Following the global release of the China-only Ryzen 5 3500X, the hitherto OEM-only Ryzen 3 2300X will be available for retail sale as well!
AMD Ryzen 3 2300X : OEM Model Goes Retail!
Launched in September 2018, the AMD Ryzen 3 2300X is a 2nd Gen Ryzen desktop processor (codenamed Pinnacle Ridge). It is based on the Zen+ microarchitecture, and fabricated using the 12LP process technology.
The Ryzen 3 2300X comes with four cores, using a single CCX – which means improved latency since there is no need for cross-CCX communications.
But that also means it will have half the L3 cache. It also lacks SMT, so can only process 4 simultaneous threads.
AMD Ryzen 3 2300X Specifications
Here is a comparison of the AMD Ryzen 3 2300X, against the other Pinnacle Ridge processors :
Model
Cores /
Threads
Base
Clock
Boost
Clock
L2
Cache
L3
Cache
TDP
Ryzen 7
2700 X
8 / 16
3.7 GHz
4.3 GHz
4 MB
16 MB
105 W
Ryzen 7
2700
3.2 GHz
4.1 GHz
65 W
Ryzen 5
2600X
6 / 12
3.6 GHz
4.2 GHz
3 MB
95 W
Ryzen 5
2600
3.4 GHz
3.9 GHz
65 W
Ryzen 5
2500X
4 / 8
3.6 GHz
4.0 GHz
2 MB
8 MB
Ryzen 3
2300X
4 / 4
3.5 GHz
4.0 GHz
AMD Ryzen 3 2300X Price + Availability
The AMD Ryzen 3 2300X be available for retail sale starting 3 March 2020, with a recommended retail price of RM 299 / ~US$69 / ~£55 / ~A$105 / ~S$99.
It is already available for sale at these online stores :
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The processor and GPU are kept cool by Cooler Boost 5, which features separate heatsinks with 7 heat pipes and two fans, to ensure peak performance even during the most strenuous gaming sessions.
The MSI Alpha 15 has a large 15.6-inch IPS display with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. MSI offers high-refresh rate options of 120 Hz, 144 Hz and even 240 Hz, and a tear-free experience through AMD FreeSync.
It also comes with larger speakers with independent sound chambers that are 5X larger than the competition. This, MSI says, will deliver a louder sound with more resonance and clarity. You are covered even if you are using headphones – it supports Hi-Res Audio for the best possible audio quality.
Finally, the Alpha 15 boasts a SteelSeries gaming keyboard with per-key RGB lighting.
MSI Alpha 15 Specifications For Malaysia
MSI is only offering one variant of the Alpha 15 here in Malaysia, and here are its specifications :
LAN : Gigabit LAN
Wi-Fi : 802.11 ac
Bluetooth : BT 5.0
Webcam
HD webcam (720p @ 30 fps)
Keyboard
Per-Key RGB Backlit Keyboard
Audio
2 x 2 watt speakers
I/O Ports
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C
3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
1 x RJ45 LAN port 1 x SDXC / SD card reader
1 x HDMI (4K @ 60 Hz)
1 x Mini DisplayPort
1 x Microphone in
1 x Headphone out (HiFi / SPDIF)
The AMD Radeon RX 5500M actually use the same AMD Navi GPU as the desktop-class Radeon RX 5500, with 22 Compute Units with 1408 stream processors and a 128-bit memory interface.
The only difference is the mobile GPU has lower clock speeds, and 4 GB of GDDR6 memory, with a nominal TGP of 85 watts.
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The processor and GPU are kept cool by Cooler Boost 5, which features separate heatsinks with 7 heat pipes and two fans, to ensure peak performance even during the most strenuous gaming sessions.
The MSI Alpha 15 has a large 15.6-inch IPS display with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. MSI offers high-refresh rate options of 120 Hz, 144 Hz and even 240 Hz, and a tear-free experience through AMD FreeSync.
It also comes with larger speakers with independent sound chambers that are 5X larger than the competition. This, MSI says, will deliver a louder sound with more resonance and clarity. You are covered even if you are using headphones – it supports Hi-Res Audio for the best possible audio quality.
Finally, the Alpha 15 boasts a SteelSeries gaming keyboard with per-key RGB lighting, with a red LED backlit option.
LAN : Gigabit LAN
Wi-Fi : 802.11 ac
Bluetooth : BT 5.0
LAN : Killer Gigabit LAN
Wi-Fi : 802.11 ac
Bluetooth : BT 5.0
Webcam
HD webcam (720p @ 30 fps)
Keyboard
Per-Key RGB Backlit Keyboard
Per-Key RGB Backlit Keyboard Red Backlit Keyboard option
Audio
2 x 2 watt speakers
I/O Ports
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C
3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
1 x RJ45 LAN port 1 x microSD card reader
1 x HDMI (4K @ 60 Hz)
1 x Mini DisplayPort
1 x Microphone in
1 x Headphone out (HiFi / SPDIF)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C
3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
1 x RJ45 LAN port 1 x SDXC / SD card reader
1 x HDMI (4K @ 60 Hz)
1 x Mini DisplayPort
1 x Microphone in
1 x Headphone out (HiFi / SPDIF)
Battery
6-Cell Li-Ion Battery (51 Whr)
Charging
180 W AC adapter
Dimensions
357.7 mm wide
248 mm deep
27.5 mm thick
Weight
2.3 kg
The AMD Radeon RX 5500M GPU
The AMD Radeon RX 5500M actually use the same AMD Navi GPU as the desktop-class Radeon RX 5500, with 22 Compute Units with 1408 stream processors and a 128-bit memory interface.
