MSI A88XM GAMING User Manual

A88XM GAMING

Motherboard

G52-79031X1

Preface

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Copyright Notice

The material in this document is the intellectual property of MICRO-STAR
INTERNATIONAL. We take every care in the preparation of this document, but no
guarantee is given as to the correctness of its contents. Our products are under
continual improvement and we reserve the right to make changes without notice.

Trademarks

All trademarks in this manual are properties of their respective owners.

MSI® is registered trademark of Micro-Star Int’l Co.,Ltd.
NVIDIA® is registered trademark of NVIDIA Corporation.
ATI® is registered trademark of AMD Corporation.
AMD® is registered trademarks of AMD Corporation.
Intel® is registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Windows® is registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
AMI® is registered trademark of American Megatrends Inc.
Award® is a registered trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
Sound Blaster® is registered trademark of Creative Technology Ltd.
Realtek® is registered trademark of Realtek Semiconductor Corporation.
JMicron® is registered trademark of JMicron Technology Corporation.
Netware® is registered trademark of Novell, Inc.
Lucid® is trademark of LucidLogix Technologies, Ltd.
VIA® is registered trademark of VIA Technologies, Inc.
ASMedia® is registered trademark of ASMedia Technology Inc.
iPad, iPhone, and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc.
Qualcomm Atheros and Killer are trademarks of Qualcomm Atheros Inc.

Revision History

Revision Revision History Date
V1.0 First release 2014/ 01

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Smartphone Application

MSI+ is a smart web gadget that works as a shopping navigator and
provides specs comparison for IT buyers. With a simple tap of the
smartphone, you'll e󰘲ciently locate your ideal products from a wide
variety of choices and, if product details are required, you may easily
download user manuals within minutes. Better yet, the power calculator
provides accurate estimates of power unit capacity for DIY users.

Technical Support

If a problem arises with your system and no solution can be obtained from the user’s
manual, please contact your place of purchase or local distributor. Alternatively,
please try the following help resources for further guidance.

Visit the MSI website for technical guide, BIOS
updates, driver updates, and other information:

http://www.msi.com/service/download/

Contact our technical sta󰘯 at:

http://register.msi.com/

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Safety Instructions

Always read the safety instructions carefully.
Keep this User’s Manual for future reference.
Keep this equipment away from humidity.
Lay this equipment on a reliable 󰘱at surface before setting it up.
The openings on the enclosure are for air convection hence protects the equipment

from overheating. DO NOT COVER THE OPENINGS.
Make sure the voltage of the power source is at 110/220V before connecting the

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

anything over the power cord.
Always Unplug the Power Cord before inserting any add-on card or module.
All cautions and warnings on the equipment should be noted.
Never pour any liquid into the opening that can cause damage or cause electrical

shock.
If any of the following situations arises, get the equipment checked by service

personnel:

The power cord or plug is damaged.
Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.
The equipment has been exposed to moisture.
The equipment does not work well or you can not get it work according to

User’s Manual.
The equipment has been dropped and damaged.
The equipment has obvious sign of breakage.

DO NOT LEAVE THIS EQUIPMENT IN AN ENVIRONMENT ABOVE 60oC (140oF),
IT MAY DAMAGE THE EQUIPMENT.

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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.

FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement

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 o󰘯
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
measures listed below.

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit di󰘯erent from that to which

the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.
Notice 1
The changes or modi󰘰cations not expressly approved by the party responsible for

compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Notice 2
Shielded interface cables and A.C. power cord, if any, must be used in order to comply

with the emission limits.
VOIR LA NOTICE D’INSTALLATION AVANT DE RACCORDER AU RESEAU.

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This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:

this device may not cause harmful interference, and
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may

cause undesired operation.

1)

2)

Micro-Star International

MS-7903

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Radiation Exposure Statement

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. This equipment and its antenna should be installed and
operated with minimum distance 20 cm between the radiator and your body. This
equipment and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any
other antenna or transmitter.

European Community Compliance Statement

The equipment complies with the RF Exposure Requirement 1999/519/EC, Council
Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public
to electromagnetic 󰘰elds (0–300GHz). This wireless device complies with the R&TTE
Directive.

Taiwan Wireless Statements

無線設備警告聲明
經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司、商號或使用者均不得擅自變更頻

率、加大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。
低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現有干擾現象時，應立

即停用，並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。前項合法通信，指依電信法規定作業之無線
電通信。低功率射頻電機須忍受合法通信或工業、科學及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之
干擾。

警告使用者:這是甲類資訊產品，在居住的環境中使用時，可能會造成無線電干擾，在
這種情況下，使用者會被要求採取某些適當的對策。

Japan VCCI Class B Statement

クラス B 情報技術装置
この装置は、情報技術装置等電波障害自主規制協議会（VCCI）の基準に基づくクラ

スB情報技術装置です。この装置が家庭内でラジオやテレビジョン受信機に近接して
使われると、受信障害を引き起こすことがあります。取扱説明書にしたがって正しい
取り扱いをしてください。

Korea Warning Statements

당해 무선설비는 운용중 전파혼신 가능성이 있음

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California, USA:
The button cell battery may contain perchlorate material and requires

special handling when recycled or disposed of in California.
For further information please visit:
http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate/

Taiwan:
For better environmental protection, waste batteries should be collected

separately for recycling or special disposal.

廢電池請回收

European Union:
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.

Battery Information

Chemical Substances Information

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 at:

http://www.msi.com/html/popup/csr/evmtprtt_pcm.html

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

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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 e󰘯ect 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.

DEUTSCH

Hinweis von MSI zur Erhaltung und Schutz unserer Umwelt
Gemäß der Richtlinie 2002/96/EG über Elektro- und Elektronik-Altgeräte dürfen

Elektro- und Elektronik-Altgeräte nicht mehr als kommunale Abfälle entsorgt werden.
MSI hat europaweit verschiedene Sammel- und Recyclingunternehmen beauftragt,
die in die Europäische Union in Verkehr gebrachten Produkte, am Ende seines
Lebenszyklus zurückzunehmen. Bitte entsorgen Sie dieses Produkt zum gegebenen
Zeitpunkt ausschliesslich an einer lokalen Altgerätesammelstelle in Ihrer Nähe.

FRANÇAIS

En tant qu’écologiste et a󰘰n de protéger l’environnement, MSI tient à rappeler ceci...
Au sujet de la directive européenne (EU) relative aux déchets des équipement

électriques et électroniques, directive 2002/96/EC, prenant e󰘯et le 13 août 2005,
que les produits électriques et électroniques ne peuvent être déposés dans les
décharges ou tout simplement mis à la poubelle. Les fabricants de ces équipements
seront obligés de récupérer certains produits en 󰘰n de vie. MSI prendra en compte
cette exigence relative au retour des produits en 󰘰n de vie au sein de la communauté
européenne. Par conséquent vous pouvez retourner localement ces matériels dans
les points de collecte.

РУССКИЙ

Компания MSI предпринимает активные действия по защите окружающей среды,

поэтому напоминаем вам, что....

В соответствии с директивой Европейского Союза (ЕС) по предотвращению
загрязнения окружающей среды использованным электрическим и электронным
оборудованием (директива WEEE 2002/96/EC), вступающей в силу 13
августа 2005 года, изделия, относящиеся к электрическому и электронному
оборудованию, не могут рассматриваться как бытовой мусор, поэтому
производители вышеперечисленного электронного оборудования обязаны
принимать его для переработки по окончании срока службы. MSI обязуется
соблюдать требования по приему продукции, проданной под маркой MSI на
территории EC, в переработку по окончании срока службы. Вы можете вернуть
эти изделия в специализированные пункты приема.

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ESPAÑOL

MSI como empresa comprometida con la protección del medio ambiente, recomienda:
Bajo la directiva 2002/96/EC de la Unión Europea en materia de desechos y/o

equipos electrónicos, con fecha de rigor desde el 13 de agosto de 2005, los productos
clasi󰘰cados como “eléctricos y equipos electrónicos” no pueden ser depositados en
los contenedores habituales de su municipio, los fabricantes de equipos electrónicos,
están obligados a hacerse cargo de dichos productos al termino de su período de
vida. MSI estará comprometido con los términos de recogida de sus productos
vendidos en la Unión Europea al 󰘰nal de su periodo de vida. Usted debe depositar
estos productos en el punto limpio establecido por el ayuntamiento de su localidad o
entregar a una empresa autorizada para la recogida de estos residuos.

NEDERLANDS

Om het milieu te beschermen, wil MSI u eraan herinneren dat….
De richtlijn van de Europese Unie (EU) met betrekking tot Vervuiling van Electrische

en Electronische producten (2002/96/EC), die op 13 Augustus 2005 in zal gaan
kunnen niet meer beschouwd worden als vervuiling. Fabrikanten van dit soort
producten worden verplicht om producten retour te nemen aan het eind van hun
levenscyclus. MSI zal overeenkomstig de richtlijn handelen voor de producten
die de merknaam MSI dragen en verkocht zijn in de EU. Deze goederen kunnen
geretourneerd worden op lokale inzamelingspunten.

SRPSKI

Da bi zaštitili prirodnu sredinu, i kao preduzeće koje vodi računa o okolini i prirodnoj
sredini, MSI mora da vas podesti da…

Po Direktivi Evropske unije (“EU”) o odbačenoj ekektronskoj i električnoj opremi,
Direktiva 2002/96/EC, koja stupa na snagu od 13. Avgusta 2005, proizvodi koji
spadaju pod “elektronsku i električnu opremu” ne mogu više biti odbačeni kao običan
otpad i proizvođači ove opreme biće prinuđeni da uzmu natrag ove proizvode na kraju
njihovog uobičajenog veka trajanja. MSI će poštovati zahtev o preuzimanju ovakvih
proizvoda kojima je istekao vek trajanja, koji imaju MSI oznaku i koji su prodati u EU.
Ove proizvode možete vratiti na lokalnim mestima za prikupljanje.

POLSKI

Aby chronić nasze środowisko naturalne oraz jako 󰘰rma dbająca o ekologię, MSI
przypomina, że...

Zgodnie z Dyrektywą Unii Europejskiej (“UE”) dotyczącą odpadów produktów
elektrycznych i elektronicznych (Dyrektywa 2002/96/EC), która wchodzi w życie 13
sierpnia 2005, tzw. “produkty oraz wyposażenie elektryczne i elektroniczne “ nie
mogą być traktowane jako śmieci komunalne, tak więc producenci tych produktów
będą zobowiązani do odbierania ich w momencie gdy produkt jest wycofywany z
użycia. MSI wypełni wymagania UE, przyjmując produkty (sprzedawane na terenie
Unii Europejskiej) wycofywane z użycia. Produkty MSI będzie można zwracać w
wyznaczonych punktach zbiorczych.

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TÜRKÇE

Çevreci özelliğiyle bilinen MSI dünyada çevreyi korumak için hatırlatır:
Avrupa Birliği (AB) Kararnamesi Elektrik ve Elektronik Malzeme Atığı, 2002/96/EC

Kararnamesi altında 13 Ağustos 2005 tarihinden itibaren geçerli olmak üzere,
elektrikli ve elektronik malzemeler diğer atıklar gibi çöpe atılamayacak ve bu elektonik
cihazların üreticileri, cihazların kullanım süreleri bittikten sonra ürünleri geri toplamakla
yükümlü olacaktır. Avrupa Birliği’ne satılan MSI markalı ürünlerin kullanım süreleri
bittiğinde MSI ürünlerin geri alınması isteği ile işbirliği içerisinde olacaktır. Ürünlerinizi
yerel toplama noktalarına bırakabilirsiniz.

