MSI 970A User Manual

Page 1

Unpacking

Thank you for buying the MSI® 970A GAMING PRO CARBON motherboard. Check to make sure your motherboard box contains the following items. If something is missing, contact your dealer as soon as possible.

SATA Cable x2

SLI Bridge Connector

Drivers & Utilities

Disc

Motherboard User

Guide

I/O Shield

Motherboard

Page 2

Safety Information

y The components included in this package are prone to damage from electrostatic

discharge (ESD). Please adhere to the following instructions to ensure successful computer assembly.

y Ensure that all components are securely connected. Loose connections may cause

the computer to not recognize a component or fail to start.

y Hold the motherboard by the edges to avoid touching sensitive components. y It is recommended to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when

handling the motherboard to prevent electrostatic damage. If an ESD wrist strap

is not available, discharge yourself of static electricity by touching another metal

object before handling the motherboard.

y Store the motherboard in an electrostatic shielding container or on an anti-static

pad whenever the motherboard is not installed.

y Before turning on the computer, ensure that there are no loose screws or metal

components on the motherboard or anywhere within the computer case.

y Do not boot the computer before installation is completed. This could cause

permanent damage to the components as well as injury to the user.

y If you need help during any installation step, please consult a certified computer

technician.

y Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power

outlet before installing or removing any computer component.

y Keep this user guide for future reference. y Keep this motherboard away from humidity. y Make sure that your electrical outlet provides the same voltage as is indicated on

the PSU, before connecting the PSU to the electrical outlet.

y Place the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not place

anything over the power cord.

y All cautions and warnings on the motherboard should be noted. y If any of the following situations arises, get the motherboard checked by service

personnel:

 Liquid has penetrated into the computer.  The motherboard has been exposed to moisture.  The motherboard does not work well or you can not get it work according to user

guide.

 The motherboard has been dropped and damaged.  The motherboard has obvious sign of breakage.

y Do not leave this motherboard in an environment above 60°C (140°F), it may damage

the motherboard.

Page 3

Quick Start

AMD® AM3/ AM3+ CPU

DDR3 Memory

Graphics Card

SATA Hard Disk Drive

SATA DVD Drive

A Package of Screws

Phillips Screwdriver

Chassis

Power Supply Unit

CPU Fan

Thermal Paste

Quick Start

Preparing Tools and Components

Page 4

Quick Start

Installing a Processor

Page 5

Quick Start

Installing DDR3 memory

Page 6

Quick Start

Connecting the Front Panel Header

2 10

JFP1

1 HDD LED + 2 Power LED +

3 HDD LED - 4 Power LED -

5 Reset Switch 6 Power Switch

7 Reset Switch 8 Power Switch

9 Reserved 10 No Pin

RESET SW

POWER SW

POWER LED+

POWER LED-

HDD LED

RESET SW

JFP1

HDD LED

HDD LED HDD LED +

POWER LED POWER LED +

POWER LED

Page 7

Quick Start

Installing the Motherboard

Page 8

Quick Start

Installing SATA Drives

Page 9

Quick Start

Installing a Graphics Card

Page 10

Quick Start

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Page 11

Quick Start

Connecting the Power Connectors

ATX_PWR1

CPU_PWR1

Page 12

Quick Start

Power On

Page 13

Contents

Unpacking .............................................................................................................. 1

Safety Information ................................................................................................. 2

Quick Start ............................................................................................................. 3

Preparing Tools and Components .......................................................................... 3

Installing a Processor ............................................................................................. 4

Installing DDR3 memory ........................................................................................ 5

Connecting the Front Panel Header ....................................................................... 6

Installing the Motherboard ..................................................................................... 7

Installing SATA Drives............................................................................................. 8

Installing a Graphics Card ...................................................................................... 9

Connecting Peripheral Devices ............................................................................ 10

Connecting the Power Connectors ....................................................................... 11

Power On............................................................................................................... 12

Specifications ....................................................................................................... 15

Block Diagram .................................................................................................... 20

Rear I/O Panel ..................................................................................................... 21

LAN Port LED Status Table................................................................................... 21

Audio Ports Configuration .................................................................................... 21

Realtek HD Audio Manager .................................................................................. 22

Overview of Components .................................................................................... 24

CPU Socket ........................................................................................................... 26

DIMM Slots ............................................................................................................ 27

PCI_E1~5, PCI1: PCIe/ PCI Expansion Slots ........................................................ 28

M2_1: M.2 Slot ...................................................................................................... 29

SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors ....................................................................... 30

CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors ....................................................... 31

JCOM1: Serial Port Connector ............................................................................. 31

JUSB4~5: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors ................................................................... 32

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors ................................................................... 32

JUSB1~3: USB 2.0 Connectors ............................................................................. 33

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector ........................................................................... 33

CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors .......................................................... 34

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................ 35

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector ....................................................................... 35

JLED1: RGB LED connector ................................................................................. 36

JSP1: S/PDIF-Out connector ................................................................................ 36

Page 14

Contents

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper ........................................................... 37

EZ Debug LED: Debug LED indicators ................................................................. 37

BIOS Setup ........................................................................................................... 38

Entering BIOS Setup ............................................................................................. 38

Resetting BIOS ...................................................................................................... 39

Updating BIOS ....................................................................................................... 39

Overview ............................................................................................................... 40

SETTINGS .............................................................................................................. 41

Advanced ............................................................................................................... 41

Boot ....................................................................................................................... 46

Security ................................................................................................................. 46

Save & Exit ............................................................................................................ 47

OC .......................................................................................................................... 48

M-FLASH .............................................................................................................. 52

OC PROFILE .......................................................................................................... 53

HARDWARE MONITOR .......................................................................................... 54

Software Description ........................................................................................... 55

Installing Windows® 7/ 8.1/ 10.............................................................................. 55

Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 55

Installing Utilities ................................................................................................. 55

COMMAND CENTER ............................................................................................. 56

LIVE UPDATE 6 ...................................................................................................... 60

GAMING APP ......................................................................................................... 62

USB SPEED UP ..................................................................................................... 67

GAMING LAN MANAGER ...................................................................................... 68

Nahimic 2 .............................................................................................................. 70

SteelSeries Engine 3 ............................................................................................ 74

DRAGON EYE ........................................................................................................ 76

RAID Configuration .............................................................................................. 77

Using RAID Option ROM ....................................................................................... 77

Installing RAID Driver ........................................................................................... 83

Installing

Operating System on 2.2TB RAID ..................................................... 84

Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 89

Regulatory Notices .............................................................................................. 90

Page 15

Speciﬁcations

Specifications

CPU

Supports AMD

FX™/ Phenom™/ Athlon™II/ Sempron™

processors for Socket AM3/ AM3+

Chipset AMD

970 & SB950 Chipset

Memory

y 4x DDR3 memory slots, support up to 32GB

 Supports DDR3 1066/ 1333/ 1600/ 1866/ 2133(OC) MHz

y Dual channel memory architecture

Expansion Slots

y 2x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (support x16/x0, x8/x8 mode) y 3x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots y 1x PCI slot

Multi-GPU

y Supports 2-Way AMD

CrossFire™ Technology

y Supports 2-Way NVIDIA

SLI™ Technology

Storage

AMD

SB950 Chipset

y 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports

 Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA

storage devices

y 1x M.2 slot (Key M)*

 Supports PCIe 2.0 x2 or x4 and SATA 6Gb/s**  Supports 2242/ 2260 /2280 storage devices

* M.2 and SATA ports maximum support 1x M.2_PCIe + 6x SATAs or 1x M.2_

SATA + 5x SATAs. Please refer to page 30 for M.2/ SATA ports & PCIe slots

combination table. ** When inserted M.2_PCIe of x4, PCI_E3 & PCI_E4 can not be used. ** When inserted M.2_PCIe of x2, PCI_E3 & PCI_E4 can be used.

USB

y ASMedia

ASM1143 Chipset

 2x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) ports (1

Type-A port and 1 Type-C port on the back panel)

y ASMedia

ASM1143 Chipset

 4x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports available

through the internal USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors

y AMD

SB950 Chipset

 14x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (8 ports on the

back panel, 6 ports available through the internal USB connector)

Audio

y Realtek

ALC1150 Codec

y 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio y Supports S/PDIF output

LAN

1x Intel I211-AT Gigabit LAN controller

Continued on next page

Page 16

Speciﬁcations

Continued from previous page

Back Panel Connectors

y 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port y 8x USB 2.0 ports y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A port y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port y 1x LAN (RJ45) port y 1x optical S/PDIF OUT connector y 6x audio jacks

Internal Connectors

y 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector y 1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector y 6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors y 3x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 6 USB 2.0

ports)

y 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors (supports additional 4 USB

3.1 Gen1 ports)

y 1x 4-pin CPU fan connector y 2x 4-pin system fan connectors y 2x 3-pin system fan connectors y 1x Front panel audio connector y 2x Front panel connectors y 1x TPM module connector y 1x Chassis Intrusion connector y 1x Serial port connector y 1x S/PDIF OUT connector y 1x RGB LED connector y 1x Clear CMOS jumper

I/O Controller FINTEK F71878AD Controller Chip

Form Factor

y ATX Form Factor y 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.3 cm)

Continued on next page

Page 17

Speciﬁcations

Continued from previous page

Software

y Drivers y COMMAND CENTER y LIVE UPDATE 6 y FAST BOOT y SUPER CHARGER y GAMING APP y USB SPEED UP y GAMING LAN MANAGER y Nahimic 2 y Open Broadcaster Software y Norton™ Internet Security Solution y Google Chrome™ ,Google Toolbar, Google Drive y SteelSeries Engine 3 y DRAGON EYE

Continued on next page

Page 18

Speciﬁcations

Continued from previous page

Enthusiast GAMING Features

y AUDIO BOOST 3

 Isolated Audio PCB  EMI Shielding  Dual Headphone Amplifiers  High Quality Audio Capacitors  Golden Audio Connectors

y GAME BOOST

 Easy Overclocking

y GAMING LAN

 Intel

Gigabit Ethernet

 GAMING Network Manager power by cFos  Electric Wave Surge

y GAMING APP

 System Mode Switching: OC/Gaming/Silent  Gaming Hotkey  Gaming Mouse Control  Gaming LED Control

y Optimized Thermal Design

 Heat-pipe Direct Touch Technology  Enhanced Choke Thermal Design

y Nahimic 2

 Sound Tracker  HD Audio Recorder 2  Expert Mode  Sound Effect Equalizer  Microphone Noise Reduction

y GAMING CERTIFIED y WTFast GPN

 2-Month Premium License  Multi-Server Network Optimization  Advanced Lag Spike & Disconnect Reduction

Continued on next page

Page 19

Speciﬁcations

Continued from previous page

MSI Exclusive Features

y CLICK BIOS 4

 EZ Mode & Advanced Mode Switching  Board Explorer  Hardware Monitor

y MILITARY CLASS 4

 Military Class Component  Military Class Stability and Reliability

 ESD Protection  EMI Protection  Humidity Protection  Circuit Protection  High Temperature Protection  VGA Armor Slot

y COMMAND CENTER

 System Monitor  Smart Fan Control

y EZ Debug LED y LIVE UPDATE 6 y USB Redrivers y Steel Series Engine 3 y SUPER CHARGER

