msi B450M-A PRO MAX Motherboard User Guide

msi B450M-A PRO MAX Motherboard User Guide

Safety Information

• 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.
• Ensure that all components are securely connected. Loose connections may cause the computer to not recognize a component or fail to start.
• Hold the motherboard by the edges to avoid touching sensitive components.
• 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.
• Store the motherboard in an electrostatic shielding container or on an anti-static pad whenever the motherboard is not installed.
• Before turning on the computer, ensure that there are no loose screws or metal components on the motherboard or anywhere within the computer case.
• Do not boot the computer before installation is completed. This could cause permanent damage to the components as well as injury to the user.
• If you need help during any installation step, please consult a certified computer technician.
• Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing any computer component.
• Keep this user guide for future reference.
• Keep this motherboard away from humidity.
• Make sure that your electrical outlet provides the same voltage as is indicated on the PSU, before connecting the PSU to the electrical outlet.
• Place the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not place anything over the power cord.
• All cautions and warnings on the motherboard should be noted.
• 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.
• Do not leave this motherboard in an environment above 60°C (140°F), it may damage the motherboard.

Specifications

CPU| Supports 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD® Ryzen™, Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics, 2nd Gen AMD® Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics, Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics, A-series and Athlon™ X4 Desktop Processors for Socket AM4
---|---
Chipset| AMD® A320 chipset (A320M-A PRO MAX) AMD® B450 chipset (B450M-A PRO MAX)
**Memory| ∙ 2x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 32GB▪  Supports 1866/ 2133/ 2400/ 2667Mhz (by JEDEC)▪  Supports 2667/ 2800/ 2933/ 3000/ 3066/ 3200 MHz (by A-XMP OC MODE)∙ Dual channel memory architecture∙ Supports ECC UDIMM memory (non-ECC mode)∙ Support non-ECC UDIMM memory Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.
****Expansion Slots| ∙ 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot▪  Supports x16 speed ▫ 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD RyzenTM▪  Supports x8 speed ▫ Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics ▫ 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics ▫ A-series ▫ AthlonTM X4▪  Supports x4 speed ▫ AMD® Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics∙ 1x PCIe 2.0 x1 slot
****Onboard Graphics| ∙ 1x DVI-D port, supports a maximum resolution of 1920×1200 @60Hz*∙ 1x HDMI™ 1.4 port, supports a maximum resolution of 4096×2160 @24Hz* Only support when using the processor with Graphics Maximum shared memory of 2048 MB
****Storage| AMD® A320/ B450 Chipset∙ 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports▪  Supports RAID 0, RAID1 and RAID 10∙ 1x M.2 slot (Key M)▪  Supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s▫ 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD RyzenTM▫ Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics▫ 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics▪  Supports PCIe 3.0 x2 and SATA 6Gb/s▫ AMD® Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics▫ A-series▫ AthlonTM X4▪  Supports 2242/ 2280/ 22110 storage devices
Audio| Realtek® ALC892 Codec∙ 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
LAN| 1x Realtek® 8111H Gigabit LAN controller
****USB| ∙ 6x USB 3.2 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports (4 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through the internal USB connector)∙ 6x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (2 ports on the back panel, 4 ports available through the internal USB connectors)
I/O Controller| NUVOTON NCT5565 Controller Chip
****Hardware Monitor| ∙ CPU/System temperature detection∙ CPU/System fan speed detection∙ CPU/System fan speed control
Form Factor| ∙ m-ATX Form Factor∙ 9.3 in. x 7.9 in. (23.6 cm x 20.0 cm)
****BIOS Features| ∙ 1x 256 Mb flash∙ UEFI AMI BIOS∙ ACPI 6.1, SM BIOS 2.8∙ Multi-language
****Back Panel Connectors| ∙ 1x PS/2 mouse port∙ 1x PS/2 keyboard port∙ 1x DVI-D port∙ 1x HDMI™ port∙ 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports∙ 1x LAN (RJ45) port∙ 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports∙ 3x audio jacks
****Internal Connectors| ∙ 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector∙ 1x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector∙ 4x SATA 6Gb/s connectors∙ 2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0 ports)∙ 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 connector (supports additional 2 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports)∙ 1x 4-pin CPU fan connector∙ 1x 4-pin system fan connector∙ 1x Front panel audio connector∙ 2x Front panel connectors∙ 1x TPM module connector∙ 1x Chassis Intrusion connector∙ 1x Serial port connector∙ 1x Clear CMOS jumper
****Software**| ∙ Drivers∙ APP MANAGER∙ SUPER CHARGER∙ COMMAND CENTER∙ LIVE UPDATE 6∙ SMART TOOL∙ X-BOOST∙ Norton™ Security∙ Google Chrome™,Google Toolbar, Google Drive∙ CPU-Z MSI GAMING

