MSI X299 Tomahawk User Manual

Unpacking

Thank you for buying the MSI® X299 TOMAHAWK/ X299 TOMAHAWK AC 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

SATA Cable Labels

Drivers & Utilities

Disc

SATA Cable x2

Case Badge

Motherboard User

Guide

SLI HB Bridge M x1

Antenna x2

(Optional)

* These pictures are for reference only and may vary without notice. ** The packing contents may vary according to the country you purchased.

Unpacking

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

Quick Start

Preparing Tools and Components

Intel® LGA 2066 CPU

DDR4 Memory

SATA DVD Drive

CPU Fan Thermal Paste

Chassis

SATA Hard Disk Drive

Power Supply Unit

Graphics Card

Phillips Screwdriver

A Package of Screws

Quick Start

Installing a Processor

https://youtu.be/ecdkLMmkya4

Quick Start

789

Installing DDR4 memory

http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs

DIMMC1

Quick Start

Connecting the Front Panel Header

RESET SW

POWER SW

POWER LED+

POWER LED-

HDD LED

http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI

Quick Start

2 10

JFP1

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

HDD LED

POWER LED

RESET SW

HDD LED

JFP1

HDD LED HDD LED +

POWER LED POWER LED +

Installing the Motherboard

BAT1

Quick Start

Installing SATA Drives

http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc

Quick Start

Installing a Graphics Card

http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A

Quick Start

Connecting Peripheral Devices

(Optional)

Quick Start

Connecting the Power Connectors

http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

ATX_PWR1

CPU_PWR1

Quick Start

Power On

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

Installing Antennas (Optional) .............................................................................. 26

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

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

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

PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots .......................................................................... 33

PCIe slots bandwidth table ................................................................................... 33

U2_1: U.2 Connector ............................................................................................. 36

M2_1~2: M.2 Slots (Key M) ................................................................................... 37

SATA1~8: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors ....................................................................... 38

CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors ....................................................... 40

VRAID1: Virtual RAID on CPU Connector ............................................................. 40

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

JUSB3, JUSB4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors........................................................... 41

JUSB5: USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connector ............................................................. 42

JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors ............................................................................. 43

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector ........................................................................... 43

Contents

CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors ................................... 44

JTBT1: Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector ...................................................... 44

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................45

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector ....................................................................... 45

BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch ............................................................................. 46

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper ........................................................... 47

POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button ................................................. 47

JLED1: RGB LED connector ................................................................................. 48

Onboard LEDs ...................................................................................................... 49

EZ Debug LEDs ..................................................................................................... 49

DIMM LEDs ........................................................................................................... 49

XMP LED ............................................................................................................... 49

Fan LEDs ............................................................................................................... 50

PCIe x16 slot LEDs................................................................................................ 50

Debug Code LED ................................................................................................... 51

Debug Code LED Table ......................................................................................... 51

ACPI States Codes ................................................................................................ 53

CPU Temperature ................................................................................................. 53

BIOS Setup ........................................................................................................... 54

Entering BIOS Setup ............................................................................................. 54

Resetting BIOS ...................................................................................................... 55

Updating BIOS ....................................................................................................... 55

EZ Mode ................................................................................................................ 57

Advanced Mode .................................................................................................... 59

SETTINGS .............................................................................................................. 60

Advanced ............................................................................................................... 60

Boot ....................................................................................................................... 65

Security ................................................................................................................. 66

Save & Exit ............................................................................................................ 67

OC .......................................................................................................................... 68

M-FLASH .............................................................................................................. 74

OC PROFILE .......................................................................................................... 75

Software Description ........................................................................................... 76

Installing Windows® 10 ......................................................................................... 76

Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 76

Installing Utilities ................................................................................................. 76

APP MANAGER ..................................................................................................... 77

LIVE UPDATE 6 ...................................................................................................... 78

COMMAND CENTER ............................................................................................. 80

Contents

GAMING APP ......................................................................................................... 84

X-BOOST ............................................................................................................... 89

MYSTICLIGHT ........................................................................................................ 91

MSI SMART TOOL ................................................................................................. 93

RAMDISK............................................................................................................... 95

GAMING LAN MANAGER ...................................................................................... 96

DRAGON EYE ........................................................................................................ 98

Nahimic 2 .............................................................................................................. 99

