OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Motherboards Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v1.0

MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£120CPU socket:AM4Chipset:AMD B450Form factor:Mini-ITX

MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

5.1

Overall score

Score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

90%

4.6

Technical score

10%

9.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 82% of motherboards
4.6

Technical score

Technical score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

19%

4.1

Memory

16%

7.6

Platform & Features

16%

4.5

Storage

15%

4.9

Network

13%

1.5

Ports & USB

8%

2.5

Expansion

8%

5.1

Power & Cooling

5%

6.2

Audio

â–¼Worse than 87% of motherboards
9.4

User score

User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 2,395 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
★Better than 97% of motherboards
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC

Technical score
Technical score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

19%

4.1

Memory

16%

7.6

Platform & Features

16%

4.5

Storage

15%

4.9

Network

13%

1.5

Ports & USB

8%

2.5

Expansion

8%

5.1

Power & Cooling

5%

6.2

Audio

4.6
User score
User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 2,395 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
9.4
Popularity
Popularity
10.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Popularity:
MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.5% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components:

60%

5.1

Overall score

40%

9.9

Price

6.5
Brand name
MSI
CPU socket
AM4
CPU socket
AM4
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
This motherboard uses the AM4 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 38.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.3% of motherboards.
CPU platform
AMD
CPU platform
AMD
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This motherboard is built for the AMD CPU platform, which is less common than that of 68.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 31.5% of motherboards.
Chipset
AMD B450
Chipset
AMD B450
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
This motherboard uses the AMD B450 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 54.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.8% of motherboards.
Form factor
Mini-ITX
Form factor
Mini-ITX
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
This motherboard has the Mini-ITX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 84.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.3% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
â–¼ Worse than 36% of models
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
2
Memory slots
2
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.6% of motherboards and equal to 21.4% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 62.6% of motherboards and equal to 24.3% of motherboards.
requires BIOS update for full capacity
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
2,667 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
2,667 MT/s
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 2,667 MT/s, which is lower than that of 78% of motherboards and equal to that of 1% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
1
N. of M.2 sockets
1
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.3% of motherboards and equal to 19.1% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
This motherboard offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 74.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.4% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 5.6% of motherboards and equal to 46.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/10
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/10, which is narrower than 68.1% of motherboards and equal to 23.3% of motherboards.
SATA only
NVMe RAID support
no
NVMe RAID support
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.5% of motherboards and equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.5% of motherboards and equal to 26.8% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x0
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x0
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x0/x0 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 73.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.1% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
PCIe bifurcation support
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.7% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.3% of motherboards and equal to 32.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
10
Total USB ports (including headers)
10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 91.9% of motherboards and equal to 5.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.7% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
LAN speed
1 Gbps
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.2% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8111H
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8111H
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek RTL8111H LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 53% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.3% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
N. of RJ45 ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than that of 49.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.7% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC887
Audio codec
Realtek ALC887
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC887 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 89% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.8% of motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
90 dB
Audio SNR
90 dB
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 90 dB, which is lower than that of 93.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.3% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
Headphone amp support
yes
â–² Better than 41% of models
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
3
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
3
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 50.4% of motherboards and equal to 38.1% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
6+2
VRM phases
6+2
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
This motherboard has 6+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 78.4% of motherboards and equal to 1.5% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
N. of CPU power connectors
1
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.5% of motherboards and equal to 54.5% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
2
N. of fan headers
2
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 2 fan headers, which is fewer than 92% of motherboards and equal to 8% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
Pump header
yes
â–² Better than 22% of models
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
0 A
Pump header max current
0 A
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 76% of motherboards and equal to that of 24% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    AM4
    â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (AM4 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    AM4 vs LGA 1,151
  • Supports ECC memory
    ECC memory support
    yes
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 21% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    ECC requires compatible CPU.
  • 1 more RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    2
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Realtek RTL8111H
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8111H vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Realtek RTL8111H vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bluetooth connectivity
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 135 mm shorter
    Height
    170 mm
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is shorter than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
    170 mm vs 305 mm
  • 17.6% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC
    the average motherboard
    MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC has a higher user score than the average motherboard (9.41 vs 8.000).
    9.41 vs 8
  • 59.7% more popular
    MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC is more popular than the average motherboard (10 vs 6.3).
    10 vs 6.26
  • 17.6% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC
    the average motherboard
    MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC has a higher user score than the average motherboard (9.41 vs 8.000).
    9.41 vs 8
  • 59.7% more popular
    MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC is more popular than the average motherboard (10 vs 6.3).
    10 vs 6.26
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    AM4
    â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (AM4 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    AM4 vs LGA 1,151
  • Broader Windows support
    Supported Windows versions
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This motherboard has broader Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • Supports ECC memory
    ECC memory support
    yes
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 21% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    ECC requires compatible CPU.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bluetooth connectivity
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Realtek RTL8111H
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8111H vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Realtek RTL8111H vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 1 more RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    2
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 135 mm shorter
    Height
    170 mm
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is shorter than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
    170 mm vs 305 mm
  • 74 mm narrower
    Width
    170 mm
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is narrower than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    170 mm vs 244 mm
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    AMD B450
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (AMD B450 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    AMD B450 vs Intel B860
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    Memory slots
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <2 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    NVMe RAID support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    6
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    64 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    requires BIOS update for full capacity
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 5 fewer total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    10
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (10 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    10 vs 15
  • 13.9% worse value for money
    MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC has worse value for money than the average motherboard (6.51 vs 7.4).
    6.51 vs 7.41
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    AMD B450
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (AMD B450 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    AMD B450 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    BIOS flashback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    BIOS update methods
    UEFI utility
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    This motherboard has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
    UEFI utility vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • Less versatile form factor
    Form factor
    Mini-ITX
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This motherboard has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (Mini-ITX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
    Mini-ITX vs ATX
  • Older CPU platform
    CPU platform
    AMD
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This motherboard uses the AMD CPU platform compared to Intel on the average motherboard. The average motherboard uses Intel CPU platform.
    AMD vs Intel
  • No TPM connector
    TPM connector
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This motherboard does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 88% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    Memory slots
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <2 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    64 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    requires BIOS update for full capacity
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 43.7% lower maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    2,667 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2667 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    2,667 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 29.7% lower overclocked RAM speed
    Maximum overclocked RAM speed
    3,466 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <2.7k MT/s – >8.2k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3466 MT/s vs 4933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4933 MT/s.
    3,466 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    NVMe RAID support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • Fewer RAID options
    Supported RAID levels
    0/1/10
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This motherboard has fewer RAID options than the average motherboard (0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10). The average motherboard has 0/1/5/10 RAID level/s.
    SATA only
    0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    PCIe bifurcation support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • No multi-GPU support
    Multi-GPU support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 54.6% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Single PCIe x16 slot only.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x0/x0
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x0 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16/x0/x0 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    6
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 5 fewer total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    10
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (10 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    10 vs 15
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    N. of USB 2.0 headers (USB-A)
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    1 vs 2
  • Older HDMI version
    HDMI version
    1.4
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
    1.4 vs 2.1
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.2
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (4.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    4.2 vs 5.4
  • 25 dB lower audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    90 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (90 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    90 dB vs 115 dB
  • More basic audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC887
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    This motherboard has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC887 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC887 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 2 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    3
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (3 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    3 vs 5
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    Optical S/PDIF out (TOSLINK)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.8% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • 3.5 fewer fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    2 vs 5.5
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • Fewer VRM phases
    VRM phases
    6+2
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (6+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    6+2 vs 10
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    Onboard RGB lighting
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    Pump header max current
    0 A
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 A – >3 A
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (0 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    0 A vs 2 A