The only difference is the mobile GPU has lower clock speeds, and 4 GB of GDDR6 memory, with a nominal TGP of 85 watts.
The MSI Alpha 15 qualifies for the AMD Raise The Game promotion, which gives you a FREE game – either Borderland 3 or Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint.
Promotion Date : Until 31 December 2019, or while stocks last
Redemption Date : Until 30 January 2020
Applicable Regions : North America, EMEA, APJ, Taiwan / Hong Kong, LATAM
Not Valid In These Regions : China, Cuba, North Korea, Syria, Sudan and Iran
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Note that the actual Ryzen 3rd Gen price in the US will vary, once sales taxes (between 0% and 12.875%) are factored in.
Our Advice On Buying The Ryzen 3rd Gen In The US
The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X appears to be a surprise hit. Due to overwhelming demand and extremely limited stocks, it is currently marked-up by a shocking 70% to $849.
The Ryzen 7 3800X and Ryzen 7 3700X are also selling at marked-up prices of $484.99 and $399.99 respectively due to high demand.
The good news is you can still buy the Ryzen 5 3600X and Ryzen 5 3600 at their SRP, or even at a slight discount – $239 and $199.99 respectively.
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Our advice? Skip the Ryzen 9 3900X, Ryzen 7 3800X and Ryzen 7 3700X for the moment. They are ridiculously overpriced.
If you must buy a Ryzen 7 processor, consider getting these Ryzen 2nd Gen bargains instead!
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AMD officially launched their B450 chipset on 31 July 2018, driving further demand for the 2nd Generation AMD Ryzen processors. In this article, we will look at the first GIGABYTE B450 motherboards to hit the market!
The Official AMD B450 Tech Briefing
For a primer on the AMD B450 chipset, here is the official AMD B450 tech briefing, conducted by Don Woligroski, AMD Business Development and Desktop Processor Marketing.
And here is a diagram showing what features are provided by the AMD B450 chipset, and what are provided by the AMD Ryzen processor itself.
Although GIGABYTE announced six B450 motherboards, not all are available for purchase globally. Here are some GIGABYTE B450 models that are currently for sale, with their prices :
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GIGABYTE B450 AORUS PRO WIFI
We showcased the GIGABYTE B450 AORUS PRO WIFI at Computex 2018. It boasts a hybrid digital PWM, with built-in dual-band Intel 802.11ac WiFi and Gigabit LAN capability, as well as dual M.2 sockets.
The GIGABYTE B450 AORUS M is a micro-ATX motherboard that has four DDR4-3200 sockets, and comes with two PCIe x16 slots, one M.2 socket and six SATA ports.
Here are the key features of the B450 AORUS M motherboard :
Dual Channel Non-ECC Unbuffered DDR4, 4 DIMMs
HDMI, DVI-D Ports for Multiple Display
Ultra-Fast NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 with Thermal Guard
High Quality Audio Capacitors and Audio Noise Guard with LED Trace Path Lighting
RGB FUSION with Multi-Zone LED Light Show Design, Supports Digital LED & RGB LED Strips
GIGABYTE Exclusive 8118 Gaming LAN with Bandwidth Management
Smart Fan 5 Features 5 Temperature Sensors and 3 Hybrid Fan Headers with FAN STOP
APP Center Including EasyTune and Cloud Station Utilities
Anti-Sulfur Resistors Design
Ultra Durable 25KV ESD and 15KV Surge LAN Protection
CEC 2019 Ready, Save Power with a Single Click
Here are some purchase links and prices for the B450 AORUS M :
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AMD officially launched their B450 chipset on 31 July 2018, driving further demand for the 2nd Generation AMD Ryzen processors. In this article, we will look at the first ASUS B450 motherboards to hit the market!
The Official AMD B450 Tech Briefing
For a primer on the AMD B450 chipset, here is the official AMD B450 tech briefing, conducted by Don Woligroski, AMD Business Development and Desktop Processor Marketing.
And here is a diagram showing what features are provided by the AMD B450 chipset, and what are provided by the AMD Ryzen processor itself.
Although ASUS announced six B450 motherboards, not all are available for purchase globally. Here are some ASUS B450 models that are currently for sale, with their prices :
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ASUS PRIME B450M-A
The ASUS Prime B450M-A is a microATX gaming motherboard with DDR4-3200 support, one M.2 socket, one PCIe x16 slot and six SATA ports.