XSplit Gamecaster V2 ......................................................................................... 103

SteelSeries Engine 3 .......................................................................................... 107

Intel

Extreme Tuning Utility .............................................................................. 109

CPU-Z.................................................................................................................. 110

TriDef VR ............................................................................................................. 111

TriDef SmartCam ................................................................................................ 114

RAID Configuration ............................................................................................ 115

Using Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM ......................................... 115

Degraded RAID Array ......................................................................................... 118

M.2 PCIe SSD RAID ............................................................................................. 120

Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration ............................................................ 123

System Requirements ....................................................................................... 123

Installing the Intel Removing the Intel

Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 126

Optane™ memory .............................................................. 123

Optane™ memory ............................................................. 125

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................ 127

Contents

Specifications

CPU

Chipset Intel

Memory

Expansion Slots

LGA2066 Socket

support 4-channels DDR4**

support 2-channels DDR4**

* For the latest information about memory, please visit http://www.msi.com ** Please refer the DIMM Slots section for more details.

* The PCI_E3 lanes are supported by PCH. Please refer to page 33 for PCIe slots 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/ x4*/ x16/ x8 mode with the 44-lane CPU.

 Support x16/ x4*/ x8/ x4 modes with the 28-lane CPU.

 Support x8/ x4*/ x8/ x0, x8/ x4*/ x4/ x4 modes with the 16-lane CPU.

y 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots

Multi-GPU

y Supports up to 3-Way AMD y Supports up to 3-Way NVIDIA

LAN 1x Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN controller

Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 module

y Intel

 The Wireless module is pre-install in the M2_3 (Key-E)

Wirsless LAN & Bluetooth

(Optional)

slot.

 Supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual band (2.4GHz, 5GHz) up to 867 Mbps speed.

 Supports Dual Mode Bluetooth BLE, 4.2

Continued on next page

Speciﬁcations

CrossFire™ Technology

SLI™ Technology

2.1, 2.1+EDR, 3.0, 4.0,

Audio

USB

Storage

Continued from previous page

y Realtek

ALC1220 Codec y 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio y Supports S/PDIF output

y ASMedia

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)

y ASMedia

ASM1074 Chipset

 3x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) Type-A ports on the back panel

y Intel

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 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**

y 1x U.2 port *

 Supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe storage

y Supports Intel

* PCI_E3 slot, M.2 slots, U.2 port and SATA ports share the same bandwidth. Please refer to page 38 for PCI_E3/ U.2/ M.2/ SATA Combination table .

** Please refer to page 123 for Intel

Smart Response Technology

Optane™ Memory Configuration.

Continued on next page

Speciﬁcations

RAID

Internal Connectors

Continued from previous page

Intel

X299 Chipset y Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA

storage devices

y Supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 for M.2 storage devices*

* M.2 PCIe RAID volume can be created with M.2/Optane Genie. Please refer to page 120 for M.2 PCIe SSD RAID

y 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector y 1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector y 8x SATA 6Gb/s connectors y 3x M.2 slots (Key M x2, Key E x1) y 1x U.2 port 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 1x Front panel audio connector y 2x Front panel connectors y 1x TPM module connector y 1x Chassis Intrusion connector y 1x Clear CMOS jumper y 1x Power button y 1x Reset button y 1x Multi-BIOS switch y 1x RGB LED connector y 1x Virtual RAID on CPU connector y 1x Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector

Continued on next page

Speciﬁcations

Continued from previous page

y 1x Clear CMOS button y 1x BIOS Flash back button y 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port y 3x USB 2.0 Type-A ports

Back Panel Connectors

I/O Controller NUVOTON NCT6795 Controller Chip

Hardware Monitor

y 4x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A ports y 1x LAN (RJ45) port y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A port y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port y 1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector y 5x OFC audio jacks

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

Form Factor

BIOS Features

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

y 2x 128 Mb flash y UEFI AMI BIOS y ACPI 6.0, PnP 1.0a, SM BIOS 3.0 y Multi-language

