MSI MEG Z390 Godlike User Manual

Quick Start

Thank you for purchasing the MSI® MEG Z390 GODLIKE 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 1151 CPU

CPU Fan

Chassis

DDR4 Memory

Thermal Paste

Phillips Screwdriver

Power Supply Unit

SATA Hard Disk Drive

Graphics Card

SATA DVD Drive

A Package of Screws

Quick Start

1

Installing a Processor

2

https://youtu.be/4ce91YC3Oww

6

1

3

7

4

5

9

Quick Start

2

8

Installing DDR4 memory

http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs

1

2

1

2

3

3

DIMMB2 DIMMB2

DIMMA2 DIMMA2 DIMMA2

DIMMB1

DIMMA1

Quick Start

3

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

-

+

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

4

9

Reserved

HDD LED

POWER LED

RESET SW

HDD LED

JFP1

HDD LED ­HDD LED +

POWER LED ­POWER LED +

Installing the Motherboard

1

2

Quick Start

5

Installing SATA Drives

http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc

2

1

3

Quick Start

6

5

4

Installing a Graphics Card

http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A

1

3

2

5

4

6

Quick Start

7

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Quick Start

8

Connecting the Power Connectors

http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

ATX_PWR1

CPU_PWR2

CPU_PWR1

PCIE_PWR1

Quick Start

9

Power On

1

2

3

10

4

Quick Start

Contents

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

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

Installing a Processor ............................................................................................. 2

Installing DDR4 memory ........................................................................................ 3

Connecting the Front Panel Header ....................................................................... 4

Installing the Motherboard ..................................................................................... 5

Installing SATA Drives............................................................................................. 6

Installing a Graphics Card ...................................................................................... 7

Connecting Peripheral Devices .............................................................................. 8

Connecting the Power Connectors ......................................................................... 9

Power On............................................................................................................... 10

Specifications ....................................................................................................... 14

JCORSAIR1 Connector Specification .................................................................... 20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PCI_E1~5: PCIe Expansion Slots .......................................................................... 31

PEGSW1: PCIe CeaseFire Switch ......................................................................... 32

U2_1: U.2 Connector ............................................................................................. 34

M2_1~3: M.2 Slots (Key M) ................................................................................... 35

V-Check Points ..................................................................................................... 37

Installing the M.2 Xpander-Z ............................................................................... 38

SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors ....................................................................... 39

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors ................................................................... 41

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................41

CPU_PWR1~2, ATX_PWR1, PCIE_PWR1: Power Connectors .............................. 42

OC1: GAME BOOST Knob ..................................................................................... 43

JBLK_U1, JRATIO_U1: Base clock Plus, Ratio Plus connectors ......................... 44

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

OC_RT2: OC Retry Button ..................................................................................... 44

Contents

11

T_SEN1~2: Thermal Sensor Connectors ............................................................. 45

JSLOW1: Slow Mode Booting Jumper .................................................................. 45

CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~8: Fan Connectors ................................... 46

W_FLOW1: Water Flow Meter Connectors ........................................................... 47

JUSB1~2: USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connectors ....................................................... 47

JUSB3~4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors ................................................................... 48

JUSB5~6: USB 2.0 Connectors ............................................................................. 49

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

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

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector ....................................................................... 51

BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch ............................................................................. 52

JRGB1, JRAINBOW1~2: RGB LED connectors ..................................................... 53

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

DYNAMIC DASHBOARD ........................................................................................ 55

DYNAMIC DASHBOARD Status Table ................................................................... 55

Onboard LEDs ...................................................................................................... 56

EZ Debug LED ....................................................................................................... 56

DIMM LEDs ........................................................................................................... 56

Fan LEDs ............................................................................................................... 56

Multi-BIOS LEDs ................................................................................................... 57

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

JPWRLED1: LED power input ............................................................................... 57

Debug Code LED ................................................................................................... 58

Hexadecimal Character Table .............................................................................. 58

Boot Phases .......................................................................................................... 58

Debug Code LED Table ......................................................................................... 58

ACPI States Codes ................................................................................................ 63

CPU Temperature ................................................................................................. 63

Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities ......................................................................... 64

Installing Windows® 10 ......................................................................................... 64

Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 64

Installing Utilities ................................................................................................. 64

MYSTIC LIGHT ...................................................................................................... 65

Device LED effect control screen ......................................................................... 65

Nahimic 3 ............................................................................................................. 68

Installation and Update ........................................................................................ 68

Audio Tab ..............................................................................................................68

Microphone Tab .................................................................................................... 69

Sound Tracker Tab ................................................................................................ 70

Settings Tab .......................................................................................................... 70

12

Contents

Killer Control Center ........................................................................................... 71

