MSI MEG Z490 Godlike Manual

Quick Start

Thank you for purchasing the MSI® MEG Z490 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.

Kurzanleitung

Danke, dass Sie das MSI® MEG Z490 GODLIKE Motherboard gewählt haben. Dieser Abschnitt der Kurzanleitung bietet eine Demo zur Installation Ihres Computers. Manche Installationen bieten auch die Videodemonstrationen. Klicken Sie auf die URL, um diese Videoanleitung mit Ihrem Browser auf Ihrem Handy oder Table anzusehen. Oder scannen Sie auch den QR Code mit Ihrem Handy, um die URL zu öffnen.

Présentation rapide

Merci d’avoir choisi la carte mère MSI® MEG Z490 GODLIKE. Ce manuel fournit une rapide présentation avec des illustrations explicatives qui vous aideront à assembler votre ordinateur. Des tutoriels vidéo sont disponibles pour certaines étapes. Cliquez sur le lien fourni pour regarder la vidéo sur votre téléphone ou votre tablette. Vous pouvez également accéder au lien en scannant le QR code qui lui est associé.

Быстрыйстарт

Благодарим вас за покупку материнской платы MSI® MEG Z490 GODLIKE. В этом разделе представлена информация, которая поможет вам при сборке комьютера. Для некоторых этапов сборки имеются видеоинструкции. Для просмотра видео, необходимо открыть соответствующую ссылку в веб-браузере на вашем телефоне или планшете. Вы также можете выполнить переход по ссылке, путем сканирования QR-кода.

Quick Start I

	Installing a Processor/ Installation des Prozessors/ Installer un
	processeur/Установкапроцессора	2
		1
	https://youtu.be/4ce91YC3Oww

3

4	7	9
	5

6

8

II Quick Start

Installing DDR4 memory/ Installation des DDR4-Speichers/

InstallerunemémoireDDR4/УстановкапамятиDDR4

http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs

DIMMA2	DIMMA2	DIMMA1
		DIMMA2
	DIMMB2	DIMMB1
		DIMMB2

Quick Start III

Connecting the Front Panel Header/ Anschließen der Frontpanel-Stiftleiste/ Connecter un connecteur du panneau avant/Подключениеразъемовпереднейпанели

http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI

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

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

HDDLED RESETSW

							HDD LED -
	HDD LED
							HDD LED +
							POWER LED -
	POWER LED						POWER LED +

IV Quick Start

Installing the Motherboard/ Installation des Motherboards/

Installerlacartemère/Установкаматеринскойплаты

1	https://youtu.be/wWI6Qt51Wnc

Torque:
3 kgf·cm*	2

*3 kgf·cm = 0.3 N·m = 2.6 lbf·in

Quick Start V

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

Подключениеразъемовпитания

http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

ATX_PWR1

CPU_PWR1

CPU_PWR2

PCIE_PWR1

VI Quick Start

Installing SATA Drives/ Installation der SATA-Laufwerke/

InstallerledisquedurSATA/УстановкадисковSATA

http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc

1

2	3

5

4

Quick Start VII

Installing a Graphics Card/ Einbau der Grafikkarte/ Installer unecartegraphique/Установкадискретнойвидеокарты

http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A

1

3

2

5

4

6

VIII Quick Start

Connecting Peripheral Devices/ Peripheriegeräte/ Connecter unpériphériqueanschliessen/Подключениепериферийных устройств

