Thank you for purchasing the MSI® B450M PRO-VDH MAX

motherboard. This User Guide gives information about

board layout, component overview, BIOS setup and software
installation.

Contents
Safety Information ........................................................................................... 2

Specifications................................................................................................... 3

Package contents ............................................................................................ 6

Rear I/O Panel ................................................................................................. 7

LAN Port LED Status Table .................................................................................7

Overview of Components ................................................................................ 8

CPU Socket .........................................................................................................9
DIMM Slots ........................................................................................................10
PCI_E1~3: PCIe Expansion Slots ......................................................................11
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors ...............................................................12
SATA1~4: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors....................................................................12
M2_1: M.2 Slot (Key M) .....................................................................................13
ATX_PWR1, CPU_PWR1: Power Connectors....................................................13
JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors .........................................................................14
JUSB3: USB 3.2 Gen1 Connector .....................................................................14
CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~2: Fan Connectors ......................................................15
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector .......................................................................16
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector ...................................................................16
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector .........................................................................17
JCOM1: Serial Port Connector .........................................................................17
JLPT1: Parallel Port Connector........................................................................17
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper .......................................................18
EZ Debug LED: Debug LED indicators..............................................................18
JRGB1: RGB LED strip connector.....................................................................18

BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................... 19

Entering BIOS Setup .........................................................................................19
Resetting BIOS ..................................................................................................20
Updating BIOS ...................................................................................................20

Software Description..................................................................................... 21
Installing Windows® 10 .....................................................................................21
Installing Drivers ..............................................................................................21
Installing Utilities ..............................................................................................22

Contents 1
 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:
ƒ Liquid has penetrated into the computer.
ƒ The motherboard has been exposed to moisture.
ƒ The motherboard does not work well or you can not get it work according to
user guide.
ƒ The motherboard has been dropped and damaged.
ƒ 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.

2 Safety Information
Specifications
Supports 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™/ Ryzen™ with
Radeon™ Vega Graphics and 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ with
CPU
Radeon™ Graphics/ Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics
Desktop Processors for Socket AM4

Chipset AMD® B450 chipset

y 4x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 64GB*

ƒ Supports 1866/ 2133/ 2400/ 2667Mhz (by JEDEC)
ƒ Supports 2667/ 2800/ 2933/ 3000/ 3066/ 3200/ 3466 MHz
(by A-XMP OC MODE)
y Dual channel memory architecture
Memory
y Supports ECC UDIMM memory (non-ECC mode)
y Support non-ECC UDIMM memory
* Please refer www.msi.com for more information on
compatible memory.

y 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot

ƒ 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ support x16 mode
Expansion Slots ƒ Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics and 2nd Gen AMD
Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics support x8 mode
ƒ Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics support x4 mode
y 2x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots

y 1x VGA port, supports a maximum resolution of

2048x1280@60Hz, 1920x1200@60Hz*
y 1x DVI-D port, supports a maximum resolution of
1920x1200@60Hz*
Onboard y 1x HDMI™ 1.4 port, supports a maximum resolution of
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

AMD® B450 Chipset

y 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports
ƒ Supports RAID 0, RAID1 and RAID 10
y 1x M.2 slot (Key M)
Storage ƒ 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
ƒ Supports 2242/ 2260 /2280 storage devices

Continued on next page

Specifications 3
 Continued from previous page

Realtek® ALC892 Codec

Audio
y 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio

LAN 1x Realtek® 8111H Gigabit LAN controller

AMD® B450 Chipset

y 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports through the
internal USB 3.2 Gen1 connector
USB y 8x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (4 ports on the back
panel, 4 ports available through the internal USB connectors)
y AMD® processor
y 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) Type-A ports on the
back panel

I/O Controller NUVOTON 6795D Controller Chip

y CPU/System temperature detection

Hardware
y CPU/System fan speed detection
Monitor
y CPU/System fan speed control

y m-ATX Form Factor

Form Factor
y 9.6 in. x 9.6 in. (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm)

y 1x 256 Mb flash
y UEFI AMI BIOS
BIOS Features
y ACPI 6.1, SM BIOS 2.8
y Multi-language

y 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port

y 4x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
y 1x VGA port
Back Panel y 1x DVI-D port
Connectors y 1x HDMI™ port
y 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports
y 1x LAN (RJ45) port
y 3x audio jacks

y 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector

y 1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
Internal y 4x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
Connectors y 2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0 ports)
y 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 connector (supports additional 2 USB 3.2
Gen1 ports)

