Asus B650E MAX Manual

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.

How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product Introduction
  This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and includes descriptions for each part of the motherboard.
• Chapter 2: BIOS and RAID Support
  This chapter tells how to boot into the BIOS, upgrade BIOS using the EZ Flash Utility and support on RAID.

Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.

1. ASUS website
   The ASUS website (www.asus.com) provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products.
2. Optional documentation
   Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.
3. Motherboard Installation Guide
   Please visit https://www.asus.com/support for more information on the Motherboard Installation Guide.
   
4. Driver and Utilities FAQ
   Please visit https://www.asus.com/support for more information on downloading and installing drivers and utilities for your motherboard.
   
5. RAID Configuration Guide
   Please visit https://www.asus.com/support for more information on the RAID Configuration Guide.
   
6. BIOS FlashBack™ Feature
   Please visit https://www.asus.com/support for more information on the BIOS FlashBack™ Feature.
   

Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following notes used throughout this user guide.

	Information to prevent damage to the components and injuries to yourself when trying to complete a task.
	Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE	Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

NOTE:

• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• Items not listed in the Package contents list above are purchased separately and do not come bundled with your motherboard package.

B650E MAX GAMING WIFI specifications summary

NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notice. Please refer to the ASUS website for the latest specifications.

Connectors with shared bandwidth

PCIEX16(G3)_1/2 share bandwidth with SATA6G_1/2. SATA6G_1/2 will be disabled when either PCIEX16(G3)_1 or PCIEX16(G3)_2 runs.

Product Introduction

Before you proceed

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.

• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

NOTE:

• The pin definitions in this chapter are for reference only. The pin names depend on the location of the header/jumper/connector.
• The illustrations for this chapter are for reference only.

Motherboard layout

Layout contents

1. CPU socket
   The motherboard comes with a Socket AM5 designed for AMD Ryzen™ 9000 & 8000 & 7000 Series Desktop Processors.
   NOTE: For more details, refer to CPU installation.
2. DIMM slots
   The motherboard comes with Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots designed for DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5) memory modules.
   NOTE: For more details, refer to DIMM installation.
3. Expansion slots
   This motherboard supports two PCIe x16 graphics cards and two PCIe x1 network cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specification.

NOTE:

• Hyper M.2 X16 series card sold separately.
• Additional PCIe bifurcation and M.2 settings for RAID function are also supported when a Hyper M.2 X16 series card is installed.
• For more details on the PCIe bifurcation, you may visit the support site athttps://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1037507/.
• Adjust the PCIe bifurcation under BIOS settings.
• Enable the Hyper M.2 X16 series card under BIOS settings.
• Creating RAID with the Hyper M.2 X16 series card is limited to a maximum of 10 SSDs.

4. Fan and Pump headers
   The Fan and Pump headers allow you to connect fans or pumps to cool the system
   

• DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan headers. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan headers!
• Ensure the cable is fully inserted into the header.

For water cooling kits, connect the pump connector to the AIO_PUMP header.

NOTE:

• When connecting a single CPU fan, you may connect it to either theCPU_FAN or CPU_OPT header.
• When connecting two CPU fans, ensure to connect the fans to theCPU_FAN and the CPU_ OPT header, and make sure both fans are the same brand and model.

5. Power connectors
   These Power connectors allow you to connect your motherboard to a power supply. The power supply plugs are designed to fit in only one orientation, find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the power supply plugs are fully inserted.
   

Ensure to connect the 8-pin power plug, or connect both the 8-pin and 4-pin power plugs.

NOTE:

• We recommend that you use a PSU with a higher power output when configuring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.
• If you want to use two high-end PCI Express x16 cards, we recommend using a PSU with 900W~1200W power or above to ensure the system stability.
• PSU input: AC 100~240V, 6A/3A, 50/60Hz.

6. M.2 slot
   The M.2 slot allows you to install M.2 devices such as M.2 SSD modules.
   

NOTE:

• AMD Ryzen™ 9000 & 7000 Series Desktop Processors:
  M.2_1 slot (Key M), type 2280 (supports PCIe 5.0 x4 mode)
  M.2_2 slot (Key M), type 2280 (supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode)
• AMD Ryzen™ 8000 Series Desktop Processors:
  M.2_1 slot (Key M), type 2280 (supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode)
  M.2_2 slot (Key M), type 2280 (supports PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 mode)*
• AMD B650 Chipset:
  M.2_3 slot (Key M), type 2242/2260/2280/22110 (supports PCIe 4.0 x2 mode)
  * Specifications vary by CPU types.
• AMD RAIDXpert2 Technology:
  Ryzen™ 9000 Series Processors: RAID 0/1/5/10
  Ryzen™ 8000 Series Processors: RAID 0/1
  Ryzen™ 7000 Series Processors: RAID 0/1/10

7. SATA 6Gb/s connector
   The SATA 6Gb/s connector allows you to connect SATA devices such as optical disc drives and hard disk drives via a SATA cable.
   