Here are ASUS PRIME B450M-A‘s key features :
Fan Xpert 2+ : Flexible controls for ultimate cooling and quietness, plus GPU-temperature sensing for cooler gaming
ASUS Aura Sync header : Onboard connector for RGB LED strips, easily synced with an ever-growing portfolio of Aura Sync-capable hardware
5X Protection III : Multiple hardware safeguards for all-round protection
Ultrafast connectivity : Supreme flexibility with USB 3.1 Gen 2, Native M.2
LED illumination : Lighting control for both PCIe slot and audio trace paths
Here are some purchase links and prices for the ASUS PRIME B450M-A :
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AMD officially launched their B450 chipset on 31 July 2018. We had earlier shared with you our previews of the GIGABYTE B450 AORUS PRO WIFI motherboard, as well as the MSI B450 Tomahawk and B450A-Pro motherboards. Today, we will share with you details of the first AMD B450 motherboards to hit the market!
The Official AMD B450 Tech Briefing
For a primer on the AMD B450 chipset, here is the official AMD B450 tech briefing, conducted by Don Woligroski, AMD Business Development and Desktop Processor Marketing.
And here is a diagram showing what features are provided by the AMD B450 chipset, and what are provided by the AMD Ryzen processor itself.
Although these motherboards have all been announced, not all are available for purchase yet. Here are some models that are currently for sale, with their prices :
If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
ASRock Fatal1ty B450 Gaming K4
The ASRock Fatal1ty B450 Gaming K4 motherboard is an ATX motherboard that supports DDR4-3200, and comes with two PCIe x16 slots, two Ultra M.2 sockets, and six SATA ports.
Here are the ASRock Fatal1ty B450 Gaming K4‘s key features :
2 USB 3.1 Gen2 (Rear Type-A+C) with 6 USB 3.1 Gen1 (2 Front, 4 Rear)
Realtek Gigabit LAN
ASRock Fatal1ty B450 Gaming-ITX/ac
The ASRock Fatal1ty B450 Gaming-ITX/ac motherboard is a mini-ITX motherboard that supports DDR4-3466, and comes with one PCIe x16 slot, one Ultra M.2 socket, and four SATA ports.
Here are the ASRock Fatal1ty B450 Gaming-ITX/ac‘s key features :
Supports DDR4 3466+ (OC)
1 PCIe 3.0 x16
Graphics Output: DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0
7.1 channel HD Audio (Realtek ALC1220 Audio Codec) with Creative Sound Blaster Cinema 5
4 SATA3, 1 Ultra M.2 (PCIe Gen3 x4 & SATA3)
2 USB 3.1 Gen2 (Rear Type-A+C)
4 USB 3.1 Gen1 (2 Front, 2 Rear)
Intel Gigabit LAN with Intel 802.11ac WiFi + BT 4.2
ASRock B450 Pro4
The ASRock B450 Pro4 motherboard is an ATX motherboard that supports DDR4-3200, and comes with two PCIe x16 slots, two M.2 sockets, and six SATA ports.
2 USB 3.1 Gen2 (Rear Type A+C) with 6 USB 3.1 (2 Front, 4 Rear)
Realtek Gigabit LAN
ASRock B450M Pro4
The ASRock B450M Pro4 is the micro-ATX version of the ASRock B450 Pro4 motherboard. It supports DDR4-3200, and comes with two PCIe x16 slots, two M.2 sockets, and four SATA ports.
2 USB 3.1 Gen2 (Rear Type-A+C) with 6 USB 3.1 Gen1 (2 Front, 4 Rear)
Realtek Gigabit LAN
ASRock B450M HDV
The ASRock B450 HDV motherboard is a micro-ATX motherboard that supports DDR4-3200, and comes with one PCIe x16 slot, one M.2 socket, and four SATA ports.
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ASUS ROG STRIX B450-F Gaming
The ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming is an ATX gaming motherboard with DDR4-3200 support, two M.2 sockets, three PCIe x16 slots and six SATA ports.
Here are the ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming‘s key features :
Fast memory and storage : Dual-channel DDR4 3200 MHz (OC) and NVM Express RAID supported.
Aura Sync RGB : Synchronize LED lighting with a vast portfolio of compatible PC gear.
Gaming connectivity : Dual M.2 and USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A connectors.
Gaming networking : Intel Gigabit Ethernet, plus ASUS LANGuard and GameFirst technologies.
5-Way Optimization : Automated system-wide tuning, providing overclocking and cooling profiles that are tailor-made for your rig.
Gaming audio : SupremeFX S1220A teams with Sonic Studio III to create an aural landscape that draws you deeper into the action.
Gamer’s Guardian : Pre-mounted I/O shield, ASUS SafeSlot and premium components for maximum endurance.
Here are some purchase links and prices for the ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming :
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GIGABYTE B450 AORUS PRO WIFI
We showcased the GIGABYTE B450 AORUS PRO WIFI at Computex 2018. It boasts a hybrid digital PWM, with built-in dual-band Intel 802.11ac WiFi and Gigabit LAN capability, as well as dual M.2 sockets.
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MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC
The MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC is an ATX motherboard with built-in Intel 802.11ac WiFI capability. It supports DDR4 memory speeds of up to 3466 MHz, and comes with two PCIe x16 slots, two M.2 sockets and 6 SATA ports.
Here are the MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC‘s key features :
Supports DDR4-3466+(OC) Memory
Mystic Light and Mystic Light Sync : 16.8 million colors / 17 effects in one click. Synchronize RGB/RAINBOW strips and other RGB solutions for customization.
