As you browse through the market for B450 motherboards, you will be astounded by the fact to know that there are close to 25 units available. Of course, they come made from different brands and models.
Choosing a suitable model with the proper set of features and specifications can be challenging at times. You can select them based on few factors like dual M.2, pricing, and so on. However, most of them come infused with similar features.
When you look at the B450 chipset, it looks similar to the earlier B350 model. You can find the same native support and a similar USB configuration. There is also the very familiar-looking SATA configuration and support for a single M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA port.
It comes with 6 PCI lanes that are dedicated to PCIe 2.0 slots. The motherboards also come with adequate support for similar PCIe 3.0 bifurcation. This gives rise to a single PCIe 3.0 x16 slot making the system function on a single GPU.
In today’s comparison review, we will be discussing about two outstanding motherboards. They are the MIS B450 Gaming Plus Max vs MSI B450-A Pro Max units. The same maker produces these two powerful models.
MSI has cemented itself in the motherboard segment thanks to its affordable and reliable units. Most MSI users are quite a happy lot. You can hear good things from them about the PC experience and functioning.
Can these two models match with the same? The only way to know that would be to read the below review. The MSI B450I Gaming Plus Max is an ATX motherboard. This belongs to the MSI gaming range of units.
They come focused on the larger units. You will be delighted to know that the chipset can effortlessly support the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation AMD Ryzen. You also have the most needed support for DDR4 Memory.
It can run for 4133(OC) MHz. There is also the Turbo M.2 that can operate at PCI-E Gen3 x4. This can enhance the performance of the NVMe based SSDs. The unit has with it the simple Flash BIOS button.
Lastly, it is a Multi-GPU offering you with steel armor PCI-E slots. You can find ample support for the 2-Way AMD Crossfire. The MSI B450-A Pro Max belongs to the Pro series manufactured for gamers in mind.
Depending on the kind of performance and the quality you want. The maker announced close to 3 Pro series boards. You can find the model offers support for DDR4 memory that works for 4133(OC)MHz.
It also comes with advanced technology for ensuring that there is stability and an audio boost feature. Using this, you are offered with sublime audio performance. This enables both novice and professional gamers to have an immersive experience.
 |  |
|---|---|
| MSI B450 GAMING PLUS MAX | MSI B450-A PRO MAX |
| PROS | PROS |
| This is a Multi-GPU unit. It supports DDR4 memory up to 4133(OC) MHz for outstanding performance. The product has Turbo M.2: Running at PCI-E Gen3 x4 for magnificent operation. It comes infused with steel armor PCI-E slots. The unit is priced under $120, making it cheap. | The design of the Max Gaming unit is top-notch. It offers DDR4 memory up to 4133(OC) MHz. The unit comes with Turbo M.2, AMD turbo USB 3.2 gen2. This product comes with Audio Boost providing a dedicated amplifier. It is priced under $110, making it cheap. |
| CONS | CONS |
| Users had a problem in the unit as it did not give out any display. | The model comes with only 1 M.2 with a heatsink. |
FEATURES & LAYOUT
The features & layout of the MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max are astounding to say. For a model priced less than $120, we were genuinely impressed by it. The moment you notice the box, you can see how attractive and secure MSI has done it.
That itself shows the dedication that they have toward customers. The design is overall intelligently done. We usually do not feel that way. Here they have totally focused on the user-friendly feature.
The layout is convenient for PC designers. You can effortlessly find your way in. The Gaming Plus Max comes in stunning black and red tones. This gives it an aggressive appearance. When you are looking for a gaming chipset with breathtaking looks, then it is this.
Besides, we noticed that it comes with a convenient pin-header, ports, and SATA & USB location. You can choose the kind of PC model you plan on designing. Of course, please do bear in mind that it is the Ryzen 3000 series only.
If you look at the memory support in this one, it comes with 2 slots capable of supporting DDR4-3466. It also comes with non-ECC and ECC DDR4 memory. At the rear, you can find there are 6 USB Type-A ports.
You can use 4 USB 3.1 5 Gbps and 2 USB 2.0 ports. There is no Type-C connectivity. Finally, gamers can find a pairing of video outputs. There is the HDMI and DisplayPort. It also comes with a Realtek ALC887 audio codec and the Realtek 8111H Gigabit LAN controller.
Likewise, the layout of the MIS B450-A Pro Max is astounding. It comes with a solid design and a simple layout. There is plenty of PCIe connectivity present in there. The motherboard offers users with PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, 4 PCIe 2.0 x1 slots, and a full-length PCIe 2.0 x4 slot.
The unit comes with DDR4-3466 memory and supports up to 64GB. The use of the non-ECC and ECC memory is found in there. It comes with 6 SATA 6 Gbps. They can seamlessly offer support to RAID 0, 1, and 10 arrays.
The black PCB comes with grey color heatsinks on it. This was quite stunning and opulent, to say the least. There is also ample power delivery found on the unit. It can effortlessly operate on the 6-phase power delivery at 4+2 configuration.
It provides ample support to the Ryzen APUs and also operates with a single HDMI 1.4 port. There is the DisplayPort and a legacy VGA port. The model has functions to work using the Realtek 8111H Gigabit controller and the Realtek ALC892 audio codec.
We were quite pleased to inform you that MSI wants to ensure that those involved with cryptocurrency mining would be happy with it besides the aesthetics. However, there is not much of support in a $110 product.
Overall, the features & layout in the B450-A Pro Max were second to none. The budget model has everything that you want. The tone and the design were genuinely genuine and durable. We felt quite happy using it.
SOFTWARE AND FIRMWARE
Coming to the software and firmware of the MSI models that were are discussing in here. The MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max comes with stunning software and firmware. In fact, both the models are simple to install and use, thanks to user-friendly software and hardware.
