msi B550M-A Pro Motherboard User Guide

msi B550M-A Pro Motherboard

Thank you for purchasing the MSI® B550M-A PRO/ A520M-A PRO motherboard. This User Guide gives information about board layout, component overview, BIOS setup and software installation.

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| Support 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Desktop Processors and AMD Ryzen™4000 G-Series Desktop Processors
---|---
Chipset|

• AMD B550 Chipset (B550M-A PRO)
• AMD A520 Chipset (A520M-A PRO)

Memory|

• 2x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 64GB*
  ▪ Supports DDR4 1866/ 2133/ 2400/ 2667/ 2800/ 2933/ 3000/ 3066/ 3200 MHz by JEDEC
  ▪ Supports DDR4 2667/ 2800 /2933 /3000 /3066 /3200 /3466 /3600/ 3733 /3866 /4000 /4133 /4266 /4400/ 4600+ MHz by A-XMP OC MODE
  ▫ 1DPC 1R max speed 4600 MHz
  ▫ 1DPC 2R max speed 3866 MHz

• Dual channel memory  architecture

• Supports non-ECC UDIMM memory

• Supports ECC UDIMM memory (non-ECC mode)

• Supports un-buffered memory

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

**Expansion Slots**|

• 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot

• 1x PCIe x16 slot
  ▪ B550M-A PRO supports PCIe 4.0/3.0*
  ▪ A520M-A PRO supports PCIe 3.0

• PCIe specifications may vary depending on the CPU installed.

Onboard Graphics|

• 1x HDMI 2.1 port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096×2160 @60Hz*/**

• 1x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920×1200 @60Hz*

• Maximum shared memory of 16GB

• Available for the processor with integrated graphics.
  ** Graphics specifications may vary depending on the CPU installed.

Audio| Realtek® ALC892 Codec

▪ 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio

LAN|

• 1x Realtek® RTL8111H 1Gbps LAN controller

Storage| AMD B550/A520 Chipset

• 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports

• 1x M.2 slot (Key M) (from AMD Processor)
  ▪ B550M-A PRO supports PCIe 4.0/3.0*
  ▪ A520M-A PRO supports PCIe 3.0
  ▪ Supports SATA 6Gb/s
  ▪ Supports 2242/ 2260/ 2280 storage devices

• PCIe specifications may vary depending on the CPU installed.

USB| AMD B550/A520 Chipset

▪ 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports are available through the internal USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps connector
▪ 6x USB 2.0 ports (2 Type-A ports on the back panel, 4 ports through the internal USB 2.0 connectors)

AMD Processor

▪ 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Type-A ports on the back panel

Internal Connectors|

• 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
• 1x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
• 4x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
• 1x M.2 slots (M-Key)
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps connector (supports additional 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports)
• 2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0 ports)
• 1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
• 1x 4-pin system fan connector
• 1x Front panel audio connector
• 2x System panel connectors
• 1x Chassis Intrusion connector
• 1x TPM module connector
• 1x Clear CMOS jumper

Back Panel Connectors|

• 1x HDMI port
• 1x DVI-D port
• 1x PS/2 mouse port
• 1x PS/2 keyboard port
• 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Type-A ports
• 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
• 1x LAN (RJ45) port
• 3x audio jacks

I/O Controller| NUVOTON NCT6687-R Controller Chip

Hardware Monitor

|

• CPU/ System/ Chipset temperature detection
• CPU/ System fan speed detection
• CPU/ System fan speed control

Form Factor|

• mATX Form Factor
• 9.3 in. x 7.9 in. (23.6 cm x 20 cm)

BIOS Features|

• 1x 256 Mb flas
• UEFI AMI BIOS
• ACPI 6.0, SMBIOS 2.8
• Multi-language

Software|

• Drivers
• DRAGON CENTER
• CPU-Z MSI GAMING
• Google Chrome™, Google Toolbar, Google Drive
• Norton™ Internet Security Solution

Dragon Center Features|

• User Scenario
• Hardware Monitor
• True Color
• Live Update
• Speed Up
• Smart Tool
• Super Charger

Please refer to http://download.msi.com/manual/mb/DRAGONCENTER2.pdf for more details.

