Motherboard ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING II
E17112 First Edition September 2020 Copyright © 2020 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Contents Safety information....................................................................................................... iv About this guide........................................................................................................... v ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING II specifications summary......................................... vi Connectors with shared bandwidth........................................................................... x Package contents................................
Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This guide contains the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product Introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.
ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING II specifications summary CPU AMD Socket AM4 for 3rd/2nd/1st Gen AMD Ryzen™/ 2nd and 1st Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics/ Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processors* Chipset AMD B450 Chipset * Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list. 3rd/2nd/1st Gen AMD Ryzen™/ 2nd and 1st Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics/ Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processors Memory 4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4 4400(O.C.) / 4000(O.C.) / 3866(O.C.) / 3600(O.C.) / 3466(O.C.
ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING II specifications summary AMD B450 Chipset 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports Storage Ethernet Wireless & Bluetooth Supports Raid 0, 1, 10 * When the M.2_1 slot is operating in SATA or PCIe mode, SATA6G_5/6 ports will be disabled. ** When the M.2_2 slot is occupied by an M.2 device, PCIe x16_1 will run at x8 mode. 1 x Intel® I211-AT 1Gb Ethernet ASUS LANGuard M.2 slot only (Key E) (Support PCIe interface)* * Wi-Fi module is sold separately. Rear USB (Total 8 ports) 2 x USB 3.
ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING II specifications summary Fan and cooling related 1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header 1 x 4-pin CPU OPT Fan header 1 x 4-pin AIO_PUMP header 3 x 4-pin Chassis Fan headers Power related 1 x 24-pin Main Power connector 1 x 8-pin +12V Power connector Storage related 2 x M.2 slots (Key M) 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports Internal I/O connectors USB 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header supports additional 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports 1 x USB 2.0 header supports additional 2 USB 2.
ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING II specifications summary ROG Exclusive Software - RAMCache III - ROG CPU-Z - GameFirst VI - Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer - Sonic Radar III - Overwolf - Anti-virus software ASUS Exclusive Software Features Armoury Crate - Aura Creator - Aura Sync - AI noise cancelling microphone Software Features AI Suite 3 - 5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5 TPU EPU DIGI+ VRM Fan Xpert 4 Turbo app - EZ update AI Charger UEFI BIOS ASUS EZ DIY - ASUS CrashFree BIOS
Connectors with shared bandwidth B A D B A D B B x C C
3rd/2nd/1st Gen AMD Ryzen™ Processors Configuration A 1 2 PCIEX16_1 x16 x8 PCIEX16_2 - x4 Configuration B 1 2 PCIEX16_3 x4 x1 PCIEX1_1 - x1 PCIEX1_2 - x1 PCIEX1_3 Configuration C M.2_1 SATA6G_56 Configuration D M.2_2 PCIEX16_1 - x1 1 2 PCIe 3.0 x4 / SATA - - V 1 2 - PCIe 3.
Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard 1 x ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING II motherboard 1 x Addressable RGB extension cable Cables 1 x RGB extension cable 4 x SATA 6Gb/s cables 1 x Cable ties pack 1 x M.2 Rubber Package Miscellaneous 1 x M.2 SSD screw package 1 x ROG Strix stickers 1 x ROG Strix thank you card Installation Media 1 x Support DVD Documentation 1 x User manual If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
Installation tools and components Phillips (cross) screwdriver PC chassis Power supply unit AMD AM4 CPU AMD AM4/AM3 compatible CPU Fan DDR4 DIMM SATA hard disk drive SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional) M.2 SSD module (optional) 1 Bag of screws The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.