NOTE:

• If you installed SATA storage devices to the SATA6G_1-4 ports, you can create RAID configurations through the onboard AMD B650 chipset.
• To install a SATA device, please refer to the Motherboard Installation Guide on the ASUS support site.
• Before creating a RAID set, refer to the RAID Configuration Guide. You can download the RAID Configuration Guide from the ASUS support site.
• Using either PCIEX16(G3)_1 or PCIEX16(G3)_2 slot disables both SATA6G_1 and SATA6G_2 connectors due to shared bandwidth.

8. USB 5Gbps Type-C^® Front Panel connector
   The USB 5Gbps Type-C^® connector allows you to connect a USB 5Gbps Type-C^® module for an additional USB 5Gbps Type-C^® port. The USB 5Gbps Type-C^® connector provides data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gb/s.
   
9. USB 5Gbps header
   The USB 5Gbps header allows you to connect a USB 5Gbps module for additional USB 5Gbps ports. The USB 5Gbps header provides data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gb/s.
   
10. USB 2.0 header
    The USB 2.0 header allows you to connect a USB module for additional USB 2.0 ports. The USB 2.0 header provides data transfer speeds of up to 480 Mb/s.
    

DO NOT connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!

11. Addressable RGB Gen 2 header
    The Addressable RGB Gen 2 header allows you to connect individually addressable RGB (ARGB) WS2812B LED strips or WS2812B based LED strips.
    

Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

NOTE:

• The Addressable RGB Gen 2 header supports addressable RGB LED strips (5V/Data/Ground), with a maximum power rating of 3A (5V). Additionally, the addressable header on this board can support up to 120 LEDs per header in Gen1 mode, or a combined maximum of 500 LEDs in Gen2 mode.
• Actual lighting and color will vary with LED strip.
• If your LED strip does not light up, check if the addressable RGB LED strip is connected in the correct orientation, and the 5V connector is aligned with the 5V header on the motherboard.
• The addressable RGB LED strip will only light up when the system is powered on.

12. Chassis Intrusion header
    The Chassis Intrusion header allows you to connect a intrusion sensor or microswitch for the chassis intrusion detection feature. When you remove any chassis component, the sensor or microswitch triggers and sends a high level signal and records a chassis intrusion event.
    
13. Clear CMOS header
    The Clear CMOS header allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in the CMOS, which contains the date, time, system passwords, and system setup parameters.
    

To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Short-circuit pin 1-2 with a metal object or jumper cap for about 5-10 seconds.
3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
4. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to reenter data.

DO NOT short-circuit the pins except when clearing the RTC RAM. Short-circuiting or placing a jumper cap will cause system boot failure!

14. COM Port connector
    The COM (Serial) Port connector allows you to connect a COM port module. Connect the COM port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening on the system chassis.
    
15. Front Panel Audio header
    The Front Panel Audio header is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports HD Audio. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this header.
    
16. S/PDIF Out header
    The S/PDIF Out header allows you to connect the Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/ PDIF) Out module.
    
17. TPM header
    The TPM header allows you to connect a TPM module, which securely stores keys, digital certificates, passwords, and data. A TPM system also helps enhance network security, protect digital identities, and ensures platform integrity.
    
18. Front Panel System header
    The Front Panel System header supports several chassis-mounted functions.
    

• System Power LED header (+PWR_LED-)

The 2-pin header allows you to connect the System Power LED. The System Power LED lights up when the system is connected to a power source, or when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

• Storage Device Activity LED header (+HDD_LED-)

The 2-pin header allows you to connect the Storage Device Activity LED. The Storage Device Activity LED lights up or blinks when data is read from or written to the storage device or storage device add-on card.

• Power Button/Soft-off Button header (PWR_BTN)

The 3-1 pin header allows you to connect the system power button. Press the power button to power up the system, or put the system into sleep or soft-off mode (depending on the operating system settings).

• Reset button header (RESET)

The 2-pin header allows you to connect the chassis-mounted reset button. Press the reset button to reboot the system.