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Third-party reviews

Based on 2,395 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC

  • Excellent VRM quality for its size, often cited as one of the best for B450 ITX boards
  • Strong memory overclocking support, capable of reaching speeds beyond 3466 MHz
  • Solid price-to-performance ratio, making it a budget-friendly mini-ITX choice
  • Includes essential modern features like built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a reinforced PCIe slot
  • No onboard RGB lighting, which is preferred by users wanting a clean, professional aesthetic

What we don't like about MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC

  • Limited to only two 4-pin fan headers, requiring a controller for multiple case fans
  • The single M.2 slot is located on the back of the board, which can lead to high temperatures without direct airflow
  • Lacks a USB Type-C port on the rear I/O
  • Missing a BIOS Flashback button, meaning an older CPU is required to update the BIOS for newer Ryzen generations
  • Limited audio connectivity with only three analog outputs, lacking full 7.1 analog support

Verdict

The MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC is a compact Mini-ITX motherboard designed for the AMD AM4 socket, featuring the B450 chipset with support for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gen Ryzen processors. Key technical specifications include two DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 64GB of RAM (OC up to 3466MHz), a single PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, one Turbo M.2 slot (PCIe Gen3 x4) located on the rear of the PCB, and four SATA 6Gb/s ports. Its primary pros are a robust VRM design suitable for small-form-factor overclocking, integrated Intel 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, and high-quality 7.1-channel Audio Boost technology. Main cons include the lack of a USB Type-C port, limited expansion with only one case fan header, and the inconvenient rear placement of the M.2 slot which can complicate cooling and accessibility.

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