This article covers MSI Performance Gaming AMD Ryzen 第2世代 AM4 M.2 USB 3 DDR4 DVI HDMI Crossfire ATX マザーボード (B450 GAMING PLUS Max).

Overview

The MSI B450 GAMING PLUS Max is an ATX motherboard built around the AMD B450 chipset, offering broad compatibility with first through third-generation Ryzen processors via Socket AM4. It features four DDR4 memory slots with overclocking support up to 4133MHz, making it a solid foundation for a budget-conscious gaming PC. Expansion includes one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots, and an M.2 slot with PCIe 3.0 x4 connectivity. Six SATA 6Gbps ports provide ample storage options, while MSI's Audio Boost technology ensures immersive game audio without the need for a separate sound card. Positioned firmly in the entry-to-mid-range segment, this board strikes an excellent balance between features and price. It's particularly well-suited for builders who want a reliable AM4 platform without spending extra on premium features like PCIe 4.0 support.

Compatibility Guide

Socket AM4 accepts most AMD Ryzen desktop CPUs from the 1000, 2000, and 3000 series, plus the 5000 series with a BIOS update. Memory support covers DDR4-1866 through DDR4-4133 (OC) using XMP profiles, with dual-channel architecture supporting up to 64GB total. Only non-ECC UDIMMs are supported. The ATX form factor fits standard mid-tower cases. Power delivery requires a 24-pin main ATX connector and an 8-pin CPU power connector. A single PCIe 3.0 x16 slot runs at full x16 mode when using a Ryzen CPU (x8 mode for APUs), and two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots are available for additional expansion cards. Storage connectivity includes an M.2 slot (Key M) that supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe drives as well as SATA M.2 modules, plus six SATA 6Gbps ports. The M.2 slot can accommodate drives up to 22110 size, making it suitable for the fastest consumer SSDs available for this platform.

Product Info

The MSI B450 GAMING PLUS Max launched in the second half of 2019 and remains a popular choice for budget gamers. Its street price typically ranges from ¥15,000 to ¥20,000 in Japan, offering excellent value. The board comes with a three-year manufacturer warranty. Market positioning is entry-to-mid-range. It pairs perfectly with Ryzen 5 3600 or Ryzen 7 3700X, delivering solid gaming performance without overspending on the motherboard. It lacks PCIe 4.0, but for most current GPU and SSD combinations, that's a non-issue.

Best Use Cases

First-time PC builders If you're assembling your first gaming rig on a tight budget, the B450 GAMING PLUS Max is an ideal starting point. Its straightforward layout, clear documentation, and robust feature set reduce the risk of builder error. However, without BIOS Flashback, you'll want to ensure the board ships with an updated BIOS if pairing with a Ryzen 3000 or 5000 CPU. HTPC or media center builds Combined with an AMD APU like the Ryzen 5 3400G, this board can serve as a capable home theater PC. The onboard DVI-D and HDMI 1.4 outputs handle 1080p video content without issue, and the Audio Boost circuitry delivers clean sound for movies and music. * Upgraders on a dime If you're upgrading an older AM4 system (e.g., from Ryzen 1000 series), this board offers modern features like Turbo M.2 and DDR4 Boost without changing your chipset. It's a cost-effective way to gain better storage and memory support.

Things to Consider

The most significant limitation is the lack of PCIe 4.0 support. Modern high-end GPUs and NVMe SSDs that use PCIe 4.0 will be limited to PCIe 3.0 speeds. For GPUs like the RTX 3060 or RX 6600, real-world performance loss is typically under 5%, but it's worth noting for future-proofing. BIOS Flashback is absent, meaning you'll need an older CPU to update the BIOS if you receive a unit with an outdated firmware version. Always confirm with the seller that the BIOS supports your intended processor. Memory overclocking stability varies by CPU memory controller. While the board officially supports up to DDR4-4133, achieving that speed requires a strong CPU and selective memory kits. Most users should expect stable operation around DDR4-3200 or 3600. Compared to competitors like the ASRock B450 Pro4, the MSI board offers fewer RGB headers and no M.2 heatsink, but its BIOS layout and overclocking tools are considered more intuitive by many enthusiasts. ## FAQ
Q: Does the B450 GAMING PLUS Max support Ryzen 5000 series CPUs? A: Yes, after a BIOS update to AGESA ComboV2 1.0.0.4 or higher. You'll need an older CPU to perform the update unless the board ships with that BIOS version. Q: Can I use a PCIe 4.0 graphics card with this board? A: Yes, it will work in PCIe 3.0 x16 mode. The performance impact is negligible (under 5%) for most games, even with high-end cards like the RTX 4070. Q: How many M.2 SSDs can I install? A: There is one M.2 slot. For additional NVMe storage, you can use a PCIe-to-M.2 adapter card in the x16 slot, though that would disable the graphics card slot unless you

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: MSI
  • Seller: Amazon US
  • Fulfilled by: Amazon US
  • ASIN: B07XHH4YG4
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.