Lightning Fast Game experience : TURBO M.2 with M.2 Shield, StoreMI, AMD Turbo USB 3.1 GEN2
Audio Boost 4 with Nahimic : Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality for the most immersive gaming experience
Set Core Power Free : Core Boost, 8+4 pin CPU power connector, Extended Heatsink Design
Core Boost : With premium layout and digital power design to support more cores and provide better performance.
DDR4 Boost : Give your DDR4 memory a performance boost with A-XMP
GAMING LAN and Wireless support, powered by Intel: The best online gaming experience with lowest latency and bandwidth management.
BIOS FLASHBACK+ : Simply use a USB key to flash any BIOS within seconds, without installing a CPU, memory or graphics card.
In-Game Weapons : Game Boost, GAMING Hotkey, X-Boost
MSI B450 Gaming Plus
The MSI B450 Gaming Plus is an ATX motherboard that supports DDR4 memory speeds of up to 3466 MHz. It comes with two PCIe x16 slots, one M.2 socket and 6 SATA ports.
Here are the MSI B450 Gaming Plus‘ key features :
Supports DDR4-3466+(OC) Memory
Lightning Fast Game experience : TURBO M.2, StoreMI, AMD Turbo USB 3.1 GEN2
Audio Boost with Nahimic : Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality for the most immersive gaming experience
Core Boost : With premium layout and digital power design to support more cores and provide better performance.
DDR4 Boost : Give your DDR4 memory a performance boost with A-XMP
The MSI B450M Gaming Plus is the micro-ATX version of the MSI B450 Gaming Plus. It supports DDR4 memory speeds of up to 3466 MHz, and comes with one PCIe x16 slot, one M.2 socket and four SATA ports.
Here are the MSI B450M Gaming Plus‘s key features :
Supports DDR4-3466+(OC) Memory
Lightning Fast Game experience : TURBO M.2, StoreMI
Audio Boost with Nahimic : Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality for the most immersive gaming experience
Core Boost : With premium layout and digital power design to support more cores and provide better performance.
DDR4 Boost : Give your DDR4 memory a performance boost with A-XMP
VR Ready : Automatically optimizes your system for VR usage, pushing for maximum performance.
BIOS FLASHBACK+ : Simply use a USB key to flash any BIOS within seconds, without installing a CPU, memory or graphics card.
In-Game Weapons : Game Boost, GAMING Hotkey, X-Boost
EZ Debug LED : Easiest way to troubleshoot
Here are some purchase links and prices for the MSI B450M Gaming Plus :
The MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC is a mini-ITX motherboard with built-in Intel 802.11ac WiFi capability. It supports DDR4 memory speeds of up to 3466 MHz, and comes with one PCIe x16 slot, one M.2 socket and four SATA ports.
Here are the MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC‘s key features :
Supports DDR4-3466+(OC) Memory
Lightning Fast Game experience : TURBO M.2, StoreMI
Audio Boost : Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality for the most immersive gaming experience
Core Boost : With premium layout and digital power design to support more cores and provide better performance.
DDR4 Boost : Give your DDR4 memory a performance boost with A-XMP
Intel Wireless support : Uses smart MU-MIMO technology, delivering AC speeds up to 433Mbps with lower CPU loading and better long-term usage.
VR Ready : Automatically optimizes your system for VR usage, pushing for maximum performance.
In-Game Weapons : Game Boost, GAMING Hotkey, X-Boost
EZ Debug LED : Easiest way to troubleshoot
Here are some purchase links and prices for the MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC :
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MSI B450 Tomahawk
The MSI B450 Tomahawk is an ATX motherboard that supports DDR4 memory speeds of up to 3466 MHz. It comes with two PCIe x16 slots, one M.2 socket and 6 SATA ports.
The MSI B450 Mortar is a micro-ATX motherboard that supports DDR4 memory speeds of up to 3466 MHz. It comes with two PCIe x16 slots, two M.2 sockets and four SATA ports.
Here are the MSI B450M Mortar‘s key features :
Supports DDR4 Memory, up to 3466+(OC) MHz
Extended Heatsink Design : MSI extended PWM and enhanced circuit design ensures even high-end processors to run in full speed.
Lightning Fast Game experience : 1x TURBO M.2, AMD Turbo USB 3.1 GEN2, Store MI technology
Core Boost : With premium layout and fully digital power design to support more cores and provide better performance.
DDR4 Boost : Advanced technology to deliver pure data signals for the best gaming performance and stability.
Mystic Light and Mystic Light Sync : 16.8 million colors / 10 effects in one click. Synchronize RGB strips and other RGB solutions for customization.
Audio Boost : Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality for the most immersive audio experience
BIOS FLASHBACK+ : Simply use a USB key to flash any BIOS within seconds, without installing a CPU, memory or graphics card.
In-Game Weapons : Game Boost, GAMING Hotkey, X-Boost
EZ Debug LED : Easiest way to troubleshoot.
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MSI B450M Mortar Titanium
The MSI B450 Mortar Titanium is basically the white version of the B450 Mortar motherboard. It supports DDR4 memory speeds of up to 3466 MHz, and comes with two PCIe x16 slots, two M.2 sockets and four SATA ports.
