ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING

Overview

AMD AM4 B450 ATX gaming motherboard with DDR4 3200MHz support, SATA 6Gbps, HDMI 2.0, dual NVMe M.2, USB
3.1 Gen 2, and Aura Sync RGB LED lighting

AM4 socket: Ready for AMD Ryzen™ processors

Fast memory and storage: Dual-channel DDR4 3200MHz (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.
CPU

AMD AM4 Socket AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics/Ryzen™ 1st Generation
Processors
* Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list

Chipset

AMD B450

Memory

AMD Ryzen™ Processors

4 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR4 3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666/2400/2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel Memory Architecture
* Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).

Graphic

Integrated in the AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processors

Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DisplayPort ports
- Supports HDMI 2.0b with maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160 @ 60 Hz
- Supports DisplayPort 1.2 with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 60 Hz

Multi-GPU Support
AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/Ryzen™ 1st Generation Processors
Supports AMD 3-Way CrossFireX™ Technology

Expansion Slots

AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/ Ryzen™ 1st Generation Processors

2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or x8/x4)
AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processor
1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x8 mode)
AMD B450 chipset
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (max at x4 mode) *1
3 x PCIe 2.0 x1

Storage

AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/ Ryzen™ 1st Generation Processors : *2

1 x M.2 Socket 3, , with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*3
1 x M.2 Socket 3, , with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*4
2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s)
AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processor : *2
1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*3
2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s)
AMD B450 chipset :
4 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s),
Support Raid 0, 1, 10

LAN

Intel® I211-AT, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s)

Anti-surge LANGuard
ROG GameFirst Technology

Audio

ROG SupremeFX 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC S1220A

- Dual OP Amplifiers
- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs
- Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
- High quality 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 113 dB SNR recording input
- SupremeFX Shielding Technology
- Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback *5
Audio Feature :
- Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
- Sonic Radar III
- Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Link

USB Ports

AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/ Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics/ Ryzen™ 1st Generation :
3 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s) (3 at back panel, blue)
AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/ Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics/ Ryzen™ 1st Generation :
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s) (1 at back panel, , Type-C)
AMD B450 chipset :
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 port(s) (2 at back panel, red)
AMD B450 chipset :
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s)
AMD B450 chipset :
6 x USB 2.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, , 4 at mid-board)

ROG Exclusive Features

ROG RAMCache II
ROG CPU-Z
Pre-mounted I/O Shield
Overwolf
GameFirst IV

Special Features

5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5

- Whole system optimization with a single click! 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU, DIGI+
VRM, Fan Xpert 4, and Turbo App together, providing better CPU performance, efficient power saving, precise digital
power control, whole system cooling and even tailor your own app usages.
TPU
- Auto Tuning, TurboV, GPU Boost
Fan Xpert4
- Fan Xpert 4 featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple thermistors selection for optimized system cooling control
Gamer's Guardian:
- ESD Guards on LAN, Audio, KBMS and USB3.1/3.0/2.0 ports
- DRAM Overcurrent Protection
- Highly Durable Components
- SafeSlot
ASUS EPU :
- EPU
AURA :
- Aura Lighting Control
- Aura RGB Strip Headers
- Aura Lighting Effects Synchronization with compatible ASUS ROG devices
ASUS Exclusive Features :
- AI Suite 3
- Ai Charger
- ASUS Grid
ASUS EZ DIY :
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 3
ASUS Q-Design :
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM
Digi+VRM
Turbo APP
- featuring system performance tuning for selected applications

Back I/O Ports

1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s)
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI
1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (red)Type-A,
4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (blue) ,
2 x USB 2.0
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
5 x Audio jack(s)

Internal I/O Ports

2 x Aura RGB Strip Headers

1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1(up to 5Gbps) connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s)
2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
1 x TPM header
1 x COM port(s) connector(s)
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
1 x CPU Fan connector(s)
1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s)
3 x Chassis Fan connector(s)
1 x AIO_PUMP connector
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connectors
1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)
1 x System panel(s)
1 x Thermal sensor connector(s)
1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s)

Operating System

Windows® 10 64-bit

Form Factor

ATX Form Factor

12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm )

Note

*1 PCIe x16_3 slot shares bandwidth with PCIe x1_2 and PCIe x1_3.

