MSI Creator X299 User Manual

Quick Start

Thank you for purchasing the MSI® Creator X299 motherboard. This Quick Start
section 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.

Preparing Tools and Components

Intel® LGA 2066 CPU

CPU Fan

Chassis

DDR4 Memory

Thermal Paste

Phillips Screwdriver

Power Supply Unit

SATA Hard Disk Drive

Graphics Card

SATA DVD Drive

A Package of Screws

Quick Start

1

Safety Information

∙ 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.

∙ 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 anti-static

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 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 certified computer

technician.

∙ Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet

before installing or removing any computer component.

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

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

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

anything over the power cord.

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

personnel:

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

guide.

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

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

the motherboard.

Quick Start

2

Installing a Processor

1

3

2

https://youtu.be/ecdkLMmkya4

4

5

6

9

8

7

10

11

12

13

Quick Start

3

Installing DDR4 memory

http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs

1

Quick Start

4

1 DIMM

2 DIMMs

4 DIMMs

8 DIMMs

3

2

2

B1 B2 A1 A2 CPU C2 C1 D2 D1

Intel® Core™ X-series

10000/ 9000/ 78xx (above)

processors

Connecting the Front Panel Header

RESET SW

POWER SW

POWER LED+

POWER LED-

HDD LED

http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI

Power LED

JFP1

Power Switch

+++-

--

2 10
1

-

+

9

Reserved

HDD LED Reset Switch

1 HDD LED + 2 Power LED +

3 HDD LED - 4 Power LED -

5 Reset Switch 6 Power Switch

7 Reset Switch 8 Power Switch

9 Reserved 10 No Pin

HDD LED

POWER LED

RESET SW

HDD LED

HDD LED ­HDD LED +

POWER LED ­POWER LED +

Quick Start

JFP1

5

Installing the Motherboard

1

Quick Start

6

2

BAT1

Connecting the Power Connectors

http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

ATX_PWR1

CPU_PWR3

CPU_PWR1 CPU_PWR2

PCIE_PWR1

Quick Start

7

Installing SATA Drives

http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc

2

1

3

Quick Start

8

5

4

Installing a Graphics Card

http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A

1

3

2

5

4

6

Quick Start

9

Connecting Peripheral Devices

10

Quick Start

Power On

1

2

3

4

Quick Start

11

Contents

Quick Start ............................................................................................................. 1

Preparing Tools and Components.......................................................................... 1

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

Installing a Processor ............................................................................................ 3

Installing DDR4 memory ........................................................................................ 4

Connecting the Front Panel Header ...................................................................... 5

Installing the Motherboard ..................................................................................... 6

Connecting the Power Connectors ........................................................................ 7

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

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

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

Power On .............................................................................................................. 11

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

JCORSAIR1 Connector Specification .................................................................. 21

Package contents ................................................................................................ 21

Block Diagram .................................................................................................... 22

Rear I/O Panel ..................................................................................................... 23

LAN Port LED Status Table .................................................................................. 23

Audio Ports Configuration .................................................................................... 23

Realtek Audio Console ......................................................................................... 24

Installing Antennas ............................................................................................... 26

Overview of Components .................................................................................... 27

CPU Socket ........................................................................................................... 29

DIMM Slots ............................................................................................................ 30

PCI_E1~4: PCIe Expansion Slots .......................................................................... 32

PCIe, M2_2 and M2_3 slots bandwidth table ....................................................... 32

VRAID1: Virtual RAID on CPU Connector ............................................................. 34

U2_1: U.2 Connector ............................................................................................. 35

M2_1~3: M.2 Slots (Key M) ................................................................................... 36

SATA1~8: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors ....................................................................... 40

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors ................................................................... 40

CPU_PWR1~3, ATX_PWR1, PCIE_PWR1: Power Connectors ............................. 41

OC1: OC GENIE 4 Knob ........................................................................................ 42

OC_RT1: OC Retry Jumper ................................................................................... 44

OC_FS1: OC Force Enter BIOS Jumper................................................................ 44

12

Contents

JSLOW1: Slow Mode Booting Jumper .................................................................. 44

CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4, EXS_FAN1~2: Fan Connectors........... 45

W_FLOW1: Water Flow Meter Connector ............................................................ 46

T_SEN1: Thermal Sensor Connector ................................................................... 46

JTBT1: Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector ...................................................... 46

JUSB5: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Connector ............................................................ 47

JUSB3~4: USB 3.2 Gen1 Connector ..................................................................... 47

JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors ............................................................................. 48

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector ........................................................................... 48

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................ 49

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector ....................................................................... 49

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper ........................................................... 50

POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button ................................................. 50

BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch ............................................................................. 51

JRGB1: RGB LED connector ................................................................................. 52

JRAINBOW1~2: Addressable RGB LED connectors ............................................ 53

JCORSAIR1: CORSAIR Connector ........................................................................ 54

Onboard LEDs ...................................................................................................... 55

EZ Debug LED ....................................................................................................... 55

JPWRLED1: LED power input ............................................................................... 55

XMP LED ............................................................................................................... 55

Multi-BIOS LEDs ................................................................................................... 56

Debug Code LED ................................................................................................... 56

Hexadecimal Character Table .............................................................................. 56

Boot Phases .......................................................................................................... 56

Debug Code LED Table ......................................................................................... 57

ACPI States Codes ................................................................................................ 60

CPU Temperature ................................................................................................. 60

Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities ......................................................................... 61

Installing Windows® 10 .......................................................................................... 61

Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 61

Installing Utilities ................................................................................................. 61

BIOS Setup ........................................................................................................... 62

Entering BIOS Setup ............................................................................................. 62

Resetting BIOS ...................................................................................................... 63

Updating BIOS ....................................................................................................... 63

EZ Mode ................................................................................................................ 65

Advanced Mode .................................................................................................... 67

Contents

13

SETTINGS .............................................................................................................. 68

Advanced ............................................................................................................... 68

Boot ....................................................................................................................... 73

Security ................................................................................................................. 74

Save & Exit ............................................................................................................ 75

OC .......................................................................................................................... 77

M-FLASH .............................................................................................................. 85

OC PROFILE .......................................................................................................... 86

HARDWARE MONITOR.......................................................................................... 87

Nahimic 3 ............................................................................................................. 88

Installation and Update ........................................................................................ 88

Audio Tab .............................................................................................................. 88

Microphone Tab .................................................................................................... 89

Sound Tracker Tab ............................................................................................... 90

Settings Tab .......................................................................................................... 90

RAID Configuration .............................................................................................. 91

Enabling Intel® Rapid Storage Technology ........................................................... 91

Creating RAID Volume ......................................................................................... 92

Removing a RAID Volume .................................................................................... 93

Resetting Disks to Non-RAID ............................................................................... 94

Rebuilding RAID Array .......................................................................................... 95

Installing RAID Driver ........................................................................................... 96

Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration .............................................................. 97

System Requirements ......................................................................................... 97

Installing the Intel® Optane™ memory ................................................................ 97

Removing the Intel® Optane™ memory................................................................ 99

Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 100

14

Contents

Specifications

CPU

Supports Intel® Core™ X-series 10000/ 9000/ 78xx (above)
processors for socket LGA2066

Chipset Intel® X299 Chipset

∙ 8x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 256GB*

▪ Support DDR4 4266+(OC)/ 4133(OC)/ 4000(OC)/

3866(OC)/ 3733(OC)/3600(OC)/ 3466(OC)/ 3400(OC)/
3333(OC)/ 3300(OC)/ 3200(OC)/ 3000(OC)/ 2933/ 2666/

Memory

2400/ 2133

∙ Quad channel memory architecture
∙ Supports non-ECC UDIMM memory
∙ Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)

* Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.

∙ 4x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots

▪ Support x8/ x8/ x16/ x8 and x16/ x0/ x16/ x8 modes

with the 48-lane CPU.

▪ Support x8/ x8/ x16/ x8 and x16/ x0/ x16/ x8 modes

Expansion Slots

with the 44-lane CPU.*

▪ Support x8/ x8/ x8/ x0 and x16/ x0/ x8/ x0 modes with

the 28-lane CPU.**

* The PCI_E4 slot will run 3.0 x4 speed with 44-lane CPU when installing M.2
PCIe device into M2_3 slot.

** The PCI_E4 slot is unavailable with 28-lane CPU.

∙ Supports 4-Way NVIDIA

Multi-GPU

∙ Supports 4-Way AMD

* Depends on the installed CPU.

®

SLI® Technology*

®

CrossFire™ Technology*

LAN

Wireless LAN &
Bluetooth

®

Audio

∙ 1x Intel® I219V Gigabit LAN controller
∙ 1x Aquantia® AQC107 10-Gigabit LAN controller

Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX200

▪ Supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, MU-MINO Rx, 2.4GHz-

5GHz (160MHz) up to 2.4Gbps

▪ Supports Bluetooth

®

5

▪ The Wireless module is pre-install in the M2_4 (Key-E)

slot

®

Realtek

ALC1220 Codec

∙ 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
∙ Supports Optical S/PDIF output

Continued on next page

Specifications

15

Storage

RAID

USB

Continued from previous page

Intel® X299 Chipset

∙ 8x SATA 6Gb/s ports
∙ 1x M.2 slot (M2_1, Key M)*

▪ Supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s, 2242/

2260/ 2280/ 22110 storage devices

▪ Intel® Rapid Start Technology
▪ Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready

∙ 1x U.2 port, supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe storage
∙ Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology

Intel® CPU

∙ 2x M.2 slots (M2_2 & M2_3, Key M)*

▪ Support up to PCIe 3.0 x4, 2242/ 2260/ 2280/ 22110

storage devices*

* M2_3 slot is unavailable with 28-lane CPU.

Intel® X299 Chipset

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

storage devices

∙ Supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 for M.2 PCIe storage devices

ASMedia® ASM3242 Chipset

▪ 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (SuperSpeed USB 20 Gbps) Type-C

port on the back panel

ASMedia® ASM3142 Chipset

▪ 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps) Type-C

port through the internal USB connector

ASMedia® ASM1074 Chipset

▪ 7x USB 3.2 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) Type-A ports on

the back panel

Intel® X299 Chipset

▪ 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports through the

internal USB connectors

▪ 6x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (2 Type-A ports

on the back panel, 4 ports through the internal USB
connectors)

16

Continued on next page

Specifications

Continued from previous page

∙ 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
∙ 3x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors
∙ 1x flat 4-pin ATX 12V power connector (Provides additional

power for PCIe x16 slots)

∙ 8x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
∙ 1x U.2 port
∙ 2x USB 2.0 connectors (support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports)
∙ 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectors (support additional 4 USB 3.2

Gen 1 ports)

∙ 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Port
∙ 1x 4-pin CPU fan connector

Internal Connectors

LED Connectors

Switch ∙ 1x Multi-BIOS switch

Internal Buttons

Jumpers

Debug LED

∙ 4x 4-pin system fan connectors
∙ 2x 4-pin extend system fan connectors
∙ 1x 4-pin water-pump fan connector
∙ 1x 3-pin Water Flow connector
∙ 1x Front panel audio connector
∙ 2x System panel connectors
∙ 1x TPM module connector
∙ 1x Chassis Intrusion connector
∙ 1x 2-pin Thermal Sensors connector
∙ 1x Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector
∙ 1x Virtual RAID on CPU connector
∙ 1x 4-pin RGB LED connector
∙ 2x 3-pin RAINBOW LED connectors
∙ 1x 3-pin CORSAIR connector

∙ 1x Power button
∙ 1x Reset button
∙ 1x OC GENIE 4 knob
∙ 1x Clear CMOS jumper
∙ 1x Slow mode booting jumper
∙ 1x Debug Code LED
∙ 4x EZ Debug LEDs

Continued on next page

Specifications

17

Continued from previous page

∙ 1x Clear CMOS Button
∙ 1x Flash BIOS Button
∙ 2x Wi-Fi Antenna connectors
∙ 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port

Back Panel
Connectors

I/O Controller NUVOTON NCT6797 Controller Chip

Hardware Monitor

∙ 2x USB 2.0 ports
∙ 7x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
∙ 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port
∙ 1x Gigabit LAN (RJ45) port
∙ 1x 10-Gigabit LAN (RJ45) port
∙ 5x OFC audio jacks
∙ 1x Optical S/PDIF Out connector

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

18

Specifications

Form Factor

BIOS Features

Software

∙ EATX Form Factor
∙ 12 in. x 10.7 in. (30.5 cm x 27.2 cm)

∙ 2x 128 Mb flash
∙ UEFI AMI BIOS
∙ ACPI 6.1, SM BIOS 2.8
∙ Multi-language

∙ Drivers
∙ CREATOR CENTER
∙ Nahimic Audio
∙ CPU-Z MSI GAMING
∙ MSI App Player (BlueStacks)
∙ Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)
∙ Google Chrome™ ,Google Toolbar, Google Drive
∙ Norton™ Internet Security Solution

Continued on next page

Creator Center
Features

Special Features

Continued from previous page

∙ Creator Optimization
∙ Creator Hotkey
∙ Mystic Light
∙ Hardware Monitor
∙ True Color
∙ Live update
∙ Speed Up
∙ Smart Tool
∙ Super Charger

∙ Audio

▪ Audio Boost 4
▪ Nahimic 3
▪ Voice Boost

∙ Network

▪ 10G Super LAN
▪ LAN Manager
▪ Dual LAN
▪ Intel WiFi

∙ Storage

▪ Triple Turbo M.2

∙ Cooling

▪ Extended Heatsink Design
▪ M.2 Shield Frozr
▪ Pump Fan
▪ Fan Control

∙ LED

▪ Mystic Light
▪ Mystic Light Extension (RGB)
▪ Mystic Light Extension (RAINBOW)
▪ Mystic Light Extension(CORSAIR)
▪ Mystic light SYNC
▪ Ambient Link
▪ EZ DEBUG LED

Please refer to http://download.msi.
com/manual/mb/CREATORCENTER.
pdf for more details.