ČESKY

Záleží nám na ochraně životního prostředí - společnost MSI upozorňuje...
Podle směrnice Evropské unie (“EU”) o likvidaci elektrických a elektronických výrobků

2002/96/EC platné od 13. srpna 2005 je zakázáno likvidovat “elektrické a elektronické
výrobky” v běžném komunálním odpadu a výrobci elektronických výrobků, na které
se tato směrnice vztahuje, budou povinni odebírat takové výrobky zpět po skončení
jejich životnosti. Společnost MSI splní požadavky na odebírání výrobků značky
MSI, prodávaných v zemích EU, po skončení jejich životnosti. Tyto výrobky můžete
odevzdat v místních sběrnách.

MAGYAR

Annak érdekében, hogy környezetünket megvédjük, illetve környezetvédőként fellépve
az MSI emlékezteti Önt, hogy ...

Az Európai Unió („EU”) 2005. augusztus 13-án hatályba lépő, az elektromos
és elektronikus berendezések hulladékairól szóló 2002/96/EK irányelve szerint
az elektromos és elektronikus berendezések többé nem kezelhetőek lakossági
hulladékként, és az ilyen elektronikus berendezések gyártói kötelessé válnak az
ilyen termékek visszavételére azok hasznos élettartama végén. Az MSI betartja a
termékvisszavétellel kapcsolatos követelményeket az MSI márkanév alatt az EU-n
belül értékesített termékek esetében, azok élettartamának végén. Az ilyen termékeket
a legközelebbi gyűjtőhelyre viheti.

ITALIANO

Per proteggere l’ambiente, MSI, da sempre amica della natura, ti ricorda che….
In base alla Direttiva dell’Unione Europea (EU) sullo Smaltimento dei Materiali Elettrici

ed Elettronici, Direttiva 2002/96/EC in vigore dal 13 Agosto 2005, prodotti appartenenti
alla categoria dei Materiali Elettrici ed Elettronici non possono più essere eliminati
come ri󰘰uti municipali: i produttori di detti materiali saranno obbligati a ritirare ogni
prodotto alla 󰘰ne del suo ciclo di vita. MSI si adeguerà a tale Direttiva ritirando tutti i
prodotti marchiati MSI che sono stati venduti all’interno dell’Unione Europea alla 󰘰ne
del loro ciclo di vita. È possibile portare i prodotti nel più vicino punto di raccolta

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CONTENTS

Preface ............................................................................................................i

Copyright Notice ......................................................................................................ii

Trademarks ..............................................................................................................ii

Revision History ......................................................................................................ii

Smartphone Application ..........................................................................................iii

Technical Support ..................................................................................................iii

Safety Instructions ..................................................................................................iv

FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement ................................................... v

CE Conformity ......................................................................................................... v

Radiation Exposure Statement ...............................................................................vi

European Community Compliance Statement ........................................................vi

Taiwan Wireless Statements ...................................................................................vi

Japan VCCI Class B Statement ..............................................................................vi

Korea Warning Statements .....................................................................................vi

Battery Information .................................................................................................vii

Chemical Substances Information .........................................................................vii

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Statement ...........................viii

Chapter 1 Getting Started............................................................................1-1

Packing Contents .................................................................................................1-2

Optional Accessories ...........................................................................................1-2

Assembly Precautions ..........................................................................................1-3

Motherboard Speci󰘰cations ..................................................................................1-4

Connectors Quick Guide ......................................................................................1-7

Back Panel Quick Guide ......................................................................................1-9

APU (Accelerated Processing Units) .................................................................1-11

Introduction to FM2/ FM2+ APU ..................................................................1-11

APU & Cooler Installation ............................................................................1-12

Memory ..............................................................................................................1-14

Dual-Channel mode Population Rule ..........................................................1-14

Mounting Screw Holes .......................................................................................1-15

Power Supply .....................................................................................................1-16

JPWR1~2: ATX Power Connectors .............................................................1-16

Expansion Slots .................................................................................................1-17

PCI_E1~4: PCIe Expansion Slots ................................................................ 1-17

Video/ Graphics Cards ...................................................................................... 1-18

Single Video Card Installation ......................................................................1-18

AMD CrossFire™ (Multi-GPU) Technology ................................................. 1-19

Internal Connectors ............................................................................................ 1-21

SATA1~8: SATA Connectors .....................................................................1-21

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CPUFAN,SYSFAN1~2: Fan Power Connectors .......................................... 1-22

JFP1, JFP2: System Panel Connectors ......................................................1-23

JUSB1～3: USB 2.0 Expansion Connectors ...............................................1-24

JUSB4: USB 3.0 Expansion Connector ....................................................... 1-24

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector ..............................................................1-25

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector ................................................................1-25

JCOM1: Serial Port Connector ....................................................................1-26

JAUD1: Front Panel Audio Connector ......................................................... 1-26

Jumper ...............................................................................................................1-27

JBAT1: Clear CMOS Jumper .......................................................................1-27

Buttons & Switches ............................................................................................1-28

OC1: OC Genie Button ............................................................................... 1-28

POWER1: Power Button ..............................................................................1-29

RESET1: Reset Button ................................................................................ 1-29

OC_SW1: OC Genie Mode Switch ..............................................................1-30

SLOW_1: Slow Mode Booting Switch .......................................................... 1-30

LED Status Indicators ........................................................................................1-31

OC Genie Mode LEDs ................................................................................. 1-31

Drivers and Utilities ............................................................................................1-32

Total Installer ...............................................................................................1-32

Chapter 2 Quick Installation ........................................................................2-1

APU Installation ....................................................................................................2-2

Memory Installation .............................................................................................. 2-4

Motherboard Installation .......................................................................................2-5

Power Connectors Installation .............................................................................2-7

SATA HDD Installation ......................................................................................... 2-9

mSATA SSD Installation ....................................................................................2-10

Front Panel Connector Installation ..................................................................... 2-11

JFP1 Connector Installation .........................................................................2-11

Front Panel Audio Connector Installation ....................................................2-11

Peripheral Connector Installation ....................................................................... 2-12

USB2.0 Connector Installation .....................................................................2-12

USB3.0 Connector Installation .....................................................................2-12

Graphics Card Installation .................................................................................. 2-13

Chapter 3 BIOS Setup .................................................................................3-1

Entering Setup .....................................................................................................3-2

Entering BIOS Setup .....................................................................................3-2

Overview ..............................................................................................................3-3

Operation .............................................................................................................3-5

SETTINGS ...........................................................................................................3-6

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System Status ................................................................................................3-6

Advanced ....................................................................................................... 3-7

Boot .............................................................................................................3-12

Security ........................................................................................................ 3-12

Save & Exit ..................................................................................................3-13

OC ...................................................................................................................... 3-14

M-FLASH ...........................................................................................................3-19

OC PROFILE .....................................................................................................3-20

HARDWARE MONITOR ....................................................................................3-21

Appendix A Realtek Audio .......................................................................... A-1

Software Con󰘰guration .........................................................................................A-2

Software panel overview ................................................................................A-2

Auto popup dialog ..........................................................................................A-3

Hardware Default Setting .....................................................................................A-4

Appendix B AMD RAID............................................................................... B-1

Introduction ..........................................................................................................B-2

Using AMD RAID Controller BIOS Con󰘰guration Utility .......................................B-3

Understanding the Colour Code ....................................................................B-3

Initialize Disks ......................................................................................................B-4

Create Arrays .......................................................................................................B-5

Delete Arrays .......................................................................................................B-6

Swap Arrays .........................................................................................................B-7

Manage Spares ....................................................................................................B-8

Change the Controller Options .............................................................................B-9

Booting the system from an array ..................................................................B-9

Pausing the boot sequence for warning messages .......................................B-9

Change the Staggered Spinup Count ..........................................................B-10

Installing Driver ..................................................................................................B-11

Installing OS on 2.2TB RAID ..............................................................................B-12

Chapter 1

Getting Started

Thank you for choosing the A88XM GAMING Series (MS-7903 v1.X) M-ATX
motherboard. The A88XM GAMING Series motherboards are based on AMD®
A88X chipset for optimal system e󰘲ciency. Designed to 󰘰t the advanced
AMD® FM2+/ FM2 processor, the A88XM GAMING Series motherboards
deliver a high performance and professional desktop platform solution.

Chapter 1

1-2Getting Started

Packing Contents

* These pictures are for reference only and may vary without notice.
* The packing contents may vary according to the model you purchased.
* If you need to purchase the optional accessories or request part numbers, please

visit the MSI website at http://www.msi.com/index.php or consult the dealer.

SATA Cable

Optional Accessories

M-Connector

Drivers & Utilities

Disc

Motherboard

User Guide

I/O Shield

Motherboard

USB 3.0 Bracket

Chapter 1

1-3 Getting Started

Assembly Precautions

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.
Always turn o󰘯 the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet
before installing or removing any computer component.
Ensure that all components are securely connected. Loose connections may cause
the computer to not recognize a component or fail to start.
Hold the motherboard by the edges to avoid touching sensitive components.
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.
Store the motherboard in an electrostatic shielding container or on an antistatic pad
whenever the motherboard is not installed.
Before turning on the computer, ensure that there are no loose screws or metal
components on the motherboard or anywhere within the computer case.
Do not use the computer in a high-temperature environment.
Do not boot the computer before installation is completed. This could cause
permanent damage to the components as well as injury to the user.
If you need help during any installation step, please consult a certi󰘰ed computer
technician.

Important

A screwdriver (not included) may be required for computer assembly.

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■

Chapter 1

1-4Getting Started

Motherboard Speci󰘰cations

CPU
Support

AMD Socket FM2+/ FM2 A-Series/Athlon™ Processors■

Chipset AMD A88X■
Memory

Support

4x DDR3 memory slots supporting up to 32GB
Supports DDR3 2400 (OC)/ 2133/ 1866/ 1600/ 1333 MHz
Dual channel memory architecture
Supports non-ECC, un-bu󰘯ered memory
Supports AMD Memory Pro󰘰le (AMP)
Supports Extreme Memory Pro󰘰le (XMP)

■

■

■

■

■

■

Expansion
Slots

2x PCIe x16 slots

PCI_E1 supports up to PCIe 3.0 x16 speed*
PCI_E4 supports up to PCIe 3.0 x8 speed*

2x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots

* Only FM2+ processors can support PCIe 3.0

■

-

-

■

Graphics 1x VGA port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200 @

60Hz, 24bpp
1x DVI-D port, supporting the maximum resolutions of
2560x1600@60Hz, 24bpp/ 1920x1200 @ 60Hz, 24bpp
1x HDMI port, supporting the maximum resolutions of
4096x2160@24Hz, 36bpp*/ 3840x2160@30Hz, 36bpp*/
1920x1200@120Hz, 36bpp and 1920x1200@60Hz, 36bpp
1x DisplayPort, supporting a maximum resolution of
4096x2160@24HZ, 24bpp**

* Only support when using an FM2+ APU.
** The DisplayPort does not support "Hot-plug".

■

■

■

■

Multi-GPU
Support

Supports 2-Way AMD® CrossFireTM Technology*

* Supports Windows 7 and Windows 8.

■

Storage AMD® A88X Chipset

8x SATA 6Gb/s ports
Supports RAID 0, RAID1, RAID5 and RAID 10

■

-

-

USB AMD® A88X Chipset

4x USB 3.0 ports (2 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available
through the internal USB connectors)
8x USB 2.0 ports (2 ports on the back panel, 6 ports available
through the internal USB connectors)

VIA VL806 Chipset

2x USB 3.0 ports on the back panel*

* These USB 3.0 ports do not support M-Flash recovery function.