Configuring Bandwidth ......................................................................................... 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 .............................................................................................................. 93

OC PROFILE .......................................................................................................... 94

HARDWARE MONITOR .......................................................................................... 95

RAID Configuration .............................................................................................. 96

Enabling Intel® Rapid Storage Technology........................................................... 96

Creating RAID Volume ......................................................................................... 97

Removing a RAID Volume .................................................................................... 98

Resetting Disks to Non-RAID ............................................................................... 99

Rebuilding RAID Array ........................................................................................ 100

Installing RAID Driver ......................................................................................... 101

Installing Intel

®

Rapid Storage Technology Software ........................................ 101

Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration ............................................................ 102

System Requirements ....................................................................................... 102

Installing the Intel
Removing the Intel

®

Optane™ memory .............................................................. 102

®

Optane™ memory ............................................................. 104

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................ 105

Contents

13

Specifications

®

Core™ 9000 Series family/ 8th Gen Intel®

CPU

Supports Intel
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 4600(OC)/ 4533(OC)/ 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)/ 3200(OC)/ 3000(OC) /2800(OC)/ 2666/

Memory

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 4x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots*

Expansion Slot

Multi-GPU

y 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot

* Please refer to page 31 for details.

y Supports 2-Way NVIDIA

y Supports 4-Way AMD

®

Z390 Chipset

Intel

y 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports*

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

 M2_1 & M2_3 support 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/

Storage

2260/ 2280 storage devices

®

 Intel

Optane™ Memory Ready

y 1x U.2 port*

 Supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe storage

* M.2_2 slot, U.2 port and SATA ports share the bandwidth. Please refer to page
39 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

®

Gold / Celeron® processors for LGA 1151

Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)

®

SLI™ Technology

®

CrossFire™ Technology

Specifications

14

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 2x Killer

Killer® 1550 Chipset

Wirsless LAN &
Bluetooth

®

y The Wireless module is pre-install in the M2_4 (Key-E) slot.

y Supports Wi-Fi 2x2 802.11 AC

y Supports Bluetooth

®

y Intel

Z390 Chipset

 6x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) ports (1
Type-C and 3 Type-A ports on the back panel, 2 Type-C
internal connectors)

 4x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports through the internal
USB connectors

USB

y ASMedia

 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports on the back
panel

y ASMedia

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

y 2x Realtek

 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio

Audio

 Supports S/PDIF output

®

y ESS

E9018 Codec

 Supports 6.3mm Gold-plated stereo headphone out

®

E2500 Gigabit LAN controllers

®

4.1, 3.0+HS

®

ASM1042 Chipset

®

ASM1074 Chipset

®

ALC1220 Codecs

Continued on next page

Specifications

15

Back Panel
Connectors

Internal Connectors

Continued from previous page

y 1x BIOS FlashBack button
y 1x Clear CMOS button
y 2x Wi-Fi Antenna connectors
y 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port
y 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A ports
y 2x LAN (RJ45) ports
y 3x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A ports
y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port
y 1x 6.3mm Gold-plated stereo headphone jack
y 5x OFC audio jacks
y 1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector

y 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
y 2x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors
y 1x 6-pin ATX PCIe power connector
y 6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
y 3x M.2 slots (M-Key)
y 1x U.2 port
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 8x 4-pin system fan connectors
y 1x 3-pin Water Flow connector
y 1x Front panel audio connector
y 2x System panel connectors
y 1x Chassis Intrusion connector
y 2x 2-pin Thermal Sensors connectors
y 1x 4-pin RGB LED connector
y 2x 3-pin RAINBOW LED connectors
y 1x 3-pin CORSAIR LED connector

Continued on next page

Specifications

16

Continued from previous page

y 1x GAME BOOST knob
y 1x OC retry button

Internal Buttons

Internal Pinheader

Switches

Jumper y 1x Slow mode jumper

Debug LED

Display Panel

I/O Controller NUVOTON NCT6797 Controller Chip

Hardware Monitor

y 1x OC force enter BIOS button
y 1x Power button
y 1x Reset button
y 1x JBLK_U1 pinheader
y 1x JRATIO_U1 pinheader
y 1x Multi-BIOS switch
y 1x PCIe CeaseFire switch

y 1x 2-Digit Debug Code LED
y 4x EZ Debug LED

DYNAMIC DASHBOARD

y Displays system information

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

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 2.8
y Multi-language

Continued on next page

Specifications

17

Software

Dragon Center
Features

Special Features

Continued from previous page

y Drivers
y DRAGON CENTER
y MYSTIC LIGHT
y Killer Control Center
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