Continued on next page

Specifications

19

Special Features

Continued from previous page

∙ Protection

▪ DDR4 Steel Armor
▪ M.2 Shield Frozr
▪ PCI-E Steel Armor
▪ Pre-installed IO shielding

∙ Performance

▪ Multi GPU-SLI Technology
▪ Multi GPU-CrossFire Technology
▪ DDR4 Boost
▪ Core Boost
▪ OC Engine (Clock gen)
▪ USB with type A+C
▪ Lightning USB
▪ Lightning USB 20G
▪ Front Lightning USB (20PIN)
▪ Triple CPU Power

∙ User Experience

▪ Creator CENTER
▪ Creator HOTKEY
▪ Speed Up
▪ Total Fan control
▪ Live Update
▪ APP Player

∙ BIOS

▪ Click BIOS 5
▪ System saver
▪ Dual BIOS

20

Specifications

JCORSAIR1 Connector Specification

Supporting CORSAIR RGB Products Maximum connection

Lighting PRO RGB LED Strip

HD120 RGB Fan 6
SP120 RGB Fan 6
LL120 RGB Fan 6

20*

* 20% brightness is recommended when the number of
LED strips exceeds 8.

Package contents

Please check the contents of your motherboard package. It should contain:

Motherboard Creator X299

Documentation

Application USB drive with drivers & utilities 1

Cables

Expansion cards

Accessories

User manual 1
Quick installation guide 1

SATA 6Gb/s cable 4
LED JRGB Y cable 1
LED JCORSAIR cable 1
LED JRAINBOW cable 1
Thermistor cable 1
Thunderbolt cable 1
M.2 XPANDER-AERO GEN4 card 1
Thunderbolt card 1
Wi-Fi antenna 1
Case Badge 1
SATA cable stickers 1
Product registration card 1
M.2 screw 3

Important

⚠

If any of the above items are damaged or missing, please contact your retailer.

Specifications

21

Block Diagram

4 Channel DDR4 Memory

Processor

1x M.2

1x M.2

1x M.2

8x SATA 6Gb/s

1x U.2

4x USB 3.2 Gen1

6x USB 2.0

SwitchSwitch

PCI Express Bus

P/S2 Mouse / Keyboard

NV6797

Super I/O

PCIE Bus

DMI 3.0

X299 PCH

PCIE Bus

PCIE Bus

Realtek

ALC1220

(Rear + Front)

Audio Jacks

Wi-Fi /
Bluetooth

Aquantia AQC107 (10-Gb LAN)

Intel I219V

ASMEDIA

ASM3242

1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2

ASMEDIA

ASM3142

1x USB 3.2 Gen2

ASMEDIA
ASM1074

7x USB 3.2 Gen1

Block Diagram

22

Rear I/O Panel

Wi-Fi Antenna
connectors

PS/2 Combo port

1Gbps LAN

10 Gbps

LAN

Audio Ports

Clear CMOS
button

Flash BIOS Button

Flash BIOS Port

USB 2.0 Type-A

USB 3.2 Gen 1

Type-A

USB 3.2
Gen 2x2

Type-C

Optical S/PDIF-Out

USB 3.2 Gen 1

Type-A

∙ Clear CMOS button - Power off your computer. Press and hold the Clear CMOS

button for about 5-10 seconds to reset BIOS to default values.

∙ Flash BIOS Port/ Button - Please refer to page 64 for Updating BIOS with Flash BIOS

Button.

LAN Port LED Status Table

Link/ Activity LED

Status Description

Off No link

Yellow (1Gb LAN)
Green (10Gb LAN)

Blinking Data activity

Linked

Speed LED

Status Gigabit LAN 10 Gbps LAN

Off 10 Mbps －

Green 100 Mbps 100 Mbps / 1 Gbps

Orange 1 Gbps 10 Gbps

Audio Ports Configuration

Audio Ports

Center/ Subwoofer Out ● ●

Rear Speaker Out ● ● ●

Line-In/ Side Speaker Out ●

Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out ● ● ● ●

Mic In

Channel

2 4 6 8

(●: connected, Blank: empty)

Rear I/O Panel

23

Realtek Audio Console

After Realtek Audio Console is installed. You can use it to change sound settings to get
better sound experience.

Device
Selection

Application Enhancement

Main Volume

Connector Settings

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

options. The check sign indicates the devices as default.

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

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

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

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

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

computer.

∙ Connector Settings - configures the connection settings.

Jack Status

Auto popup dialog

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

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

Important

⚠

The pictures above for reference only and may vary from the product you purchased.

Rear I/O Panel

24

Audio jacks to headphone and microphone diagram

Audio jacks to stereo speakers diagram

AUDIO INPUT

Audio jacks to 7.1-channel speakers diagram

AUDIO INPUT

Rear Front

Side Center/

Subwoofer

Rear I/O Panel

25

Installing Antennas

1. Combine the antenna with the base.

2. Screw two antenna cables tight to the WiFi antenna connectors as shown.

2

1

3. Place the antenna as high as possible.

Rear I/O Panel

26

BAT1

Overview of Components

SYS_FAN1

PCI_E1

M2_1

PCI_E2

M2_2

PCI_E3

M2_3
JOC_FS1
JOC_RT1

PCI_E4

CPU_PWR1

CPU Socket

CPU_PWR3

CPU_PWR2

BAT1

DIMMA2 DIMMD1

DIMMA1 DIMMD2

DIMMB2 DIMMC1

DIMMB1 DIMMC2

CPU_FAN1

OC1
PUMP_FAN1

SYS_FAN4

JCORSAIR1
JRAINBOW1

ATX_PWR1

VRAID1

JUSB5

JUSB4

SATA▼1▲2

SATA▼3▲4

SATA▼5▲6

SATA▼7▲8

U2_1
JRAINBOW2

JUSB3

JAUD1

JRGB1

PCIE_PWR1

T_SEN1

JTPM1

EXS_FAN2

JFP2

EXS_FAN1

JFP1

SYS_FAN2

W_FLOW1

JUSB2

JUSB1

SYS_FAN3

BIOS_SW1

Overview of Components

JPWRLED1

JSLOW1

JTBT1POWER1

JBAT1RESET1

JCI1

27

Component Contents

Port Name Port Type Page

BIOS_SW1 Multi-BIOS Switch 51
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1,

SYS_FAN1~4, EXS_FAN1~2
CPU_PWR1~3, ATX_PWR1,

PCIE_PWR1
CPU Socket LGA2066 Socket 29
DIMMA1~D2 DIMM Slots 30
JAUD1 Front Audio Connector 49
JBAT1 Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper 50
JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector 49
JCORSAIR1 CORSAIR Connector 54
JFP1, JFP2 Front Panel Connectors 40
JPWRLED1 LED power input 55
JRAINBOW1~2 Addressable RGB LED connectors 53
JRGB1 RGB LED connector 52
JSLOW1 Slow Mode Booting Jumper 44
JTBT1 Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector 46
JTPM1 TPM Module Connector 48
JUSB1~2 USB 2.0 Connectors 48
JUSB3~4 USB 3.2 Gen1 Connector 47
JUSB5 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Connector 47
M2_1~3 M.2 Slots (Key M) 36
OC1 OC GENIE 4 Knob 42
OC_FS1 OC Force Enter BIOS Jumper 44
OC_RT1 OC Retry Jumper 44
PCI_E1~4 PCIe Expansion Slots 32
POWER1, RESET1 Power Button, Reset Button 50
SATA1~8 SATA 6Gb/s Connectors 40
T_SEN1 Thermal Sensor Connector 46
U2_1 U.2 Connector 35
VRAID1 Virtual RAID on CPU Connector 34
W_FLOW1 Water Flow Meter Connector 46

Fan Connectors 45

Power Connectors 41

Overview of Components

28

CPU Socket

Distance from the center
of the CPU to the nearest
DIMM slot.

59.02 mm 59.02 mm

Introduction to the LGA 2066 CPU

The surface of the LGA 2066 CPU has four notches
and a golden triangle to assist in correctly lining
up the CPU for motherboard placement. The
golden triangle is the Pin 1 indicator.

Important

⚠

∙

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

the CPU.

∙

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

∙

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

∙

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

∙

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

∙

Whenever the CPU is not installed, always protect the CPU socket pins by covering
the socket with the plastic cap.

∙

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

∙

This motherboard is designed to support overclocking. Before attempting to
overclock, please make sure that all other system components can tolerate
overclocking. Any attempt to operate beyond product specifications is not
recommended. MSI
operation beyond product specifications.

®

does not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate

Overview of Components

29

DIMM Slots

B1B2A1A2 C2C1D2D1

Memory module installation recommendation

B1 B2 A1 A2 CPU C2 C1 D2 D1

1 DIMM

2 DIMMs

3 DIMMs

4 DIMMs

5 DIMMs

6 DIMMs

7 DIMMs

8 DIMMs

Intel® Core™ X-series

10000/ 9000/ 78xx (above)

processors

Overview of Components

30

DIMMB1
DIMMB2
DIMMA1
DIMMA2

DIMMC2
DIMMC1
DIMMD2
DIMMD1

DIMMB1
DIMMB2
DIMMA1
DIMMA2

DIMMC2
DIMMC1
DIMMD2
DIMMD1

DIMMB1
DIMMB2
DIMMA1
DIMMA2

DIMMC2
DIMMC1
DIMMD2
DIMMD1

DIMMB1
DIMMB2
DIMMA1
DIMMA2

DIMMC2
DIMMC1
DIMMD2
DIMMD1

DIMMB1
DIMMB2
DIMMA1
DIMMA2

Important

⚠

∙

Always insert a memory module in the DIMMC1 slot first.

∙

To ensure system stability for Dual/ Triple/ Quad channel mode, memory modules

DIMMC2
DIMMC1
DIMMD2
DIMMD1

DIMMB1
DIMMB2
DIMMA1
DIMMA2

DIMMC2
DIMMC1
DIMMD2
DIMMD1

must be of the same type, number and density. And for every channel, the odd number
DIMM slot must to be installed first.

∙

Some memory modules may operate at a lower frequency than the marked value
when overclocking due to the memory frequency operates dependent on its Serial
Presence Detect (SPD). Go to BIOS and find the DRAM Frequency to set the memory
frequency if you want to operate the memory at the marked or at a higher frequency.

∙

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

∙

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

∙

Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.

