MSI MEG Z390 Ace User 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.

Быстрый старт

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/ Установка процессора

2

http://youtu.be/bf5La099urI

6

1

3

7

4

5

9

Quick Start

II

8

Installing DDR4 memory/ Installation des DDR4-Speichers/
Installer une mémoire DDR4/ Установка памяти DDR4

http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs

1

1

2

3

2

3

DIMMB2 DIMMB2

DIMMA2 DIMMA2 DIMMA2

DIMMB1

DIMMA1

Quick Start

III

Connecting the Front Panel Header/ Anschließen der

RESET SW

POWER SW

POWER LED+

POWER LED-

HDD LED

Frontpanel-Stiftleiste/ Connecter un connecteur du panneau
avant/ Подключение разъемов передней панели

http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI

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

Quick Start

IV

9

Reserved

HDD LED

POWER LED

RESET SW

HDD LED

JFP1

HDD LED ­HDD LED +

POWER LED ­POWER LED +

Installing the Motherboard/ Installation des Motherboards/
Installer la carte mère/ Установка материнской платы

1

2

BAT1

Quick Start

V

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

1

http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc

2

3

VI

5

4

Quick Start

Installing a Graphics Card/ Einbau der Grafikkarte/ Installer
une carte graphique/ Установка дискретной видеокарты

http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A

1

3

2

5

4

6

Quick Start

VII

Connecting Peripheral Devices/ Peripheriegeräte/
Connecter un périphérique anschliessen/ Подключение
периферийных устройств

VIII

Quick Start

Connecting the Power Connectors/ Stromanschlüsse
anschliessen/ Connecter les câbles du module d’alimentation/
Подключение разъемов питания

http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

ATX_PWR1

CPU_PWR2

CPU_PWR1

Quick Start

IX

Power On/ Einschalten/ Mettre sous-tension/ Включение

питания

1

2

3

Quick Start

X

4

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

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

3

Specifications

Supports Intel

CPU

Core™ / Pentium
socket

* Please go to www.intel.com for more compatibility information.

Chipset Intel® Z390 Chipset

y 4x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 64GB*

y Supports 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*

y Supports Dual-Channel mode

y Supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory

y Supports Intel

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

y 3x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots,

Expansion Slot

 Support x16/ x0/ x0, x8/ x8/ x0, x8/ x4/ x4 modes

y 3x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots

®

Core™ 9000 Series family/ 8th Gen Intel®

®

Gold / Celeron® processors for LGA 1151

®

Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)

Multi-GPU

Storage

Specifications

4

y Supports 2-Way NVIDIA

y Supports 3-Way AMD

®

Intel

Z390 Chipset

®

SLI™ Technology

®

CrossFire™ Technology

y 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports*

y 3x M.2 slots (Key M)*

 M2_1 supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s, 2242/

2260/ 2280/ 22110 storage devices

 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
updated the drivers and BIOS to the latest version from MSI website.

®

Optane™ memory modules, please ensure that you have

Continued on next page

RAID

Continued from previous page

®

Intel

Z390 Chipset

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

y Supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID5 for M.2 PCIe storage
devices

LAN y 1x Killer

Intel® Wireless-AC 9560

Wirsless LAN &
Bluetooth

®

y Support 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, MU-MIMO Rx, 2.4GHz/ 5GHz
(160MHz) up to 1.73Gbps

y Supports Bluetooth

®

Z390 Chipset

y Intel

 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)

y ASMedia

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

y ASMedia

 2x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) ports (1x
Type-A, 1x Type-C) on the back panel

y Realtek

Audio

 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio

 Supports S/PDIF output

y 1x Clear CMOS button
y 1x BIOS FlashBack button
y 4x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
y 1x LAN (RJ45) port

Back Panel
Connectors

y 5x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A ports
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

®

E2500 Gigabit LAN controller

®

2.1, 2.1+EDR, 3.0,4.0, 5

®

ASM1042 Chipset

®

ASM3142 Chipset

®

ALC1220 Codec

Continued on next page

Specifications

5

Internal Connectors

Internal Buttons

Jumper

Debug LED

Continued from previous page

y 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
y 2x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors
y 6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
y 3x M.2 slots
y 2x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C ports
y 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 3.1

Gen1 ports)

y 2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0

ports)

y 1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
y 1x 4-pin Water Pump connector
y 5x 4-pin system fan connectors
y 1x Front panel audio connector
y 2x System panel connectors
y 1x Chassis Intrusion connector
y 2x 4-pin RGB LED connectors
y 1x 3-pin RAINBOW LED connector
y 1x 3-pin CORSAIR LED connector
y 1x GAME BOOST knob
y 1x Power button
y 1x Reset button
y 1x Clear CMOS jumper
y 1x Slow mode jumper
y 1x OC retry jumper
y 1x OC force enter BIOS jumper
y 1x Low Temperature Booting Jumper
y 1x 2-Digit Debug Code LED
y 4x EZ Debug LED

