone diagram

Audio jacks to stereo speakers diagram

AUDIO INPUT

Audio jacks to 7.1-channel speakers diagram

AUDIO INPUT

Front

Center/

Subwoofer

Side

Rear

Rear I/O Panel

Overview of Components

Processor Socket

SYS_FAN1

CPU_PWR1

PCI_E1

PCI_E2

PCI_E3

PCI_E4

PCI_E5

JBAT1

PCI_E6

JAUD1

CPU_FAN1

BAT1

DIMMA1

DIMMA2

DIMMB1

DIMMB2

JRGB1

PUMP_FAN1

SYS_FAN3

ATX_PWR1

SYS_FAN4 M2_1

SATA▼5▲6

SATA▼3▲4 SATA2

SATA1

JCI1 JFP2

JFP1

JLPT1

JCOM1

JTPM1

JUSB1

SYS_FAN2

JUSB2

JUSB3

Overview of Components

Component Contents

Port Name Port Type Page

CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4 Fan Connectors 34

CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1 Power Connectors 32

DIMMA1, DIMMA2, DIMMB1, DIMMB2 DIMM Slots 28

JAUD1 Front Audio Connector 32

JBAT1 Clear CMOS Jumper 36

JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector 35

JCOM1 Serial Port Connector 34

JFP1, JFP2 Front Panel Connectors 31

JLPT1 Parallel Port Connector 36

JRGB1 RGB LED connectors 37

JTPM1 TPM Module Connector 35

JUSB1~2 USB 2.0 Connectors 33

JUSB3 USB 3.2 Gen1 Connector 33

M2_1 M.2 Slot (Key M) 30

PCI_E1~6 PCIe Expansion Slots 29

Processor Socket AM4 socket 27

SATA1~6 SATA 6Gb/s Connectors 31

Overview of Components

Processor Socket

Distance from the center of the CPU to the nearest DIMM slot.

53.43 mm

Introduction to the AM4 CPU

The surface of the AM4 CPU has a yellow triangle to assist in correctly lining up the CPU for motherboard placement. The yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator.

Important

When changing the processor, the system configuration could be cleared and reset

BIOS to default values, due to the AM4 processor’s architecture.

Always unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing

the CPU.

When installing a CPU, always remember to install a CPU heatsink. A CPU heatsink

is necessary to prevent overheating and maintain system stability.

Confirm that the CPU heatsink has formed a tight seal with the CPU before booting

your system.

Overheating can seriously damage the CPU and motherboard. Always make sure the cooling fans work properly to protect the CPU from overheating. Be sure to apply an even layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) between the CPU and the heatsink to enhance heat dissipation.

If you purchased a separate CPU and heatsink/ cooler, Please refer to the documentation in the heatsink/ cooler package for more details about installation.

This motherboard is designed to support overclocking. Before attempting to overclock, please make sure that all other system components can tolerate overclocking. Any attempt to operate beyond product specifications is not recommended. MSI operation beyond product specifications.

does not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate

Overview of Components

DIMM Slots

DIMMA1 DIMMB1

Channel A Channel B

DIMMA2 DIMMB2

Memory module installation recommendation

DIMMB2 DIMMB2

DIMMA2 DIMMA2 DIMMA2

DIMMB1

DIMMA1

Important

Always insert memory modules in the DIMMA2 slot first.

Due to chipset resource usage, the available capacity of memory will be a little less than the amount of installed.

Based on processor specification, the Memory DIMM voltage below 1.35V is suggested to protect the processor.

Some memory modules may operate at a lower frequency than the marked value when overclocking due to the memory frequency operates dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD). Go to BIOS and find the DRAM Frequency! to set the memory frequency if you want to operate the memory at the marked or at a higher frequency.

It is recommended to use a more efficient memory cooling system for full DIMMs installation or overclocking.

The stability and compatibility of installed memory module depend on installed CPU and devices when overclocking.

Due to AM4 processor/memory controller official specification limitation, the frequency of memory modules may operate lower than the marked value under the default state. Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.

Overview of Components

PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots

PCI_E1: PCIe 3.0 x16*/ x8**/ x4***

PCI_E2: PCIe 2.0 x1

PCI_E3: PCIe 2.0 x1

PCI_E4: PCIe 2.0 x4

PCI_E5: PCIe 2.0 x1

BAT1

PCI_E6: PCIe 2.0 x1

* For 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ processors ** For Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics and 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™

Graphics processors *** For Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics processor

Important

If you install a large and heavy graphics card, you need to use a tool such as MSI Gaming Series Graphics Card Bolster to support its weight to prevent deformation of the slot.

For a single PCIe x16 expansion card installation with optimum performance, using the PCI_E1 slot is recommended.

When adding or removing expansion cards, always turn off the power supply and unplug the power supply power cable from the power outlet. Read the expansion card’s documentation to check for any necessary additional hardware or software changes.

PCI_E4 will run x1 speed when installing devices in PCI_E2/ PCI_E3/ PCI_E5 slot.

PCIe bandwidth of Multiple graphics cards

Slot Single 2-Way

@ 3.0 x16*

PCI_E1 (CPU)

PCI_E2 (PCH) 2.0 x1 2.0 x1 Empty Empty ― PCI_E3 (PCH) 2.0 x1 Empty 2.0 x1 Empty ― PCI_E4 (PCH) 2.0 x1 2.0 x1 2.0 x1 2.0 x1 @ 2.0 x4 PCI_E5 (PCH) 2.0 x1 Empty Empty 2.0 x1 ― PCI_E6 (PCH) 2.0 x1 2.0x1

M2_1 (CPU)

(─: unavailable, @: graphics card, *: for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ processors, **: for Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics and 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics processors, ***: for Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics processor)

or @ 3.0 x8**

or @ 3.0 x4***

3.0 x4*/**

or 3.0 x2***

Overview of Components

@ 3.0 x16*

or @ 3.0 x8**

or @ 3.0 x4***

3.0 x4*/**

or 3.0 x2***

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