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Product Introduction Product Introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1 Chapter 1 Chapter 1: Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
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12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Clear CMOS header COM port header Front Panel Audio header M.2 slot (Key E) System Panel header Thermal Sensor header TPM header Q-LEDs BIOS FlashBack™ LED ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING II Page 1-4 1-5 1-7 1-9 1-10 1-11 1-12 1-13 1-14 1-15 1-16 1-17 1-18 1-19 1-19 1-20 1-21 1-22 1-22 1-23 Chapter 1 Layout contents 1. CPU socket 2. DIMM slots 3. Expansion slots 4. Fan and Pump headers 5. Power connectors 6. M.2 slot 7. SATA 6Gb/s port 8. USB 3.2 Gen 1 header 9. USB 2.
1. CPU socket The motherboard comes with a Socket AM4 designed for 3rd/2nd/1st Gen AMD Ryzen™/ 2nd and 1st Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics/ Athlon™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processors. Chapter 1 1-4 • The AM4 socket has a different pinout design. Ensure that you use a CPU designed for the AM4 socket. • The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU.
2. DIMM slots The motherboard comes with Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots designed for DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) memory modules. Chapter 1 A DDR4 memory module is notched differently from a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 module. DO NOT install a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 memory module to the DDR4 slot.
Memory configurations You may install 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB unbuffered and non‑ECC DDR4 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Chapter 1 You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.
3. Expansion slots Chapter 1 Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. Please refer to the following tables for the recommended VGA configuration and Hyper M.2 configuration.
Recommended VGA configuration Chapter 1 Slot Description 2. PCIe 3.0 x16_1 4. PCIe 3.0 x16_2 Single VGA x16 Dual VGA x8 - x4 • We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ mode. • Connect a chassis fan to the chassis fan connectors when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment. Hyper M.
4. Fan and Pump headers Chapter 1 The Fan and Pump headers allow you to connect fans or pumps to cool the system. • DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan headers. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan headers! • Ensure the cable is fully inserted into the header. For water cooling kits, connect the pump connector to the AIO_PUMP header.
5. Power connectors These Power connectors allow you to connect your motherboard to a power supply. The power supply plugs are designed to fit in only one orientation, find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the power supply plugs are fully inserted. Chapter 1 Ensure to connect the 8-pin power plug. 1-10 • For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12V Specification 2.
6. M.2 slot Chapter 1 The M.2 slot allows you to install M.2 SSD modules. • M.2_1 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA mode Key M design and type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 storage devices. • M.2_2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 Key M design and type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 / 22110 storage devices. • When M.2_1 is operating in SATA or PCIe mode, SATA6G_5/6 ports will be disabled. • When M.2_2 is occupied by a M.2 device, PCIe x16_1 will run at x8 mode. The M.2 SSD module is purchased separately.
7. SATA 6Gb/s ports The SATA 6Gb/s ports allows you to connect SATA devices such as optical disc drives and hard disk drives via a SATA cable. Chapter 1 If you installed SATA storage devices, you can create a RAID 0, 1, and 10 configuration through the onboard AMD B450 chipset. 1-12 • The slots are set to [AHCI] by default. If you intend to create a SATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID]. • SATA6G_5/6 ports will be disabled when M.
8. USB 3.2 Gen 1 header Chapter 1 The USB 3.2 Gen 1 header allows you to connect a USB 3.2 Gen 1 module for additional USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 header provides data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gb/s. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 module is purchased separately.
9 USB 2.0 header The USB 2.0 header allows you to connect a USB module for additional USB 2.0 ports. The USB 2.0 header provides data transfer speeds of up to 480 Mb/s connection speed. Chapter 1 DO NOT connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.
10. Addressable RGB LED header Chapter 1 The Addressable RGB LED header allows you to connect individually addressable RGB WS2812B LED strips or WS2812B based LED strips. The Addressable RGB LED header supports WS2812B addressable RGB LED strips (5V/ Data/Ground), with a maximum power rating of 3A (5V), and the addressable headers on this board can handle a combined maximum of 60 LEDs.
11. AURA RGB header The AURA RGB header allows you to connect RGB LED strips. Chapter 1 The AURA RGB header supports 5050 RGB multi-color LED strips (12V/G/R/B), with a maximum power rating of 3A (12V). Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. 1-16 • Actual lighting and color will vary with LED strip.
