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MSI B450M Mortar Max Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price in UK:~£80Avg. price in US:~$80CPU socket:AM4Chipset:AMD B450Form factor:microATX

MSI B450M Mortar Max Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

6.2

Overall score

Score
6.2/ 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 57% of models
Score components

90%

5.8

Technical Score

10%

9.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 57% of motherboards
5.8

Technical Score

Technical score
5.8/ 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 61% of models
Score components

19%

6.9

Memory

16%

8.0

Platform & Features

16%

6.2

Storage

15%

3.3

Network

13%

5.1

Ports & USB

8%

4.5

Expansion

8%

5.0

Power & Cooling

5%

6.9

Audio

â–¼Worse than 61% 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 99% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User reviews

30%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(1338)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

★Better than 99% of motherboards
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Verdict

The MSI B450M Mortar Max is a high-performance Micro-ATX motherboard based on the AMD B450 chipset, supporting 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gen Ryzen processors via the AM4 socket. It features four DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB of memory at overclocked speeds reaching 4133MHz, dual M.2 slots (one PCIe 3.0 x4 and one PCIe 2.0 x4), and dual PCIe x16 slots with 2-way AMD CrossFire support. Key advantages include its robust extended heatsink design for superior VRM cooling, a dedicated Flash BIOS button for easy updates without a CPU, and high-quality audio components with S/PDIF output. However, potential drawbacks include the loss of the second PCIe x16 slot when the second M.2 slot is occupied, the absence of PCIe 4.0 support common in newer chipsets, and limited SATA connectivity with only four ports available.

Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI B450M Mortar Max

Technical Score
Technical score
5.8/ 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 61% of models
Score components:

19%

6.9

Memory

16%

8.0

Platform & Features

16%

6.2

Storage

15%

3.3

Network

13%

5.1

Ports & USB

8%

4.5

Expansion

8%

5.0

Power & Cooling

5%

6.9

Audio

5.8
MSI B450M Mortar Max has a technical score of 5.8 points, which is lower than that of 61.3% of products in this category.
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 99% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User reviews

30%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(1338)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.4
MSI B450M Mortar Max has a user score of 9.44 points, which is higher than that of 98.9% of products in this category.
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 B450M Mortar Max has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.5% of products in this category.
10
MSI B450M Mortar Max has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.5% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
7.3/ 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 56% of models
Score components:

