Msi MEG X299 User Manual

Quick Start

Thank you for purchasing the MSI® MEG X299 CREATION 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

Safety Information

y The components included in this package are prone to damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Please adhere to the following instructions to ensure successful computer assembly.

y Ensure that all components are securely connected. Loose connections may cause the computer to not recognize a component or fail to start.

y Hold the motherboard by the edges to avoid touching sensitive components.

y It is recommended to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling the motherboard to prevent electrostatic damage. If an ESD wrist strap is not available, discharge yourself of static electricity by touching another metal object before handling the motherboard.

y Store the motherboard in an electrostatic shielding container or on an anti-static pad whenever the motherboard is not installed.

y Before turning on the computer, ensure that there are no loose screws or metal components on the motherboard or anywhere within the computer case.

y Do not boot the computer before installation is completed. This could cause permanent damage to the components as well as injury to the user.

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

y Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing any computer component.

y Keep this user guide for future reference.

y Keep this motherboard away from humidity.

y Make sure that your electrical outlet provides the same voltage as is indicated on the PSU, before connecting the PSU to the electrical outlet.

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

y All cautions and warnings on the motherboard should be noted.

y If any of the following situations arises, get the motherboard checked by service personnel:

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

guide.

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

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

Safety Information

Installing a Processor

https://youtu.be/ecdkLMmkya4

789

Safety Information

Installing DDR4 memory

http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs

Safety Information

DIMMC1

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

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

HDD LED

HDD LED HDD LED +

POWER LED POWER LED +

Safety Information

RESET SW

JFP1

Installing the Motherboard

Safety Information

Installing SATA Drives

http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc

Safety Information

Installing a Graphics Card

http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A

Safety Information

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Safety Information

Connecting the Power Connectors

http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

Safety Information

ATX_PWR1

CPU_PWR3

CPU_PWR1 CPU_PWR2

PCIE_PWR1

Power On

Safety Information

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

Installing SATA Drives............................................................................................. 7

Installing a Graphics Card ...................................................................................... 8

Connecting Peripheral Devices .............................................................................. 9

Connecting the Power Connectors ....................................................................... 10

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

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

ThunderboltM3 Card Specification ....................................................................... 21

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

Package contents................................................................................................. 22

Block Diagram .................................................................................................... 23

Rear I/O Panel ...................................................................................................... 24

2.5G LAN Port LED Status Table .......................................................................... 24

1G LAN Port LED Status Table ............................................................................. 24

Audio Ports Configuration .................................................................................... 25

Realtek Audio Console ......................................................................................... 26

Installing Antennas ............................................................................................... 27

Overview of Components .................................................................................... 28

CPU Socket ........................................................................................................... 30

DIMM Slots ............................................................................................................ 31

PCI_E1~5: PCIe Expansion Slots .......................................................................... 34

PCIe and M2_3 slot bandwidth table .................................................................... 34

U2_1: U.2 Connector ............................................................................................. 37

M2_1~3: M.2 Slots (Key M) ................................................................................... 38

Installing M.2 XPANDER-AERO Card ................................................................... 39

SATA1~8: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors ....................................................................... 41

VRAID1: Virtual RAID on CPU Connector ............................................................. 41

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors ................................................................... 42

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................42

CPU_PWR1~3, ATX_PWR1, PCIE_PWR1: Power Connectors .............................. 43

OC1: GAME BOOST Knob ..................................................................................... 44

Contents

OC_RT1: OC Retry Jumper ................................................................................... 46

OC_FS1: OC Force Enter BIOS Jumper ................................................................ 46

JSLOW1: Slow Mode Booting Jumper .................................................................. 46

CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4, EXS_FAN1~2: Fan Connectors ........... 47

W_FLOW1: Water Flow Meter Connector ............................................................. 48

T_SEN1: Thermal Sensor Connector ................................................................... 48

JTBT1: Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector ...................................................... 48

Installing ThunderboltM3 Card ............................................................................ 49

JUSB3~4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors ................................................................... 50

JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors ............................................................................. 51

JUSB5: USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connector ............................................................. 51

POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button ................................................. 52

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper ........................................................... 52

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector ....................................................................... 53

BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch ............................................................................. 54

JRGB1, JRAINBOW1~2: RGB LED connectors ..................................................... 55

JCORSAIR1: CORSAIR Connector ........................................................................ 56

Onboard LEDs ...................................................................................................... 57

EZ Debug LED ....................................................................................................... 57

DIMM LEDs ........................................................................................................... 57

XMP LED ............................................................................................................... 57

Multi-BIOS LEDs ................................................................................................... 58

JPWRLED1: LED power input ............................................................................... 58

Debug Code LED ................................................................................................... 59

Hexadecimal Character Table .............................................................................. 59

Boot Phases .......................................................................................................... 59

Debug Code LED Table ......................................................................................... 59

ACPI States Codes ................................................................................................ 64

CPU Temperature ................................................................................................. 64

Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities ......................................................................... 65

Installing Windows® 10 ......................................................................................... 65

Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 65

Installing Utilities ................................................................................................. 65

MYSTIC LIGHT ...................................................................................................... 66

Device LED effect control screen ......................................................................... 66

Nahimic 3 ............................................................................................................. 69

Installation and Update ........................................................................................ 69

Audio Tab ..............................................................................................................69

Microphone Tab .................................................................................................... 70

Sound Tracker Tab ................................................................................................ 71

Contents

Settings Tab .......................................................................................................... 71

BIOS Setup ........................................................................................................... 72

Entering BIOS Setup ............................................................................................. 72

Resetting BIOS ...................................................................................................... 73

Updating BIOS ....................................................................................................... 73

EZ Mode ................................................................................................................ 75

Advanced Mode .................................................................................................... 77

SETTINGS .............................................................................................................. 78

Advanced ............................................................................................................... 78

Boot ....................................................................................................................... 84

Security ................................................................................................................. 85

Save & Exit ............................................................................................................ 86

OC .......................................................................................................................... 87

M-FLASH .............................................................................................................. 94

OC PROFILE .......................................................................................................... 95

HARDWARE MONITOR .......................................................................................... 96

RAID Configuration .............................................................................................. 97

Enabling Intel® Rapid Storage Technology........................................................... 97

Creating RAID Volume ......................................................................................... 98

Removing a RAID Volume .................................................................................... 99

Resetting Disks to Non-RAID ............................................................................. 100

Rebuilding RAID Array ........................................................................................ 101

Installing RAID Driver ......................................................................................... 102

Installing Intel

Rapid Storage Technology Software ........................................ 102

Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration ............................................................ 103

System Requirements ....................................................................................... 103

Installing the Intel Removing the Intel

Optane™ memory .............................................................. 103

Optane™ memory ............................................................. 105

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................ 106

Contents

Specifications

CPU

Chipset Intel

Memory

Expansion Slot

Supports Intel LGA2066 Socket

supports up to 4-channels DDR4**

supports up to 2-channels DDR4**

* Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory. ** Please refer the DIMM Slots section for more details.

* Please refer to page 34 for PCIe 3.0 bandwidth table.