Here are the MSI B450M Mortar Titanium‘s key features :
Supports DDR4 Memory, up to 3466+(OC) MHz
Extended Heatsink Design : MSI extended PWM and enhanced circuit design ensures even high-end processors to run in full speed.
Lightning Fast Game experience : 1x TURBO M.2, AMD Turbo USB 3.1 GEN2, Store MI technology
Core Boost : With premium layout and fully digital power design to support more cores and provide better performance.
DDR4 Boost : Advanced technology to deliver pure data signals for the best gaming performance and stability.
Mystic Light and Mystic Light Sync : 16.8 million colors / 10 effects in one click. Synchronize RGB strips and other RGB solutions for customization.
Audio Boost : Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality for the most immersive audio experience
BIOS FLASHBACK+ : Simply use a USB key to flash any BIOS within seconds, without installing a CPU, memory or graphics card.
In-Game Weapons : Game Boost, GAMING Hotkey, X-Boost
EZ Debug LED : Easiest way to troubleshoot.
MSI B450M Bazooka
The MSI B450M Bazooka is a micro-ATX motherboard that supports DDR4 memory speeds of up to 3466 MHz. It comes with one PCIe x16 slots, one M.2 sockets and four SATA ports.
Here are the MSI B450M Bazooka‘s key features :
Supports DDR4 Memory, up to 3466+(OC) MHz
Lightning Fast Game experience : 1x TURBO M.2, Store MI technology
Core Boost : With premium layout optimized power design to support more cores and provide better performance.
DDR4 Boost : Advanced technology to deliver pure data signals for the best gaming performance and stability.
Audio Boost : Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality for the most immersive audio experience
PCI-E Steel Armor : Protecting VGA cards against bending and EMI
X-Boost : Software that auto-detects and allows you to boost the performance of any storage, Optane or USB device
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MSI B450M Bazooka Plus
The MSI B450M Bazooka Plus is a micro-ATX motherboard that supports DDR4 memory speeds of up to 3333 MHz. It comes with one PCIe x16 slots, one M.2 sockets and four SATA ports.
Here are the MSI B450M Bazooka Plus‘ key features :
Supports DDR4 Memory, up to 3333+(OC) MHz. Supports ECC UDIMM memory.
Lightning Fast Game experience : 1x TURBO M.2, Store MI technology
Extended Heatsink Design : MSI extended PWM and enhanced circuit design ensures even high-end processors to run in full speed.
Core Boost : With premium layout and fully digital power design to support more cores and provide better performance.
DDR4 Boost : Advanced technology to deliver pure data signals for the best gaming performance and stability.
Audio Boost : Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality for the most immersive audio experience.
Mystic Light and Mystic Light Sync : 16.8 million colors / 10 effects in one click. Synchronize RGB strips and other RGB solutions for customization.
Audio Boost : Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality for the most immersive audio experience
BIOS FLASHBACK+ : Simply use a USB key to flash any BIOS within seconds, without installing a CPU, memory or graphic cards
PCI-E Steel Armor : Protecting VGA cards against bending and EMI
VR Ready : Best virtual reality game experience without latency, reduces motion sickness
In-Game Weapons : Game Boost, GAMING Hotkey, X-Boost
EZ Debug LED : Easiest way to troubleshoot.
MSI B450-A Pro
The MSI B450A-Pro is an ATX motherboard that supports DDR4 memory speeds of up to 3466 MHz. It comes with two PCIe x16 slots, one M.2 socket and six SATA ports.
Audio Boost : Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality.
DDR4 Boost : Fully isolated, shielded and optimized DDR4 PCB design to give your DDR4 memory a performance boost.
Turbo M.2 : Delivering Speeds Up to 32Gb/s.
EZ Debug LED : Easiest way to troubleshoot.
PCI-E Steel Armour : Protecting VGA cards against bending for better performance, stability and strength.
BIOS FLASHBACK+ : Simply use a USB key to flash any BIOS within seconds, without installing a CPU, memory or graphics card.
X-Boost : Software that auto-detects and allows you to boost the performance of any storage or USB device.
Core Boost : With premium layout and fully digital power design to support more cores and provide better performance.
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MSI B450M Pro-VDH
The MSI B450M Pro-VDH is a micro-ATX motherboard that supports DDR4 memory speeds of up to 3466 MHz. It comes with one PCIe x16 slot, one M.2 socket and four SATA ports.
Here are the MSI B450M Pro-VDH‘s key features :
Supports DDR4-3466+(OC) Memory
Audio Boost : Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality.
DDR4 Boost : Fully isolated, shielded and optimized DDR4 PCB design to give your DDR4 memory a performance boost.
Turbo M.2 : Delivering Speeds Up to 32Gb/s.
EZ Debug LED : Easiest way to troubleshoot.
PCI-E Steel Armor : Protecting VGA cards against bending for better performance, stability and strength.
X-Boost : Software that auto-detects and allows you to boost the performance of any storage or USB device.
Core Boost : With premium layout and fully digital power design to support more cores and provide better performance.
Here are some purchase links and prices for the MSI B450M Gaming Plus :
The MSI B450M Pro-M2 is a micro-ATX motherboard that supports DDR4 memory speeds of up to 3466 MHz. It comes with one PCIe x16 slot, one M.2 socket and four SATA ports.