■

-

-

■

-

Audio Realtek® ALC1150 Codec

7.1-Channel High De󰘰nition Audio
Supports S/PDIF output

■

-

-

LAN Killer E2205 Gigabit LAN controller*

1x LAN port on the backpanel

* The Killer Network Manager is only available for Windows 7 and Windows 8 currently. The

supported drivers for other operating systems would be available on the website if provided
by vendor.

■

-

Chapter 1

1-5 Getting Started

Back Panel
Connectors

1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port
2x USB 2.0 ports
4x USB 3.0 ports
1x VGA port
1x DVI-D port
1x HDMI port
1x DisplayPort
1x Optical S/PDIF-Out connector
1x LAN (RJ45) port
6x OFC audio jacks

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

Internal
Connectors

1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
8x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
3x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 6 USB 2.0 ports)
1x USB 3.0 connector (supports additional 2 USB 3.0 ports)
1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
2x 4-pin system fan connectors
1x Front panel audio connector
2x System panel connectors
1x Chassis Intrusion connector
1x TPM module connector
1x Serial port connector
1x Clear CMOS jumper
1x OC Genie button
1x Power button
1x Reset button
1x OC Genie mode switch
1x Slow mode booting switch

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

I/O
Controller

Fintek 71878 Controller Chip■

Hardware
Monitor

CPU/System temperature detection
CPU/System fan speed detection
CPU/System fan speed control

■

■

■

BIOS
Features

64 Mb 󰘱ash
UEFI AMI BIOS
ACPI 5.0, PnP 1.0a, SM BIOS 2.7, DMI 2.0
Multi-language

■

■

■

■

Special
Features

Military Class 4
Military Class Essentials
OC Genie 4
Click BIOS 4
AMD CrossFire
AMD Dual Graphics
4K UHD Support
4 Display Outputs
PCI Express Gen 3
USB 3.0
SATA 6Gb/s
Command Center
Fast Boot
Live Update 5
M-Flash

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■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

Chapter 1

1-6Getting Started

Software Drivers

MSI

Command Center
Super Charger
Live Update 5

Fast Boot
7-ZIP
Sound Blaster Cinema
Killer Network Manager
Norton Internet Security Solution
Trend Micro SafeSync

■

■

-

-

-

-

■

■

■

■

■

Form
Factor

M-ATX Form Factor

9.6 in. x 9.6 in. (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm)

■

■

For the latest information about CPU, please visit

http://www.msi.com/service/cpu-support/

For more information on compatible components, please visit

http://www.msi.com/service/test-report/

Chapter 1

1-7 Getting Started

Connectors Quick Guide

Back Panel

APU Socket

CPUFAN

DIMM2

JUSB1

JPWR1

SATA1_2

JAUD1

PCI_E1

JUSB3

JTPM1

DIMM1

JPWR2

JCI1

SYSFAN1

JBAT1

SATA5_6

JUSB2

PCI_E2

PCI_E3

PCI_E4

SYSFAN2

JUSB4

JCOM1

SATA3_4

SATA7_8

SLOW_1

RESET1

POWER1

OC1

OC_SW1

DIMM3

DIMM4

JFP1

JFP2

Chapter 1

1-8Getting Started

Connectors Reference Guide

Port Name Port Type Page

APU FM2+/ FM2 Socket 1-1

1

Back Panel I/O Ports 1-9

CPUFAN,SYSFAN1~2 Fan Power Connectors 1-2

2

JAUD1 Front Panel Audio Connector 1-26

JBAT1 Clear CMOS Jumper 1-2

7

JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector 1-2

5

JCOM1 Serial Port Connector 1-2

6

JFP1, JFP2 System Panel Connectors 1-2

3

JPWR1~2 ATX Power Connectors 1-1

6

JTPM1 TPM Module Connector 1-2

5

JUSB1～3 USB 2.0 Expansion Connectors 1-2

4

JUSB4 USB 3.0 Expansion Connector 1-2

4

OC_SW1 OC Genie Mode Switch 1-3

0

OC1 OC Genie Button 1-2

8

PCI_E1~4 PCIe Expansion Slots 1-1

7

POWER1 Power Button 1-2

9

RESET1 Reset Button 1-2

9

SATA1~8 SATA Connectors 1-2

1

SLOW_1 Slow Mode Booting Switch 1-3

0

Chapter 1

1-9 Getting Started

Back Panel Quick Guide

PS/2 Keyboard/ Mouse combo Port

The PS/2® keyboard/ mouse DIN connector for PS/2® keyboard/ mouse.

USB 3.0 Port

USB 3.0 port is backward-compatible with USB 2.0 devices. It supports data transfer
rate up to 5 Gbit/s (SuperSpeed).

Important

In order to use USB 3.0 devices, you must connect to a USB 3.0 port. If a USB cable
is used, it must be USB 3.0 compliant.

USB 2.0 Port

The USB 2.0 port is for attaching USB 2.0 devices such as keyboard, mouse, or other
USB 2.0-compatible devices.

VGA Port

The DB15-pin female connector is provided for monitor.

DVI-D Port

The DVI-D (Digital Visual Interface- Digital) connector can be connected to a LCD
monitor, or a CRT monitor with an adapter. To connect a monitor, please refer to the
monitor’s manual for more information.

HDMI Port

®

The High-De󰘰nition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an all-digital audio-video interface
that is capable of transmitting uncompressed streams. HDMI supports all types of TV
formats, including standard, enhanced, or high-de󰘰nition video, plus multi-channel
digital audio on a single cable.

DisplayPort

DisplayPort is a digital display interface standard. This connector is used to connect a
monitor with DisplayPort inputs.

Important

The DisplayPort does not support "Hot-plug". Therefore, please make sure that the
computer is o󰘯 before connecting to or disconnecting from the DisplayPort.

▶

▶

▶

▶

▶

▶

▶

Line-In

Line-Out

MicUSB 3.0 Port

LAN Port

PS/2 Keyboard/
Mouse combo Port

USB 2.0 Port

HDMI Port

VGA Port

DVI-D Port

USB 3.0 Port

DisplayPort

RS-Out

CS-Out

SS-Out

Optical

S/PDIF-Out

Chapter 1

1-10Getting Started

Important

This platform supports dual-display and triple-display function.

VGA + DVI-D /

VGA + HDMI /

DVI-D + HDMI /

DVI-D + DisplayPort /

HDMI + DisplayPort

VGA + DVI-D + HDMI /

DVI-D + HDMI + DisplayPort

Extend mode

(Extend the desktop to the second

and third monitor)

◯ ◯

Clone mode

(Monitors have the same screen)

◯ ◯

Optical S/PDIF-Out

This S/PDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interconnect Format) connector is provided for
digital audio transmission to external speakers through an optical 󰘰ber cable.

LAN Port

The standard RJ-45 LAN jack is for connecting to a Local Area Network (LAN).

LINK/ACT

LED

SPEED

LED

LED LED Status Description

Link/ Activity LED

O󰘯 No link

Yellow Linked

Blinking Data activity

Speed LED

O󰘯 10 Mbps connection

Green 100 Mbps connection

Orange 1 Gbps connection

Audio Ports

These connectors are used for audio devices. The color of the jack refers to the
function of the connector.

Blue-Line in: Used for connecting external audio outputting devices.
Green- Line out: Used as a connector for speakers or headphone.
Pink- Mic: Used as a connector for a microphone.
Black- RS-Out: Rear surround sound line out in 4/ 5.1/ 7.1 channel mode.
Orange- CS-Out: Center/ subwoofer line out in 5.1/ 7.1 channel mode.
Gray- SS-Out: Side surround sound line out in 7.1 channel mode.

▶

▶

▶

■

■

■

■

■

■

Chapter 1

1-11 Getting Started

Important

Overheating
Overheating can seriously damage the APU and motherboard. Always make sure the

cooling fans work properly to protect the APU from overheating. Be sure to apply an
even layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) between the APU and the heatsink to
enhance heat dissipation.

Replacing the APU
When replacing the APU, always turn o󰘯 the system’s power supply and unplug the

power supply’s power cord to ensure the safety of the APU.
Overclocking

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 speci󰘰cations is not recommend. MSI does not
guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate operation beyond product
speci󰘰cations.

Golden triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

Introduction to FM2/ FM2+ APU

The surface of the FM2/ FM2+ APU has a golden triangle to assist in correctly
lining up the APU for motherboard placement. The golden triangle is the Pin 1
indicator.

APU (Accelerated Processing Units)

Chapter 1

1-12Getting Started

APU & Cooler Installation

When you are installing the APU, make sure the APU has a cooler attached on the top
to prevent overheating. Meanwhile, do not forget to apply some thermal paste on APU
before installing the heat sink/cooler fan for better heat dispersion.

Follow the steps below to install the APU & cooler correctly. Wrong installation will
cause the damage of your APU & motherboard.

1. Pull the lever sideways away from the socket. Make sure to raise the lever up to a
90-degree angle.

2. Look for the gold arrow of the APU. The gold arrow should point as shown in the
picture. The APU can only 󰘰t in the correct orientation.

3. If the APU is correctly installed, the pins should be completely embedded into
the socket and can not be seen. Please note that any violation of the correct
installation procedures may cause permanent damages to your motherboard.

4. Press the APU down 󰘰rmly into the socket and close the lever. As the APU is
likely to move while the lever is being closed, always close the lever with your
󰘰ngers pressing tightly on top of the APU to make sure the APU is properly and
completely embedded into the socket.

Chapter 1

1-13 Getting Started

5. Locate the APU fan connector on the motherboard.

6. Position the cooling set onto the retention mechanism. Hook one end of the clip to
hook 󰘰rst.

Important

While disconnecting the Safety Hook from the 󰘰xed bolt, it is necessary to keep an
eye on your 󰘰ngers, because once the Safety Hook is disconnected from the 󰘰xed
bolt, the 󰘰xed lever will spring back instantly.

Con󰘰rm that the APU cooler has formed a tight seal with the APU before booting
your system.

Please refer to the documentation in the APU cooler package for more details about
APU cooler installation.

•

•

•

APU fan connector

7. Then press down the other end of the clip to fasten the cooling set on the top of
the retention mechanism. Locate the Fix Lever and lift up it.

8. Fasten down the lever.

9. Attach the APU Fan cable to the APU fan connector on the motherboard.

Chapter 1

1-14Getting Started

Memory

These DIMM slots are used for installing memory modules. For more information on
compatible components, please visit http://www.msi.com/service/test-report/

DIMM1

DIMM2

DIMM3

DIMM4

Video Demonstration

Watch the video to learn how to install memories at the address below.

http://youtu.be/76yLtJaKlCQ

Dual-Channel mode Population Rule

In Dual-Channel mode, the memory modules can transmit and receive data with two
data bus channels simultaneously. Enabling Dual-Channel mode can enhance system
performance. The following illustrations explain the population rules for Dual-Channel
mode.

DIMM2

DIMM4

DIMM1

DIMM2

DIMM3

DIMM4

Important

DDR3 memory modules are not interchangeable with DDR2, and the DDR3
standard is not backward compatible. Always install DDR3 memory modules in
DDR3 DIMM slots.

To ensure system stability, memory modules must be of the same type and density
in Dual-Channel mode.

Due to chipset resource usage, the system will only detect up to 31+ GB of memory
(not full 32 GB) when all DIMM slots have 8GB memory modules installed.

•

•

•

Chapter 1

1-15 Getting Started

Mounting Screw Holes

When installing the motherboard, 󰘰rst install the necessary mounting stands required
for an motherboard on the mounting plate in your computer case. If there is an
I/O back plate that came with the computer case, please replace it with the I/O
backplate that came with the motherboard package. The I/O backplate should snap
easily into the computer case without the need for any screws. Align the mounting
plate’s mounting stands with the screw holes on the motherboard and secure the
motherboard with the screws provided with your computer case. The locations of the
screw holes on the motherboard are shown below. For more information, please refer
to the manual that came with the computer case.