Core™ X-Series Processor Family for

X299 Chipset

y 8x DDR4 memory slots y Quad channel memory architecture with the CPU that

 Quad channel support up to 128GB

 X-series processor support DDR4 4200(OC)/ 4100(OC)/ 4000(OC)/ 3800(OC)/ 3733(OC)/ 3600(OC)/ 3466(OC)/ 3400(OC)/ 3333(OC)/ 3200(OC)/ 3000(OC)/ 2933(OC)/ 2800(OC)/ 2666/ 2400/ 2133 MHz*

y Dual channel memory architecture with the CPU that

 Dual channel support up to 64GB

 X-series processor support DDR4 4133(OC)/ 4000(OC)/ 3866(OC)/ 3800(OC)/ 3733(OC)/ 3600(OC)/ 3466(OC)/ 3400(OC)/ 3333(OC)/ 3200(OC)/ 3000(OC)/ 2933(OC)/ 2800(OC)/ 2666/ 2400/ 2133 MHz*

y Supports Intel

Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)

y 4x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots

 Support x16/x0/x16/x8, x8/x8/x16/x8 mode with the 44-lane CPU.*

 Support x16/x0/x8/x4, x8/x8/x8/x4 mode with the 28- lane CPU.*

 Support x8/x0/x4/x4 mode with the 16-lane CPU.*

y 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot

Multi-GPU

LAN

Wirsless LAN & Bluetooth

y Supports NVIDIA y Supports AMD

SLI™ Technology

CrossFire™ Technology

y 1x Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN controller y 1x Realtek RTL8125-CG 2.5G LAN controller

Intel® Wireless-AC 9260

y Supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, MU-MIMO Rx, 2.4GHz/ 5GHz

(160MHz) up to 1.73Gbps

y Supports Bluetooth

2.1, 2.1+EDR, 3.0,4.0, 5

Continued on next page

Speciﬁcations

Storage

RAID

USB

Continued from previous page

X299 Chipset

Intel

y 8x SATA 6Gb/s ports* y 3x M.2 slots (Key M)

 M2_1 & M2_2 support up to PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s, 2242/ 2260/ 2280/ 22110 storage devices

 M2_3 supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4, 2242/ 2260/ 2280 storage devices**

 Intel

Optane™ Memory Ready for M2_1, M2_2 slots ***

y 1x U.2 port

 Supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe storage

* The SATA1 connector will be unavailable when a SATA M.2 SSD has been installed in the M.2_1 slot.

* The SATA2 connector will be unavailable when a SATA M.2 SSD has been installed in the M.2_2 slot.

** M2_3 slot and PCIe slots share the bandwidth. Please refer to page 34 for details.

*** Before using Intel updated the drivers and BIOS to the latest version from MSI website.

X299 Chipset

Intel

Optane™ memory modules, please ensure that you have

y Supports RAID 0, RAID1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA

storage devices

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

y Intel

X299 Chipset

 4x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports available through the internal USB connectors

 6x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports(2 ports on the back panel, 4 ports available through the internal USB connectors)

y ASMedia

ASM3142 Chipset

 3x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) ports (1 Type-C and 1 Type-A port on the back panel, 1 Type-C internal connector)

y ASMedia

ASM1074 Chipset

 6x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports on the back panel

Speciﬁcations

Audio

y 1x Realtek

ALC1220 Codec  7.1-Channel High Definition Audio  Supports S/PDIF output

Continued on next page

Back Panel Connectors

Internal Connectors

Continued from previous page

y 1x BIOS FlashBack button y 1x Clear CMOS button y 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port y 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports y 6x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A ports y 1x 2.5G LAN (RJ45) port y 1x 1G LAN (RJ45) port y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A port y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port y 2x Wi-Fi Antenna connectors y 5x OFC audio jacks y 1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector

y 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector y 3x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors y 1x flat 4-pin ATX 12V power connector* y 8x SATA 6Gb/s connectors y 1x U.2 port y 2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0

ports)

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

Gen1 ports)

y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port y 1x 4-pin CPU fan connector y 1x 4-pin Water Pump connector y 4x 4-pin system fan connectors y 2x 4-pin extend system fan connectors y 1x 3-pin Water Flow connector y 1x Front panel audio connector y 2x System panel connectors y 1x TPM module connector y 1x Chassis Intrusion connector y 1x 2-pin Thermal Sensors connector y 1x Virtual RAID on CPU connector y 1x Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector

* Provides additional power to PCIe x16 slots

Continued on next page

Speciﬁcations

Continued from previous page

y 1x 4-pin RGB LED connector

LED Connectors

OC Connectors

Internal Buttons

Switches y 1x Multi-BIOS switch

Jumper

Debug LED

I/O Controller NUVOTON NCT6797 Controller Chip

Hardware Monitor

y 2x 3-pin RAINBOW LED connectors y 1x 3-pin CORSAIR LED connector y 1x OC retry connector y 1x OC force enter BIOS connector y 1x GAME BOOST knob y 1x Power button y 1x Reset button

y 1x Slow mode jumper y 1x Clear CMOS jumper y 1x 2-Digit Debug Code LED y 4x EZ Debug LED

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

Speciﬁcations

Form Factor

BIOS Features

y E-ATX Form Factor y 12 in. x 10.7 in. (30.5 cm x 27.2 cm)

y Dual BIOS y 2x 128 Mb flash y UEFI AMI BIOS y ACPI 6.1, SMBIOS 3.0 y Multi-language

Continued on next page

Software

Dragon Center Features

Special Features

Continued from previous page

y Drivers y DRAGON CENTER y MYSTIC LIGHT y Nahimic Audio y CPU-Z MSI GAMING y MSI App Player (BlueStacks)

y Intel

Extreme Tuning Utility y Google Chrome™, Google Toolbar, Google Drive y Norton™ Internet Security Solution

y GAME OPTIMIZATION y OC Performance y Hardware Monitor y Eyerest y LAN Manager y Live Update

Please refer to http://download.msi. com/manual/mb/DRAGONCENTER2. pdf for more details.

y Audio

 Audio Boost 4  Nahimic 3

y Network

 GAMING LAN with Gaming LAN Manager  Dual LAN (2.5G+1G)  Intel WiFi

y Storage

 Turbo U.2  3 x Turbo M.2

y Fan

 Pump Fan  Smart Fan Control

y Performance

 Multi GPU – SLI Technology  Multi GPU – CrossFire Technology

Continued on next page

Speciﬁcations

Special Features

Continued from previous page

y LED

 Mystic Light 3  Mystic Light Extension (RGB)  Mystic Light Extension (RAINBOW)  Mystic Light Extension (CORSAIR)  Mystic Light Sync  EZ DEBUG LED

y Protection

 DDR4 Steel Armor  M.2 FORZR  PCI-E Steel Armor  U.2 Steel Armor

y DDR4 Boost

 GAME Boost(go to 11)  OC Engine(Clock gen)  Lightning USB(3142)  Front Lightning USB(20PIN)

y Stability

 7000+ Quality Test

y VR

 VR Ready

y Gamer Experience

 GAMING HOTKEY  GAMING MOUSE Control

y BIOS

 Click BIOS 5  BIOS FLASHBACK+  Dual BIOS

y Certification

 Quadro SLI Ready  Quadro Ready  GAMING Certified

Speciﬁcations

ThunderboltM3 Card Specification

Chipset Intel Thunderbolt 3 controller

y 2 x thunderbolt 3 port (type C)

 up to 40 Gbps for Thunderbolt devices

External connector

Interface PCIe 3.0 x4 (depends on MB supportive slot)