 Xtreme Audio DAC
 Nahimic 3

y Network

 Killer TripleShot
 GAMING LAN with Killer LAN Manager
 Killer WiFi

y Storage

 Turbo U.2
 Triple Turbo M.2

Specifications

18

Continued on next page

Special Features

Continued from previous page

y Fan

 Pump Fan
 GAMING Fan Control

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 Shield 3
 PCIe Steel Armor
 U.2 Steel Armor

y Performance

 Exclusive ESS SABRE HiFi DAC for lossless, high-

quality audio

 Multi GPU-SLI Technology
 Multi GPU-CrossFire Technology
 DDR4 Boost
 GAME Boost
 Streaming Boost
 OC Engine
 Lightning USB
 Front Lightning USB
 USB with type A+C

y Stability

 7000+ Quality Test

Continued on next page

Specifications

19

Continued from previous page

y VR

 VR Ready
 Gamer Experience
 GAMING HOTKEY
 GAMING MOUSE Control

y BIOS

Special Features

 Click BIOS 5
 BIOS FLASHBACK+
 Dual BIOS

y Certification

 Quadro SLI Ready
 Quadro Ready
 GAMING Certified

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

20

Package contents

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

Motherboard MEG Z390 GODLIKE

SATA 6Gb/s Cables 6
1 to 2 RGB LED Extension Y Cable 80cm 1

Cable

Accessories

Application DVD Driver DVD 1

Documentation

CORSAIR RGB LED Extension Cable 50cm 1
RAINBOW RGB LED Extension Cable 80cm 2
CORSAIR to RAINBOW RGB Extension Cable 10cm 1
Thermistor Cable 2
Antenna Set 1
M.2 Xpander-Z 1
Streaming Boost 1
SLI HB BRIDGE L 1

6.3mm Audio Adapters 1
Case Badge 1
SATA Cable Lables 1
VIP Card 1

User Manual 1
Quick Guide 1
Quick Installation Guide 1

Important

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

Package contents

21

Block Diagram

Switch

2 Channel DDR4 Memory

Processor

1x M.2

3x SATA 6Gb/s

1x U.2

2x SATA 6Gb/s

1x M.2

6x USB 3.1 Gen2

4x USB 2.0

1x SATA 6Gb/s

1x M.2

PCI Express Bus

Switch

Switch

Switch

NUVOTON

6797

DMI 3.0

PCH

Rear Audio Jacks

Realtek

ALC1220

PCIe x1 slot

PCIE Bus

PCIE Bus

Front Audio Jacks

Realtek

ALC1220

1x Killer™ Wireless-AC 1550

2x Killer™ E2500

ASMEDIA

1042

2x USB 3.1 Gen1

ASMEDIA

1074

4x USB 3.1 Gen1

ESS
E9018

Block Diagram

22

Rear I/O Panel

Wi-Fi Antenna connectors

Clear CMOS

PS/2

LAN LAN

Audio Ports

USB 3.1
Gen2

USB 3.1 Gen1

BIOS FLASHBACK+
button

USB 3.1 Gen2/
BIOS FLASHBACK+
port

6.3mm headphone port

USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C

Optical S/PDIF-Out

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+.

y 6.3mm headphone port - This port is used for connecting the headphone.

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

23

Realtek Audio Console

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

Device
Selection

Application Enhancement 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

24

Audio jacks to headphone and microphone diagram

Audio jacks to stereo speakers diagram

AUDIO INPUT

Audio jacks to 7.1-channel speakers diagram

AUDIO INPUT

Rear Front

Side Center/

Subwoofer

Rear I/O Panel

25

Installing Antennas

1. Combine the antenna with the base.

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

2

1

3. Place the antenna as high as possible.

Rear I/O Panel

26

Overview of Components

PCIE_PWR1

PCI_E1

M2_1

PCI_E2

M2_2

PCI_E3

PCI_E4

M2_3

PCI_E5

SYS_FAN6

SYS_FAN5

CPU_PWR2

CPU_PWR1

CPU Socket

CPU_FAN1

PUMP_FAN1

SYS_FAN1

DIMMA1

DIMMA2

DIMMB1

DIMMB2

JRAINBOW2

SYS_FAN2

SYS_FAN3

T_SEN1

SYS_FAN4
JCORSAIR1
DYNAMIC

DASHBOARD

ATX_PWR1

JUSB1

JUSB2

JUSB3

JUSB4

SATA▼1▲2

SATA▼3▲4
JSLOW1

SATA▼5▲6
JFP2

U2_1

JAUD1

JRGB1

SYS_FAN8

T_SEN2
SYS_FAN7

JPWRLED1

BIOS_SW1

PEGSW1

JUSB6

JBLK_U1

JRATIO_U1

JUSB5

OC_RT2

OC_FS1

JRAINBOW1

JCI1

JBAT1

JFP1

POWER1

W_FLOW1

RESET1

OC1

Overview of Components

27

Component Contents

Port Name Port Type Page

BIOS_SW1 Multi-BIOS Switch 52
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1,