Important

Install the motherboard on a 󰘱at surface free from unnecessary debris.
To prevent damage to the motherboard, any contact between the motherboard

circuitry and the computer case, except for the mounting stands, is prohibited.
Please make sure there are no loose metal components on the motherboard or

within the computer case that may cause a short circuit of the motherboard.

•

•

•

The I/O ports should be facing

toward the rear of the computer

case. They should line up with the

holes on the I/O backplate.

Chapter 1

1-16Getting Started

Power Supply

Video Demonstration

Watch the video to learn how to install power supply connectors.

http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

JPWR1~2: ATX Power Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply. To connect the ATX
power supply, align the power supply cable with the connector and 󰘰rmly press the
cable into the connector. If done correctly, the clip on the power cable should be
hooked on the motherboard’s power connector.

13 .+ 3.3

V

1. +3 .3

V

14 .- 12V

2. +3 .3

V

15 .G round

3

.G ro und

16 .P S-ON

#

4. +5
V

17 .G round

5

.G ro und

18 .G round

6. +5
V

19 .G round

7

.G ro und

22 .+ 5

V

10 .+ 12V

20 .R es

8. PW
R O

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23 .+ 5

V

11

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21 .+ 5

V

9. 5V SB

24 .G round

12 .+ 3.3

V

7. +1 2V

3.

Gr ou nd

5. +1 2V

1.

Gr ou nd

8. +1 2V

4

.G ro und

6. +1 2V

2

.G ro und

JPWR2

JPWR1

Important

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

Chapter 1

1-17 Getting Started

Expansion Slots

This motherboard contains numerous slots for expansion cards, such as discrete
graphics or audio cards.

PCI_E1~4: PCIe Expansion Slots

The PCIe slot supports the PCIe interface expansion card.

PCIe x16 Slot

PCIe 2.0 x1 Slot

Important

When adding or removing expansion cards, always turn o󰘯 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.

Chapter 1

1-18Getting Started

Video/ Graphics Cards

If available, this motherboard takes advantage of the CPU’s integrate graphics
processor, but discrete video cards can be installed by way of the motherboard’s
expansion slots. Adding on one or more discrete video cards will signi󰘰cantly boost
the system’s graphics performance. For best compatibility, MSI graphics cards are
recommended.

Video Demonstration

Watch the video to learn how to install a graphics card on PCIe x16 slot
with butter󰘱y lock.

http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A

Single Video Card Installation

Determine what type of expansion slot(s) the video card will use. Locate the
expansion slot(s) on the motherboard. Remove any protective expansion slot
covers from the computer case.

Line up the video card on top of the expansion slot(s) with the display ports facing
out of the computer case. For a single video card installation, using the PCI_E1
slot is recommended.

Push the video card into its expansion slot(s). Depending on the expansion slot(s)
used, there should be clip(s) on the expansion slot(s) that will lock in place.

If needed, screw the edge of the graphics card to the computer case. Some video
cards might require a power cable directly from the power supply.

Please consult your video card’s manual for further instructions regarding driver
installation or other special settings.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Chapter 1

1-19 Getting Started

AMD CrossFire™ (Multi-GPU) Technology

AMD CrossFire™ is a multi-GPU performance gaming platform. By linking together
two or more discrete GPUs, CrossFire™ can signi󰘰cant improve system graphics
performance. It allows the ability to scale a system’s graphics power as needed,
making it the most scalable gaming platform. This motherboard will automatically
detect CrossFire™ technology and make changes in the BIOS as needed. Follow the
instructions below to ensure a successful two-way CrossFire™ installation.

Install two AMD Radeon™ HD graphics cards into the PCI_E1 & PCI_E4
expansion slots.

With the two cards installed, an optional CrossFire™ Video Link cable is required
to connect the graphics cards. Attach one side of the cable on each of the cards
by way of the metal contacts (please refer to the picture below). Please note that
although two graphics cards have been installed, only the display ports on the
graphics card installed in the 󰘰rst PCIe x16 slot will work. All displays should be
connected to this graphics card.

1.

2.

Important

Please ensure that all graphics cards used in CrossFire™ mode are of the same
brand and speci󰘰cations. For best compatibility with the motherboard, MSI graphics
cards are recommended.

Make sure to connect an adequate power supply to the power connectors on the
graphics cards to ensure stable operation.

•

•

CrossFire Video Link Cable
(optional)

Chapter 1

1-20Getting Started

Boot up the computer and install the drivers and software included in your video
card package. For more information, please refer to the manual that came with
your video card.

After all of the hardware and software has been properly installed, reboot the
system. After entering the operating system (OS), right click on the desktop and
choose the “Catalyst Control Center”.

3.

4.

The CrossFire™ setting must be enabled to allow CrossFire™ mode to operate.
The follow screen appears in the Catalyst Control Center. Depending on your
operating system, the screen may look di󰘯erent.

5.

Important

A CrossFire

TM

system has four possible display modes:
SuperTiling
Scissor Mode
Alternate Frame Rendering
Super Anti-aliasing.

For more details, please consult the graphics card manual.

•

•

•

•

Chapter 1

1-21 Getting Started

Internal Connectors

SATA1~8: SATA Connectors

This connector is a high-speed SATA interface port. Each connector can connect to
one SATA device. SATA devices include disk drives (HDD), solid state drives (SSD),
and optical drives (CD/ DVD/ Blu-Ray).

Video Demonstration

Watch the video to learn how to Install SATA HDD.

http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc

SATA6

SATA5

SATA8

SATA7

SATA2

SATA1

SATA4

SATA3

Important

Many SATA devices also need a power cable from the power supply. Such devices
include disk drives (HDD), solid state drives (SSD), and optical drives (CD / DVD /
Blu-Ray). Please refer to the device’s manual for further information.

Many computer cases also require that large SATA devices, such as HDDs, SSDs,
and optical drives, be screwed down into the case. Refer to the manual that came
with your computer case or your SATA device for further installation instructions.

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 󰘱at connector be connected to the motherboard for space
saving purposes.

•

•

•

•

Chapter 1

1-22Getting Started

CPUFAN,SYSFAN1~2: Fan Power Connectors

The fan power connectors support system cooling fans with +12V. If the motherboard
has a System Hardware Monitor chipset on-board, you must use a specially designed
fan with a speed sensor to take advantage of the CPU fan control. Remember to
connect all system fans. Some system fans may not connect to the motherboard and
will instead connect to the power supply directly. A system fan can be plugged into
any available system fan connector.

1

.Ground

2.Speed

C

ontro

l

3.Sens

e

4.NC

1

.Ground

2.+12V

3.Sens

e

4.Speed

C

ontro

l

CPUFAN

SYSFAN1/
SYSFAN2

Important

Please refer to your processor’s o󰘲cial website or consult your vendor to 󰘰nd
recommended CPU heatsink.

These connectors support Smart Fan Control with liner mode. The Command
Center utility can be installed to automatically control the fan speeds according to
the CPU’s and system’s temperature.

If there are not enough ports on the motherboard to connect all system fans,
adapters are available to connect a fan directly to a power supply.

Before 󰘰rst boot up, ensure that there are no cables impeding any fan blades.

•

•

•

•

Chapter 1

1-23 Getting Started

JFP1, JFP2: System Panel Connectors

These connectors connect to the front panel switches and LEDs. When installing the
front panel connectors, please use the optional M-Connector to simplify installation.
Plug all the wires from the computer case into the M-Connector and then plug the M­Connector into the motherboard.

Video Demonstration

Watch the video to learn how to Install front panel connectors.

http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI

1.
+

3.

-

10 .N o

Pi

n

5.

­Re se t

S

wi tc h

HD D

LE

D

P

ow er

S

wi tc h

P

ow er

LE

D

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+

9. Re se rv e

d

8.

-

6.
+

4.

-

2.
+

JFP1

1

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3.Suspend

LE

D

5.Power

LE

D

7.No
Pi

n

8.
+

6.

-

4.
+

2.

-

Buzzer

S

peaker

JFP2

Important

On the connectors coming from the case, pins marked by small triangles are
positive wires. Please use the diagrams above and the writing on the optional M­Connectors to determine correct connector orientation and placement.

The majority of the computer case’s front panel connectors will primarily be plugged
into JFP1.

•

•

Chapter 1

1-24Getting Started

JUSB1～3: USB 2.0 Expansion Connectors

This connector is designed for connecting high-speed USB peripherals such as USB
HDDs, digital cameras, MP3 players, printers, modems, and many others.

1

0

.

N

C

8

.

G

r

o

u

n

d

6

.

U

S

B

1

+

4

.

U

S

B

1

-

2

.

V

C

C

1

.

V

C

C

3

.

U

S

B

0

-

5

.

U

S

B

0

+

7

.

G

r

o

u

n

d

9

.

N

o

P

i

n

Important

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

JUSB4: USB 3.0 Expansion Connector

The USB 3.0 port is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 devices. It supports data
transfer rates up to 5Gbits/s (SuperSpeed).

5.

U

SB3_T X_C_D N

4

.Grou nd

3.USB 3_RX_ DP

2.USB 3_RX_ DN

1.Pow er

10.Gr ound

9.

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USB2. 0

Important

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

To use a USB 3.0 device, you must connect the device to a USB 3.0 port through
an optional USB 3.0 compliant cable.

•

•

Chapter 1

1-25 Getting Started

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector

This connector connects to the chassis intrusion switch cable. If the computer case is
opened, the chassis intrusion mechanism will be activated. The system will record this
intrusion and a warning message will 󰘱ash on screen. To clear the warning, you must
enter the BIOS utility and clear the record.

2

.G ND

1. CI NT RU

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector

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

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Chapter 1

1-26Getting Started

JCOM1: Serial Port Connector

This connector is a 16550A high speed communication port that sends/receives 16
bytes FIFOs. You can attach a serial device.

1

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This connector allows you to connect the front audio panel located on your computer
case.

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Chapter 1

1-27 Getting Started

Jumper

JBAT1: Clear CMOS Jumper

There is CMOS RAM onboard that is external powered from a battery located on the
motherboard to save system con󰘰guration data. With the CMOS RAM, the system can
automatically boot into the operating system (OS) every time it is turned on. If you
want to clear the system con󰘰guration, set the jumpers to clear the CMOS RAM.

Keep Data Clear Data

1 1

Important

You can clear the CMOS RAM by shorting this jumper while the system is o󰘯.
Afterwards, open the jumper . Do not clear the CMOS RAM while the system is on
because it will damage the motherboard.

Chapter 1

1-28Getting Started

Buttons & Switches

The motherboard has numerous on-board buttons to control various functions. This
section will explain how to change your motherboard’s functions through the use of
these on-board buttons.

OC1: OC Genie Button

This button is used to automatically overclock the system. To enable OC Genie,
Set this button to ON while the system is in power o󰘯 mode. On the next boot,
the processor will be automatically overclock for optimal performance. To disable
OC Genie, Set this button to OFF while the system is in power o󰘯 mode and the
con󰘰guration parameters will return to its normal values.

Video Demonstration

Watch the video to learn how to use the OC Genie button.

http://youtu.be/nIpRvWkUazg

OC

GE NI

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Important

This motherboard provides two ways to enable OC Genie: press the physical OC
Genie button on the motherboard, or click the virtual OC Genie button in BIOS. You
can specify how OC Genie to be enabled by using the "OC Genie Function Control"
item in BIOS.

Please install DDR3 1333 or faster memory and equip a better heatsink/cooler to
use the OC Genie function.