Specification Highlights

y USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A/ Type-C Ready y NVMe / AHCI Driver Support y RGB LED pin header

Page 20

Block Diagram

LPC Bus

USB 3.1 Gen1

2 Channel DDR3 Memory

P/S2 Mouse / Keyboard

Audio Jacks

x16/x8

AMD RX980

AMD SB950

FINTEK

F71878AD

Realtek

ALC1150

ASMEDIA ASM1143

PCI Express Bus

PCI Bus

ALINK

M.2

SATA 6Gb/s

USB 3.1 Gen1

ASMEDIA ASM1143

Intel I211

USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C

ASMEDIA ASM1143

CPU

PCIe x1 slot

PCIe x1 slot PCIe x1 slot

PCI slot

Switch

PCI Express Bus

Switch

Page 21

Rear I/O Panel

PS/2

LAN

USB 2.0

Audio Ports

Optical S/PDIF-Out

USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C

USB 3.1 Gen2

Link/ Activity LED

Status Description

Off No link

Yellow Linked

Blinking Data activity

Speed LED

Status Description

Off 10 Mbps connection

Green 100 Mbps connection

Orange 1 Gbps connection

LAN Port LED Status Table

Audio Ports Configuration

Audio Ports

Channel

2 4 6 8

Line-In

Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out ● ● ● ●

Mic In

Rear Speaker Out ● ● ●

Center/ Subwoofer Out ● ●

Side Speaker Out ●

(●: connected, Blank: empty)

Page 22

Rear I/O Panel

Realtek HD Audio Manager

After installing the Realtek HD Audio driver, the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon will appear in the system tray. Double click on the icon to launch.

Jack Status

Device Selection

Connector Strings

Profiles

Main Volume

Application Enhancement

Advanced Settings

y Device Selection - allows you to select a audio output source to change the related

options. The check sign indicates the devices as default.

y Application Enhancement - the array of options will provide you a complete

guidance of anticipated sound effect for both output and input device.

y Main Volume - controls the volume or balance the right/left side of the speakers

that you plugged in front or rear panel by adjust the bar.

y Profiles - toggles between profiles. y Advanced Settings - provides the mechanism to deal with 2 independent audio

streams.

y Jack Status - depicts all render and capture devices currently connected with your

computer.

y Connector Settings - configures the connection settings.

Auto popup dialog

When you plug into a device at an audio jack, a dialogue window will pop up asking you which device is current connected.

Each jack corresponds to its default setting as shown on the next page.

Page 23

Rear I/O Panel

Audio jacks to headphone and microphone diagram

Audio jacks to stereo speakers diagram

Audio jacks to 7.1-channel speakers diagram

AUDIO INPUT

Rear Front

Side Center/

Subwoofer

Page 24

Overview of Components

CPU_FAN1

CPU Socket

DIMMA1

DIMMA2

DIMMB1

DIMMB2

ATX_PWR1

EZ Debug LED

CPU_PWR1

JBAT1

JUSB5

JUSB2

JUSB1

JUSB4

JUSB3

JFP2

JFP1

SYS_FAN3

SYS_FAN1

SYS_FAN2

SYS_FAN4

JSP1

JTPM1

JCOM1

JLED1

JAUD1

PCI1

PCI_E5

M2_1

JCI1

PCI_E4

PCI_E3

PCI_E2

PCI_E1

SATA1_2

SATA3_4

SATA5_6

Page 25

Overview of Components

Component Contents

Port Name Port Type Page

CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4 Fan Connectors 34

CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1 Power Connectors 31

CPU Socket AM3/ AM3+ 26

DIMMA1~2, DIMMB1~2 DIMM Slots 27

EZ Debug LED Debug LED indicators 37

JAUD1 Front Audio Connector 35

JBAT1 Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper 37

JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector 35

JCOM1 Serial Port Connector 31

JFP1, JFP2 Front Panel Connectors 32

JLED1 RGB LED connector 36

JSP1 S/PDIF-Out connector 36

JTPM1 TPM Module Connector 33

JUSB1~3 USB 2.0 Connectors 33

JUSB4~5 USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors 32

M2_1 M.2 Slot 29

PCI_E1~5, PCI1 PCIe/ PCI Expansion Slots 28

SATA1~6 SATA 6Gb/s Connectors 30

Page 26

Overview of Components

CPU Socket

Introduction to the AM3/ AM3+ CPU

The surface of the AM3/ AM3+ CPU has a yellow triangle to assist in correctly lining up the CPU for motherboard placement. The yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator.

WARNING

If you plan to use the water-cooling kit, please note that the heavy water-cooling device will cause the motherboard to be bent and damaged.

Important

Always unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing the CPU.

Please retain the CPU protective cap after installing the processor. MSI will deal with Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests if only the motherboard comes with the protective cap on the CPU socket.

When installing a CPU, always remember to install a CPU heatsink. A CPU heatsink is necessary to prevent overheating and maintain system stability.

Confirm that the CPU heatsink has formed a tight seal with the CPU before booting your system.

Overheating can seriously damage the CPU and motherboard. Always make sure the cooling fans work properly to protect the CPU from overheating. Be sure to apply an even layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) between the CPU and the heatsink to enhance heat dissipation.

If you purchased a separate CPU and heatsink/ cooler, Please refer to the documentation in the heatsink/ cooler package for more details about installation.

This motherboard is designed to support overclocking. Before attempting to overclock, please make sure that all other system components can tolerate overclocking. Any attempt to operate beyond product specifications is not recommended. MSI® does not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate operation beyond product specifications.

Page 27

Overview of Components

DIMM Slots

DIMMA1 DIMMB1

Channel A Channel B

DIMMA2 DIMMB2

Memory module installation recommendation

DIMMB1 DIMMB2

DIMMB1

DIMMA1 DIMMA1 DIMMA2

DIMMA1

Important

Always insert memory modules in the DIMMA1 slot first.

Due to chipset resource usage, the available capacity of memory will be a little less than the amount of installed.

Please note that the maximum capacity of addressable memory is 4GB or less for 32-bit Windows OS due to the memory address limitation. Therefore, we recommended that you to install 64-bit Windows OS if you want to install more than 4GB memory on the motherboard.

It is recommended to use a more efficient memory cooling system for full DIMMs installation or overclocking.

The stability and compatibility of installed memory module depend on installed CPU and devices when overclocking.

Page 28

Overview of Components

PCI_E1~5, PCI1: PCIe/ PCI Expansion Slots

PCI_E1: PCIe 2.0 x1 slot

PCI_E2: PCIe 2.0 x16 slot

PCI_E3: PCIe 2.0 x1 slot

PCI_E4: PCIe 2.0 x1 slot

PCI_E5: PCIe 2.0 x8 slot

PCI1: PCI slot

Important

For a single PCIe x16 expansion card installation with optimum performance, using the PCI_E2 slot is recommended.

When adding or removing expansion cards, always turn off the power supply and unplug the power supply power cable from the power outlet. Read the expansion card’s documentation to check for any necessary additional hardware or software changes

If you install a large and heavy graphics card, you need to use a tool such as MSI Gaming Series Graphics Card Bolster to support its weight and to prevent deformation of the slot.

Multiple graphics cards installation recommendation

X16

Page 29

Overview of Components

Important

Intel® RST only supports PCIe M.2 SSD with UEFI ROM, does not support Legacy ROM.

Installing M.2 module

M2_1: M.2 Slot

30°

3. Tighten the base screw

into the hole of the distance to the M.2 slot as the length your M.2 module.

4. Insert your M.2 module

into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle.

5. Put the screw in the

notch on the trailing edge of your M.2 module and tighten it into the base screw.

1. Remove the screw from

the base screw.

2. Remove the base screw.

Page 30

Overview of Components

SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors

These connectors are SATA 6Gb/s interface ports. Each connector can connect to one SATA device.

SATA6

SATA3

SATA1

SATA4

SATA2

SATA5

Important

Please do not fold the SATA cable at a 90-degree angle. Data loss may result during transmission otherwise.

SATA cables have identical plugs on either sides of the cable. However, it is recommended that the flat connector be connected to the motherboard for space saving purposes.

M.2/ SATA ports & PCIe slots combination table

Slot Available SATA/ SATAe connectors

M2_1 PCIe x2 PCIe x4 SATA SATA1 ✓ ✓ ✓ SATA2 ✓ ✓ ✓ SATA3 ✓ ✓ ✓ SATA4 ✓ ✓ ✓ SATA5 ✓ ✓ ✓ SATA6 ✓ ✓ ─

PCI_E3 ✓ ─ ✓ PCI_E4 ✓ ─ ✓

(SATA: M.2 SATA SSD, PCIe x2: M.2 PCIe x2 SSD, PCIe x4: M.2 PCIe x4 SSD, ✓: available, ─: unavailable)

Page 31

Overview of Components

131

ATX_ PWR1

1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V

2 +3.3V 14 -12V

3 Ground 15 Ground

4 +5V 16 PS-ON#

5 Ground 17 Ground

6 +5V 18 Ground

7 Ground 19 Ground

8 PWR OK 20 Res

9 5VSB 21 +5V

10 +12V 22 +5V

11 +12V 23 +5V

12 +3.3V 24 Ground

CPU_PWR1

1 Ground 5 +12V

2 Ground 6 +12V

3 Ground 7 +12V

4 Ground 8 +12V

Important

Make sure that all the power cables are securely connected to a proper ATX power supply to ensure stable operation of the motherboard.

CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply.

2 10

1 DCD 2 SIN

3 SOUT 4 DTR

5 Ground 6 DSR

7 RTS 8 CTS

9 RI 10 No Pin

JCOM1: Serial Port Connector

This connector allows you to connect the optional serial port with bracket.

Page 32

Overview of Components

JUSB4~5: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect USB 3.1 Gen1 ports on the front panel.

1 10

JUSB4

10 11

JUSB5

1 Power 11 USB2.0+

2 USB3_RX_DN 12 USB2.0-

3 USB3_RX_DP 13 Ground

4 Ground 14 USB3_TX_C_DP

5 USB3_TX_C_DN 15 USB3_TX_C_DN

6 USB3_TX_C_DP 16 Ground

7 Ground 17 USB3_RX_DP

8 USB2.0- 18 USB3_RX_DN

9 USB2.0+ 19 Power

10 Ground 20 No Pin

Important

Note that the Power and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible damage.

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors

These connectors connect to the switches and LEDs on the front panel.