Continued on next page

Speciﬁcations

Software

Continued from previous page

y Drivers y APP MANAGER y SUPER CHARGER y COMMAND CENTER y LIVE UPDATE 6 y MSI SMART TOOL y DRAGON EYE y GAMING APP y X-BOOST y MYSTIC LIGHT y RAMDISK y GAMING LAN Manager y DPC Latency Tuner y FAST BOOT y Nahimic Audio y XSplit Gamecaster V2 y Tridef VR & Smart Cam y SteelSeries Engine 3 y WTFast* y CPU-Z MSI GAMING

y Intel

Extreme Tuning Utility

y Google Chrome

™

y Norton

* This offer is valid for a limited period only, for more information please visit www.msi.com

™

,Google Toolbar, Google Drive

Internet Security Solution

MSI Special Features

Speciﬁcations

y Audio Boost 4 y Nahimic 2 y GAMING LAN with Gaming LAN Manager y Turbo U.2 y Twin Turbo M.2 y Pump Fan y Smart Fan Control

Continued on next page

MSI Special Features

Continued from previous page

y Mystic Light y Mystic Light Extension y Gaming DNA with bottom LED y Mystic light SYNC y EZ DEBUG LED y M.2 Shield FROZR y PCI-E Steel Armor y U.2 Steel Armor y VR Cover y Muitl GPU - SLI Technology y Muitl GPU - CrossFire Technology y DDR4 Boost y OC Engine (Clock gen) y USB with type A+C y Lightning USB with ASM3142 y Front Lightning USB 3.1 Gen type C y Military Class 6 y 7000+ Quality Test y VR Boost y VR Ready y Intel WiFi (optional)

y GAMING HOTKEY y GAMING MOUSE Control y Click BIOS 5 y BIOS FLASHBACK+ y Dual BIOS y Quadro SLI Ready y Quadro Ready y GAMING Certified y SteelSeries Certified

Speciﬁcations

Block Diagram

2/ 4 Channel DDR4 Memory

Processor

1x U.2

2x M.2

8x SATA 6Gb/s

5x USB 3.1 Gen1

7x USB 2.0

PCI Express Bus

Switch

PS/2 Mouse / Keyboard

LPC Bus

NV6795

Super I/O

DMI 3.0

PCIE Bus

X299 PCH

PCIE Bus

Realtek

ALC1220

CS-Out

S/PDIF-Out

PCIe x1 slot

Intel I219-V

Wi-Fi / Bluetooth (Optional)

Line-In/ SS-Out

Line-OutRS-Out

MIC

ASMEDIA ASM3142

ASMEDIA ASM1074

3x USB 3.1 Gen2

3x USB 3.1 Gen1

Block Diagram

Rear I/O Panel

Clear CMOS button

PS/2

Wi-Fi Antenna connectors (Optional)

LAN

Audio Ports

BIOS FLASHBACK+ button

USB 2.0/ BIOS FLASHBACK+

USB 2.0

USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C

USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A

Optical S/PDIF-Out

USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A

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 56 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

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 Strings

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

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

Installing Antennas (Optional)

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

2. Place the antennas as high as possible.

Rear I/O Panel

Overview of Components

M2_1

PCI_E1

PCI_E2

PCI_E3

PCI_E4

PCI_E5

PCI_E6

DIMMB1

DIMMB2

DIMMA1

JAUD1

SYS_FAN1

DIMMA2

JLED1

SYSFAN4

CPU_PWR1

SYSFAN3

SYSFAN2

JTPM1

CPU Socket

POWER1

BAT1

RESET1

PUMP_FAN1

JUSB2

JFP1

CPU_FAN1

JTBT1

JUSB1

VRAID1*

DIMMC2 DIMMC1

DIMMD2 DIMMD1

ATX_PWR1

JUSB4

JBAT1 JUSB5 M2_2

JUSB3 JCI1 SATA▼1▲2

SATA▼3▲4

SATA▼5▲6 BIOS_SW1

U2_1 JFP2 SATA7 SATA8

Overview of Components

Component Contents

Port Name Port Type Page

BIOS_SW1 Multi-BIOS Switch 46

CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4 Fan Connectors 44

CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1 Power Connectors 40

CPU Socket LGA2066 29

DIMMA1~D2 DIMM Slots 30

JAUD1 Front Audio Connector 45

JBAT1

JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector 45

JFP1, JFP2 Front Panel Connectors 41

JLED1 RGB LED connector 48

JTBT1

JTPM1 TPM Module Connector 43

JUSB1~2 USB 2.0 Connectors 43

Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper

Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector

JUSB3, JUSB4 USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors 41

JUSB5 USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connector 42

M2_1~2 M.2 Slots (Key M) 37

PCI_E1~6 PCIe Expansion Slots 33

POWER1, RESET1 Power Button, Reset Button 47

SATA1~8 SATA 6Gb/s Connectors 38

U2_1 U.2 Connector 36

VRAID1 Virtual RAID on CPU Connector 40

Overview of Components

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

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 operation beyond product specifications.