Continued on next page

4 Specifications
 Continued from previous page

y 1x 4-pin CPU fan connector

y 2x 4-pin system fan connectors
y 1x Front panel audio connector
y 2x Front panel connectors
Internal y 1x TPM module connector
Connectors y 1x Chassis Intrusion connector
y 1x Serial port connector
y 1x Parallel port connector
y 1x RGB LED strip connector
y 1x Clear CMOS jumper
y Drivers
y APP MANAGER
y SUPER CHARGER
y COMMAND CENTER
y LIVE UPDATE 6
y MYSTIC LIGHT
Software
y SMART TOOL
y X-BOOST
y RAMDISK
y Norton™ Security
y Google Chrome™,Google Toolbar, Google Drive
y CPU-Z MSI GAMING

Specifications 5
 Package contents
Please check the contents of your motherboard package. It should contain:
y Motherboard
y Driver DVD
y Quick Installation Guide
y I/O Shielding
y SATA 6G Cable x2
y Case Badge
y Product registration card
y M.2 Screw x1
Important
If any of the above items are damaged or missing, please contact your retailer.

6 Package contents
Rear I/O Panel
Line-out Line-in
PS/2 USB 2.0
VGA LAN

USB 2.0 DVI-D USB 3.2 Gen1 Mic in

LAN Port LED Status Table

Link/ Activity LED Speed LED

Status Description Status Description

Off No link Off 10 Mbps connection

Yellow Linked Green 100 Mbps connection

Blinking Data activity Orange 1 Gbps connection

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.

Rear I/O Panel 7

 Overview of Components

DIMMA1
CPU_PWR1
CPU_FAN1
DIMMA2
SYS_FAN1 CPU Socket
DIMMB1

DIMMB2

EZ Debug LED

ATX_PWR1

SATA1

SATA2
PCI_E1
M2_1
SATA▼3▲4
PCI_E2

PCI_E3 JBAT1
JCI1

JFP2
JAUD1 JFP1

JUSB3
JCOM1 JUSB2
JRGB1 JTPM1 JUSB1

SYS_FAN2 JLPT1

8 Overview of Components
CPU Socket
Please install the CPU into the CPU socket as shown below.

3
8
5

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.

Overview of Components 9
 DIMM Slots
Please install the memory module into the DIMM slot as shown below.

1 2 3

Memory module installation recommendation

DIMMB2

DIMMA2 DIMMA2

DIMMB2
DIMMB1
DIMMA2
DIMMA1

10 Overview of Components
 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 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_E1~3: PCIe Expansion Slots

Processors
Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Athlon™ with
1st, 2nd and
Vega Graphics and 2nd
3rd Gen AMD Radeon™ Vega
Gen AMD Ryzen™ with
Ryzen™ Graphics
Radeon™ Graphics
Slots
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
PCI_E3 PCIe 2.0 x1 PCIe 2.0 x1 PCIe 2.0 x1

Important
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 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.

Overview of Components 11
 JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors
These connectors connect to the switches and LEDs on the front panel.

1 HDD LED + 2 Power LED +

Power LED Power Switch
3 HDD LED - 4 Power LED -
+

+
-

2 - 10
5 Reset Switch 6 Power Switch
1 9
Reserved
+

7 Reset Switch 8 Power Switch

-
-

HDD LED Reset Switch 9 Reserved 10 No Pin

RESET SW

HDD LED -
HDD LED

HDD LED
HDD LED +

POWER LED -
POWER LED
POWER LED +
1
P
JF

Buzzer 1 Speaker - 2 Buzzer +

+
-

JFP2 1
+
-

Speaker 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.

SATA1

SATA4
SATA2
SATA3

Important
y Please do not fold the SATA cable at a 90-degree angle. Data loss may result during
transmission otherwise.
y 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.

12 Overview of Components
M2_1: M.2 Slot (Key M)
Please install the M.2 solid-state drive (SSD) into the M.2 slot as shown below.

5
1 3
30°

ATX_PWR1, CPU_PWR1: Power Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply.