19. Thunderbolt™ (USB4^®) header
    The Thunderbolt™ (USB4^®) header allows you to connect an add-on Thunderbolt™ I/O card that supports Intel^®'s Thunderbolt™ Technology, allowing you to connect Thunderbolt™-enabled devices to form a daisy-chain configuration.
    

NOTE: Please visit the official website of your purchased Thunderbolt™ card for more details on compatibility

The Thunderbolt™ card can only be used when installed to the PCIEX16(G4) slot.

Ensure to install your Thunderbolt™ card to the PCIEX16(G4) slot.

Rear I/O connection

* and **: Refer to the tables under LAN port LEDs, and Audio I/O connections sections.

NOTE: We strongly recommend that you connect your devices to ports with matching data transfer rate. For example connecting your USB 5Gbps devices to USB 5Gbps ports for faster and better performance for your devices.

LAN port LEDs

Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet port LED indications

Audio I/O connections

Audio 2, 4, 5.1 or 7.1-channel configuration

CPU installation

• The AM5 socket has a different pinout design. Ensure that you use a CPU designed for the AM5 socket.
• The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU.
• Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.
• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/transit-related.
• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the AM5 socket.
• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP cap.

Install a heatsink or AIO cooler after installing the CPU. Please refer to the Motherboard Installation Guide on the ASUS support site, or to the user manual of the heatsink/ AIO cooler for steps on installing the heatsink/AIO cooler.

DIMM installation

The figure illustrates the location of the DDR5 DIMM sockets.

A DDR5 memory module is notched differently from a DDR, DDR2, DDR3, or DDR4 module. DO NOT install a DDR, DDR2, DDR3, or DDR4 memory module to the DDR5 slot.

Recommended memory configurations

You may install ECC and Non-ECC DDR5 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

NOTE:

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value.
• For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load or overclocking condition.
• Always install the DIMMs with the same CAS Latency. For an optimum compatibility, we recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or data code (D/C) from the same vendor. Check with the vendor to get the correct memory modules.
• Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

Installing a DIMM

Removing a DIMM

M.2 module installation

NOTE:

• The illustrations only show the installation steps for selected M.2 slots, the steps are the same for the other M.2 slots.
• Use a Phillips screwdriver when removing or installing the screws or screw stands mentioned in this section.
• If the thermal pad on the M.2 heatsink becomes damaged, we recommend replacing it with a thermal pad with a thickness of 1.25mm.
• Supported M.2 type varies per motherboard.

Installing an M.2 module to the M.2_1 / M.2_2 slot

1. Loosen the screws from the M.2 heatsink.
2. Lift and remove the heatsink.

NOTE: Only follow the steps above if a heatsink is pre-installed.

3. (optional) Install the bundled M.2 rubber if you are installing a single sided M.2 module. DO NOT install the bundled M.2 rubber when installing a double-sided M.2 module.
   
4. Install your M.2 module to the M.2 slot.

Ensure that there is nothing obstructing your M.2 module when installing the M.2 module to the M.2 slot.

5. Remove the plastic film from the thermal pads on the bottom of the heatsink.

NOTE: If the thermal pad on the M.2 heatsink becomes damaged, we recommend replacing it with a thermal pad with a thickness of 1.25mm.

6. Replace the heatsink.
7. Secure the heatsink using the screws on the heatsink.
   

NOTE: The flexible M.2 heatsink can be installed on either M.2_1 slot or M.2_2 slot.

Installing an M.2 module to the M.2_3 slot

1. Install the bundled screw stand to the M.2 length screw hole you wish to install your M.2 module to.
2. Install your M.2 module to the M.2 slot.
3. Secure your M.2 module using the bundled screw stand's screw.
   

ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna installation

Installing the ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna
Connect the bundled ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna connector to the Wi-Fi ports at the back of the chassis.

• Ensure to hold tightly onto the connector when removing the antenna connector from the Wi-Fi ports, and refrain from attempting to remove the antenna connector from the Wi-Fi ports by pulling on the antenna connector cable.
• The antenna can only be extended to a right angle (90°). Do not force the antenna into an angle more than 90°, doing so may cause damages to the ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna.

• Ensure that the ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna is securely installed to the Wi-Fi ports.
• Ensure that the antenna is at least 20 cm away from all persons.

NOTE: The illustration above is for reference only. The I/O port layout may vary with models, but the WiFi Q-Antenna installation procedure is the same for all models.