Here are the MSI B450M Pro-M2‘s key features :
Supports DDR4-3466+(OC) Memory
Audio Boost : Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality.
DDR4 Boost : Fully isolated, shielded and optimized DDR4 PCB design to give your DDR4 memory a performance boost.
Turbo M.2 : Delivering Speeds Up to 32Gb/s.
EZ Debug LED : Easiest way to troubleshoot.
PCI-E Steel Slot : Protecting VGA cards against bending for better performance, stability and strength.
X-Boost : Software that auto-detects and allows you to boost the performance of any storage or USB device.
Core Boost : With premium layout and fully digital power design to support more cores and provide better performance.
If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
We had earlier shared with you our previews of the GIGABYTE B450 AORUS PRO WIFI motherboard, as well as the MSI B450 Tomahawk and B450A-Pro motherboards. The AMD B450 chipset powering those motherboards is officially launched today, so yes, you can purchase these motherboards starting today!
In this article, we will share with you the official AMD B450 tech briefing video, as well as the full details and slides on the AMD B450 chipset. Don’t forget to share this with your friends!
The Official AMD B450 Tech Briefing
Let’s start with the official AMD B450 tech briefing, conducted by Don Woligroski, AMD Business Development and Desktop Processor Marketing.
The AMD B450 Chipset Explained!
Needless to say, the AMD B450 chipset uses Socket AM4. That means it will support every AM4 processor from their 7th Gen APUs all the way to the highest-end 2nd Gen Ryzen processors.
Key message : Future AMD desktop processors will use Socket AM4 until 2020, so they will run on your AMD B450 motherboard with a BIOS update.
Because the new AMD B450 chipset can be used with all AMD Ryzen and 2nd Gen Ryzen processors, it can be used in everything from a compact HTPC, all the way to an enthusiast-class gaming PC.
Key message : You can build an AMD gaming PC with a B450 motherboard for as low as US$350 / €300 / RM 1,400!
This table shows you all of the AMD AM4 processor families that are fully compatible with the new AMD B450 chipset. They have “suggested chipsets” for each family, but every AM4 processor will work with the new B450 chipset as well as older AM4 chipsets.
Key message :You will be able to upgrade to multiple generations of processors with a B450 motherboard.
This comparison shows you how much performance headroom you have with the B450 chipset. You can start with a low-cost AMD Ryzen 3 2200G APU and eventually upgrade to an AMD Ryzen 7 2700X, using the same motherboard.
Key message :Upgrading your AMD processor does not require you to buy a new motherboard!
For a mid-range chipset, the AMD B450 has a number of impressive features. It allows for better memory overclocking and the AMD StoreMI Technology.
Key message :The AMD B450 chipset offers better memory overclocking and a free AMD StoreMI license.
This slide just shows how AMD B450 chipset communicates with the AMD Ryzen processor through four PCI Express 3.0 lanes.
Key message :The AMD B450 chipset offers 24 PCIe Gen 3 lanes with all AMD Ryzen and 2nd Gen Ryzen processors.
This slide reinforces AMD’s messaging that they will continue to use Socket AM4 until 2020.
Key message :The AMD B450 chipset should be able to support another 3 generations of AMD processors, with the necessary BIOS updates.
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The AMD B450 Chipset Explained Part 2
Compared to the X470 chipset, the only thing you are really giving up is CPU PCIe Bifurcation. This is only necessary if you plan to use a M.2 or PCI Express expansion card, like the ASUS Hyper M.2 X16 card we showcased recently… or get maximum performance from two graphics cards.
Key message :The AMD B450 chipset is great value!
This slide shows how AMD offers unlocked processor overclocking, while Intel does not.
Key message :If you want to overclock, get AMD!
This slide shows just how much more affordable the AMD B450 platform is, when paired with the AMD Ryzen 5 2400G APU. If you top up your budget to the same price point, you get the Ryzen 5 2600 CPU, which can process twice the number of threads simultaneously!
Key message :AMD offers better value for comparable performance.
The AMD B450 chipset comes with AMD StoreMI, which combines your solid state drive and hard disk drive with a RAM cache, to create an incredibly fast storage solution.
Key message :AMD B450 motherboards offer a big boost to storage performance.
StoreMI works by intelligently rearranging your files so that the most-frequently used blocks are store on the fastest drive. Best of all – it’s FREE with B450 motherboards!
Key message :AMD B450 motherboards offer a FREE boost in storage performance.
This is not quite a fair comparison, since Optane Memory is a dedicated solid state cache, while StoreMI uses your own SSD. It’s not like AMD is providing you with a fast cache with the B450 motherboards.
Key message :StoreMI gives you a free boost in storage performance… if you have your own SSD.
This slide summarises the price-performance advantage of the AMD B450 platform.
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The Complete AMD B450 Presentation Slides
Here is the complete set of AMD B450 presentation slides for your perusal.
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Excited about the upcoming GIGABYTE B450 AORUS PRO WiFi motherboard? It’s not the only AMD B450 motherboard we saw at .Computex 2018. Let’s take a look at two upcoming MSI B450 motherboard models – the MSI B450 Tomahawk and the MSI B450A-Pro!
