MSI MEG Z390 Ace Manual

Quick Start

Thank you for purchasing the MSI® MEG Z390 ACE 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.

Kurzanleitung

Danke, dass Sie das MSI® MEG Z390 ACE Motherboard gewählt haben. Dieser Abschnitt der Kurzanleitung bietet eine Demo zur Installation Ihres Computers. Manche Installationen bieten auch die Videodemonstrationen. Klicken Sie auf die URL, um diese Videoanleitung mit Ihrem Browser auf Ihrem Handy oder Table anzusehen. Oder scannen Sie auch den QR Code mit Ihrem Handy, um die URL zu öffnen.

Présentation rapide

Merci d’avoir choisi la carte mère MSI® MEG Z390 ACE. Ce manuel fournit une rapide présentation avec des illustrations explicatives qui vous aideront à assembler votre ordinateur. Des tutoriels vidéo sont disponibles pour certaines étapes. Cliquez sur le lien fourni pour regarder la vidéo sur votre téléphone ou votre tablette. Vous pouvez également accéder au lien en scannant le QR code qui lui est

associé.

Быстрыйстарт

Благодарим вас за покупку материнской платы MSI® MEG Z390 ACE. В этом разделе представлена информация, которая поможет вам при сборке комьютера. Для некоторых этапов сборки имеются видеоинструкции. Для просмотра видео, необходимо открыть соответствующую ссылку в веб-браузере на вашем телефоне или планшете. Вы также можете выполнить переход по ссылке, путем сканирования

QR-кода.

Quick Start I

Installing a Processor/ Installation des Prozessors/ Installer un
processeur/ Установкапроцессора	2

http://youtu.be/bf5La099urI

1

3

	7
4	5	9

6

8

II Quick Start

Installing DDR4 memory/ Installation des DDR4-Speichers/ Installer une mémoire DDR4/ УстановкапамятиDDR4

http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs

1

1

2

3 2

3

	DIMMB2	DIMMB2
		DIMMB1
DIMMA2	DIMMA2	DIMMA2
		DIMMA1

Quick Start III

Connecting the Front Panel Header/ Anschließen der

Frontpanel-Stiftleiste/ Connecter un connecteur du panneau avant/ Подключениеразъемовпереднейпанели

http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI

		-
		LED
	LED+		POWER
			POWER
	LED
SW		HDD
POWER
SW
RESET

		Power LED							Power Switch
				+ - + -
	JFP1			2										10
				1										9
				+ - - +											Reserved
			HDD LED							Reset Switch
1	HDD LED +							2							Power LED +
3	HDD LED -							4							Power LED -
5	Reset Switch							6							Power Switch
7	Reset Switch							8							Power Switch
9	Reserved							10							No Pin

HDD LED

POWER LED

RESETSW

HDDLED

HDD LED - HDD LED +

POWER LED - POWER LED +

IV Quick Start

Installing the Motherboard/ Installation des Motherboards/ Installer la carte mère/ Установкаматеринскойплаты

1

BAT1

Quick Start V

Installing SATA Drives/ Installation der SATA-Laufwerke/ Installer le disque dur SATA/ УстановкадисковSATA

1 http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc

2 3

5

4

VI Quick Start

Installing a Graphics Card/ Einbau der Grafikkarte/ Installer une carte graphique/ Установкадискретнойвидеокарты

http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A

1

3

2

5

4

6

Quick Start VII

Connecting Peripheral Devices/ Peripheriegeräte/ Connecter un périphérique anschliessen/ Подключение периферийныхустройств