does not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate

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

BAT1

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

Overview of Components

DIMMC1

DIMMA1

DIMMC1

DIMMA1

DIMMB1

DIMMD1

DIMMC1

DIMMA1

DIMMB1

DIMMA2

DIMMD1

DIMMC1

DIMMC2

DIMMA1

DIMMB1

DIMMC1

DIMMA2

DIMMA1

DIMMB2

DIMMB1

DIMMD1

DIMMD2

DIMMC1

DIMMC2

Important

Always insert a memory module in the DIMMC1 slot first.

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.

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

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

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.

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).

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

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

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

3 DIMMs

4 DIMMs

DIMMB1, B2, A1 and A2 are un-available

DIMMC1 DIMMC1

Supports 2-channels

memory architecture

DIMMD1

Overview of Components

DIMMD1 DIMMD1

DIMMD2

DIMMC1 DIMMC1

DIMMC2 DIMMC2

BAT1

PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots

PCI_E1: PCIe 3.0 x16 (CPU lanes)

PCI_E2: PCIe 3.0 x1 (PCH lanes)

PCI_E3: PCIe 3.0 x4 (PCH lanes)

PCI_E4: PCIe 3.0 x16 (CPU lanes)

PCI_E5: PCIe 3.0 x1 (PCH lanes)

PCI_E6: PCIe 3.0 x8 (CPU lanes)

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 3-Way CF

PCI_E1 @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x16 @ 3.0 x16 PCI_E2 3.0 x1 3.0 x1 3.0 x1 PCI_E3 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 PCI_E4 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x8 PCI_E5 3.0 x1 3.0 x1 3.0 x1 PCI_E6 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 @ 3.0 x4

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

for 16-lane CPU

Graphics Card Single 2-Way 3-Way CF

PCI_E1 @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x8 PCI_E2 3.0 x1 3.0 x1 3.0 x1 PCI_E3 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 3.0 x4 PCI_E4 3.0 x8 3.0 x4 @ 3.0 x8 @ 3.0 x4 PCI_E5 3.0 x1 3.0 x1 3.0 x1 PCI_E6 empty 3.0 x4 ─ @ 3.0 x4

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

Overview of Components

Multiple graphics cards installation recommendation

PCI_E1

PCI_E4

PCI_E1

PCI_E4

PCI_E6

Important

For a single PCIe x16 expansion card installation with optimum performance, using

the PCI_E1 slot is recommended. 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.

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

Overview of Components

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

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

Connect to power adapter cable

Important

The U.2 port will be unavailable when an PCIe device has been installed in PCI_E3 slot.

Overview of Components

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

Important

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

Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready for all M.2 slots.

Installing M.2 module

1. Remove the screw from the base screw.

2. Remove the base screw.

3. Tighten the base screw into the hole of

the distance to the M.2 slot as the length your M.2 module.

4. Insert your M.2 module into the M.2 slot

at a 30-degree angle.

Video Demonstration

Watch the video to learn how to Install M.2 module.

http://youtu.be/JCTFABytrYA

5. Put the screw in the notch on the trailing edge of your M.2 module and tighten it into the base screw.

30°

Using M.2 FROZR

We provide the M.2 FROZR on the M2_1 slot to help dissipate heat away from the M.2 module. Before installing the M.2 module for the first time, you need to remove the screw, take the cover and remove the protective film from the thermal pad.

Important

If you don’t need the M.2 Forzr, you can remove it.

Overview of Components

SATA1~8: 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

SATA7 SATA8

Important

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

transmission otherwise.

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.