Package contents

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

• Motherboard
• Driver DVD
• Quick Installation Guide
• I/O Shielding
• SATA 6G Cable x2
• Case Badge
• Product registration card
• M.2 Screw x1

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

Rear I/O Panel

LAN Port LED Status Table

Audio 7.1-channel Configuration

To configure 7.1-channel audio, you have to connect front audio I/O module to JAUD1 connector and follow the below steps

1. Click on the Realtek HD Audio Manager > Advanced Settings to open the dialog below.
   

2. Select Mute the rear output device, when a front headphone plugged in.

3. Plug your speakers to audio jacks on rear and front I/O panel. When you plug into a device at an audio jack, a dialogue window will pop up asking you which device is current connected.

Overview of Components

CPU Socket
Please install the CPU into the CPU socket as shown below.

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.

DIMM Slots

Please install the memory module into the DIMM slot as shown below.

Important

• Always insert memory modules in the DIMMB1 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.
• 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.

PCI_E1~2: PCIe Expansion Slots

Processors Slots| 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD RyzenTM| Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics,2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics,A-series,AthlonTM X4| Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics
---|---|---|---
PCI_E1| PCIe 3.0 x16| PCIe 3.0 x8| PCIe 3.0 x4
PCI_E2| PCIe 2.0 x1| PCIe 2.0 x1| PCIe 2.0 x1

Important

• 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.
• 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.

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors

These connectors connect to the switches and LEDs on the front panel.

| 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

| 1| Speaker –| 2| Buzzer +
---|---|---|---|---
3| Buzzer –| 4| Speaker +

SATA1~4: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors

These connectors are SATA 6Gb/s interface ports. Each connector can connect to one SATA device.

**Important**

• Please do not fold the SATA cable at a 90-degree angle. Data loss may result during transmission otherwise.
• SATA cables have identical plugs on either sides of the cable. However, it is recommended that the flat connector be connected to the motherboard for space saving purposes.

M2_1: M.2 Slot (Key M)

Please install the M.2 solid-state drive (SSD) into the M.2 slot as shown below.

ATX_PWR1, CPU_PWR1: Power Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply.

  Important
Make sure that all the power cables are securely connected to a proper ATX power supply to ensure stable operation of the motherboard.

JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect USB 2.0 ports on the front panel.

| 1| VCC| 2| VCC
---|---|---|---|---
3| USB0-| 4| USB1-
5| USB0+| 6| USB1+
7| Ground| 8| Ground
9| No Pin| 10| NC

Important

• Note that the VCC and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible damage.
• In order to recharge your iPad,iPhone and iPod through USB ports, please install MSI® SUPER CHARGER utility.

JUSB3: USB 3.2 Gen1 Connector

This connector allows you to connect USB 3.2 Gen1 ports on the front panel.

| 1| Power| 11| USB2.0+
---|---|---|---|---
2| USB3_RX_DN| 12| USB2.0-
3| USB3_RX_DP| 13| Ground
4| Ground| 14| USB3_TX_C_DP
5| USB3_TX_C_DN| 15| USB3_TX_C_DN
6| USB3_TX_C_DP| 16| Ground
7| Ground| 17| USB3_RX_DP
8| USB2.0-| 18| USB3_RX_DN
9| USB2.0+| 19| Power
10| NC| 20| No Pin

Important

Note that the Power and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible damage.

CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1: Fan Connectors

PWM Mode fan connectors provide constant 12V output and adjust fan speed with speed control signal. When you plug a 3-pin (Non-PWM) fan to a fan connector in PWM mode, the fan speed will always maintain at 100%, which might create a lot of noise.

Default PWM Mode fan connector

CPU_FAN1

SYS_FAN1

PWM Mode pin definition

1| Ground| 2| +12V
3| Sense| 4| Speed Control Signal

Adjusting fan speed

You can adjust fan speed in BIOS > HARDWARE MONITOR.

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector

This connector is for TPM (Trusted Platform Module). Please refer to the TPM security platform manual for more details and usages.

| 1| LPC Clock| 2| 3V Standby power
---|---|---|---|---
3| LPC Reset| 4| 3.3V Power
5| LPC address & data pin0| 6| Serial IRQ
7| LPC address & data pin1| 8| 5V Power
9| LPC address & data pin2| 10| No Pin
11| LPC address & data pin3| 12| Ground
13| LPC Frame| 14| Ground

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector

This connector allows you to connect the chassis intrusion switch cable.