*2 Support StoreMI and NVMe RAID

*3 When the M.2_1 Socket 3 is operating in SATA or PCIE mode, SATA6G_5/6 ports will be disabled.

*4 When the M.2_2 is occupied by M.2 device, PCIe x16_1 will run at x8 mode.

*5 *Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for 8-Channel audio.
  Powered by 2nd generation AMD Ryzen AM4 processors to maximize
connectivity and speed with dual NVMe M.2, USB 3.1 Gen2, gigabit LAN and
up to 64GB of DDR4 (3200 MHz)
5-Way Optimization with Auto-Tuning and Fan Xpert 4 automatically
tailors overclocking profiles to your unique build for maximum OC
performance and dynamic system cooling
Aura Sync RGB lighting plus 2 additional RGB headers provides a nearly
endless spectrum of colors with the ability to synchronize effects across
an ever-expanding ecosystem of enabled products
Industry-leading 8-channel HD audio with the ROG exclusive SupremeFX
S1220A driven by Japanese capacitors
Pre-mounted I/O shield ensures streamlined installation and represents
ROG's attention to detail and quality

Introduction

Product on Review: ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING

Manufacturer: ASUS
Street Price: GBP £119.99 / USD $129.99 / AUS $209.00

The ROG Strix gaming arm of the ASUS brand has become one of the go-to brands within the PC gaming
industry, loved for their styling and performance. The ROG Strix X470-F Gaming which we looked at in April
offered brilliant value for money compared to the competition while sacrificing very little as a result of that. In
today’s review, the ROG Strix B450-F Gaming is under the spotlight, the directly comparable model to which we
reviewed a few months ago.

The ROG Strix B450-F Gaming uses AMDs latest B450 chipset based on the AM4 socket, aiming to strike a
balance between the cost effectiveness that the B450 chipset offers, as well as including f eatures gamers expect
and need.

The B450-F Gaming arrives with a pair of PCIe 3.0 M.2 connectors, both operating with the x4 NVMe interface,
while the uppermost connection can also utilise SATA M.2 drives. We get three full -length x16 PCIe ports, and
four x1 ports.
Covering the RGB base, which is important to many people in 2018, the ROG logo lights up on the CPU Power
Phase cooling, while there’s backlighting on the southbridge heatsink. There’s also a pair of ASUS Aura Sync
connections on the board for RGB lighting strips.

On paper, the ROG Strix B450-F Gaming certainly seems promising, following in the footsteps laid down by its
older brother, the ROG Strix X470-F Gaming, which we reviewed back in April with the launch of AMD’s 2nd
Gen. Ryzen CPUs. How will it fare in our tests? Read on to find out.

ROG on the Strix B450-F Gaming:

ROG Strix B450 Gaming series provides a feature set distilled from the high-end ROG Strix X470 Gaming series
that gives you all the essentials for a well-balances build. With comprehensive cooling options, dual PCIe 3.0 M.2
slots and AMD StoreMI support for incredibly storage speeds, improved DDR4 memory stability and much more,
ROG Strix B450 Gaming delivery the performance you need with room to focus your budget on accompanying
hardware. The motherboard also offers rich customization options with lighting synchronization as well as guided
performance tuning and optimization via intuitive ROG software that makes it easy for experience and fire-time
system builders alike to create a gaming system that really stands out.

Technical Specifications
CPU
AMD AM4 Socket AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics/Ryzen™ 1st Generatio n
Processors
* Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list

Chipset
AMD B450

Memory
AMD Ryzen™ Processors
4 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR4 3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666/2400/2133 MHz Non -ECC, Un-buffered
Memory
Dual Channel Memory Architecture
* Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).

Graphic
Integrated in the AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processors
Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DisplayPort ports
- Supports HDMI 2.0b with maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160 @ 60 Hz
- Supports DisplayPort 1.2 with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 60 Hz

Multi-GPU Support
AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/Ryzen™ 1st Generation Processors
Supports AMD 3-Way CrossFireX™ Technology

Expansion Slots
AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/ Ryzen™ 1st Generation Processors
2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or x8/x4)
AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processor
1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x8 mode)
AMD B450 chipset
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (max at x4 mode) *1
3 x PCIe 2.0 x1

