MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus User's Guide

MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus manual cover
Pages 335
Year 2022
Language(s)
German de
English en
French fr
Japanese ja
Korean ko
Russian ru
Chinese zh

MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus Specification

The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus is a robust ATX motherboard designed for gamers and PC enthusiasts seeking solid performance and expandability. It supports AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000G, and 3000 series processors with an AM4 socket, enabling high compatibility with the latest CPUs. The B550 chipset offers a balance of performance and value, featuring PCIe 4.0 support for one of its x16 slots, allowing for enhanced graphics card performance and future-proofing the system. The board is equipped with four DIMM slots, supporting up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with speeds up to 4400 MHz (OC).

Storage options are versatile, including two M.2 slots, one supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 and the other PCIe 3.0 x4, along with six SATA 6Gb/s ports for SSDs and HDDs. Networking is handled by a Realtek RTL8111H Gigabit LAN controller, ensuring reliable wired internet connectivity. Audio is driven by the Realtek ALC892/ALC897 codec, providing 7.1-channel high-definition sound for immersive gaming experiences.

The motherboard boasts a variety of connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and USB 2.0 ports for peripheral compatibility. Expansion capabilities are supported by two PCIe x16 slots and two PCIe x1 slots, allowing for multiple configurations of graphics cards and other add-on cards. The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus also incorporates Mystic Light RGB lighting, letting users customize the aesthetic of their build with numerous colors and effects. With its blend of performance, features, and aesthetics, this motherboard is designed to meet the demands of modern gaming and computing tasks.

MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus F.A.Q.

How do I update the BIOS on the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus?

To update the BIOS, download the latest BIOS update file from the MSI website. Unzip the file and copy it to a USB flash drive formatted to FAT32. Reboot your system and enter the BIOS setup by pressing the 'DEL' key during startup. Navigate to the M-FLASH utility and select the BIOS file from your USB drive to initiate the update process.

What should I do if my MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus motherboard won't boot?

First, check all power connections, including the 24-pin and 8-pin power connectors. Ensure RAM modules are seated correctly and test with one stick at a time. Clear the CMOS by removing the battery or using the reset jumper. If none of these steps work, consider testing with a different power supply or contacting MSI support.

How can I enable XMP for my RAM on the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus?

Enter the BIOS setup by pressing 'DEL' during startup. Navigate to the 'OC' (Overclocking) section and look for the 'A-XMP' option. Enable it to set your RAM to its advertised speed automatically. Save changes and exit the BIOS.

What is the maximum RAM capacity supported by the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus?

The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus supports up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM across four DIMM slots, with speeds up to 4400 MHz when overclocked.

How do I connect RGB LED strips to the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus?

Locate the RGB headers on the motherboard, which are typically marked as JRGB or JRAINBOW. Connect your RGB LED strips to these headers. Use the MSI Mystic Light software to control and customize the lighting effects.

Can I use PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs with the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus?

Yes, the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus supports PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs in the M.2_1 slot when paired with a compatible Ryzen 3000 series or newer CPU. Ensure your SSD is installed in this slot to take advantage of PCIe 4.0 speeds.

How can I troubleshoot audio issues on the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus?

Ensure that your audio drivers are up to date, which can be downloaded from the MSI website. Check that the audio output device is set correctly in your operating system's sound settings. If issues persist, test with different audio ports or use external speakers/headphones to rule out hardware problems.

What are the available fan headers on the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus?

The motherboard includes multiple fan headers: one CPU fan header, one pump fan header, and four system fan headers. These can be controlled via the BIOS or the MSI Dragon Center software for optimal cooling performance.

How do I install additional case fans on the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus?

Identify available system fan headers on the motherboard. Connect the fan's 3-pin or 4-pin connector to one of these headers. Secure the fan in your case using screws or clips, ensuring proper airflow direction. Configure fan speeds in the BIOS or MSI software if necessary.

How can I reset the CMOS on the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus?

To reset the CMOS, turn off your system and unplug it. Locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard and remove it for a few minutes before reinserting it. Alternatively, use the CMOS reset jumper by shorting it for a few seconds. This will reset BIOS settings to default.