SYS_FAN1~8
CPU_PWR1~2, ATX_PWR1,

PCIE_PWR1
CPU Socket LGA1151 CPU Socket 29
DIMMA1/A2/B1/B2 DIMM Slots 30
JAUD1 Front Audio Connector 41
JBAT1 Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper 50
JBLK_U1, JRATIO_U1 Base clock Plus, Ratio Plus connectors 44
JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector 51
JCORSAIR1 CORSAIR Connector 54
JFP1, JFP2 Front Panel Connectors 41
JPWRLED1 LED power input 57
JRGB1, JRAINBOW1~2 RGB LED connectors 53
JSLOW1 Slow Mode Booting Jumper 45
JUSB1~2 USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connectors 47
JUSB3~4 USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors 48
JUSB5~6 USB 2.0 Connectors 49
M2_1~3 M.2 Slots (Key M) 35
OC1 GAME BOOST Knob 43
OC_FS1 OC Force Enter BIOS Button 44
OC_RT2 OC Retry Button 44
PCI_E1~5 PCIe Expansion Slots 31
PEGSW1 PCIe CeaseFire Switch 32
POWER1, RESET1 Power Button, Reset Button 50
SATA1~6 SATA 6Gb/s Connectors 39
T_SEN1~2 Thermal Sensor Connectors 45
U2_1 U.2 Connector 34
W_FLOW1 Water Flow Meter Connectors 47

Fan Connectors 46

Power Connectors 42

Overview of Components

28

CPU Socket

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

50.77 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

29

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 Intel 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

30

PCI_E1~5: PCIe Expansion Slots

PCI_E1: PCIe 3.0 x16 (CPU lanes)

PCI_E2: PCIe 3.0 x4 (CPU lanes)

PCI_E3: PCIe 3.0 x1 (PCH lanes)
PCI_E4: PCIe 3.0 x8 (CPU lanes)

PCI_E5: PCIe 3.0 x4 (PCH lanes)

Multiple graphics cards installation recommendation

Graphics Card

PCI_E1

PCI_E2

PCI_E3

PCI_E4

PCI_E5

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

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

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

Empty Empty Empty @ 3.0 x4

3.0 x1 3.0 x1 3.0 x1 3.0 x1

Empty @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x8 @3.0 x4

3.0 x4 3.0 x4 @ 3.0 x4 @3.0 x4

PCI_E1

PCI_E1

PCI_E4

Overview of Components

31

PCI_E1

PCI_E4

PCI_E5

PCI_E1

PCI_E2

PCI_E4

PCI_E5

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.

y

The M2_3 will be unavailable when installing PCIe device in to PCI_E5 slot.

PEGSW1: PCIe CeaseFire Switch

The PCIe CeaseFire switch allows you to enable/ disable the PCIe slots (by CPU lanes)
conveniently and directly.

Overview of Components

32

ON

Slots

1 2 3 ON1 2 3

PCI_E1

PCI_E2

PCI_E4

✓ ✓ ✓ ─

✓ ─ ─ ─

✓ ✓ ─ ─

(✓: enabled, ─: disabled)

ON

1 2 3

ON

1 2 3

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_E4 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

33

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

2

1

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

34

3

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 for all M.2 slots.

M2_1

M2_2

M2_3

Installing M.2 module

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

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

pads.

2

1

Overview of Components

35

3. Each M.2 slot is equipped with two screws and mounting poles, one for securing

the M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink and the other one for shorter M.2 SSD. To avoid
damage to the M.2 SSD. If your M.2 SSD length is the same as the M.2 slot, remove
the screw and mounting pole below the M.2 SSD, leaving only the screw and
mounting pole for securing the M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink.

4. There are two thermal pads on each M.2 slot base plate. The thermal pad-2 is

fixed on the M.2 board and should not be removed.
For double-side M.2 SSD, completely remove the thermal pad-1 and protection
films.
For single-side M.2 SSD, remove the two thermal protection films from pad-1,
then re-stick it to the thermal pad-2.

4

Thermal pad-1

Thermal pad-2

Screw

Mounting pole

Pictures shown are for illustration purpose only and may
differ from the actual plates and thermal pads.

5. Move the position of the mounting poles according to your M.2 SSDs length if need.

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

7. If the M.2 SSD is shorter than the M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink, place the screw in

the notch on the trailing edge of the M.2 module and tighten it into the mounting
pole.