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

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

CPU Socket

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

Important

• Always unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing the CPU.
• Please retain the CPU protective cap after installing the processor. MSI will deal with Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests if only the motherboard comes with the protective cap on the CPU socket.
• 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

• Due to chipset resource usage, the available capacity of memory will be a little less than the amount of installed.
• Please note that the maximum capacity of addressable memory is 4GB or less for 32-bit Windows OS due to the memory address limitation. Therefore, we recommended that you to install 64-bit Windows OS if you want to install more than 4GB memory on the motherboard.

PCI_E1~2: PCIe Expansion Slots

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.
• 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.

M2_1: M.2 Slot

Please install the M.2 device into the M.2 slot as shown below.

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.

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors

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

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector

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

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, JUSB2: USB 2.0 Connectors

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

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 software.

JUSB3: USB 3.2 Gen1 Connector

These connectors allow you to connect USB 3.2 Gen1 ports on the front panel.

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.

Important
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.

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector

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

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.

JCOM1: Serial Port Connector

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

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.

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.

EZ Debug LED

These LEDs indicate the status of the motherboard.

CPU – indicates CPU is not detected or fail.
DRAM – indicates DRAM is not detected or fail.
VGA – indicates GPU is not detected or fail.
BOOT – indicates booting device is not detected or fail.

UEFI BIOS

MSI UEFI BIOS is compatible with UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) architecture. UEFI has many new functions and advantages that traditional BIOS cannot achieve, and it will completely replace BIOS in the future. The MSI UEFI BIOS uses UEFI as the default boot mode to take full advantage of the new chipset’s capabilities. However, it still has a CSM (Compatibility Support Module) mode to be compatible with older devices. That allows you to replace legacy devices with UEFI compatible devices during the transition.

Important
The term BIOS in this user guide refers to UEFI BIOS unless otherwise noted.

UEFI advantages

• Fast booting – UEFI can directly boot the operating system and save the BIOS selftest process. And also eliminates the time to switch to CSM mode during POST.
• Supports for hard drive partitions larger than 2 TB.
• Supports more than 4 primary partitions with a GUID Partition Table (GPT).
• Supports unlimited number of partitions.
• Supports full capabilities of new devices – new devices may not provide backward compatibility.
• Supports secure startup – UEFI can check the validity of the operating system to ensure that no malware tampers with the startup process.

Incompatible UEFI cases

• 32-bit Windows operating system – this motherboard supports only 64-bit Windows 10 operating system.
• Older graphics card – the system will detect your graphics card. When display a warning message There is no GOP (Graphics Output protocol) support detected in this graphics card.

Important
We recommend that you to use a GOP/ UEFI compatible graphics card.

How to check the BIOS mode?

After entering the BIOS, find the BIOS Mode at the top of the screen.

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).
Ctrl+F: Enter Search page

• 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. Insert the USB flash drive that contains the update file into the USB port.

2. Please refer the following methods to enter flash mode.
   ▪ Reboot and press Ctrl + F5 key during POST and click on Yes to reboot the
   system.
   ▪ Reboot and press Del key during POST to enter BIOS. Click the M-FLASH button and click on Yes to reboot the system.

3. Select a BIOS file to perform the BIOS update process.

4. When prompted click on Yes to start recovering BIOS.

5. After the flashing process is 100% completed, the system will reboot automatically.

Updating the BIOS with Dragon Center

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

Updating BIOS:

1. Install and launch MSI DRAGON CENTER and go to Support page.
2. Select Live Update and click on Advance button.
3. Click on Scan button to search the latest BIOS file.
4. Select the BIOS file and 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 startupdating 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® 10

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.

References

• MSI - Redirect

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