Thank you for purchasing the MSI® B450M MORTAR 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
CPU Fan
Chassis
DDR4 Memory
Thermal Paste
Phillips Screwdriver
Power Supply Unit
SATA Hard Disk Drive
Graphics Card
SATA DVD Drive
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.
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
14
Specifications
Supports 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™/ Ryzen™ with
CPU
ChipsetAMD
Memory
Expansion Slots
Radeon™ Vega Graphics and 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 slot will be unavailable when an M.2 SSD is installed in the M2_2 slot.
** PCI_E2 slot will be unavailable when an expansion card is installed in the
y 1x DisplayPort, support a maximum resolution of
4096x2304 @60Hz, 2560x1600 @60Hz, 3840x2160 @60Hz,
1920x1200 @60Hz*
Onboard Graphics
y 1x HDMI™ 1.4 port, supports a maximum resolution of
4096x2160 @30Hz, 2560x1600 @60Hz*
* Only support when using AMD® Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics and
2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics/ Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega
Graphics Processors
2nd and 3rd Gen AMD
Ryzen™/ Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics and 2nd
Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics) or PCIe 3.0 x2
®
(AMD
Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics)and SATA
6Gb/s 2242/ 2260 /2280 storage devices
* PCI_E4 slot will be unavailable when an M.2 SSD is installed in the M2_2 slot.
®
B450 Chipset
AMD
y Supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10 for SATA storage
devices
y Supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 for M.2 NVMe RAID
®
AMD
B450 Chipset
y 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) Type-C port on
the back panel
y 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) Type-A port on
the back panel
y 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports available through
the internal USB 3.2 Gen1 connector
y 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)
®
AMD
CPU
y 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) Type-A ports on the
back panel
LAN1x Realtek
Audio
Specifications
16
®
RTL8111H-CG Gigabit LAN controller
®
y Realtek
ALC892 Codec
y 7.1-Channel High Definition Audioy Supports S/PDIF output
Continued on next page
Back Panel
Connectors
Internal Connectors
Continued from previous page
y 1x Flash BIOS Buttony 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo porty 2x USB 2.0 Type-A portsy 1x DisplayPorty 1x HDMI
™
port
y 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A portsy 1x LAN (RJ45) porty 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A porty 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C porty 5x OFC audio jacksy 1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector
y 1x 24-pin ATX 12V power connectory 1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectory 4x SATA 6Gb/s connectorsy 2x USB 2.0 connectors (support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports)y 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 connector (support additional 2 USB 3.2
Gen1 ports)
y 1x 4-pin CPU fan connectory 3x 4-pin system fan connectorsy 2x 5050 RGB LED strip 12V connectorsy 1x TPM module connectory 1x Front panel audio connectory 2x System panel connectorsy 1x Chassis Intrusion connectory 1x Clear CMOS jumpery 1x Serial Port connectory 1x Parallel Port connector
I/O ControllerNUVOTON NCT6797D Controller Chip
y CPU/System temperature detection
Hardware Monitor
y CPU/System fan speed detectiony CPU/System fan speed control
Continued on next page
Specifications
17
Continued from previous page
Form Factor
BIOS Features
Software
y m-ATX Form Factory 9.6 in. x 9.6 in. (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm)
y 1x 256 Mb flashy UEFI AMI BIOSy ACPI 6.1, SM BIOS 2.8y Multi-language
y Driversy APP MANAGERy COMMAND CENTERy LIVE UPDATE 6y MYSTIC LIGHTy SUPER CHARGERy GAMING APPy RAMDISKy X-BOOSTy SMART TOOLy Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)y Norton™ Internet Security Solution y Google Chrome™, Google Toolbar, Google Drivey CPU-Z MSI GAMING
Specifications
18
Continued on next page
Special Features
Continued from previous page
y Audio
Audio Boost
y Storage
Turbo M.2 StoreMI
y Fan
Gaming Fan Control
y LED
Mystic Light Mystic Light Extension (RGB) Mystic light SYNC EZ DEBUG LED
y Protection
PCI-E Steel Armor PCI-E Steel Slot
y Performance
Multi GPU-CrossFire Technology DDR4 Boost GAME Boost USB with type A+C 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
Specifications
19
Package contents
Please check the contents of your motherboard package. It should contain:
y Motherboardy Driver DVDy User Manualy Quick Installation Guidey I/O Shieldingy SATA 6G Cable X2 y Case Badgey Product Registration Cardy M.2 Screw x2
Important
If any of the above items are damaged or missing, please contact your retailer.