2 10

JFP1

1 HDD LED + 2 Power LED +

3 HDD LED - 4 Power LED -

5 Reset Switch 6 Power Switch

7 Reset Switch 8 Power Switch

9 Reserved 10 No Pin

JFP2

1 Speaker - 2 Buzzer +

3 Buzzer - 4 Speaker +

Page 33

Overview of Components

2 14

1 LPC Clock 2 3V Standby power

3 LPC Reset 4 3.3V Power

5 LPC address & data pin0 6 Serial IRQ

7 LPC address & data pin1 8 5V Power

9 LPC address & data pin2 10 No Pin

11 LPC address & data pin3 12 Ground

13 LPC Frame 14 Ground

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector

This connector is for TPM (Trusted Platform Module). Please refer to the TPM security platform manual for more details and usages.

JUSB1~3: USB 2.0 Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect USB 2.0 ports on the front panel.

2 10

1 VCC 2 VCC

3 USB0- 4 USB1-

5 USB0+ 6 USB1+

7 Ground 8 Ground

9 No Pin 10 NC

Important

Note that the VCC and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible damage.

In order to recharge your iPad,iPhone and iPod through USB ports, please install MSI® SUPER CHARGER utility.

Page 34

Overview of Components

CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors

Fan connectors can be classified as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Mode and Voltage Mode. PWM Mode fan connectors provide constant 12V output and adjust fan speed with speed control signal. Voltage Mode fan connectors control fan speed by changing voltage. Therefore, when you plug a 3-pin (Non-PWM) fan to a PWM Mode fan connector, the fan speed will be always maintained at 100%, and that could be noisy.

CPU_FAN1

1 Ground 2 +12V

3 Sense 4 Speed Control Signal

SYS_FAN1/ SYS_FAN2

1 Ground 2 Voltage Control

3 Sense 4 NC

PWM Mode fan connector

Voltage Mode fan connector

Controlling the fan speed

There are two ways to manage fan speed. One is to go to BIOS > HARDWARE MONITOR. The other is to use COMMAND CENTER application.

BIOS > HARDWARE MONITOR COMMAND CENTER

Both methods offer gradient points of the fan speed that allow you to adjust fan speed in relation to CPU temperature.

SYS_FAN3/ SYS_FAN4

1 Ground 2 +12V

3 NC

Page 35

Overview of Components

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector

This connector allows you to connect audio jacks on the front panel.

2 10

1 MIC L 2 Ground

3 MIC R 4 NC

5 Head Phone R 6 MIC Detection

7 SENSE_SEND 8 No Pin

9 Head Phone L 10 Head Phone Detection

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector

This connector allows you to connect the chassis intrusion switch cable.

Normal (default)

Trigger the chassis intrusion event

Using chassis intrusion detector

1. Connect the JCI1 connector to the chassis intrusion switch/ sensor on the chassis.

2. Close the chassis cover.

3. Go to BIOS > Settings > Security > Chassis Intrusion Configuration.

4. Set Chassis Intrusion to Enabled.

5. Press F10 to save and exit and then press the Enter key to select Yes.

6. Once the chassis cover is opened again, a warning message will be displayed on

screen when the computer is turned on.

Resetting the chassis intrusion warning

1. Go to BIOS > Settings > Security > Chassis Intrusion Configuration.

2. Set Chassis Intrusion to Reset.

3. Press F10 to save and exit and then press the Enter key to select Yes.

Page 36

Overview of Components

JLED1: RGB LED connector

This connector allows you to connect the RGB LED strip.

JSP1: S/PDIF-Out connector

This connector allows you to connect the S/PDIF interface for digital audio transmission.

Important

This connector supports 5050 RGB multi-color LED strips (12V/G/R/B) within 2 meters.

Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing the RGB LED strip.

Please use the LED Effect of GAMING APP to adjust, calibrate and control the LED light, refer to the Software section for details.

1 +12V 2 G

3 R 4 B

1 GND 2 SPDIF

3 VCC

Page 37

Overview of Components

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper

There is CMOS memory onboard that is external powered from a battery located on the motherboard to save system configuration data. If you want to clear the system configuration, set the jumpers to clear the CMOS memory.

Keep Data (default)

Clear CMOS/ Reset BIOS

Resetting BIOS to default values

1. Power off the computer and unplug the power cord

2. Use a jumper cap to short JBAT1 for about 5-10 seconds.

3. Remove the jumper cap from JBAT1.

4. Plug the power cord and power on the computer.

EZ Debug LED: Debug LED indicators

These LEDs indicate the status of the motherboard.

CPU - indicates CPU is not detected or fail.* DRAM - indicates DRAM is not detected or fail. VGA - indicates GPU is not detected or fail. BOOT - indicates the booting device is not

detected or fail.

Important

* All EZ Debug LEDs (include CPU, DRAM, VGA & BOOT) will light up simultaneously while the CPU is not detected or fail.

Page 38

BIOS Setup

The default settings offer the optimal performance for system stability in normal conditions. You should always keep the default settings to avoid possible system damage or failure booting unless you are familiar with BIOS.

Important

BIOS items are continuously update for better system performance. Therefore, the description may be slightly different from the latest BIOS and should be for reference only. You could also refer to the HELP information panel for BIOS item description.

The pictures in this chapter are for reference only and may vary from the product you purchased.

Entering BIOS Setup

Please refer the following methods to enter BIOS setup.

y Press Delete key, when the Press DEL key to enter Setup Menu, F11 to enter Boot

Menu message appears on the screen during the boot process.

y Use MSI FAST BOOT application. Click on GO2BIOS button and choose OK. The

system will reboot and enter BIOS setup directly.

Click on GO2BIOS

Function key

Key Function

F1 General Help

F4 Enter CPU Specifications menu

F5 Enter Memory-Z menu

F6 Load optimized defaults

F8 Load Overclocking Profile from USB flash drive

F9 Save Overclocking Profile to USB flash drive

F10 Save Change and Reset

F12 Save a screenshot to a FAT/ FAT 32 USB flash drive

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BIOS Setup

Resetting BIOS

You might need to restore the default BIOS setting to solve certain problems. There are several ways to reset BIOS:

y Go to BIOS and press F6 to load optimized defaults. y Short the Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard.

Important

Please refer to the Clear CMOS jumper section for resetting BIOS.

Updating BIOS

Updating BIOS with M-FLASH

Before updating: Please download the latest BIOS file that matches your motherboard model from MSI

website. And then save the BIOS file into the USB flash drive. Updating BIOS:

1. Press Del key to enter the BIOS Setup during POST.

2. Insert the USB flash drive that contains the update file into the computer.

3. Go to BIOS > M-FLASH > Update BIOS > Select one file to update BIOS, select a

BIOS file to perform the BIOS update process.

4. After the flashing process is 100% completed, the system will reboot

automatically.

Updating the BIOS with Live Update 6

Before updating: Make sure the LAN driver is already installed and the internet connection is set

properly. Updating BIOS:

1. Install and launch MSI LIVE UPDATE 6.

2. Select Manual scan.

3. Check MB BIOS box and click on Scan button.

4. Select the MB BIOS and click on

icon to download and install the latest BIOS

file.

5. Click Next and choose In Windows mode. And then click Next and Start to start

updating BIOS.

6. After the flashing process is 100% completed, the system will restart

automatically.

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BIOS Setup

Overview

After entering BIOS, the following screen is displayed.

Temperature

System information

Boot device priority bar

BIOS menu selection

Language

Virtual OC Genie Button

Screenshot

Menu display

BIOS menu selection

y BIOS menu selection - the following options are available:

 SETTINGS - allows you to specify the parameters for chipset and boot devices.  OC - contains the frequency and voltage adjustments. Increasing the frequency

may get better performance.

 M-FLASH - provides the way to update BIOS with a USB flash drive.  OC PROFILE - allows you to manage overclocking profiles.  HARDWARE MONITOR - allows you to set the speeds of fans and monitor voltages

of system.

 BOARD EXPLORER - provides the information of installed devices on this

motherboard.

y Virtual OC Genie Button - enables or disables the OC Genie function by clicking on

this button. When enabled, this button will be light. Enabling OC Genie function can automatically overclock with MSI optimized overclocking profile.

Important

We recommend that you do not to make any modification in OC menu mode and do not to load defaults after enabling the OC Genie function.

y Menu display - provides BIOS setting items and information to be configured. y Boot device priority bar - you can move the device icons to change the boot priority.

The boot priority from high to low is left to right.

y System Information - shows the time, date, CPU name, CPU frequency, DRAM

frequency, DRAM capacity and the BIOS version.

y Language - allows you to select the language of the BIOS setup. y Screenshot - press this tab or the F12 key to take a screenshot and save it to USB

flash drive (FAT/ FAT32 format only).

y Temperature - shows the temperatures of processor and the motherboard.

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BIOS Setup

SETTINGS

System Status

f System Date

Sets the system date. Use tab key to switch between date elements. The format is <day> <month> <date> <year>. <day> Day of the week, from Sun to Sat, determined by BIOS. Read-only. <month> The month from Jan. through Dec. <date> The date from 1 to 31 can be keyed by numeric function keys. <year> The year can be adjusted by users.

f System Time

Sets the system time. Use tab key to switch between time elements. The time format is <hour> <minute> <second>.

f SATA PortX

Shows the information of connected SATA device.

Important

If the connected SATA device is not displayed, turn off computer and re-check SATA cable and power cable connections of the device and motherboard.

f System Information

Shows detailed system information, including CPU type, BIOS version, and Memory (read only).

f DMI Information

Shows system information, desktop Board Information and chassis Information. (Read only).

Advanced

f PCI Subsystem Settings

Sets PCI, PCI express interface protocol and latency timer. Press Enter to enter the sub-menu.

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BIOS Setup

fPCI Latency Timer [32]

Sets latency timer of PCI interface device. [Options: 32, 64, 96, 128, 160, 192, 224, 248 PCI Bus clocks]

f ACPI Settings

Sets ACPI parameters of onboard power LED behaviors. Press Enter to enter the submenu.

fACPI Standby State

Speciﬁes the power saving modes for ACPI function.

fPower LED [Blinking]

Sets shining behaviors of the onboard Power LED. [Dual Color] The power LED turns to another color to indicate the S3 state. [Blinking] The power LED blinks to indicate the S3 state.

f Integrated Peripherals

Sets integrated peripherals' parameters, such as LAN, HDD, USB and audio. Press

Enter to enter the sub-menu.

fOnboard LAN Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables the onboard LAN controller.

fLAN Option ROM [Disabled]

Enables or disables the legacy network Boot Option ROM for detailed settings. This item will appear when Onboard LAN Controller is enabled.

[Enabled] Enables the onboard LAN Boot ROM. [Disabled] Disables the onboard LAN Boot ROM.

fNetwork Stack [Disabled]

Sets UEFI network stack for optimizing IPv4 / IPv6 function. [Enabled] Enables UEFI network stack. [Disabled] Disables UEFI network stack.

fIpv4 PXE Support [Enabled]

When Enabled, the system UEFI network stack will support Ipv4 protocol. This item will appear when Network Stack is enabled.

[Enabled] Enables the Ipv4 PXE boot support. [Disabled] Disables the Ipv4 PXE boot support.

fIpv6 PXE Support [Enabled]

When Enabled, the system UEFI network stack will support Ipv6 protocol. This item will appear when Network Stack is enabled.

