MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max User Manual
Quick Start
Thank you for purchasing the MSI® B450 GAMING PLUS 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
1
Installing a Processor
https://youtu.be/Xv89nhFk1vc
3
2
1
5
4
Quick Start
2
6
8
9
7
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.
1
2
3
Quick Start
3
Installing DDR4 memory
http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs
1
2
1
2
3
Quick Start
4
3
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
-
+
9
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
5
Installing the Motherboard
1
Quick Start
6
2
BAT1
Installing SATA Drives
http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc
2
1
3
5
4
Quick Start
7
Installing a Graphics Card
http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A
1
3
2
Quick Start
8
5
4
6
Connecting Peripheral Devices
Processor with integrated
graphics
Quick Start
9
Connecting the Power Connectors
http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4
10
Quick Start
ATX_PWR1
CPU_PWR1
Power On
1
2
3
4
Quick Start
11
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 Audio Console ......................................................................................... 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
12
Contents
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper ........................................................... 36
JRGB1~2: RGB LED connectors ........................................................................... 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
GAMING APP ......................................................................................................... 68
X-BOOST ............................................................................................................... 73
MYSTIC LIGHT ....................................................................................................... 75
MYSTIC LIGHT PARTY ........................................................................................... 79
SMART TOOL ......................................................................................................... 83
RAMDISK............................................................................................................... 85
Nahimic 3 .............................................................................................................. 86
RAID Configuration .............................................................................................. 89
Using AMD RAID Controller BIOS Configuration Utility ....................................... 89
Initialize Disks ...................................................................................................... 91
Create Arrays ........................................................................................................ 92
Delete Arrays ........................................................................................................ 93
Contents
13
Swap Arrays .......................................................................................................... 94
Manage Spares ..................................................................................................... 95
Change the Controller Options ............................................................................. 96
Booting the system from an array ........................................................................ 96
Pausing the boot sequence for warning messages ............................................. 96
Change the Staggered Spinup Count ................................................................... 97
Using UEFI to create a 2.2TB RAID ...................................................................... 98
Installing RAID Driver ........................................................................................... 99
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................ 100
Regulatory Notices ............................................................................................ 101
14
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
15
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 and 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 DVI-D port, support a maximum resolution of 1920x1200
@60Hz*
y 1x HDMI™ 1.4 port, supports a maximum resolution of
Onboard Graphics
4096x2160 @30Hz, 2560x1600 @60Hz*
* Only support when using Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics, 2nd Gen AMD
Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics and 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
Audio
y Realtek
y 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
8111H Gigabit LAN controller
®
ALC892 Codec
Continued on next page
Specifications
16
Storage
RAID
USB
Continued from previous page
®
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
2242/ 2260/ 2280/ 22110 storage devices
®
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
Back Panel
Connectors
y 1x Flash BIOS Button
y 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port
y 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
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
Continued on next page
Specifications
17
Continued from previous page
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
Internal Connectors
I/O Controller NUVOTON NCT6797 Controller Chip
Hardware Monitor
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 2x 5050 RGB LED strip 12V connectors
y CPU/System temperature detection
y CPU/System fan speed detection
y CPU/System fan speed control
18
Specifications
Form Factor
BIOS 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
Continued on next page
Software
Special Features
Continued from previous page
y Drivers
y APP MANAGER
y SUPER CHARGER
y COMMAND CENTER
y LIVE UPDATE 6
y SMART TOOL
y RAMDISK
y X-BOOST
y GAMING APP
y MYSTIC LIGHT
y Nahimic Audio
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
Nahimic 3
Voice Boost
y Storage
Turbo M.2
StoreMI
y Fan
Pump Fan
GAMING Fan Control
y LED
Mystic Light
Mystic Light Extension (RGB)
Mystic light SYNC
EZ DEBUG LED
Continued on next page
Specifications
19
Special Features
Continued from previous page
y Protection
PCIe Steel Armor
PCIe Steel Slot
y Performance
Multi GPU-CrossFire Technology
DDR4 Boost
GAME Boost
AMD Turbo USB 3.2 Gen 2
CORE Boost
y VR
VR Ready
y Gamer Experience
GAMING HOTKEY
GAMING MOUSE Control
y BIOS
Click BIOS 5
y Certification
GAMING Certified
Package contents
Please check the contents of your motherboard package. It should contain:
y Motherboard
y Driver DVD
y User Manual
y Quick Installation Guide
y Case Stand-off Notification
y SATA 6G Cable x2
y Product Registration Card
y Case Badge
y I/O Shielding
y M.2 Screw x1
Important
If any of the above items are damaged or missing, please contact your retailer.
Package contents
20
Block Diagram
HDMI DVI-D
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 x1
PCIe x1
PCIe x4
PCIe x1
2 x USB 3.2 Gen2
Block Diagram
21
Rear I/O Panel
Audio Ports
PS/2
USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A
LAN
Flash BIOS Port
USB 2.0 Type-A
DVI-D
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
22
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 Audio Console
After Realtek Audio Console is installed. You can use it to change sound settings to get
better sound experience.
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
23
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
Rear Front
Side Center/
Subwoofer
Rear I/O Panel
24
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
JRGB2
JTPM1
JUSB1
SYS_FAN2
JUSB2
JUSB3
Overview of Components
25
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
JRGB1~2 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
26
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
y
When changing the processor, the system configuration could be cleared and reset
BIOS to default values, due to the AM4 processor’s architecture.
y
Always unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing
the CPU.
y
When installing a CPU, always remember to install a CPU heatsink. A CPU heatsink
is necessary to prevent overheating and maintain system stability.
y
Confirm that the CPU heatsink has formed a tight seal with the CPU before booting
your system.
y
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.
y
If you purchased a separate CPU and heatsink/ cooler, Please refer to the
documentation in the heatsink/ cooler package for more details about installation.
y
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
27
DIMM Slots
DIMMA1 DIMMB1
Channel A Channel B
DIMMA2 DIMMB2
Memory module installation recommendation
DIMMB2 DIMMB2
DIMMA2 DIMMA2 DIMMA2
DIMMB1
DIMMA1
Important
y
Always insert memory modules in the DIMMA2 slot first.
y
Due to chipset resource usage, the available capacity of memory will be a little less
than the amount of installed.
y
Based on processor specification, the Memory DIMM voltage below 1.35V is
suggested to protect the processor.
y
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.
y
It is recommended to use a more efficient memory cooling system for full DIMMs
installation or overclocking.
y
The stability and compatibility of installed memory module depend on installed CPU
and devices when overclocking.
y
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
28
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
y
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.
y
For a single PCIe x16 expansion card installation with optimum performance, using
the PCI_E1 slot is recommended.
y
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.
y
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***
29
M2_1: M.2 Slot (Key M)
Installing M.2 SSD
1. Loosen the M.2 riser screw from the
motherboard.
2. Move and fasten the M.2 riser screw to
the appropriate location for your M.2
SSD.
Video Demonstration
Watch the video to learn how to Install M.2
module.
http://youtu.be/JCTFABytrYA
3. Insert your M.2 SSD into the M.2
slot at a 30-degree angle.
4. Secure the M.2 SSD in place with
the supplied M.2 screw.
Supplied
M.2 screw
3
4
2
30°
1
Important
SATA5 and SATA6 ports will be unavailable when installing a M.2 device in M.2 slot.
Overview of Components
30
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