MSI X299 GAMING PRO CARBON, X299 GAMING PRO CARBON AC Quick Start [ml]

Quick Start

Thank you for purchasing the MSI® X299 GAMING PRO CARBON/ X299 GAMING PRO CARBON AC 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® X299 GAMING PRO CARBON/ X299 GAMING PRO CARBON AC 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® X299 GAMING PRO CARBON/ X299 GAMING PRO CARBON AC. 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® X299

GAMING PRO CARBON/ X299 GAMING PRO CARBON AC. 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 веббраузере 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

	1
3	2

https://youtu.be/ecdkLMmkya4

4

	5
		6
9	8	7

10

11

13	12

II Quick Start

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

http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs

1

	2
2	3

DIMMC1

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

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

<![if ! IE]>

<![endif]>RESETSW

<![if ! IE]>

<![endif]>HDDLED

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

IV Quick Start

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

1

2

Quick Start V

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

1 http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc

2	3

5

4

VI Quick Start

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

http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A

1

3

2

5

4

6

Quick Start VII

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

(Optional)

VIII Quick Start

Connecting the Power Connectors/ Stromanschlüsse

anschliessen/ Connecter les câbles du module d’alimentation/

Подключениеразъемовпитания

http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

ATX_PWR1	CPU_PWR1

CPU_PWR2

Quick Start IX

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

1

2

3

4

X Quick Start

Contents
Safety Information.................................................................................................	2
Specifications.........................................................................................................	3
Rear I/O Panel .......................................................................................................	9
LAN Port LED Status Table.....................................................................................	9
Audio Ports Configuration ......................................................................................	9
Realtek HD Audio Manager ..................................................................................	10
Installing Antennas (Optional)..............................................................................	12
Overview of Components ....................................................................................	13
CPU Socket ...........................................................................................................	14
DIMM Slots............................................................................................................	15
PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots..........................................................................	18
PCIe slots bandwidth table...................................................................................	18
U2_1: U.2 Connector.............................................................................................	20
M2_1~2: M.2 Slots (Key M) ...................................................................................	21
SATA1~8: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors .......................................................................	22
OC1: GAME BOOST Knob .....................................................................................	24
JSLOW1: Slow Mode Booting Jumper..................................................................	25
CPU_PWR1~2, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors ...................................................	26
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors ...................................................................	27
JUSB1, JUSB3: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors...........................................................	27
JUSB2: USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connector.............................................................	28
JUSB4~5: USB 2.0 Connectors.............................................................................	29
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector...........................................................................	29
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors...................................	30
VRAID1: Virtual RAID on CPU Connector .............................................................	30
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................	31
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector.......................................................................	31
BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch .............................................................................	32
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper ...........................................................	33
POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button .................................................	33
JLED1: RGB LED connector .................................................................................	34
LED light effect demonstration components .......................................................	34
Onboard LEDs......................................................................................................	35
BIOS Setup...........................................................................................................	41
Software Description...........................................................................................	56
Installing Windows® 10.........................................................................................	56
Installing Drivers ..................................................................................................	56
Installing Utilities .................................................................................................	56

Contents 1

Safety Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

yKeep this user guide for future reference.

yKeep this motherboard away from humidity.

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

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

yAll cautions and warnings on the motherboard should be noted.

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

Liquid has penetrated into the computer.

The motherboard has been exposed to moisture.

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

The motherboard has been dropped and damaged.

The motherboard has obvious sign of breakage.

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

2 Safety Information

Specifications

	CPU	ySupports Intel® Core™ X-Series Processor Family for
		LGA2066 Socket
	Chipset	Intel® X299 Chipset
		y8x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 128GB*
		yQuad channel memory architecture with the CPU that
		supports up to 4-channels DDR4**
		X-series processor support DDR4 4133(OC)/ 4000(OC)/
		3866(OC)/ 3800(OC)/ 3733(OC)/ 3600(OC)/ 3466(OC)/
		3400(OC)/ 3333(OC)/ 3200(OC)/ 3000(OC)/ 2933(OC)/
		2800(OC)/ 2667/ 2400/ 2133 MHz*
	Memory	yDual channel memory architecture with the CPU that
		supports up to 2-channels DDR4**
		X-series processor support DDR4 4500(OC)/ 4400(OC)/
		4333(OC)/ 4266(OC)/ 4200(OC)/ 4133(OC)/ 4000(OC)/
		3866(OC)/ 3800(OC)/ 3733(OC)/ 3600(OC)/ 3466(OC)/
		3400(OC)/ 3333(OC)/ 3200(OC)/ 3000(OC)/ 2933(OC)/
		2800(OC)/ 2667/ 2400/ 2133 MHz*
		ySupports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
		* For the latest information about memory, please visit http://www.msi.com
		** Please refer the DIMM Slots section for more details.
		y4x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
		Support x16/ x4/ x16/ x8 mode with the 44-lane CPU.*
		Support x16/ x4/ x8/ x0, x8/ x4/ x8/ x8 modes with the
	Expansion Slots	28-lane CPU.*
		Support x8/ x0/ x8/ x0, x8/ x4/ x4/ x0 modes with the
		16-lane CPU.*
		y2x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
		* Please refer to page 18 for PCIe 3.0 bandwidth table.
	Multi-GPU	ySupports AMD® CrossFire™ Technology
		ySupports NVIDIA® SLI™ Technology
		yRealtek® ALC1220 Codec
	Audio	y7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
		ySupports S/PDIF output
	LAN	1x Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN controller
		Continued on next page