Capabilities Supports DisplayPort 1.2 with max, 4K x 2K @60/24 Hz

Form factor 3.35 inch x 4.11 inch (8.5 cm x 10.4 cm)

 up to 10 Gbps for USB 3.1 devices y 1 x 5 pin TB header y 2 x DisplayPort input ports

 DisplayPort 1.2 specification

JCORSAIR1 Connector Specification

Supporting CORSAIR RGB Products Maximum connection

Lighting Node PRO LED Strip

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

20*

* In the case of 20% brightness

Speciﬁcations

Package contents

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

Motherboard MEG X299 CREATION

Documentation

Application DVD Driver DVD 1

Cable

Accessories

User Manual 1 Quick Installation Guide 1

SATA 6Gb/s Cables 4 1 to 2 RGB LED Extension Y Cable 80cm 1 CORSAIR RGB LED Extension Cable 50cm 1 RAINBOW RGB LED Extension Cable 80cm 1 Thermistor Cable 1 Thunderbolt Cable 1 M.2 Xpander-AERO 1 SLI HB BRIDGE L 1 ThunderboltM3 1 Antenna Set 1 Case Badge 1 SATA cable Labels 1 VIP Card 1 IO Shielding 1 M.2 Screw 3

Important

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

Package contents

Block Diagram

2/ 4 Channel DDR4 Memory

Processor

1x M.2

2x M.2

8x SATA 6Gb/s

1x U.2

4x USB 3.1 Gen1

6x USB 2.0

SwitchSwitch

PCI Express Bus

Switch

P/S2 Mouse / Keyboard

NV6797

Super I/O

DMI 3.0

PCIE Bus

X299 PCH

PCIE Bus

Realtek

ALC1220

(Rear + Front)

Audio Jacks

PCIe x1 slot

Wi-Fi / Bluetooth

Realtek 8125

Intel I219

ASMEDIA

ASM3142

ASMEDIA ASM1074

3x USB 3.1 Gen2

6x USB 3.1 Gen1

Block Diagram

Rear I/O Panel

USB 3.1 Gen1

PS/2

Clear CMOS

2.5G LAN 1G LAN

WiFi antenna connectors

Audio Ports

BIOS FLASHBACK+ button

USB 2.0/ BIOS FLASHBACK+

USB 2.0

USB 3.1 Gen1

USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C

Optical S/PDIF-Out

USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A

port

y 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.

y BIOS FLASHBACK+ button/port - Please refer to page 74 for Updating BIOS with

BIOS FLASHBACK+.

2.5G LAN Port LED Status Table

Link/ Activity LED

Status Description

Off No link

Yellow Linked

Blinking Data activity

Speed LED

Status Description

Off 10 Mbps connection

Green 1 Gbps/ 100 Mbps connection

Orange 2.5 Gbps connection

1G LAN Port LED Status Table

Link/ Activity LED

Status Description

Off No link

Yellow Linked

Blinking Data activity

Speed LED

Status Description

Off 10 Mbps connection

Green 100 Mbps connection

Orange 1 Gbps connection

Rear I/O Panel

Audio Ports Configuration

Audio Ports

Center/ Subwoofer Out ● ●

Rear Speaker Out ● ● ●

Line-In/ Side Speaker Out ●

Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out ● ● ● ●

Mic In

(●: connected, Blank: empty)

Audio jacks to headphone and microphone diagram

Channel

2 4 6 8

Audio jacks to 7.1-channel speakers diagram

AUDIO INPUT

Rear Front

Side Center/

Subwoofer

Rear I/O Panel

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 Advanced Settings

Main Volume

Connector Settings

Jack Status

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

options. The check sign indicates the devices as default.

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

of anticipated sound effect for both output and input device.

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

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

y Advanced Settings - provides the mechanism to deal with 2 independent audio

streams.

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

computer.

y Connector Settings - configures the connection settings.

Auto popup dialog

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

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

Important

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

Rear I/O Panel

Installing Antennas

1. Combine the antenna with the base.

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

3. Place the antenna as high as possible.

Rear I/O Panel

Overview of Components

JRAINBOW1

SYS_FAN1

PCI_E1

M2_1

PCI_E2

M2_2

PCI_E3

M2_3

PCI_E4

PCI_E5

DIMMB1

CPU_FAN1

DIMMA1

DIMMB2

CPU Socket

CPU_PWR1

CPU_PWR3

CPU_PWR2

DIMMC1

DIMMC2

DIMMD1DIMMA2

DIMMD2

PUMP_FAN1

SYS_FAN4 VRAID1 JCORSAIR1

ATX_PWR1

JUSB5

JUSB4

SATA▼1▲2

SATA▼3▲4

SATA▼5▲6

SATA▼7▲8

U2_1 JRAINBOW2

JUSB3

Overview of Components

JAUD1

JRGB1

PCIE_PWR1

T_SEN1

JTPM1

JFP2

EXS_FAN1

W_FLOW1

EXS_FAN2

JFP1

SYS_FAN2

JUSB2

JUSB1

BIOS_SW1

SYS_FAN3

POWER1

RESET1

JPWRLED1

JTBT1

JBAT1

JCI1

JSLOW1

Component Contents

Port Name Port Type Page

BIOS_SW1 Multi-BIOS Switch 54 CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1,

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

PCIE_PWR1 CPU Socket LGA2066 CPU Socket 30 JAUD1 Front Audio Connector 42 JBAT1 Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper 52 JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector 53 JCORSAIR1 CORSAIR Connector 56 JFP1, JFP2 Front Panel Connectors 42 JPWRLED1 LED power input 58 JRGB1, JRAINBOW1~2 RGB LED connectors 55 JSLOW1 Slow Mode Booting Jumper 46 JTBT1 Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector 48 JUSB1~2 USB 2.0 Connectors 51 JUSB3~4 USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors 50 JUSB5 USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connector 51 M2_1~3 M.2 Slots (Key M) 38 OC1 GAME BOOST Knob 44 OC_FS1 OC Force Enter BIOS Jumper 46 OC_RT1 OC Retry Jumper 46 PCI_E1~5 PCIe Expansion Slots 34 POWER1, RESET1 Power Button, Reset Button 52 SATA1~8 SATA 6Gb/s Connectors 41 T_SEN1 Thermal Sensor Connector 48 U2_1 U.2 Connector 37 VRAID1 Virtual RAID on CPU Connector 41 W_FLOW1 Water Flow Meter Connector 48

Fan Connectors 47

Power Connectors 43

Overview of Components

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

DIMM Slots

S/K LED : S/K LED indicates that

the installed CPU supports either 4-channels or 2-channels memory architecture.