7

3

M.2 Plate

6

Protecting films

5

Overview of Components

36

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

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

10. Secure the M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink onto the mounting pole.

9

8

10

V-Check Points

These voltage checkpoints are used to measure the current system voltages. A
multimeter (not included) will be required to check voltages. To measure voltage,
place test leads on the GND (screw mountin g hole) and a V-Check Point. Please refer
to the manual of your multimeter for more information.

GND
CPU
VCCIO
VSA
DRAM
PCH

Overview of Components

37

Installing the M.2 Xpander-Z

The M.2 Xpander-Z card provide two M.2 Key-M slots.
To install the M.2 Xpander-Z card:

1. Remove the screws from the mounting poles.

2. Lift the M.2 Shields and remove the protective films and the round rubbers from

the thermal pads.

3. Move the mounting poles position according to your M.2 SSDs length.

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

5. Push the M.2 SSDs and the M.2 Shields down and secure them onto the mounting

poles.

6. Insert the M.2 Xpander-Z into one PCIe slot (PCI_E2 or PCI_E4).

7. Use the screw to secure the M.2 Xpander-Z.

4

M.2 SSD

7

3

6

2

1

Important

When you installed the Xpander-Z card in PCI_E2 then PCI_E4 will be unavailable, If
Xpander-Z card is installed in PCI_E4 then PCI_E2 will be unavailable.

5

5

Overview of Components

38

SATA1~6: 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

Important

y

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

transmission otherwise.

y

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.

M.2, SATA and U.2 combination table

Slot Combination

M2_1 PCIe SATA

SATA1 ✓

SATA2 ✓

✓

─

U2_1 Empty Installed

M2_2 PCIe SATA Empty ─

SATA5 ─ ─ ✓ ─

SATA6 ─ ✓ ✓ ─

PCI_E5 Empty Installed

M2_3 PCIe SATA Empty ─

SATA3 ✓ ─ ✓ ✓

(SATA: M.2 SATA SSD, PCIe: M.2 PCIe SSD, ✓: available, ─: unavailable)

Important

y

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

y

The M2_3 will be unavailable when installing PCIe device in to PCI_E5 slot.

Overview of Components

39

M.2 slots with examples of various combination possibilities

1xM.2 PCIe SSD + 6xSATA HDDs

M.2 PCIe

SATA4 SATA2

SATA6

2xM.2 PCIe SSDs + 1x U.2 SSD+
4xSATA HDDs

M.2 PCIe

M.2 PCIe

SATA4 SATA2

U.2

1xM.2 SATA SSD + 5xSATA HDDs

SATA1SATA3

M.2 SATA

SATA5

SATA1SATA1SATA1

SATA4SATA 6

SATA5 SATA3

2xM.2 SATA SSDs + 1x U.2 SSD+
2xSATA HDDs

SATA1SATA3

M.2 SATA

M.2 SATA

SATA4

U.2

3xM.2 PCIe SSDs + 4xSATA HDDs

M.2 PCIe

M.2 PCIe

M.2 PCIe

Overview of Components

40

3xM.2 SATA SSDs + 3xSATA HDDs

SATA1SATA3

SATA4 SATA2

M.2 SATA

M.2 SATA

M.2 SATA

SATA4

SATA6

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

++-

1

­Speaker

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector

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

2 10

1

1 MIC L 2 Ground

3 MIC R 4 NC

5 Head Phone R 6 MIC Detection

7 SENSE_SEND 8 No Pin

9 Head Phone L 10 Head Phone Detection

9

9

Reserved

Overview of Components

41

CPU_PWR1~2, ATX_PWR1, PCIE_PWR1: Power Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply.

12

6 4

24

131

13

ATX_PWR1

PCIE_PWR1

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

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 4 Ground

2 +12V 5 Ground

3 +12V 6 Ground

5

CPU_PWR1/ CPU_PWR2

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

42

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.

0

1

1

1

0

1

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. Rotate the GAME BOOST knob to select the overclocking stage as you desire.

2

4

8

6

Stage

0

1 4.1G 4.2~4.4 GHz 4.4~4.8 GHz 4.4~5.1 GHz
2 4.2G 4.3~4.5 GHz 4.5~4.9 GHz 4.5~5.2 GHz
4 4.3G 4.4~4.6 GHz 4.6~5.0 GHz 4.6~5.3 GHz
6 4.4G 4.5~4.7 GHz 4.7~5.1 GHz 4.7~5.4 GHz

8 4.5G 4.6~4.8 GHz 4.8~5.2 GHz 4.8~5.5 GHz
10 4.6G 4.7~4.9 GHz 4.9~5.3 GHz 4.9~5.6 GHz
11 4.7G 4.8~5.0 GHz 5.0~5.4 GHz 5.0~5.7 GHz

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.

i3-8350K i5-8600K i7-8700K i7-8086K

GAME BOOST

Disabled

CPU Frequency

GAME BOOST

Disabled

GAME BOOST

Disabled

GAME BOOST

Disabled

Important

y

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

Overview of Components

43

dual fan radiator for better cooling and performance.

y

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

CENTER software.

y

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.

y

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

y

We do not guarantee the GAME BOOST overclocking range or the damages/ risks

caused by overclocking behavior.

y

MSI components are recommended for better compatibility when using GAME

BOOST function.

