Thank you for purchasing the MSI® B450 TOMAHAWK 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.
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
CPU
ChipsetAMD
Memory
Expansion Slots
Onboard Graphics
Support AMD
Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processors for Socket AM4
* Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.
* PCI_E4 will run x2 speed when installing devices in PCI_E2/ PCI_E3 slot.
@60Hz*
4096x2160@30Hz, 2560x1600@60Hz*
* Only support when using AMD® Ryzen™ with Radeon Vega Graphics Processors
* Maximum shared memory of 2048 MB
port
y 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A portsy 1x LAN (RJ45) porty 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A porty 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C porty 6x audio jacks
y 1x 24-pin ATX main power connectory 1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectory 6x SATA 6Gb/s connectorsy 2x USB 2.0 connectors (support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports)y 1x USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors (support additional 2 USB 3.1
Gen1 ports)
y 1x 4-pin CPU fan connectory 1x 4-pin water-pump-fan connectory 4x 4-pin system fan connectorsy 1x TPM module connectory 1x Front panel audio connectory 2x System panel connectorsy 1x Chassis Intrusion connectory 1x Serial Port connectory 1x Clear CMOS jumpery 2x 5050 RGB LED strip 12V connectors
I/O ControllerNUVOTON NCT6797 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
18
Continued from previous page
Form Factor
BIOS Features
Software
y ATX Form Factory 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
y 1x 128 Mb flashy UEFI AMI BIOSy ACPI 6.1, SM BIOS 2.8y Multi-language
y Driversy APP MANAGERy SUPER CHARGERy COMMAND CENTERy LIVE UPDATE 6y SMART TOOLy RAMDISKy X-BOOSTy GAMING APPy MYSTIC LIGHTy Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)y CPU-Z MSI GAMING
™
y Norton
Internet Security Solution
y Google Chrome
™
, Google Toolbar, Google Drive
Special Features
y Audio
Audio Boost
y Storage
Turbo M.2 StoreMI
y Fan
Pump Fan GAMING Fan Control
Continued on next page
Specifications
19
Special Features
Continued from previous page
y LED
Mystic Light Mystic Light Extension (RGB) Mystic light SYNC EZ DEBUG LED
y Protection
PCIe Steel Armor PCIe Steel Slot
y Performance
Multi GPU-CrossFire Technology DDR4 Boost GAME Boost USB with type A+C AMD Turbo USB 3.1 Gen 2 CORE Boost
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 VIP cardy M.2 Screw x1
Important
If any of the above items are damaged or missing, please contact your retailer.
Package contents
21
Block Diagram
HDMIDVI-D
2 Channel DDR4 Memory
CPU
2x USB 3.1 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 3.1 Gen1
Switch
Realtek
ALC892
Audio Jacks
PCIe x1
PCIe x1
PCIe x4
PCIe x1
2 x USB 3.1 Gen2
Block Diagram
22
Rear I/O Panel
Audio Ports
PS/2
USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A
LAN
BIOS
FLASHBACK+
Port
USB 2.0 Type-A
BIOS FLASHBACK+
button
DVI-D
USB 3.1 Gen2
Type-A
USB 3.1 Gen2
Type-C
y BIOS FLASHBACK+ port/ button - Please refer to page 41 for Updating BIOS with
BIOS FLASHBACK+.
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
Audio Ports
Line-In
Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out● ● ● ●
Rear Speaker Out● ● ●
Center/ Subwoofer Out● ●
Side Speaker Out●
Mic In
Channel
2468
(●: connected, Blank: empty)
Rear I/O Panel
23
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
24
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
25
Overview of Components
Processor
Socket
SYS_FAN1
CPU_PWR1
PCI_E1
PCI_E2
PCI_E3
PCI_E4
JTPM1
JFP2
BAT1
JUSB1
JFP1
PCI_E5
JBAT1
JCI1
JAUD1
JRGB1
SYS_FAN2
JCOM1
CPU_FAN1
JUSB2
DIMMA1
JUSB3
DIMMA2
DIMMB1
DIMMB2
JRGB2
PUMP_FAN1
SYS_FAN3
ATX_PWR1
SYS_FAN4
M2_1
SATA▼5▲6
SATA▼3▲4
SATA1
SATA2
Overview of Components
26
Component Contents
Port NamePort TypePage
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4 Fan Connectors35
CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1Power Connectors33
DIMMA1, DIMMA2, DIMMB1, DIMMB2DIMM Slots29
JAUD1Front Audio Connector35
JBAT1Clear CMOS Jumper37
JCI1Chassis Intrusion Connector36
JCOM1Serial Port Connector36
JFP1, JFP2Front Panel Connectors32
JRGB1~2RGB LED connectors38
JTPM1TPM Module Connector37
JUSB1~2USB 2.0 Connectors34
JUSB3USB 3.1 Gen1 Connector34
M2_1M.2 Slot (Key M)31
PCI_E1~5PCIe Expansion Slots30
Processor SocketAM4 socket28
SATA1~6SATA 6Gb/s Connectors32
Overview of Components
27
Processor Socket
Distance from the center of the
CPU to the nearest DIMM slot.
53.87
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
28
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 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
29
PCI_E1~5: PCIe Expansion Slots
PCI_E1: PCIe 3.0 x16*/ PCIe 3.0 x8**
PCI_E2: PCIe 2.0 x1
PCI_E3: PCIe 2.0 x1
PCI_E4: PCIe 2.0 x4
BAT1
* For Ryzen™ 1st and 2nd Generation processors
** For Ryzen™ with Radeon Vega Graphics processors
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 x2 speed when installing devices in PCI_E2/ PCI_E3 slot.