Specifications 3

	Continued from previous page
	yIntel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 module (optional)
	The Wireless module is pre-install in the M2_3 (Key-E)
Wirsless LAN &	slot.
Bluetooth®	Supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual band (2.4GHz,
(Optional)	5GHz) up to 867 Mbps speed.
	Supports Dual Mode Bluetooth® 2.1, 2.1+EDR, 3.0, 4.0,
	BLE, 4.2
	yASMedia® ASM3142 Chipset
	1x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) Type-A port
	on the back panel
	2x USB 3.1 Gen2 (Super Speed USB 10Gbps) Type-C
	ports(1 port on the back panel, 1 port available through
	the internal USB connector)
	yASMedia® ASM1074 HUB
USB	3x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) Type-A ports on the
	back panel
	yIntel® X299 Chipset
	5x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports (1 port on the
	back panel, 4 ports available through the internal USB
	connectors)
	7x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (3 ports on the
	back panel, 4 ports available through the internal USB
	connectors)
	Intel® X299 Chipset
	y8x SATA 6Gb/s ports*
	y2x M.2 slots (Key M)*
	Supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s
	M2_1 slot supports 2242/ 2260 /2280 storage devices
	M2_2 slot supports 2242/ 2260 /2280/ 22110 storage
	devices
Storage	Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready**
	y1x U.2 port *
	Supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe storage
	ySupports Intel® Smart Response Technology***
	* M.2 slots, U.2 port and SATA ports share the same bandwidth. Please refer to
	page 22 for U.2, M.2 & SATA combination table.
	** Please refer to the Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration Guide on MSI
	website.
	***The functions will be supported depend on the CPU.
	Continued on next page

4 Specifications

	Continued from previous page
	Intel® X299 Chipset
	ySupports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA
RAID	storage devices
	ySupports RAID 0 and RAID 1 for M.2 storage devices*
	* M.2 PCIe RAID volume can be created with M.2/Optane Genie.
	y1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
	y1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
	y1x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
	y8x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
	y3x M.2 slots (Key M x2, Key E x1)
	y1x U.2 port
	y2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0
	ports)
	y2x USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 3.1
	Gen1 ports)
	y1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port
	y1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
	y1x 4-pin Water Pump connector
Internal Connectors	y4x 4-pin system fan connectors
	y1x Front panel audio connector
	y2x Front panel connectors
	y1x TPM module connector
	y1x Chassis Intrusion connector
	y1x Clear CMOS jumper
	y1x Slow mode booting jumper
	y1x GAME BOOST knob
	y1x Power button
	y1x Reset button
	y1x Multi-BIOS switch
	y1x RGB LED connector
	y1x Virtual RAID on CPU connector
	Continued on next page

Specifications 5

Continued from previous page

		y1x Clear CMOS button
		y1x BIOS FLASHBACK+ button
		y1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port
		y3x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
	Back Panel	y2x Wi-Fi Antenna connectors (optional)
		y4x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A ports
	Connectors
		y1x LAN (RJ45) port
		y1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A port
		y1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port
		y1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector
		y5x OFC audio jacks
	I/O Controller	NUVOTON NCT6795 Controller Chip
		yCPU/System temperature detection
	Hardware Monitor	yCPU/System fan speed detection
		yCPU/System fan speed control
	Form Factor	yATX Form Factor
		y12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
		y2x 128 Mb flash
	BIOS Features	yUEFI AMI BIOS
		yACPI 6.0, PnP 1.0a, SM BIOS 3.0
		yMulti-language
		Continued on next page