VIII Quick Start

Connecting the Power Connectors/ Stromanschlüsse

anschliessen/ Connecter les câbles du module d’alimentation/

Подключениеразъемовпитания

http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

ATX_PWR1	CPU_PWR1

CPU_PWR2

Quick Start IX

Power On/ Einschalten/ Mettre sous-tension/ Включение питания

1

2

3

4

X Quick Start

Contents
Safety Information.................................................................................................	3
Specifications.........................................................................................................	4
JCORSAIR1 Connector Specification......................................................................	9
Package contents ................................................................................................	10
Rear I/O Panel .....................................................................................................	11
LAN Port LED Status Table...................................................................................	11
Audio Ports Configuration ....................................................................................	11
Realtek Audio Console .........................................................................................	12
Installing Antennas...............................................................................................	14
Overview of Components ....................................................................................	15
CPU Socket ...........................................................................................................	16
DIMM Slots............................................................................................................	17
PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots..........................................................................	18
M2_1~3: M.2 Slots (Key M) ...................................................................................	19
SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors .......................................................................	21
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors ...................................................................	22
OC1: GAME BOOST Knob .....................................................................................	22
OC_RT1: OC Retry Jumper ...................................................................................	24
OC_FS1: OC Force Enter BIOS Jumper...............................................................	24
JSLOW1: Slow Mode Booting Jumper..................................................................	24
JLN1: Low Temperature Booting Jumper............................................................	24
CPU_PWR1~2, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors ...................................................	25
V-Check Points .....................................................................................................	25
JUSB1, JUSB3: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors...........................................................	26
JUSB2, JUSB6: USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connectors ..............................................	27
JUSB4~5: USB 2.0 Connectors.............................................................................	27
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~5: Fan Connectors...................................	28
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................	29
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector.......................................................................	29
POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button .................................................	30
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper ...........................................................	30
JRGB1, JRGB2, JRAINBOW1: RGB LED connectors............................................	31
JCORSAIR1: CORSAIR Connector ........................................................................	32
Onboard LEDs......................................................................................................	33
EZ Debug LED.......................................................................................................	33
DIMM LEDs ...........................................................................................................	33

Contents 1

XMP LED ...............................................................................................................	33
JPWRLED1: LED power input...............................................................................	33
Fan LEDs...............................................................................................................	34
GAME BOOST LEDs ..............................................................................................	34
Debug Code LED ..................................................................................................	35
Hexadecimal Character Table ..............................................................................	35
Boot Phases..........................................................................................................	35
Debug Code LED Table .........................................................................................	35
ACPI States Codes ................................................................................................	39
CPU Temperature .................................................................................................	39
Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities .........................................................................	40
Installing Windows® 10.........................................................................................	40
Installing Drivers ..................................................................................................	40
Installing Utilities .................................................................................................	40
BIOS Setup...........................................................................................................	41
Entering BIOS Setup.............................................................................................	41
Resetting BIOS......................................................................................................	42
Updating BIOS.......................................................................................................	42
EZ Mode ................................................................................................................	44
Advanced Mode ....................................................................................................	46
OC Menu................................................................................................................	47

2 Contents

Safety Information

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

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

yHold the motherboard by the edges to avoid touching sensitive components.

yIt 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.

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

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

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

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

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

yKeep this user guide for future reference.

yKeep this motherboard away from humidity.

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

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

yAll cautions and warnings on the motherboard should be noted.

yIf 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.

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

Safety Information 3

Specifications

		Supports Intel® Core™ 9000 Series family/ 8th Gen Intel®
	CPU	Core™ / Pentium® Gold / Celeron® processors for LGA 1151
		socket
		* Please go to www.intel.com for more compatibility information.
	Chipset	Intel® Z390 Chipset
		y4x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 64GB*
		ySupports DDR4 4500(OC)/ 4400(OC)/ 4300(OC)/ 4266(OC)/
		4200(OC)/ 4133(OC)/ 4000(OC)/ 3866(OC)/ 3733(OC)/
		3600(OC)/ 3466(OC)/ 3400(OC)/ 3333(OC)/ 3300(OC)/
	Memory	3200(OC)/ 3000(OC) /2800(OC)/ 2666/ 2400/ 2133 MHz*
		ySupports Dual-Channel mode
		ySupports non-ECC, un-buffered memory
		ySupports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
		* Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.
		y3x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots,
	Expansion Slot	Support x16/ x0/ x0, x8/ x8/ x0, x8/ x4/ x4 modes
		y3x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
	Multi-GPU	ySupports 2-Way NVIDIA® SLI™ Technology
		ySupports 3-Way AMD® CrossFire™ Technology
		Intel® Z390 Chipset
		y6x SATA 6Gb/s ports*
		y3x M.2 slots (Key M)*
		M2_1 supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s, 2242/
		2260/ 2280/ 22110 storage devices
	Storage	M2_2 supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s, 2242/
		2260/ 2280 storage devices
		M2_3 supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4, 2242/ 2260/ 2280
		storage devices
		Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready**
		* M.2 slots and SATA ports share the bandwidth. Please refer to page 21 for
		details.
		** Before using Intel® Optane™ memory modules, please ensure that you have
		updated the drivers and BIOS to the latest version from MSI website.
		Continued on next page