JBLK_U1, JRATIO_U1: Base clock Plus, Ratio Plus connectors

You can use these connectors to connect the external buttons. Press the button
connecting to JBLK_U1 to increase the CPU base clock or press the button connecting
to JRATIO_U1 to increase the CPU ratio.

JBLK_U1

JRATIO_U1

(Short the jumper to increase
the CPU base clock)

(Short the jumper to increase
the CPU ratio)

OC_FS1: OC Force Enter BIOS Button

When you press this button, the system will be forced into BIOS without showing the
OC_FAIL message.

OC_RT2: OC Retry Button

When you press and hold this button, the system will keep retrying OC items until it
boot up successfully.

OC_FS1

OC_RT2

Overview of Components

44

T_SEN1~2: Thermal Sensor Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect the thermistor cable and use it to monitor the
temperature of the detection point.

Thermistor cable

Sense

GND

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

Enabled

during BIOS POST.)

Important

y

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

overclocking results will vary according to the CPU version.

y

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

Overview of Components

45

CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~8: Fan Connectors

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

1

CPU_FAN1/ PUMP_FAN1

1

1

SYS_FAN1~4 SYS_FAN5~8

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

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

Overview of Components

46

1 Ground 2 Voltage Control

3 Sense 4 NC

DC Mode pin definition

W_FLOW1: Water Flow Meter Connectors

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

1

1 Ground 3 WFLOW IN

2 WFLOW PWR

JUSB1~2: USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C connectors on the front
panel. The connector possesses a foolproof design. When you connect the cable, be
sure to connect it with the corresponding orientation.

JUSB1/
JSUB2

USB Type-C Cable

USB Type-C port on
the front panel

Overview of Components

47

JUSB3~4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors

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

10 11

1

20

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

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

48

®

,

JUSB5~6: USB 2.0 Connectors

2 10

1

9

1 VCC 2 VCC

3 USB0- 4 USB1-

5 USB0+ 6 USB1+

7 Ground 8 Ground

9 No Pin 10 NC

Important

y

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

damage.

y

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

DRAGON CENTER utility.

Connecting USB Xpander

The USB Xpander is used to expand a single USB 2.0 connector to 4 connectors. Use
the USB Xpander Cable to connect the expansion board and the motherboard as
shown below.

USB Xpander Cable

USB 2.0
connector on the
motherboard

USB Xpander

Connect to power
adapter cable

Triangle mark

Overview of Components

49

POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button

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

Reset button

Power 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.

Clear CMOS/
Reset BIOS

Overview of Components

50

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

51

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 B

BIOS A
(Default)

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

y

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

y

You can also use the LIVE UPDATE or BIOS FLASHBACK+ utility to flash BIOS. Please

refer to BIOS section for details.

Overview of Components

52

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.

JRAINBOW2

1

JRAINBOW1

1 +5V 2 Data

3 No Pin 4 Ground

JRAINBOW2

1

JRGB1

JRAINBOW1

1

JRAINBOW

WS2812B Individually

Addressable RGB LED strips 5V
Rainbow RGB LED
extension cable

JRGB1

1

1 +12V 2 G

3 R 4 B

1

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

y

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).

y

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.

y

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

y

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

Overview of Components

53

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

1 +5V 2 Data

3 Ground

CORSAIR RGB LED Fan Connection

CORSAIR RGB LED fan

1

2

3

CORSAIR fan hub

CORSAIR RGB LED Extension Cable

SATA power

6

5

4

JCORSAIR1 connector

CORSAIR Lighting Node PRO Connection

JCORSAIR1 connector

Important

y

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.

y

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

y

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

Overview of Components

54

DYNAMIC DASHBOARD

The DYNAMIC DASHBOARD can be used to display system information, CPU
temperature, CPU speed, BIOS flash status and error message. You can use MSI’s
software to configure and customize the DYNAMIC DASHBOARD and even upload a .gif
animation file.

