MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK

1
Quick Start
Quick Start
Thank you for purchasing the MSI® MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard. This Quick
Start section provides demonstration diagrams about how to install your computer.
Some of the installations also provide video demonstrations. Please link to the URL to
watch it with the web browser on your phone or tablet. You may have even link to the
URL by scanning the QR code.
Preparing Tools and Components
DDR4 Memory
Graphics Card
SATA Hard Disk Drive
SATA DVD Drive
Phillips Screwdriver
Chassis
Power Supply Unit
A Package of Screws
Thermal Paste
CPU Fan
AMD
®
AM4 CPU

MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Specifications

General

Brand	MSI
Model	MAG B550 TOMAHAWK
Category	Motherboard
Language	English

Summary

Safety Information

Installing a Processor

Installing DDR4 Memory

Memory Module Installation Recommendation

Connecting the Front Panel Header

Front Audio Connector

Details the connection for front panel audio jacks using the JAUD1 connector.

Installing the Motherboard

Connecting Power Connectors

Installing SATA Drives

M.2 Slots and Installation

Explains the M.2 slots and the procedure for installing M.2 modules.

Installing a Graphics Card

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Power On Procedure

Rear IO Panel Overview

Motherboard Component Overview

Processor Socket and CPU Installation

Details the AM4 CPU socket and proper CPU installation procedures.

DIMM Slots and Memory Installation

Explains the DIMM slots and provides recommendations for memory module installation.

PCIe Expansion Slots

Describes the PCIe slots and their combinations with M.2 slots.

SATA and M.2 Storage Connectors

Details SATA 6Gb/s connectors and M.2 slots for storage devices.

Front Panel and Audio Connectors

Covers front panel switch/LED connectors (JFP1, JFP2) and front audio (JAUD1).

Power Connectors

Explains the CPU_PWR1 and ATX_PWR1 connectors for power supply.

USB Connectors

Details USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (JUSB4) and Gen 1 (JUSB3) connectors.

USB 2.0 and TPM Module Connectors

Fan Connectors

Chassis Intrusion and Clear CMOS Jumpers

RGB LED Connectors

Addressable RGB LED Connectors

Debug LEDs and EZ LED Control

Installing OS, Drivers, and Utilities

Installing Windows 10

Step-by-step guide for installing the Windows 10 operating system.

Installing Drivers

Instructions for installing necessary hardware drivers from the included disc.

Installing Utilities

UEFI BIOS Configuration

UEFI BIOS Advantages and Incompatibilities

BIOS Setup Procedures

Entering BIOS Setup and Function Keys

Instructions on how to enter BIOS setup and overview of function keys.

BIOS Reset and Update Methods

Resetting BIOS to Default Values

Methods for resetting BIOS to default settings.

Updating BIOS with M-FLASH

Detailed steps for updating the BIOS using the M-FLASH utility.

Advanced BIOS Update Methods

Updating BIOS with Dragon Center

Updating BIOS with Flash BIOS Button

EZ Mode BIOS Interface

EZ Mode Features and Navigation

Advanced Mode BIOS Navigation

BIOS Menu Selection and Navigation

OC Menu for Overclocking

OC Explore Mode and CPU Settings

Memory and FCLK Frequency Settings

Advanced OC and Memory Tuning

Memory Overclocking Presets and Timings

CPU and DRAM Voltage Controls

M-FLASH Menu for BIOS Updates

OC PROFILE Menu

Managing Overclocking Profiles

Loading and Saving Profiles from USB

HARDWARE MONITOR Menu

Smart Fan Functionality

Fan Control Settings and Buttons

AMD RAID Configuration

RAID Levels and Comparison

Enabling RAIDXpert2 Configuration Utility

Initializing and Creating RAID Arrays

Procedures for initializing disks and creating RAID arrays.

Installing RAID Drivers

Guides for installing RAID drivers during OS installation and the RAIDXpert2 suite.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Power, Display, and Boot Problems

Solutions for no power, no signal, or boot failures after BIOS updates.

Audio, Network, and USB Issues

Troubleshooting steps for audio, network connectivity, and USB device issues.

BIOS Password and Beep Code Diagnostics