Overview of Components

31

PCI_E1~4: PCIe Expansion Slots

BAT1

PCI_E1: PCIe 3.0 x16 (CPU lanes)

PCI_E2: PCIe 3.0 x8 (CPU lanes)

PCI_E3: PCIe 3.0 x16 (CPU lanes)

PCI_E4: PCIe 3.0 x8 (CPU lanes)

PCIe, M2_2 and M2_3 slots bandwidth table

for 48-lane CPU

Graphics Card 2-Way 2-Way 2-Way* 3-Way 3-Way* 4-Way*

PCI_E1 @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x8

PCI_E2 @ 3.0 x8 Empty Empty @ 3.0 x8 Empty @ 3.0 x8

PCI_E3 Empty Empty @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x16

PCI_E4 Empty @ 3.0 x8 Empty Empty @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x8

M2_2 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4
M2_3 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4

(@: graphics card slot, *: best combination)

for 44-lane CPU

Graphics

Card

PCI_E1 @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x8

PCI_E2 @ 3.0 x8 Empty Empty @ 3.0 x8 Empty @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x8

PCI_E3 Empty Empty @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x16

PCI_E4 Empty @ 3.0 x8 Empty Empty @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x4 @ 3.0 x8

M2_2 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4
M2_3 3.0 x4 Empty 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 Empty 3.0 x4 Empty

(@: graphics card slot, *: best combination)

2-Way 2-Way 2-Way* 3-Way 3-Way* 4-Way 4-Way*

Important

⚠

The PCI_E4 slot will run 3.0 x4 speed when installing M.2 PCIe device into M2_3 slot.

Overview of Components

32

for 28-lane CPU

Graphics Card 2-Way 2-Way* 3-Way*

PCI_E1 @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x8

PCI_E2 @ 3.0 x8 Empty @ 3.0 x8

PCI_E3 Empty @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x8

PCI_E4 ─ ─ ─

M2_2 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4
M2_3 ─ ─ ─

(@: graphics card slot, ─: unavailable, *: best combination)

Important

⚠

∙

The PCI_E4 slot and M2_3 slot are unavailable with 28-lane CPU.

∙

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

∙

For a single PCIe x16 expansion card installation with optimum performance, using
the PCI_E1 slot is recommended.

∙

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

Installing SLI graphics cards

For power supply recommendations for SLI configurations, please refer to the user
guide of your graphics card to make sure you meet all the system requirements.

To install SLI graphics cards:

1. Turn off your computer and disconnect the power cord, install two graphics cards

into the PCI_E1 and PCI_E3 slots.

2. Connect the two cards together using the SLI Bridge Connector.

3. Connect all PCIe power connectors of the graphics cards.

Overview of Components

33

4. Reconnect the power cord, power up the computer and install the drivers and

software included in your graphics card package.

5. Right-click the Windows desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel from the menu,

click on Configure SLI, Surround, PhysX in the left task pane and select Maximize

3D performance in the SLI configuration menu, and then click Apply.

VRAID1: Virtual RAID on CPU Connector

This connector allows you to connect the VROC (Virtual RAID on CPU) key module. You
need to enable the VROC function with Intel
enterprise) driver.

®

RSTe (Intel® Rapid Storage Technology

Overview of Components

34

1

1 GND 2 VCC3

3 GND 4 SATA_RAID_KEY

Important

⚠

The VROC key module is purchased separately.

U2_1: U.2 Connector

This connector is a U.2 interface port. Each connector can connect to one PCIe 3.0 x4
NVMe storage device.

Video Demonstration

⚽

Watch the video to learn how to Install
U.2 SSD.

Installing U.2 SSD

1. Connect the U.2 cable to the U.2 connector on the

motherboard.

2. Connect the U.2 cable to the U.2 SSD.

3. Connect the U.2 cable to power adapter cable.

http://youtu.be/KgFvKDxymvw

U.2 SSD

U.2 Connector

1

U.2 Cable

2

Connect to power
adapter cable

Overview of Components

3

35

M2_1~3: M.2 Slots (Key M)

Important

⚠

∙

Intel® RST only supports PCIe M.2 SSD with UEFI ROM.

∙

Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready for M2_1 slot.

∙

M2_1

M2_2

M2_3

Installing M.2 module

1. Loosen the screws of M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink.

2. Lift the M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink and remove the protective films from the

thermal pads.

2

M2_2 & M2_3 slots only support PCIe 3.0 interface.

1

1

1

1

1

Overview of Components

36

1

1

3. For 2242/ 2260 M.2 SSD, please move and fasten the M.2 standoff to the

appropriate position to your M.2 SSD.
For 2280 M.2 SSD, please skip this step.
For 22110 M.2 SSD, please remove the M.2 standoff.

4. Insert your M.2 SSDs into the M.2 slots at a 30-degree angle.

5. If the M.2 SSD is shorter than the M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink, please secure the

M.2 SSD in place with M.2 screw. If the length of M.2 SSD equals the M.2 SHIELD
FROZR heatsink, please skip this step.

5

4

M.2 screw

30º30º

3

M.2 Standoff

6. Put the M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink back in place and secure it.

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

Overview of Components

37

Installing M.2 XPANDER-AERO card

To install the M.2 XPANDER-AERO card, please follows the steps below.

1. Remove the heatsink by loosening four screws on the back of the M.2 XPANDER-

AERO card.

1

1

2. Loosen M.2 screw from M.2 standoff.

3. Loosen M.2 standoff.

4. Move and fasten M.2 standoff to the appropriate location for your M.2 SSD.

5. Insert your M.2 SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle.

6. Secure the M.2 device in place with M.2 screw.

1

1

5

6

M.2 Screw

30º30º

4

M.2 Standoff

*The speeds may vary for different
devices

7. Remove the protective film from the thermal pad of the heatsink.

8. Reinstall and secure the heatsink with four heatsink screws.

8

7

8

Overview of Components

38

8

8

9. Insert the M.2 XPANDER-AERO card into the PCI_E1 or PCI_E3 slot.

10. Use the screw to secure the M.2 XPANDER-AERO card.

10

9

PCI_E1/ PCI_E3

11. Connect the PCIE_PWR1 to the power supply.

12. Connect the case’s HDD LED cable to the JCASE connector.

13. Using the supplied HDD LED cable to connect the JMB connector and JFP1’s HDD

pins (pin 1 & pin3).

11

PCIE_PWR1

JCASE

JMB

12

+

+

JFP1
2 10
1

13

+

HDD LED

Overview of Components

9

-

39

SATA1~8: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors

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

SATA2

SATA1

SATA4

SATA6

SATA3

SATA5

SATA8
SATA7

Important

⚠

∙

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

transmission otherwise.

∙

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

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors

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

1

JFP2

Overview of Components

40

Power LED

JFP1

Power Switch

+++-

--

2 10
1

-

+

9

Reserved

HDD LED Reset Switch

1 HDD LED + 2 Power LED +

3 HDD LED - 4 Power LED -

5 Reset Switch 6 Power Switch

7 Reset Switch 8 Power Switch

9 Reserved 10 No Pin

Buzzer

++-

­Speaker

1 Speaker - 2 Buzzer +

3 Buzzer - 4 Speaker +

CPU_PWR1~3, ATX_PWR1, PCIE_PWR1: Power Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply.

8
4 1

1 Ground 5 +12V

2 Ground 6 +12V

3 Ground 7 +12V

4 Ground 8 +12V

1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V

2 +3.3V 14 -12V

3 Ground 15 Ground

24

12

ATX_PWR1

131

PCIE_PWR1

1

4 +5V 16 PS-ON#

5 Ground 17 Ground

6 +5V 18 Ground

7 Ground 19 Ground

8 PWR OK 20 Res

9 5VSB 21 +5V

10 +12V 22 +5V

11 +12V 23 +5V

12 +3.3V 24 Ground

1 +12V 3 Ground

2 Ground 4 +5V

5

CPU_PWR1~3

Important

⚠

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

Overview of Components

41

OC1: OC GENIE 4 Knob

This knob allows you to manually select a stage from number 0 (default) to number 11
(extreme) for overclocking the processor. The processor’s voltage and frequency will
be automatically adjusted after you power on your computer. This function will only be
available if the installed processor supports this function.

OC GENIE 4 knob

2

4

1

0

Using OC GENIE 4 Knob

To setup the OC GENIE 4 knob, take the following steps:

1. Set the OC GENIE 4 knob to hardware mode in BIOS Setup.

2. Power off the computer.

3. Refer to OC GENIE 4 Knob overclocking stage table and rotate the OC GENIE 4

knob to select the overclocking stage as you desire.

4. Power on and then OC GENIE 4 will automatically overclock processor depending
on the stage you selected.

To disable OC GENIE 4:

1. Set the OC GENIE 4 knob to HW mode in BIOS Setup.

2. Power off the computer.

3. Rotate the OC GENIE 4 knob to 0 and then power on. The configuration parameters

will be returned to default values.

6

8

1

1

1

0

Important

⚠

∙

When enabling OC GENIE 4 mode, it is recommended to use liquid CPU cooler with

dual fan radiator for better cooling and performance.

∙

You can also control the OC GENIE 4 function in BIOS Setup or with MSI CREATOR

CENTER software.

∙

In order to optimize performance and improve system stability, when you activate

the OC GENIE 4 function, please leave the settings in the BIOS > OC menu unchanged.

∙

The success of overclocking depends on the components of your computer.

∙

We do not guarantee the OC GENIE 4 overclocking range or the damages/ risks

caused by overclocking behavior.

∙

MSI components are recommended for better compatibility when using OC GENIE 4

function.

Overview of Components

42

OC GENIE 4 Knob overclocking stage table

Stage

Stage

i7-7800X i7-7820X i9-7900X i9-7920X i9-7940X i9-7960X

0 3.5 GHz 3.6 GHz 3.3 GHz 2.9 GHz 3.1 GHz 2.8 GHz
1 4.1 GHz 4.4 GHz 4.4 GHz 4.4 GHz 4.4 GHz 4.3 GHz
2 4.2 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.4 GHz
4 4.3 GHz 4.6 GHz 4.6 GHz 4.6 GHz 4.6 GHz 4.5 GHz
6 4.4 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.6 GHz
8 4.5 GHz 4.8 GHz 4.8 GHz 4.8 GHz 4.8 GHz 4.7 GHz

10 4.6 GHz 4.9 GHz 4.9 GHz 4.9 GHz 4.9 GHz 4.8 GHz
11 4.7 GHz 5.0 GHz 5.0 GHz 5.0 GHz 5.0 GHz 4.9 GHz

i9-7980XE i7-9800X i9-9820X i9-9900X i9-9920X i9-9940X

0 2.6 GHz 3.8 GHz 3.3 GHz 3.5 GHz 3.5 GHz 3.3 GHz
1 4.3 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.2 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.5 GHz
2 4.4 GHz 4.6 GHz 4.3 GHz 4.6 GHz 4.6 GHz 4.6 GHz
4 4.5 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.4 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.7 GHz
6 4.6 GHz 4.8 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.8 GHz 4.8 GHz 4.8 GHz
8 4.7 GHz 4.9 GHz 4.6 GHz 4.9 GHz 4.9 GHz 4.9 GHz

10 4.8 GHz 5.0 GHz 4.7 GHz 5.0 GHz 5.0 GHz 5.0 GHz
11 4.9 GHz 5.1 GHz 4.8 GHz 5.1 GHz 5.1 GHz 5.1 GHz

CPU Max Frequency

CPU Max Frequency

Stage

i9-9960X i9-9980XE

0 3.1 GHz 3.0 GHz 3.0 GHz 3.3 GHz 3.5 GHz 3.7 GHz
1 4.5 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.6 GHz
2 4.6 GHz 4.6 GHz 4.8 GHz 4.8 GHz 4.8 GHz 4.7 GHz
4 4.7 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.9 GHz 4.9 GHz 4.9 GHz 4.8 GHz
6 4.8 GHz 4.8 GHz 5.0 GHz 5.0 GHz 5.0 GHz 4.9 GHz
8 4.9 GHz 4.9 GHz 5.1 GHz 5.1 GHz 5.1 GHz 5.0 GHz

10 5.0 GHz 5.0 GHz 5.2 GHz 5.2 GHz 5.2 GHz 5.1 GHz
11 5.1 GHz 5.1 GHz 5.3 GHz 5.3 GHz 5.3 GHz 5.2 GHz

CPU Max Frequency

i9-10980XE

i9-10940X i9-10920X i9-10900X

Overview of Components

43

OC_RT1: OC Retry Jumper

When you close this jumper, the system will keep retrying OC items until it boot up
successfully.

OC_FS1: OC Force Enter BIOS Jumper

When you close this jumper, the system will be forced access to the BIOS and skip OC
failure messages .