DYNAMIC DASHBOARD

DYNAMIC DASHBOARD Status Table

System Status

Power On

CPU is not

detected or fail

DRAM is not

detected or fail

GPU is not

detected or fail

Enter the OS

S3 (Suspend to

RAM)

S4/S5 (Sus-

pend to Disk/

Shutdown)

Flashback

BIOS (Update)

DYNAMIC
DASHBOARD

System Status

Flashback
BIOS (Finish)

Flashback
BIOS (Error)

Fan Speed/
Temperature/
Voltage

Game Boost

CPU/ VGA/
Memory
information

User profile

DYNAMIC
DASHBOARD

256*64px .gif

Important

For information on configuration and customization DYNAMIC DASHBOARD, please
refer to the MSI’s website.

Overview of Components

55

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

DIMM LEDs

These LED indicate the memory modules are installed.

DIMM LEDs

or fail.

Fan LEDs

These LEDs indicate the fan control mode.

CPU_FAN1 LED
PUMP_FAN1 LED
SYS_FAN2 LED
SYS_FAN3LED

SYS_FAN4 LED
SYS_FAN1 LED

SYS_FAN5 LED
SYS_FAN6 LED

SYS_FAN8 LED
SYS_FAN7 LED

Onboard LEDs

56

LED color Fan control mode

Red
White

PWM mode
DC mode

Multi-BIOS LEDs

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

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

XMP LED

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

XMP LED

JPWRLED1: LED power input

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

JPWRLED1 - LED power input

Onboard LEDs

57

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

58

SEC Error Codes

0C - 0D Reserved for future AMI SEC error codes
0E Microcode not found
0F Microcode not loaded

PEI Progress Codes

10 PEI Core is started
11 Pre-memory CPU initialization is started
12 - 14 Pre-memory CPU initialization (CPU module specific)
15 Pre-memory System Agent initialization is started
16 - 18 Pre-Memory System Agent initialization (System Agent module specific)
19 Pre-memory PCH initialization is started
1A - 1C Pre-memory PCH initialization (PCH module specific)
2B Memory initialization. Serial Presence Detect (SPD) data reading
2C Memory initialization. Memory presence detection
2D Memory initialization. Programming memory timing information
2E Memory initialization. Configuring memory
2F Memory initialization (other)
31 Memory Installed
32 CPU post-memory initialization is started
33 CPU post-memory initialization. Cache initialization

34

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

36

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

50

51 Memory initialization error. SPD reading has failed

52

53 Memory initialization error. No usable memory detected
54 Unspecified memory initialization error
55 Memory not installed

Memory initialization error. Invalid memory type or incompatible memory
speed

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

Onboard LEDs

59

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

60

9E -9F Reserved for future AMI codes
A0 IDE initialization is started
A1 IDE Reset
A2 IDE Detect
A3 IDE Enable
A4 SCSI initialization is started
A5 SCSI Reset
A6 SCSI Detect
A7 SCSI Enable
A8 Setup Verifying Password
A9 Start of Setup
AB Setup Input Wait
AD Ready To Boot event
AE Legacy Boot event
AF Exit Boot Services event
B0 Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin
B1 Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP End
B2 Legacy Option ROM Initialization
B3 System Reset
B4 USB hot plug
B5 PCI bus hot plug
B6 Clean-up of NVRAM
B7 Configuration Reset (reset of NVRAM settings)
B8 - BF Reserved for future AMI codes

DXE Error Codes

D0 CPU initialization error
D1 System Agent initialization error
D2 PCH initialization error
D3 Some of the Architectural Protocols are not available
D4 PCI resource allocation error. Out of Resources
D5 No Space for Legacy Option ROM
D6 No Console Output Devices are found
D7 No Console Input Devices are found
D8 Invalid password
D9 Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error)
DA Boot Option is failed (StartImage returned error)
DB Flash update is failed
DC Reset protocol is not available

Onboard LEDs

61

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

62

ACPI States Codes

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

01 System is entering S1 sleep state
02 System is entering S2 sleep state
03 System is entering S3 sleep state
04 System is entering S4 sleep state
05 System is entering S5 sleep state
10 System is waking up from the S1 sleep state
20 System is waking up from the S2 sleep state
30 System is waking up from the S3 sleep state
40 System is waking up from the S4 sleep state

AC

AA

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

63

Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities

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

Installing Windows® 10

1.

Power on the computer.

2.

Insert the Windows

3.

Press the Restart button on the computer case.

4.

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

5.

Select the Windows

6.

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

7.

Follow the instructions on the screen to install Windows

Installing Drivers

1.

Start up your computer in Windows® 10.

2.

Insert MSI

3.

Click the Select to choose what happens with this disc pop-up notification, then
select Run DVDSetup.exe to open the installer. If you turn off the AutoPlay feature
from the Windows Control Panel, you can still manually execute the DVDSetup.exe
from the root path of the MSI Driver Disc.

4.

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

5.

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

6.

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

7.

Click OK button to finish.

8.

Restart your computer.

®

®

10 installation disc/USB into your computer.

