MSI X470 GAMING PLUS
Solid Performance and Striking Aesthetics for AMD Ryzen Enthusiasts
Overview
How It Works
Power Distribution & Conditioning
Incoming power from the PSU is filtered and stepped down by the digital PWM controllers and MOSFETs to provide clean, stable voltages to the AM4 processor and memory banks.
Data Routing & PCIe Lane Management
The X470 chipset manages high-speed lanes, routing PCIe traffic directly to the primary PCIe 3.0 x16 slots for discrete graphics and Turbo M.2 NVMe drives for lightning-fast storage operations.
Memory Training & Optimization
Upon boot, DDR4 Boost isolates memory traces from other components to deliver pure signals, allowing the board to reliably train and run high-frequency memory kits up to DDR4-4133+ (OC).
Key Features
Core Boost Technology
Combines a premium layout and optimized power design to support more cores and provide higher overall CPU performance.
Turbo M.2 Slots
Delivers speeds up to 32 Gb/s using PCIe Gen3 x4 interface, supporting NVMe-based SSDs for rapid data transfer.
DDR4 Boost
Fully isolated memory circuitry ensures pure data signals for optimal gaming performance, stability, and high-frequency overclocking headroom.
Audio Boost
Isolated audio design with high-quality audio capacitors delivers studio-grade sound quality for immersive gaming experiences.
Extended Heatsink Design
Massive top-tier VRM heatsinks ensure that even high-end processors stay cool under heavy sustained compute loads.
Mystic Light Sync
Personalize your gaming rig with 16.8 million colors and 10 effects controlled easily using the Mystic Light App or mobile device.
PCIe Steel Armor
Protects VGA cards against bending and EMI interference for better stability, durability, and structural integrity.
EZ Debug LED
Onboard troubleshooting LEDs for CPU, DRAM, VGA, and boot sequence help quickly pinpoint hardware issues during assembly.
Power Delivery and VRM Subsystem
Engineered for stable multi-core processing and stable overclocks
Optimized Phase Design
Employs a capable power phase configuration to feed clean current to the CPU socket.
Extended Heatsinks
Large surface-area aluminum heatsinks directly cover the VRM components to prevent thermal throttling.
Core Boost Layout
Dedicated power routing isolates CPU power delivery lines from external noise sources.
8-Pin CPU Power Connector
Provides ample wattage headroom for aggressive multi-core overclocking scenarios.
Solid Capacitors
High-grade Japanese capacitors ensure extended operational lifespans under high thermal thresholds.
Memory Architecture and DDR4 Boost
Uncompromising RAM stability and high-frequency support
Isolated Trace Paths
Completely isolated memory circuitry prevents signal interference for cleaner data transmission.
High Frequency Support
Tested compatibility with high-speed kits up to DDR4-4133+ (OC).
XMP 2.0 Ready
Effortlessly load pre-configured memory profiles with a single click in the BIOS.
Dual-Channel Architecture
Four DIMM slots support up to 64GB of RAM configured for maximum memory bandwidth.
DRAM Overvoltage Protection
Built-in safeguards prevent over-current damage to sensitive memory modules.
Expansion and Storage Connectivity
High-speed lanes for modern GPUs and lightning-fast NVMe drives
Dual PCIe 3.0 x16 Slots
Supports 2-Way AMD CrossFire configurations for multi-GPU setups.
Steel Armor Reinforcement
Reinforced PCI-E slots safely secure heavy graphics cards against physical sagging.
Turbo M.2 Slot
Delivers up to 32 Gb/s transfer rates using PCIe Gen3 x4 interface.
StoreMI Technology Support
Combines SSD speed with HDD capacity into a single, affordable drive.
SATA III Ports
Six native 6Gb/s SATA ports support RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 configurations.
Audio Subsystem and Immersion
Studio-grade acoustic clarity for competitive gaming and media
Realtek ALC892 Codec
Reliable multi-channel high-definition audio processing chip.
