Biostar TB350-BTC Motherboard User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Biostar TB350-BTC motherboard. The Biostar TB350-BTC is an ATX form factor motherboard designed for AMD A-series processors using the AM4 socket. It features the AMD B350 chipset, supports up to 32GB of DDR4 memory, and includes DVI-D, PCI Express, and SATA connectivity.

Please read this manual thoroughly before installing or operating the motherboard to ensure proper setup and to prevent damage to the components.

Image 1.1: Biostar TB350-BTC Motherboard. This image displays the overall layout of the motherboard, including the CPU socket, RAM slots, PCIe slots, and various connectors.

2. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps carefully to install your Biostar TB350-BTC motherboard and its components.

2.1 Safety Precautions

• Always disconnect the power supply from the wall outlet before installing or removing any components.
• Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to components.
• Handle components by their edges and avoid touching pins or connectors.
• Ensure proper ventilation in your PC case.

2.2 Installing the CPU

1. Locate the AM4 CPU socket on the motherboard.
2. Lift the load lever on the side of the socket.
3. Carefully align the CPU with the socket, matching the golden triangle on the CPU with the triangle mark on the socket. Do not force the CPU into the socket.
4. Once the CPU is seated, lower the load lever to secure it.

2.3 Installing the CPU Cooler

Refer to your CPU cooler's instruction manual for specific installation steps. Generally, this involves applying thermal paste (if not pre-applied) and securing the cooler to the mounting brackets around the AM4 socket. Connect the CPU fan cable to the "CPU_FAN" header on the motherboard.

2.4 Installing RAM (DDR4 Memory)

1. Locate the two DDR4 DIMM slots on the motherboard.
2. Open the clips at both ends of the memory slot.
3. Align the memory module with the slot, ensuring the notch on the module matches the key in the slot.
4. Press down firmly on both ends of the memory module until the clips snap into place.

2.5 Mounting the Motherboard

1. Install the I/O shield into the rear opening of your PC case.
2. Place the motherboard into the case, aligning the screw holes with the standoffs.
3. Secure the motherboard with screws. Do not overtighten.

2.6 Connecting Power Supply

• Connect the 24-pin ATX main power connector from your power supply to the corresponding header on the motherboard.
• Connect the 8-pin (or 4-pin) ATX 12V CPU power connector to the header near the CPU socket.

2.7 Connecting Storage Devices (SATA)

Connect your SATA 3 hard drives or SSDs to the SATA ports on the motherboard using SATA data cables. Connect power cables from your power supply to the storage devices.

2.8 Connecting Front Panel Headers

Connect the cables from your PC case's front panel (power button, reset button, USB ports, audio jacks, power LED, HDD LED) to the corresponding headers on the motherboard. Refer to the motherboard's detailed diagram for exact pin assignments.

2.9 Installing Expansion Cards (PCI Express)

Insert your graphics card or other PCI Express expansion cards into the appropriate PCIe slots. Ensure they are seated firmly and secured with the case's retention mechanism.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 First Boot and BIOS Setup

1. After assembling all components, connect your monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
2. Connect the power supply to the wall outlet and turn on the power supply switch.
3. Press the power button on your PC case.
4. During the boot process, repeatedly press the DEL key (or F2, depending on BIOS version) to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility.
5. In the BIOS, you can configure boot order, system time, and other advanced settings. Save changes and exit to continue booting.

3.2 Driver Installation

After installing your operating system (e.g., Windows 7 as supported by the platform), it is crucial to install the latest drivers for your motherboard. These drivers can typically be found on the Biostar official website for the TB350-BTC model. Key drivers include:

• Chipset Drivers (AMD B350)
• Audio Drivers
• LAN (Ethernet) Drivers
• Graphics Drivers (for integrated graphics, if applicable, or for your dedicated GPU)

3.3 Operating System Installation

Insert your operating system installation media (USB drive or DVD) and configure the BIOS to boot from it. Follow the on-screen instructions to install your preferred operating system.

4. Maintenance

4.1 Cleaning Your Motherboard

• Regularly clean dust from your PC case and motherboard components using compressed air.
• Ensure the system is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
• Avoid using liquid cleaners directly on components.

4.2 BIOS Updates

Periodically check the Biostar website for updated BIOS versions. BIOS updates can improve system stability, add support for new CPUs, or fix bugs. Follow the instructions provided by Biostar carefully when performing a BIOS update, as an incorrect update can render the motherboard inoperable.

5. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter.

5.1 No Power / System Not Turning On

• Check if the power supply is connected to the wall outlet and turned on.
• Verify that the 24-pin ATX and 8-pin CPU power connectors are securely seated on the motherboard.
• Ensure the front panel power button cable is correctly connected to the motherboard header.
• Test the power supply with another system or a power supply tester.

5.2 No Display / No POST (Power-On Self-Test)

• Ensure your monitor is connected to the correct video output (either integrated graphics or dedicated graphics card).
• Reseat the RAM modules. Try booting with only one RAM module installed.
• Reseat the graphics card.
• Clear the CMOS by removing the CMOS battery for a few minutes or using the CLR_CMOS jumper (refer to motherboard diagram).
• Check if the CPU cooler is properly installed and its fan is spinning.

5.3 System Instability / Crashes

• Check CPU and GPU temperatures using monitoring software. Overheating can cause instability.
• Ensure all drivers are up to date.
• Run memory diagnostic tools to check for faulty RAM.
• Verify that your power supply provides sufficient wattage for all components.

6. Specifications

Below are the key technical specifications for the Biostar TB350-BTC motherboard:

7. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Biostar website. Warranty terms and conditions may vary by region and retailer.

If you encounter issues that cannot be resolved using the troubleshooting steps in this manual, please contact Biostar technical support or your retailer for assistance. You can typically find support contact information on the Biostar official website:

Biostar Official Website: www.biostar.com.tw

When contacting support, please have your motherboard model (TB350-BTC) and serial number ready.