12. Clear CMOS header Chapter 1 The Clear CMOS header allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in the CMOS, which contains the date, time, system passwords, and system setup parameters. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Short-circuit pin 1-2 with a metal object or jumper cap for about 5-10 seconds. 3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 4. Hold down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data.
13. COM Port connector The COM (Serial) Port connector allows you to connect a COM port module. Connect the COM port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening on the system chassis. Chapter 1 The COM port module is purchased separately.
14. Front Panel Audio header Chapter 1 The front panel audio header is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports HD Audio. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this header. We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio capability. 15. M.2 slot (Key E) The M.2 Wi-Fi slot allows you to install an M.2 Wi-Fi module (E-key, type 2230). The M.
16. System Panel header The System Panel header supports several chassis-mounted functions. Chapter 1 • System Power LED header (PLED) The 2-pin header allows you to connect the System Power LED. The System Power LED lights up when the system is connected to a power source, or when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode. • Storage Device Activity LED header (HDD_LED) The 2-pin header allows you to connect the Storage Device Activity LED.
17. Thermal Sensor header Chapter 1 The Thermal Sensor header allows you to connect a sensor to monitor the temperature of the devices and the critical components inside the motherboard. Connect the thermal sensor and place it on the device or the motherboard’s component to detect its temperature. The thermal sensor is purchased separately.
18. TPM connector The TPM connector allows you to connect a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). A TPM securely stores keys, digital certificates, passwords, data, and also helps enhance network security, protect digital identities, and ensures platform integrity. Chapter 1 The TPM is purchased separately. 19. Q-LEDs The Q-LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA, and booting devices) during the motherboard booting process.
20. BIOS FlashBack™ LED Chapter 1 The BIOS FlashBack™ LED lights up or blinks to indicate the status of the BIOS FlashBack™. Please ensure to install the CPU to your ROG Strix B450-F Gaming II motherboard to enable BIOS FlashBack™.
Chapter 1 1-24 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 2: Basic Installation Basic Installation 2.1 Building your PC system 2 The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are the same for all models. 2.1.1 CPU installation Chapter 2 The AMD AM4 socket is compatible with AMD AM4 processors. Ensure you use a CPU designed for the AM4 socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation.
2.1.2 Cooling system installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU cooling system and CPU before you install the cooling system, if necessary.
Chapter 2 CPU heatsink and fan assembly Type 2 When using this type of CPU fan, remove the screws and the retention module only. Do not remove the plate on the bottom.
To install an AIO cooler If you wish to install an AIO cooler, we recommend installing the AIO cooler after installing the motherboard into the chassis.
DIMM installation Chapter 2 2.1.
2.1.4 M.2 installation For M.
For M.2_2 (Type 2280 / 2260 / 2242 M.2) For M.2_2 (Type 22110 M.2) 1 1 1 2 3 1 5 6 Chapter 2 3 2 6 4 4 8 8 7 5 6 The M.2 is purchased separately.
2.1.5 Motherboard installation Chapter 2 1. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to the chassis’ rear I/O panel. 2. Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. DO NOT over tighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
ATX power connection Chapter 2 2.1.6 Ensure to connect the 8-pin power plug.
2.1.
2.1.8 Front I/O connector To install the front panel connector To install USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector USB 3.2 Gen 1 To install front panel audio connector Chapter 2 To install USB 2.0 connector AAFP USB 2.
2.1.
2.1.10 M.2 Wi-Fi module and antenna installation Installing the M.2 W-Fi Module 2 1 Chapter 2 4 3 5 ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING II • Ensure that the ASUS 2x2 dual band Wi-Fi antenna is securely installed to the Wi-Fi ports. • Ensure that the antenna is at least 20 cm away from all persons. • The illustration to the left is for reference only. The I/O port layout may vary with models, but the Wi-Fi antenna installation procedure is the same for all models. • The M.
