MSI X299 SLI Plus User Manual
Unpacking
Thank you for buying the MSI® X299 SLI PLUS motherboard. Check to make sure your
motherboard box contains the following items. If something is missing, contact your
dealer as soon as possible.
Motherboard
I/O Shield
Drivers & Utilities
Disc
SLI Bridge
Connector
Motherboard User
Guide
SATA Cable x2
Unpacking
1
Safety Information
y The components included in this package are prone to damage from electrostatic
discharge (ESD). Please adhere to the following instructions to ensure successful
computer assembly.
y Ensure that all components are securely connected. Loose connections may cause
the computer to not recognize a component or fail to start.
y Hold the motherboard by the edges to avoid touching sensitive components.
y It is recommended to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when
handling the motherboard to prevent electrostatic damage. If an ESD wrist strap is
not available, discharge yourself of static electricity by touching another metal object
before handling the motherboard.
y Store the motherboard in an electrostatic shielding container or on an anti-static pad
whenever the motherboard is not installed.
y Before turning on the computer, ensure that there are no loose screws or metal
components on the motherboard or anywhere within the computer case.
y Do not boot the computer before installation is completed. This could cause
permanent damage to the components as well as injury to the user.
y If you need help during any installation step, please consult a certified computer
technician.
y Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet
before installing or removing any computer component.
y Keep this user guide for future reference.
y Keep this motherboard away from humidity.
y Make sure that your electrical outlet provides the same voltage as is indicated on the
PSU, before connecting the PSU to the electrical outlet.
y Place the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not place anything
over the power cord.
y All cautions and warnings on the motherboard should be noted.
y If any of the following situations arises, get the motherboard checked by service
personnel:
Liquid has penetrated into the computer.
The motherboard has been exposed to moisture.
The motherboard does not work well or you can not get it work according to user
guide.
The motherboard has been dropped and damaged.
The motherboard has obvious sign of breakage.
y Do not leave this motherboard in an environment above 60°C (140°F), it may damage
the motherboard.
Safety Information
2
Quick Start
Preparing Tools and Components
Intel® LGA 2066 CPU
DDR4 Memory
SATA DVD Drive
CPU Fan
Chassis
SATA Hard Disk Drive
Thermal Paste
Power Supply Unit
Graphics Card
Phillips Screwdriver
A Package of Screws
Quick Start
3
Installing a Processor
1
3
2
https://youtu.be/ecdkLMmkya4
4
5
6
Quick Start
4
789
10
11
12
13
Installing DDR4 memory
http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs
1
2
2
DIMMC1
3
Quick Start
5
Connecting the Front Panel Header
RESET SW
POWER SW
POWER LED+
POWER LED-
HDD LED
http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI
Quick Start
6
2 10
1
JFP1
1 HDD LED + 2 Power LED +
3 HDD LED - 4 Power LED -
5 Reset Switch 6 Power Switch
9
7 Reset Switch 8 Power Switch
9 Reserved 10 No Pin
HDD LED
POWER LED
RESET SW
HDD LED
JFP1
HDD LED HDD LED +
POWER LED POWER LED +
Installing the Motherboard
1
2
Quick Start
7
Installing SATA Drives
http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc
2
1
3
Quick Start
8
5
4
Installing a Graphics Card
http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A
1
3
2
5
4
6
Quick Start
9
Connecting Peripheral Devices
10
Quick Start
Connecting the Power Connectors
http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4
ATX_PWR1
CPU_PWR1
Quick Start
11
Power On
1
2
3
12
4
Quick Start
Contents
Unpacking .............................................................................................................. 1
Safety Information ................................................................................................. 2
Quick Start ............................................................................................................. 3
Preparing Tools and Components .......................................................................... 3
Installing a Processor ............................................................................................. 4
Installing DDR4 memory ........................................................................................ 5
Connecting the Front Panel Header ....................................................................... 6
Installing the Motherboard ..................................................................................... 7
Installing SATA Drives............................................................................................. 8
Installing a Graphics Card ...................................................................................... 9
Connecting Peripheral Devices ............................................................................ 10
Connecting the Power Connectors ....................................................................... 11
Power On............................................................................................................... 12
Specifications ....................................................................................................... 16
Block Diagram .................................................................................................... 22
Rear I/O Panel ..................................................................................................... 23
LAN Port LED Status Table................................................................................... 23
Audio Ports Configuration .................................................................................... 23
Realtek HD Audio Manager .................................................................................. 24
Overview of Components .................................................................................... 26
CPU Socket ........................................................................................................... 28
DIMM Slots ............................................................................................................ 29
PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots .......................................................................... 32
PCIe slots bandwidth table ................................................................................... 32
U2_1: U.2 Connector ............................................................................................. 35
M2_1~2: M.2 Slots (Key M) ................................................................................... 36
SATA1~8: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors ....................................................................... 37
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors ................................................................... 38
CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors ....................................................... 39
VRAID1: Virtual RAID on CPU Connector ............................................................. 39
JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors ............................................................................. 40
JUSB3~4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors ................................................................... 40
JUSB5: USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connector ............................................................. 41
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors ................................... 42
JTBT1: Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector ...................................................... 42
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................43
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector ....................................................................... 43
Contents
13
