MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK (01) PDF Document

To install your MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard and build your computer, you will need the following tools and components:

Components:

∙ AMD® AM4 CPU

∙ CPU Fan

∙ Chassis (Computer Case)

∙ DDR4 Memory

∙ Power Supply Unit

∙ Graphics Card

∙ Thermal Paste

∙ SATA Hard Disk Drive

∙ SATA DVD Drive

∙ A Package of Screws

Tools:

∙ Phillips Screwdriver

Please adhere to the following safety instructions to ensure successful computer assembly and prevent damage to your MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard:

∙ The components are prone to damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). It is recommended to wear an ESD wrist strap. If one is not available, discharge static electricity by touching another metal object before handling.

∙ Hold the motherboard by the edges to avoid touching sensitive components.

∙ Ensure that all components are securely connected. Loose connections can cause the computer to fail to start or not recognize a component.

∙ When not installed, store the motherboard in an electrostatic shielding container or on an anti-static pad.

∙ Before powering on, ensure there are no loose screws or metal components on the motherboard or within the computer case.

∙ Do not boot the computer before the installation is complete to avoid permanent damage to components or injury.

∙ Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord before installing or removing any component.

∙ Keep the motherboard away from humidity.

∙ Make sure your electrical outlet provides the same voltage as indicated on the Power Supply Unit (PSU).

∙ Do not leave the motherboard in an environment above 60°C (140°F) as it may cause damage.

If any of the following situations arise, have the motherboard checked by service personnel:

∙ Liquid has penetrated into the computer.

∙ The motherboard has been exposed to moisture.

∙ The motherboard does not work well or you cannot get it to work according to the user guide.

∙ The motherboard has been dropped and damaged.

∙ The motherboard has an obvious sign of breakage.

Follow these steps to install an AMD AM4 CPU on your MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK:

1. Lift the CPU socket lever.

2. Align the yellow triangle on the CPU with the corresponding triangle on the socket.

3. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket.

4. Lower the socket lever to lock the CPU in place.

5. Apply an even layer of thermal paste onto the CPU.

6. Place the CPU fan on top of the CPU.

7. Hook the retention clips of the CPU fan onto the motherboard’s mounting bracket.

8. Press down the cam lever to secure the CPU fan.

9. Connect the CPU fan’s power cable to the CPU_FAN1 header on the motherboard.

Important: The surface of the AM4 CPU has a yellow triangle to assist in correctly lining up the CPU for motherboard placement. The yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator.

If you are installing a screw-type CPU heatsink on your MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK, you must first remove the pre-installed retention module. Follow these steps:

1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen and remove the four screws holding the top and bottom parts of the retention module.

2. Remove both the top and bottom pieces of the retention module from the motherboard.

3. After removing the retention module, you can proceed to install the screw-type heatsink by securing it directly to the backplate with its own screws.

To install DDR4 memory modules on your MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard, follow these steps and population recommendations:

1. Open the retaining clips on the sides of the DIMM slot.

2. Align the notch on the memory module with the key in the slot.

3. Firmly press the memory module straight down into the slot until the retaining clips snap back into place, securing the module.

Memory Module Installation Recommendation:

∙ For one memory module: Install it in the DIMMA2 slot.

∙ For two memory modules: Install them in the DIMMA2 and DIMMB2 slots for optimal dual-channel performance.

∙ For four memory modules: Install them in all four slots (DIMMA1, DIMMA2, DIMMB1, DIMMB2).

Important:

∙ Always insert memory modules in the DIMMA2 slot first.

∙ To ensure system stability for Dual channel mode, memory modules must be of the same type, number, and density.

The JFP1 connector on the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK is for the switches and LEDs on the front panel of your chassis. Match the labels on your case’s wires (Power Switch, Reset Switch, Power LED, HDD LED) to the pinout below. The positive (+) and negative (-) orientation matters for the LEDs.