Quick Start IX

PowerOn/Einschalten/Mettresous-tension/Включение питания

1 2

3

4

X Quick Start

Contents
Safety Information.................................................................................................	3
Specifications.........................................................................................................	4
JCORSAIR1 Connector Specification....................................................................	11
Package contents ................................................................................................	12
Rear I/O Panel .....................................................................................................	13
LAN Port LED Status Table ..................................................................................	13
Audio Ports Configuration ....................................................................................	13
Realtek Audio Console .........................................................................................	14
Installing Antennas...............................................................................................	16
Overview of Components ....................................................................................	17
CPU Socket ...........................................................................................................	18
DIMM Slots............................................................................................................	19
PCI_E1~4: PCIe Expansion Slots..........................................................................	20
M2_1~3: M.2 Slots (Key M) ...................................................................................	21
Installing M.2 XPANDER-Z Gen4 S card ..............................................................	24
SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors.......................................................................	27
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors...................................................................	27
CPU_PWR1~2, ATX_PWR1, PCIE_PWR1: Power Connectors .............................	28
JBLK_U1, JRATIO_U1: Base clock Plus, Ratio Plus connectors.........................	29
OC_FS1: OC Fail Save Button...............................................................................	29
OC_RT1: OC Retry Button.....................................................................................	29
JSLOW1: Slow Mode Booting Jumper..................................................................	30
JLN1~2: Low Temperature Booting Jumper .......................................................	30
W_FLOW1: Water Flow Meter Connector ............................................................	30
V-Check Points Lite..............................................................................................	31
T_SEN1~2: Thermal Sensor Connectors .............................................................	31
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................	31
JUSB1: USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-C Connector...............................................	32
JUSB2~3: USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Connector .........................................................	32
JUSB4~5: USB 2.0 Connectors.............................................................................	33
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector...........................................................................	33
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~8: Fan Connectors..................................	34
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector.......................................................................	35
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper...........................................................	36
POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button .................................................	36

Contents 1

BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch.............................................................................	37
JRGB1: RGB LED connector.................................................................................	38
JRAINBOW1~2: Addressable RGB LED connectors ............................................	39
JCORSAIR1: CORSAIR Connector ........................................................................	40
DYNAMIC DASHBOARD II .....................................................................................	41
DYNAMIC DASHBOARD II Status Table................................................................	41
Onboard LEDs......................................................................................................	42
EZ Debug LED.......................................................................................................	42
XMP LED ...............................................................................................................	42
JPWRLED1: LED power input...............................................................................	42
CPU Power LED....................................................................................................	43
LED_SW1: EZ LED Control ...................................................................................	44
Debug Code LED...................................................................................................	44
Hexadecimal Character Table..............................................................................	44
Boot Phases..........................................................................................................	44
Debug Code LED Table.........................................................................................	45
ACPI States Codes ................................................................................................	49
CPU core /CPU socket / System / MOS / PCH Temperature...............................	49
Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities .........................................................................	50
Installing Windows® 10..........................................................................................	50
Installing Drivers ..................................................................................................	50
Installing Utilities .................................................................................................	50
UEFI BIOS.............................................................................................................	51
BIOS Setup............................................................................................................	52
Entering BIOS Setup.............................................................................................	52
Resetting BIOS......................................................................................................	53
Updating BIOS.......................................................................................................	53
EZ Mode ................................................................................................................	55
Advanced Mode ....................................................................................................	59
OC Menu................................................................................................................	60

2 Contents

Safety Information

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

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

∙ Hold the motherboard by the edges to avoid touching sensitive components. ∙ It is recommended to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when

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

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

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

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

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

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

∙ Keep this user guide for future reference. ∙ Keep this motherboard away from humidity.

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

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

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

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

▪ Liquid has penetrated into the computer.

▪ The motherboard has been exposed to moisture.

▪ The motherboard does not work well or you can not get it work according to user guide.

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

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

Safety Information 3

Specifications

	Supports 10th Gen Intel® Core™ and Pentium® Gold /
CPU	Celeron® processors for LGA 1200 socket*
	* Please go to www.intel.com for more compatibility information.
	* Onboard graphics output are disabled when using F SKU processors.
Chipset	Intel® Z490 Chipset
	∙ 4x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 128GB*
	∙	Supports 1R 2133/2666/2933 MHz*
		▪	1DPC 1R Max speed up to 5000+ MHz
		▪	1DPC 2R Max speed up to 4400+ MHz
Memory		▪	2DPC 1R Max speed up to 4400+ MHz
		▪	2DPC 2R Max speed up to 4000+ MHz
	∙ Supports Dual-Channel mode
	∙	Supports non-ECC mode, un-buffered memory
	∙	Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
	* Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.
	∙ 3x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots*, support x16/ x0/ x4 or x8/ x8/ x4
Expansion Slot	mode
	∙	1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot

* Please refer to page 20 for details.