OC_RT1

Normal

(default)

OC_FS1

Normal

(default)

OC_FS1

OC_RT1

Keep retrying OC

Force access to the

BIOS and skip OC failure

messages

JSLOW1: Slow Mode Booting Jumper

This jumper 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)

Important

⚠

∙

Users will try extreme low temperature overclocking at their own risks. The

overclocking results will vary according to the CPU version.

∙

Please don’t switch to Enabled when power-off or the system will be un-bootable.

Overview of Components

44

(Please enable this jumper

Enabled

during BIOS POST.)

CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4, EXS_FAN1~2: Fan Connectors

Fan connectors can be classified as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Mode or DC Mode.
PWM Mode fan connectors provide constant 12V output and adjust fan speed with
speed control signal. DC Mode fan connectors control fan speed by changing voltage.
This motherboard can automatically detect PWM and DC mode. However, you can
follow the instruction below to adjust the fan connector to PWM or DC Mode manually.

1

1

CPU_FAN1/

SYS_FAN1/ SYS_FAN4

(Default Auto mode)

1

PUMP_FAN1

(Default PWM mode)

Switching fan mode and adjusting fan speed

You can switch between PWM mode and DC mode and adjust fan speed in BIOS >
HARDWARE MONITOR.

Select PWM mode or DC mode

SYS_FAN2/ SYS_FAN3
EXS_FAN1/ EXS_FAN2

(Default Auto mode)

There are gradient points of the fan speed that allow you to adjust
fan speed in relation to CPU temperature.

Important

⚠

Make sure fans are working properly after switching the PWM/ DC mode.

Pin definition of fan connectors

PWM Mode pin definition

1 Ground 2 +12V

3 Sense 4 Speed Control Signal

1 Ground 2 Voltage Control

3 Sense 4 NC

DC Mode pin definition

Overview of Components

45

W_FLOW1: Water Flow Meter Connector

This connector allows you to connect a water flow meter to monitor the flow rate of
your liquid cooling system.

1

1 Ground 3 WFLOW IN

2 WFLOW PWR

T_SEN1: Thermal Sensor Connector

This connector allows you to connect the theral sensor cable and use it to monitor the
temperature of the detection point.

Sense

GND

JTBT1: Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector

This connector allows you to connect the add-on Thunderbolt I/O card.

1

1 FORCE_PWR 2 SCI_EVENT

3 SLP_S3# 4 SLP_S5#

5 GND

Overview of Components

46

Thermistor cable

JUSB5: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Connector

This connector allows you to connect USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connector on the front
panel. The connector possesses a foolproof design. When you connect the cable, be
sure to connect it with the corresponding orientation.

USB Type-C Cable

JUSB5

USB Type-C port
on the front panel

JUSB3~4: USB 3.2 Gen1 Connector

These connectors allow you to connect USB 3.2 Gen1 ports on the front panel.

10 11

1

JUSB4

20

Important

⚠

1 10

1120

JUSB3

1 Power 11 USB2.0+

2 USB3_RX_DN 12 USB2.0-

3 USB3_RX_DP 13 Ground

4 Ground 14 USB3_TX_C_DP

5 USB3_TX_C_DN 15 USB3_TX_C_DN

6 USB3_TX_C_DP 16 Ground

7 Ground 17 USB3_RX_DP

8 USB2.0- 18 USB3_RX_DN

9 USB2.0+ 19 Power

10 NC 20 No Pin

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

Overview of Components

47

JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors

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

2 10

1

1 VCC 2 VCC

3 USB0- 4 USB1-

5 USB0+ 6 USB1+

7 Ground 8 Ground

9 No Pin 10 NC

Important

⚠

∙

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

9

damage.

∙

In order to recharge your iPad,iPhone and iPod through USB ports, please install

®

MSI

CREATOR CENTER utility.

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector

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

2 14

1

1 LPC Clock 2 3V Standby power

3 LPC Reset 4 3.3V Power

5 LPC address & data pin0 6 Serial IRQ

7 LPC address & data pin1 8 5V Power

9 LPC address & data pin2 10 No Pin

11 LPC address & data pin3 12 Ground

13 LPC Frame 14 Ground

13

Overview of Components

48

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector

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

2 10

1

1 MIC L 2 Ground

3 MIC R 4 NC

5 Head Phone R 6 MIC Detection

7 SENSE_SEND 8 No Pin

9 Head Phone L 10 Head Phone Detection

9

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector

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

Normal

(default)

Using chassis intrusion detector

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

2. Close the chassis cover.

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

4. Set Chassis Intrusion to Enabled.

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

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

screen when the computer is turned on.

Trigger the chassis

intrusion event

Resetting the chassis intrusion warning

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

2. Set Chassis Intrusion to Reset.

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

Overview of Components

49

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper

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

Keep Data

(default)

Clear CMOS/

Reset BIOS

Resetting BIOS to default values

1. Power off the computer and unplug the power cord.

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

3. Remove the jumper cap from JBAT1.

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

POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button

The Power / Reset button allows you to power on / reset the computer.

POWER1

(Power button

RESET1

(Reset button)

Overview of Components

50

BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch

This motherboard has two built-in BIOS ROMs. If one is crashed, you can shift to the
other for booting by sliding the switch.

BIOS A
(Default)

BIOS B

Recovering BIOS

When BIOS updating fails or causes the computer non-bootable, you can recover the
failed BIOS by the steps below. Before recovering, please download the latest BIOS file
that matches your motherboard model from MSI website. And then save the BIOS file
to the root of the USB flash drive.

1. Power off the computer.

2. Switch to the normal BIOS ROM with Multi-BIOS switch.

3. Insert the USB flash drive into the computer.

4. Power on the computer and press Del key to enter BIOS setup during POST.

5. Select the M-FLASH tab and click on Yes to reboot the system and enter the flash

mode.

6. Select a BIOS file to perform the BIOS recovering process.

7. Switch to the failed BIOS ROM with Multi-BIOS switch, and click on Yes to start

recovering BIOS.

8. After the recovering process is completed, the system will reboot automatically

Important

⚠

∙

Do not use the Multi-BIOS switch when system is booting up.

∙

You can also use the Flash BIOS Button utility to flash BIOS. Please refer to BIOS

section for details.

Overview of Components

51

JRGB1: RGB LED connector

The JRGB connector allows you to connect the 5050 RGB LED strips 12V.

1

1 +12V 2 G

3 R 4 B

RGB LED Strip Connection

1

G
R
B

JRGB
connector

LED JRGB cable

5050 RGB LED strips 12V

RGB LED Fan Connection

JRGB connector

1

G
R
B

1

RGB LED Fan

System Fan connector

Important

⚠

∙

The JRGB connector supports up to 2 meters continuous 5050 RGB LED strips

(12V/G/R/B) with the maximum power rating of 3A (12V).

∙

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

before installing or removing the RGB LED strip.

∙

Please use MSI’s software to control the extended LED strip.

Overview of Components

52

JRAINBOW1~2: Addressable RGB LED connectors

The JRAINBOW connectors allow you to connect the WS2812B Individually
Addressable RGB LED strips 5V.

1

JRAINBOW1

1 +5V 2 Data

3 No Pin 4 Ground

Addressable RGB LED Strip Connection

+5V

1

D

1

JRAINBOW2

JRAINBOW
connector

LED JRAINBOW
cable

WS2812B Individually
Addressable RGB LED strips 5V

Addressable RGB LED Fan Connection

JRAINBOW connector

1

1

System Fan connector

CAUTION

⚠

Do not connect the wrong type of LED strips. The JRGB connector and the JRAINBOW
connector provide different voltages, and connecting the 5V LED strip to the JRGB
connector will result in damage to the LED strip.

Important

⚠

∙

The JRAINBOW connector supports up to 75 LEDs WS2812B Individually
Addressable RGB LED strips (5V/Data/Ground) with the maximum power rating of 3A
(5V). In the case of 20% brightness, the connector supports up to 200 LEDs.

∙

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

∙

Please use MSI’s software to control the extended LED strip.

Addressable RGB LED Fan

Overview of Components

53

JCORSAIR1: CORSAIR Connector

The JCORSAIR1 connector allows you to connect the CORSAIR Individually
Addressable Lighting PRO RGB LED strips 5V or CORSAIR RGB fans with the CORSAIR
fan hub. Once all items are connected properly, you can control the CORSAIR RGB
LED strips and fans with MSI's software.

1

1 +5V 2 Data

3 Ground

CORSAIR RGB Fan Connection

SATA power

CORSAIR RGB LED fan

SYS_FAN

CORSAIR fan hub

5

6

SYS_FAN

SYS_FAN

SYS_FAN

34

2

1

SYS_FAN

SYS_FAN

JCORSAIR1 connector

CORSAIR Lighting Node PRO Connection

Important

⚠

∙

Fans must start at 1 and continue in series. 1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 5 > 6. Any fan not
connected in series will break communication and the RGB LED lighting function will
not work.

∙

Quantity of RGB LED Fans or RGB LED Lighting PRO strips supported may differ
between models. Please refer to the motherboard specification.

∙

CORSAIR RGB LED Fan and CORSAIR Lighting Node PRO can’t be used at the same
time.

JCORSAIR1 connector

Overview of Components

54

Onboard LEDs

EZ Debug LED

These LEDs indicate the debug status of the motherboard.

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

JPWRLED1: LED power input

This connector is used by retailers to demonstrate onboard LED lights.

JPWRLED1 - LED power input

fail.

XMP LED

This LED indicates the XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) mode is enabled.

XMP LED

Onboard LEDs

55

Multi-BIOS LEDs

Multi-BIOS LEDs indicate which BIOS ROM is in operation.

Red : BIOS A
White : BIOS B

Debug Code LED

The Debug Code LED displays progress and error codes during and after POST. Refer
to the Debug Code LED table for details.

Debug Code LED

Hexadecimal Character Table

Hexadecimal 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F

Debug Code
LED display

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F

Boot Phases

Security (SEC) – initial low-level initialization
Pre-EFI Initialization (PEI) – memory initialization
Driver Execution Environment (DXE) – main hardware initialization
Boot Device Selection (BDS) – system setup, pre-OS user interface & selecting a

bootable device (CD/DVD, HDD, USB, Network, Shell, …)

Onboard LEDs

56

Debug Code LED Table

SEC Progress Codes

01 Power on. Reset type detection (soft/hard)

02 AP initialization before microcode loading

03 System Agent initialization before microcode loading

04 PCH initialization before microcode loading

06 Microcode loading

07 AP initialization after microcode loading

08 System Agent initialization after microcode loading

09 PCH initialization after microcode loading

0B Cache initialization

SEC Error Codes

0C - 0D Reserved for future AMI SEC error codes

0E Microcode not found

0F Microcode not loaded

PEI Progress Codes

10 PEI Core is started

11 Pre-memory CPU initialization is started

12 - 14 Pre-memory CPU initialization (CPU module specific)

15 Pre-memory System Agent initialization is started

16 - 18 Pre-Memory System Agent initialization (System Agent module specific)

19 Pre-memory PCH initialization is started

1A - 1C Pre-memory PCH initialization (PCH module specific)

2B Memory initialization. Serial Presence Detect (SPD) data reading

2C Memory initialization. Memory presence detection

2D Memory initialization. Programming memory timing information

2E Memory initialization. Configuring memory

2F Memory initialization (other)

31 Memory Installed

32 CPU post-memory initialization is started

33 CPU post-memory initialization. Cache initialization

34 CPU post-memory initialization. Application Processor(s) (AP) initialization

35 CPU post-memory initialization. Boot Strap Processor (BSP) selection

36 CPU post-memory initialization. System Management Mode (SMM) initialization

37 Post-Memory System Agent initialization is started

38 - 3A Post-Memory System Agent initialization (System Agent module specific)

3B Post-Memory PCH initialization is started

3C - 3E Post-Memory PCH initialization (PCH module specific)

4F DXE IPL is started

PEI Error Codes

Onboard LEDs

57

50 Memory initialization error. Invalid memory type or incompatible memory speed

51 Memory initialization error. SPD reading has failed

52 Memory initialization error. Invalid memory size or memory modules do not match

53 Memory initialization error. No usable memory detected

54 Unspecified memory initialization error

55 Memory not installed

56 Invalid CPU type or Speed

57 CPU mismatch

58 CPU self test failed or possible CPU cache error

59 CPU micro-code is not found or micro-code update is failed

5A Internal CPU error

5B Reset PPI is not available

5C - 5F Reserved for future AMI error codes

DXE Progress Codes

60 DXE Core is started

61 NVRAM initialization

62 Installation of the PCH Runtime Services

63 CPU DXE initialization is started

64 - 67 CPU DXE initialization (CPU module specific)