4 Specifications

		Continued from previous page
		Intel® Z390 Chipset
		ySupports RAID 0, RAID1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA
	RAID	storage devices
		ySupports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID5 for M.2 PCIe storage
		devices
	LAN	y1x Killer® E2500 Gigabit LAN controller
		Intel® Wireless-AC 9560
	Wirsless LAN &	ySupport 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, MU-MIMO Rx, 2.4GHz/ 5GHz
	Bluetooth®	(160MHz) up to 1.73Gbps
		ySupports Bluetooth® 2.1, 2.1+EDR, 3.0,4.0, 5
		yIntel® Z390 Chipset
		6x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) ports
		(4 Type-A ports on the back panel, 2 Type-C internal
		connectors)
		8x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (4 Type-A ports on
		the back panel, 4 ports available through the internal
	USB	USB 2.0 connectors)
		yASMedia® ASM1042 Chipset
		4x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports available
		through the internal USB connectors
		yASMedia® ASM3142 Chipset
		2x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) ports (1x
		Type-A, 1x Type-C) on the back panel
		yRealtek® ALC1220 Codec
	Audio	7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
		Supports S/PDIF output
		y1x Clear CMOS button
		y1x BIOS FlashBack button
		y4x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
	Back Panel	y1x LAN (RJ45) port
		y5x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A ports
	Connectors
		y1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port
		y2x Wi-Fi Antenna connectors
		y5x OFC audio jacks
		y1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector
		Continued on next page

Specifications 5

Continued from previous page

		y1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
		y2x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors
		y6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
		y3x M.2 slots
		y2x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C ports
		y2x USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 3.1
		Gen1 ports)
		y2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0
		ports)
	Internal Connectors	y1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
		y1x 4-pin Water Pump connector
		y5x 4-pin system fan connectors
		y1x Front panel audio connector
		y2x System panel connectors
		y1x Chassis Intrusion connector
		y2x 4-pin RGB LED connectors
		y1x 3-pin RAINBOW LED connector
		y1x 3-pin CORSAIR LED connector
		y1x GAME BOOST knob
	Internal Buttons	y1x Power button
		y1x Reset button
		y1x Clear CMOS jumper
		y1x Slow mode jumper
	Jumper	y1x OC retry jumper
		y1x OC force enter BIOS jumper
		y1x Low Temperature Booting Jumper
	Debug LED	y1x 2-Digit Debug Code LED
		y4x EZ Debug LED
	I/O Controller	NUVOTON NCT6797 Controller Chip
		yCPU/System temperature detection
	Hardware Monitor	yCPU/System fan speed detection
		yCPU/System fan speed control
		Continued on next page

6 Specifications

Continued from previous page

	Form Factor	yATX Form Factor
		y12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
		y1x 128 Mb flash
	BIOS Features	yUEFI AMI BIOS
		yACPI 6.1, SMBIOS 2.8
		yMulti-language
		yDrivers
		yDRAGON CENTER
		yNahimic Audio
		yMYSTIC LIGHT
	Software	yKiller Control Center
		yCPU-Z MSI GAMING
		yIntel® Extreme Tuning Utility
		yGoogle Chrome™	,Google Toolbar, Google Drive
		yNorton™ Internet Security Solution
		yGAME OPTIMIZATION
		yOC Performance
	Dragon Center	yHardware Monitor
	Features	yEyerest
		yLAN Manager	Please refer to http://download.msi.
			com/manual/mb/DRAGONCENTER2.
		yLive Update	pdf for more details.