JFP1 Pinout:

To install the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard into your computer case, follow these steps:

1. Carefully place the motherboard into the chassis, aligning its mounting holes with the standoffs pre-installed in the case. The rear I/O ports should fit into the opening at the back of the case (the I/O shield is pre-installed on this motherboard).

2. Secure the motherboard to the standoffs using the appropriate screws.

3. Tighten the screws with a Phillips screwdriver. It is recommended to use a torque of 3 kgf·cm (0.3 N·m or 2.6 lbf·in). Avoid over-tightening the screws to prevent damage to the motherboard.

To provide power to your MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard, you need to connect two main cables from your ATX power supply:

1. ATX_PWR1 (24-pin Main Power): Locate the 24-pin connector on your power supply and plug it firmly into the ATX_PWR1 connector on the motherboard.

2. CPU_PWR1 (8-pin CPU Power): Locate the 8-pin (or 4+4 pin) CPU power connector on your power supply and plug it firmly into the CPU_PWR1 connector on the motherboard, located near the CPU socket.

Ensure that all power cables are securely connected to ensure stable operation.

Follow these steps to install SATA Hard Disk Drives (HDD) or Solid State Drives (SSD) with your MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK:

1. Secure the SATA drive into a drive bay within your computer chassis.

2. Connect one end of a SATA data cable to a SATA port on the motherboard (labeled SATA1 through SATA6).

3. Connect the other end of the SATA data cable to the data port on your SATA drive.

4. Locate a SATA power connector from your power supply unit.

5. Connect the SATA power connector to the power port on your SATA drive.

Repeat these steps for any additional SATA drives you wish to install.

To install a graphics card on your MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard, follow these steps:

1. Remove the expansion slot cover(s) from the back of the chassis that align with the PCIe slot you intend to use. For optimal performance, use the top PCIe x16 slot (PCI_E1).

2. Open the retention clip at the end of the PCIe slot on the motherboard.

3. Align the graphics card’s connector with the PCIe slot and press it down firmly until it is fully seated and the retention clip locks into place.

4. Secure the graphics card’s bracket to the chassis with screws.

5. If your graphics card requires additional power, connect the necessary PCIe power cables from your power supply to the card.

If you install a large and heavy graphics card, you may need to use a support tool to prevent deformation of the slot.

After you have completed the assembly of your computer, follow these steps to power it on for the first time:

1. Connect the power cord to the back of the power supply unit (PSU).

2. Plug the other end of the power cord into a wall outlet.

3. If your PSU has a power switch on the back, make sure it is flipped to the ‘ON’ (usually ‘I’) position.

4. Press the power button on the front of your computer case.

The LEDs on the LAN ports of your MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK provide information about the network connection status and speed.

Link/Activity LED (Usually Yellow)

Speed LED (Green/Orange)

The rear audio jacks on the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK are re-taskable. To configure them for 2, 4, 6 (5.1), or 8 (7.1) channel audio, connect your speakers as indicated in the table below. You will typically be prompted by the Realtek Audio Console to define the device you plugged in.

(●: connected, Blank: empty)

The MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK has specific configurations and limitations when populating certain M.2 and PCIe slots simultaneously. Notably, when installing devices in the M.2_2, PCI_E2, and PCI_E3 slots at the same time, the PCI_E3 slot will become unavailable, and the M.2_2 slot will only support PCIe x2 speed. Please refer to the table below for details.

(X: no device, ✓: available, —: unavailable)

To install an M.2 module on your MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK, follow these steps:

1. Loosen the screws of the M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink covering the M.2 slot you wish to use.

2. Remove the M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink and peel off the protective films from the thermal pads on its underside.

3. Move and fasten the M.2 standoff to the appropriate position for your M.2 SSD’s length.

4. Insert your M.2 SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle.

5. Gently press the M.2 SSD down and secure it in place with the M.2 screw.

6. Place the M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink back into place and secure it with its screws.

You can switch between PWM mode and DC mode and adjust fan speed in the BIOS of your MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK.