®

10 installation disc/USB from the Boot Menu.

Driver Disc into your optical drive.

®

10.

Installing Utilities

Before you install utilities, you must complete drivers installation.

1.

Open the installer as described above.

2.

Click the Utilities tab.

3.

Select the utilities you want to install.

4.

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

5.

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

6.

Click OK button to finish.

7.

Restart your computer.

Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities

64

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

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.

MYSTIC LIGHT

65

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.

 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

66

Broken-chain icon - indicates the

device is not synchronized.

 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

67

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

68

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

69

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

70

Killer Control Center

The Killer Control Center software can be installed with the Killer LAN driver. Once
installed, the Killer Control Center icon would appear in system tray (bottom right of
the screen). Right click on the icon to open application window.

In case no icon appears in system tray, you may activate Killer Control Center manually
by double clicking the Killer Control Center icon on the desktop.

Overview

Apps

Wifi Analyzer

Wireless xTend

Settings

y Overview - displays network traffic on your system in the form of a speed-o-meter at

the top. And also list all applications/domains that are passing traffic.

y Apps - displays currently using network bandwidth applications.
y Wifi Analyzer - shows the Wireless network around you.
y Wireless xTend - allows you to on/off the Wireless xTend feature. Computers

featuring Wireless xTend Technology leverage the processing power to increase the
reach and strength of the network inside of your home.

y Settings - allows you to setup bandwidth. And also shows your ethernet setting

information.

Configuring Bandwidth

Before using the Killer network for the first time, you should configure default Internet
upload and download speed.

To configure bandwidth:

1. Select the Settings page in Killer Control Center.

2. Enter a value into the Download Speed field.

3. Enter a value into the Upload Speed field.

4. Check OK to allow the Killer Control Center to manage the bandwidth.

Killer Control Center

71

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

y

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.

y

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.

72

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

73

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.

®

74

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

75

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.

76

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

77

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

78

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.

fPCI Latency Timer [32]

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

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.

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.

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.

fNetwork Stack [Disabled]

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

BIOS Setup

79

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 Integrated Graphics Configuration

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

(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.

fInitiate Graphic Adapter [PEG]

Selects a graphics device as the primary boot device.
[IGD] Integrated Graphics Display.
[PEG] PCI-Express Graphics Device.

fIntegrated Graphics Share Memory [64M]

Selects a fixed amount of system memory allocated to the onboard graphics. This
item will appear when IGD Multi-Monitor is enabled.

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80

fIGD Multi-Monitor [Disabled]

Enables or disables the multi-screen output from integrated graphics and external
graphics card. This item appears when Initiate Graphic Adapter set to PEG.

[Enabled] Enables multi-screen function for both integrated and external

[Disabled] Disables this function.

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.

fUSB Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables all USB controller.

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.

graphics cards.

and enable the legacy USB support.

fErP Ready [Disabled]

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

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

[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)

before AC power loss.

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81

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.

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

[Disabled] Disables this function.

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 shut down status.

equirement.

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.

82

BIOS Setup

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.

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 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.

the secure keys.

when activity or input signal of PCIe device is detected.

USB device is detected.

activity of PS/2 mouse is detected.

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83

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

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

[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+.

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

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

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.

button about 4 seconds when the system is off.

f Info Block effect [Unlock]

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

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

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84

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

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.

mode.

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.

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85

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

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

[Disabled] Disables this funcion.

warning message.

return to Enabled or Disabled.

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.

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86

OC

Important

y

Overclocking your PC manually is only recommended for advanced users.

y

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

severely damage your hardware.

y

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.

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87

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 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 GT Ratio [Auto]

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

f Adjusted GT Frequency

Shows the adjusted integrated graphics 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.

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.

88

BIOS Setup

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.)

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.

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.

channel.

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

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

to load the default settings for new devices.

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

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.

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89

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BIOS Setup

90

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

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.

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.

latency time and tuning the performance to the specific application.

adaptive temperature.

accordingly.

power-saving in halt state.

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.

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91

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.

fFCLK Frequency [Auto]

Sets FCLK frequency. Lower FCLK frequency may help you to set higher base clock
frequency.

fDMI Link Speed [Auto]

Sets DMI speed.

fSW Guard Extensions (SGX) [Software Control]

Enables or disables Intel SGX.

92

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.

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93

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.

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94

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

y

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

y

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

95

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

96

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.

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97

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.

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98

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

y

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

perform this operation.

y

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

incompatible RAID configurations or a failed volume or failed disk.

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99

Rebuilding RAID Array

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

1. Power off.

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

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

Technology.

4. Select the Degraded RAID volume from the Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology

screen to enter the RAID VOLUME INFO screen.

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

RAID Configuration

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