Red = 8 DIMMs support (4-channels architecture CPU)

White = 4 DIMMs support (2-channels architecture CPU)

B1B2A1A2 C2C1D2D1

Memory module installation recommendation (4-Channels architecture CPU )

B1 B2 A1 A2 Intel Core X-series CPU C2 C1 D2 D1

1 DIMM

2 DIMMs

3 DIMMs

4 DIMMs

5 DIMMs

6 DIMMs

7 DIMMs

8 DIMMs

Supports 4-channels memory architecture

DIMMC1

DIMMA1

DIMMC1

Overview of Components

DIMMA1

DIMMB1

DIMMC1

DIMMA1

DIMMB1

DIMMD1

DIMMC1

DIMMA2

DIMMA1

DIMMB1

DIMMC1

DIMMC2

DIMMD1

DIMMA1

DIMMB2

DIMMB1

DIMMA2

DIMMC2

Important

Always insert a memory module in the DIMMC1 slot first.

To ensure system stability for Dual/ Triple/ Quad channel mode, memory modules must be of the same type, number and density. And for every channel, the odd number DIMM slot must to be installed first.

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

Based on Intel CPU specification, the Memory DIMM voltage below 1.35V is suggested to protect the CPU.

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

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

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

Overview of Components

DIMMD1

DIMMD2

DIMMC1

Memory module installation recommendation (2-Channels architecture CPU )

B1 B2 A1 A2 Intel Core X-series CPU C2 C1 D2 D1

1 DIMM

2 DIMMs

3 DIMMs

4 DIMMs

DIMMB1, B2, A1 and A2 are un-available

DIMMC1 DIMMC1

Supports 2-channels

memory architecture

DIMMD1

DIMMD1 DIMMD1

DIMMC1 DIMMC1

DIMMC2 DIMMC2

Overview of Components

DIMMD2

PCI_E1~5: PCIe Expansion Slots

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 x1 (PCH lanes) PCI_E5: PCIe 3.0 x8 (CPU lanes)

PCIe and M2_3 slot bandwidth table

for 44-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_E5 Empty @ 3.0 x8 Empty Empty @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x8

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 28-lane CPU

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

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

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

PCI_E3 Empty @ 3.0 x8 Empty @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x8

PCI_E5 ─ ─ @ 3.0 x4 @ 3.0 x4 ─ @ 3.0 x4

M2_3 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 ─ ─ 3.0 x4 ─

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

for 16-lane CPU

Graphics Card 2-Way 3-Way

PCI_E1 @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x8 PCI_E2 ─ ─ PCI_E3 @ 3.0 x4 @ 3.0 x4 PCI_E5 ─ @ 3.0 x4

M2_3 3.0 x4 ─

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

Overview of Components

Multiple graphics cards installation recommendation

For 44-lane & 28-lane CPU

PCI_E1

For 44-lane CPU

PCI_E1

For 44-lane CPU

PCI_E3

PCI_E5

PCI_E1

For 28-lane CPU

PCI_E1

PCI_E2

PCI_E3

Important

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

PCI_E1

PCI_E2

PCI_E3

PCI_E5

Overview of Components

Important

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.

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.

Overview of Components

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

U.2 Cable

Connect to power adapter cable

Important

The M2_2, SATA5 and SATA6 will be unavailable when installing U.2 device into U.2 port.

Overview of Components

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, M2_2 slots.

M2_1

M2_2

M2_3

Installing M.2 module

1. Remove the screw from the base screw.

2. Remove the base screw.

3. Tighten the base screw into the hole of

the distance to the M.2 slot as the length your M.2 module.

4. Insert your M.2 module into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle.

M2_3 slot only supports PCIe 3.0 interface.

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

30°

Using M.2 Shield Frozr

We provide the M.2 Shield Frozr on the M2_2 slot to help dissipate heat away from the M.2 module. Before installing the M.2 module, you need to remove screws that secure the M.2 Shield Frozr, lift the M.2 Shield Frozr and remove the protective film and the

rubber from the thermal pad.

Overview of Components

Installing M.2 XPANDER-AERO Card

The M.2 XPANDER-AERO card provide four M.2 Key-M slots. To install the M.2 XPANDER-AERO card:

1. Remove the heatsink by loosening four heatsink screws on the bottom of M.2 XPENDER-AERO.

2. Remove the screw from the base screw.

3. Remove the base screw.

4. Tighten the base screw into the hole of the distance to the M.2 slot as the length

your M.2 device.

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

6. Put the screw in the notch on the trailing edge of your M.2 device and tighten it

into the base screw.

30°

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

8. Reinstall the heatsink by tightening four heatsink screws on the bottom of M.2

XPENDER-AERO.

Overview of Components

9. Insert the M.2 XPENDER-AERO into an PCIe x16 slot.

HDD LED

10. Use the screw to secure the M.2 XPENDER-AERO.

11. Connect the PCIE_PWR1 connector 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 HDD LED

pins (pin 1 & pin3) of JFP1.

Overview of Components

PCIE_PWR1

JCASE

JMB

JFP1

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 SATA3

SATA6 SATA5

SATA8

SATA7

Important

The SATA1 connector will be unavailable when a SATA M.2 SSD has been installed in

the M.2_1 slot.

The SATA2 connector will be unavailable when a SATA M.2 SSD has been installed in

the M.2_2 slot.

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.

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.

1 GND 2 VCC3

3 GND 4 SATA_RAID_KEY

The VROC key module is purchased separately.

RSTe (Intel® Rapid Storage Technology

Important

Overview of Components

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors

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

Power LED

JFP1

Power Switch

+++-

2 10 1

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

1 Speaker - 2 Buzzer +

3 Buzzer - 4 Speaker +

JFP2

Buzzer

++-

Speaker

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector

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

2 10

1 MIC L 2 Ground

3 MIC R 4 NC

5 Head Phone R 6 MIC Detection

7 SENSE_SEND 8 No Pin

9 Head Phone L 10 Head Phone Detection

Reserved

Overview of Components

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

ATX_PWR1

131

PCIE_PWR1

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

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

OC1: GAME BOOST 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.

GAME BOOST knob

Using GAME BOOST Knob

To setup the GAME BOOST knob, take the following steps:

1. Set the GAME BOOST knob to hardware mode in BIOS Setup.

2. Power off the computer.

3. Refer to GAME BOOST Knob overclocking stage table and rotate the GAME BOOST

knob to select the overclocking stage as you desire.

4. Power on and then GAME BOOST will automatically overclock processor depending on the stage you selected.

To disable GAME BOOST:

1. Set the GAME BOOST knob to HW mode in BIOS Setup.

2. Power off the computer.

3. Rotate the GAME BOOST knob to 0 and then power on. The configuration

parameters will be returned to default values.

Important

When enabling GAME BOOST mode, it is recommended to use liquid CPU cooler with

dual fan radiator for better cooling and performance.

You can also control the GAME BOOST function in BIOS Setup or with MSI DRAGON

CENTER software.

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

GAME BOOST 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 GAME BOOST overclocking range or the damages/ risks

caused by overclocking behavior.

MSI components are recommended for better compatibility when using GAME

BOOST function.