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector ........................................................................... 44
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper ........................................................... 44
BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch ............................................................................. 45
POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button ................................................. 46
JLED1: RGB LED connector ................................................................................. 46
Onboard LEDs ...................................................................................................... 47
EZ Debug LED ....................................................................................................... 47
PCIe x16 slot LEDs................................................................................................ 47
DIMM LEDs ........................................................................................................... 47
XMP LED ............................................................................................................... 47
Fan LEDs ............................................................................................................... 48
Multi-BIOS LEDs ................................................................................................... 48
JPWRLED1: LED light demonstration power input connector ............................ 48
Debug Code LED ................................................................................................... 49
Hexadecimal Character Table .............................................................................. 49
Boot Phases .......................................................................................................... 49
Debug Code LED Table ......................................................................................... 49
ACPI States Codes ................................................................................................ 51
CPU Temperature ................................................................................................. 51
BIOS Setup ........................................................................................................... 52
Entering BIOS Setup ............................................................................................. 52
Resetting BIOS ...................................................................................................... 53
Updating BIOS ....................................................................................................... 53
EZ Mode ................................................................................................................ 55
Advanced Mode .................................................................................................... 57
SETTINGS .............................................................................................................. 58
Advanced ............................................................................................................... 58
Boot ....................................................................................................................... 63
Security ................................................................................................................. 64
Save & Exit ............................................................................................................ 65
OC .......................................................................................................................... 66
M-FLASH .............................................................................................................. 72
OC PROFILE .......................................................................................................... 73
Software Description ........................................................................................... 74
Installing Windows® 10 ......................................................................................... 74
Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 74
Installing Utilities ................................................................................................. 74
APP MANAGER ..................................................................................................... 75
LIVE UPDATE 6 ...................................................................................................... 76
COMMAND CENTER ............................................................................................. 78
14
Contents
X-BOOST ............................................................................................................... 82
MYSTICLIGHT ........................................................................................................ 84
MSI SMART TOOL ................................................................................................. 86
RAMDISK............................................................................................................... 88
NETWORK MANAGER ........................................................................................... 89
®
Intel
Extreme Tuning Utility ................................................................................ 91
CPU-Z.................................................................................................................... 92
RAID Configuration .............................................................................................. 93
Using Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM ........................................... 93
Degraded RAID Array ........................................................................................... 96
M.2 PCIe SSD RAID ............................................................................................... 98
Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration ............................................................ 101
System Requirements ....................................................................................... 101
Installing the Intel
Removing the Intel
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 104
®
Optane™ memory .............................................................. 101
®
Optane™ memory ............................................................. 103
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................ 105
Contents
15
Specifications
CPU
Chipset Intel
Memory
Expansion Slots
LGA2066 Socket
supports up to 4-channels DDR4**
supports up to 2-channels DDR4**
* For the latest information about memory, please visit http://www.msi.com
** Please refer the DIMM Slots section for more details.
* Please refer to page 32 for PCIe 3.0 bandwidth table.
®
y Supports Intel
®
X299 Chipset
Core™ X-Series Processor Family for
y 8x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 128GB*
X-series processor support DDR4 4266+(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/ 2400/ 2133 MHz*
y Quad channel memory architecture with the CPU that
y Dual channel memory architecture with the CPU that
y Supports Intel
®
Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
y 4x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
Support x16/x16/x8 mode with the 44-lane CPU.*
Support x16/x8/x4 modes with the 28-lane CPU.*
Support x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4 modes with the 16-lane
CPU.*
y 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
Specifications
16
Multi-GPU
LAN
y Supports NVIDIA
y Supports AMD
®
SLI™ Technology
®
CrossFire™ Technology
1x Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN controller
1x Intel I211 Gigabit LAN controller
Continued on next page
Storage
RAID
Continued from previous page
®
X299 Chipset
Intel
y 8x SATA 6Gb/s ports*
y 2x 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
®
Intel
Optane™ Memory Ready for all M.2 slots **
y 1x U.2 port ***
Supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe storage
y Supports Intel
* M.2 slots and SATA ports share the same bandwidth. Please refer to page 38
for U.2, M.2 & SATA combination table.