The GIGABYTE B450 AORUS PRO WIFI motherboard is based on the upcoming AMD B450 chipset slated to launch in July 2018.
The AMD B450 motherboard is an improved version of the B350 chipset, featuring better memory routing and optimised VRM and power layouts, delivering lower idle power. It will also come with AMD StoreMI – a free OEM licensed copy of Enmotus FuzeDrive Basic.
The MSI B450A-Pro + MSI B450 Tomahawk Preview
Both the MSI B450 Tomahawk and MSI B450A-Pro are full-sized ATX motherboards. They both have common features like :
two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, albeit only the main one have full x16 performance
one M.2 slot (up to 110 mm) and six SATA ports
one free AMD StoreMI license
The MSI B450 Tomahawk is a bit more expensive at $150 / €128 / RM 600. It has 26% larger heatsinks, that MSI claims will reduce temperature by 10 °C. It comes with a USB-C port, three PCI Express x1 slots, and DVI and HDMI ports (for use with Ryzen desktop APUs).
The.MSI B450A-Pro is cheaper at $100 / €85 / RM 400, but lacks an I/O cover and a USB-C port. It comes with four PCI Express x1 slots, and VGA, DVI and HDMI ports (for use with Ryzen desktop APUs).
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When AMD launched the Ryzen 5 2400G and Ryzen 3 2200G desktop APUs, they also announced price cuts for their existing Threadripper, Ryzen 7, Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 3 processors. In June 2018, they announced even lower prices. Check out the AMD Ryzen price cut details below!
Updated @ 2018-06-20 :Added the new AMD Ryzen price cut list, after the abolition of the 6% GST.
Updated @ 2018-03-23 :Added the AMD Ryzen price cut list in the US, and a comparison of that price list against the price cuts in Malaysia.
Originally posted @ 2018-02-13
The 2018 AMD Ryzen Price Cut Details
The original Ryzen price cut list was sparse, so we added prices in USD (after conversion), the price difference, and even the prices of the new Ryzen 5 2400G and Ryzen 3 2200G desktop APUs.
In the latest version, we added the new Ryzen price list after the abolition of the 6% GST.We also added the 2nd Gen Ryzen processor prices. Some have called this a price cut, but it’s not. The prices are just lower because there’s no longer a 6% tax,
The 2018 AMD Ryzen price cut list showed price cuts across every Ryzen model. The biggest discount was a massive RM 900 / ~$228 discount on the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X. The least was a paltry RM 20 / ~$5 discount on the AMD Ryzen 3 1300X.
If you read our AMD Ryzen 3 2200G Review, you may have noticed that it is supposed to be $10 / ~RM 39 cheaper than the Ryzen 3 1200. Yet, AMD is pricing it ABOVE the Ryzen 3 1200 here in Malaysia.
Unfortunately, there was no further price cuts after the launch of the 2nd Gen Ryzen processors.
The 2018 AMD Ryzen Price Cut In The US
Here was the AMD Ryzen price cut list announced for the United States. If you compare how the Ryzen price cut list in Malaysia compares to the Ryzen price cut list in the US, you can see some differences.
Also, AMD positioned (and priced) the Ryzen 3 1300X CPU above Ryzen 3 2200G in the US, while the opposite is true in Malaysia. On the other hand, the Ryzen 5 2400G is slightly more expensive than the Ryzen 5 1400 CPU in Malaysia.
The latest June 2018 AMD Ryzen price list also show that the Ryzen 5 1400 and Ryzen 3 1200 have not been phased out. They were supposed to be replaced by the Ryzen 5 2400G and Ryzen 3 2200G desktop APUs. But it looks like, AMD will continue to sell them, alongside the new Ryzen desktop APUs.
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Are you trying to overclock your brand new 2nd Gen Ryzen processor? Let extreme overclocker Sami Makinen will show you how to overclock the 2nd Gen Ryzen processor!
They were all based on the ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WIFI) (Price Check) motherboard, with G.SKILL Sniper X DDR4 memory (Price Check), but with different cooling solutions.
Sami Makinen On How To Overclock The 2nd Gen Ryzen
Before we got started on our test rigs, extreme overclocker Sami Makinen from AMD’s Technical Marketing team showed us how to overclock the 2nd Gen Ryzen processor using the new AMD Ryzen Master 1.3 utility.
AMD Ryzen Master 1.3 will highlight the four fastest cores in each processor. This allows you to turn off the slower cores, so you can achieve a higher clock speed.
AMD Ryzen Master 1.3 will allow you to adjust the core clock individually, the CPU voltage, as well as memory voltage and settings.
Using LN cooling, Sami Makinen managed to overclock his Ryzen 7 2700X (Price Check) processor to 5.6 GHz, which cored over 2,500 in Cinebench R15.
AMD Ryzen Master 1.3 comes with a new Apply & Test feature. Clicking on it runs a stability test, so you can quickly know if your settings are good to save and use.
One of the new features in the AMD X470 motherboard is Enhanced XFR. This is a 2nd Gen Ryzen enhancement that allows for higher clock rates (automatically) with better coolers. The new AMD Wraith Prism cooler, for example, would allow the Ryzen 7 2700X (Price Check) to automatically achieve a higher clock speed through Enhanced XFR, than with a less capable cooler.