68 PCI host bridge initialization

69 System Agent DXE initialization is started

6A System Agent DXE SMM initialization is started

6B - 6F System Agent DXE initialization (System Agent module specific)

70 PCH DXE initialization is started

71 PCH DXE SMM initialization is started

72 PCH devices initialization

73 - 77 PCH DXE Initialization (PCH module specific)

78 ACPI module initialization

79 CSM initialization

7A - 7F Reserved for future AMI DXE codes

90 Boot Device Selection (BDS) phase is started

91 Driver connecting is started

92 PCI Bus initialization is started

93 PCI Bus Hot Plug Controller Initialization

94 PCI Bus Enumeration 32

95 PCI Bus Request Resources

96 PCI Bus Assign Resources

97 Console Output devices connect

98 Console input devices connect

99 Super IO Initialization

9A USB initialization is started

9B USB Reset

Onboard LEDs

58

9C USB Detect

9D USB Enable

9E -9F Reserved for future AMI codes

A0 IDE initialization is started

A1 IDE Reset

A2 IDE Detect

A3 IDE Enable

A4 SCSI initialization is started

A5 SCSI Reset

A6 SCSI Detect

A7 SCSI Enable

A8 Setup Verifying Password

A9 Start of Setup

AB Setup Input Wait

AD Ready To Boot event

AE Legacy Boot event

AF Exit Boot Services event

B0 Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin

B1 Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP End

B2 Legacy Option ROM Initialization

B3 System Reset

B4 USB hot plug

B5 PCI bus hot plug

B6 Clean-up of NVRAM

B7 Configuration Reset (reset of NVRAM settings)

B8 - BF Reserved for future AMI codes

DXE Error Codes

D0 CPU initialization error

D1 System Agent initialization error

D2 PCH initialization error

D3 Some of the Architectural Protocols are not available

D4 PCI resource allocation error. Out of Resources

D5 No Space for Legacy Option ROM

D6 No Console Output Devices are found

D7 No Console Input Devices are found

D8 Invalid password

D9 Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error)

DA Boot Option is failed (StartImage returned error)

DB Flash update is failed

DC Reset protocol is not available

S3 Resume Progress Codes

Onboard LEDs

59

E0 S3 Resume is stared (S3 Resume PPI is called by the DXE IPL)

E1 S3 Boot Script execution

E2 Video repost

E3 OS S3 wake vector call

E4 - E7 Reserved for future AMI progress codes

S3 Resume Error Codes

E8 S3 Resume Failed

E9 S3 Resume PPI not Found

EA S3 Resume Boot Script Error

EB S3 OS Wake Error

EC - EF Reserved for future AMI error codes

Recovery Progress Codes

F0 Recovery condition triggered by firmware (Auto recovery)

F1 Recovery condition triggered by user (Forced recovery)

F2 Recovery process started

F3 Recovery firmware image is found

F4 Recovery firmware image is loaded

F5 - F7 Reserved for future AMI progress codes

Recovery Error Codes

F8 Recovery PPI is not available

F9 Recovery capsule is not found

FA Invalid recovery capsule

FB - FF Reserved for future AMI error codes

ACPI States Codes

The following codes appear after booting and the operating system into ACPI modes.

01 System is entering S1 sleep state

02 System is entering S2 sleep state

03 System is entering S3 sleep state

04 System is entering S4 sleep state

05 System is entering S5 sleep state

10 System is waking up from the S1 sleep state

20 System is waking up from the S2 sleep state

30 System is waking up from the S3 sleep state

40 System is waking up from the S4 sleep state

AC System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in PIC mode.

AA System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in APIC mode.

CPU Temperature

00 - 99 Displays current CPU temperature after the system has fully booted into the OS.

Onboard LEDs

60

Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities

Please download and update the latest utilities and drivers at www.msi.com

Installing Windows® 10

1. Power on the computer.

2. Insert the Windows

3. Press the Restart button on the computer case.

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

Menu.

5. Select the Windows

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

message.

7. Follow the instructions on the screen to install Windows

Installing Drivers

1. Start up your computer in Windows® 10.

2. Insert MSI USB Drive into the USB port.

3. Click the Select to choose what happens with this disc pop-up notification, then

select Run DVDSetup.exe to open the installer. If you turn off the AutoPlay feature
from the Windows Control Panel, you can still manually execute the DVDSetup.exe
from the root path of the MSI USB Drive.

4. The installer will find and list all necessary drivers in the Drivers/Software tab.

5. Click the Install button in the lower-right corner of the window.

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

you to restart.

7. Click OK button to finish.

8. Restart your computer.

®

10 installation disc/USB into your computer.

®

10 installation disc/USB from the Boot Menu.

®

10.

Installing Utilities

Before you install utilities, you must complete drivers installation.

1. Open the installer as described above.

2. Click the Utilities tab.

3. Select the utilities you want to install.

4. Click the Install button in the lower-right corner of the window.

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

you to restart.

6. Click OK button to finish.

7. Restart your computer.

Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities

61

BIOS Setup

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

Important

⚠

∙

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

∙

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

Entering BIOS Setup

Please refer the following methods to enter BIOS setup.
Press Delete key, when the Press DEL key to enter Setup Menu, F11 to enter Boot

Menu message appears on the screen during the boot process.

Function key

F1: General Help
F2: Add/ Remove a favorite item
F3: Enter Favorites menu
F4: Enter CPU Specifications menu
F5: Enter Memory-Z menu
F6: Load optimized defaults
F7: Switch between Advanced mode and EZ mode
F8: Load Overclocking Profile
F9: Save Overclocking Profile
F10: Save Change and Reset*
F12: Take a screenshot and save it to USB flash drive (FAT/ FAT32 format only).
Ctrl+F:Enter Search page

* When you press F10, a confirmation window appears and it provides the modification
information. Select between Yes or No to confirm your choice.

62

BIOS Setup

Resetting BIOS

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

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

Important

⚠

Be sure the computer is off before clearing CMOS data. Please refer to the Clear
CMOS jumper/ button section for resetting BIOS.

Updating BIOS

Updating BIOS with M-FLASH

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

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

1. Insert the USB flash drive that contains the update file into the USB port.

2. Please refer the following methods to enter flash mode.

▪ Reboot and press Ctrl + F5 key during POST and click on Yes to reboot the

system.

▪ Reboot and press Del key during POST to enter BIOS. Click the M-FLASH button

and click on Yes to reboot the system.

3. Select a BIOS file to perform the BIOS update process.

4. When prompted, switch to the target BIOS ROM with Multi-BIOS switch, and click

on Yes to start recovering BIOS.

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

automatically.

Updating the BIOS with MSI CREATOR CENTER

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

properly.
Updating BIOS:

1. Install and launch MSI CREATOR CENTER.

2. Select BIOS Update.

3. Click on Scan button.

4. Click on Download icon to download and install the latest BIOS file.

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

updating BIOS.

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

automatically.

BIOS Setup

63

Updating BIOS with Flash BIOS Button

1. Please download the latest BIOS file that matches your motherboard model from

the MSI® website.

2. Rename the BIOS file to MSI.ROM, and save it to the root of your USB flash drive

(FAT32 format).

3. Connect the power supply to CPU_PWR1 and ATX_PWR1. (No need to install CPU

and memory.)

4. Plug the USB flash drive that contains the MSI.ROM file into the Flash BIOS Port

on the rear I/O panel.

5. Press the Flash BIOS Button to flash BIOS, and the LED starts flashing.

6. The LED will be turned off when the process is completed.

Important

⚠

Only the FAT32 format USB flash drive supports updating BIOS by Flash BIOS Button.
To check your drive, go to Windows Explorer, right click on the drive icon and go to
Properties.

64

BIOS Setup

EZ Mode

At EZ mode, it provides the basic system information and allows you to configure the
basic setting. To configure the advanced BIOS settings, please enter the Advanced
Mode by pressing the Setup Mode switch or F7 function key.

XMP switch

OC GENIE 4
switch

Information
display

M-Flash

Favorites

Hardware
Monitor

Setup Mode switch

∙ OC GENIE 4 switch (optional) - click on the center button to switch the OC GENIE

4 be controlled by software (SW) or hardware (HW) . The inner circle represents the

current stage of hardware OC GENIE 4 and the outer circle stands for software. You
can read the abilities of OC GENIE 4 by clicking on the question mark in the right­bottom corner. This function will only be available if the installed processor supports
this function.

Screenshot

Search

Language

System
information

Boot device
priority bar

Function
buttons

Important

⚠

Please don’t make any changes in OC menu and don’t load defaults to keep the
optimal performance and system stability after activating the OC GENIE 4 function.

∙ XMP switch - click on the inner circle to enable/ disable the X.M.P. (Extreme

Memory Profile). Switch the outer circle to select the X.M.P. profile. This switch will
only be available if the X.M.P. supported memory module is installed.

∙ Setup Mode switch - press this tab or the F7 key to switch between Advanced mode

and EZ mode.

∙ Screenshot - click on this tab or the F12 key to take a screenshot and save it to USB

flash drive (FAT/ FAT32 format only).

∙ Search - click on this tab or the Ctrl+F keys and the search page will show. It allows

you to search by BIOS item name, enter the item name to find the item listing. Move
the mouse over a blank space and right click the mouse to exit search page.

Important

⚠

In search page, only the F6, F10 and F12 function keys are available.

∙ Language - allows you to select the language of BIOS setup.

BIOS Setup

65

∙ System information - shows the CPU/ DDR speed, CPU/ MB temperature, MB/ CPU

type, memory size, CPU/ DDR voltage, BIOS version and build date.

∙ Boot device priority bar - you can move the device icons to change the boot priority.

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

∙ Information display - click on the CPU, Memory, Storage, Fan Info and Help buttons

on left side to display related information.

∙ Function buttons - enable or disable the LAN Option ROM, M.2/Optane Genie,

Hardcore mode, AHCI, RAID, CPU Fan Fail Warning Control and BIOS Log Review by

clicking on their respective button.

▪ Hardcore Mode - when enabled, set and keep the CPU to full speed mode to

maximize system performance. This feature will increase power consumption.

∙ M-Flash - click on this button to display the M-Flash menu that provides the way to

update BIOS with a USB flash drive.

∙ Hardware Monitor - click on this button to display the Hardware Monitor menu that

allows you to manually control the fan speed by percentage.

∙ Favorites - press the Favorites tab or the F3 key to enter Favorites menu. It

allows you to create personal BIOS menu where you can save and access favorite/
frequently-used BIOS setting items.

▪ Default HomePage - allows you to select a BIOS menu (e.g. SETTINGS, OC...,etc)

as the BIOS home page.

▪ Favorite1~5 - allows you to add the frequently-used/ favorite BIOS setting items

in one page.

▪ To add a BIOS item to a favorite page (Favorite 1~5)

1. Move the mouse over a BIOS item not only on BIOS menu but also on search

page.

2. Right-click or press F2 key.

3. Choose a favorite page and click on OK.

▪ To delete a BIOS item from favorite page

1. Move the mouse over a BIOS item on favorite page (Favorite 1~5)

2. Right-click or press F2 key.

3. Choose Delete and click on OK.

66

BIOS Setup

Advanced Mode

Press Setup Mode switch or F7 function key can switch between EZ Mode and
Advanced Mode in BIOS setup.

XMP switch

SearchScreenshotSetup Mode switch

Language

System
information

OC GENIE 4

switch

BIOS menu
selection

Menu display

Boot device
priority bar

BIOS menu
selection

BIOS menu selection - the following options are available:

▪ SETTINGS - allows you to specify the parameters for chipset and boot devices.
▪ OC - allows you to adjust the frequency and voltage. Increasing the frequency

may get better performance.

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

voltages of system.

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

motherboard.

∙ Menu display - provides BIOS setting items and information to be configured.

BIOS Setup

67

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 PortX/ M2_X

Shows the information of connected SATA/ M.2 devices.

Important

⚠

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

▶ System Information

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

▶ DMI Information

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

Advanced

▶ PCI Subsystem Settings

Sets PCI express interface protocol and latency timer. Press Enter to enter the sub­menu.

BIOS Setup

68

▶ PEGX - Max Link Speed [Auto]

Sets PCI Express protocol of PCIe x16 slots for matching di󽙋erent installed

devices.