[Enabled] Enables the Ipv6 PXE boot support. [Disabled] Disables the Ipv6 PXE boot support.

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BIOS Setup

fSATA Mode [AHCI Mode]

Sets the operation mode of the onboard SATA controller. [AHCI Mode] Specify the AHCI mode for SATA storage devices. AHCI (Advanced

Host Controller Interface) offers some advanced features to enhance the speed and performance of SATA storage device, such as Native Command Queuing (NCQ) and hot-plugging.

[RAID Mode] Enables RAID function for SATA storage devices.

fSATAx Hot Plug [Disabled]

Allows user to enable or disable the SATA hot plug support. [Enabled] Enables hot plug support for the SATA ports. [Disabled] Disables hot plug support for the SATA ports.

fHD Audio Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables the onboard High Deﬁnition Audio controller.

fHPET [Enabled]

Enables or disables the HPET (High Precision Event Timers) support.

f USB Conﬁguration

Sets the onboard USB controller and device function. Press <Enter> to enter the submenu.

fUSB Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables all USB controller.

fXHCI Hand-off [Enabled]

Enables or disables XHCI hand-off support for the operating system without XHCI hand-off feature. This item will appear when USB Controller is enabled.

fEHCI Hand-off [Enabled]

Enables or disables EHCI hand-off support for the operating system without EHCI hand-off feature.

fLegacy USB Support [Enabled]

Sets Legacy USB function support. [Auto] The system will automatically detect if any USB device is connected

and enable the legacy USB support. [Enabled] Enable the USB support under legacy mode. [Disabled] The USB devices will be unavailable under legacy mode.

fOnboard USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables the external USB 3.0 controller.

f Super IO Conﬁguration

Sets system Super I/O chip parameters including LPT and COM ports. Press Enter to enter the sub-menu.

fSerial (COM) Port 0 Configuration

Sets detailed conﬁguration of serial(COM) port x. Press <Enter> to enter the submenu.

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BIOS Setup

fSerial (COM) Port 0 [Enabled]

Enables or disables serial (COM) port x.

fSerial (COM) Port 0 Settings [Auto]

Sets serial port x (COM). If set to Auto, BIOS will optimize the IRQ automatically or you can set it manually.

f Power Management Setup

Sets system Power Management of EuP2013 and AC Power Loss behaviors. Press

Enter to enter the sub-menu.

fEuP 2013 [Disabled]

Enables or disables the system power consumption according to EuP2013 regulation. When enabled, the system will not support RTC wake up event functions.

[Enabled] Optimize the system power consumption according to EuP 2013

regulation. It will not support S4 & S5 wake up by USB and PCIe

devices. [Disabled] Disables this function.

fRestore after AC Power Loss [Power Off]

Sets the system behaviors while encountering the AC power loss. [Power Off] Leaves the system in power off state after restoring AC power. [Power On] Boot up the system after restoring AC power. [Last State] Restores the system to the previous state (power on/ power off)

before AC power loss.

f Windows 8 Configuration

Sets Windows 8/ 8.1 detailed conﬁguration and behaviors. Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.

fWindows 8 Feature [Disabled]

Enables the supports for Windows 8/ 8.1 or disables for other operating systems. Before enabling this item, make sure all installed devices & utilities (hardware & software) should meet the Windows 8/ 8.1 requirements.

[Enabled] The system will switch to UEFI mode to meet the Windows 8

requirement. [Disabled] Disables this function.

fMSI Fast Boot [Disabled]

MSI Fast Boot is the fastest way to boot the system. It will disable more devices to speed up system boot time which is faster than the boot time of Fast Boot.

[Enabled] Enables the MSI Fast Boot function to speed up booting time. And

the following Fast Boot field will be disabled and fixed. [Disabled] Disables MSI Fast Boot.

Important

When MSI Fast Boot is enabled, you can use MSI FAST BOOT application to enter BIOS setup if needed. Please refer Entering BIOS Setup section for details.

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BIOS Setup

fFast Boot [Disabled]

Enables or disables the fast boot feature for Windows 8/ 8.1. This item will only be available when MSI Fast Boot is disabled.

[Enabled] Enables the Fast Boot configuration to accelerate system boot time. [Disabled] Disables the Fast Boot configuration.

f Wake Up Event Setup

Sets system wake up behaviors for different sleep modes. Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.

fWake Up Event By [BIOS]

Selects the wake up event by BIOS or operating system. [BIOS] Activates the following items, set wake up events of these items. [OS] The wake up events will be defined by OS.

fResume By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Enables or disables the system wake up by RTC Alarm. [Enabled] Enables the system to boot up on a scheduled time/ date. [Disabled] Disables this function.

fDate (of month) Alarm/ Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm

Sets RTC alarm date/ Time. If Resume By RTC Alarm is set to [Enabled], the system will automatically resume (boot up) on a speciﬁed date/hour/minute/second in these ﬁelds (using the <+> and <-> to select the date & time settings).

fResume By PCI-E Device [Disabled]

Enables or disables the system wake up by PCI-E devices. [Enabled] Enables the system to be awakened from the power saving modes

when activity or input signal of PCI-E device is detected. Note:

enables this Item to support Resume by USB Device with third party

USB port if any. [Disabled] Disables this function.

fResume From S3 by USB Device [Disabled]

Enables or disables the system wake up by USB devices. [Enabled] Enables the system to be awakened from S3 (suspend to RAM) sleep

state when activity of USB device is detected. [Disabled] Disables this function.

fResume From S3/S4/S5 by PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

Enables or disables the system wake up by PS/2 mouse. [Enabled] Enables the system to be awakened from S3/ S4/ S5 state when

activity of PS/2 mouse is detected. [Disabled] Disables this function.

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BIOS Setup

fResume From S3/S4/S5 by PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

Enables or disables the system wake up by PS/2 keyboard. [Any Key] Enables the system to be awakened from S3/ S4/ S5 state when

activity of any key on PS/2 keyboard is detected. [Hot Key] Enables the system to be awakened from S3/ S4/ S5 state when

activity of hot key on PS/2 keyboard is detected. [Disabled] Disables this function.

Boot

Sets the sequence of system boot devices.

f Full Screen Logo Display [Enabled]

Enables or disables to show the full screen logo while system POST. [Enabled] Shows the logo in full screen. [Disabled] Shows the POST messages.

f Boot Mode Select [LEGACY+UEFI]

Sets the system boot mode from legacy or UEFI architecture depending on OS installation requirement. This item will become un-selectable and will be configured automatically by BIOS when Windows 8 Feature is enabled.

[UEFI] Enables UEFI BIOS boot mode support only. [LEGACY+UEFI] Enables both Legacy BIOS boot mode and UEFI BIOS boot

mode.

f FIXED BOOT ORDER Priorities

Sets device priority for system boot.

f Boot Option Priorities

These items are used to prioritize the installed boot devices.

Security

f Administrator Password

Sets administrator password for system security. User has full rights to change the BIOS items with administrator password. After setting the administrator password, the state of this item will show “Installed”.

f User Password

Sets User Password for system security. User has limited rights to change the BIOS items with user password. This item will be available when administrator password is set. After setting the user password, the state of this item will show Installed.

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BIOS Setup

Important

When selecting the Administrator / User Password items, a password box will appear on the screen. Type the password then press <Enter>. The password typed now will replace any previous set password from CMOS memory. You will be prompted to confirm the password. You may also press <Esc> to abort the selection.

To clear a set password, press <Enter> when you are prompted to enter a new password. A message will confirm the password is being disabled. Once the password is disabled, you can enter the setup and OS without authorization.

f U-Key [Disabled]

Enables or disables U-Key as user’s password to access the system.

f Make U-Key at

Makes a key at the USB flash drive to prevent other people from accessing the system. Only the user who has the key with the flash drive can access the system.

f Chassis Intrusion Configuration

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu.

fChassis Intrusion [Disabled]

Enables or disables recording messages when the chassis is opened. This function is ready for the chassis equips a chassis intrusion switch.

[Enabled] Once the chassis is opened, the system will record and issue a

warning message. [Reset] Clear the warning message. After clearing the message, please

return to Enabled or Disabled. [Disabled] Disables this funcion.

Save & Exit

f Discard Changes and Exit

Exit BIOS setup without saving any change.

f Save Changes and Reboot

Save all changes and reboot the system.

f Save Changes

Save current changes.

f Discard Changes

Discard all changes and restore to the previous values.

f Restore Defaults

Restore or load all default values.

f Boot Override

The installed bootable devices will appear on this menu, you can select one of them to be the boot device.

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BIOS Setup

Important

Overclocking your PC manually is only recommended for advanced users.

Overclocking is not guaranteed, and if done improperly, it could void your warranty or severely damage your hardware.

If you are unfamiliar with overclocking, we advise you to use OC Genie function for easy overclocking.

f Current CPU/ DRAM Frequency

These items show the current frequencies of installed CPU and Memory. Read-only.

f Adjust CPU FSB Frequency

Allows you to set the CPU FSB frequency (in MHz). You may overclock the CPU by adjusting this value. Please note that overclocking behavior and stability is not guaranteed.

f Adjust CPU Ratio [Auto]

Sets the CPU ratio that is used to determine CPU clock speed. This item can only be changed if the processor supports this function.

f Adjusted CPU Frequency

Shows the adjusted CPU frequency. Read-only.

f Adjust CPU-NB Ratio [Auto]

Sets the CPU-NB ratio that is used to determine CPU-NB clock speed.

f Adjusted CPU-NB Frequency

Shows the adjusted CPU frequency. Read-only.

f CPU Smart Protection [Enabled]

CPU Smart Protection is a mechanism of CPU overheating protection. It will automatically reduce the clock when the CPU temperature gets too high.

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BIOS Setup

f CPU Core Control [Auto]

This item allows you to select the number of active processor cores. When set to Auto, the CPU will operate under the default number of cores.

f DRAM Frequency [Auto]

Sets the DRAM frequency. Please note the overclocking behavior is not guaranteed.

f Adjusted DRAM Frequency

Shows the adjusted DRAM frequency. Read-only.

f DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]

Selects the memory timing mode. [Auto] DRAM timings will be determined based on SPD (Serial Presence

Detect) of installed memory modules.

[Link] Allows user to configure the DRAM timing manually for all

memorychannel.

[UnLink] Allows user to configure the DRAM timing manually for respective

memory channel.

f Advanced DRAM Conﬁguration

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. This sub-menu will be activated after setting Link or Unlink in DRAM Timing Mode. User can set the memory timing for each memory channel. The system may become unstable or unbootable after changing memory timing. If it occurs, please clear the CMOS data and restore the default settings. (Refer to the Clear CMOS jumper section to clear the CMOS data, and enter the BIOS to load the default settings.)

f HT Link Speed [Auto]

This item allows you to set the Hyper-Transport Link speed. When Auto, the system will detect the HT link speed automatically.

f Adjusted HT Link Frequency

It shows the adjusted HT Link frequency. Read-only.

f HT Link Control

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu.

fHT Incoming/ Outgoing Link Width

These items allow you to set the Hyper-Transport Link width. When Auto, the system will detect the HT link width automatically.

f Adjust PCI-E Frequency (MHz)

Sets the PCI Express frequency.

f Unlock CPU Core [Disabled]

This item is used to unlock the CPU core. Please refer to the procedures below for CPU core unlocked in BIOS setup.

