ASUS PRIME B450M-A Motherboard

Copyright and Legal Information

Copyright © 2018 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction, transmission, storage, or translation of this manual, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. ("ASUS") is prohibited. Warranty or service will not be extended if the product is repaired, modified, or altered without ASUS's written authorization, or if the serial number is defaced or missing.

ASUS provides this manual "AS IS" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. ASUS, its directors, officers, employees, or agents shall not be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising from any defect or error in this manual or product.

Specifications and information in this manual are for informational use only, subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by ASUS. ASUS assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual.

Product and corporate names appearing in this manual may be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies and are used only for identification or explanation, for the benefit of the owners, without intent to infringe.

Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

This product contains software licensed under the General Public License ("GPL"), Lesser General Public License Version ("LGPL"), and other Free Open Source Software Licenses. Such software is distributed without warranty. Copies of these licenses are included. You may obtain source code for a period of three years after the last shipment of the product by downloading it from http://support.asus.com/download or by sending a request to ASUSTeK Computer Inc., Legal Compliance Dept., 15 Li Te Rd., Beitou, Taipei 112, Taiwan, providing product name, model number, version, and contact details. The source code is distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as the corresponding binary/object code.

Contents

Safety information

About this guide

Package contents

PRIME B450M-A specifications summary

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 2: BIOS information

Appendix

Safety Information

Electrical Safety

• Disconnect the power cable before relocating the system to prevent electrical shock.
• Unplug device power cables before connecting or removing signal cables.
• Seek professional assistance for adapters or extension cords to ensure proper grounding.
• Ensure your power supply is set to the correct voltage for your area.
• Contact a qualified service technician or retailer if the power supply is broken.

Operation Safety

• Carefully read all manuals before installing the motherboard and components.
• Ensure all cables are correctly connected and undamaged before use.
• Keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets, and circuitry to avoid short circuits.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and extreme temperatures. Do not expose the product to moisture.
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• Contact a qualified service technician or retailer for technical problems.

About This Guide

This user guide provides information for installing and configuring the motherboard.

How This Guide Is Organized

• Chapter 1: Product Introduction: Describes motherboard features and supported technologies, including switches, jumpers, and connectors.
• Chapter 2: BIOS Information: Discusses changing system settings through BIOS Setup menus.

Where to Find More Information

1. ASUS Websites: Visit the ASUS website for updated information on hardware and software products.
2. Optional Documentation: Your product package may include additional documentation from your dealer.

Conventions Used in This Guide

• DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury.
• CAUTION: Information to prevent component damage.
• IMPORTANT: Instructions that MUST be followed.
• NOTE: Tips and additional information.

Typography

• Bold text: Indicates a menu or item.
• Italics: Used to emphasize a word or phrase.
• <Key>: Press the enclosed key (e.g., <Enter>).
• <Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3>: Press keys simultaneously.

Package Contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items:

If any items are damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

PRIME B450M-A Specifications Summary

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Before You Proceed

Take note of the following precautions before installing motherboard components or changing settings:

• Unplug the power cord before touching any component.
• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a grounded object to avoid static electricity damage.
• Ensure the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached before installing or removing components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage.

Motherboard Overview

The motherboard features various connectors and slots for system components. Key areas include:

• 1. ATX Power Connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V): For ATX power supply plugs. Ensure the 8-pin EATX +12V plug is connected for system boot-up. Recommended PSU: 350W minimum, ATX 12V Specification 2.0-compliant. Refer to http://support.asus.com.cn/PowerSupply.aspx?SLanguage=en for power supply wattage calculation.
• 2. CPU and Chassis Fan Connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2): Connect fan cables, matching the black wire to the ground pin. Do not place jumper caps on these connectors. CPU_FAN supports a maximum of 1A (12W) fan power.
• 3. M.2 Socket 3: Supports M.2 (NGFF) SSD modules with PCIe 3.0 x4 mode and SATA mode, M Key design, and Type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices. Note: This socket shares bandwidth with SATA_5/6 ports.
• 4. AMD AM4 CPU Socket: Designed for AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/ Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics/ Ryzen™ 1st Generation processors. Ensure you use an AM4 socket compatible CPU. The CPU fits in only one orientation.
• 5. Aura RGB Strip Header (4-pin RGB_HEADER): For RGB LED strips (5050 RGB multi-color, 12V/G/R/B). Supports strips up to 3m long with a maximum power rating of 3A (12V). Ensure correct orientation and 12V alignment. LED strips are sold separately.
• 6. DDR4 DIMM Slots: For installing DDR4 DIMMs (2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB). Refer to System Memory section for details.
• 7. AMD® Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s Connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6): Connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives.
• 8. Clear RTC RAM (2-pin CLRTC): Clears CMOS data (date, time, passwords). To clear: Turn off PC, unplug power, short the two pins with a metal object, plug power back in, turn on PC, and press during boot to enter BIOS setup. If unsuccessful, remove the onboard battery, short the pins, then reinstall the battery.
• 9. System Panel Connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL): Supports chassis-mounted functions like power and reset buttons, HDD LED, etc.
• 10. Speaker Connector (4-pin SPEAKER): For the chassis-mounted system warning speaker.
• 11. USB 3.1 Gen 1 (up to 5Gbps) Connector (20-1 pin U31G1_12): For additional USB 3.1 Gen 1 front or rear panel ports, supporting up to 5 Gbps data transfer.
• 12. USB 2.0 Connectors (10-1 pin USB34, USB56): For USB 2.0 ports, supporting up to 480 Mbps connection speed.
• 13. TPM Connector (14-1 pin TPM): Supports Trusted Platform Module (TPM) systems for secure storage of keys, certificates, and passwords.
• 14. Serial Port Connector (10-1 pin COM): For a serial (COM) port module.
• 15. Front Panel Audio Connector (10-1 pin AAFP): For chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O modules supporting HD audio. Set BIOS to [HD Audio] for high-definition audio capability.
• 16. Digital Audio Connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT): For an additional S/PDIF Out port.
• 17. PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slots: Two slots for PCI Express 2.0 x1 cards.
• 18. PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 Slot: For PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 graphic cards.

Rear Panel Connectors

The rear panel provides the following ports:

• 1. PS/2 Mouse port (green)
• 2. VGA port: 15-pin port for VGA monitors.
• 3. USB 3.1 Gen 1 (up to 5Gbps) ports: For USB 3.1 Gen 1 devices.
• 4. USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) ports (teal blue, Type A): For USB 3.1 Gen 2 devices. USB 3.1 Gen 2/Gen 1 devices are for data storage only. All USB devices are controlled by the xHCI controller. Connect USB 3.1 Gen 2 devices to these ports for optimal performance.
• 5. LAN (RJ-45) port: Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN). Refer to the LAN port LED indications table for status.
• 6. Line In port (light blue): Connects to tape, CD, or DVD players.
• 7. Line Out port (lime): Connects to headphones or speakers. In multi-channel configurations, it functions as Front Speaker Out.
• 8. Microphone port (pink): Connects to a microphone. Refer to the audio configuration table for port functions in different channel configurations.
• 9. HDMI port: High-Definition Multimedia Interface, HDCP compliant for HD DVD, Blu-Ray playback.
• 10. DVI-D port: For DVI-D compatible devices. DVI-D cannot output RGB signals to CRT and is not compatible with DVI-I.
• 11. PS/2 Keyboard port (purple)

LAN Port LED Indications:

Audio Configuration Table:

Chapter 2: BIOS Information

Scan the QR code for the BIOS update guide. Before using ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, rename the BIOS file to PB450MA.CAP.

BIOS Setup Program

Use the BIOS Setup program to update BIOS or configure parameters. Navigation keys and online help are available.

Entering BIOS Setup at Startup

Press <Delete> or <F2> during the Power-On Self Test (POST).

Entering BIOS Setup After POST

Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> simultaneously, or press the reset button on the system chassis. If these methods fail, power off the system and power it back on. Always shut down properly from the operating system to avoid data or system damage.

Note: BIOS screens are for reference only. Visit www.asus.com for the latest BIOS file. If the system becomes unstable, load default settings (F5) or clear CMOS.

BIOS Menu Screen

The BIOS setup program operates in two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode. Press <F7> to switch between them.

EZ Mode

The default screen provides an overview of basic system information. It allows selection of display language, system performance mode, fan profile, and boot device priority. Click "Advanced Mode (F7)" or press <F7> to access Advanced Mode.