PCI_E3/ U.2/ M.2/ SATA Combination table

Slot Combination

PCI_E3 ✓ Empty ✓ Empty ✓ Empty ✓ Empty

U2_1 ─ ✓ ─ ✓ ─ ✓ ─ ✓ M2_1 PCIe SATA SATA PCIe

M2_2 PCIe SATA PCIe SATA SATA1 ✓ ─ ─ ✓ SATA2 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ SATA3 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ SATA4 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ SATA5 ─ ─ ─ ─ SATA6 ─ ✓ ─ ✓ SATA7 ─ ✓ ─ ✓ SATA8 ─ ✓ ─ ✓

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

Overview of Components

M.2 slots with examples of various combination possibilities

1xU.2+ 1xM.2 PCIe+ 1xM.2 SATA+ 7xSATA

M.2 PCIe

M.2 SATA

U.2

SATA7

SATA8

1xM.2 PCIe+ 1xM.2 SATA+ 7xSATA

SATA1 SATA1SATA3 SATA3

SATA4 SATA4SATA6 SATA6SATA2 SATA2

M.2 PCIe

M.2 SATA

SATA7

SATA8

1xU.2+ 2xM.2 SATA+ 6xSATA

M.2 SATA

2xM.2 SATA+ 6xSATA

M.2 SATA

U.2

SATA7

SATA8

SATA4 SATA4SATA6 SATA6SATA2 SATA2

SATA7

SATA8

SATA3 SATA3

1xU.2+ 2xM.2 PCIe+ 4xSATA

M.2 PCIe

SATA4 SATA2U.2

1xU.2+ 1xM.2 SATA+ 1xM.2 PCIe+ 3xSATA

SATA1SATA3

SATA4 SATA2U.2

SATA3

M.2 SATA

M.2 PCIe

Overview of Components

CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply.

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

131

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

Important

Make sure that all the power cables are securely connected to a proper ATX power supply to ensure stable operation of the motherboard.

VRAID1: Virtual RAID on CPU Connector

This connector allows you to connect the specific Intel module/ key.

1 Ground 2 VCC3

3 Ground 4 SATA_RAID_KEY

Overview of Components

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors

These connectors connect to the switches and LEDs on the front panel.

2 10

JFP1

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

JFP2

1 Speaker - 2 Buzzer +

3 Buzzer - 4 Speaker +

JUSB3, JUSB4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors

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

10 11

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.

Overview of Components

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 Charging mode.

SUPER CHARGER application to turn ON/OFF the

Video Demonstration

Watch the video to learn how to charge the smartphone with SuperCharger. http://youtu.be/FCyvjr5NbOw

Important

When the Charging mode is enabled, the Charger Port data syncing will be disabled.

JUSB5: USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connector

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

Overview of Components

USB Type-C port on the front panel

USB Type-C Cable

JUSB5

JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect USB 2.0 ports on the front panel.

2 10

1 VCC 2 VCC

3 USB0- 4 USB1-

5 USB0+ 6 USB1+

7 Ground 8 Ground

9 No Pin 10 NC

Important

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

damage.

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

MSI

SUPER CHARGER utility.

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector

This connector is for TPM (Trusted Platform Module). Please refer to the TPM security platform manual for more details and usages.

2 14

1 LPC Clock 2 3V Standby power

3 LPC Reset 4 3.3V Power

5 LPC address & data pin0 6 Serial IRQ

7 LPC address & data pin1 8 5V Power

9 LPC address & data pin2 10 No Pin

11 LPC address & data pin3 12 Ground

13 LPC Frame 14 Ground

Overview of Components

CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: 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. When you plug a 3-pin (Non-PWM) fan to a fan connector in PWM mode, the fan speed will always maintain at 100%, which might create a lot of noise. You can follow the instruction below to adjust the fan connector to PWM or DC Mode.

Auto-detection Mode fan connectors

CPU_FAN1/ PUMP _FAN1

SYS_FAN1~4

Important

You can switch between PWM mode and DC mode and adjust fan speed in BIOS > HARDWARE MONITOR. And please 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

1 Ground 2 Voltage Control

3 Sense 4 NC

DC Mode pin definition

JTBT1: Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector

This connector allows you to connect the add-on Thunderbolt I/O card.

1 FORCE_PWR 2 SCI_EVENT

3 SLP_S3# 4 SLP_S5#

5 Ground

Overview of Components

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector

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

2 10

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

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 Ye s.

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 Ye s.

