MSI AMD 400-series and 300-series MAX Motherboards Now Available

[btarunr]

MSI, the world's leading motherboard brand, is proud to announce AMD AM4 300- and 400- series MAX motherboards. Since AMD Ryzen 3000 series processors launched and have attracted public attention all over the world, AM4 socket compatibility has become a contentious topic for people who are interested in buying Ryzen CPUs. Currently AMD has 300-, 400-, and X570 platforms with the same AM4 socket, which might cause confusion. End users might feel a bit overwhelmed in terms of choosing a either a new CPU or a new motherboard or both a new CPU and a new motherboard.

To make everything simple, MAX motherboards provide maximum compatibility for AM4 socket. This means users do not have to worry about the collocation of CPU and motherboard. We have clear information both on the packaging and product page if customers are still confused.



Maximum DDR4 Performance
DDR4 performance for MAX motherboards has also exhibited massive improvement with up to 4133 MHz DDR4 frequency by A-XMP, which is an enhancement that goes without saying. MSI OC lab, combining with DDR4 Boost technology, is dedicated to optimizing the overclocking performance.

Supports Ryzen 3000 Out of the Box, and Future BIOS Updates
Finally, all the MAX motherboards can directly support Ryzen 3000 series processors. Besides, MSI will keep pushing future support for MAX motherboards when the new processors come out. BIOS updates have always been a complicated process for people who are not familiar with their hardware. MSI's Click BIOS 5 is a user-friendly graphic user interface with premium functions, including hi-res BIOS font, Easy Search & Favorite, and Secure Erase+. Most of MAX motherboards are equipped with Flash BIOS button for simplest and convenient way to update BIOS.

AM4 MAX Motherboards

• X470 GAMING PLUS MAX
• X470 GAMING PRO MAX
• B450 GAMING PLUS MAX
• B450 TOMAHAWK MAX
• B450M MORTAR MAX
• B450-A PRO MAX
• B450M PRO-VDH MAX
• B450M PRO-M2 MAX
• B450M-A PRO MAX
• A320M-A PRO MAX

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[Manu_PT]

It seems the MSi B450M gaming Plus is not listed, wich I find weird as it is one of the best price vs perf models for a R5 3600/R7 3700x. But also must mean it is very good already and no need for a "MAX" version.

 

[Space Lynx]

this is a good idea and good marketing tactic actually. it can be a bit confusing.

 

[Rahnak]

Do all of these have the bigger 32mb bios chip? And I was hoping to see the B450 Gaming Pro Carbon get the MAX treatment as well.

 

[Manu_PT]

Do all of these have the bigger 32mb bios chip? And I was hoping to see the B450 Gaming Pro Carbon get the MAX treatment as well.

Just like the B450M Gaming Plus, I guess those two are fine as they are right now. The B450M Gaming Plus is pretty cheap with very good VRMs, 82€. It is Micro Atx tho and can be weird on an ATX case, as Micro Atx is like a dying breed at this point.

 

[Space Lynx]

would be nice to know when they are in stock, sadly no one knows. i just checked and no look, would mind getting a budget $85 B450 MAX MSI board and a ryzen 3600. navi is also on sale right now for $330 instead of $350, not bad really considering most of my games are backlog and the 5700 would handle them easy enough.

 

[Rahnak]

Just like the B450M Gaming Plus, I guess those two are fine as they are right now. The B450M Gaming Plus is pretty cheap with very good VRMs, 82€. It is Micro Atx tho and can be weird on an ATX case, as Micro Atx is like a dying breed at this point.

It does already have BIOS flashback. But it has the smaller BIOS chip which means it gets that stripped down lite version MSI came up with to fit all the new and old CPU microcode.
These new MAX versions also have faster usb connectors that the carbon doesn’t have as well as improved memory compatibility, according to their website. Would be nice improvements, although not necessary.

 

[Space Lynx]

It does already have BIOS flashback. But it has the smaller BIOS chip which means it gets that stripped down lite version MSI came up with to fit all the new and old CPU microcode.
These new MAX versions also have faster usb connectors that the carbon doesn’t have as well as improved memory compatibility, according to their website. Would be nice improvements, although not necessary.

so it is confirmed the new MAX versions have a bigger bios memory and don't need the Lite BIOS? @btarunr

 

[ironwolf]

Micro Atx is like a dying breed at this point.

Totally disagree. On X570 yes but that makes more sense to have full size boards on that chipset. B450 plenty of uATX. The [supposedly] upcoming A520 (?) and B550 (?) should have plenty of uATX boards.

 

[gxss]

A320M-A PRO MAX has PBO?

 

[Manu_PT]

Totally disagree. On X570 yes but that makes more sense to have full size boards on that chipset. B450 plenty of uATX. The [supposedly] upcoming A520 (?) and B550 (?) should have plenty of uATX boards.

I didn´t refer to AM4 only, I mean overall, Micro Atx at this point is the "neglected" format. You have several articles/videos talking about the subject. For example, on the last Computex it was evident that most Case Companies didn´t even bother with new Micro Atx cases (NZXT, Corsair and Fractal just to name a few important ones). Steve Burke (GamersNexus) even mentioned that on his coverage.