Continued on next page

Specifications 7

Continued from previous page

		yAudio
		Audio Boost HD
		Nahimic 3
		Voice Boost
		yNetwork
		GAMING LAN with Killer LAN Manager
		Intel WiFi
		yStorage
		Triple Turbo M.2
		yFan
		Pump Fan
	Special Features	GAMING Fan Control
		yLED
		Mystic Light
		Mystic Light Extension (RGB)
		Mystic Light Extension (RAINBOW)
		Mystic Light Extension (CORSAIR)
		Mystic Light Sync
		EZ DEBUG LED
		yProtection
		DDR4 Steel Armor
		M.2 Shield Frozr
		PCI-E Steel Armor
		Pre-installed IO shielding
		Continued on next page

8 Specifications

Continued from previous page

	yPerformance
	Multi GPU-SLI Technology
	Multi GPU-CrossFire Technology
	DDR4 Boost
	Core Boost
	GAME Boost (8 modes)
	OC Engine (Clock gen)
	Lightning USB
	Intel Turbo USB 3.1 Gen 2
Special Features	USB with type A+C
	yVR
	VR Ready
	yGamer Experience
	GAMING HOTKEY
	GAMING MOUSE Control
	APP Player
	yBIOS
	Click BIOS 5
	BIOS FLASHBACK+

JCORSAIR1 Connector Specification

	Supporting CORSAIR RGB Products	Maximum connection
	Lighting PRO RGB LED Strip	20*
		* In the case of 20% brightness
	HD RGB Fan	6
	SP RGB Fan	6
	LL RGB Fan	6

Specifications 9

Package contents

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

	Motherboard	MEG Z390 ACE
		SATA 6Gb/s Cables	4
	Cable	LED Y Cable	1
		LED JCORSAIR Cable	1
		LED JRAINBOW Cable	1
		Antenna Set	1
		SLI HB BRIDGE M	1
	Accessories	M.2 Screw	3
		Case Badge	1
		SATA Cable Lables	1
		VIP Card	1
	Application DVD	Driver DVD	1
	Documentation	User Manual	1
		Quick Installation Guide	1

Important

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

10 Package contents

Rear I/O Panel

	BIOS FLASHBACK+	Wi-Fi Antenna connectors
	port	Audio Ports
	USB 2.0
		LAN
	Clear CMOS
	button	USB 3.1 Gen2

	USB 3.1 Gen2	USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C
		Optical S/PDIF-Out

BIOS FLASHBACK+ button

yClear CMOS button - Power off your computer. Press and hold the Clear CMOS button for about 5-10 seconds to reset BIOS to default values.

yBIOS FLASHBACK+ button/port - Please refer to page 43 for Updating BIOS with BIOS FLASHBACK+.

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

Audio Ports Configuration

Audio Ports

Channel

2

4

6

8

Center/ Subwoofer Out

●

●

Rear Speaker Out

●

●

●

Line-In/ Side Speaker Out

●

Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out

●

●

●

●

Mic In

(●: connected, Blank: empty)

Rear I/O Panel 11

Realtek Audio Console

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

Application Enhancement

Advanced Settings

Device

Selection

Main Volume

Connector Settings
	Jack Status

yDevice Selection - allows you to select a audio output source to change the related options. The check sign indicates the devices as default.

yApplication Enhancement - the array of options will provide you a complete guidance of anticipated sound effect for both output and input device.

yMain 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.

yAdvanced Settings - provides the mechanism to deal with 2 independent audio streams.

yJack Status - depicts all render and capture devices currently connected with your computer.

yConnector 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.

12 Rear I/O Panel

Audio jacks to headphone and microphone diagram

Audio jacks to stereo speakers diagram

AUDIO INPUT

Audio jacks to 7.1-channel speakers diagram

AUDIO INPUT

Rear	Front
Side	Center/
	Subwoofer

Rear I/O Panel 13

Installing Antennas

1.Combine the antenna with the base.

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

2

1

3. Place the antenna as high as possible.

14 Rear I/O Panel

Overview of Components

			DIMMA1
		CPU Socket		DIMMA2
	SYS_FAN1	JCORSAIR1		DIMMB1
				DIMMB2
	CPU_PWR2	PUMP_FAN1
	CPU_PWR1	CPU_FAN1		JRGB2
				SYS_FAN3
				JSLOW1
				JLN1
				OC_RT1
				SYS_FAN5
				OC_FS1
				ATX_PWR1
				JUSB2
				JUSB6

M2_1

PCI_E1

PCI_E2	BAT1
M2_2
PCI_E3
JCI1
PCI_E4

M2_3

PCI_E5

JPWRLED1

PCI_E6

JAUD1
SYS_FAN2	RESET1
JRAINBOW1	POWER1
JRGB1	JFP1
SYS_FAN4	JUSB3
JUSB5	JUSB4

JUSB1

SATA▼1▲2

SATA▼3▲4

SATA▼5▲6

JBAT1

JFP2

OC1

Overview of Components 15

CPU Socket

Distance from the center of the

CPU to the nearest DIMM slot.