Overview of Components

GAME BOOST Knob overclocking stage table

Stage

i5-7640X i7-7740X i7-7800X i7-7820X i7-9800X i9-7900X

0 4.0 GHz 4.3 GHz 3.5 GHz 3.6 GHz 3.8 GHz 3.3 GHz 1 4.5 GHz 4.8 GHz 4.1 GHz 4.4 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.4 GHz 2 4.6 GHz 4.9 GHz 4.2 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.6 GHz 4.5 GHz 4 4.7 GHz 5.0 GHz 4.3 GHz 4.6 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.6 GHz 6 4.8 GHz 5.1 GHz 4.4 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.8 GHz 4.7 GHz 8 4.9 GHz 5.2 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.8 GHz 4.9 GHz 4.8 GHz

10 5.0 GHz 5.3 GHz 4.6 GHz 4.9 GHz 5.0 GHz 4.9 GHz 11 5.1 GHz 5.4 GHz 4.7 GHz 5.0 GHz 5 .1 GHz 5.0 GHz

i9-7920X i9-7940X i9-7960X i9-7980XE i9-9820X

0 2.9 GHz 3.1 GHz 2.8 GHz 2.6 GHz 3.3 GHz 1 4.4 GHz 4.4 GHz 4.3 GHz 4.3 GHz 4.2 GHz 2 4.5 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.4 GHz 4.4 GHz 4.3 GHz 4 4.6 GHz 4.6 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.4 GHz 6 4.7 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.6 GHz 4.6 GHz 4.5 GHz 8 4.8 GHz 4.8 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.7 GHz 4.6 GHz

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

CPU Max Frequency

Stage

10 5.0 GHz 5.0 GHz 5.0 GHz 5.0 GHz 5.0 GHz 11 5.1 GHz 5.1 GH z 5.1 GHz 5.1 GHz 5.1 GHz

i9-9900X i9-9920X i9-9940X i9-9960X i9-9980XE

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

CPU Max Frequency

Overview of Components

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)

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)

(Please enable this jumper

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.

Enabled

during BIOS POST.)

Overview of Components

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.

CPU_FAN1/

PUMP_FAN1/

SYS_FAN1/ SYS_FAN4

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

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

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 Ground 3 WFLOW IN

2 WFLOW PWR

T_SEN1: Thermal Sensor Connector

This connector allows you to connect the thermistor 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 FORCE_PWR 2 SCI_EVENT

3 SLP_S3# 4 SLP_S5#

5 GND

Overview of Components

Thermistor cable

Installing ThunderboltM3 Card

1. Insert the ThunderboltM3 into the PCIe 3.0 x4 Thunderbolt supportive slot.

2. Connect one end of the Thunderbolt cable to the J1 connector on the card.

3. Connect the other end of the Thunderbolt cable to the JTBT1 connector on the

motherboard.

4. Use the screw to secure the ThunderboltM3.

5. Connect one end of the DisplayPort cable to DP IN port on the ThunderboltM3.

6. Connect the other end of the DisplayPort cable to DP port on the graphics card.

7. Enabling Thunderbolt Technology in the BIOS.

J1 connector

USB 3.1 Type-C/ Thunderbolt™ 3 ports

DP IN ports

Daisy-Chain Thunderbolt drives and DisplayPort monitor

Daisy-Chain up to six Thunderbolt devices

Thunderbolt cable

JTBT1 connector

Overview of Components

JUSB3~4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors

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

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

10 11

JUSB4

Important

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

Charger Port

The JUSB4 connector is a charger port which can increase USB power output for fast charging your smartphone or USB-powered devices. The Charger Port is hardware controlled by motherboard chip, it can still charge your device in suspend, hibernate state or even shutdown states. However, when you boot the computer into Windows

you will need to install the MSI DRAGON CENTER software to turn ON/OFF the Charging mode.

Important

When the Charging mode is enabled, the Charger Port data syncing will be disabled.

Overview of Components

JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors

2 10

1 VCC 2 VCC

3 USB0- 4 USB1-

5 USB0+ 6 USB1+

7 Ground 8 Ground

9 No Pin 10 NC

Important

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

damage.

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

DRAGON CENTER utility.

JUSB5: USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connector

This connector allows you to connect USB 3.1 Gen2 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.

JUSB5

USB Type-C Cable

USB Type-C port on the front panel

Overview of Components

POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button

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

Power button Reset button

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 jumper to clear the CMOS memory.

Keep Data (default)

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.

Overview of Components

Clear CMOS/ Reset BIOS

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector

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

Normal (default)

Trigger the chassis intrusion event

Using chassis intrusion detector

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

2. Close the chassis cover.

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

4. Set Chassis Intrusion to Enabled.

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

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

screen when the computer is turned on.

Resetting the chassis intrusion warning

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

2. Set Chassis Intrusion to Reset.

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

Overview of Components

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 LIVE UPDATE or BIOS FLASHBACK+ utility to flash BIOS. Please

refer to BIOS section for details.

Overview of Components

JRGB1, JRAINBOW1~2: RGB LED connectors

The JRGB connector allows you to connect the 5050 RGB LED strips 12V. The JRAINBOW connector allows you to connect the WS2812B Individually Addressable RGB LED strips 5V.

JRAINBOW1

1 +5V 2 Data

3 No Pin 4 Ground

JRAINBOW2

JRGB1

JRAINBOW2

JRAINBOW

WS2812B Individually

Addressable RGB LED strips 5V Rainbow RGB LED extension cable

JRGB1

1 +12V 2 G

3 R 4 B

JRGB

Extension cable

LED strip

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

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

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.

Overview of Components

JCORSAIR1: CORSAIR Connector

The JCORSAIR1 connector allows you to connect the CORSAIR Individually Addressable RGB LED strips 5V or CORSAIR RGB LED 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.

JCORSAIR1

1 +5V 2 Data

3 Ground

CORSAIR RGB LED Fan Connection

CORSAIR RGB LED fan

CORSAIR fan hub

CORSAIR RGB LED Extension Cable

SATA power

JCORSAIR1 connector

CORSAIR Lighting Node PRO Connection

JCORSAIR1 connector

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.

Overview of Components

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

fail.

DIMM LEDs

These LED indicate the memory modules are installed.

DIMM LEDs

XMP LED

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

XMP LED

Onboard LEDs

Multi-BIOS LEDs

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

BIOS A LED (Red) BIOS B LED (White)

JPWRLED1: LED power input

This connector is used by retailers to demonstrate onboard LED light effects.

JPWRLED1 - LED power input

Onboard LEDs

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, …)

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

Onboard LEDs

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

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

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

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

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

PEI Error Codes

51 Memory initialization error. SPD reading has failed

53 Memory initialization error. No usable memory detected

54 Unspecified memory initialization error

55 Memory not installed

Onboard LEDs

Memory initialization error. Invalid memory type or incompatible memory speed

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

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

9C USB Detect

9D USB Enable

Onboard LEDs

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

Onboard LEDs

DC Reset protocol is not available

S3 Resume Progress Codes

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

Onboard LEDs

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

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

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

Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities

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

Installing Windows® 10

Power on the computer.

Insert the Windows

Press the Restart button on the computer case.