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BIOS Setup

Success

Enter OC and set Unlock CPU Core to Enabled.

Save changes and exit the BIOS setup.

System restart.

You will see the X4 (quad core) or X2 (dual core for Sempron series only) during POST.

Fail

Set Adjust CPU-NB Ratio and HT Link Speed to [x8].

AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 Processor

Clear CMOS data.

The CPU does not support CPU core unlocking, please leave the default settings for system.

AMD Sempron(tm) II X2 Processor

Important

This CPU core unlocked behavior depends on the CPU ability/ characteristic, and it is not guaranteed.

Depend on CPU’s characteristic, once you get instable scenario, please restore the default settings for system.

You can also check the core numbers in performance tab of Windows task manager.

f XXX Voltages control [Auto]

These options allows you to set the voltages related to components. If set to Auto, BIOS will set these voltages automatically or you can set it manually.

f Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

This function reduces the EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) generated by modulating clock generator pulses.

[Enabled] Enables the spread spectrum function to reduce the EMI

(Electromagnetic Interference) problem.

[Disabled] Enhances the overclocking ability of CPU Base clock.

Important

If you do not have any EMI problem, leave the setting at [Disabled] for optimal system stability and performance. But if you are plagued by EMI, select the value of Spread Spectrum for EMI reduction.

The greater the Spread Spectrum value is, the greater the EMI is reduced, and the system will become less stable. For the most suitable Spread Spectrum value, please consult your local EMI regulation.

Remember to disable Spread Spectrum if you are overclocking because even a slight jitter can introduce a temporary boost in clock speed which may just cause your overclocked processor to lock up.

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BIOS Setup

f CPU Speciﬁcations

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. This sub-menu displays the information of installed CPU. You can also access this information menu at any time by pressing F4. Read only.

fCPU Technology Support

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. The sub-menu shows the key features of installed CPU. Read only.

f MEMORY-Z

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. This sub-menu displays all the settings and timings of installed memory. You can also access this information menu at any time by pressing F5.

fDIMMx Memory SPD

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. The sub-menu displays the information of installed memory. Read only.

f CPU Features

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu.

fAMD Cool’n’Quiet [Auto]

Enabled or disabled AMD Cool’n’Quiet function. [Auto] Depends on AMD Design. [Enable] Enables AMD Cool’n’Quiet function. The Cool’n’Quiet technology

can effectively and dynamically lower CPU speed and power

consumption. [Disabled] Disables this function.

Important

When adjusting CPU Ratio, the Cool’n’Quiet function will be disabled automatically. For CPU which supports the Turbo Core Tech., please set AMD Turbo Core Technology and AMD Cool’n’Quiet as Disabled to retain the default CPU core speed.

fC1E Support

Enables this item to reduce the CPU power consumption while idle. Not all processors support Enhanced Halt state (C1E).

fSVM Mode [Enabled]

Enables or disables CPU Virtualization. [Enabled] Enables CPU Virtualization and allows a platform to run multiple

operating systems in independent partitions. The system can

function as multiple systems virtually. [Disabled] Disables this function.

fIOMMU Mode

Enables/disables the IOMMU (I/O Memory Management Unit) for I/O Virtualization.

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BIOS Setup

M-FLASH

Important

M-Flash function allows you to update BIOS from USB flash disk (FAT32/ NTFS format only).

f Save BIOS to storage

Saves the current BIOS file to the USB flash disk. The USB flash disk drive should be in FAT32 format.

f Update BIOS

Selects a BIOS file in the USB flash disk (NTFS/ FAT32 format) to update the BIOS.

fSelect one file to update BIOS

Selects a BIOS ﬁle in the USB ﬂash disk (NTFS/ FAT32 format)

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BIOS Setup

OC PROFILE

f Overclocking Proﬁle 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6 management. Press Enter to enter the sub-menu.

fSet Name for Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Name the current overclocking proﬁle.

fSave Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Save the current overclocking proﬁle.

fLoad Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Load the current overclocking proﬁle.

fClear Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Clear the current overclocking profile.

f OC Proﬁle Save to USB

Save OC profile to the USB flash drive. The USB flash drive should be FAT/ FAT32 format only.

f OC Proﬁle Load from USB

Load OC profile from the USB flash drive. The USB flash drive should be FAT/ FAT32 format only.

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BIOS Setup

HARDWARE MONITOR

Temperature & Speed graphic display

Temperature & Speed information

Voltage display

Fan control field

f Temperature & Speed information

Shows the current CPU temperature, system temperature and fans' speeds.

f Temperature & Speed graphic display

The red graph shows the minimum and maximum temperatures that be set on the Fan control field. The yellow graph shows current CPU/ system temperature. The green

shows current CPU/ System fan speed.

f Fan control ﬁeld

Smart Fan Control automatically controls fan speed depending on the current CPU temperature and to keep it with a specific operating speed. When the current CPU temperature is over the maximum temperature, the CPU/ system fan will run at the maximum speed. When the current CPU temperature is under the minimum temperature, the CPU/ system fan will run at the minimum speed. In this field, you can set the CPU and system fans’ speeds and target temperatures.

Important

The changing will achieve after you save the changes and reboot the system.

f Voltage display

Shows the current voltages of CPU, system and memory.

Page 55

Software Description

Installing Windows® 7/ 8.1/ 10

1. Power on the computer.

2. Insert the Windows

7/ 8.1/ 10 disc into your optical drive.

3. Press the Restart button on the computer case.

4. Press F11 key during the computer POST (Power-On Self Test) to get into Boot

Menu.

Note: It is suggested to plug in your USB Keyboard/ USB Mouse to the leftmost USB port when installing Windows® 7.

5. Select your optical drive from the Boot Menu.

6. Press any key when screen shows Press any key to boot from CD or DVD...

message.

7. Follow the instructions on the screen to install Windows

7/ 8.1/ 10.

Installing Drivers

1. Start up your computer in Windows® 7/ 8.1/ 10.

2. Insert MSI

Driver Disc into your optical drive.

3. The installer will automatically appear and it will find and list all necessary

drivers.

4. Click Install button.

5. The software installation will then be in progress, after it has finished it will

prompt you to restart.

6. Click OK button to finish.

7. Restart your computer.

Installing Utilities

Before you install utilities, you must complete drivers installation.

1. Insert MSI

Driver Disc into your optical drive.

2. The installer will automatically appear.

3. Click Utilities tab.

4. Select the utilities you want to install.

5. Click Install button.

6. The utilities installation will then be in progress, after it has finished it will prompt

you to restart.

7. Click OK button to finish.

8. Restart your computer.

Page 56

Software Description

COMMAND CENTER

COMMAND CENTER is an user-friendly software and exclusively developed by MSI, helping users to adjust system settings and monitor status under OS. With the help of COMMAND CENTER, making it possible to achieve easier and efficient monitoring process and adjustments than that under BIOS. In addition, the COMMAND CENTER can be a server for mobile remote control application.

Feature Menu

CPU TemperatureSystem Information

Feature Title

Feature Control Panel

Previous Feature

Next Feature

Profile Buttons

Option Buttons

Page Indicator

Resize Corner

Profile Buttons

y Default - load the default values for the current feature. y Apply - apply your changes. y Save - store values in the file with individual file extension. y Load - load the values from the file.

Important

Every time you shut down the system, the configured setting will be restored to the factory default. If you want to use the saved settings, you have to load it every time by clicking the Load and Apply buttons.

CPU Frequency

CPU Frequency control panel allows you to change CPU Ratio and Base clock. You can see the current frequency of each CPU core on the top of the panel.

Page 57

Software Description

CPU Fan

CPU Fan control panel provides Smart mode and Manual Mode. You can switch the control mode by

clicking the Smart Mode and Manual Mode buttons on the top of the CPU Fan control panel.

y Manual Mode - allows you to manually control the

CPU fan speed by percentage.

y Smart Mode - a linear fan speed control feature.

The control panel contains 4 dots allows you to drag and adjust the Smart Speed slopes. The fan speed will be changed along these lines with CPU temperature. The white dot will create strip chart in real time.

y System Fan Button - to open the system fan

control panel in new window.

y Fan Tune Button - to automatically optimize the

smart fan setting.

Manual Mode

Smart Mode

IGP Frequency & GT Voltage

y IGP Frequency - Allows you to adjust the IGP ratio,

and shows the IGP clock, ratio and frequency.

y GT Voltage - Allows you to adjust the GT voltage.

The risky values are displayed in red.

DRAM Frequency & DRAM Voltage

y DRAM Frequency - Shows the DRAM clock, ratio

and frequency.

y DRAM Voltage - Allows you to adjust the DRAM

voltage. The risky values are displayed in red.

CPU Voltage

CPU Voltage control panel allows you to control the CPU voltage.

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Software Description

Option Buttons - Advanced

When click the Advanced button, The Voltage, Fan and DRAM icons will appear.

y Voltage - allows you to adjust advanced voltage values of CPU and chipset. y

Fan - allows you to control the system fans speed.

DRAM - shows the current Advanced DRAM parameters, and allows you to change the settings by selecting values from the drop-down menu on the right hand side.

Sensor - allows you to monitor your motherboard temperature and fan speed with the virtual thermal image. You can drag and drop the fan icons to new locations. When you press the Cooling button, all fans will run at full speed.

Option Buttons - Setting

When click the Setting button, The Record, Warning and Mobile Control icons will appear.

y Record - allows you to monitor the status of voltage, fan speed and temperature in

real time.

 To filter record charts, select the check box next to the items.  When click the Play button, the chart pane will start to show the recording chart.

If you want to check the value of a specific spot on chart, please move the orange vertical line to the spot.

 History Record stores the data and names with date and time.  To make a history record: Select items and click the Record button. When finished,

click the Record button again. The data will be stored in the drop-down menu.

 To load a record, click the drop-down menu and select one from the list.  To delete a record, select the record that you want to delete, and click the Trash

Can icon.

y Warning - contains fields of voltage, fan speed and temperature for you to set the

threshold values. When system detects the status over your settings, a warning message will pop-up.

Page 59

Software Description

y Mobile Control - is only available for the motherboard with the built-in WiFi module.

It allows you to enable/disable the COMMAND CENTER Remote Server. Please refer to the instruction on the Mobile Control control panel.

y To start remote control: (optional)

1. Download and install MSI

COMMAND CENTER APP to your mobile device.

2. Enable COMMAND CENTER Remote Server on the Mobile Control panel.

3. Enable SoftAP Management.

4. Enter SSID and Password, and then click the Apply button.

5. Activate Wi-Fi

on your mobile device and connect to SoftAP with the SSID.

6. Run MSI

COMMAND CENTER APP on your mobile device.

7. Find the IP address on the SoftAP Management Setting area, and enter the IP

address on your MSI

COMMAND CENTER APP to link your system.