[Auto] This item will be congured automatically by BIOS.

[Gen1] Enables PCIe Gen1 support only.
[Gen2] Enables PCIe Gen2 support only.
[Gen3] Enables PCIe Gen3 support only.

▶ PCI Latency Timer [32]

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

▶ Above 4G memory/ Crypto Currency mining [Disabled]

Enables or disables 64-bit capable devices to be decoded in above 4G address

space. It is only available if the system supports 64-bit PCI decoding.
[Enabled] Allows you to utilize more than 4x GPUs.
[Disabled] Disables this function.

▶ ACPI Settings

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

▶ 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/ Onboard LAN Controller2 [Enabled]

Enables or disables the onboard LAN controller/ onboard LAN controller2.

▶ 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.

BIOS Setup

69

▶ 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.

▶ SATA Mode [AHCI Mode]

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

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

▶ M2_X-RST Pcie Storage Remapping [Disabled]

Enables or disables Intel Rapid Storage Technology for M.2 PCIe devices.

▶ M.2/Optane Genie [Disabled]

Enables or disables Intel RST support for M.2 SSDs or Optane memory.

▶ SATAx Hot Plug [Disabled]

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

▶ 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.

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.

▶ Thunderbolt(TM) Conguration

▶ Discrete Thunderbolt(TM) Support [Disabled]

Enables or disables Thunderbolt™ support.

▶ USB Conguration

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

▶ USB Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables all USB controller.

▶ XHCI Hand-off [Disabled]

Enables or disables XHCI hand-o󽙋 support for the operating system without XHCI

hand-o󽙋 feature. This item will appear when USB Controller is enabled.

▶ Legacy USB Support [Enabled]

Sets Legacy USB function support.
[Auto]
[Enabled] Enable the USB support under legacy mode.
[Disabled] The USB devices will be unavailable under legacy mode.

BIOS Setup

70

▶ USB Speed Optimization [Auto]

Enables or Disables the USB speed optimization. If set to Auto, BIOS will optimize

the USB speed automatically.

▶ Power Management Setup

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

Enter to enter the sub-menu.

▶ ErP Ready [Disabled]

Enables or disables the system power consumption according to ErP regulation.
[Enabled] Optimize the system power consumption according to ErP

[Disabled] Disables this function.

▶ 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󽙋)

▶ System Power Fault Protection [Disabled]

Enables or disables the system to boot up when detecting abnormal voltage input.
[Enabled] Protect the system from unexpected power operation and remain

[Disabled] Disables this function.

▶ Windows OS Conguration

Sets Windows OS detailed configuration and behaviors. Press Enter to enter the sub­menu.

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

before AC power loss.

the shut down status.

▶ BIOS UEFI/CSM Mode [CSM]

Select CSM (Compatibility Support Module) or UEFI mode to meet the system

requirement.
[CSM] For the non-UEFI driver add-on devices or non-UEFI mode OS.
[UEFI] For the UEFI driver add-on devices and UEFI mode OS.

▶ 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

[Disabled] Disables MSI Fast Boot.

Important

⚠

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

the following Fast Boot eld will be disabled and xed.

BIOS Setup

71

▶ Fast Boot [Enabled]

Enables or disables the fast boot feature for Windows 10. 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.

▶ 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 BIOS UEFI/CSM Mode

sets to UEFI.

▶ Secure Boot Support [Disabled]

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

[Disabled] Disables this function.

▶ 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 Support 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

▶ 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 different sleep modes. Press Enter to enter the
sub-menu.

boot settings.

the secure keys.

▶ Wake Up Event By [BIOS]

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

[OS] The wake up events will be 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 - keys to select the date & time settings).

BIOS Setup

72

▶ Resume By PCI-E Device [Disabled]

Enables or disables the wake up function of installed PCI-E expansion cards,

integrated LAN controllers or USB devices which are supported by third party

integrated chips.
[Enabled] Enables the system to be awakened from the power saving modes

[Disabled] Disables this function.

▶ Resume By Onboard Intel LAN [Disabled]

Enables or disables the system wake up by Onboard Intel LAN.
[Enabled] Enables the system to be awakened from the power saving modes

[Disabled] Disables this function.

▶ Resume by USB Device [Disabled]

Enables or disables the system wake up by USB devices.
[Enabled] Enables the system to be awakened from sleep state when activity of

[Disabled] Disables this function.

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

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

[Disabled] Disables this function.

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

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

[Hot Key] Enables the system to be awakened from S3/ S4/ S5 state when

[Disabled] Disables this function.

▶ Hot Key [Ctrl+Space]

Selects a combination of keys as a hot key to wake the system. This item appears

when you set the Resume From S3/S4/S5 by PS/2 Keyboard to Hot Key.

▶ Secure Erase+

Enables or disables Secure Erase+ function. Secure Erase+ is the best way to
effectively wipe all data from a SSD. Please note that data of SSD will be erased after
enabling Secure Erase+.

when activity or input signal of PCIe device is detected.

when activity or input signal of Intel LAN device is detected.

USB device is detected.

activity of PS/2 mouse is detected.

activity of any key on PS/2 keyboard is detected.

activity of hot key on PS/2 keyboard is detected.

▶ Intel ( R ) Ethernet Connection I219-V

Shows driver information and configuration of the ethernet controller parameter.

Boot

Sets the sequence of system boot devices.

BIOS Setup

73

▶ Full Screen Logo Display [Enabled]

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

[Disabled] Shows the POST messages.

▶ GO2BIOS [Disabled]

Allows system to enter BIOS setup directly by pressing the Power button for 4 sec pon
bootup.

[Enabled] The system boots straight to the BIOS setup by long pressing the power

[Disabled] Disables this function.

▶ Bootup NumLock State [On]

Select the keyboard NumLock state upon bootup.

▶ Info Block e󽙋ect [Unlock]

Sets the state of Help information block.
[Unlock] Sliding effect.

[Lock] Fix the Help information block on the screen.

▶ POST Beep [Disabled]

Enables or disables POST beep.

▶ AUTO CLR_CMOS [Disabled]

Enables or disables the CMOS data to be resumed automatically when the booting
process hang-up over 5 seconds.

▶ Boot Mode Select [LEGACY+UEFI]

Sets the system boot mode from legacy or UEFI architecture depending on OS
installation requirement. This item will become un-selectable and will be configured
automatically by BIOS when BIOS UEFI/CSM Mode sets to UEFI.

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

button about 4 seconds when the system is off.

mode.

▶ FIXED BOOT ORDER Priorities

Sets device priority for system boot.

▶ Boot Option Priorities

These items are used to prioritize the installed boot devices.

Security

▶ Administrator Password

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

BIOS Setup

74

▶ User Password

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

▶ Password Check [Setup]

Selects a condition that will request the password.
[Setup] A password will be requested for entering the BIOS Setup.

[Boot] A password will be requested for booting the system.

▶ Password Clear [Enabled]

Enables or disables the clear CMOS behavior to clear a set password.
[Enabled] The password will be erased after clear CMOS.

[Disabled] The password will always be kept.

Important

⚠

∙

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

∙

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

▶ Trusted Computing

Sets TPM (Trusted Platform Module) function.

▶ Security Device Support [Disabled]

Enables or disables the TPM function to build the endorsement key for accessing
the system.

▶ Chassis Intrusion Conguration

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.

▶ Chassis Intrusion [Disabled]

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

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

warning message.

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

return to Enabled or Disabled.

[Disabled] Disables this funcion.

Save & Exit

▶ Discard Changes and Exit

Exit BIOS setup without saving any change.

BIOS Setup

75

▶ Save Changes and Reboot

Save all changes and reboot the system.

▶ Save Changes

Save current changes.

▶ Discard Changes

Discard all changes and restore to the previous values.

▶ Restore Defaults

Restore or load all default values.

▶ Boot Override

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

76

BIOS Setup

OC

Important

⚠

∙

Overclocking your PC manually is only recommended for advanced users.

∙

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

∙

If you are unfamiliar with overclocking, we advise you to use OC GENIE 4 function for
easy overclocking.

▶ OC Explore Mode [Expert]

Enables or disables to show the normal or expert version of OC settings.
[Normal] Provides the regular OC settings in BIOS setup.

[Expert] Provides the advanced OC settings for OC expert to configure in BIOS

Note: We use * as the symbol for the OC settings of Expert mode.

setup.

▶ CPU Ratio Apply Mode [All Core]*

Sets applied mode for CPU ratio. This item only appears when a CPU that supports
Turbo Boost is installed.

[All Core] Enables the CPU Ratio. All CPU cores will run the same CPU ratio that

be set in CPU Ratio.
[Per Core] Enables the Core 0~X. Sets each CPU core ratio separately in Core 0~X.
[Turbo Ratio] Enables the Numbers of CPU Cores of Group X and Target CPU Turbo

Ratio Group 1. This option only appears when a CPU that supports this

function is installed.

▶ 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.

▶ Numbers of CPU Cores of Group X [Auto] *

Sets the numbers of CPU cores as a group for running target CPU Turbo Ratio. This
item only appears when a CPU that support this function is installed.

BIOS Setup

77

▶ Adjusted CPU Frequency

Shows the adjusted CPU frequency. Read-only.

▶ Core 0~X XX of XX [Auto]*

Allows you to set the CPU ratios for different number of active cores. These items only
appear when a CPU that support this function is installed.

▶ CPU Ratio O󽙋set When Running AVX [Auto]

Sets a offset value to lower the CPU core ratio. It could be helpful for heat dissipation
when running AVX instruction set. If set to Auto, BIOS will configure this setting
automatically. This item appears when the installed CPU supports this function.

▶ Ring Ratio [Auto]

Sets the ring ratio. The valid value range depends on the installed CPU.

▶ Adjusted Ring Frequency

Shows the adjusted Ring frequency. Read-only.

▶ Misc Setting*

Press Enter, + or - key to open or close the following 3 items related to CPU features.

▶ EIST [Enabled]*

®

Enables or disables the Enhanced Intel

SpeedStep Technology.

[Enabled] Enables the EIST to adjust CPU voltage and core frequency

dynamically. It can decrease average power consumption and
average heat production.

[Disabled] Disables EIST.

▶ Intel Turbo Boost [Enabled]*

Enables or disables the Intel

®

Turbo Boost. This item appears when the installed

CPU supports this function.

[Enabled] Enables this function to boost CPU performance automatically above

rated specications when system request the highest performance

state.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

▶ Enhanced Turbo [Auto]*

Enables or disables Enhanced Turbo function for all CPU cores to boost CPU
performance. This item appears when the installed CPU supports this function.

[Auto] This setting will be congured automatically by BIOS.

[Enabled] All CPU cores would be increased to maximum turbo ratio.
[Disabled] Disables this function.

▶ CPU Base Clock (MHz)

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 a CPU that support this function is installed.

78

BIOS Setup

▶ CPU Base Clock Apply Mode [Auto]*

Sets the applying mode for adjusted CPU base clock.
[Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS.

[Next Boot] CPU will run the adjusted CPU base clock at next boot.
[Immediate] CPU runs the adjusted CPU base clock immediately.

▶ Clockgen Features (optional)

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. Sets the detailed clockgen features.

▶ Dynamic Frequency Control [Disabled]

Enables or disables to try di󽙋erent CPU BCLK under CPU loading to overclock the

system. This item will be disabled when the Dynamic Frequency Search is enabled.

▶ DFC Baseline (MHz) [Auto]

Sets initial BCLK for dynamic overclocking if not reach the threshold. This item will
be available when the Dynamic Frequency Control is enabled

▶ Threshold 1~3 (A) [Auto]

Sets the CPU current as the threshold for Dynamic Frequency Control. When
CPU current reaches the value, it will run the Level 1/ 2/ 3 BCLK for dynamic
overclocking. These items will appear when the Dynamic Frequency Control is
enabled.

▶ Level 1~3 BCLK (MHz) [Auto]

Sets the CPU BCLK for the threshold. These items will appear when the Dynamic
Frequency Control is enabled.

▶ Dynamic Frequency Search [Disabled]

Enables or disables to run the optimized dynamic BCLK. This item will be disabled
when the Dynamic Frequency Control is enabled.

▶ Dynamic Frequency Search Mode [Once]

Sets the search mode of the dynamic BCLK. This item will be available when the

Dynamic Frequency Search is enabled.
[Once] Run once in the next system boot.
[Each Power On] Run in every time when system is powered on.