Micro Atx was the real alternative some years ago, for a bit smaller system. But if you compare Micro Atx cases with their ATX counterparts. you are saving like 5cm on height and length, small differences (Meshify C Mini for example, is only 5cm shorter than the ATX Meshify, basicaly 3 fingers).

Then you have the Mobo options aswell. When a new platform is released, the first models to appear are ATX and you have a lot more options. Low budget mobos, beefy VRMs mobos, mid range mobos, etc etc. If you take a look at the last Intel chipset, Z390, you will already see how it lacks on the Micro Atx department. Few motherboards models compared to ATX.

Where Micro ATX stil has some variety is on the low end. B360 or H310 entry level chipsets, B450M for AMD (wich turns out to be really good, because the new AMD CPUs are 7nm and use less power, so they do well on those B450M models). But take a look at X570, how many Micro Atx? I didn´t even see one listed here in my country.

Nowadays ITX is going so strong, so who wants a smaller system just goes ITX. The ones that don´t bother go ATX. Micro Atx is being more and more neglected because of that. ITX took its place.

 

[Space Lynx]

@btarunr why did you put now available? it's a day after the article and they still are not up on newegg or amazon... maybe re-word it next time to coming very soon or something?

 

[LocutusH]

I am still waiting for the titanium version of the M....

And a proper sound chip, but i guess thats not gonna happen at MSI...

 

[HikingMike]

Where is this available? I see this on MSI's website now but not in any stores. Are these boards "available" like the current MSI B450 boards "support 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen"?

 

[Chomiq]

That makes second PR release about MAX lineup and still no info on availability.

 

[Badelhas]

Please update the article regarding store availability!

 

[Space Lynx]

Please update the article regarding store availability!

@W1zzard have to agree with this... as of this posting they are still not available on any site I checked them all...

 

[metalfiber]

I can't find a release date.

X470 GAMING PRO MAX | Motherboard | MSI Global

Best AMD AM4 B450 ATX motherboard, Turbo M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Mystic Light, MSI MPG

www.msi.com

 

[HikingMike]

Web chat with Newegg...

Hi, I understand that MSI has released new "MAX" motherboards for AMD's AM4 socket, for several chipsets (B450, X470) - they are very similar to current models except the have a larger BIOS chip and allow for supporting a wider range of AM4 CPUs from AMD. Will those be sold by Newegg and know when?

i am sorry we have no ETA on that inventory yet

Do you know if Newegg will sell it eventually?

To be honest no i am not 100% sure of that

Ok, follow-up question -
Do you know if Newegg will have motherboards for sale such as B450 and X470 models that are already updated to support Ryzen 3000 line of CPUs?

We pretty much don't know about inventory until the item is in stock. Being that we don't know what is ordered

in less its a hot item

that goes on pre order

 

[Badelhas]

Web chat with Newegg...

Yeah, that's exactly what one shop here in Portugal answered. Maybe we have to ask MSI directly...

 

[HikingMike]

Yes, any volunteers? MSI does have someone responding in Reddit MSI_Gaming forum.

I asked ASRock some related questions back on July 15 about B550 and B450.

Me:

Hi, can you tell me much about the upcoming B550 motherboards for AMD Ryzen 3000 CPUs with socket AM4?

I noticed the new X570 motherboards require a lot more power and have a small fan on the chipset. I really didn't want a fan on the chipset so I was thinking that B550 would be better for me - otherwise I'd go back to B450.

The problem with buying a B450 motherboard is that it may not have a correct BIOS to support Ryzen 3000 CPUs (Matisse). If I bought my computer parts to build my new system, I do not have a spare older AM4 socket CPU to use if needed for updating the BIOS. But I think some motherboards have the ability to update the BIOS without a CPU. Can you tell me if your B450 motherboards allow that (such as the B450 Pro4)? Or do you know if they would have updated BIOS that allows Ryzen 3000 CPUs (Matisse) to work in them?

ASRock:

I do not hear about when B550 will be released so far. However, all B450 boards required BIOS update to support 3000 CPU and we will be happy to update the BIOS if you receive old version.
If the board was updated BIOS, that Ryzen 3000 ready sticker (orange) will be labeled at outside of the box.

I did not ask for more specific info about them updating the BIOS for me if I receive an old version. I learned elsewhere that ASRock motherboards do not have BIOS flashback (no CPU required). So I imagine I would have to ship out the motherboard to them.

 

[Chomiq]

So much for same price:

Płyta główna MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX dla Gracza

MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX

xtreem.pl

About $30 more expensive than the regular model.

Available from 20th of August.

 

[Rahnak]

That's disappointing.

 

[Badelhas]

That's disappointing.

Truly disappointed also. The waiting never ends...
What are the budget working alternatives that we have?

 

[Chomiq]

How to make MAX prices match the non-MAX variants? Increase the pricing on the non-MAX variant to (almost) match the raised price of MAX variant:
https://www.x-kom.pl/p/441255-plyta-glowna-socket-am4-msi-b450-tomahawk.html (119 €, before approx. 100 €)
https://www.x-kom.pl/p/508074-plyta-glowna-socket-am4-msi-b450-tomahawk-max.html (124 €)

Ps.
According to MSI Poland manufacturing of B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC is discontinued.