8. Press Refresh on the MSI

COMMAND CENTER APP to verify that monitoring and

OC functions are working properly.

Option Buttons - Information

When click the Information button, The Motherboard, CPU, Memory and HW monitor icons will appear.

You can click the icons to open the related information.

Gadget Mode

COMMAND CENTER provides a gadget mode to monitor the system status. You can switch between gadget mode and full mode by clicking the arrow icon

on the top

left.

y To arrange gadgets:

1. Click the Spanner icon

on the Gadget mode,

a configuration panel will slide out.

2. Select the check box next to the items.

3. Click the Close button.

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Software Description

LIVE UPDATE 6

LIVE UPDATE 6 is an application for the MSI® system to scan and download the latest drivers, BIOS and utilities. With LIVE UPDATE 6, you don’t need to search the drivers on websites, and don’t need to know the models of motherboard and graphics cards. LIVE UPDATE 6 will download the appropriate drivers automatically.

Download Options

Download List

Scan / Download / Total Installer button

System Information

Last Scanned Date

There are Live Update, History, Setting and System Information tabs at the top. You can click the tab to switch the control panel.

y Live Update - When you launch LIVE UPDATE 6, you will see the Live update tab at

first. This tab allows you to select files to download. You can also read the relevant information by clicking the information icon

on the right of the item listed.

y History - shows the downloading history. y Setting - allows you to specify the frequency that LIVE UPDATE 6 remind you to

update.

y System Information - displays the information of the system.

Updating The System

This section describes how to update your system with LIVE UPDATE 6. Please follow the steps below:

1. Select the Live Update tab.

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Software Description

2. Choose Automatic scan, system will automatically scan all the items and search

for the latest update files. Or you can choose Manual scan and select the items you wish to scan.

3. Click the Scan button at the bottom. It may take several moments to complete the

process.

4. When the download list appears, please select the items you intend to update.

5. Click Download button at the bottom.

6. When Save Path prompt, you can specify a download directory.

7. When downloading you will see the screen below. It may take several moments to

complete the process.

8. To install the applications, simply unpack the packages and install.

Total Installer

Total Installer is a convenient feature to simplify frequent installing procedure. To use Total Installer:

1. Scan updates in Live Update tab.

2. Check the Select All check-box you intend to update.

3. Click the Total Installer button. LIVE UPDATE 6 will automatically install them.

4. When prompted, click OK to complete the Total Installer procedure

5. Reboot your system.

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Software Description

GAMING APP

GAMING APP is an application designed to quickly control your system for improving gaming performance.

Information Button

Setting Button

Control Mode Buttons

Gaming Function Buttons

CPU Frequency

GPU Frequency

Full Speed GPU Fan

Peripheral Device Function Buttons

Remote Control Setting

y Setting Button - allows you to run GAMING APP when Windows starts. y Information Button - shows the information of this application. y CPU Frequency - shows the current CPU frequency. y Control Mode Buttons

 OC Mode - enables Game Boost function to automatically overclock the CPU.  Gaming Mode - automatically optimize the CPU ratio and the GPU clock.  Silent Mode - reverts the CPU ratio and GPU clock to the default values.

y Gaming Function Buttons - allows you to use LED Effect, OSD, Eye Rest and Dragon

Eye functions. (Dragon Eye button only appear when the graphics card is installed)

y Peripheral Device Function Buttons - allows you to set the Gaming Hotkey, Mouse

Master and VR Ready functions.

y Remote Control Setting - is only available for the motherboard with the built-in

WiFi module or with an external WiFi home router. It allows you to set up a set of Name and Password to link the android device the motherboard. Please refer to the following instructions to complete the remote control setting.

1. Download and install the MSI

GAMING APP APP to your android device.

2. Set up a set of Name and the Password on the Remote Control Setting panel, and

then click the Apply button.

3. Activate Wi-Fi

on your android device and connect it to the wireless network of

the motherboard.

4. Run MSI

GAMING APP APP on your android device.

5. Press the Remote Control Setting icon on the MSI

GAMING APP APP to find the

paired device Name you set on the Remote Control Setting panel.

6. Enter the Password you set on the Remote Control Setting panel.0

7. Finally, you can use the MSI

GAMING APP APP to control the aspect of your

motherboard with the android device.

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Software Description

LED Effect

LED Effect allows you to control LED lights on your motherboard.

y All LED - controls all LEDs on your motherboard. y Each LED - separately controls each segment of LEDs on your motherboard.

 MB Extend LED - controls the extended RGB LED strip. Please follows the steps to

calibrate the RGB LED color.

1. Click on the

icon and a calibration pop-up window will show.

2. Click on the arrow icon to go to next step.

3. Click on the RED, GREEN and BLUE buttons separately to calibrate the LED

red, green and blue colors.

4. Click on the Finish to complete the RGB LED color calibration. y LED effects - switches LEDs on or off. y Styles - select the LED style from the drop-down list. y Music - flashes the LED light with music’s beat. It will only function with the music

output from analog audio ports.

y LED color - allows you change the LED color. y Apply Button - applies LED Effect settings to LEDs.

Important

The Stack, Marquee, Meteor, Rainbow and Music light effects can only support to sync all LEDs effect. If you want to control each segment of LEDs, please set the other LED effects.

OSD Setting Panel

Use the OSD setting panel to specify information within on-screen display (OSD).

y Apply Button - allows you to accept selections.

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Software Description

Eye Rest

Eye Rest allows you to optimize the display on your monitor.

y EyeRest - reduces blue-light of your LED backlit screen, in order to protect your

eyes.

y Gaming - automatically increase contrast ratio of your screen. y Movie - automatically increase dynamic contrast ratio of your screen. y Customize - allows you to adjust gamma, contrast and color balance for your

screen.

y Default - loads the default settings.

VR Ready

VR Ready can automatically detects VR devices connected to the system. When enabled, it can provide the right advice to make sure your system is VR Ready.

Applications

VR ON/ OFF

y VR ON/ OFF -enables or disables VR device support. y Applications - appears when you turn on the VR support. It allows you to close some

applications to optimize the system for better VR experience.

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Software Description

Gaming Hotkey

Gaming Hotkey provides instant control of the system through user defined hotkeys.

Categories Toggle

Hotkey Manager

Current Hotkeys

Gaming Hotkey ON/OFF

y Gaming Hotkey ON/OFF - allows you to turn ON/OFF the Gaming Hotkey function. y Categories Toggle - allows you to toggle over the Hotkey categories .

 Windows Keys - allows you to define hotkeys to replace Windows default keyboard

shortcuts.

 Login Keys - provides hotkey login function.  MSI Smart Keys - allows you to define hotkeys for MSI Smart Keys.

y Hotkey Manager - allows you to create, edit and delete hotkeys. y Current Hotkeys - shows all existing hotkeys.

Important

The Caps Lock, Num Lock, Scroll Lock, Window Home, Application and BackSpace keys can not be used as hot-keys.

Some key combinations are reserved for use by Microsoft Windows and can not be assigned as a hotkey.

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Software Description

Mouse Master

Mouse Master provides mouse macro function. You can also use it to change DPI of your mouse.

Delay Time

Macro Hot Key

DPI Hot Key

Test Area

Clear Button

Mouse Action

DPI Setting Default Button

Action List

Edit Buttons Load Button

Save Button

y Delay Time - allows you to input delay time and click the Add button to insert a

delay in the macro.

y Macro Hot Key - allows you to assign a hotkey from A to Z to activate the macro. y Mouse Action - assigns mouse actions to the macro.

 New - captures the mouse coordinate and add to the macro.  Left - add a left-click to the macro.  Middle - add a middle-click to the macro.  Left - add a left-click to the macro.

y Action List - shows the actions of the current macro. y Edit Buttons - there 3 buttons for editing the macro.

 Run - activates the macro.  Delete - removes the selected action from the macro.  Clear - removes all actions from the macro.

y Load Button - allows you to load a macro. y Save Button - allows you to save the macro to a file. y DPI Setting - allows you select the mouse DPI from the drop-down menu. y Default Button - reverts to the default DPI setting. y DPI Hot Key - allows you to assign a hotkey from A to Z to activate the DPI setting.

Please note that you muse hold the hotkey to keep the DPI setting. When you release the hotkey, the DPI setting will be reverted to default.

y Test Area - allows you to test the mouse movement. y Clear Button - clears the test area.

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Software Description

USB SPEED UP

Enabling USB SPEED UP can speed up the date transfer rates of the USB storage devices.

Display

Setting

On/ Off button

y Setting - enables or disables Run USB SPEED UP when windows starts.

Default setting is enabled

y On/ Off button - switches the USB SPEED UP on or off. y Display - displays the information and current transfer rates of USB storage devices.

Important

The improved transfer rate will vary with the USB storage devices.

Page 68

Software Description

GAMING LAN MANAGER

GAMING LAN MANAGER is an utility for traffic shaping for the Windows 7/ 8.1/ 10. It can keep your internet fast during heavy upload/ download and improve your ping for online games. If your motherboard has a Wi-Fi module, GAMING LAN MANAGER provides virtual access point function for traffic shaping for your mobile devices.

y Applications - displays currently using network bandwidth applications. You can

prioritize Games, Medias or File sharing programs as high as possible.

y Performance - shows top 5 applications by total trafﬁc, allows you to monitor

network bandwidth usage.

y Network Test - allows you to setup bandwidth control. y Advanced Setting - allows you to expand RWIN to accelerate download speed. You

can also block IP address and setup virtual access point.

y Information - shows version information.

Configuring Bandwidth

This section describes how to configure Internet Provider Speed. You can configure default internet upload and download bandwidth from the Network Test tab on the GAMING LAN MANAGER window.

Important

Before using the GAMING LAN MANAGER for the first time, you should use the Test Network Speed button which runs a speed test of your current total Internet bandwidth delivered through your Internet service provider.

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Software Description

Spe ed Testing

The speed testing is used to optimize bandwidth usage. To test the Upload and Download speed, please follow the steps below:

1. Click the Network Test block in GAMING LAN MANAGER.

2. Click Test Network Speed button. The test takes several minutes to test your

network speed.

3. Enter the testing results into Upload Speed and Download Speed fields.

4. Check the Enable Bandwidth Control to allow the GAMING LAN MANAGER to

manage the bandwidth.

Page 70

Software Description

Nahimic 2

Nahimic 2 is designed to offer the best audio experience it contains 6 audio effects, 3 microphone effects, HD Audio Recorder2 and Sound Tracker.

Installation and Update

Nahimic 2 is included in the audio driver. If you need to install it or update it, please use the Driver Disc with your motherboard or download the driver from MSI’s official website.

Audio Tab

From this tab, you can access all of Nahimic 2’s audio effects, audio profiles and settings.

Profiles

Audio Effects

Reset Button

EQ Profile Page

On/Off Button

Display & Volume

Mute

Device

properties

y Display & Volume - displays the type of audio rendering device currently being used

as output, as well as its current volume.

 Mute - mutes the current audio output device.  Device properties - allows you to change the format, sample rate, bit rate and the

channel gain of the current device (if these options are available for the current device). Clicks on this button and a device properties panel will show.

y Profiles - allows you to adjust the 6 audio effects to your current listening

experience.