Overview of Components

BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch

This motherboard has two built-in BIOS ROMs (Labeled A and B, default BIOS ROM is A). If one is crashed, you can shift to the other for booting by sliding the switch.

BIOS B LEDBIOS A LED

BIOS BBIOS 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

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

You can also use the LIVE UPDATE utility to flash BIOS. Please refer to BIOS section

for details.

Overview of Components

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)

Clear CMOS/

Reset BIOS

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.

POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button

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

Power button Reset button

Overview of Components

JLED1: RGB LED connector

These connectors allow you to connect the 5050 RGB LED strips.

1 +12V 2 G

3 R 4 B

Extension cable

JLED1

5050 LED strip

Video Demonstration

Watch the video to learn how to install 5050 RGB LED strips to RGB LED connector.

https://youtu.be/CqNHyADzd2Q

Important

This connector supports 5050 RGB multi-color LED strips (12V/G/R/B) with the maximum power rating of 3A (12V). Please keeping the LED strip shorter than 2 meters to prevent dimming.

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

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

Overview of Components

Onboard LEDs

EZ Debug LEDs

These LEDs indicate the status of key components during booting process. When an error is occurred, the corresponding LED stays lit until the problem is solved.

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

or fail.

DIMM LEDs

These LED indicate the memory modules are installed.

DIMM LEDs

XMP LED

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

XMP LED

Onboard LEDs

Fan LEDs

These LEDs indicate the fan control mode.

PUMP_FAN1 LED

CPU_FAN1 LED

PCIe x16 slot LEDs

These LED indicate the PCIe x16 slots status.

PCI_E1 LED

PCI_E3 LED PCI_E4 LED

PCI_E6 LED

LED Color Fan control mode

Red PWM mode Green DC mode

LED Color PCIe slot speed status

Red x16 White x8, x4, x1

Onboard LEDs

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.

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

Power on. Reset type detection (soft/

hard)

02 AP initialization before microcode loading

System Agent initialization before

microcode loading

PCH initialization before microcode

06 Microcode loading

07 AP initialization after microcode loading

System Agent initialization after

microcode loading

09 PCH initialization after microcode loading

0B Cache initialization

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

Pre-memory CPU initialization (CPU

12 - 14

module specific)

Pre-memory System Agent initialization

is started

Pre-Memory System Agent initialization

16 - 18

(System Agent module specific)

19 Pre-memory PCH initialization is started

Pre-memory PCH initialization (PCH

1A - 1C

module specific)

Memory initialization. Serial Presence

Detect (SPD) data reading

Onboard LEDs

Memory initialization. Memory presence

detection

Memory initialization. Programming

memory timing information

Memory initialization. Configuring

memory

2F Memory initialization (other)

31 Memory Installed

32 CPU post-memory initialization is started

CPU post-memory initialization. Cache

initialization

CPU post-memory initialization.

Application Processor(s) (AP) initialization

CPU post-memory initialization. Boot

Strap Processor (BSP) selection

CPU post-memory initialization. System

Management Mode (SMM) initialization

Post-Memory System Agent initialization

is started

Post-Memory System Agent initialization

38 - 3A

(System Agent module specific)

3B Post-Memory PCH initialization is started

Post-Memory PCH initialization (PCH

3C - 3E

module specific)

4F DXE IPL is started

PEI Error Codes

Memory initialization error. Invalid

memory type or incompatible memory speed

Memory initialization error. SPD reading

has failed

Memory initialization error. Invalid

memory size or memory modules do not match

Memory initialization error. No usable

memory detected

54 Unspecified memory initialization error

55 Memory not installed

56 Invalid CPU type or Speed

57 CPU mismatch

CPU self test failed or possible CPU

cache error

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

CPU DXE initialization (CPU module

64 - 67

specific)

68 PCI host bridge initialization

69 System Agent DXE initialization is started

System Agent DXE SMM initialization is

started

System Agent DXE initialization (System

6B - 6F

Agent module specific)

70 PCH DXE initialization is started

71 PCH DXE SMM initialization is started

72 PCH devices initialization

PCH DXE Initialization (PCH module

73 - 77

specific)

78 ACPI module initialization

79 CSM initialization

7A - 7F Reserved for future AMI DXE codes

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

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

Onboard LEDs

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

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

Some of the Architectural Protocols are

not available

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

Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage

returned error)

Boot Option is failed (StartImage

returned error)

DB Flash update is failed

DC Reset protocol is not available

S3 Resume Progress Codes

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

Recovery condition triggered by firmware

(Auto recovery)

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

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

System is waking up from the S1 sleep

state

System is waking up from the S2 sleep

state

System is waking up from the S3 sleep

state

System is waking up from the S4 sleep

state

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

Displays current CPU temperature after

00 - 99

the system has fully booted into the OS.