BIOS FlashBack™

NOTE: The illustrations for this section are for reference only.

BIOS FlashBack™ allows you to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing BIOS or operating system.

To use BIOS FlashBack™:

1. Visit https://www.asus.com/support/ and download the latest BIOS version for this motherboard.
2. Launch the BIOSRenamer.exe application to automatically rename the file or manually rename the file to the BIOS CAP filename specified in the Specifications summary section, then copy it to your USB storage device.

NOTE: The BIOSRenamer.exe application is zipped together with your BIOS file when you download a BIOS file for a BIOS FlashBack™ compatible motherboard.

3. Plug the 24-pin power connector to the motherboard and turn on the power supply (no need to power on the system). Insert the USB storage device to the USB port with BIOS FlashBack™ function.
4. Press the BIOS FlashBack™ button for three (3) seconds until the BIOS FlashBack™ LED blinks three times, indicating that the BIOS FlashBack™ function is enabled.
   
5. Wait until the light goes out, indicating that the BIOS updating process is completed.

NOTE: For more BIOS update utilities in BIOS setup, refer to BIOS and RAID Support section.

• Do not unplug portable disk, power system, or short the CLRTC header while BIOS update is ongoing, otherwise update will be interrupted. In case of interruption, please follow the steps again.
• If the light flashes for five seconds and turns into a solid light, this means that the BIOS FlashBack™ is not operating properly. This may be caused by improper installation of the USB storage device and filename/file format error. If this scenario happens, please restart the system to turn off the light.
• Updating BIOS may have risks. If the BIOS program is damaged during the process and results to the system's failure to boot up, please contact your local ASUS Service Center.

BIOS and RAID Support

NOTE: For more details on BIOS and RAID configurations, please refer to Manual & Document under the Support tab of the product information site, or visit https://www.asus.com/support.

Knowing UEFI BIOS

BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device configuration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimal performance. DO NOT change the default BIOS settings except in the following circumstances:

• An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to run the BIOS Setup.
• You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or update.

Inappropriate BIOS settings may result to instability or boot failure. We strongly recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service personnel.

NOTE: BIOS settings and options may vary due to different BIOS release versions. Please refer to the latest BIOS version for settings and options.

Entering BIOS at startup
To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press <Delete> or <F2> during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press <Delete> or <F2>, POST continues with its routines.

• If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select theLoad Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu or press the <F5> hotkey.
• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value.
• The BIOS setup program does not support Bluetooth devices.

BIOS menu screen
The BIOS Setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.

You can change modes from Setup Mode in Boot menu or by pressing the <F7> hotkey.

ASUS EZ Flash 3

The ASUS EZ Flash 3 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility.

Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu or press the<F5> hotkey.

To update the BIOS:

• This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.
• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure!

1. Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port.
2. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to theTool menu to select ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility and press <Enter>.
3. Press the Left arrow key to switch to the Drive field.
4. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS, and then press <Enter>.
5. Press the Right arrow key to switch to the Folder field.
6. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the BIOS file, and then press <Enter> to perform the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using a USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file.

Recovering the BIOS

1. Download the latest BIOS version for this motherboard from https://www.asus.com/support/.
2. Rename the file using one of the following methods:

• Launch the BIOSRenamer.exe application to automatically rename the file.
• Manually rename the file to the BIOS CAP filename specified in the Specifications summary section.
• Manually rename the file to ASUS.CAP.

3. Copy the renamed file to your USB storage device.
4. Turn on the system.
5. Insert the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file to a USB port.
6. The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 3 automatically.
7. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover the BIOS setting. To ensure system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press the <F5> hotkey to load default BIOS values.

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so may cause system boot failure!

RAID configurations

The motherboard supports RAID configurations.

RAID definitions
Volume provides the ability to link-together storage from one or several disks, regardless of the size of the space on those disks. This configuration is useful in scavenging space on disks unused by other disks in the array. This configuration does not provide performance benefits or data redundancy, disk failure will result in data loss.

RAIDABLE arrays (also known as RAID Ready) are a special type of Volume (JBOD) that allows the user to add more storage space or create a redundant array after a system is installed.

NOTE: The ability to create RAIDABLE arrays may vary per system.

RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup.

RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software directs all applications to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be of the same size or larger than the existing drive.

RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives. Among the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better HDD performance, fault tolerance, and higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing, relational database applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems. Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.

RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy data) having to be calculated and written. With the RAID 10 configuration you get all the benefits of both RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive and three new drives for this setup.