 Gaming - allows you to choose an audio profile to fit your gaming experience.  Multimedia - allows you to choose an audio profile to fit your everyday experience.

y Audio Effects - allows you to separately control any of the 6 audio effects.

 Bass Boost - increases the energy in low frequencies up to +12 dB.  Virtual Surround

 Gaming and Movies - virtualizes the multichannel audio stream and downmixes

it in order to retrieve a multichannel listening experience over your stereo headphones or speakers.

 Music - expands the stereo for a wider sound stage.

 Reverb - increases the feeling of space by applying different types of reverbs

corresponding to different room sizes.

 Treble Enhancer - Increases the energy in high frequencies up to +12 dB.

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Software Description

 Smart Loudness - maintains a constant volume for all elements of the audio

experience to making them all sound softer, balanced or louder.

 Voice Clarity - boosts the speech in movies, video games and incoming

communication from +0 through +12 dB (0 to 100%).

y Reset Button - restores the current profile to its default values. y On/Off Button - allows you to turn on and off all Nahimic 2’s effects in one click. y EQ Profile Page - by clicking the arrow button, you can also access a second page

that contains the x10 bands EQ and EQ profiles.

EQ Profiles

Custom EQ Profile

x10 bands EQ

 EQ Profiles - allows you to choose between 6 EQ profiles to fit your audio

experience

 Custom EQ Profile - you can change the x10 bands of the Custom EQ profile so as

to make it fit your current needs.

 x10 bands EQ - x10 bands EQ, from 32Hz to 16KHz.

Microphone Tab

From this tab, you can access all of Nahimic 2’s microphone effects and settings.

Microphone Loopback

Microphone Effects

Display &

Volume

Mute

Device

properties

y Display & Volume - displays the type of audio recording device currently being used

as input, as well as its current volume.

 Mute - mutes the current device.

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Software Description

 Device properties - allows you to boost the volume and modify the left/ right

balance of microphone. Clicks on this button and a device properties panel will show.

y Microphone Loopback - turns the microphone loopback On/Off. In order to avoid any

feedback (Larsen effect).

y Microphone Effects - allows you to separately control any of the 3 microphone

effects.

 Voice Shaper - applies a filter to the voice.  Voice Leveler - levels the volume of your voice in order to avoid any saturation and

maintains a constant and clear communication. Voice Leveler can be adjusted with a 0 to 100% slider.

 Noise Reduction - removes the remaining sound that the Noise Gate has left on

top of your words and sentences.

HD Audio Recorder 2

From this tab, you can access the audio launchpad and HD Audio Recorder 2 settings.

Audio

Launchpad

effects

Control page

Pad

Properties

y Audio Launchpad effects - allows streamers to use prerecorded sounds during a

livestream. These sounds can also be heard by viewers. This tool will allow you to create your true audio identity. That way, your livestreams will be more personal and animated. The Audio Launchpad is one of the fresh new features of Nahimic 2. As it’s a feature designed for broadcasters, we included it in the HD Audio Recorder 2 page.

 Pad Properties - every pad can be customized by clicking the properties button

that will appear in its bottom right when hovering over it with your mouse. On the Pad Properties panel you can choose:

 The sound assigned to each pad.  The keyboard hotkey assigned to each pad.  The color assigned to each pad.

 Config 1, 2 & 3 - allows you to prepare 3 completely different configurations so

as to adapt the Launchpad to the content you are streaming. Each configuration has 6 customizable pads. The 3 configurations are independent, meaning Config 1 cannot be used at the same time than Config 3.

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Software Description

y Control Page - by clicking the arrow button, you can access the control page.

 Audio Launchpad ON/OFF - switches the Audio Launchpad on or off.  HD Audio Recorder 2 - The HD Audio Recorder 2 is, by default, automatically

launched when a XSplit Gamecaster 2 recording session is detected. The launch of the HD Audio Recorder 2 enables HD audio processing over an XSplit Gamecaster 2 recording without any need for adjustments. The HD Audio Recorder supports XSplit Gamecaster 2.

 Pop-up message ON/OFF - switches the pop-up message on or off.

Sound Tracker

The Sound Tracker is an FPS oriented feature that provides a visual indication localizing the source of the strongest sound while in a game. The Sound Tracker captions the 5.1 and 7.1 sound streams processed by your audio system, and is displayed in all applications and games using DirectX 9, 9c, 10 and 11. Please remember Sound Tracker is only available if you are using an audio device that supports Nahimic 2 effects.

Sound Tracker Effects

 ON / OFF button and hotkey - switches the Sound Tracker on or off.  Hotkey - use the CTRL + SHIFT + S to turn ON / OFF the Sound Tracker.  7.1 Audio Test - launch a 7.1 audio sample allowing you to preview how the radar

will react in your game.

 Transparency - allows you to adjust the transparency of the Sound Tracker,

making it look more or less discrete.

 Scale - allows you to adjust the scale of the Sound Tracker, making it look bigger

or smaller.

Page 74

Software Description

SteelSeries Engine 3

SteelSeries Engine 3 is a unified platform built to support all of SteelSeries products. It can deploy your saved device settings automatically when switching between your favorite games or applications.

After installation the SteelSeries Engine background processes will start and the interface will open automatically.

My Gear

Library

Device Cards

Application

Configuration

y My Gear - all of your SteelSeries devices in one place.

 Device Cards - all of your SteelSeries devices are easily accessible from the My

Gear tab, regardless of type, connection status, or which applications they are assigned to.

y Library - quickly set up your configurations to autolaunch with an application.

 Application Configuration - you can choose to have configurations deploy

automatically whenever you use a specific game or application. Add any number of applications to your library and SteelSeries Engine 3 will seamlessly change the configurations of your devices as you switch between them.

Configuration Windows

Configuration Windows are unique to their devices and each of them includes a collapsible Configuration List Panel of all the configurations for that device. You can create a new configuration by selecting the New button at the bottom of the Configuration List Panel.

Configuration

Windows

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Software Description

Configuring Your Devices

You can custom configurations for SteelSeries devices in their Configuration Windows. The top left displays the name of the configuration you are viewing, the body features widgets for customizing various functions of the device, and at the bottom are Save/ Revert buttons, a Live Preview toggle, and a button to open/close the collapsible Configuration List Panel.

Configuration Windows Toggle

Widgets ToggleWidgets Widgets

Live Preview Revert/ Save Button

y Widgets - allow you to customize a certain aspect of your device. y Widgets Toggle - allows you to toggle Widgets . y Configuration Windows Toggle - allows you to toggle the Configuration Windows. y Live Preview - gives you the full experience of your configuration’s look, feel, and

sound while you are editing it.

y Revert/ Save Button - configuration changes are not written to the database until

you select Save. This gives you freedom to experiment, knowing that you can select

Revert to undo changes.

Tool Tip

When you click the question mark next to a feature name on the panel, a tooltip will show, describing the particular function of that item.

Question Mark

Page 76

Software Description

DRAGON EYE

DRAGON EYE is an application allows you to watch a game guide, tutorial, live match or tournament stream while playing a game. In the game, you can use hotkeys to control / adjust the window of video.

Help

Size Settings Position Settings

Transparency Settings

Hotkeys Information

On / Off Switch

Video List

y On / Off Switch - enables or disables Dragon Eye during your gaming sessions.

Switch it on before you launch the game in order to watch video while playing.

y Video List - allows you to select the video you want to watch, and also add videos or

channels to the list. You simply paste the URL of your video or stream into the input bar and hit the +. Then your video or stream will be in the list and you can select it to view it with Dragon Eye.

y Size Settings - allows you to select the size of the Dragon Eye video content

displayed on-screen when you’re playing a game. There are three options available:

 WQVGA (Small – 400×240)  HVGAW (Medium – 640×360)  WVGA (Large – 768×480)

y Position Settings - allows you to select where the Dragon Eye video needs to be

displayed on screen. This way you can control where you want your video in-game, so you can place it on a place where no important game information is.

y Help - If you want to watch the video tutorial for Dragon Eye or want to see if your

game is supported, press this button and the help window will be shown.

y Transparency Settings - allows you to set the transparency of your Dragon Eye

video.

 0 = opaque | 100 = transparent.

y Hotkeys Information - In this information screen you can find the hotkeys for

Dragon Eye. There are three hotkeys:

 Alt+F9 - switches mouse focus between video window and game itself. (Direct

interface to adjust progress bar, volume and other settings of video during the game)

 Alt+F10 - turns on/off video window .  Alt+F11 - adjusts transparency of video clip.

NOTE: To customize hotkey, simply select the hotkey icon and then press the keys combination you want to use as a hotkey.

Page 77

RAID Conﬁguration

RAID Configuration

Below are the different types of a RAID. RAID 0 breaks the data into blocks which are written to separate hard drives.

Spreading the hard drive I/O load across independent channels greatly improves I/O performance.

RAID 1 provides data redundancy by mirroring data between the hard drives and

provides enhanced read performance.

RAID 5 provides data striping at the byte level and also stripe error correction

information. This results in excellent performance and good fault tolerance.

RAID 10 uses four hard drives to create a combination of RAID 0 and 1 by forming a

RAID 0 array from two RAID 1 arrays.

RAID level comparison

RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 RAID 10

Minimum # drives 2 2 3 4 Data protection None Excellent Excellent Excellent Read performance Excellent OK Good OK Write performance Excellent Good OK Good Capacity utilization 100% 50% 67%~(1-1/n) 50%

Using RAID Option ROM

First, you need to set the SATA mode to RAID in BIOS to create and delete RAID volumes. To enter the RAID Option ROM, reboot and press Ctrl + F keys to enter the RAID Option ROM during the POST, the following window will appear.

Page 78

RAID Conﬁguration

View Drives Assignments

This window displays the model number, capacities and assignment of the drives physically attached to the SATA host adapter.

Page 79

RAID Conﬁguration

LD View / LD Define Menu (Creating RAID)

The selection of the RAID configuration should be based upon factors including performance, data security, and the number of drives available. It is best to carefully consider the long-term role of the system and plan the data storage strategy. RAID sets can be created either automatically, or to allow the greatest flexibility, manually.

1. Press 2 on the Main Menu screen to enter the LD View Menu.

2. And then press Ctrl + C keys to enter the LD Define Menu. Use the space key to

choose a RAID mode (RAID 0/ 1/ 10/ 5) and use the arrow key to move to the Drives Assignments window.

 Stripe Block Size, the default 64KB is best for most applications. RAID 0 or 10 only.  Gigabyte Boundary, allows use of slightly smaller replacement drives.

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RAID Conﬁguration

3. On the Drives Assignments window, use the arrow key to choose the hard

drives which you want to make part of the LD, use the space key to change the assignment to Y. Then press Ctrl + Y to save the configuration.

4. A message will show, press Ctrl + Y to input a LD name as your desire or press any

key to save default LD name.

5. Another message will show, press Ctrl + Y if you are sure to erase the MBR data of

the disk. Or press any key to ignore this option.