Storage
AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/ Ryzen™ 1st Generation Processors : *2
1 x M.2 Socket 3, , with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*3
1 x M.2 Socket 3, , with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*4
2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s)
AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processor : *2
1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*3
2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s)
AMD B450 chipset :
4 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s),
Support Raid 0, 1, 10

LAN
Intel® I211-AT, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s)
Anti-surge LANGuard
ROG GameFirst Technology

Audio
ROG SupremeFX 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC S1220A
- Dual OP Amplifiers
- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs
- Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
- High quality 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 113 dB SNR recording input
- SupremeFX Shielding Technology
- Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback *5
Audio Feature :
- Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
- Sonic Radar III
- Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Link

USB Ports
AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/ Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics/ Ryzen™ 1st Generation :
3 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s) (3 at back panel, blue)
AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/ Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics/ Ryzen™ 1st Generation :
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s) (1 at back panel, , Type-C)
AMD B450 chipset :
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 port(s) (2 at back panel, red)
AMD B450 chipset :
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s)
AMD B450 chipset :
6 x USB 2.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, , 4 at mid-board)

ROG Exclusive Features

ROG RAMCache II
ROG CPU-Z
Pre-mounted I/O Shield
Overwolf
GameFirst IV

Special Features
5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5
- Whole system optimization with a single click! 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU,
DIGI+ VRM, Fan Xpert 4, and Turbo App together, providing better CPU performance, efficient power saving,
precise digital power control, whole system cooling and even tailor your own app usages.

TPU
- Auto Tuning, TurboV, GPU Boost

Fan Xpert4
- Fan Xpert 4 featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple thermistors selection for optimized system cooling
control

Gamer's Guardian:
- ESD Guards on LAN, Audio, KBMS and USB3.1/3.0/2.0 ports
- DRAM Overcurrent Protection
- Highly Durable Components
- SafeSlot

ASUS EPU :
- EPU

AURA :
- Aura Lighting Control
- Aura RGB Strip Headers
- Aura Lighting Effects Synchronization with compatible ASUS ROG devices

ASUS Exclusive Features :

- AI Suite 3
- Ai Charger
- ASUS Grid

ASUS EZ DIY :
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 3

ASUS Q-Design :
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM

Digi+VRM
Turbo APP
- featuring system performance tuning for selected applications

Back I/O Ports

1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s)
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI
1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (red)Type-A,
4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (blue) ,
2 x USB 2.0
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
5 x Audio jack(s)

Internal I/O Ports

2 x Aura RGB Strip Headers
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1(up to 5Gbps) connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s)
2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
1 x TPM header
1 x COM port(s) connector(s)
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
1 x CPU Fan connector(s)
1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s)
3 x Chassis Fan connector(s)
1 x AIO_PUMP connector
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connectors
1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)
1 x System panel(s)
1 x Thermal sensor connector(s)
1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s)

Operating System
Windows® 10 64-bit

Form Factor
ATX Form Factor
12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm )

Note
*1 PCIe x16_3 slot shares bandwidth with PCIe x1_2 and PCIe x1_3.

*2 Support StoreMI and NVMe RAID

*3 When the M.2_1 Socket 3 is operating in SATA or PCIE mode, SATA6G_5/6 ports will be disabled.

*4 When the M.2_2 is occupied by M.2 device, PCIe x16_1 will run at x8 mode.

*5 *Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for 8-Channel audio.

Packaging & First Look

The Republic of Gamers have stuck with their current styling for a few years now, with the orange, pink and blue
ROG logo on a black, Aztec-style background. We love this styling and hope ROG continue to use it for a while.

The front of the box features a full image of the motherboard with some of the included technologies listed along
the bottom edge.

On the back side of the box is a comprehensive list of features, along with illustrations of specific features. More
than enough to make an informed decision.

Included with the Strix B450-F is a large instruction manual, in full colour, a driver CD (do people still use
these?), a replacement badge for the southbridge, more on that later. A sheet of shiny stickers, RGB extension
cables, four SATA cables and a packet of cable ties. There’s also a pair of M.2 standoffs which you need to
install yourself.

Typical for a ROG board of recent times, there’s an all-black colour scheme with iridescent markings on the
southbridge heatsink. The board has been heavily graffitied in the factory, in a glossy black to stand out from the
black PCB.

loser Look
Around the AM4 socket are a pair of reasonably large power delivery heatsinks, styled nicely to look good while
they function. The rear IO shield extends over the heatsink, with the RGB lighting recessed into it, but this does
not provide any realistic function, instead it perhaps may be limiting airflow, hindering cooling.