	Multi-GPU	∙ Supports 2-Way NVIDIA® SLI™ Technology
		∙ Supports 3-Way AMD® CrossFire™ Technology
		Intel® JHL7540 Thunderbolt™ 3 Controller
		∙ 2x Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) ports on the back panel
		∙ Supports Thunderbolt™ 3 with a maximum resolution of
	Onboard Graphics	5120x2880 @60 Hz*
		∙ Supports DisplayPort 1.4 with a maximum resolution of
		4096x2304 @60 Hz
		∙ Maximum shared memory is 1GB
		* Thunderbolt 3 supports two displays in 4K resolution or one display in 5K
		resolution.
		Continued on next page

4 Specifications

Continued from previous page

		Intel® Z490 Chipset
		∙ 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports*/**
		∙ 3x M.2 slots (Key M)
		▪ M2_1 supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s,
		2242/ 2260/ 2280/ 22110 storage devices*
		▪ M2_2 supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s,
Storage		2242/ 2260/ 2280/ 22110 storage devices**
		▪ M2_3 supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4, 2242/ 2260/ 2280
		storage devices
		▪ Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready***
		▪ Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology for Intel
		Core™ processors
		* SATA2 will be unavailable when installing M.2 SATA SSD in the M2_1 slot.
		** SATA5 & SATA6 will be unavailable when installing M.2 SSD in the M2_2 slot.
		*** Before using Intel® Optane™ memory modules, please ensure that you have
		updated the drivers and BIOS to the latest version from MSI website.
		Intel® Z490 Chipset
RAID		∙ Supports RAID 0, RAID1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA
		storage devices
		∙ Supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 5 for M.2 PCIe storage
		devices
Audio		∙ Realtek® ALC1220 Codec + ESS E9018 combo DAC
		▪ 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
		▪ Supports S/PDIF output
		Intel® JHL7540 Thunderbolt™ 3 Controller
		∙ 2x Thunderbolt™ 3 (USB Type-C) ports on the back panel
	TM	∙ Supports up to 40 Gbps transfer rate with Thunderbolt 3
Thunderbolt 3		devices
		∙ Supports up to 10 Gbps transfer rate with USB 3.2 Gen 2
		10Gbps devices
		∙ Supports up to 5V/3A , 15W power charging
		∙ Supports Daisy-chain up to six ThunderboltTM 3 devices
LAN		∙ 1x Aquantia® AQC107 10G LAN controller
		∙ 1x Realtek® RTL8125B 2.5G LAN controller
		Continued on next page

Specifications 5

	Continued from previous page
	Intel® AX201
	∙ The Wireless module is pre-installed in the M.2 (Key-E)
Wireless LAN &	slot
	∙ Supports MU-MIMO TX/RX, 2.4GHz/ 5GHz (160MHz) up to
Bluetooth®	2.4Gbps
	∙ Supports 802.11ac
	∙ WiFi 6 pre-certified
	∙ Supports Bluetooth® 5.1, FIPS, FISMA
	∙ Intel® Z490 Chipset
	▪ 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps ports (2 Type-A ports on the
	back panel, 1 Type-C internal connector)
	▪ 6x USB 2.0 ports (2 Type-A ports on the back panel, 4
	ports through the internal USB 2.0 connectors)
USB	∙ ASMedia® ASM1074 Chipset
	▪ 8x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports (4 Type-A ports on the
	back panel, 4 ports through the internal USB 3.2 Gen 1
	5Gbps connectors)
	∙ Intel® JHL7540 Thunderbolt™ 3 Controller
	▪ 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-C ports on the back
	panel
	∙ 1x Flash BIOS button
	∙ 1x Clear CMOS button
	∙ 1 x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port
	∙ 2 x USB 2.0 ports
	∙ 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Type-A ports
Back Panel	∙ 2 x LAN (RJ45) ports
	∙ 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-A ports
Connectors	∙ 2 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) ports
	▪ Supports Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort 1.4 video
	output
	▪ Supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 device
	∙ 2 x Wi-Fi Antenna connectors
	∙ 5 x OFC audio jacks
	∙ 1 x Optical S/PDIF Out connector
	Continued on next page

