MSI B850 Gaming Plus WIFI Motherboard User Guide

MSI B850 Gaming Plus WIFI Motherboard

Quick Start

This Quick Start provides clear diagrams to help you install the motherboard. Video demonstrations are also available for some installations. Visit these videos by clicking the provided URL on your phone or tablet’s web browser. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code to access the video directly.

Preparing Tools and Components

Case stand-off notification

To prevent damage to the motherboard, any unnecessary mounting stand-off between the motherboard circuits and the computer case is prohibited. The Case standoff keep out zone signs will be marked on the backside of motherboard (as shown below) to serve as a warning to user.

Avoid collision notification
Protective paint is printed around each screw hole to prevent parts from being scratched.

If you are installing the screw-type CPU heatsink, please follow the figure below to remove the retention module first and then install the heatsink.

Installing DDR5 memory

Connecting the Front Panel Header

Installing the Motherboard

Connecting the Power Connectors

Installing a Graphics Card

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Power On

Specification

Special Features

MSI Center

• MSI AI Engine
• Game Highlights
• Cooling Wizard
• Mystic Light
• Ambient Link
• Frozr AI Cooling
• Hardware Monitoring
• Live Update
• MSI Companion
• System Diagnosis
• True Color
• User Scenario
• AI LAN Manager

Performance

• Core Boost
• VRM Design
• Dual CPU Power
• Lightning Gen 5 PCI-E Slot
• Lightning Gen 5 M.2 Slot
• Lightning Gen 4 PCI-E Slot
• Lightning Gen 4 M.2 Slot
• Front USB Type-C
• Supplemental PCIe Power Connector
• Server Grade PCB
• 2oz Copper thickened PCB

Package Contents

Please check the contents of your motherboard package. It should contain:
Board

• 1x Motherboard
  Documentation
• 1x Quick installation guide
• 1x European Union Regulatory Notices
  Cables
• 1x SATA cable
• 1x 1 to 3 EZ Conn-Cable (V2)
• 1x EZ Front panel cable
  Accessories
•  1x EZ Wi-Fi Antenna
• 1x Cable sticker
• 3x EZ M.2 Clip II
• 1x EZ M.2 Clip II Remover

Back Panel Connectors

LAN Port LED Status Table

Audio Jacks Connection

Audio jacks to headphone and microphone diagram

Audio jacks to stereo speakers diagram

Audio jacks to 4-channel speakers diagram

Installing Antenna

1. Connect two antenna cables tight to the Wi-Fi antenna connectors as shown. 
2. Place the antenna as high as possible for a better signal 

Overview of Components

CPU Socket

The AM5 socket is a modern CPU socket designed for AMD processors. It is a key component in contemporary computing systems, providing the foundation for powerful and efficient CPUs.

Installing the CPU to the AM5 socket
The surface of the AM5 CPU has two notches and a golden triangle to assist in correctly lining up the CPU for motherboard placement. The golden triangle is the Pin 1 indicator. To install the CPU, align the two notches on the AM5 socket with the two corresponding notches on the CPU. Please ensure that the gold triangle on the CPU serves as the PIN 1 indicator during the installation process.

Important

• When changing the processor, the system configuration could be cleared and reset BIOS to default values, due to the AM5 processor’s architecture.
• Please ensure that the motherboard and power supply are turned off and always disconnect 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.
• Whenever the CPU is not installed, always protect the CPU socket pins by covering the socket with the protective cap.
• The CPU should only fit in one orientation, so do not force it. Gently place the CPU into the socket without applying excessive pressure.
• Please handle the CPU by the edges only; avoid touching the pins or the surface of the CPU. Any damage to the pins can result in a malfunctioning CPU.
• When installing a CPU, always remember to install a CPU heatsink. A CPU heatsink is necessary to prevent overheating and maintain system stability.
• Please install the CPU cooler according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure it is securely a tight seal with the CPU and attached to the motherboard to ensure proper heat dissipation.
• 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.
• This motherboard is designed to support overclocking. Before attempting to overclock, please make sure that all other system components can tolerate overclocking. Any attempt to operate beyond product specifications is not
  recommended. MSI® does not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate operation beyond product specifications.

DDR5 DIMM Slots
The DDR5 DIMM slot is a dedicated connector designed to accommodate DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5) memory modules. It represents the latest standard in computer memory, providing enhanced data transfer speeds and efficiency.

Memory module installation recommendation

Important

• The DIMM slots on this motherboard only have a single latch. Please be careful when installing or removing memory modules to avoid damaging the slots.
• Align the notch on the DDR5 module with the notch on the memory slot to ensure proper orientation. Do not force the module into the slot; it should slide in easily if properly aligned.
• To ensure system stability for Dual channel mode, memory modules must be of the same type, number and density.
• Some memory modules may operate at a lower frequency than the marked value when overclocking due to the memory frequency operates dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD). Go to BIOS and find the DRAM Speed to set the memory frequency if you want to operate the memory at the marked or at a higher frequency.
• It is recommended to use a more efficient memory cooling system for full DIMMs installation or overclocking.
• The stability and compatibility of installed memory module depend on installed CPU and devices when overclocking.
• Please refer to www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.

PCIe Expansion Slots
PCI Express (PCIe) expansion slots are used to connect add-on cards to the motherboard. These cards can provide additional functionality to your computer, such as graphics, networking, or storage.

Important

• If you install a large and heavy graphics card, you need to use a tool such as MSI Graphics Card Bolster to support its weight to prevent deformation of the slot.
• For a single PCIe x16 expansion card installation with optimum performance, using the PCI_E1 slot is recommended.
• 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.

Front Panel Connectors
The JFP1 connector controls the power on, power reset, and the LEDs on your PC case/chassis. Power Switch/ Reset Switch headers allow you to connect power button/ reset button. Power LED header connects to LED light on the PC case, and HDD LED header indicates the activity of the hard disk. The JFP2 connector is for Buzzer and Speaker. For connecting the cables from your PC case to the correct pins on the motherboard, please refer to the following images.

Important
Make sure to connect the Power LED and HDD LED cables to the corresponding positive and negative pins on the motherboard. Otherwise, the LEDs will not function properly.

Using EZ Front Panel Cable
The EZ Front Panel Cable allows you to first connect and integrate the PC case’s front panel connectors, making it easier to install into the JFP1 connector. Attach Power SW, Reset SW, Power LED (+ to +, – to -), and HDD LED (+ to +, – to -) to the matching pins on the EZ Front Panel Cable, then plug the EZ Front Panel Cable into the JFP1 connector.

Installing Drivers with MSI Driver Utility Installer

⚠ Important

• Some new network chips have not been natively supported by Windows 11. It is recommended that the LAN driver be installed before installing drivers with MSI Driver Utility Installer. Please refer to www.msi.com to install the LAN driver for your motherboard.
• The MSI Driver Utility Installer will only pop up once. If you cancel or close it during the process, please refer to the Live Update chapter of the MSI Center manual to install the drivers. You can also go to www.msi.com to search your motherboard and download the drivers.
• MSI Driver Utility Installer needs to be installed over the internet.

1. Start up your computer in Windows 11.
2. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update, and then select Check for updates.
3. MSI Driver Utility Installer will pop up automatically     
4. Please select the I have read and agree to the MSI Terms of Use check box, and then click Next

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MSI B850 Gaming Plus WIFI Motherboard-FAQ’s