Users have clearly mentioned in the feedback that they can easily log in and begin working within a matter of minutes. If you are a professional PC designer, that should not be a problem for you.
The rear panels on the Gaming Plus Max come with 2 USB 3.1 10 Gbps Type-A ports. There are also 2 USB 3.1 5 Gbps Type-A ports. You can find 2 USB 2.0 ports. It also comes with the needed Clear CMOS button and mouse combo port.
Sadly, the Gaming Plus Max does not come with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The BIOS features come with the MSI ClickBIOS 5. The motherboard does not come with integrated Wi-Fi features. For that, you will have to purchase them separately.
They do not have to cost you much. You will be delighted to know that the Pro Max supports NVMe SSD. Likewise, on the MIS B450-A Pro Max, we found the software and firmware are tremendously done.
Our tester noted a small issue when working on the Ryzen 3000 Series AMD CPU. The BIOS flash the and do not give display output. We have this small tip for you because several users have pointed out this flaw in the motherboard.
You can look up the motherboard name on the internet. Then you will want to download the update and then install Windows (if you haven’t done it yet). Once you have done it, then you can extract the file and then name ‘MSI.ROM.’
Switch off your PC and plug the USB into the BIOS FLASH button and click it. We noticed that the whole procedure did not last a few minutes. The PC is ready and is in working condition now. Please do not switch off the power like most users tend to do.
There is no need to panic or feel frustrated. If it does not work the first time, try it few times. The PC will eventually work.
OVERCLOCKING
The overclocking of the MSI products is known for their stunning performance. We were quite pleased with the overclocking of both the Plus Max and the Pro Max. The MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max is a raging product among the masses.
Our tester, too, is fond of it because the price was reasonable, and so were the features infused in it. The motherboard exceeds all his expectations. He found it simple to install and was done in no time.
Besides, the functioning was extremely smooth and easy. Our tester used the Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3000 RAM and was very stunned by the performance. Since this is the ATX version, the more excellent installation for the CPU was not very challenging.
Normally on larger boards, they can be a bit of a hassle. We could seamlessly increase the CPU to 3.8 GHz using the BIOS automatic settings. Besides, users who prefer stability over speed will understand and like this chipset.
However, when you expect more from them, then you might want to look elsewhere. We cannot stress on the fact that the board is compatible with the Ryzen 3000 series right from the box itself.
You can effortlessly get things started instantly. The ports present on the motherboard with nicely done, and you could find them immediately. Our tester felt that there should be more fan headers.
Depending on the kind of cooling fan gamers plan to install, you need to decide on the power consumption. Our tester did feel one flaw in this otherwise fantastic motherboard. He thought that the time for the BIOS boot was slow.
We noticed that it takes close to 15 seconds flat for getting up and running. However, this does not have to be a deal-breaker. It can be slightly annoying. They have, however, updated and released a new firmware, which we hope will solve the issue.
We are yet to hear about it. The board is ideal for the mild design of PCs. You obviously cannot expect a stunning overclocking specification from the unit when you are not keen on using the flashy RGB elements in it.
The unit comes with a splendid performance. We suggest that you switch to the RX 5700 and not have problems. It offers you stable operations. Besides, the cost is less, and the benchmarks got from there can effortlessly blend with the RTX 2070.
Overall, an excellent motherboard at a meager price. All in all, both the motherboards came with stunning overclocking capabilities.
PRICE
It becomes challenging to compare the prices of products of the same brand. That is what we have to do now. The MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max is priced under $120. At the same time, the MSI B450-A Pro Max is priced under $110.
There is a difference of $10 in the price that should not make consumers towards the B450-A Pro Max. Now, the B450 Gaming Plus is a solid device that comes with its own set of benefits if you choose it.
VERDICT
This is it we have come to the end of another exciting review about two exceptional motherboards. The MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max vs MSI B450-A Pro Max are great motherboards with their benefits.
It is safe to say that the B450 Gaming Plus Max motherboard is a cost-effective option in the market. It also comes with a BIOS flashback button. The board provides you with the opportunity to update the BIOS seamlessly on your Ryzen CPU.
We highly recommend using this budget model on your Ryzen CPUs because the performance immensely gets enhanced. The features embedded in it are genuinely astounding, offering you a top-notch design.
You will be amazed to know that the RAM speed is much higher than the B450-A Pro Max model. It comes with more memory slot and fan headers. Besides, there are adequate SATA 3 connectors as well as PCIe 2.0 x16 slots.
You have the USB 2.0 ports and DVI outputs. There are also the PCIe x1 slots embedded in there. With so many features present for under $120, you really cannot ask for more. On the other hand, you have the MSI B450-A Pro Max that comes with its own set of features.
If you are looking for a motherboard to use strictly on the Ryzen 3000 series, then you have your choice right here. Of course, you do not require the gen 4 PCI-E and want something that is ready out of the box.
Our tester was stunned by the performance of the B40-A Pro Max with most of the Ryzen series CPUs. It just simply worked flawlessly without any issues. Since it is the Max unit, there was no need to update the BIOS.
If you see, it is an advantage. It would help if you plugged and get started. The software and hardware are sublimely infused with it. The overclocking was splendid. We could effortlessly push the CPU to 3.8GHz.
The insulation was a breeze when compared to most motherboards in the market. Of course, the B450 Gaming Plus Max was pretty simple as far as the installation was concerned. You can seamlessly install the Windows and begin operations.
Our winner in the review was the B450 Gaming Plus Max, as it was truly unique. The design and features were decent for the pricing. We were highly satisfied using it. The experience is what counts in a very closely contested battle of two budget models from MSI.
You will have no problems whether you choose either the Plus Max or the Pro Max.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.