We do not guarantee the OC Genie overclocking range or the damages/risks
caused by overclocking behavior.

It is possible to disable the OC Genie function in the BIOS setup. Please refer to the
BIOS section of the manual for instructions on how to turn o󰘯 OC Genie from the
BIOS.

The usage of OC Genie is at the user’s own risk. Overclocking is never guaranteed
by MSI.

To ensure successfully OC Genie usage, MSI components are recommended.

•

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•

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Chapter 1

1-29 Getting Started

POWER1: Power Button

This button is used to turn-on and turn-o󰘯 the system. Press the button once to turn-on
or turn-o󰘯 the system.

RESET1: Reset Button

This reset button is used to reset the system. Press the button to reset the system.

R

es et

Chapter 1

1-30Getting Started

OC_SW1: OC Genie Mode Switch

This swtich provides two overclocking modes (Gear 1 and Gear 2) for OC Genie
operation. When you press the OC Genie button, the overclocking procedure will
be performed according to the setting of this switch. The Gear 1 mode is the default
setting. The Gear 2 mode allows the OC Genie function to overclock the CPU/ system
frequency higher then Gear 1.

Red LED

Gear 1
(Default)

Gear 2

Blue LED

SLOW_1: Slow Mode Booting Switch

This switch is used for LN2 cooling solution, that provides the extreme overclocking
conditions, to boot at a stable processor frequency and to prevent the system from
crashing.

Normal
(Default)

Enabled

Important

Users will try extreme low temperature overclocking at their own risks. The
overclocking results will vary according to the CPU version.

Chapter 1

1-31 Getting Started

LED Status Indicators

OC Genie Mode LEDs

These LEDs are used to indicate OC Genie operation mode.
When the bottom LED lights blue, the OC Genie operation mode is Gear 1.
When the top LED lights red, the OC Genie operation mode is Gear 2.

OC Genie Mode LEDs

Chapter 1

1-32Getting Started

Drivers and Utilities

After you install the operating system you will need to install drivers to maximize the
performance of the new computer you just built. MSI mainbaord comes with a Driver
Disc. Drivers allow the computer to utilize your motherboard more e󰘲ciently and take
advantage of any special features we provide.

You can protect your computer from viruses by installing the bundled security
program. The bundle also includes a variety of powerful and creative utilities.

Total Installer

Total Installer is very easy to use and does a great job of 󰘰nding necessary drivers.
Please follow the steps below to install drivers and utilities for your new computer.

Insert MSI Driver Disc into the optical drive. The setup screen will automatically
appear if autorun is enabled in OS.

Click Total Installer. A popup dialog will appear listing all necessary drivers.

1.

2.

Select all checkbox on driver listing dialogue.
Click Install button.
The software installation will then be in progress, after it has 󰘰nished it will prompt

you to restart.
Click OK button to 󰘰nish.
Restart your computer.

You can also use the same method to install the utilities.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Click here

Chapter 2

Quick Installation

This chapter provides demonstration diagrams about how to install your
computer. Some of the installations also provide video demonstrations.
Please link to the URL to watch it with the web browser on your phone or
tablet. You may have even link to the URL by scanning the QR code.

Important

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

Chapter 2

2-2Quick Installation

APU Installation

1 2

3 4

5

Chapter 2

2-3 Quick Installation

6

7

Chapter 2

2-4Quick Installation

Memory Installation

1

2

3

http://youtu.be/76yLtJaKlCQ

Chapter 2

2-5 Quick Installation

Motherboard Installation

1

2

Chapter 2

2-6Quick Installation

3

Chapter 2

2-7 Quick Installation

Power Connectors Installation

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Chapter 2

2-8Quick Installation

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Chapter 2

2-9 Quick Installation

SATA HDD Installation

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Chapter 2

2-10Quick Installation

mSATA SSD Installation

Chapter 2

2-11 Quick Installation

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JFP1 Connector Installation

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Front Panel Audio Connector Installation

Chapter 2

2-12Quick Installation

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USB3.0 Connector Installation

USB2.0 Connector Installation

or

Peripheral Connector Installation

Chapter 2

2-13 Quick Installation

Graphics Card Installation

http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A

1

2

Chapter 2

2-14Quick Installation

3

4

5

Important

The items under each BIOS category described in this chapter are
under continuous update for better system performance. Therefore, the
description may be slightly di󰘯erent from the latest BIOS and should be held
for reference only.

The pictures in this chpater are for reference only and may vary from the
product you purchased. Please refer to the actual screens of your system
for detailed information.

Please clear the CMOS data and restore the default settings if the system
becomes unbootable after changing BIOS settings. (Refer to the Clear
CMOS jumper/ button section to clear the CMOS data, select the "Restore
Defaults" and press <Enter> in BIOS to load the default settings.)

•

•

•

Chapter 3

BIOS Setup

CLICK BIOS is a revolutionary UEFI interface that allows you to setup and
con󰘰gure your system for optimum use. Using your mouse and keyboard,
users can change BIOS settings, monitor CPU temperature, select the boot
device priority and view system information such as the CPU name, DRAM
capacity, the OS version and the BIOS version. Users can import and export
parameter data for backup or for sharing with friends.

Chapter 3

3-2BIOS Setup

Entering Setup

The default settings o󰘯er the optimal performance for system stability in normal
conditions. You may need to run the Setup program when:

An error message appears on the screen during the system booting up, and
requests you to run SETUP.

You want to change the default settings for customized features.

Important

Please load the default settings to restore the optimal system performance and
stability if the system becomes unstable after changing BIOS settings. Select the
"Restore Defaults" and press <Enter> in BIOS to load the default settings.

Please clear the CMOS data and restore the default settings if the system becomes
unbootable after changing BIOS settings. (Refer to the Clear CMOS jumper/ button
section to clear the CMOS data, select the "Restore Defaults" and press <Enter> in
BIOS to load the default settings.)

If you are unfamiliar with the BIOS settings, we recommend that you keep the
default settings to avoid possible system damage or failure booting due to
inappropriate BIOS con󰘰guration.

Entering BIOS Setup

Power on the computer and the system will start the Power On Self Test (POST)
process. When the message below appears on the screen, please <DEL> key to enter
BIOS:

Press DEL key to enter Setup Menu, F11 to enter Boot Menu

If the message disappears before you respond and you still need to enter BIOS,
restart the system by turning the computer OFF then back ON or pressing the RESET
button. You may also restart the system by simultaneously pressing <Ctrl>, <Alt>, and
<Delete> keys.

MSI additionally provides two methods to enter the BIOS setup. You can click the
“GO2BIOS” tab on “MSI Fast Boot” utility screen or press the physical “GO2BIOS"
button (optional) on the motherboard to enable the system going to BIOS setup
directly at next boot.

Click "GO2BIOS" tab on
"MSI Fast Boot" utility
screen.

Important

Please be sure to install the “MSI Fast Boot” utility before using it to enter the BIOS
setup.

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Chapter 3

3-3 BIOS Setup

Overview

After entering BIOS, the following screen is displayed.

BIOS menu

selection

Temperature monitor

System

information

Boot device

priority bar

Menu display

BIOS menu

selection

Language

Virtual OC

Genie Button

Model

name

Temperature monitor

Shows the temperatures of the processor and the motherboard.

Language

Allows you to select the language of the BIOS setup.

System information

Shows the time, date, CPU name, CPU frequency, DRAM frequency, DRAM capacity
and the BIOS version.

BIOS menu selection

The following options are available:

SETTINGS - Uses this menu to specify the parameters for chipset and boot
devices.

OC - This menu contains the frequency and voltage adjustments. Increasing
the frequency can get better performance, however high frequency and heat
can cause instability, we do not recommend general users to overclock.

M-FLASH - This menu provides the way to update BIOS with a USB 󰘱ash
disk.

OC PROFILE -This menu is used to set various overclocking pro󰘰les.
HARDWARE MONITOR - This menu is used to set the speeds of fans and

monitor voltages of system.
BOARD EXPLORER - It provides the information of the installed devices on

the motherboard.

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Chapter 3

3-4BIOS Setup

Boot device priority bar

You can move the device icons to change the boot priority.

High priority Low priority

Menu display

This area provides BIOS settings and information to be con󰘰gured.

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 pro󰘰le.

Model Name

Shows the model name of motherboard.

Sub-Menu Scroll bar

General Help

Sub-menu

If you 󰘰nd a point symbol to the left of certain items, that means a sub-menu can be
launched for additional options. You can use the arrow keys or mouse to highlight the
item and press <Enter> or double-click the left mouse button to enter the sub-menu.

Scroll bar

Slide the scroll bar or use the arrow keys to display the other items that are available
on the "menu display" area.

General Help

The General Help displays a brief description to assist you in grasping the selected
item.

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Chapter 3

3-5 BIOS Setup

Operation

You can control BIOS settings with the mouse and the keyboard. The following table
lists and describes the hot keys and the mouse operations.

Hot key Mouse Description
<↑↓→← >

.

Move the cursor

Select Item

<Enter>

Click/ Double-click
the left button

Select Icon/ Field

<Esc>

Click the right button

Jump to the Exit menu or return to the previous
from a submenu

<+> Increase the numeric value or make changes
<-> Decrease the numeric value or make changes
<F1> General Help
<F4> CPU Speci󰘰cations
<F5> Enter Memory-Z
<F6> Load optimized defaults
<F8> OC Pro󰘰le Load From USB
<F9> OC Pro󰘰le Save to USB
<F10> Save Change and Reset
<F12> Save a screenshot to a FAT/FAT32 USB drive

Chapter 3

3-6BIOS Setup

SETTINGS

System Status

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.

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

SATA Port
Show the information of connected SATA device.

Important

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

System Information
Shows detailed system information, including CPU type, BIOS version, and Memory

(read only).

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Chapter 3

3-7 BIOS Setup

Advanced

PCI Subsystem Settings
Sets PCI Express interface protocol and latency timer. Press <Enter> to enter the

sub-menu.

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

ACPI Settings

Sets ACPI parameters of onboard power LED behaviors. Press <Enter> to enter the
sub-menu.

Power 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.

Integrated Peripherals

Sets integrated peripherals' parameters, such as LAN, HDD, USB and audio. Press
<Enter> to enter the sub-menu.

Onboard LAN Controller [Enabled]
Enables or disables the onboard LAN controller.

LAN 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.

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

Ipv4 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.

Ipv6 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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Chapter 3

3-8BIOS Setup

SATA Mode [AHCI Mode]
Sets the operation mode of the onboard SATA controller. The default mode is

AHCI.
[Disabled] Disables the SATA function.
[IDE Mode] Specify the IDE mode for SATA storage devices.
[AHCI Mode] Specify the AHCI mode for SATA storage devices. AHCI (Advanced

Host Controller Interface) o󰘯ers 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.

SATAX Hot Plug [Disabled]
Allows user to enable or disable the SATA hot plug support. This item will appear

when the “SATA Mode” set to [AHCI]/ [RAID].
[Enabled] Enables hot plug support for the SATA ports.
[Disabled] Disables hot plug support for the SATA ports.

HD Audio Controller [Enabled]
Enables or disables the onboard High De󰘰nition Audio controller.

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

Integrated Graphics Con󰘰guration

Adjusts integrated graphics settings for optimum system. Press <Enter> to enter the
sub-menu.

Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG]
Selects a graphics adapter as the primary display device.
[IGD] Integrated Graphics Display.
[PEG] PCI-Express Graphics Device.

Initiate Graphics Devices [Auto]
Enables or disables the integrated graphics controller.
[Auto] This setting will be con󰘰gured automatically according to the

installed APU.
[Disabled] Disables integrated graphics controller.
[Dual Graphics] Enables the integrated graphics controller multi-monitor support

for independent graphics card.