DDR4 memory is dealt with by 4 DIMM slots, offering support for up to 3200MHz and 64GB capacity. Directly left
of the upper most DIMM slot is the first of a pair of Aura Sync RGB connections, the small white piece, along
with a pair of PWM 4-pin connections.

ROG have included a pair of M.2 ports on the B450-F Gaming, strangely mounted the opposite way to each
other. The Primary, or top slot, is capable of running both SATA and NVMe M.2 disks, while the secondary slot
is capable of NVMe only. The top slot is laid out to accept a disk up to 22mm x 80mm, while the lower slot can
accept a disk of 22mm x 110mm.

Alongside the M.2 slots, we get three full-length x16 PCI-E ports, and four x1 ports. The two upper most x16
ports are reinforced with a steel bracket to help prevent interference and also help to reinforce t he PCI-E port.
NVMe M.2 storage is lovely and quick, but SATA is usually a much more cost-effective method of storing large
amounts of data. The Strix B450-F is equipped with six SATA 3.0 ports, mounted at a 90° angle to the board.
Audio is an important component on any gaming motherboard; the ROG Strix B450-F uses SupremeFX for their
audio supply, isolated from the rest of the motherboard via the yellow trace on the motherboard. Nichicon audio
capacitors are produced in Japan to stringent standards, used to produce a neutral audio output for exceptional
clarity.

Closer Look (Continued)

The rear IO shield is pre-attached to the motherboard, saving you from that embarrassing moment when you
build a new PC and forget to install this important piece.
On the back, starting at the left, we have:

1x PS/2 port
2x USB 2.0 ports
1x USB 3.1 Gen. 2 Type-A
1x USB 3.1 Gen. 2 Type-C
1x Display Port
1x HDMI 2.0
2x USB 3.0
2x USB 3.1
1x Intel Gigabit Ethernet
7.1 Audio output with SPDIF Optical

ASUS ROG have provided a pair of stylish heatsink covers, one in a vibrant style and the other stealthy; you
choose which to use.

It’s not often we’d mention the rear of a motherboard, but the ROG Strix B450 -F looks fantastic. You can also
clearly see the isolated audio section on the bottom-right of this image.

BIOS & Overclocking

BIOS
Arriving as the only ATX motherboard in the ASUS ROG B450 range, you’d expect a fully-featured BIOS to be
provided alongside. That’s not really the case, unfortunately, with some rather basic fun ctions completely
missing.

The layout is fantastic and the options are plentiful, until you need something basic like manual core voltage
control, or an XMP profile. Both of which are missing in the public BIOS release. We have been provided with a
beta BIOS build which adds in manual voltage control but as far as XMP is concerned, you’re gonna have to
enter those timings manually.

The Main page gives you a good overview of the system, in a lovely ROG styley black and red, with the
hardware monitor on the right-hand-side.

But then moving over to the Ai Tweaker, this is where we began to run into problems. It seems that ASUS have
tried a little too hard, this time around, to add in “intelligent automatic overclocking solutions”, which work well at
overboosting the CPU and extracting performance, but a manual overclock is made difficult as a result.
We were able to change the CPU Core Ratio, without issue, but when selecting the CPU Core Voltage, we were
met with two options, Auto or Offset Mode; we usually see three options here: Auto, Manual or Offset Mode.
After being provided with the beta BIOS release from ASUS, we were then able to overclock our CPU.

This page, you would imagine, should also be home to an XMP profile switch; making overcloc king your
graphics to their XMP profile that bit easier, instead of manually inputting the CAS timings. Again, this has been
left out, despite the DRAM Timing Control section being pre-populated with the correct timings, the RAM boots
up to use the standard JEDEC standards, even if you choose 3000MHz Memory Frequency in the Ai Tweaker.
Overclocking
Thanks to the beta BIOS, which we’ve been told will be rolled out to the public very soon, we are able to adjust
the voltage manually instead of relying on an offset mode, which adds complexity.

Overclocking the CPU to 4.25GHz, which was our stable maximum, we saw almost 100 extra points in
Cinebench, certainly not to be sniffed at!