▶ Dynamic Frequency Search Step (MHz) [Auto]

Sets the increase for running the dynamic BCLK. If set to Auto, BIOS will congure

this setting automatically. This item will be available when the Dynamic Frequency

Search is enabled.

▶ BCLK Amplitude [Auto]

Sets the value for BCLK Amplitude for overclocking. Higher value might benet to

get higher overclocking.

▶ SRC Clock Amplitude [Auto]

Sets the value for SRC clock Amplitude.

BIOS Setup

79

▶ SATA Clock Amplitude [Auto]

Sets the value for SATA clock Amplitude.

▶ BCLK Slew Rate [Auto]

Sets the value for BCLK Slew Rate for overclocking. The value might vary

depending on the actual overclocking scenario.

▶ BCLK ORT Duration [Auto]

Sets the value for BCLK ORT duration for overclocking. The value might vary

depending on the actual overclocking scenario.

▶ Extreme Memory Prole (X.M.P.) [Disabled]

X.M.P. (Extreme Memory Profile) is the overclocking technology by memory module.
Please enable XMP or select a profile of memory module for overclocking the
memory. This item will be available when the memory modules that support X.M.P. is
installed.

▶ DRAM Reference Clock [Auto]*

Sets the DRAM reference clock. The valid value range depends on the installed CPU.
This item appears when a CPU that supports this adjustment is installed.

▶ 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.

▶ Memory Try It ! [Disabled]

It can improve memory compatibility or performance by choosing optimized memory
preset.

▶ DRAM Timing Mode [Link]

Selects the memory timing mode.
[Link] Allows user to configure the DRAM timing for all memory channel.
[UnLink] Allows user to configure the DRAM timing for respective memory

▶ Advanced DRAM Conguration

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. User can set the memory timing for each/ all
memory channel. The system may become un-stable or un-bootable 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.)

BIOS Setup

80

channel.

▶ Memory Fast Boot [Auto]*

Enables or disables the initiation and training for memory every booting.
[Auto] The setting will be configured automatically by BIOS.

[Enabled] System will completely keep the archives of first intiation and training

[Disabled] The memory will be initialed and trained every booting.

▶ DigitALL Power

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. Controls the digital powers related to CPU PWM.

▶ CPU Voltages control [Auto]

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

▶ DRAM Voltages control [Auto]

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

▶ 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

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

▶ OC Quick View Timer [3 Sec]*

Sets the duration of OC setting values showed on the screen. If set to Disabled, BIOS
will not show the variations of OC setting.

for memory. So the memory will not be initialed and trained when
booting to accelerate the system booting time.

load the default settings for new devices.

▶ 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 the key features of

installed CPU. Read only.

▶ MEMORY-Z

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

BIOS Setup

81

▶ DIMMx Memory SPD

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. The sub-menu displays the information of

installed memory. Read only.

▶ CPU Features

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu.

▶ Hyper-Threading [Enabled]

Intel Hyper-Threading technology treats the multi cores inside the processor as

multi logical processors that can execute instructions simultaneously. In this way,

the system performance is highly improved. This item appears when the installed

CPU supports this technology.
[Enable] Enables Intel Hyper-Threading technology.
[Disabled] Disables this item if the system does not support HT function.

▶ Active Processor Cores Control [Disabled]

Enables or disables the following items (Core0~X).

▶ Core0~X [Enabled]

Allows you to activate the CPU core separately. These items only appear when

Active Processor Cores Control is enabled.

▶ Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]

Enables or disables the extended CPUID value.
[Enabled] BIOS limits the maximum CPUID input value to circumvent boot

[Disabled] Use the actual maximum CPUID input value.

▶ Intel Virtualization Tech [Enabled]

Enables or disables Intel Virtualization technology.
[Enabled] Enables Intel Virtualization technology and allows a platform to run

[Disabled] Disables this function.

▶ Intel VT-D Tech [Disabled]

Enables or disables Intel VT-D (Intel Virtualization for Directed I/O) technology.

▶ Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]

Enables or disables the hardware prefetcher (MLC Streamer prefetcher).
[Enabled] Allows the hardware prefetcher to automatically pre-fetch data

[Disabled] Disables the hardware prefetcher.

problems with older operating system that do not support the
processor with extended CPUID value.

multiple operating systems in independent partitions. The system
can function as multiple systems virtually.

and instructions into L2 cache from memory for tuning the CPU
performance.

82

BIOS Setup

▶ Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]

Enables or disables the CPU hardware prefetcher (MLC Spatial prefetcher).
[Enabled] Enables adjacent cache line prefetching for reducing the cache

[Disabled] Enables the requested cache line only.

▶ CPU AES Instructions [Enabled]

Enables or disables the CPU AES (Advanced Encryption Standard-New

Instructions) support. This item appears when a CPU supports this function.

▶ Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled]

Enables or disables the Intel adaptive thermal monitor function to protect the CPU

from overheating.
[Enabled] Throttles down the CPU core clock speed when the CPU is over the

[Disabled] Disables this function.

▶ Intel C-State [Auto]

Enables or disables the Intel C-state. C-state is a processor power management

technology dened by ACPI.
[Auto] This setting will be congured automatically by BIOS.

[Enabled] Detects the idle state of system and reduce CPU power consumption

[Disabled] Disable this function.

▶ C1E Support [Disabled]

Enables or disables the C1E function for power-saving in halt state. This item

appears when Intel C-State is enabled.
[Enabled] Enables C1E function to reduce the CPU frequency and voltage for

[Disabled] Disables this function.

▶ Package C State Limit [Auto]

This item allows you to select a CPU C-state level for power-saving when system is

idle. The options of C-state depend on the installed CPU. This item appears when

Intel C-State is enabled.

▶ CFG Lock [Enabled]

Lock or un-lock the MSR 0xE2[15], CFG lock bit.
[Enabled] Locks the CFG lock bit.
[Disabled] Un-locks the CFG lock bit.

▶ Long Duration Power Limit (W) [Auto]

Sets the long duration TDP power limit for CPU in Turbo Boost mode.

▶ Long Duration Maintained (s) [Auto]

Sets the maintaining time for Long duration power Limit(W).

▶ Short Duration Power Limit (W) [Auto]

Sets the short duration TDP power limit for CPU in Turbo Boost mode.

latency time and tuning the performance to the specic application.

adaptive temperature.

accordingly.

power-saving in halt state.

BIOS Setup

83

▶ CPU Current Limit (A) [Auto]

Sets maximum current limit of CPU package in Turbo Boost mode. When the

current is over the specied value, the CPU will automatically reduce the core

frequency for reducing the current.

▶ Internal VR OVP OCP Protection [Auto]

Enables or disables the over-voltage protection and over-current protection for

CPU internal VR (Voltage Regulator). This item only appears when a CPU that

support this function is installed.

[Auto] This setting will be congured automatically by BIOS.

[Enabled] Enables the limitation of internal VR for over-voltage protection and

[Disabled] Disables this function for overclocking.

▶ Internal VR Efficiency Management [Auto]

Enables or disables the CPU internal VR e󽙎ciency management. This item only

appears when a CPU that support this function is installed.

[Auto] This setting will be congured automatically by BIOS.
[Enabled] Enables the VR e󽙋ciency management for power-saving control.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

over-current protection.

84

BIOS Setup

M-FLASH

M-FLASH provides the way to update BIOS with a USB flash drive. Please down-load
the latest BIOS file that matches your motherboard model from MSI website, save the
BIOS file into your USB flash drive. And then follow the steps below to update BIOS.

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

2. Click on M-FLASH tab, a demand message will be prompted. Click on Yes to

reboot and enter the flash mode.

3. The system will enter the flash mode and a file selection menu will appear after
rebooting.

4. Select a BIOS file to perform the BIOS update process.

5. A message will pop-up. Please select a target BIOS ROM by switching the Multi-

BIOS switch and then clicks on OK to start the flashing process.

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

BIOS Setup

85

OC PROFILE

▶ Overclocking Prole 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

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

▶ Set Name for Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Name the current overclocking prole.

▶ Save Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Save the current overclocking prole.

▶ Load Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Load the current overclocking prole.

▶ Clear Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Clear the current overclocking prole.

▶ OC Prole Load from ROM

Load OC profile from BIOS ROM.

▶ OC Prole Save to USB

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

▶ OC Prole Load from USB

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

BIOS Setup

86

HARDWARE MONITOR

Temperature

Speed

Fan Manage

Setting
Buttons

Information
display

▶ Temperature

The assignment fan will be controlled according to the selected temperature source.
And you can set the duty cycle for each fan.

▶ Speed

Shows all fans' speeds.

▶ Fan Manage

▪ PWM - allows you to select the PWM mode for fan operation.
▪ DC - allows you to select the DC mode for fan operation.
▪ Auto (optional) - the BIOS will automatically detect the fan type and enable the

default fan operation mode.

▪ Fan step up/ down time - allows you to set the value of each fan step up/ down.
▪ Smart Fan Mode field - allows you to drag the gradient points to configure

the fan target speeds for Smart Fan mode. Smart Fan can control the fan speed
automatically depending on the CPU temperature to keep it with in a specific
range. If the current CPU temperature reaches to the target value, the Smart Fan
function will be activated.

Important

⚠

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

▶ Settings Buttons

▪ All Full Speed - configures all fans to run at full operating speed.
▪ All Set Default - configures all fans to run at default operating speed.
▪ All Set Cancel - discards current changes and restores previous operating fan

speeds.

▶ Voltage display

Shows the current voltages of CPU, system and memory and current temperatures.

BIOS Setup

87

Nahimic 3

Nahimic 3 is designed to offer the best audio experience it contains audio effects,
microphone effects and Sound Tracker.

Installation and Update

Nahimic 3 is included in the audio driver. If you need to install it or update it, please
use the Driver Disc with your motherboard or download the driver from MSI’s official
website.

Audio Tab

From this tab, you can access all of Nahimic 3’s audio effects, audio profiles and
settings.

Device display & Volume

∙ Device display & Volume - displays the type of audio device currently being used as

output, as well as its current volume.

▪ Mute - mutes the current audio output device.

∙ Audio profiles - allows you to choose between 4 factory audio profiles to fit your

multimedia experience (Music, Gaming, Movie or Communication). All profiles can be
modified as you wish.

∙ On/Off Button - allows you to turn all of Nahimic 3’s audio effects in one click.
∙ Audio Effects - allows you to separately control any of the 5 audio effects.

▪ Surround Sound - it is an audio effect mainly dedicated to headphones acoustic

experience.

▫ Gaming and Movies - virtualizes the multichannel audio stream from the

game engine or the movie soundtrack and downmixes it in order to retrieve a
multichannel listening experience over your stereo headphones or speakers.

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

▪ Volume Stabilizer - it maintains a constant volume for all elements of the

audio experience (dialogs, soundtrack, explosions, etc.) to make them all sound
softer, balanced or louder. The Quiet On / Off option allows to enter a night mode
by removing some basses. This way, you won’t disturb people around you if you’re
using speakers to play your media.

On/Off Button

Audio
Profiles
Reset Button

Try Button

Audio Effects

88

Nahimic 3

▪ Voices - it boosts (or removes) the speech in movies, video games and incoming

communication from -12 to +12 dB.

▪ Bass - increases (or decreases) the energy in low frequencies from -12 to +12

dB.

▪ Treble - increases (or decreases) the energy in high frequencies from -12 to +12

dB.

∙ Reset Button - restores the current profile to its default values.
∙ Try Button - launches an audio sample that allows to test audio settings.

Microphone Tab

From this tab, you can access all of Nahimic 3’s microphone effects and settings.

Device display & Volume

∙ Device display and volume - displays the type of recording device currently being

used as input, as well as its current volume..

▪ Mute - mutes the current mic device.

∙ Mic profiles - allows you to choose between 2 factory mic profiles to fit your

experience (Chat or Conference). All profiles can be modified as you wish.

∙ On / Off button - allows you to turn on and off all Nahimic 3’s microphone effects in

one click.

∙ Microphone Effects - allows you to separately control any of the 4 microphone

effects.

▪ Static Noise Suppression - it removes the static noises like the ones coming

from your computer fans.

▪ Echo Cancellation - improves the voice quality by cancelling the echo.
▪ Lateral Sound Cancellation - it only records the sound coming from the front of

your microphone.

▪ Voice Stabilizer - Levels the volume of your voice in order to avoid any saturation

and maintains a constant and clear communication.