1. Enter the BIOS during startup (usually by pressing the Del key).

2. Navigate to the HARDWARE MONITOR section.

3. Select the fan connector you wish to configure (e.g., CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1).

4. Choose the fan mode: PWM, DC, or Auto. Auto mode will automatically detect the fan type.

5. If Smart Fan is enabled, you can adjust the fan curve by clicking and dragging the gradient points. This allows you to set the fan speed (as a percentage) at different CPU temperatures.

Make sure fans are working properly after switching the mode. Fan connectors on this motherboard can be PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Mode, which provide constant 12V and adjust speed with a control signal, or DC Mode, which controls speed by changing voltage.

Connector Default Modes and Power:

The chassis intrusion feature helps detect if your computer case has been opened.

Using the chassis intrusion detector:

1. Connect the chassis intrusion switch/sensor cable from your case to the JCI1 connector on the motherboard.

2. Close the chassis cover.

3. Go to BIOS > SETTINGS > Security > Chassis Intrusion Configuration.

4. Set Chassis Intrusion to Enabled.

5. Press F10 to save and exit, then press Enter to select Yes.

6. The next time the computer is turned on after the chassis cover has been opened, a warning message will be displayed on the screen.

Resetting the chassis intrusion warning:

1. Go to BIOS > SETTINGS > Security > Chassis Intrusion Configuration.

2. Set Chassis Intrusion to Reset.

3. Press F10 to save and exit, then press Enter to select Yes.

There is a CMOS memory on the motherboard that saves system configuration data. If you need to clear this data and reset the BIOS to its default values, use the JBAT1 jumper.

1. Power off the computer and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

2. Locate the JBAT1 jumper on the motherboard. It consists of two pins.

3. Use a jumper cap to short the two pins of JBAT1 for about 5-10 seconds.

4. Remove the jumper cap from JBAT1. The default position is “Keep Data” (no jumper cap).

5. Plug the power cord back in and power on the computer.

The EZ Debug LEDs on your MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK indicate the status of key components during the boot process (POST – Power-On Self Test). If an LED remains lit, it signifies a problem with the corresponding component.

∙ CPU – indicates the CPU is not detected or has failed.

∙ DRAM – indicates the DRAM (memory) is not detected or has failed.

∙ VGA – indicates the GPU (Graphics Card), PCIe, or M.2 device is not detected or has failed.

∙ BOOT – indicates the booting device (like your OS drive) is not detected or has failed.

Follow these steps to install the Windows® 10 operating system:

1. Power on the computer.

2. Insert the Windows® 10 installation disc or USB drive into your computer.

3. Restart the computer.

4. Press the F11 key during the computer POST (Power-On Self Test) to enter the Boot Menu.

5. Select the Windows® 10 installation disc/USB from the Boot Menu.

6. When the screen shows the message “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD…”, press any key.

7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of Windows® 10.

To enter the BIOS setup, press the Delete key when the “Press DEL key to enter Setup Menu, F11 to enter Boot Menu” message appears on the screen during the boot process.

The function keys available within the BIOS are:

∙ F1: General Help list

∙ F2: Add/Remove a favorite item

∙ F3: Enter Favorites menu

∙ F4: Enter CPU Specifications menu

∙ F5: Enter Memory-Z menu

∙ F6: Load optimized defaults

∙ F7: Switch between Advanced mode and EZ mode

∙ F8: Load Overclocking Profile

∙ F9: Save Overclocking Profile

∙ F10: Save Change and Reset

∙ F12: Take a screenshot and save it to a USB flash drive (FAT/FAT32 format only).

∙ Ctrl+F: Enter Search page

You can update the BIOS on your MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK using several methods, including M-FLASH from within the BIOS or the Flash BIOS Button on the rear I/O panel.