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On 27 March 2017, AMD organised an exclusive 2nd Gen Ryzen tech briefing and demo session in Bangkok. Space was extremely limited, so we are most fortunate to attend.
Don’t worry though – we recorded everything, so you can see for yourselves what went on during the 2nd Gen Ryzen tech briefing and demo in Bangkok! ENJOY!
Codenamed Pinnacle Ridge, the 2nd Gen Ryzen processors were more popularly (albeit inaccurately) called Ryzen 2. We had earlier shared with you the key features and specifications of the 2nd Gen Ryzen processors, as well as a price comparison.
Now, let’s join Kevin Lensing (AMD Corporate Vice President and General Manager, Client Business Unit) and James Prior (AMD Senior Product Manager) for their 2nd Gen Ryzen tech briefing.
The entire 2nd Gen Ryzen tech briefing runs just over an hour, including the Q&A session. If you are in a rush, here are the key points.
For a price comparison against the first-generation Ryzen processors, click here!
Performance Vs. Coffee Lake
The AMD Ryzen 7 2700X will come within 5% of the Intel Core i7-8700K in 1080p gaming performance (average of 12 games), while delivering over 20% better content creation performance (average of 5 applications).
Value Vs. Coffee Lake
The AMD Ryzen 7 2700X comes with two additional processor cores, a premium Wraith Prism cooler, but is priced 6% cheaper than the Intel Core i7-8700K.
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The 2nd Gen Ryzen Tech Briefing (Continued)
AMD Zen+ Microarchitecture
The 2nd Gen Ryzen processors are based on the improved AMD Zen+ microarchitecture, which delivers slightly better performance, and lower cache and memory latencies :
3% more 1T IPC (instructions per second)
13% lower L1 cache latency
34% lower L2 cache latency
16% lower L3 cache latency
11% lower memory latency
Official support for JEDEC DDR4-2933
12 nm Process Technology
The 2nd Gen Ryzen processors are fabricated using the 12 nm LP (Leading Performance) process technology from GlobalFoundries. While the die size and transistor count remain the same, the smaller transistors allow :
top clock speeds increased by 250 MHz,
“all core” now overclock around 4.2 GHz
CPU voltage is reduced by about 50 mV at all clock speeds
Precision Boost 2
Precision Boost 2 is one of the biggest improvements in AMD SenseMI. It replaces the old 2-core boost model, with a linear boost model. This allows for much greater performance for games and applications that use more than 2 cores.
Precision Boost Overdrive
James Prior revealed that they will introduce Precision Boost Overdrive in the future. The motherboard will be able to communicate its actual capabilities to the 2nd Gen Ryzen processor, allowing for better boost profiles and a relaxed vcore limiter with better motherboards.
Extended Frequency Range 2 (XFR 2)
XFR 2 boosts the 2nd Gen Ryzen processor’s performance by 4-7%, depending on the performance of the installed CPU cooler.
Soldered IHS
All 2nd Gen Ryzen processors will feature soldered heatspreaders, using premium indium alloy solder. This allows die temperatures to be reduced by 10°C.
Multiplier Unlocked
Like its predecessor, the 2nd Gen Ryzen processors are all multiplier unlocked, so you have full flexibility in overclocking them. Fun fact : The entry-level A320 chipset, which doesn’t allow CPU overclocking, will still allow you to overclock the DDR4 memory.
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New Wraith Prism Cooler
The AMD Ryzen 7 2700X now comes with the new Wraith Prism cooler, which is basically the Wraith Max with a “swirling vortex of colour“. The heatsink fin profile was reshaped to allow for better compatibility with smaller motherboards.
The heatsink was also improved with direct contact heat pipes. The fan is also quieter at just 37 dBA, although there is a switch that allows the fan to be overclocked.
Ryzen 2000 Series Stack
According to the current AMD Ryzen 2000 Series Stack, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X replaces both the Ryzen 7 1700X and Ryzen 7 1800X.
AMD X470
AMD X470 is very similar to the previous-generation X370 chipset. It is an evolutionary upgrade that improves idle power draw, and introduces an improved power infrastructure to help 2nd Gen Ryzen processors achieve higher boost speeds. X470 motherboards will also come with AMD StoreMI Technology.
AMD StoreMI Technology
AMD StoreMI is an OEM version of the Enmotus FuzeDrive Basic. It combines all of your storage drives into a single virtual storage drive. It can even add up to 2 GB of DDR4 memory as a very fast cache to the combined drive.
The software than automatically assigns frequently used data blocks to the fastest storage devices, optimising your storage devices to deliver the best performance possible.
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First Look At The AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
This was our first look at the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X (Price Check). AMD ran it on the ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WIFI) motherboard, with G.SKILL Sniper X DDR4 memory. It was also our first look at the new AMD Wraith Prism cooler, with its RGB LED ring, and illuminated fan blades.
Extreme overclocker Sami Mäkinen from AMD’s Technical Marketing team showed us how to overclock the 2nd Gen Ryzen processor using the new AMD Ryzen Master 1.3 utility.
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