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

Select the Windows

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

Follow the instructions on the screen to install Windows

Installing Drivers

Start up your computer in Windows® 10.

Insert MSI

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 Driver Disc.

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

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

The drivers installation will then be in progress, after it has finished it will prompt you to restart.

Click OK button to finish.

Restart your computer.

10 installation disc/USB into your computer.

10 installation disc/USB from the Boot Menu.

Driver Disc into your optical drive.

10.

Installing Utilities

Before you install utilities, you must complete drivers installation.

Open the installer as described above.

Click the Utilities tab.

Select the utilities you want to install.

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

The utilities installation will then be in progress, after it has finished it will prompt you to restart.

Click OK button to finish.

Restart your computer.

Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities

MYSTIC LIGHT

MYSTIC LIGHT is an application that allows you to control LED light effects of MSI & partner products. For some earlier products, you can go to product download page to download the applicable LED control software.

Device LED effect control screen

When you start up MYSTIC LIGHT, there will be a list of auto-detected devices on the top of the screen. You can click the device icon to switch control screen between devices from the list and you can synchronize their LED effects.

To change LED effect, select the device and LED area you wish, and then select a LED effect from on the left column.

Device synchronization

LED area

LED effect selector

LED color

selector

y Light effect selector - allow you to select LED light effects. Please note that for light

effect, the option would be more or less depending on the devices you have, it will only list the light effects which are available for all included devices. Each page of effect selector lists six effects, you can use the page navigation on the bottom to find more options.

y LED Color selector - In this section, you may select the color for single light effects

(Stack, Breathing, Flashing etc.).

selector

Effect speed level

Brightness level Apply button

MYSTIC LIGHT

There are four custom color slots on the outer arc and six unchangeable default colors on the inner arc. You can simply change LED color by clicking a color on the outer or inner arc. To change the custom colors, click one of the color slots on the outer arc to store the color of your choice.

Then use the Hue Circle to choose the color you want. The color you choose will be displayed on the center circle. Drag the brightness slider up to increase brightness or drag down to decrease brightness.

You can specify a color by editing an RGB (red, green, blue) value between 0 and 255.

y LED area selector - allows you to select the LED area on the device. The LED effects

vary depending on your LED area selection.

y Effect speed level - allows you to adjust the LED light effect switching speed. Please

note that this function will only be available if your device supports it.

Select more dots to increase the rate of change of the effect and fewer dots to decrease the speed.

Slow

Fast

y Brightness level - allows you to adjust LED light brightness. Please note that this

function will only be available if your device supports it.

Select more dots to increase the

Darkness

Brightness

LED brightness and fewer dots to decrease the LED brightness.

y Apply Button - Each time you change the

configurations, you need to click the Apply button to apply changes.

y Device synchronization - In this section, you may synchronize LED light effect to your

devices.

 To synchronize devices - click the chain icon under device icon, when the broken- chain icon changes to the red-chain icon, the device has synchronized the LED effect settings with the other devices.

Red-chain icon - indicates the device has been synchronized.

Broken-chain icon - indicates the device is not synchronized.

 Individual - You can also change settings for single device. To do that, click the chain icon and turn the color to gray as below.

Device icon - click it to enter the device LED effect setting screen. When it is turn red, it indicates the device you’re currently setting.

MYSTIC LIGHT

 Synchronize all - There is a quick button on the upper right that allows you to

synchronize all your devices with one click. Click the All Sync button, then the chain icons under all sync devices will be changed in red-chain icons and the Profile control panel will appear on the left.

All Sync button

Profiles control panel

 Profile control panel - used to save All Sync profile settings.

Profile name -

allows you to edit the Profile name.

Create button - create a new Profile setting.

Delete button - delete the Profile setting.

Apply button - apply the Profile setting.

Save button - saves sync device settings and lighting effect settings to the current Sync Profile.

MYSTIC LIGHT

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

y 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.

y 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.

y On/Off Button - allows you to turn all of Nahimic 3’s audio effects in one click. y 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

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.

y Reset Button - restores the current profile to its default values. y 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

y 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.

y 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.

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

one click.

y 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.

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

On/Off Button

Microphone Profiles Reset Button

Try Button

Microphone Effects

Nahimic 3

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

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

option ON/ OFF.

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

react in your game.

y 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.

y 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

BIOS Setup

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

Important

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

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

Entering BIOS Setup

Please refer the following methods to enter BIOS setup.

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

Menu message appears on the screen during the boot process.

y In MSI Dragon Center application, click on GO2BIOS button and choose OK. The

system will reboot and enter BIOS setup directly.

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.

BIOS Setup

Resetting BIOS

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

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

Important

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

Updating BIOS

Updating BIOS with M-FLASH

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

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

1. 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 DRAGON 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 DRAGON 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

Updating BIOS with BIOS FLASHBACK+

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

website and rename the BIOS file to MSI.ROM. And then, save the MSI.ROM file to the root of USB flash drive.

Important

Only the FAT32 format USB flash drive supports updating BIOS by BIOS FLASHBACK+.

1. Connect power supply to CPU_PWR1 and ATX_PWR1. (No other components are

necessary but power supply.)

2. Plug the USB flash drive that contains the MSI.ROM file into the BIOS

FLASHBACK+ port on rear I/O panel.

3. Press the BIOS FLASHBACK+ button to flash BIOS, and the LED on the

FLASHBACK+ button starts flashing.

4. After the flashing BIOS process is 100% completed, the LED would be off

simultaneously.

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

SearchScreenshotSetup Mode switch

Language

System information

GAME BOOST switch

Information

display

M-Flash

Favorites

Hardware

Monitor

Boot device priority bar

Function buttons

y GAME BOOST switch - click on the center button to switch GAME BOOST control between software (SW) and hardware (HW) . The inner circle represents the current stage of hardware GAME BOOST and the outer circle stands for software. You can read the CPU frequency of each GAME BOOST stage by clicking on the

icon at right-

bottom corner.

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 GAME BOOST function.

y 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.

y Setup Mode switch - press this tab or the F7 key to switch between Advanced mode and EZ mode.

y Screenshot - click on this tab or the F12 key to take a screenshot and save it to USB flash drive (FAT/ FAT32 format only).

y 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.

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

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

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

y Boot device priority bar - you can move the device icons to change the boot priority. The boot priority from high to low is left to right.

BIOS Setup

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

on left side to display related information.

y Function buttons - enable or disable the LAN Option ROM, M.2/Optane Genie, HD audio controller, AHCI, RAID, CPU Fan Fail Warning Control and BIOS Log Review by

clicking on their respective button.

y M-Flash - click on this button to display the M-Flash menu that provides the way to update BIOS with a USB flash drive.

y Hardware Monitor - click on this button to display the Hardware Monitor menu that allows you to manually control the fan speed by percentage.

y 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/ frequentlyused 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.

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

GAME BOOST

switch

SearchScreenshotSetup Mode switch

Language

System information

Boot device priority bar

BIOS menu selection

Menu display

BIOS menu selection

y GAME BOOST switch/ XMP switch/ Setup Mode switch/ Screenshot/ Language/ System information/ Boot device priority bar - please refer to the descriptions of EZ Mode Overview section.

y 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.

