ASUS Prime B450-Plus Motherboard: AM4 ATX features, specs and fit

The ASUS Prime B450-Plus is an ATX motherboard built around AMD's B450 chipset and the AM4 socket. It is the base for a desktop PC: the processor, memory, storage and expansion cards all connect to it. Here is what its listed features mean and what to confirm before pairing it with other parts.

Socket and chipset

AM4 is the socket used by AMD's Ryzen desktop processors across several generations, and B450 is a mainstream chipset for it. The socket alone does not guarantee that every AM4 processor will run. Support depends on the board's firmware (BIOS) version, so check ASUS's CPU support list for this exact model and the BIOS version needed for the processor you have in mind.

Memory

The board uses DDR4 memory. Desktop DDR4 sticks do not fit DDR3 or DDR5 slots, so confirm that your modules are DDR4. The listing does not give the number of slots or the supported speeds, so check the specifications page for the maximum capacity and speeds.

Storage and ports

ASUS highlights native M.2 and USB 3.1 Gen 2. M.2 is a slim connector for solid-state drives that sits directly on the board. The listing does not say which M.2 drive types are supported, so confirm whether you need an NVMe or SATA drive. USB 3.1 Gen 2 is a 10 Gbps standard, typically about twice the speed of the older Gen 1.

The box includes two SATA 6 Gb/s cables for hard drives and SSDs, an I/O shield for the back of the case, the manual and an M.2 screw set.

Cooling and RGB

Fan Xpert 4 is ASUS's tool for tuning fan and all-in-one liquid cooler pump behaviour, from software or the BIOS. The board also has an Aura Sync connector, an onboard header for RGB LED strips that can be coordinated with other lighting. Both are optional features.

Protection

The listing refers to 5X Protection III, a set of hardware protections. ASUS does not itemise them here, so look on its product page for details.

Size

It is a standard ATX board, listed at 12 x 9.2 inches (about 30.5 x 23.4 cm). It fits ATX cases and typically larger mid-tower and full-tower cases. Smaller cases built only for micro-ATX or mini-ITX boards will not accept it.

Who it suits

It suits people building or upgrading an AM4 desktop who want a full-size board with room for expansion cards. A smaller build may be better served by a micro-ATX board.

What to check before you buy

• Processor support: check the CPU list and BIOS version for your exact Ryzen model.
• Case: confirm it accepts ATX boards.
• Memory: match the module type and speed to the supported list.
• Storage: confirm the M.2 drive type and the number of SATA ports you need.
• Graphics and Wi-Fi: check whether the processor has built-in graphics and whether you need an add-in Wi-Fi card.
• Power: check the power supply's connectors suit the board.

The short version

• An ATX motherboard for AMD AM4 processors with the B450 chipset, model PRIME B450-PLUS.
• DDR4 memory, native M.2 and USB 3.1 Gen 2.
• Fan Xpert 4, Aura Sync RGB header and 5X Protection III.
• Includes manual, I/O shield, two SATA cables and an M.2 screw set.

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