** Please refer to page 101 for Intel
*** PCI_E2 shares bandwidth with U2_1. If you install a PCE_E2 device, the U2_1
will be disabled.
**** The functions will be supported depend on the CPU.
®
Intel
X299 Chipset
®
Smart Response Technology ****
®
Optane™ Memory Configuration.
y Supports RAID 0, RAID1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA
storage devices
y Supports RAID 0 and RAID1 for M.2 PCIe storage devices*
* M.2 PCIe RAID volume can be created with M.2/Optane Genie. Please refer to
page 98 for Creating a M.2 PCIe SSD RAID with M.2/Optane Genie.
USB
®
y ASMedia
ASM3142 Chipset
3x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) ports
(1 Type-A port and 1 Type-C port on the back panel,
1 Type-C port available through the internal USB
connector)
y ASMedia
®
ASM1074 Chipset
3x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports on the back
panel
®
y Intel
X299 Chipset
5x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports (1 Type-A port
on the back panel, 4 ports available through the internal
USB connectors)
8x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (4 Type-A ports on
the back panel, 4 ports available through the internal
USB connectors)
Continued on next page
Specifications
17
Continued from previous page
y 1x Clear CMOS button
y 1x BIOS FLSAHBACK+ button
y 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port
y 4x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
Back Panel
Connectors
Internal Connectors
Internal Buttons
Switches y 1x Multi-BIOS switch
Jumper
Debug LED y 1x 2-Digit Debug Code LED
1x BIOS FLASHBACK+ port
y 4x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A ports
y 2x LAN (RJ45) ports
y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A port
y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port
y 5x OFC audio jacks
y 1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector
y 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
y 1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
y 8x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
y 2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0
ports)
y 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 3.1
Gen1 ports)
y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port
y 1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
y 1x 4-pin Water Pump connector
y 4x 4-pin system fan connectors
y 2x Front panel connectors
y 1x Front panel audio connector
y 1x RGB LED connector
y 1x TPM module connector
y 1x Virtual RAID on CPU connector
y 1x Thunderbolt add-on card connector
y 1x Power button
y 1x Reset button
y 1x Clear CMOS jumper
y 1x Chassis Intrusion connector
Specifications
18
Continued on next page
Continued from previous page
®
ALC1220 Codec
Audio
y Realtek
y 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
y Supports S/PDIF output
I/O Controller NUVOTON NCT6795 Controller Chip
y CPU/System temperature detection
Hardware Monitor
y CPU/System fan speed detection
y CPU/System fan speed control
Form Factor
BIOS Features
Software
y ATX Form Factor
y 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.3 cm)
y 2x 128 Mb flash
y UEFI AMI BIOS
y ACPI 6.0, SM BIOS 3.0
y Multi-language
y Drivers
y APP MANAGER
y COMMAND CENTER
y LIVE UPDATE 6
y SMART TOOL
y X-BOOST
y SUPER CHARGER
y MYSTIC LIGHT
y RAMDISK
y NETWORK MANAGER
y DPC LATENCY TUNER
y FAST BOOST
y CPU-Z MSI GAMING
y Intel Extreme Tuning Utility
y Norton™ Internet Security Solution
y Google Chrome™ ,Google Toolbar, Google Drive
Continued on next page
Specifications
19
Special Features
Continued from previous page
y Audio
Audio Boost 4
y Network
Intel LAN with Network Manager
Dual LAN
y Storage
Turbo U.2
Twin Turbo M.2
y Fan
Pump Fan
Smart Fan Control
y LED
Mystic Light
Mystic Light Extension
Mystic light SYNC
EZ DEBUG LED
y Protection
M.2 Shield
PCI-E Steel Armor
U.2 Steel Armor
y Performance
Multi GPU – SLI Technology
Multi GPU – CrossFire Technology
DDR4 Boost
OC Engine (Clock gen)
USB with Type A+C
Lightning USB with ASM3142