Important

The "Initiate Graphics Devices" must be set to "Dual Graphics" befor using AMD Dual
Gaphics Technology.

Integrated Graphics Share Memory [Auto]

Selects a 󰘰xed amount of system memory allocated to the graphics. This item
de󰘰nes the exact memory size shared to the graphics. This item will appear when
“Initiate Graphics Devices” is set to "Dual Graphics".

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Chapter 3

3-9 BIOS Setup

USB Con󰘰guration

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

USB Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables the onboard USB controller.

XHCI Hand-off [Enabled]

Enables or disables XHCI hand-o󰘯 support for the operating system without XHCI
hand-o󰘯 feature.

EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]

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

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

and enables or disables the legacy USB support.

[Enabled] Enable the USB support for legacy operating systems that do not

support USB.

[Disabled] The USB devices are available only for UEFI applications.

Onboard USB3.0 Controller [Enabled]
Enables or disables the external USB 3.0 controller.

Super IO Con󰘰guration

Sets system Super I/O chip parameters for COM port. Press <Enter> to enter the sub­menu.

Serial (COM) Port 0 Configuration
Sets detailed con󰘰guration of serial(COM) port 0. Press <Enter> to enter the sub-

menu.

Serial (COM) Port 0 [Enabled]

Enables or disables serial (COM) port 0.

Serial (COM) Port 0 Settings [Auto]

Sets serial port 0 (COM). If set to "Auto", BIOS will optimize the IRQ
automatically or you can set it manually.

Power Management Setup

Sets system Power Management of EuP2013 and AC Power Loss behaviors. Press
<Enter> to enter the sub-menu.

EuP 2013 [Disabled]
Enables or disables the system power consumption according to EuP2013

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

regulation.
[Disabled] Disables this function.
Note: When enabled, the system will not support RTC wake up event functions.

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Chapter 3

3-10BIOS Setup

Restore after AC Power Loss [Power Off]
Sets the system behaviors while encountering the AC power loss.
[Power O󰘯] Leaves the system in power o󰘯 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 o󰘯)

before AC power loss.

Windows 8/ 8.1 Con󰘰guration

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

Windows 8/ 8.1 Feature [Disabled]
Enables the supports for Windows 8 or disables for other operating systems.

Before enabling this item, make sure all installed devices & utilities (hardware &
software) should meet the Windows 8 requirements.

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

requirement.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

MSI 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" will be disabled and 󰘰xed.

[Disabled] Disables MSI Fast Boot.

Fast Boot [Disabled]
Enables or disables the Windows 8 fast boot feature. This item will only be

available when "MSI Fast Boot" is disabled.
[Enabled] Enables the Fast Boot con󰘰guration to accelerate system boot time.
[Disabled] Disables the Fast Boot con󰘰guration.

Important

If you want to enter BIOS with enabled “MSI Fast Boot” mode or enabled "Fast Boot"
mode, you have to click the "GO2BIOS" tab on MSI Fast Boot utility screen or press
the "GO2BIOS" button (optional) on the motherboard. And then the system will enter
to BIOS setup directly at next boot.

Secure Boot
Sets the Windows secure boot to prevent the unauthorized accessing. Press

<Enter> to enter the sub-menu. This sub-menu will appear when “Windows 8/ 8.1
Feature” is enabled.

Secure Boot Support [Disabled]
Enables or disables secure boot support.
[Enabled] Enables the secure boot function and allow you to set the secure

boot settings.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

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Chapter 3

3-11 BIOS Setup

.Secure Boot Mode [Standard]
Selects the secure boot mode. This item is to select how the secure boot keys

be loaded. This item appears when "Secure Boot" is enabled.
[Standard] The system will automatically load the secure keys from BIOS.
[Custom] Allows user to con󰘰gure the secure boot settings and manually

load the secure keys.

Key Management
Manages the secure boot keys. Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. This sub-

menu will appear when “Secure Boot Mode” sets to [Custom].

Wake Up Event Setup

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

Wake Up Event By [BIOS]
Selects the wake up event by BIOS or operating system.
[BIOS] Activates the following items, and use these items to set the wake up

events.

[OS] The wake up events will be de󰘰ned by OS.

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

Date (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 speci󰘰ed date/hour/minute/second
in these 󰘰elds (using the <+> and <-> to select the date & time settings).

Resume By PCI-E Device [Disabled]
Disables or enables the system wake up by PCI express device.
[Enabled] Enables the system to be awakened from the power saving modes

when activity or input signal of PCIe device is detected.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

Resume From S3 by USB Device [Disabled]
Disables or enables 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.

Resume From S3/S4/S5 by PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]
Disables or enables 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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3-12BIOS Setup

Resume From S3/S4/S5 by PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
Disables or enables 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.

Full Screen Logo Display [Enabled]
Enables or disables to show the full screen logo while system POST.
[Enabled] The OS boots straight to the GUI without showing the POST screen.
[Disabled] Shows the POST messages at booting.

Boot Mode Select [LEGACY+UEFI]
Sets the system boot mode from legacy or UEFI architecture depending on OS

installation requirement. This item will become unselectable and will be con󰘰gured
automatically by BIOS when “Windows 8/ 8.1 Feature” is enabled.

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

FIXED BOOT ORDER Priorities
Sets device priority for system boot.

Boot Option #1~N
These items are used to prioritize the installed boot devices.

Security

Administrator Password
Sets administrator password for system security. Enters the administrator password if

set; user has full rights to change the BIOS items.

User Password
Sets User Password for system security. Enters the user password if set; but user

might have limited rights to change the BIOS items.

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
con󰘰rm 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 con󰘰rm the password is being disabled. Once the password
is disabled, you can enter the setup and OS without authorization.

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3-13 BIOS Setup

U-Key [Disabled]
Enables or disables U-Key as user's password to access the system.

Make U-Key at
Makes a key at the USB 󰘱ash drive to prevent other people from accessing the

system. Only the user who has the key with the 󰘱ash drive can access the system.

Chassis Intrusion Con󰘰guration
Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.

Chassis Intrusion [Disabled]
This function will be available if the chassis equips a chassis intrusion switch.
Once the chassis is opened, the system will record and issue a warning message.

To clear the warning message, set the item to [Reset], then it will return to
[Enabled] later. [Options: Disabled, Enabled, Reset]

Save & Exit

Discard Changes and Exit

Exit BIOS setup without saving any change. This it is used to abandon all changes
and exit BIOS setup.

Save Changes and Reboot

This item is used to save all changes and reboot the system.

Save Changes

This item is used to save current changes.

Discard Changes

This item is used to discard current all changes and restore to the previous values.

Restore Defaults

This item is used to restore/ load all default values by the BIOS vendor.

Boot Override

The installed boot-able devices will appear on this menu, you can select one of them
be a boot device to start booting.

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3-14BIOS Setup

OC

Important

Overclocking your PC manually is only recommended for advanced users.
Overclocking is not guaranteed, and if done improperly, can void your warranty or

severely damage your hardware.
If you are unfamiliar with overclocking, we advise you to use OC Genie for easy

overclocking.

Current CPU/ DRAM Frequency

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

CPU Base Frequency (MHz) [Default]

Sets the CPU Base clock. You may overclock the CPU by adjusting this value. Please
note that overclocking behavior and stability is not guaranteed. This item appears
when the installed processor supports this function.

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.

Adjusted CPU Frequency

Shows the adjusted CPU frequency. Read-only.

Adjust CPU-NB Ratio [Auto]

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

Adjusted CPU-NB Frequency

Shows the adjusted CPU frequency. Read-only.

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3-15 BIOS Setup

OC Genie Function Control [By Onboard Button]

Enables the OC Genie function by virtual button in BIOS or physical button on
motherboard. Enabling OC Genie function can automatically overclock the system
with MSI optimized overclocking pro󰘰le.

[By BIOS Options] OC Genie function is enabled by clicking the virtual OC Genie

button at the top left corner of BIOS setup screen.
[By Onboard Button]OC Genie function is enabled by pressing the physical OC Genie
button on the motherboard.

Important

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

Updating BIOS or clearing CMOS is not allowed in OC Genie mode, and it may
cause OC Genie function fail or other e󰘯ect.

AMD Turbo Core Technology [Auto]

Based on AMD Turbo Core Technology, part of CPU core ratio may pop down for
providing more performance headroom for active CPU core, even AMD Cool’n’Quiet
Technology is Disabled.

[Auto] Turbo Core Technology will linked to AMD Cool’n’Quiet Technology.
[Enabled] Enables this function.
[Disabled] Disables this function.

Adjust Turbo Core Ratio [Auto]

Speci󰘰es the Turbo Core frequency multiplier.

Adjusted Turbo Core Frequency

Shows the adjusted Turbo Core frequency. Read-only.

Adjust GPU Engine Frequency [Auto]

Adjust GPU Engine Frequency.

Adjusted GPU Engine Frequency

Shows the adjusted GPU Engine frequency. Read-only.

DRAM Frequency [Auto]

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

Adjusted DRAM Frequency

Shows the adjusted DRAM frequency. Read-only.

Intel Extreme Memory Pro󰘰le (XMP) [Disabled]

X.M.P. (Extreme Memory Pro󰘰le) is the overclocking technology by memory module.
This item will be available when you install the memory modules that support X.M.P.
technology. When the Intel Extreme Memory Pro󰘰le (XMP) is Enabled, the AMD
Memory Pro󰘰le (AMP) will be forced to be disabled.

[Disabled] Disables this function.
[Enabled] Choose to apply an Intel Extreme Memory Pro󰘰le (XMP) to increase

system performance.

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Chapter 3

3-16BIOS Setup

AMD Memory Pro󰘰le (AMP) [Disabled]
AMP is the overclocking technology by memory module. This item will be available
when you install the memory modules that support AMP technology. When AMP is
Enabled, the XMP will be forced to be disabled.
[Disabled] Disables this function.
[Enabled] Choose to apply an AMD Memory Pro󰘰le (AMP) to increase system

performance.

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 con󰘰gure the DRAM timing manually for all memory

channel.

[UnLink] Allows user to con󰘰gure the DRAM timing manually for respective

memory channel.

Advanced DRAM Con󰘰guration
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/ button section to clear the CMOS data,
and enter the BIOS to load the default settings.

DigitALL Power
Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. Controls the digital powers related to CPU

PWM.

CPU Core Vdroop Offset Control [Auto]

Sets a percentage of o󰘯set voltage for CPU Core vdroop. If set to "Auto", BIOS
will con󰘰gure this setting automatically.

CPU NB Vdroop Offset Control [Auto]

Sets a percentage of o󰘯set voltage for CPU NB vdroop. If set to "Auto", BIOS will
con󰘰gure this setting automatically.

CPU Core OCP Expander [Default]

Sets the current limit for CPU Core over-current protection. If set to “Auto”, BIOS
will con󰘰gure this setting automatically. Higher voltage provides less protection and
may damage the system.

CPU NB OCP Expander [Default]

Sets the current limit for CPU NB over-current protection. If set to “Auto”, BIOS will
con󰘰gure this setting automatically. Higher voltage provides less protection and
may damage the system.

CPU Core Switching Frequency [Auto]

Sets the PWM working speed to stabilize CPU Core voltage and minimize ripple
range. Increasing the PWM working speed will cause higher temperature of
MOSFET. So please make sure a cooling solution is well-prepared for MOSFET
before you increase the value. If set to “Auto”, BIOS will con󰘰gure this setting
automatically.