6 Specifications

Continued from previous page

	yDrivers
	yAPP MANAGER
	ySUPER CHARGER
	yCOMMAND CENTER
	yLIVE UPDATE 6
	yMSI SMART TOOL
	yDRAGON EYE
	yGAMING APP
	yX-BOOST
	yMYSTIC LIGHT
	yRAMDISK
Software	yGAMING LAN Manager
	yFAST BOOT
	yNahimic Audio
	yXSplit Gamecaster V2
	yTridef VR & Smart Cam
	ySteelSeries Engine 3
	yWTFast*
	yCPU-Z MSI GAMING
	yIntel® Extreme Tuning Utility
	yGoogle Chrome™,Google Toolbar, Google Drive
	yNorton™ Internet Security Solution
	* This offer is valid for a limited period only, for more information please visit
	www.msi.com
	yAudio Boost 4
	yNahimic 2
	yGAMING LAN with Gaming LAN Manager
MSI Special	yIntel WiFi (Optional)
Features	yTurbo U.2
	yTwin Turbo M.2
	yPump Fan
	ySmart Fan Control
	Continued on next page

Specifications 7

Continued from previous page

MSI Special

Features

yMystic Light

yMystic Light Extension

yMystic light SYNC

yEZ DEBUG LED

yDDR4 Steel Armor

yM.2 Shield

yPCI-E Steel Armor

yU.2 Steel Armor

yVR Cover

yMuitl GPU - SLI Technology

yMuitl GPU - CrossFire Technology

yDDR4 Boost

yGAME Boost

yOC Engine

yUSB with Type A+C

yLightning USB

yFront Lightning USB

yMilitary Class 5

y7000+ Quality Test

yVR Boost

yVR Ready

yGAMING HOTKEY

yGAMING MOUSE Control

yClick BIOS 5

yBIOS FLASHBACK+

yDual BIOS

yQuadro SLI Ready

yQuadro Ready

yGAMING Certified

ySteelSeries Certified

8 Specifications

Rear I/O Panel

Wi-Fi Antenna
connectors (Optional)	Audio Ports

Clear CMOS	PS/2	LAN
button

BIOS FLASHBACK+	USB 2.0/		USB 3.1 Gen2 Optical
button	BIOS FLASHBACK+		Type-C	S/PDIF-Out
USB 2.0		USB 3.1 Gen1		USB 3.1 Gen2
		Type-A		Type-A

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

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

LAN Port LED Status Table

Link/ Activity LED

Status	Description
Off	No link
Yellow	Linked
Blinking	Data activity

Speed LED

Status	Description
Off	10 Mbps connection
Green	100 Mbps connection
Orange	1 Gbps connection

Audio Ports Configuration

Audio Ports

Channel

2

4

6

8

Center/ Subwoofer Out

●

●

Rear Speaker Out

●

●

●

Line-In/ Side Speaker Out

●

Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out

●

●

●

●

Mic In

(●: connected, Blank: empty)

Rear I/O Panel 9

Realtek HD Audio Manager

After installing the Realtek HD Audio driver, the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon will appear in the system tray. Double click on the icon to launch.

Device

Selection

Advanced

Settings

Application

Jack Status

Enhancement

Main Volume

Connector

Strings

Profiles

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

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

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

yProfiles - toggles between profiles.

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

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

yConnector Settings - configures the connection settings.

Auto popup dialog

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

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

10 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 11

Installing Antennas (Optional)

1. Screw the antennas tight to the Wi-Fi antenna connectors as shown.

2. Place the antennas as high as possible.

12 Rear I/O Panel

Overview of Components

	DIMMB1 CPU_FAN1 CPU_PWR2
	DIMMB2			PUMP_FAN1
	DIMMA1 CPU_PWR1
	DIMMA2	CPU Socket			SYS_FAN1
					DIMMC2
					DIMMC1
					DIMMD2
					DIMMD1
					ATX_PWR1
					JUSB1
	M2_1				JCI1
					JUSB2
	JBAT1
					M2_2
	PCI_E1
	PCI_E2				JUSB3
					JFP2
	PCI_E3				SATA▼1▲2
					SATA▼3▲4
	PCI_E4				SATA▼5▲6
	PCI_E5				BIOS_SW1
					U2_1
	PCI_E6				JSLOW1
	JPWRLED1				SATA7
					SATA8
	JAUD1				OC1
					RESET1
	JLED1
				JUSB4	VRAID1
	SYSFAN4
		JSEL1		POWER1
	SYSFAN3
				JUSB5
	SYSFAN2	JTPM1
			JFP1
	DEMOLED1

Overview of Components 13

CPU Socket

Introduction to the LGA 2066 CPU

The surface of the LGA2066 CPU has four alignment keys and a yellow triangle to assist in correctly lining up the CPU for motherboard placement. The yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator.