2.2 BIOS update utility BIOS FlashBack™ Please ensure to install the CPU to your ROG Strix B450-F Gaming II motherboard to enable BIOS FlashBack™. BIOS FlashBack™ allows you to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing BIOS or operating system. Simply insert a USB storage device to the USB port (the USB port hole marked in green on the I/O shield) then press the BIOS FlashBack™ button for three seconds to automatically update the BIOS.
Motherboard rear and audio connections 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection Chapter 2 2.3 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port 2. USB 3.2 Gen 1 port 5 3. DisplayPort 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Intel® I211-AT 1Gb Ethernet port* USB 2.0 ports 9 and 10 BIOS FlashBack™ button USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C® port C6 HDMI™ port USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports 1 and 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports 3 and 4 Optical S/PDIF OUT port 12.
* Intel® I211-AT 1Gb Ethernet port LED indications Activity Link LED Speed LED ACT/LINK LED Status Description Status Description OFF No link Off 10 Mbps connection Orange Linked Orange 100 Mbps connection Orange (Blinking) Data activity Green Orange (Blinking Ready to wake up then steady) from S5 mode 1 Gbps connection SPEED LED LAN port * Audio 2, 4, 5.1 or 7.1-channel configuration 4-channel 5.1-channel 7.
Connect to Stereo Speakers Chapter 2 Connect to 2-channel Speakers Connect to 4-channel Speakers ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING II 2-17
Connect to 5.1-channel Speakers Chapter 2 Connect to 7.
2.4 Starting up for the first time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Ensure that all switches are off. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis. 4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector. 5. Turn on the devices in the following order: Monitor b. External storage devices (starting with the last device on the chain) c.
Chapter 2 2-20 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
Chapter 3: BIOS and RAID Support BIOS and RAID Support 3 For more details on BIOS and RAID configurations, please refer to www.asus.com/ support. 3.1 Knowing BIOS The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboardonly BIOS controls to enable a more flexible and convenient mouse input. You can easily navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as your operating system.
3.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screen include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press or during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press or , POST continues with its routines. Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after POST: • Press ++ simultaneously.
3.4 ASUS EZ Flash 3 The ASUS EZ Flash 3 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility. Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu or press hotkey . To update the BIOS: • This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.
3.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file. The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published on the ASUS official website. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at https://www.asus.
3.6 RAID configurations The motherboard comes with the RaidXpert2 Configuration Utility that supports Volume, RAIDABLE, RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 (depends on system licensing) configurations. For more information on configuring your RAID sets, please refer to the RAID Configuration Guide which you can find at https://www.asus.com/support, or by scanning the QR code.
Chapter 3 3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Appendix Appendix Notices FCC Compliance Information Responsible Party: Asus Computer International Address: 48720 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA 94538, USA Phone / Fax No: (510)739-3777 / (510)608-4555 This device 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.
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 the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Google™ License Terms Copyright© 2020 Google Inc. All Rights Reserved. Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the “License”); you may not use this file except in compliance with the License. You may obtain a copy of the License at: http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0 Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software distributed under the License is distributed on an “AS IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for detailed recycling information in different regions. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste.
ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING II Română ASUSTeK Computer Inc. declară că acest dispozitiv se conformează cerinţelor esenţiale şi altor prevederi relevante ale directivelor conexe. Textul complet al declaraţiei de conformitate a Uniunii Europene se găseşte la: www.asus.com/support Srpski ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ovim izjavljuje da je ovaj uređaj u saglasnosti sa osnovnim zahtevima i drugim relevantnim odredbama povezanih Direktiva. Pun tekst EU deklaracije o usaglašenosti je dostupan da adresi: www.asus.
ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address Telephone Fax Web site Technical Support Telephone Online support 1F., No. 15, Lide Rd., Beitou Dist., Taipei City 112, Taiwan +886-2-2894-3447 +886-2-2890-7798 https://www.asus.com +86-21-38429911 https://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 https://www.asus.