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

BIOS Setup

SETTINGS

System Status

f System Date

Sets the system date. Use tab key to switch between date elements. The format is <day> <month> <date> <year>. <day> Day of the week, from Sun to Sat, determined by BIOS. Read-only.

<month> The month from Jan. through Dec. <date> The date from 1 to 31 can be keyed by numeric function keys. <year> The year can be adjusted by users.

f System Time

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

f SATA PortX/ 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.

f System Information

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

f DMI Information

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

Advanced

f PCI Subsystem Settings

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

BIOS Setup

fPEG X - Max Link Speed [Auto]

Sets PCI Express protocol of PCIe x16 slots for matching different installed devices. [Auto] This item will be configured automatically by BIOS. [Gen1] Enables PCIe Gen1 support only. [Gen2] Enables PCIe Gen2 support only. [Gen3] Enables PCIe Gen3 support only.

fAbove 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.

fMMIO High Granularity Size [1G]

Selects the allocation size used to assign memory-mapped I/O (MMIO) resources. [Options:1G, 4G, 16G, 64G, 256G, 1024G]

f VROC Configuration

This submenu allows you to enable or disable the PCIe slots to support the RAID function built by SSDs.

f ACPI Settings

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

fPower LED [Blinking]

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

fCPU Over Temperature Alert [Auto]

Enables or disables the CPU overheating alert when CPU temperature is over 80 degrees centigrade.

f Integrated Peripherals

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

Enter to enter the sub-menu.

fOnboard LAN Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables the onboard LAN controller.

fOnboard LAN Controller2 [Enabled]

Enables or disables the onboard LAN controller2.

fLAN Option ROM [Disabled]

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

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

BIOS Setup

fNetwork Stack [Disabled]

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

fIpv4 PXE Support [Enabled]

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

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

fIpv6 PXE Support [Enabled]

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

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

fSATA Mode [AHCI Mode]

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

[Optane Mode] Enables Optane function for NVMe or PCIe storage devices.

fM2_X-RST Pcie Storage Remapping [Disabled]

Enables or disables M.2 PCIe storage remapping for Intel Rapid Storage.

fM.2/Optane Genie [Disabled]

Enables or disables M.2 storage/ Optane memory.

fSATAx Hot Plug [Disabled]

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

fHD Audio Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables the onboard High Deﬁnition Audio controller.

f Thunderbolt(TM) Configuration

fDiscrete Thunderbolt(TM) Support [Disabled]

Enables or disables Thunderbolt™ support.

f USB Configuration

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

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

fUSB Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables all USB controller.

BIOS Setup

fXHCI Hand-off [Diasbled]

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

fLegacy USB Support [Enabled]

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

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

f Power Management Setup

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

fErP 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.

fRestore after AC Power Loss [Power Off]

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

fSystem 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.

f Windows OS Configuration

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

and enable the legacy USB support.

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

before AC power loss.

the shut down status.

fWindows 10 WHQL Support [Disabled]

Enables the supports for Windows 10 or disables for other operating systems. Before enabling this item, make sure all installed devices & utilities (hardware & software) should meet the Windows 10 requirements.

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

equirement.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

BIOS Setup

fMSI Fast Boot [Disabled]

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

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

[Disabled] Disables MSI Fast Boot.

the following Fast Boot field will be disabled and fixed.

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.

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

fInternal GOP Configuration

Manages the onboard Graphics Output Protocol (GOP). Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. This sub-menu will appear when Windows 10 WHQL Support is enabled.

fSecure Boot

Sets the Windows secure boot to prevent the unauthorized accessing. Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. This sub-menu will appear when Windows 10 WHQL

Support is enabled.

fSecure 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.

boot settings.

fSecure 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 configure the secure boot settings and manually load

fKey Management

Manages the secure boot keys. Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. This submenu will appear when Secure Boot Mode sets to Custom.

f Wake Up Event Setup

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

fWake Up Event By [BIOS]

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

BIOS Setup

the secure keys.

fResume 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.

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

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

fResume 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.

fResume 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.

fResume 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.

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

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

[Disabled] Disables this function.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

[Disabled] Disables this function.

fHot 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.

f 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+.

BIOS Setup

Boot

Sets the sequence of system boot devices.

f Full Screen Logo Display [Enabled]

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

[Disabled] Shows the POST messages.

f 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.

f Bootup NumLock State [On]

Select the keyboard NumLock state upon bootup.

f Info Block effect [Unlock]

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

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

f AUTO CLR_CMOS [Disabled]

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

f Boot Mode Select [LEGACY+UEFI]

Sets the system boot mode from legacy or UEFI architecture depending on OS installation requirement. This item will become un-selectable and will be configured automatically by BIOS when Windows 10 WHQL Support is enabled.

[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.

f FIXED BOOT ORDER Priorities

Sets device priority for system boot.

f Boot Option Priorities

These items are used to prioritize the installed boot devices.

BIOS Setup

Security

f Administrator Password

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

f User Password

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

f 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.

f 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> to abort the selection.

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

f Trusted Computing

Sets TPM (Trusted Platform Module) function.

fSecurity Device Support [Disabled]

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

f Chassis Intrusion Configuration

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.

fChassis Intrusion [Disabled]

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

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

warning message.

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

return to Enabled or Disabled.

[Disabled] Disables this funcion.

BIOS Setup

Save & Exit

f Discard Changes and Exit

Exit BIOS setup without saving any change.

f Save Changes and Reboot

Save all changes and reboot the system.

f Save Changes

Save current changes.

f Discard Changes

Discard all changes and restore to the previous values.

f Restore Defaults

Restore or load all default values.

f Boot Override

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

BIOS Setup

Important

Overclocking your PC manually is only recommended for advanced users.

Overclocking is not guaranteed, and if done improperly, it could void your warranty or

severely damage your hardware.

If you are unfamiliar with overclocking, we advise you to use GAME BOOST function

for easy overclocking.

f 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.

f 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 X X of X xxxx MHz. Sets each CPU core ratio

separately.

[Turbo Ratio] Enables the X-Core Ration Limit. This option only appears when a CPU

that supports this function is installed.

f X-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]*

Allows you to set the CPU ratios for different number of active cores. These items only appear when CPU Ratio Apply Mode set to Turbo Ratio.

f Adjusted CPU Frequency

Shows the adjusted CPU frequency. Read-only.

f Core X X of X xxxx MHz [Auto]*

Allows you to set the CPU ratios for different number of active cores. These items only appear when CPU Ratio Apply Mode set to Per Core.

BIOS Setup

f CPU Ratio Offset 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.

f Game Boost Function Control [By Onboard Button]

Enables the GAME BOOST function by virtual button in BIOS or physical button on motherboard. Enabling GAME BOOST function can automatically overclock the system with MSI optimized overclocking profile.

f Ring Ratio [Auto]

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

f Adjusted Ring Frequency

Shows the adjusted Ring frequency. Read-only.

f Misc Setting*

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

fEIST [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.

fIntel 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 specifications when system request the highest performance state.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

fEnhanced 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 configured automatically by BIOS. [Enabled] All CPU cores would be increased to maximum turbo ratio. [Disabled] Disables this function.

f 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.

f 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.