Dedicated Audio Capacitors
Premium Japanese capacitors deliver warm, high-fidelity sound reproduction.
Isolated Audio PCB
A physical PCB line barrier protects sensitive analog audio circuits from electromagnetic interference.
De-pop Protection
Eliminates annoying popping noises during system startup and shutdown.
Channel Layer Separation
Left and right audio tracks are routed on separate PCB layers for cleaner stereo imaging.
Networking and I/O Connectivity
Reliable wired networking and expansive peripheral hookups
Realtek Gigabit LAN
Low-latency network controller optimized for stable online gaming sessions.
USB 3.1 Gen2 Ports
High-speed Type-A and Type-C ports offering transfer rates up to 10 Gb/s.
USB 3.1 Gen1 Hubs
Multiple front and rear headers for standard high-speed device connections.
Legacy Support
Includes a combined PS/2 port for older mechanical keyboards and mice.
Display Outputs
DVI-D and HDMI ports available for APUs equipped with integrated graphics.
BIOS, Software, and Cooling Management
Intuitive firmware control and comprehensive fan tuning
Click BIOS 5
User-friendly UEFI BIOS featuring EZ and Advanced modes for effortless tuning.
Total Fan Control
Monitor and adjust fan speeds with up to 4 temperature targets per fan curve.
Dragon Center Integration
Unified software suite for managing lighting, performance modes, and system monitoring.
EZ Debug LED
Quickly identifies CPU, RAM, GPU, or boot failures without needing an external speaker.
Flash BIOS Button Support
Easily update or recover your BIOS firmware directly via USB.
✓ Pros
- ✓Robust build quality with PCIe Steel Armor
- ✓Excellent memory overclocking stability via DDR4 Boost
- ✓Support for fast Turbo M.2 NVMe SSDs
- ✓Clean red-and-black gamer-centric aesthetics
- ✓User-friendly Click BIOS 5 interface
- ✓Onboard EZ Debug LEDs for hassle-free troubleshooting
- ✓Solid power delivery capable of handling mid-to-high tier Ryzen processors
✗ Cons
- ✗Lacks integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth out of the box
- ✗Realtek ALC892 audio codec is slightly dated compared to newer ALC1220 boards
- ✗Only one primary M.2 slot operates at full PCIe Gen3 x4 speed
- ✗Limited RGB headers compared to high-end enthusiast boards
Use Cases
Technical Specifications
MSI X470 GAMING PLUS vs. Competitor Boards
| Feature | x470GamingPlus | rogStrixX470FGaming | x470AorusUltraGaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX | ATX |
| Max Memory | 64GB DDR4 | 64GB DDR4 | 64GB DDR4 |
| M.2 Slots | 1 x Turbo M.2 | 2 x M.2 Slots | 2 x M.2 Slots |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC892 | SupremeFX S1220A | Realtek ALC1220-VB |
| Wireless LAN | None | None | Intel Wireless-AC |
| PCIe Armor | Yes (Steel Armor) | Yes (SafeSlot) | Yes (Armor) |
Setup Tips
Update the BIOS First
If you are running a newer Ryzen 3000 or 5000 series CPU, flash the latest BIOS version using a USB drive before installing your operating system.
Populate RAM Correctly
For dual-channel memory operation, install your DIMM sticks into slots DIMMA2 and DIMMB2 as recommended in the manual.
Enable XMP Profile
Enter the Click BIOS 5 interface upon first boot and enable A-XMP to ensure your RAM runs at its advertised high frequency instead of the base JEDEC speed.
Connect Fans to Dedicated Headers
Plug your CPU cooler into the CPU_FAN header and case fans into SYS_FAN headers to enable full curve customization in software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaway
The MSI X470 GAMING PLUS is a reliable ATX motherboard built for AMD Ryzen processors, featuring Core Boost, DDR4 Boost, and Turbo M.2 support. It combines gamer-friendly aesthetics with robust power delivery and stable performance, making it an excellent foundation for enthusiast and mid-range PC builds.