I/O Controller NUVOTON NCT6797 Controller Chip

y CPU/System temperature detection

Hardware Monitor

Specifications

6

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

Continued on next page

Continued from previous page

Form Factor

BIOS Features

Software

Dragon Center
Features

y ATX Form Factor
y 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

y 1x 128 Mb flash
y UEFI AMI BIOS
y ACPI 6.1, SMBIOS 2.8
y Multi-language

y Drivers
y DRAGON CENTER
y Nahimic Audio
y MYSTIC LIGHT
y Killer Control Center
y CPU-Z MSI GAMING

®

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.

Continued on next page

Specifications

7

Special Features

Continued from previous page

y Audio

 Audio Boost HD
 Nahimic 3
 Voice Boost

y Network

 GAMING LAN with Killer LAN Manager
 Intel WiFi

y Storage

 Triple Turbo M.2

y Fan

 Pump Fan
 GAMING Fan Control

y LED

 Mystic Light
 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 Shield Frozr
 PCI-E Steel Armor
 Pre-installed IO shielding

Specifications

8

Continued on next page

Special Features

Continued from previous page

y Performance

 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
 USB with type A+C

y VR

 VR Ready

y Gamer Experience

 GAMING HOTKEY
 GAMING MOUSE Control
 APP Player

y BIOS

 Click BIOS 5
 BIOS FLASHBACK+

JCORSAIR1 Connector Specification

Supporting CORSAIR RGB Products Maximum connection

Lighting PRO RGB LED Strip

HD RGB Fan 6
SP RGB Fan 6
LL RGB Fan 6

20*

* In the case of 20% brightness

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

Accessories

Application DVD Driver DVD 1

Documentation

Important

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

LED Y Cable 1
LED JCORSAIR Cable 1
LED JRAINBOW Cable 1
Antenna Set 1
SLI HB BRIDGE M 1
M.2 Screw 3
Case Badge 1
SATA Cable Lables 1
VIP Card 1

User Manual 1
Quick Installation Guide 1

Package contents

10

Rear I/O Panel

BIOS FLASHBACK+
port

Clear CMOS
button

USB 2.0

LAN

USB 3.1 Gen2

Wi-Fi Antenna connectors

Audio Ports

USB 3.1 Gen2

USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C

Optical S/PDIF-Out

BIOS FLASHBACK+
button

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 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.

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

12

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.

Rear I/O Panel

14

Overview of Components

M2_1

PCI_E1

PCI_E2

M2_2

PCI_E3

JCI1

PCI_E4

M2_3

PCI_E5

JPWRLED1

PCI_E6

JAUD1

CPU_PWR2

CPU_PWR1

SYS_FAN2

JRAINBOW1

SYS_FAN1

JRGB1

SYS_FAN4

CPU Socket

BAT1

PUMP_FAN1

CPU_FAN1

JUSB4JUSB5

JCORSAIR1

JUSB3

DIMMA1

DIMMA2

POWER1

JFP1

DIMMB1

DIMMB2

RESET1

JRGB2

SYS_FAN3
JSLOW1
JLN1

OC_RT1
SYS_FAN5
OC_FS1

ATX_PWR1

JUSB2

JUSB6

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

y

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

the CPU.

y

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.

y

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

y

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

y

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.

y

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

y

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

y

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

16

DIMM Slots

DIMMA1 DIMMB1

Channel A Channel B

DIMMA2 DIMMB2

Memory module installation recommendation

DIMMB2 DIMMB2

DIMMA2 DIMMA2 DIMMA2

DIMMB1

DIMMA1

Important

y

Always insert memory modules in the DIMMA2 slot first.

y

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

y

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

y

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.

y

Some 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.

y

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

y

The 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

PCI_E1: PCIe 3.0 x16 (CPU lanes)

BAT1

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_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)

PCI_E4

PCI_E5 3.0 x1 3.0 x1 3.0 x1

PCI_E6

─

─ ─

@ 3.0 x8 @3.0 x4

@3.0 x4

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

Important

y

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.

y

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

y

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.

Overview of Components

18

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

Important

y

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

y

Intel® 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
the thermal pads.

2

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.

4

Thermal pad 1

Thermal pad 2

Screw

Mounting screw

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

3

M.2 Plate

Protecting films

8

Overview of Components

20

7

9