Updating BIOS with M-FLASH:

1. Download the latest BIOS file that matches your motherboard model from MSI’s website and save it to a USB flash drive.

2. Insert the USB flash drive into a USB port on your computer.

3. Reboot the computer and enter the BIOS (press Del during POST).

4. In the BIOS, click on the M-FLASH button. Click Yes to confirm that you want to reboot and enter flash mode.

5. The system will reboot and enter the flash mode interface. Select the BIOS file from your USB flash drive to begin the update process.

6. After the flashing process is 100% complete, the system will reboot automatically.

Updating BIOS with Flash BIOS Button:

This method works even without a CPU or memory installed.

1. Download the latest BIOS file for your motherboard.

2. Rename the BIOS file to MSI.ROM and save it to the root directory of a USB flash drive.

3. Connect the 24-pin (ATX_PWR1) and 8-pin (CPU_PWR1) power connectors from your power supply to the motherboard.

4. Plug the USB flash drive containing the MSI.ROM file into the specific Flash BIOS Port on the rear I/O panel.

5. Press the Flash BIOS Button. The LED next to the button will start flashing, indicating the BIOS is being updated.

6. The process is complete when the LED turns off.

If your computer fails to power on, try the following steps:

∙ Ensure the AC power cord is securely connected to both the power supply and a working electrical outlet.

∙ Check that all ATX power connectors (ATX_PWR1 and CPU_PWR1) are firmly connected from the power supply to the motherboard.

∙ Some power supply units have a power switch on the rear; make sure this switch is turned on.

∙ Verify that the power switch cable from your computer case is connected correctly to the JFP1 pin header on the motherboard.

∙ Verify the Clear CMOS jumper (JBAT1) is set to the default “Keep DATA” position (no jumper cap on the pins).

∙ If possible, test with another known working power supply of equal or greater wattage.

If your computer powers on but you see no display, follow these troubleshooting steps:

∙ Make sure the monitor’s power cord is securely connected and the monitor is turned on.

∙ Ensure you have selected the correct input source on your monitor (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort).

∙ If you hear 3 long beeps, this indicates a memory issue. Remove all memory modules and try to install only one module in the DIMMA2 slot, then restart the computer.

∙ If you hear 1 long and 2 short beeps, this indicates a graphics card issue. Remove and reinstall the graphics card, ensuring it is fully seated in the PCIe slot. Then restart the computer.

∙ If possible, test with another known working graphics card.

To clear a lost BIOS password, you will need to clear the CMOS. This action will reset all BIOS settings to their factory defaults, including the password, but will also erase any customized settings you have configured.

To clear the CMOS, follow the procedure using the JBAT1 jumper on the motherboard.

If you are not getting any sound from your computer, try these steps:

∙ Check the volume level in your operating system and make sure it is not muted.

∙ Ensure your speakers or headphones are securely connected to the correct audio port on the motherboard’s rear I/O panel (usually the green Line-Out port).

∙ Disconnect any secondary audio devices, such as HDMI audio outputs or USB headphones, to isolate the issue.

∙ Test with another known working speaker or headphone to rule out a problem with your audio device.

If you are experiencing network connectivity issues, perform the following checks:

∙ Make sure the network chipset driver (LAN driver) has been installed correctly in your operating system.

∙ Verify that the network cable is properly connected to the LAN port on the motherboard and that the port’s LEDs are illuminated or blinking.

∙ Check your TCP/IP settings in your operating system’s network configuration.

∙ Try restarting or resetting your router.

∙ Test with another known working LAN cable to see if the cable is faulty.

If a USB device is not being detected or is not working correctly, follow these steps:

∙ Ensure that the necessary drivers for your USB device have been installed.

∙ Check the Windows® Device Manager to see if the USB device is listed and if there are any errors associated with it.

∙ Try connecting the USB device to a different USB port, particularly one on the motherboard’s rear I/O panel, to rule out issues with front panel ports or headers.