6 Specifications

Continued from previous page

	∙ 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
	∙ 2x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors
	∙ 1x 6-pin ATX PCIE power connector
	∙ 6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
	∙ 3x M.2 slots (M-Key)
	∙ 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-C port
	∙ 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps connectors (supports additional 4
	USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports)
	∙ 2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0
	ports)
Internal Connectors	∙ 1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
	∙ 1x 4-pin water-pump fan connector
	∙ 8x 4-pin system fan connectors
	∙ 1x 3-pin Water Flow connector
	∙ 1x Front panel audio connector
	∙ 2x System panel connectors
	∙ 1x Chassis Intrusion connector
	∙ 2x 2-pin Thermal Sensors connectors
	∙ 1xTPM module connector
	∙ 1x 4-pin RGB LED connector
	∙ 2x 3-pin RAINBOW LED connectors
	∙ 1x 3-pin CORSAIR LED connector
	∙ 1x OC Retry button
Internal Buttons	∙ 1x OC Fail Save button
	∙ 1x Power button
	∙ 1x Reset button
Internal Pinheader	∙ 1x JBLK_U1 pinheader
	∙ 1x JRATIO_U1 pinheader
Switches	∙ 1x Multi-BIOS switch
	∙ 1x EZ LED Control switch
Jumper	∙ 1x Slow mode jumper
	∙ 2x Low Temperature Booting jumpers
	∙ 1x Clear CMOS jumper
	Continued on next page

Specifications 7

		Continued from previous page
	Debug LED	∙ 1x 2-Digit Debug Code LED
		∙ 4x EZ Debug LED
	Display Panel	DYNAMIC DASHBOARD
		∙ Displays system information
	I/O Controller	NUVOTON NCT6687 Controller Chip
		∙ CPU/System temperature detection
	Hardware Monitor	∙ CPU/System fan speed detection
		∙ CPU/System fan speed control
		∙ Water Flow detection
	Form Factor	∙ E-ATX Form Factor
		∙ 12 in. x 10.9 in. (30.5 cm x 27.7 cm)
		∙ Dual BIOS
	BIOS Features	∙ 2x 256 Mb flash
		∙ UEFI AMI BIOS
		∙ ACPI 6.2, SMBIOS 2.8
		∙ Multi-language
		∙ Drivers
		∙ DRAGON CENTER
		∙ Nahimic Audio
	Software	∙ CPU-Z MSI GAMING
		∙ MSI APP Player (BlueStacks)
		∙ Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility
		∙ Google Chrome™, Google Toolbar, Google Drive
		∙ Norton™ Internet Security Solution
		Continued on next page

8 Specifications

Continued from previous page

	∙ Gaming Mode
	∙ Gaming Hotkey
	∙ LAN Manager
	∙ Mystic Light
	∙ Ambient Link
Dragon Center	∙ User Scenario
	∙ Hardware Monitor
Features	∙ True Color
	∙ Live Update	Please refer to http://download.msi.
	∙ DPC Latency tuner	com/manual/mb/DRAGONCENTER2.
		pdf for more details.
	∙ Speed Up
	∙ Smart Tool
	∙ Super Charger
	∙ Voice Boost
	∙ Audio
	▪ Audio Boost HD
	▪ Nahimic 3
Special Features	▪ Voice Boost
	∙ Network
	▪ 10G Super LAN
	▪ 2.5G LAN
	▪ LAN Manager
	▪ Intel WiFi 6
	Continued on next page