Front Lightning USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C
Specifications
20
Continued on next page
Special Features
Continued from previous page
y Stability
Military Class 6
7000+ Quality Test
y VR
VR Ready
y BIOS
Click BIOS 5
BIOS FLASHBACK+
Dual BIOS
y Certification
Quadro SLI Ready
Quadro Ready
Specifications
21
Block Diagram
PCI Express Bus
2/ 4 Channel DDR4 Memory
Processor
PCIEx4
1x U.2
2x M.2
8x SATA 6Gb/s
5x USB 3.1 Gen1
8x USB 2.0
Switch
DMI 3.0
Switch
NV6795
Super I/O
PCIE Bus
P/S2 Mouse / Keyboard
X299 PCH
PCIE Bus
PCIE Bus
Realtek
ALC1220
(Rear + Front)
Audio Jacks
PCIe x1 slot
PCIe x1 slot
x2
ASMEDIA
ASM3142
ASMEDIA
ASM1074
3x USB 3.1 Gen2
3x USB 3.1 Gen1
Intel I219-V
Gigabit LAN
Intel I211
Gigabit LAN
Block Diagram
22
Rear I/O Panel
PS/2
Clear CMOS
LAN
Audio Ports
BIOS
FLSAHBACK+
button
USB 2.0/
USB 2.0
USB 3.1 Gen1
USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A
USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C
Optical S/PDIF-Out
BIOS FLASHBACK+
port
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+ port/ button - Please refer to page 54 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
Center/ Subwoofer Out ● ●
Rear Speaker Out ● ● ●
Line-In/ Side Speaker Out ●
Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out ● ● ● ●
Mic In
(●: connected, Blank: empty)
Channel
2 4 6 8
Rear I/O Panel
23
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
Enhancement
Main Volume
Profiles
Jack Status
Connector
Settings
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 Profiles - toggles between profiles.
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.
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
Overview of Components
DIMMA2
DIMMA1
DIMMB2
DIMMB1
PCI_E1
M2_1
PCI_E2
PCI_E3
PCI_E4
M2_2
PCI_E5
PCI_E6
JPWRLED1
SYS_FAN1
JAUD1
CPU_PWR1
JLED1
SYS_FAN2
SYS_FAN3
SYS_FAN4
JTPM1
POWER1
RESET1
CPU Socket
JBAT1
JFP1
PUMP_FAN1
JTBT1
JUSB1
JCI1
CPU_FAN1
JFP2
JUSB2
VRAID1
DIMMD1
DIMMD2
DIMMC1
DIMMC2
ATX_PWR1
JUSB4
JUSB5
JUSB3
SATA▼1▲2
SATA▼3▲4
SATA▼5▲6
U2_1
BIOS_SW1
SATA7
SATA8
Overview of Components
26
Component Contents
Port Name Port Type Page
BIOS_SW1 Multi-BIOS Switch 45
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_
FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4
CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1 Power Connectors 39
CPU Socket LGA2066 CPU Socket 28
DIMMA1~DIMMD2 DIMM Slots 29
JAUD1 Front Audio Connector 43
JBAT1 Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper 44
JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector 43
JFP1, JFP2 Front Panel Connectors 38
JLED1 RGB LED connector 46
JPWRLED1 LED light demonstration power input connector 48
JTBT1 Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector 42
JTPM1 TPM Module Connector 44
JUSB1~2 USB 2.0 Connectors 40
JUSB3~4 USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors 40
JUSB5 USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connector 41
M2_1~2 M.2 Slots (Key M) 36
PCI_E1~6 PCIe Expansion Slots 32
POWER1, RESET1 Power Button, Reset Button 46
SATA1~8 SATA 6Gb/s Connectors 37
U2_1 U.2 Connector 35
VRAID1 Virtual RAID on CPU Connector 39
Fan Connectors 42
Overview of Components
27
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
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
28
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
5 DIMMs
6 DIMMs
7 DIMMs
8 DIMMs
Supports 4-channels
memory architecture
DIMMC1
DIMMA1
DIMMC1
Overview of Components
29
DIMMA1
DIMMB1
DIMMC1
DIMMA1
DIMMB1
DIMMD1
DIMMC1
DIMMA2
DIMMA1
DIMMB1
DIMMC1
DIMMC2
DIMMD1
DIMMA1
DIMMB2
DIMMB1
DIMMA2
DIMMC2
Important
y
Always insert a memory module in the DIMMC1 slot first.
y
To 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.
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
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 modules depend on installed CPU
and devices when overclocking.
Overview of Components
30
DIMMD1
DIMMD2
DIMMC1
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