Important

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14 Overview of Components

DIMM Slots

S/K LED : S/K LED indicates that the installed CPU supports either 4-channels or 2-channels memory architecture.

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

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

B1B2A1A2

C2C1D2D1

Memory module installation recommendation (4-Channels architecture CPU )

	B1	B2	A1	A2	Intel Core X-series CPU	C2	C1	D2	D1
1 DIMM
2 DIMMs
3 DIMMs
4 DIMMs					Supports 4-channels
5 DIMMs					memory architecture
6 DIMMs
7 DIMMs
8 DIMMs

	DIMMA1
DIMMC1	DIMMC1

Overview of Components 15

DIMMD1	DIMMA2	DIMMD1
DIMMA1	DIMMA1
DIMMC1		DIMMC1
DIMMB1	DIMMB1	DIMMC2

DIMMA1	DIMMA2	DIMMD1
	DIMMA1	DIMMD2
DIMMC1	DIMMB2	DIMMC1
DIMMB1	DIMMB1	DIMMC2

Important

yAlways insert a memory module in the DIMMC1 slot first.

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

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

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

yPlease note that the maximum capacity of addressable memory is 4GB or less

for 32-bit Windows OS due to the memory address limitation. Therefore, we recommended that you to install 64-bit Windows OS if you want to install more than 4GB memory on the motherboard.

ySome memory may operate at a lower frequency than the marked value when overclocking due to the memory frequency operates dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD).

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

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

16 Overview of Components

Memory module installation recommendation (2-Channels architecture CPU )

	B1	B2	A1	A2	Intel Core X-series CPU	C2	C1	D2	D1
1 DIMM
2 DIMMs					Supports 2-channels
3 DIMMs					memory architecture
4 DIMMs
DIMMB1, B2, A1 and A2 are un-available

DIMMD1

DIMMC1			DIMMC1

DIMMD1	DIMMD1
	DIMMD2
DIMMC1	DIMMC1
DIMMC2	DIMMC2

Overview of Components 17

PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots

PCI_E1: PCIe 3.0 x16

PCI_E2: PCIe 3.0 x1

PCI_E3: PCIe 3.0 x4

PCI_E4: PCIe 3.0 x16

PCI_E5: PCIe 3.0 x1

PCI_E6: PCIe 3.0 x8

PCIe slots bandwidth table

for 44-lane CPU

Graphics Card		Single		2-Way*	2-Way		3-Way*
PCI_E1		@ 3.0 x16		@ 3.0 x16	@ 3.0 x16		@ 3.0 x16
PCI_E2		3.0 x1		3.0 x1	3.0 x1		3.0 x1
PCI_E3		3.0 x4		3.0 x4	3.0 x4		3.0 x4
PCI_E4		3.0 x16		@ 3.0 x16	3.0 x16		@ 3.0 x16
PCI_E5		3.0 x1		3.0 x1	3.0 x1		3.0 x1
PCI_E6		3.0 x8		3.0 x8	@ 3.0 x8		@ 3.0 x8
(@: graphics card slot, *: best combination)
for 28-lane CPU
Graphics Card		Single		2-Way*	2-Way		3-Way
PCI_E1		@ 3.0 x16		@ 3.0 x16	@ 3.0 x8		@ 3.0 x8
PCI_E2		3.0 x1		3.0 x1	3.0 x1		3.0 x1
PCI_E3		3.0 x4		3.0 x4	3.0 x4		3.0 x4
PCI_E4		3.0 x8		@ 3.0 x8	3.0 x8		@ 3.0 x8
PCI_E5		3.0 x1		3.0 x1	3.0 x1		3.0 x1
PCI_E6		Empty		Empty	@ 3.0 x8		@ 3.0 x8
(@: graphics card slot, *: best combination)
for 16-lane CPU
Graphics Card			Single			2-Way
PCI_E1		@ 3.0 x8		@ 3.0 x8		@ 3.0 x8
PCI_E2		3.0 x1		3.0 x1		3.0 x1
PCI_E3		Empty		3.0 x4		Empty
PCI_E4		3.0 x8		3.0 x4		@ 3.0 x8
PCI_E5		3.0 x1		3.0 x1		3.0 x1
PCI_E6		─		─		─
(@: graphics card slot, ─: unavailable)

18 Overview of Components

Multiple graphics cards installation recommendation

					PCI		_E1
	PCI_E1
							PCI_E4

For 44- & 28-lane CPU

PCI_E1

PCI_E4 PCI_E6

Important

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

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

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

Overview of Components 19

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. http://youtu.be/KgFvKDxymvw

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.

U.2 SSD

U.2 Connector

2

U.2 Cable	3
1

Connect to power adapter cable

20 Overview of Components