6. The message will show up on the bottom, press any key to use maximum capacity

or press Ctrl + Y to modify array capacity manually.

Important

The default capacity is the full capacity of the selected hard drives.

If you allocate the first LD capacity manually, you can create second LD with remaining capacity of the selected hard drives.

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RAID Conﬁguration

7. The LD creation is done, the screen shows the LD information as below. Press ESC

key to the main screen.

8. Press ESC key to exit the utility, a message System is going to REBOOT! Are You

Sure? will display, answer Y to exit it and the system will reboot.

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RAID Conﬁguration

Delete LD Menu (Deleting RAID)

1. Press 3 on the main to enter the Delete LD Menu.

2. Choose a LD No. you want to delete and press Del or Alt + D delete the RAID set.

3. On the next screen, a message will display to inform you, press Ctrl + Y to delete

the RAID set or other key to abort it. Press Ctrl + Y to complete the deletion.

Page 83

RAID Conﬁguration

Installing RAID Driver

New Operating System Installation

The following details the installation of the drivers while installing operating system.

1. During the operating system installation, after selecting the location to install

Windows click on Load Driver button to install a third party RAID driver.

2. When prompted, insert the AMD RAID Driver disk (optical drive or USB) and press

Enter.

Important

Please follow the instruction below to make an AMD® RAID Driver for yourself.

Insert the MSI Driver Disc into the optical drive.

Click the Browse CD on the Setup screen.

Copy all the contents in \\Chipset\WIN7\Packages\Drivers\SBDrv\SB9xx\RAID

The driver diskette for AMD® RAID Controller is done.

3. You should be shown a list of available SCSI Adapters.

4. Select the appropriate RAID controller and press ENTER.

5. The next screen should confirm that you have selected the RAID controller. Press

ENTER again to continue.

6. You have successfully installed the RAID driver, and Windows setup should

continue.

7. Leave the disk/ USB drive in the computer until the system reboots itself. Windows

setup will need to copy the files after the RAID volume is formatted, and Windows setup starts copying files.

Existing Windows Driver Installation

1. Insert the MSI Driver Disc into the optical drive.

2. The Disc will auto-run and the setup screen will appear.

3. Under the Driver tab, click on AMD chipset drivers by your need. The AMD chipset

drivers includes RAID Driver.

4. The drivers will be automatically installed.

Confirming Windows Driver Installation

1. From Windows, open the Control Panel from My Computer followed by the System

icon.

2. Choose the Hardware tab, then click the Device Manager tab.

3. Click the + in front of the RAID Controllers hardware type. The driver AMD RAID

Controller should appear.

Page 84

RAID Conﬁguration

Installing Operating System on 2.2TB RAID

If you plan to install 64bit operating system on a RAID volume greater than 2.2TB, you can only manually create and load the RAID array in EFI shell.

WARNING

Create raid array will erase all the data stored on hard drives! Make sure to back up your files! There is no way to reverse the process!

The following describes an example of how to install Windows 7/ 8 64bit on a RAID 0 volume greater than 2.2TB.

1. Access BIOS > SETTING > Advanced > Integrated Peripherals submenu.

2. Set the SATA Mode option to RAID Mode.

3. Set the Board SATA RAID ROM option to UEFI DRIVER.

4. Save and then reboot. Press F11 while system booting to access boot device

selecting menu.

5. Select UEFI: Built-in EFI Shell to access the EFI Shell environment.

6. Type drvcfg at the EFI shell prompt, it will show values of current configurable

items.

Shell> drvcfg

Conﬁgurable Components Drv[40] Ctrl[B2] Lang[eng]

7. Refer to the value in [Drv] and [Ctrl], Type example drvcfg -s 40 b2.

Shell> drvcfg -s 40 b2

8. The RAID ROM will be loaded.

Page 85

RAID Conﬁguration

9. Delete all logical drivers by selecting Logical Driver Main Menu > Logical Driver

Delete Menu.

+ Logical Drive Main Menu

+ Logical Drive List Menu + Logical Drive Create Menu

+ Logical Drive Delete Menu

10. Make sure there are not any logical drivers (as shown below).

+ Logical Drive Delete Menu

- <Not Found Any Logical Drive>

11. Back to Logical Driver Main Menu and select Logical Driver Create Menu.

+ Logical Drive Main Menu

+ Logical Drive List Menu

+ Logical Drive Create Menu

+ Logical Drive Delete Menu

12. Select Usable Physical Drive List.

+ Logical Drive Create Menu

+ Usable Physical Drive List

+ Basic Setting

- Raid Mode : <RAID 0>

- Stripe Block (KB) : <64>

- Initialization : <Fast>

- Gigabyte Boundary : <Enable>

- Read Policy : <Read Ahead>

- Write Policy : <Write Back>

- Ld Name : _

+ Ld Size Setting

13. Choose RAID member disks by pressing arrow key and space key.

+ Logical Drive Create Menu

- Hxxxxxx HD12345678 | 1500.30 GB [x]

- Wxx HD34567890 | 3000.59 GB [x]

Page 86

RAID Conﬁguration

14. Back to Logical Driver Main Menu and fill Ld Name.

+ Logical Drive Create Menu

+ Usable Physical Drive List

+ Basic Setting

- Raid Mode : <RAID 0>

- Stripe Block (KB) : <64>

- Initialization : <Fast>

- Gigabyte Boundary : <Enable>

- Read Policy : <Read Ahead>

- Write Policy : <Write Back>

- Ld Name : raidsys_

+ Ld Size Setting

15. Select Ld Size Setting > Start to Create.

+ Logical Drive Create Menu

+ Usable Physical Drive List

+ Basic Setting

- Raid Mode : <RAID 0>

- Stripe Block (KB) : <64>

- Initialization : <Fast>

- Gigabyte Boundary : <Enable>

- Read Policy : <Read Ahead>

- Write Policy : <Write Back>

- Ld Name : raidsys_

+ Ld Size Setting

- Ld Max Size : 3000.60 GB

- Ld Size (GB) : [0]

+ Start To Create

16. When prompt Are You Sure To Create Logical Drive? press Enter to confirm it.

Are You Sure To Create Logical Drive? ‘Enter’ Key - YES / ‘Esc’ Key -NO

Page 87

RAID Conﬁguration

17. When prompt Successful To Create Logical Drive press Enter to continue.

Successful To Create Logical Drive ‘Enter’ Key - Continue

18. Exit RAID ROM by pressing F10. When prompt Are you Sure To Exit press Y.

Are You Sure To Exit? ( y / n )

19. After exiting RAID ROM, system will prompt you to restart computer (shown as

below). Insert Windows 7/ 8 64bit DVD into the DVD drive. Press Enter to reboot.

Drv[40] Ctrl[B2] Lang[eng] - Options Set.

Press [ENTER] to restart platform

20. Press F11 while system booting to access boot device selecting menu.

21. Select DVD drive that contain Windows 7/ 8 64bit DVD. System will start the

Windows 7/ 8 64bit installation by booting from the Windows 7/ 8 64bit DVD.

22. When require HDD driver, insert a USB flash drive that contain AMD RAID driver

into a USB 2.0 port (not USB 3.0 port) and click Browse.

Important

You can find the AMD RAID driver from MSI Driver Disc. The path is \\Chipset\WIN7\Packages\Drivers\SBDrv\SB9xx\RAID Please copy all the files in the folder to a USB flash drive.

Page 88

RAID Conﬁguration

23. Select Removable Disk from Browse for Folder dialog then click OK.

24. Install AMD AHCI Compatible RAID Controller.

25. Windows 7/ 8 64bit can find the RAID volume now. Please continue the installing

procedure.

Page 89

Troubleshooting

Before sending the motherboard for RMA repair, try to go over troubleshooting guide first to see if your got similar symptoms as mentioned below.

The power is not on.

y Connect the AC power cord to an

electrical outlet securely.

y Check if all ATX power connectors

like ATX_PWR1, CPU_PWR1 is connected from the power supply to the motherboard?

y Some power supply units have a power

button on the rear side, make sure the button is turned on.

y Check if the power switch cable is

connected to JFP1 pin header properly.

y Verify the Clear CMOS jumper JBAT1 is

set to Keep DATA.

y Test with another known working

power supply of equal or greater wattage.

The power is on, but no signal to monitor

y Connect the monitor power cord to a

electrical outlet securely.

y Make sure the monitor is turned on. y Select different inputs on the monitor. y If 3 long beeps are heard, remove all

memory modules and try to install only

one memory module in the DIMMA1

slot first and then restart the computer.

y If 1 long 2 short beeps are heard,

remove and reinstall the graphics card

and then restart the computer.

y Test with another known working

graphics card.

The computer does not boot after updating the BIOS

y Clear the CMOS. y Use the secondary BIOS to bootup the

system (Only for motherboard with

Dual BIOS)

Lost BIOS password

y Clear the CMOS, but that will cause

you to lose all customized settings in the BIOS.

There is no audio

y Adjust the volume. y Connect the speakers/headphones to

audio ports on the motherboard rear IO panel.

y Remove secondary speakers/

headphones, HDMI cables, USB audio devices.

y Test with another known working

speaker or headphone.

There is no network

y Make sure the network chipset driver

has been installed.

y Verify if the network cable is properly

connected and make sure the LAN port

LEDs are properly illuminated.

y Verify your TCP/IP settings. y Restart or reset your router. y Test with another known working LAN

cable.

The USB device is not working

y Make sure your USB drive driver has

been installed.

y Verify if USB device is listed in

Windows

Device Manager.

y Connect the USB device to other USB

port on the motherboard rear IO panel.

Page 90

Regulatory Notices

FCC Compliance Statement

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

y Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. y Increase the separation between the equipment

and receiver.

y Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit

different from that to which the receiver is connected.

y Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help. Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Tested to comply with FCC standards FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

CE Conformity

Hereby, Micro-Star International CO., LTD declares that this device is in compliance

with the essential safety requirements and other relevant provisions set out in the European Directive.

Battery Information

European Union:

Taiwan:

Batteries, battery packs, and accumulators should not be disposed of as unsorted household waste. Please use the public collection system to return, recycle, or treat them in compliance with the local regulations.

For better environmental protection, waste batteries should be collected separately for recycling or special disposal.

California, USA:

The button cell battery may contain perchlorate material and requires special handling when recycled or disposed of in California.

CAUTION: There is a risk of explosion, if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.

Chemical Substances Inform

ation

In compliance with chemical substances regulations, such as the EU REACH Regulation (Regulation EC No. 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and the Council), MSI provides the information of chemical substances in products.

Regulatory Notices

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Statement

ENGLISH To protect the global environment and as an environmentalist, MSI must remind you that... Under the European Union (“EU”) Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Directive 2002/96/ EC, which takes effect on August 13, 2005, products of “electrical and electronic equipment” cannot be discarded as municipal wastes anymore, and manufacturers of covered electronic equipment will be obligated to take back such products at the end of their useful life. MSI will comply with the product take back requirements at the end of life of MSI-branded products that are sold into the EU. You can return these products to local collection points.