BIOS Setup

f Clockgen Features (optional)

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

fDynamic Frequency Control [Disabled]

Enables or disables to try different CPU BCLK under CPU loading to overclock the system. This item will be disabled when the Dynamic Frequency Search is enabled.

fDFC 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

fThreshold 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.

fLevel 1~3 BCLK (MHz) [Auto]

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

fDynamic Frequency Search [Disabled]

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

fDynamic 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.

fDynamic Frequency Search Step (MHz) [Auto]

Sets the increase for running the dynamic BCLK. If set to Auto, BIOS will conﬁgure this setting automatically. This item will be available when the Dynamic Frequency

Search is enabled.

fBCLK Amplitude [Auto]

Sets the value for BCLK Amplitude for overclocking. Higher value might benefit to get higher overclocking.

fSRC Clock Amplitude [Auto]

Sets the value for SRC clock Amplitude.

fSATA Clock Amplitude [Auto]

Sets the value for SATA clock Amplitude.

fBCLK Slew Rate [Auto]

Sets the value for BCLK Slew Rate for overclocking. The value might vary depending on the actual overclocking scenario.

fBCLK ORT Duration [Auto]

Sets the value for BCLK ORT duration for overclocking. The value might vary depending on the actual overclocking scenario.

BIOS Setup

f Extreme Memory Profile (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.

f 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.

f DRAM Frequency [Auto]

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

f Adjusted DRAM Frequency

Shows the adjusted DRAM frequency. Read-only.

f Load Memory Presets [Disabled]*

Load OC Memory Preset will optimize the timing, voltage of installed memory module.

Important

Manual tweaking or fine-tune preferred parameter is still recommended due to different memory module manufacturing quality.

f Memory Try It ! [Disabled]

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

f 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

f Advanced DRAM Configuration

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.)

channel.

f 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.

f 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.

BIOS Setup

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

f 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.

f 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 then you have

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

f 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.

f CPU Specifications

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

fCPU Technology Support

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

f MEMORY-Z

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

fDIMMA1/A2/B1/B2/C1/C2/D1/D2 Memory SPD

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

f CPU Features

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu.

to load the default settings for new devices.

fHyper-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.

fActive Processor Cores Control [All]

Allows you to select the number of active CPU cores.

BIOS Setup

fLimit 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.

fIntel Virtualization Tech [Enabled]

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

[Disabled] Disables this function.

fIntel VT-D Tech [Disabled]

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

fHardware 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.

fAdjacent 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.

fCPU AES Instructions [Enabled]

Enables or disables the CPU AES (Advanced Encryption Standard-New Instructions) support. This item appears when a CPU supports this function.

fIntel 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.

fIntel C-State [Auto]

Enables or disables the Intel C-state. C-state is a processor power management technology defined by ACPI.

[Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS. [Enabled] Detects the idle state of system and reduce CPU power consumption

[Disabled] Disable this function.

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.

latency time and tuning the performance to the specific application.

adaptive temperature.

accordingly.

BIOS Setup

fC1E 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.

fPackage 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.

fCFG 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.

fLong Duration Power Limit (W) [Auto]

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

fLong Duration Maintained (s) [Auto]

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

fShort Duration Power Limit (W) [Auto]

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

fCPU Current Limit (A) [Auto]

Sets maximum current limit of CPU package in Turbo Boost mode. When the current is over the speciﬁed value, the CPU will automatically reduce the core frequency for reducing the current.

fInternal 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 configured automatically by BIOS. [Enabled] Enables the limitation of internal VR for over-voltage protection and

[Disabled] Disables this function for overclocking.

fInternal VR Efficiency Management [Auto]

Enables or disables the CPU internal VR efﬁciency management. This item only appears when a CPU that support this function is installed.

[Auto] This setting will be conﬁgured automatically by BIOS. [Enabled] Enables the VR effciency management for power-saving control. [Disabled] Disables this function.

power-saving in halt state.

over-current protection.

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

on Yes to start recovering BIOS.

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

automatically.

BIOS Setup

OC PROFILE

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

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

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

Name the current overclocking proﬁle.

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

Save the current overclocking proﬁle.

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

Load the current overclocking proﬁle.

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

Clear the current overclocking profile.

f OC Profile Load from ROM

Load OC profile from BIOS ROM.

f OC Profile Save to USB

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

f OC Profile Load from USB

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

BIOS Setup

HARDWARE MONITOR

Temperature & Speed

Fan Manage

Setting Buttons

Temperature/ Voltage display

f Temperature & Speed

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

f Fan Manage

 PWM - allows you to select the PWM mode for fan operation.  DC - allows you to select the DC mode for fan operation.  Fan step up/ down time - allows you to set the period of fan step up/ down.  Smart Fan Mode field - allows you to drag the gradient points to configure

the fan target values 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.

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

f 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 .

f Temperature/ Voltage display

Shows CPU/ system temperature and the current voltages of CPU, system and memory.

BIOS Setup

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 > Windows 10

WHQL Support and change setting to Enabled.

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

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 sub-

menu.

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

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

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

100

Msi MEG X299 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Quick Start

Preparing Tools and Components

Safety Information

Installing a Processor

Installing DDR4 memory

Connecting the Front Panel Header

Installing the Motherboard

Installing SATA Drives

Installing a Graphics Card

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Connecting the Power Connectors

Power On

Specifications

ThunderboltM3 Card Specification

JCORSAIR1 Connector Specification

Package contents

Block Diagram

Rear I/O Panel

2.5G LAN Port LED Status Table

1G LAN Port LED Status Table

Audio Ports Configuration

Realtek Audio Console

Installing Antennas

Overview of Components

CPU Socket

DIMM Slots

PCI_E1~5: PCIe Expansion Slots

PCIe and M2_3 slot bandwidth table

U2_1: U.2 Connector

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

Installing M.2 XPANDER-AERO Card

SATA1~8: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors

VRAID1: Virtual RAID on CPU Connector

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector

CPU_PWR1~3, ATX_PWR1, PCIE_PWR1: Power Connectors

OC1: GAME BOOST Knob

OC_RT1: OC Retry Jumper

OC_FS1: OC Force Enter BIOS Jumper

JSLOW1: Slow Mode Booting Jumper

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

W_FLOW1: Water Flow Meter Connector

T_SEN1: Thermal Sensor Connector

JTBT1: Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector

Installing ThunderboltM3 Card

JUSB3~4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors

JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors

JUSB5: USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connector

POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector

BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch

JRGB1, JRAINBOW1~2: RGB LED connectors

JCORSAIR1: CORSAIR Connector

Onboard LEDs

EZ Debug LED

DIMM LEDs

XMP LED

Multi-BIOS LEDs

JPWRLED1: LED power input

Debug Code LED

Hexadecimal Character Table

Boot Phases

Debug Code LED Table

ACPI States Codes

CPU Temperature

Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities

Installing Windows® 10

Installing Drivers

Installing Utilities

MYSTIC LIGHT

Device LED effect control screen

Nahimic 3

Installation and Update

Audio Tab

Microphone Tab