MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi M.2 Slots: Complete Guide
The MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard is a powerhouse for 2026 PC builds, renowned for its robust storage options. This guide dives deep into the number of M.2 slots, their specs, and how to maximize them for ultimate performance in gaming rigs or workstations.
Designed for AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors, this board supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory, making it future-proof. Understanding its M.2 configuration is key to building a high-speed storage setup without bottlenecks. Follow our step-by-step instructions to install and optimize.
Number of M.2 Slots on MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi
This motherboard features four M.2 slots, offering ample expansion for NVMe SSDs. Slots 1 and 2 support PCIe 5.0 x4 for blazing speeds up to 14GB/s, while slots 3 and 4 handle PCIe 4.0 x4.
- Slot 1: PCIe 5.0 x4, up to 128Gbps
- Slot 2: PCIe 5.0 x4, shares bandwidth with GPU
- Slot 3: PCIe 4.0 x4, ideal for secondary drives
- Slot 4: PCIe 4.0 x4, supports RAID configurations
Step-by-Step M.2 Slot Installation
Installing SSDs is straightforward. Power off your PC, locate the slots near the CPU, and secure the drives with screws.
- 1. Prepare tools: screwdriver and thermal pads
- 2. Align SSD notch with slot key
- 3. Insert at 30-degree angle, press down firmly
- 4. Secure with standoff screw
- 5. Boot to BIOS to verify detection
Optimizing Performance and RAID Setup
Enable Resizable BAR in BIOS for better speeds. Set up RAID 0 for striped performance or RAID 1 for redundancy.
- 1. Enter BIOS with DEL key on boot
- 2. Navigate to Storage > RAID Mode
- 3. Select slots and configure array
- 4. Install OS on RAID volume
- 5. Benchmark with CrystalDiskMark
Compatibility and Cooling Tips
Compatible with 2280/22110 SSDs. Add heatsinks to prevent throttling during heavy loads.
- Use M.2 heatsinks for PCIe 5.0 drives
- Check BIOS updates for 2026 compatibility
- Avoid bandwidth sharing conflicts