∙ Reset Button - restores the current profile to its default values.
∙ Try Button - Turns the microphone loopback On/Off.

On/Off Button

Microphone
Profiles

Reset Button

Try Button

Microphone
Effects

Nahimic 3

89

Sound Tracker Tab

The Sound Tracker is an FPS oriented feature that provides a visual indication
localizing the sources of the sounds while in a game. These are represented by
dynamic segments pointing the direction of the sounds: the more opaque they are,
the stronger the sounds are. Thanks to this feature, players are able to pick up an
approaching threat more definitively and easily, thereby being even more dynamic.
The Sound Tracker captures the 5.1 and 7.1 sound streams processed by your audio
system, and is displayed in the applications and games using DirectX 9, 9c, 10 and 11.

Try ButtonOn/Off Button

Compatible
games

Sound Tracker

Sound Tracker
Effects

∙ ON / OFF Button - allows you to enable/ disable the Sound Tracker by switching this

option ON/ OFF.

∙ Try Button - launch a 7.1 audio sample allowing you to preview how the radar will

react in your game.

∙ Sound Tracker Effects

▪ Size - allows you to adjust the scale of the Sound Tracker, making it look bigger

or smaller.

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

making it look more or less discrete.

▪ Color - click the colored circle to open the color edition window. You can apply

the color you want to the dynamic segments.

∙ Compatible games - clicking this link opens the official Nahimic website, and leads

to the list of compatible games able to display the Sound Tracker.

Settings Tab

In this section, it allows you to select the language of Nahimic 3’s UI.

Nahimic 3

90

RAID Configuration

Below are the different types of a RAID.

RAID 0 breaks the data into blocks which are written to separate hard drives.

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

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

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

RAID level comparison

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

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

provides enhanced read performance.

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

RAID 0 array from two RAID 1 arrays.

RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 RAID 10

Minimum # drives 2 2 3 4

Data protection None Excellent Excellent Excellent

Read performance Excellent OK Good OK

Write performance Excellent Good OK Good

Capacity utilization 100% 50% 67%~(1-1/n) 50%

Important

⚠

Enabling Intel® Rapid Storage Technology

In Legacy mode, we can change the AHCI mode to RAID mode and disable the Fast
Boot then press Ctrl + I during the POST to enter the Intel Rapid Storage Technology

Legacy mode. However, most newer version of operating systems support UEFI
and the Intel Rapid Storage Technology UEFI mode can still run when the Fast Boot
is enabled. Therefore we recommend that you use the UEFI BIOS for simple and
advanced operations. The following description is based on the UEFI mode.

To enter the Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology menu

1. Power on and press Delete key to enter BIOS Setup menu.

2. Press F7 to switch to Advanced mode from EZ mode.

3. Go to BIOS > SETTINGS > Advanced > Integrated Peripherals > SATA Mode and
change setting to RAID/ Optane Mode.

4. Go to BIOS > SETTINGS > Advanced > Windows OS Configuration > BIOS UEFI/
CSM Mode and change setting to UEFI.

5. Skip this step If you are only using SATA storage devices. If you are using NVMe
PCIe SSDs, go to BIOS > SETTINGS > Advanced > Integrated Peripherals > M2_X
Pcie Storage Remapping and change setting to Enabled.

RAID Configuration

91

6. Press F10 to save configuration and exit, and then reboot and press Delete key to

enter BIOS Setup menu.

7. Go to BIOS > SETTING > Advanced > Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology sub­menu.

Creating RAID Volume

1. As previously mentioned, enable Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology.

2. Enter Create RAID Volume screen. The following screen appears:

3. Specify a Name for RAID volume.

4. Select the RAID Level best suited to your usage model in RAID Level.

5. In the Select Disks field, press Space key or press Enter key and use the ↑↓
arrow keys to select the option X to select the disks you want to create for the

RAID volume.

6. Select the Strip Size for the RAID array. The available values range from 4KB to
128 KB in power of 2 increments. The strip size should be chosen based on the
planned drive usage. Here are some typical values:
RAID0 -128KB / RAID10 - 64KB / RAID5 - 64KB.

7. Select the capacity of the volume in the Capacity (MB) field. The default value is
the maximum volume capacity of the selected disks.

8. Go to the Create Volume field and press Enter to create the RAID volume. Upon
completion you are returned to the Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology menu.

RAID Configuration

92

Removing a RAID Volume

Here you can delete the RAID volume, but please be noted that all data on RAID drives
will be lost.

Important

⚠

If your system currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume, your system
will become unbootable.

1. Go to BIOS > SETTING > Advanced > Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology.

2. Select the RAID volume from the Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology screen to
enter the RAID VOLUME INFO screen.

3. Select the Delete item and press Enter key to delete the selected RAID volume.

The following screen appears:

4. Select the Yes item and press Enter key to accept the volume deletion.

RAID Configuration

93

Resetting Disks to Non-RAID

1. Go to BIOS > SETTING > Advanced > Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology.

2. Select the RAID volume from the Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology screen to
enter the RAID VOLUME INFO screen.

3. Select the disk and press Enter to enter PHYSICAL DISK INFO screen.

4. Select Reset to non-RAID item and press Enter to delete the RAID volume and

remove any RAID structures from the drives. The following screen appears:

5. Select the Yes item and press Enter key to accept the disk reseting.

Important

⚠

∙

You will lose all data on the RAID drives and any internal RAID structures when you

perform this operation.

∙

Possible reasons to Reset Disks to Non-RAID could include issues such as

incompatible RAID configurations or a failed volume or failed disk.

RAID Configuration

94

Rebuilding RAID Array

A RAID 1, RAID 5 or RAID 10 volume is reported as Degraded when one of its hard
drive members fails or is temporarily disconnected, and data mirroring is lost. As a
result, the system can only utilize the remaining functional hard drive member. To re­establish data mirroring and restore data redundancy, refer to the procedure below
that corresponds to the current situation.

1. Power off.

2. Replace the failed hard drive with a new one that is of equal or greater capacity.

3. Reboot the system and go to BIOS > SETTING > Advanced > Intel(R) Rapid Storage
Technology.

4. Select the Degraded RAID volume from the Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology
screen to enter the RAID VOLUME INFO screen.

5. Select the Rebuild item and press Enter key to rebuild the new hard drive.

RAID Configuration

95

Installing RAID Driver

New Operating System Installation

The following details the installation of the drivers while installing Windows 10 x64 bit
Editions or newer operating system.

1. During the operating system installation, after selecting the location to install
Windows click on Load driver button to install a third party RAID driver.

2. When prompted, insert the USB flash drive with Intel RAID Drivers and then click
Browse.

3. Navigate to \\Storage\Intel\ the directory containing the saved Intel RAID drivers,
then click OK.

4. Select the (iaStorAC.inf) driver, click Next.

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

continue.

6. Leave the USB drive in the computer until the system reboots itself. Windows
setup will need to copy the files after the RAID volume is formatted, and Windows
setup starts copying files.

Installing Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Software

1. As previously mentioned, enable Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology in BIOS.

2. Insert the MSI USB Dirve into the USB port.

3. Click the Select to choose what happens with this disc pop-up notification, then

select Run DVDSetup.exe to open the installer. If you turn off the AutoPlay feature
from the Windows Control Panel, you can still manually execute the DVDSetup.

exe from the root path of the MSI USB Drive.

4. Under the Drivers/Software tab, check the Intel RAID Drivers check-box.

5. Click the Install button.

6. When prompt you to restart, click OK button to finish.

7. Restart your computer and enter the Windows operating system.

8. Double-click the Intel

Storage Technology software.

®

Rapid Storage Technology icon to open the Intel® Rapid

RAID Configuration

96

Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration

Intel® Optane™ memory can accelerate the Windows 10 64bit operating system. This
section describes how to install and remove the Intel

System Requirements

∙ Intel® Optane™ memory ready MSI® motherboards
∙ Supported 8th Gen, or later, Intel® Core™ - i Processor
∙ System BIOS that supports the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (Intel® RST) 16 or

later driver

∙ Operating system: Windows 10 64 bit (UEFI mode).

®

∙ Intel

Optane™ Memory Module

Installing the Intel® Optane™ memory

Install the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 16.

1. Update BIOS (refer to the Updating BIOS section).

2. Install the Intel® Optane™ memory module.

▫ Power off the system.
▫ Refer to the Specifications for location to install your Intel® Optane™ memory

module.

▫ Install the Intel® Optane™ memory module into the M.2 slot.

3. Enable M.2/Optane Genie

▫ Power on and press Delete key to enter BIOS Setup menu.
▫ Enable M.2/Optane Genie by clicking the M.2/Optane Genie item.
▫ Click Ok in the dialog.
▫ Press F10 to save configuration and exit.

4. Install the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology

▫ Reboot to operating system.
▫ Insert the MSI USB Drive into the USB port.
▫ Click the Select to choose what happens with this disc pop-up notification,

then select Run DVDSetup.exe to open the installer. If you turn off the AutoPlay
feature from the Windows Control Panel, you can still manually execute the
DVDSetup.exe from the root path of the MSI USB Drive.

▫ Under the Drivers/Software tab, check the Intel RAID Drivers check-box.
▫ Click the Install button.
▫ When prompt you to restart, click OK button to finish.
▫ Reboot System.

®

Optane™ memory.

Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration

97

5. Enable Intel® Optane™ Memory.

▫ Run the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology software.
▫ Click Intel
▫ Click Yes in the dialog.

6. Reboot System.

WARNING

⚠

Once you enable Intel® Optane™ memory, in order to prevent seriously damage your
operating system, please follow the cautions listed below.

∙

DO NOT set the SATA mode back to AHCI in BIOS.

∙

DO NOT revert back to older version of the BIOS.

∙

DO NOT remove the Intel® Optane™ memory module.

∙

DO NOT replace the CPU that is not supported by Intel® Optane™ Memory.

®

Optane™ Memory tab and click Enable.

Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration

98

Removing the Intel® Optane™ memory

If you no longer want to use Intel® Optane™ memory, you have to disable the Intel®
Optane™ memory before removing the Intel® Optane™ memory module to avoid
operating system damage. Please follow the steps below to remove the Intel®
Optane™ memory.

1. Disable Intel® Optane™ Memory.

▫ Disable Intel® Optane™ Memory via the Intel® Optane™ memory application

(Intel® Rapid Storage Technology).

▫ Click Yes in the dialog.

▫ Reboot System.

2. Disable M.2/Optane Genie

▫ Press Delete key to enter BIOS Setup menu during POST.
▫ Disable M.2/Optane Genie by clicking M.2/Optane Genie item.
▫ Click Ok in the dialog.
▫ Press F10 to save configuration and exit.

3. Remove the Intel® Optane™ memory module.

▫ Power off the system.
▫ Remove the Intel® Optane™ memory module.

Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration

99

Troubleshooting

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

The power is not on.

∙ Connect the AC power cord to an

electrical outlet securely.

∙ Check if all ATX power connectors

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

∙ Some power supply units have a power

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

∙ Check if the power switch cable is

connected to JFP1 pin header properly.

∙ Verify the Clear CMOS jumper JBAT1 is

set to Keep DATA.

∙ Test with another known working

power supply of equal or greater
wattage.

The power is on, but no signal to
monitor

∙ Connect the monitor power cord to a

electrical outlet securely.

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

memory modules and try to install only
one memory module in the DIMMC1 slot
first and then restart the computer.

∙ If 1 long 2 short beeps are heard,

remove and reinstall the graphics card
and then restart the computer.

∙ Test with another known working

graphics card.

Lost BIOS password

∙ Clear the CMOS, but that will cause

you to lose all customized settings in the
BIOS.

There is no audio

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

audio ports on the motherboard rear IO
panel.

∙ Remove secondary speakers/

headphones, HDMI cables, USB audio
devices.

∙ Test with another known working

speaker or headphone.

There is no network

∙ Make sure the network chipset driver

has been installed.

∙ Verify if the network cable is properly

connected and make sure the LAN port
LEDs are properly illuminated.

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

cable.

The USB device is not working

∙ Make sure your USB drive driver has

been installed.

∙ Verify if USB device is listed in

Windows

port on the motherboard rear IO panel.

®

Device Manager.

∙ Connect the USB device to other USB

The computer does not boot after
updating the BIOS

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

system (Only for motherboard with Dual
BIOS)

Troubleshooting

100