Normal (default)

Trigger the chassis intrusion event

Using chassis intrusion detector

1. Connect the JCI1 connector to the chassis intrusion switch/ sensor on the chassis.
2. Close the chassis cover.
3. Go to BIOS > SETTINGS > Security > Chassis Intrusion Configuration.
4. Set Chassis Intrusion to Enabled.
5. Press F10 to save and exit and then press the Enter key to select Yes.
6. Once the chassis cover is opened again, a warning message will be displayed on screen when the computer is turned on.

Resetting the chassis intrusion warning

1. Go to BIOS > SETTINGS > Security > Chassis Intrusion Configuration.
2. Set Chassis Intrusion to Reset.
3. Press F10 to save and exit and then press the Enter key to select Yes

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector

This connector allow you to connect audio jacks on the front panel.

| 1| MIC L| 2| Ground
---|---|---|---|---
3| MIC R| 4| NC
5| Head Phone R| 6| MIC Detection
7| SENSE_SEND| 8| No Pin
9| Head Phone L| 10| Head Phone Detection

JCOM1: Serial Port Connector

This connector allows you to connect the optional serial port with bracket.

| 1| DCD| 2| SIN
---|---|---|---|---
3| SOUT| 4| DTR
5| Ground| 6| DSR
7| RTS| 8| CTS
9| RI| 10| No Pin

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper

There is CMOS memory onboard that is external powered from a battery located on the motherboard to save system configuration data. If you want to clear the system configuration, set the jumpers to clear the CMOS memory.

Keep Data (default)

Clear CMOS/ Reset BIOS

Resetting BIOS to default values

1. Power off the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Use a jumper cap to short JBAT1 for about 5-10 seconds.
3. Remove the jumper cap from JBAT1.
4. Plug the power cord and power on the computer.

BIOS Setup

The default settings offer the optimal performance for system stability in normal conditions. You should always keep the default settings to avoid possible system damage or failure booting unless you are familiar with BIOS.

Important

• BIOS items are continuous update for better system performance. Therefore, the description may be slightly different from the latest BIOS and should be held for reference only. You could also refer to the HELP information panel for BIOS item description.
• The BIOS items will vary with the processor.

Entering BIOS Setup
Press Delete key, when the Press DEL key to enter Setup Menu, F11 to enter Boot Menu message appears on the screen during the boot process.

Function key

F1: General Help
F2: Add/ Remove a favorite item
F3: Enter Favorites menu
F4: Enter CPU Specifications menu
F5: Enter Memory-Z menu
F6: Load optimized defaults
F7: Switch between Advanced mode and EZ mode
F8: Load Overclocking Profile
F9: Save Overclocking Profile
F10: Save Change and Reset*
F12: Take a screenshot and save it to USB flash drive (FAT/ FAT32 format only).

When you press F10, a confirmation window appears and it provides the modification information. Select between Yes or No to confirm your choice.

Resetting BIOS

You might need to restore the default BIOS setting to solve certain problems. There are several ways to reset BIOS

• Go to BIOS and press F6 to load optimized defaults.
• Short the Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard.

Important

Please refer to the Clear CMOS jumper section for resetting BIOS.

Updating BIOS

Updating BIOS with M-FLASH

Before updating:
Please download the latest BIOS file that matches your motherboard model from MSI website. And then save the BIOS file into the USB flash drive.

Updating BIOS:

1. Press Del key to enter the BIOS Setup during POST.
2. Insert the USB flash drive that contains the update file into the computer.
3. Select the M-FLASH tab and click on Yes to reboot the system and enter the flash mode.
4. Select a BIOS file to perform the BIOS update process.
5. After the flashing process is 100% completed, the system will reboot automatically

Updating the BIOS with Live Update 6

Before updating:
Make sure the LAN driver is already installed and the Internet connection is set properly.

Updating BIOS:

1. Install and launch MSI LIVE UPDATE 6.
2. Select BIOS Update.
3. Click on Scan button.
4. Click on Download icon to download and install the latest BIOS file.
5. Click Next and choose In Windows mode. And then click Next and Start to start updating BIOS.
6. After the flashing process is 100% completed, the system will restart automatically.

Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities

Please download and update the latest utilities and drivers at www.msi.com

Installing Windows®

1. Power on the computer.
2. Insert the Windows® 10 installation disc/USB into your computer.
3. Press the Restart button on the computer case.
4. Press F11 key during the computer POST (Power-On Self Test) to get into Boot Menu.
5. Select the Windows® 10 installation disc/USB from the Boot Menu.
6. Press any key when screen shows Press any key to boot from CD or DVD… message.
7. Follow the instructions on the screen to install Windows® 10.

Installing Drivers

1. Start up your computer in Windows® 10.
2. Insert MSI® Driver Disc into your optical drive.
3. Click the Select to choose what happens with this disc pop-up notification, then select Run DVDSetup.exe to open the installer. If you turn off the AutoPlay feature from the Windows Control Panel, you can still manually execute the DVDSetup.exe from the root path of the MSI Driver Disc.
4. The installer will find and list all necessary drivers in the Drivers/Software tab.
5. Click the Install button in the lower-right corner of the window.
6. The drivers installation will then be in progress, after it has finished it will prompt you to restart.
7. Click OK button to finish.
8. Restart your computer.

Installing Utilities

Before you install utilities, you must complete drivers installation.

1. Open the installer as described above.
2. Click the Utilities tab.
3. Select the utilities you want to install.
4. Click the Install button in the lower-right corner of the window.
5. The utilities installation will then be in progress, after it has finished it will prompt you to restart.
6. Click OK button to finish.
7. Restart your computer.

Regulatory Notices

FCC Compliance Statement

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occurin a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Tested to comply with FCC standards FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

CE Conformity

Products bearing the CE marking comply with one or more of the following EU Directives as may be applicable:

RED 2014/53/EU; Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/
EU; EMC Directive 2014/30/EU; RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU.
Compliance with these directives is assessed
using applicable European Harmonized Standards.
The point of contact for regulatory matters is MSI,
MSI-NL Eindhoven 5706 5692 ER Son.

C-Tick Compliance

 N1996

Battery Information

European Union:

Batteries, battery packs, and accumulators should not be disposed of as unsorted household waste. Please use the public collection system to return, recycle, or treat them in compliance with the local regulations.

BSMI

For better environmental protection, waste batteries should be collected separately for recycling or special disposal.

California, USA:

The button cell battery may contain perchlorate material and requires special handling when recycled or disposed of in California. For further information please visit:
http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate/

CAUTION: There is a risk of explosion, if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.

Chemical Substances Information

In compliance with chemical substances regulations, such as the EU REACH Regulation (Regulation EC No. 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and the Council), MSI provides the information of chemical substances in products at:
http://www.msi.com/html/popup/csr/evmtprtt_pcm.html

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Statement

To protect the global environment and as an environmentalist, MSI must remind you that… Under the European Union (“EU”) Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Directive 2002/96/EC, which takes effect on August 13, 2005, products of “electrical and electronic equipment” cannot be discarded as municipal wastes anymore, and manufacturersof covered electronic equipment will be obligated to take back such products at the end of their useful life. MSI will comply with the product take back requirements at the end of life of MSI-branded products that are sold into the EU. You can return these products to local collection points.

Environmental Policy

• The product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling and should not be thrown away at its end of life.
• Users should contact the local authorized point of collection for recycling and disposing of their end-of-life products.
• Visit the MSI website and locate a nearby distributor for further recycling information. Users may also reach us at gpcontdev@msi. com for information regarding proper Disposal, Take-back, Recycling, and Disassembly of MSI products.

Copyright © All rights reserved.
The MSI logo used is a registered trademark of Micro-Star Int’l Co., Ltd. All other marks and names mentioned may be trademarks of their respective owners. No warranty as to accuracy or completeness is expressed or implied. MSI reserves the right to make changes to this document without prior notice.

Trademark Recognition
All product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners and are acknowledged.

Technical Support
If a problem arises with your system and no solution can be obtained from the user guide, please contact your place of purchase or local distributor. Alternatively, please try the following help resources for further guidance. Visit the MSI website for technical guide, BIOS updates, driver updates, and other information:
http://www.msi.com
Register your product at:
http://register.msi.com

The terms HDMI™, HDMI™ High-Definition Multimedia Interface, HDMI™ Trade dress and the HDMI™ Logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI™ Licensing Administrator, Inc.

Revision History
Version 1.0, 2019/08, First release.
Version 1.2, 2019/12, Update storage SPEC.
Version 1.5, 2022/08, Update CPU power table

References

• dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
• MSI - Redirect
• csr

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