Specifications 9

Continued from previous page

	∙ Cooling
	▪ Stacked Fin Array
	▪ Frozr Heatsink Design
	▪ MOSFET Baseplate
	▪ M.2 Shield Frozr
	▪ Pump Fan
	▪ Smart Fan Control
	∙ Performance
	▪ Multi GPU – SLI Technology
	▪ Multi GPU – CrossFire Technology
	▪ DDR4 Boost
Special Features	▪ Core Boost
	▪ Game Boost
	▪ Thunderbolt 3
	▪ USB 3.2 Gen 2 10G
	▪ USB with Type A+C
	▪ Front USB Type-C
	▪ Dual CPU Power (8+8pin)
	∙ LED
	▪ Mystic Light 3
	▪ Mystic Light Extension (RAINBOW/CORSAIR/RGB)
	▪ Mystic Light Sync
	▪ Ambient Link
	▪ EZ LED Control
	▪ EZ DEBUG LED
	Continued on next page

10 Specifications

Continued from previous page

	∙ Protection
	▪ DDR4 Steel Armor
	▪ PCI-E Steel Armor
	▪ Pre-installed I/O Shielding
	▪ Chest Plate
Special Features	∙ Experience
	▪ Dynamic Dashboard II
	▪ Smart Button
	▪ Dragon Center
	▪ Click BIOS 5
	▪ System Saver
	▪ Flash BIOS Button

JCORSAIR1 Connector Specification

Supporting CORSAIR RGB Products	Maximum connection
Lighting Node PRO LED Strip	20*
	* 20% brightness is recommended when the number of
	LED strips exceeds 8.
HD120 RGB Fan	6
SP120 RGB Fan	6
LL120 RGB Fan	6

Specifications 11

Package contents

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

Motherboard	MEG Z490 GODLIKE
	SATA 6G cables (2 cables/pack)	3
Cable	LED JRGB Y cable	1
	LED JCORSAIR cable	1
	LED JRAINBOW cable	1
	Thermistor cable	2
	Wi-Fi Antenna	1
	M.2 XPANDER-Z GEN4 S	1
Accessories	M.2 screws (3 pcs./pack)	1
	Dragon Badge	1
	SATA cable stickers	1
	Product registration card	1
Application	USB drive with drivers & utilities	1
Documentation	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.

12 Package contents

Rear I/O Panel

	PS/2 Combo port			2.5 Gbps LAN Flash BIOS Port		Audio Ports
Clear CMOS		USB 3.2 Gen 1			10 Gbps LAN
		(5Gbps) Type-A
button
Flash BIOS				USB 3.2 Gen 2	Thunderbolt 3	Optical
Button	USB 2.0 Type-A			(10Gbps)Type-A		S/PDIF-Out
					(USB Type-C)Wi-Fi Antenna
					connectors
∙ Clear CMOS button - Power off your computer. Press and hold the Clear CMOS
button for about 5-10 seconds to reset BIOS to default values.
∙ Flash BIOS Port/ Button			- Please refer to page 54 for Updating BIOS with Flash BIOS
Button.
LAN Port LED Status Table

Link/ Activity LED

Status	Description
Off	No link
Yellow (2.5Gb LAN)	Linked
Green (10Gb LAN)
Blinking	Data activity

Speed LED

Status	2.5 Gbps LAN	10 Gbps LAN
Off	10 Mbps
Green	100 Mbps /	100 Mbps / 1 Gbps
	1 Gbps
Orange	2.5 Gbps	10 Gbps

	Audio Ports Configuration		Channel
	Audio Ports
		2	4	6	8
	Center/ Sub-woofer Out			●	●
	Rear Speaker Out		●	●	●

Line-In/ Side Speaker Out

●

Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out	●	●	●	●
Mic In
(●: connected, Blank: empty)

Rear I/O Panel 13

Realtek Audio Console

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

Application Enhancement

Device

Selection

Main Volume

Connector Settings	Jack		Status

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

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

∙Main Volume - controls the volume or balance the right/left side of the speakers that you plugged in front or rear panel by adjust the bar.

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

∙Connector Settings - configures the connection settings.

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.

14 Rear I/O Panel

Audio jacks to headphone and microphone diagram

Audio jacks to stereo speakers diagram

AUDIO INPUT

Audio jacks to 7.1-channel speakers diagram

AUDIO INPUT

Rear	Front
Side	Center/
	Subwoofer

Rear I/O Panel 15

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.