Package contents
20
Block Diagram
HDMIDisplayPort
2 Channel DDR4 Memory
CPU
4x USB 3.2 Gen1
PCIe x16
NCT6797D
Super I/O
PS/2 Mouse / Keyboard
1 x M.2
4x SATA 6Gb/s
6 x USB 2.0
PCI Express Bus
CHIPSET
2 x USB 3.2 Gen1
Realtek
ALC892
Audio Jacks
SwitchSwitch
SwitchSwitch
PCIe x1
PCIe x1
PCIe x4
1 x M.2
2 x USB 3.2 Gen2
Block Diagram
21
Rear I/O Panel
Audio Ports
Optical S/PDIF-Out
Flash BIOS
Button
USB 2.0/
PS/2
DisplayPort
USB 2.0
LAN
USB 3.2 Gen2
USB 3.2 Gen1
USB 3.2 Gen1
USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C
Flash BIOS Port
y Flash BIOS Button/ Port - Please refer to page 40 for Updating BIOS with Flash BIOS
Button.
LAN Port LED Status Table
Link/ Activity LED
StatusDescription
OffNo link
YellowLinked
BlinkingData activity
Speed LED
StatusDescription
Off10 Mbps connection
Green100 Mbps connection
Orange1 Gbps connection
Audio Ports Configuration
Rear I/O Panel
22
Audio Ports
Channel
2468
Center/ Subwoofer Out● ●
Rear Speaker Out● ● ●
Line-In/ Side Speaker Out●
Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out● ● ● ●
Mic In
(●: 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
Application EnhancementAdvanced Settings
Main Volume
Connector Settings
Jack Status
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 Advanced Settings - provides the mechanism to deal with 2 independent audio
streams.
y Jack Status - depicts all render and capture devices currently connected with your
computer.
y Connector Settings - configures the connection settings.
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
RearFront
Side Center/
Subwoofer
Rear I/O Panel
24
Overview of Components
CPU Socket
CPU_PWR1
DIMMA1
DIMMA2
DIMMB1
DIMMB2
CPU_FAN1
SYS_FAN2
ATX_PWR1
SYS_FAN1
M2_1
PCI_E1
PCI_E2
M2_2
PCI_E3
PCI_E4
JBAT1
JAUD1
SYS_FAN3
JRGB1
JCOM1
JTPM1
SATA3
SATA4
SATA▼1▲2
JFP2
JRGB2
JFP1
JUSB3
JUSB2
JUSB1
JLPT1
JCI1
Overview of Components
25
Component Contents
Port NamePort TypePage
CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~3Fan Connectors33
CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1Power Connectors31
CPU SocketAM4 CPU Socket27
DIMMA1, DIMMA2, DIMMB1,
DIMMB2
JAUD1Front Audio Connector31
JBAT1Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper37
JCI1Chassis Intrusion Connector35
JCOM1Serial Port Connector33
JFP1, JFP2Front Panel Connectors29
JLPT1Parallel Port Connector34
JRGB1, JRGB2RGB LED Connectors36
JTPM1TPM Module Connector35
JUSB1~2USB 2.0 Connectors32
JUSB3USB 3.2 Gen1 Connector32
M2_1~2M.2 Slots (Key M)30
PCI_E1~4PCIe Expansion Slots29
DIMM Slots28
SATA1~4SATA 6Gb/s Connectors34
Overview of Components
26
CPU Socket
Distance from the center of the
CPU to the nearest DIMM slot.
53.82
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
DIMMA1DIMMB1
Channel AChannel B
DIMMA2DIMMB2
Memory module installation recommendation
DIMMB2DIMMB2
DIMMA2DIMMA2DIMMA2
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 the 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 CPU/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_E1~4: PCIe Expansion Slots
Processors
RYZEN Series
Slots
Ryzen™ with Radeon™
Vega Graphics and 2nd
Gen AMD Ryzen™ with
Radeon™ Graphics
PCI_E4 slot will be unavailable when an M.2 SSD is installed in the M2_2 slot.
y
PCI_E2 slot will be unavailable when an expansion card is installed in the PCI_E3
slot.
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.
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors
These connectors connect to the switches and LEDs on the front panel.
Power LED
JFP1
Power Switch
+++-
--
210
1
-
+
9
Reserved
HDD LED Reset Switch
1HDD LED +2Power LED +
3HDD LED -4Power LED -
5Reset Switch6Power Switch
7Reset Switch8Power Switch
9Reserved10No Pin
Overview of Components
29
Loading...
+ 66 hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.