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Chapter 3

3-17 BIOS Setup

CPU NB Switching Frequency [Auto]

Sets the PWM working speed to stabilize CPU NB voltage and minimize ripple
range. Increasing the PWM working speed will cause higher temperature of
MOSFET. So please make sure a cooling solution is well-prepared for MOSFET
before you increase the value. If set to “Auto”, BIOS will con󰘰gure this setting
automatically.

CPU Power Duty Control
Selects the method of VRM control for CPU phase.
[Thermal Balance] Control the VRM with thermal balance mode.
[Current Balance] Control the VRM with current balance mode.

XXX Voltage [Auto]

Sets these voltages. If set to "Auto", BIOS will set these voltages automatically or you
can set it manually.

Spread Spectrum

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.

CPU Memory Changed Detect [Enabled]

Enables or disables the system to issue a warning message during boot when the
CPU or memory has been replaced.

[Enabled] The system will issue a warning message during boot and than needs

to load the default settings for new devices.

[Disabled] Disables this function and keeps the current BIOS settings.

OC Retry Count [1]

Resets counts for overclocking retrying. When overclocking has failed, setting this
item as [1, 2, 3] will allow system to reboot 1, 2, 3 times with the same overclocked
con󰘰guration. If overclocking has failed every time, the system will restore the defaults.

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Chapter 3

3-18BIOS Setup

CPU Speci󰘰cations

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.

CPU Technology Support
Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. The sub-menu shows what the key features

does the installed CPU support. Read only.

MEMORY-Z

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. This sub-menu displays all the settings and
timings of installed memory.

CPU Features

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.

AMD 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 e󰘯ectively 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.

SVM 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.

Core C6 State [Disabled]
Enables or disables C6 state support.
[Enabled] When the CPU enters C6 state, all cores will save architectural state

and reduce core voltages to zero volts. Wake up the CPU from C6
state will take a lot longer.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

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Chapter 3

3-19 BIOS Setup

M-FLASH

Important

M-Flash funcion allows you to update BIOS from USB 󰘱ash disk (FAT32/ NTFS format
only), or allows the system to boot from the BIOS 󰘰le inside USB 󰘱ash disk (FAT/
FAT32 format only).

Save BIOS to storage

Saves the current BIOS 󰘰le to the USB 󰘱ash disk. The USB 󰘱ash disk drive should be
in FAT32 format.

Update BIOS

Selects a BIOS 󰘰le in the USB 󰘱ash disk (NTFS/ FAT 32 format) to update the BIOS.

Select one file to update BIOS
Selects a BIOS 󰘰le in the USB 󰘱ash disk (NTFS/ FAT 32 format) to update the

BIOS. The system will reboot after updating.

Important

Please note that the USB 3.0 ports (by VIA chipset) do not support M-Flash Update
BIOS function.

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Chapter 3

3-20BIOS Setup

OC PROFILE

Overclocking Pro󰘰le 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Overclocking Pro󰘰le 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6 management. Press <Enter> to enter the sub­menu.

Set Name for Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6
Names the current overclocking pro󰘰le.

Save Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6
Saves the current overclocking pro󰘰le.

Load Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6
Loads the current overclocking pro󰘰le.

Clear Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6
Clears the current overclocking pro󰘰le.

OC Pro󰘰le Save to USB

Saves OC pro󰘰le to the USB 󰘱ash disk drive. The USB 󰘱ash disk should be FAT32
format only.

OC Pro󰘰le Load from USB

Loads OC pro󰘰le from the USB 󰘱ash disk drive. The USB 󰘱ash disk should be FAT32
format only.

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Chapter 3

3-21 BIOS Setup

HARDWARE MONITOR

Temperature &

Speed

graphic display

Current

Temperature & Speed

information

Fan

control 󰘰eld

Voltage

display

Current Temperature & Speed information

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

Temperature & Speed graphic display

The red graph shows the minimum and maximum temperatures that be set on the
“Fan control 󰘰eld”. The yellow graph shows current CPU/ system temperature. The
green shows current CPU/ System fan speed.

Fan control 󰘰eld

This motherboard provides a fan speed control feature call “Smart Fan Control”.
Smart Fan Control automatically controls fan speed depending on the current CPU
temperature and to keep it with a speci󰘰c 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 󰘰eld, you can
set the CPU and system fans’ speeds and target temperatures.

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Chapter 3

3-22BIOS Setup

Please follow the description below to set the temperatures and fan speeds.

a
b

c

d
e

f

a - Selects a fan you want to specify the speed.
b - Checks this item to activate the following items for changing default values.
c - Slides the Min and Max tabs to set the minimum and maximum

temperatures.
d - Slides the arrow symbol to set the minimum fan speed in percentage.
e - Slides the arrow symbol to set the maximum fan speed in percentage.
f - Click the "Default" button to restore the default values. Or click the

"Cancel" button to abandon all changes and restore to the previous values.

Important

The minimum values of temperature and speed can not be set larger then the
maximum values.

The changed settings will become e󰘯ective after you save the changes and reboot
the system.

Voltage display

Shows the current voltages of CPU, system and memory.

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Appendix A

Realtek Audio

The Realtek audio provides 10-channel DAC that simultaneously supports 7.1
sound playback and 2 channels of independent stereo sound output (multiple
streaming) through the Front-Out-Left and Front-Out-Right channels.

Appendix A

A-2Realtek Audio

Software Con󰘰guration

After installing the audio driver (see Chapter 1 - Driver and Utilities), the “Realtek HD
Audio Manager” icon will appear at the noti󰘰cation area (lower right of the screen).
You may double click the icon and the GUI will pop up accordingly.

double click the icon

It is also available to enable the audio driver by clicking the Realtek HD Audio
Manager from the Control Panel.

Software panel overview

The following 󰘰gure describes the function of the Realtek HD Audio Manager panel.

Device Selection

Volume Adjustment

Application Enhancement

Jack status panel

Appendix A

A-3 Realtek Audio

Device Selection

Here you can select a audio output source to change the related options. The “check”
sign (in orange) indicates the devices as default.

Volume Adjustment

You can control the volume or balance the right/left side of the speakers that you
plugged in front or rear panel by adjust the bar.

Application Enhancement

The array of options will provide you a complete guidance of anticipated sound e󰘯ect
for both output and input device.

Jack status panel

This panel depicts all render and capture devices currently connected with your
computer.

Auto popup dialog

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

As you know, each jack corresponds to its default setting, you can refer to the next
section “Hardware Default Setting”.

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Appendix A

A-4Realtek Audio

Hardware Default Setting

The following diagrams are audio back panel default setting.

Backpanel audio jacks to 2-channel speakers diagram

Fr ont

Backpanel audio jacks to 4-channel speakers diagram

Re ar

Fr ont

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Appendix A

A-5 Realtek Audio

Backpanel audio jacks to 6-channel speakers diagram

Re ar

Fr ont

Ce nte

r & S

ub woo fer

Backpanel audio jacks to 8-channel speakers diagram

Re ar

Fr ont

Ce nte

r & S

ub woo fer

S

id e

Su rro und

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Appendix B

AMD RAID

This appendix will assist users in con󰘰guring and enabling RAID functionality.

Appendix B

B-2AMD RAID

Introduction

The motherboard comes with the AMD RAID controller that allows you to con󰘰gure
SATA hard drives as RAID sets.

AMD RAID controller o󰘯ers RAID level 0 (Striping), RAID level 1 (Mirroring and
Duplexing), RAID level 5 (Block Interleaved Distributed Parity), RAID level 10 (A Stripe
of Mirrors) , Volume (JBOD) and RAIDABLE.

RAID0 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.

RAID1 provides data redundancy by mirroring data between the hard drives and
provides enhanced read performance.

RAID5 Provides data striping at the byte level and also stripe error correction
information. This results in excellent performance and good fault tolerance. Level 5 is
one of the most popular implementations of RAID.

RAID10 Not one of the original RAID levels, multiple RAID1 mirrors are created, and a
RAID0 stripe is created over these.

Volume (JBOD) provides the ability to link-together storage from one or several disks,
regardless of the size of the space on those disks, and Volume is useful in scavenging

space on disks unused by other disks in the array. Volume does not provide
performance bene󰘰ts or data redundancy, and disk failure will result in data loss.

RAIDABLE allows a RAIDABLE disk to be transformed later to RAID0 or RAID1.

Important

Your motherboard may not support RAID5, please refer to Chapter 1 “Motherboard
Speci󰘰cations”.

The least number of hard drives for RAID 0 or RAID 1 is 2. The least number of
hard drives for RAID 10 mode is 4. And the least number of hard drives for RAID 5
mode is 3.

All the information/ volumes/ pictures listed in your system might di󰘯er from the
illustrations in this appendix.

Use the utility to accomplish the procedures:

Initialize Disk(s) - To initialize a new disk drive for data storage.
Create Array - Create arrays at di󰘯erent RAID levels (depending on the

license level for the system)
Delete Array(s) - Delete an array.
Swap Two Arrays - Change the array order, especially for the AMD-RAID

bootable array.
Manage Hot Sqare(s) - Allows selection of global and dedicated hot spares.
View Disk Details - View information about each disk.
View Array Details - View information about each array.
Rescan All Channels - Rescan all channels to detect new or removed disks

and arrays.
Controller Options - Change INT13 boot support, turn o󰘯 Critical arrays or

warning for O󰘳ine arrays while booting, or change the number of disks that
can be spun-up when the system is powered-on.

Contiune to Boot - Exit the BIOS Con󰘰guration Utility and continue booting the
system.

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Appendix B

B-3 AMD RAID

Using AMD RAID Controller BIOS Con󰘰guration Utility

When booting the system, press <Ctrl + R> when the BIOS banner displays. After
entering AMD RAID Controller BIOS Con󰘰guration Utility, the following screen is
displayed.

AMD-RAID Array Con󰘰guration

Creates an array from the connected disks

Arrays Disks

1----RAID5, 999GB, Ready(R/W)

0-00,500GB,Online
0-01,500GB,Online
0-02,500GB,Online
0-03,500GB,Online

Main Menu
Initialize Disk(s)

Create Array

Delete Array(s)
Swap Two Arrays
Manage Hot Sqare(s)
View Disk Details
View Array Details
Rescan All Channels
Controller Options
Contiune to Boot

Available Keys
<↑><↓><→><←>=Choose, <Esc>=Back
<Enter>=Select Menu Item

Understanding the Colour Code

Colour codes indicate the type or status of information at the BIOS Con󰘰guration
Utility.

White text - Indicates an available option or informational text.
Black text, yellow highlighting - Indicates an option or device for which action

might be taken.
Yellow text - Indicates information about the yellow-highlighted option.
Green text - Indicates an item that has been selected.
Light blue text - Indicates that the item cannot be selected.
Magenta text - Indicates items that are related to spares or boot options.
Red text - Indicates a failed virtual or physical disk or a warning. For example,

informational text might be red if an option is not available.

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Appendix B

B-4AMD RAID

AMD-RAID Array Con󰘰guration

Initializes one or more disks so that arrays can be created

Arrays Disks

0-00,500GB,Ready
0-01,500GB,Ready
0-02,500GB,Ready
0-03,500GB,Ready

Main Menu

Initialize Disk(s)

Create Array
Delete Array(s)
Swap Two Arrays
Manage Hot Sqare(s)
View Disk Details
View Array Details
Rescan All Channels
Controller Options
Contiune to Boot

Available Keys
<↑><↓><→><←>=Choose, <Esc>=Back
<Enter>=Select Menu Item

Initialize Disks

New disks and legacy disks must be initialized before they can be used to create an
AMD-RAID array. Initialization writes AMD-RAID con󰘰guration information (metadata)
to a disk.

Important

If a disk is part of an AMD-RAID array, the disk cannot be selected for initialization.
To initialize the disk anyway, delete the AMD-RAID array. Data on the disk is
deleted during initialization so ensure the correct disks are chosen to initialize.