16 Rear I/O Panel

Overview of Components

SYS_FAN1

M2_1

PCI_E1

JSMB1

M2_2

PCI_E2

PCI_E3

M2_3

PCI_E4

JAUD1

	CPU Socket	DIMMA1		PUMP_FAN1
CPU_PWR2		DIMMA2
CPU_PWR1	CPU_FAN1		DIMMB1 SYS_FAN2
			DIMMB2
					JRAINBOW2
					SYS_FAN3
					T_SEN1
					JCORSAIR1
					ATX_PWR1
					JUSB1
					SYS_FAN4
					SYS_FAN5
					JUSB2
					JSLOW1
					JUSB3
					SATA▼1▲2
					SATA▼3▲4
					SATA▼5▲6
					JFP2
					JBAT1
JRGB1		JUSB5		JCI1	JRAINBOW1
JLN1	JUSB4			JFP1
JLN2	SYS_FAN6			W_FLOW1
SYS_FAN8	BIOS_SW1
T_SEN2	JPWRLED1
SYS_FAN7
		RESET1		JBLK_U1	POWER1
		LED_SW1			JRATIO_U1
	PCIE_PWR1			OC_FS1 OC_RT1
				JTPM1

Overview of Components 17

CPU Socket

Distance from the center of the

CPU to the nearest DIMM slot.

50.77 mm

Introduction to the LGA 1200 CPU

The surface of the LGA 1200 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

∙ If you purchased a separate CPU and heatsink/ cooler, Please refer to the documentation in the heatsink/ cooler package for more details about installation. ∙ This motherboard is designed to support overclocking. Before attempting to overclock, please make sure that all other system components can tolerate overclocking. Any attempt to operate beyond product specifications is not recommended. MSI® does not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate operation beyond product specifications.

18 Overview of Components

DIMM Slots

DIMMA1

DIMMB1

Channel A

Channel B

DIMMA2

DIMMB2

Memory module installation recommendation

		DIMMA1
DIMMA2	DIMMA2	DIMMA2
		DIMMB1
	DIMMB2	DIMMB2

Important

∙ Always insert memory modules in the DIMMA2 slot first.

∙ To ensure system stability for Dual channel mode, memory modules must be of the same type, number and density.

∙ Some memory modules may operate at a lower frequency than the marked value when overclocking due to the memory frequency operates dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD). Go to BIOS and find the DRAM Frequency to set the memory frequency if you want to operate the memory at the marked or at a higher frequency. ∙ It is recommended to use a more efficient memory cooling system for full DIMMs installation or overclocking.

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

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

Overview of Components 19

PCI_E4: PCIe 3.0 x4 (PCH)

PCI_E1~4: PCIe Expansion Slots

PCI_E1: PCIe 3.0 x16 (CPU)

PCI_E2: PCIe 3.0 x8 (CPU)

PCI_E3: PCIe 3.0 x1 (PCH)

Important

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

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

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

PCIe bandwidth configuration table for PCIe & M.2 slots

Slot			Single				2-Way		3-Way*
PCI_E1 (CPU)		@ 3.0 x16					@ 3.0 x8		@ 3.0 x8
PCI_E2 (CPU)			—				@ 3.0 x8		@3.0 x8
PCI_E3 (PCH)			3.0 x1				3.0 x1		3.0 x1
PCI_E4 (PCH)	3.0		3.0		—	3.0	3.0	—	@3.0 x4
	x4		x1			x4	x1
M2_1 (CPU)			3.0 x4				3.0 x4		3.0 x4
M2_2 (PCH)			3.0 x4				3.0 x4		3.0 x4
M2_3 (PCH)	—	3.0			3.0	—	3.0	3.0	—
					x4			x4
			x2		(Note)		x2	(Note)

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

Note 1: You need to set the 3.0 x4 mode in BIOS for installed M.2 device to operate PCIe 3.0 x4 speed.

Note 2: PCI_E4 will only operate at 3.0x1 speed and M2_3 will only operate at 3.0x2 speed when both PCI_E4 is occupied with PCIE x4 card and M2_3 in use.

20 Overview of Components