1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V
2 +3.3V 14 -12V
3 Ground 15 Ground
12 24
4 +5V 16 PS-ON#
5 Ground 17 Ground
6 +5V 18 Ground
ATX_PWR1
7 Ground 19 Ground
8 PWR OK 20 Res
9 5VSB 21 +5V
1 13
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V 23 +5V
12 +3.3V 24 Ground

1 Ground 5 +12V
8 5
2 Ground 6 +12V
CPU_PWR1
3 Ground 7 +12V
4 1
4 Ground 8 +12V

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

Overview of Components 13
 JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors
These connectors allow you to connect USB 2.0 ports on the front panel.

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

Important
y Note that the VCC and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible
damage.
y 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
1 10
5 USB3_TX_C_DN 15 USB3_TX_C_DN
6 USB3_TX_C_DP 16 Ground
20 11
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.

14 Overview of Components
CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~2: Fan Connectors
Fan connectors can be classified as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Mode or DC
Mode. PWM Mode fan connectors provide constant 12V output and adjust fan speed
with speed control signal. DC Mode fan connectors control fan speed by changing
voltage. 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. You can
follow the instruction below to adjust the fan connector to PWM or DC Mode.

1
Default PWM Mode Default DC Mode fan
fan connector connector
1
SYS_FAN1/ 2
CPU_FAN1

Switching fan mode and adjusting fan speed

You can switch between PWM mode and DC mode and adjust fan speed in BIOS >
HARDWARE MONITOR.

Select PWM mode or DC mode

There are gradient points of the fan speed that allow you to
adjust fan speed in relation to CPU temperature.

Important
Make sure fans are working properly after switching the PWM/ DC mode.

Pin definition of fan connectors

PWM Mode pin definition DC Mode pin definition
1 Ground 2 +12V 1 Ground 2 Voltage Control
3 Sense 4 Speed Control Signal 3 Sense 4 NC

Overview of Components 15
 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
2 14 5 LPC address & data pin0 6 Serial IRQ
7 LPC address & data pin1 8 5V Power
1 13 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 Trigger the chassis

(default) 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.

16 Overview of Components
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector
This connector allow you to connect audio jacks on the front panel.

1 MIC L 2 Ground
2 10 3 MIC R 4 NC
5 Head Phone R 6 MIC Detection
1 9 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
2 10 3 SOUT 4 DTR
5 Ground 6 DSR
1 9 7 RTS 8 CTS
9 RI 10 No Pin

JLPT1: Parallel Port Connector

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

2 26

1 25

1 RSTB# 2 AFD# 3 PRND0

4 ERR# 5 PRND1 6 PINIT#
7 PRND2 8 LPT_SLIN# 9 PRND3
10 Ground 11 PRND4 12 Ground
13 PRND5 14 Ground 15 PRND6
16 Ground 17 PRND7 18 Ground
19 ACK# 20 Ground 21 BUSY
22 Ground 23 PE 24 Ground
25 SLCT 26 No Pin

Overview of Components 17
 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 Clear CMOS/ Reset

(default) 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.

EZ Debug LED: Debug LED indicators

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.

JRGB1: RGB LED strip connector

This connector allows you to connect the 5050 RGB LED strip.

5050 LED strip

1

1 +12V 2 G
3 R 4 B
1
JRGB1 Extension cable (optional)

Important
y This connector supports 5050 RGB multi-color LED strips (12V/G/R/B) with the
maximum power rating of 3A (12V). Please keeping the LED strip shorter than 2
meters to prevent dimming.
y Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet
before installing or removing the RGB LED strip.
y Please use MSI’s software to control the extended LED strip.

18 Overview of Components
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
y 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.
y The pictures in this chapter are for reference only and may vary from the product
you purchased.
y 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.

BIOS Setup 19
 Resetting BIOS
You might need to restore the default BIOS setting to solve certain problems. There
are several ways to reset BIOS:
y Go to BIOS and press F6 to load optimized defaults.
y 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.

20 BIOS Setup
Software Description
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 disc into your optical drive.
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 your optical drive 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. The installer will automatically appear and it will find and list all necessary
drivers.
4. Click Install button.
5. The software 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.

Software Description 21
 Installing Utilities
Before you install utilities, you must complete drivers installation.
1. Insert MSI® Driver Disc into your optical drive.
2. The installer will automatically appear.
3. Click Utilities tab.
4. Select the utilities you want to install.
5. Click Install button.
6. The utilities 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.

22 Software Description