A legacy disk can contain valid data. When a legacy disk is initialized, all data on
the disk is lost.

To initialize disks:

At the “Main Menu”, use the arrow keys to highlight “Initialize Disk(s)”.

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1.

Press <Enter> to select Initialize Disk(s).
Select the disks to initialize by pressing <Insert> key.
Press <Enter> to initialize the selected disks.
Press the <C> key to con󰘰rm the initialization.

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4.

5.

Appendix B

B-5 AMD RAID

Create Arrays

Arrays can be created after the disks are initialized.

Important

For redundant arrays, the Create process is not 󰘰nished until after the operating
system and AMD-RAID OS drivers have been installed and the system has booted
to the operating system. However, the arrays are immediately available to use for
either a bootable array or a data array.

If the system is booted from an AMD-RAID bootable array, the 󰘰rst array in the
Arrays section must be the bootable array. The system boots only from the 󰘰rst
array in the Arrays section. As necessary, use the Swap Two Arrays feature to
swap arrays and place the bootable array in the 󰘰rst position.

To create an array:

At the “Main Menu”, use the arrow keys to highlight “Create Array” and press
<Enter>.

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1.

AMD-RAID Array Con󰘰guration

Creates an array from the connected disks

Arrays Disks

0-00,500GB,Ready
0-01,500GB,Ready
0-02,500GB,Ready

0-03,500GB,Ready

Main Menu
Initialize Disk(s)

Create Array

Delete Array(s)
Swap Two Arrays
Manage Hot Sqare(s)
View Disk Details
View Array Details
Rescan All Channels
Controller Options
Contiune to Boot

Available Keys
<↑><↓><→><←>=Choose, <Esc>=Back
<Enter>=Select Menu Item

Select the disks with which to create the array by pressing <Insert> key.
Press <Enter> to include the selected disks in the array.
In the User Input section, use the <arrow keys> to select an array type. Only array

types that can be created with the selected disks are available.
Press <Enter>.
Select an array size.
Press <Enter> when either the desired size or the maximum available size is

reached.
Select a caching level using the <arrow keys> and press <Enter>.
Press <C> to con󰘰rm the array settings.

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5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Appendix B

B-6AMD RAID

Delete Arrays

Important

Deleting an array permanently destroys all data that is on the array. This action cannot
be undone and it is very unlikely the data can be recovered.

To delete an array:

At the “Main Menu”, use the arrow keys to highlight “Delete Array” and press
<Enter>.

1.

AMD-RAID Array Con󰘰guration

Deletes one or more arrays that are con󰘰gured on this controller

Arrays Disks

1----RAID5, 999GB, Ready(R/W)

0-00,500GB,Online
0-01,500GB,Online
0-02,500GB,Online
0-03,500GB,Ready

Main Menu
Initialize Disk(s)
Create Array

Delete Array(s)

Swap Two Arrays
Manage Hot Sqare(s)
View Disk Details
View Array Details
Rescan All Channels
Controller Options
Contiune to Boot

Available Keys
<↑><↓><→><←>=Choose, <Esc>=Back
<Enter>=Select Menu Item

Select the arrays to delete by pressing <Insert> key.
Press <Enter> to delete the selected arrays.
Press <C> to con󰘰rm the deletion.

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3.

4.

Appendix B

B-7 AMD RAID

Swap Arrays

Use the Swap Two Arrays option to arrange arrays in a di󰘯erent order.

Important

If more than one array is created, install the operating system to any of them.
However, a small amount of boot information is always written to a disk(s) in the 󰘰rst
array (Array 1) of the Array section, regardless on which array the operating system is
installed.

If anything happens to a disk in Array 1, the system might not be able to boot. It is
recommended that the user install the operating system on an AMD-RAID bootable
array at a redundant RAID level such as RAID1 or RAID5 and swap the array into the
󰘰rst position, if it is not already Array 1.

To swap arrays:

At the “Main Menu”, use the arrow keys to highlight “Swap Two Array” and press
<Enter>.

1.

AMD-RAID Array Con󰘰guration

Swaps arrays to allow them to load in any order (Boot array is 󰘰rst)

Arrays Disks

1----RAID0, 999GB, Ready(R/W)
2----RAID0, 999GB, Ready(R/W)

0-00,500GB,Online
0-01,500GB,Online
0-02,500GB,Online
0-03,500GB,Online

Main Menu
Initialize Disk(s)
Create Array
Delete Array(s)

Swap Two Arrays

Manage Hot Sqare(s)
View Disk Details
View Array Details
Rescan All Channels
Controller Options
Contiune to Boot

Available Keys
<↑><↓><→><←>=Choose, <Esc>=Back
<Enter>=Select Menu Item

Select the arrays to swap by pressing <Insert> key.
Press <Enter> to swap the arrays.

2.

3.

Appendix B

B-8AMD RAID

Manage Spares

This option allows the user to assign or unassign global or dedicated spares.
At the Main Menu, use the <arrow keys> to highlight “Manage Host Spare(s)” and

press <Enter> to enter submenu.

AMD-RAID Array Con󰘰guration

Assign Global Hot Spare(s)

Arrays Disks

1----RAID0, 999GB, Normal(R/W)

0-00,500GB,Online
0-01,500GB,Online
0-02,1000GB,Ready
0-03,1000GB,Ready

Manage Hot Spare(s)

Assign Global Hot Spare(s)

Assign Dedicated Hot Spare(s)
Unassign Hot Spare(s)

Available Keys
<↑><↓><→><←>=Choose, <Esc>=Back
<Enter>=Select Menu Item

To assign global spares:

At the Manage Host Spare(s) submenu, use the <arrow keys> to highlight “Assign
Global Hot Spare(s)” and press <Enter>.

Select the disks to assign as global spares by pressing <Insert> key.
Press <Enter> to assign the selected disks as global spares.

To assign dedicated spares:

At the Manage Host Spare(s) submenu, use the <arrow keys> to highlight “Assign
Dedicated Hot Spare(s)” and press <Enter>.

Select the disks to assign as dedicated spares by pressing <Insert> key.
Press <Enter> to assign dedicated spares.
Press <C> to continue.

To unassign spares:

At the Manage Host Spare(s) submenu, use the <arrow keys> to highlight
“Unassign Hot Spare(s)” and press <Enter>.

Select the disks to unassign as spares by pressing <Insert> key.
Press <Enter> to unassign the selected disks.
Press <C> to continue.

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4.

Appendix B

B-9 AMD RAID

Change the Controller Options

Controller Options allows the user to con󰘰gure options for the boot sequence.
At the Main Menu, use the <arrow keys> to highlight “Controller Options” and press

<Enter> to enter submenu.

AMD-RAID Array Con󰘰guration

Toggles whether BIOS installs INT13 support

Arrays Disks

1----RAID0, 999GB, Normal(R/W)

0-00,500GB,Online
0-01,500GB,Online
0-02,1000GB,Ready
0-03,1000GB,Ready

Controller Options

Toggle INT13 Boot Support [ON]

Toggle Pause if Critical [OFF]
Toggle Pause if O󰘳ine [OFF]
Set Staggered Spinup Count [2]

Available Keys
<↑><↓><→><←>=Choose, <Esc>=Back
<Enter>=Select Menu Item

Important

By default, all options are On. It is recommended that options remain On.

Booting the system from an array

This option allows the user to enable boot support.
It is recommended that this option be disabled only if the system is booted from

another device.

At the Controller Options submenu, use the <arrow keys> to highlight “Toggle
INT13 Boot Support ” and press <Enter>.

Use the <arrow keys> to highlight “Toggle INT13 Boot Support”.
Press <Enter> to toggle between On and O󰘯.

Pausing the boot sequence for warning messages

When the Pause feature is enabled and an array goes critical, o󰘳ine, or there is
another problem with the system, the boot process stops and an error message is
displayed on the screen. The user must press Enter to continue booting.

If the Pause feature is disabled, error messages are displayed brie󰘱y, but the system
continues to boot.

At the Controller Options submenu, use the <arrow keys> to highlight “Toggle
Pause if Critical” and press <Enter>.

Set pauses to the boot sequence for critical/ o󰘳ine warnings. Use the <arrow
keys> to highlight Toggle Pause if Critical/ Toggle Pause if O󰘳ine.

Press <Enter> to toggle between On and O󰘯.

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2.

3.

1.

2.

3.

Appendix B

B-10AMD RAID

Change the Staggered Spinup Count

Depending on a system’s power supply load-rating, you might want to limit the number
of disks that are spun-up together when a system is powered on.

At the Controller Options submenu, use the <arrow keys> to highlight “Set
Staggered Spinup Count ” and press <Enter>. The number within the brackets
changes colour to indicate it is selected.

Use the <arrow keys> to change the number within the brackets. The minimum is
1 and the maximum is 8.

Press <Enter> to save the setting.

1.

2.

3.

Appendix B

B-11 AMD RAID

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\W7_W8\Packages\Drivers\SBDrv\Bolton\RAID_Driver (for Windows 7
or Windows 8)
\\ChipSet\W81\Packages\Drivers\SBDrv\Bolton\RAID_Driver (for Windows 8.1)

The driver diskette for AMD® RAID Controller is done.

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Installing Driver

New Windows 7/ Windows 8/ Windows 8.1 Installation

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

During the operating system installation, after selecting the location to install
Windows 7/ 8/ 8.1 click on “Load Driver” button to install a third party RAID driver.

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

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1.

2.

You should be shown a list of available SCSI Adapters.
Select the appropriate RAID controller and press ENTER.
The next screen should con󰘰rm that you have selected the RAID controller. Press

ENTER again to continue.
You have successfully installed the RAID driver, and Windows setup should

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

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

Existing Windows Driver Installation

Insert the MSI Driver Disc into the optical drive.
The Disc will auto-run and the setup screen will appear.
Under the Driver tab, click on AMD chipset drivers by your need. The AMD chipset

drivers includes RAID Driver.
The drivers will be automatically installed.

Con󰘰rming Windows Driver Installation

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

Choose the Hardware tab, then click the Device Manager tab.
Click the “+” in front of the RAID Controllers hardware type. The driver AMD RAID

Controller should appear.

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Appendix B

B-12AMD RAID

Installing OS on 2.2TB RAID

If you plan to install Windows 7/ 8/ 8.1 64bit on a RAID volume greater than 2.2TB,
you can only manually create 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 󰘰les! There is no way to reverse the process!

The following describes an example of how to install Windows 7/ 8/ 8.1 64bit on a
RAID 0 volume greater than 2.2TB.

1. Copy \\OtherDriver\Rcadm\rcadm.e󰘰 to root of a FAT32 USB Flash Drive from the
MSI Driver Disc

2. Plug-in the USB Flash Drive into a USB port on the motherboard.

3. Access BIOS → SETTING → Advanced → Integrated Peripherals submenu.

4. Set the “SATA Mode” option to “RAID Mode”.

5. Set the “Board SATA RAID ROM” option to “UEFI DRIVER”.

6. Save and then reboot.

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

Please select boot sevice:

UEFI: Built-in EFI Shell

UEFI: USB 2.0 Flash Disk
USB 2.0 Flash Disk
Enter Setup

8. Select “UEFI: Built-in EFI Shell” to access the EFI Shell environment.

9. Enter “fs0:” at the EFI shell prompt to change the current directory to the root of
the USB drive.

Shell> fs0:

fs0:\>

10. Enter “rcadm -M -qa” to see HDD information list.

11. Refer the list, enter “rcadm -M -id -d 0 1” to initialize HDD 0 and HDD 1.

fs0:\> rcadm -M -id -d 0 1

initializing disk 0
initializing disk 1