60%

6.2

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.3
MSI B450M Mortar Max has a value-for-money score of 7.3 points, which is lower than that of 52.4% of products in this category.
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
microATX
Form factor
microATX
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
This motherboard has the microATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 52.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% 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
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
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
4,133 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
4,133 MT/s
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,133 MT/s, which is lower than that of 55.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 1% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
2
N. of M.2 sockets
2
â–¼ Worse than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.8% of motherboards and equal to 34.4% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 2.0 x4
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 2.0 x4
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
This motherboard offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 2.0x4 for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 63.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.3% 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
yes
NVMe RAID support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% 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/x4, x8/x8/x4, x4/x0/x4
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4, x4/x0/x4
â–² Better than 75% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4, x4/x0/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 75.3% 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)
8
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.2% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
14
Total USB ports (including headers)
14
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 52.5% of motherboards and equal to 12.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
â–² Better than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.5% of motherboards and equal to 48.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
1
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
1
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 30.4% of motherboards and equal to 21.3% 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.
10Gbps excluded.
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
Killer + Intel + Realtek
LAN controller
Killer + Intel + Realtek
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
This motherboard uses the Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 64.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 28.7% 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
no
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC892
Audio codec
Realtek ALC892
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC892 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 79.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 9% 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
95 dB
Audio SNR
95 dB
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 95 dB, which is lower than that of 82.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.6% 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.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% of motherboards.
also has optical S/PDIF out
Show more
VRM phases
4+2
VRM phases
4+2
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
This motherboard has 4+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 88.4% of motherboards and equal to 5.4% 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
4
N. of fan headers
4
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 4 fan headers, which is fewer than 64.7% of motherboards and equal to 12.4% of motherboards.
Pump header
no
Pump header
no
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
This motherboard does not have a pump header. 78.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Pump header max current
2 A
â–² Better than 45% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI B450M Mortar Max vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    N. of PCIe x4 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 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
  • 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
  • 18% 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 B450M Mortar Max
    the average motherboard
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    MSI B450M Mortar Max has a higher user score than the average motherboard (9.44 vs 8.000).
    9.44 vs 8
  • 2x cheaper
    MSI B450M Mortar Max is cheaper than the average motherboard (£80 vs £160).
    £80 vs £160
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    2
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 59.7% more popular
    MSI B450M Mortar Max is more popular than the average motherboard (10 vs 6.3).
    10 vs 6.26
  • 18% 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 B450M Mortar Max
    the average motherboard
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    MSI B450M Mortar Max has a higher user score than the average motherboard (9.44 vs 8.000).
    9.44 vs 8
  • 2x cheaper
    MSI B450M Mortar Max is cheaper than the average motherboard (£80 vs £160).
    £80 vs £160
  • 59.7% more popular
    MSI B450M Mortar Max 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
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    N. of PCIe x4 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    2
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 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
  • 61 mm shorter
    Height
    244 mm
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is shorter than the average motherboard (244 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
    244 mm vs 305 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, 1x PCIe 2.0 x4
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 2x4 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, 1x PCIe 2.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    Wi-Fi connectivity
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    Wi-Fi antenna included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 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.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    VRM phases
    4+2
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (4+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    4+2 vs 10
  • 20 dB lower audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    95 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (95 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    95 dB vs 115 dB
  • 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
  • Fewer useful accessories
    Included accessories
    2x SATA cables, I/O shield, M.2 kit
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This motherboard has fewer useful accessories than the average motherboard (2x SATA cables, I/O shield, M.2 kit vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable). The average motherboard comes with 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable.
    2x SATA cables, I/O shield, M.2 kit vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable
  • 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
  • Less versatile form factor
    Form factor
    microATX
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This motherboard has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (microATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
    microATX vs ATX
  • 12.7% lower maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    4,133 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (4133 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    4,133 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 2.0 x4
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 2x4 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, 1x PCIe 2.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 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.
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    14
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    14 vs 15
  • Older HDMI version
    HDMI version
    2.0
    â–² Better than 46% of models
    This motherboard has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (2 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
    2.0 vs 2.1
  • 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
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    Wi-Fi connectivity
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    Wi-Fi antenna included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 20 dB lower audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    95 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (95 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    95 dB vs 115 dB
  • More basic audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC892
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This motherboard has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897
  • Fewer VRM phases
    VRM phases
    4+2
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (4+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    4+2 vs 10
  • 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
  • No pump header
    Pump header
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    This motherboard does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 78.1% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • 1.5 fewer fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    4
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (4 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    4 vs 5.5

Graphic comparison of MSI B450M Mortar Max and other products in the Motherboards category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
1338 Reviews
amazon
5.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI B450M Mortar Max?

  • Excellent VRM performance and cooling, making it suitable for higher-end Ryzen CPUs and stable overclocking
  • Support for Ryzen 3000 series (Zen 2) right out of the box with the larger 32MB BIOS chip
  • Includes dual M.2 slots, which is rare for many Micro-ATX boards in this price range
  • Great Rear I/O connectivity, featuring more USB ports than similar boards like the Tomahawk
  • Features a BIOS Flashback button, allowing for easy BIOS updates without needing a CPU installed
  • Strong overall value for budget to mid-range Micro-ATX builds

What customers dislike about MSI B450M Mortar Max?

  • Secondary M.2 slot is limited to PCIe 2.0 x4 speeds, making it significantly slower than the primary slot
  • Limited to only four fan headers, which may require splitters for cases with multiple fans
  • Reports of intermittent boot issues (EZ Debug LEDs) or RAM stability problems with certain configurations
  • Subtle RGB lighting that some users find underwhelming or poorly executed
  • The Micro-ATX form factor can look disproportionate in larger full-tower ATX cases

Video reviews

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

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