50.767 mm

Introduction to the LGA 1151 CPU

The surface of the LGA 1151 CPU has two 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

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

yPlease 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.

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

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

yOverheating 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.

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

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

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

16 Overview of Components

DIMM Slots

DIMMA1DIMMB1

Channel A

Channel B

DIMMA2DIMMB2

Memory module installation recommendation

	DIMMB2	DIMMB2
		DIMMB1
DIMMA2	DIMMA2	DIMMA2
		DIMMA1

Important

yAlways insert memory modules in the DIMMA2 slot first.

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

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

yPlease 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.

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

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

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

Overview of Components 17

PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots

BAT1

PCI_E1: PCIe 3.0 x16 (CPU lanes) PCI_E2: PCIe 3.0 x1 (PCH lanes) PCI_E3: PCIe 3.0 x1 (PCH lanes) PCI_E4: PCIe 3.0 x8 (CPU lanes) PCI_E5: PCIe 3.0 x1 (PCH lanes) PCI_E6: PCIe 3.0 x4 (CPU lanes)

Multiple graphics cards installation recommendation

Graphics Card	Single	2-Way	3-Way*
PCI_E1	@ 3.0 x16	@ 3.0 x8	@ 3.0 x8
PCI_E2	3.0 x1	3.0 x1	3.0 x1
PCI_E3	3.0 x1	3.0 x1	3.0 x1
PCI_E4	─	@ 3.0 x8	@3.0 x4
PCI_E5	3.0 x1	3.0 x1	3.0 x1
PCI_E6	─	─	@3.0 x4

(@: graphics card slot, ─: unavailable, *: CrossFire only)

Important

yIf 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.

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

yWhen 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.

18 Overview of Components

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

Important

yIntel® RST only supports PCIe M.2 SSD with UEFI ROM. yIntel® Optane™ Memory Ready.

M2_1

M2_2

M2_3

Installing M.2 module (For M2_1 & M2_2)

1.Loosen the M.2 mounting screw from the motherboard.

2.Move and fasten the M.2 mounting screw to the appropriate position for your M.2 SSD.

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

Video Demonstration

Watch the video to learn how to Install M.2 module. http://youtu.be/JCTFABytrYA

4.Secure the M.2 SSD in place with the supplied M.2 screw.

	3	4
2
30°		Supplied M.2 screw

1

Installing M.2 module (M2_3)

This motherboard has M.2 SHIELD FROZR on the M2_3 slot for heat dissipation from the M.2 module.

1.	Loosen the screw of M.2 SHIELD
	FROZR.
2.	Lift the M.2 SHIELD FROZR and
	remove the protecting film from		2
	the thermal pads.

1

Overview of Components 19

3.For 2280 M.2 SSD, please totally remove the screw and the mounting screw from the 2260 mounting hole.

For 2260 M.2 SSD, remove the screw only.

For 2242 M.2 SSD, remove the screw and the mounting screw and then fasten the mounting screw to the 2242 mounting hole.

4.There are two thermal pads on the M.2 plate, please always keep the thermal pad2 on the M.2 plate.

For double-side M.2 SSD, totally remove the thermal pad 1 and protecting film of thermal pad 2.

For single-side M.2 SSD, remove the thermal pad 1 and both protecting films of the thermal pads. And then re-stick the thermal pad 1 on to thermal pad 2.

Thermal pad 1

Thermal pad 2 Screw Mounting screw

4	Protecting films

3

M.2 Plate

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

6.Fasten the M.2 SSD on to the M.2 plate with the screw. (For 2280 M.2 SSD, please skip this step.)

7.Insert the M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink shaft into the groove.

8.Push the M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink down.

9.Secure the M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink onto the M.2 plate.

6	5
	8

7

9

20 Overview of Components