• Displays CPU/motherboard temperature, CPU voltage, CPU/chassis fan speed, and SATA information.
• Allows selection of display language.
• Displays system properties. Click to switch EZ System Tuning modes (Performance, Energy Saving, Quiet).
• Boot Priority: Choose and drag bootable devices.
• CPU Fan: Displays CPU fan speed. Click to manually tune fans.
• Default (F5): Loads optimized default settings.
• Save & Exit (F10): Saves changes and resets the system.
• Search (F9): Searches for BIOS items.
• Advanced Mode (F7): Displays advanced configurations.

Advanced Mode

Provides advanced options for experienced users. Press <F7> to access EZ Mode.

• Main: General system information.
• AI Tweaker: For overclocking and performance tuning.
• Advanced: Advanced system settings.
• Monitor: Hardware monitoring.
• Boot: Boot configuration.
• Tool: BIOS utilities.
• Exit: Save or discard changes.

Search on FAQ

Scan the QR code to connect to the ASUS BIOS FAQ web page.

Exit Menu

• Load Optimized Defaults: Loads default BIOS values. Press <F5>.
• Save Changes & Reset: Saves selected values and exits. Press <F10>.
• Discard Changes & Exit: Exits without saving changes. Press <Esc>.
• Launch EFI Shell from USB drives: Attempts to launch the EFI Shell application from USB devices.

Appendix

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Class B digital device limits. If interference occurs, try reorienting the antenna, increasing separation, connecting to a different outlet, or consulting a technician. Use of shielded cables for monitor connection is required. Unauthorized modifications may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Compliance Statement of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

This device complies with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation. CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B).

VCCI: Japan Compliance Statement

This is a Class B Information Technology Equipment. This device is intended for home use, but may cause interference to radio or television receivers when used nearby. Please follow instructions in the manual for correct handling.

KC: Korea Warning Statement

Class B device (Household broadcasting and communication equipment). This device is intended for household use and can be used in all regions.

REACH

ASUS complies with the REACH regulatory framework. Chemical substances in products are published on the ASUS REACH website: http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.

Abstract

DO NOT throw the motherboard or mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. Recycle responsibly. Symbols indicate proper disposal and recycling.

ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services

ASUS is committed to environmental protection through recycling and takeback programs. Visit http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for detailed recycling information.

Regional Notice for California

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Google™ License Terms

Copyright © 2018 Google Inc. All Rights Reserved. Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0. Use of this file is subject to the License. Obtain a copy at http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0. Software is distributed "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND.

EU Declaration of Conformity

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. declares that this device complies with essential requirements and other relevant provisions of related Directives. Full text of EU declaration of conformity is available at: www.asus.com/support.

This statement is provided in multiple languages: English, Français, Deutsch, Italiano, Русский, Български, Hrvatski, Čeština, Dansk, Nederlands, Eesti, Suomi, Ελληνικά, Magyar, Latviski, Lietuvių, Norsk, Polski, Português, Română, Srpski, Slovenský, Slovenščina, Español, Svenska, Українська, Türkçe, Bosanski.

ASUS Contact Information

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.

Address: 4F, No. 150, Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei 112, Taiwan

Telephone: +886-2-2894-3447

Fax: +886-2-2890-7798

Web site: www.asus.com

Technical Support Telephone: +86-21-38429911

Technical Support Fax: +86-21-5866-8722, ext. 9101

Online Support: http://qr.asus.com/techserv

ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)

Address: 48720 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA 94538, USA

Telephone: +1-510-739-3777

Fax: +1-510-608-4555

Web site: http://www.asus.com/us/

Technical Support Telephone: +1-812-282-2787

Support Fax: +1-812-284-0883

Online Support: http://qr.asus.com/techserv

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)

Address: Harkort Str. 21-23, 40880 Ratingen, Germany

Fax: +49-2102-959931

Web site: http://www.asus.com/de

Online Contact: http://eu-rma.asus.com/sales

Technical Support Telephone: +49-2102-5789555

Support Fax: +49-2102-959911

Online Support: http://qr.asus.com/techserv

FCC Compliance Information

Responsible Party: Asus Computer International

Address: 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539.

Phone/Fax No: (510)739-3777/(510)608-4555

This product, Model Number: PRIME B450M-A, 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.