Onboard LEDs

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

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.

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 Use MSI FAST BOOT application. Click on GO2BIOS button and choose OK. The

system will reboot and enter BIOS setup directly.

Click on GO2BIOS

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.

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. Press Del key to enter the BIOS Setup during POST.

2. Insert the USB flash drive that contains the update file into the computer.

3. Select the M-FLASH tab and click on Yes to reboot the system and enter the flash

mode.

4. Select a BIOS file to perform the BIOS update process.

5. After the flashing process is 100% completed, the system will reboot

automatically.

Updating the BIOS with Live Update 6

Before updating: Make sure the LAN driver is already installed and the Internet connection is set

properly. Updating BIOS:

1. Install and launch MSI LIVE UPDATE 6.

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

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 light of BIOS

FLASHBACK+ button starts flashing.

4. After the flashing BIOS process is 100% completed, the button light would stop

flashing and would be off simultaneously.

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 it to toggle the GAME BOOST for OC.

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

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, Hardcore mode, AHCI, RAID, CPU Fan Fail Warning Control and BIOS Log Review by

clicking on their respective button.

 Hardcore Mode - when enabled, set and keep the CPU to full speed mode to

maximize system performance. This feature will increase power consumption.

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.

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/ Favorites/ 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

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/ U2_X

Shows the information of connected SATA/ M.2/ U.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 express interface protocol and latency timer. Press Enter to enter the submenu.

BIOS Setup

fPEGX - 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.

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.

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.

BIOS Setup

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 (Advanced

[RAID Mode] Enables RAID function for SATA storage devices.

fM2_1/ M2_2-RST Pcie Storage Remapping [Disabled]

Enables or disables Intel Rapid Storage Technology for M.2 PCIe devices.

fM.2/Optane Genie [Disabled]

Enables or disables Intel RST support for M.2 SSDs or 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.

fHPET [Enabled]

Enables or disables the HPET (High Precision Event Timers) support.

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.

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 EuP2013 and AC Power Loss behaviors. Press

Enter to enter the sub-menu.

BIOS Setup

and enable the legacy USB support.

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)

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.

before AC power loss.

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.

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

boot settings.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

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 sub-

menu 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 Onboard Intel LAN [Disabled]

Enables or disables the system wake up by Onboard Intel LAN. [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.

the secure keys.

when activity or input signal of PCIe device is detected.

when activity or input signal of Intel LAN device is detected.

USB device is detected.

BIOS Setup

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.

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+.

f Intel ( R ) Ethernet Connection 1219-V

Shows driver information and configuration of the ethernet controller parameter.

activity of PS/2 mouse is detected.

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.

BIOS Setup

f AUTO CLR_CMOS [Disabled]

Enables or disables the CMOS data to be resumed automatically when the booting process hang-up over 5 seconds.

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 key 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.

BIOS Setup

f Trusted Computing

Sets TPM (Trusted Platform Module) function.

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.

BIOS Setup

Important

Overclocking your PC manually is only recommended for advanced users.

Overclocking is not guaranteed, and if done improperly, it could void your warranty or severely damage your hardware.

If you are unfamiliar with overclocking, we advise you to use GAME BOOST function for easy overclocking.

f OC Explore Mode [Normal]

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.

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] Activate the CPU Ratio field. All CPU cores will run the same CPU ratio

[Per Core] Activate the X-Core Ratio Limit field. Sets each CPU core ratio

f CPU Ratio [Auto]

Sets the CPU ratio that is used to determine CPU clock speed. This item can only be changed if the processor supports this function.

f Adjusted CPU Frequency

Shows the adjusted CPU frequency. Read-only.

setup.

that be set in CPU Ratio.

separately in X-Core Ratio Limit.

BIOS Setup

f CPU Ratio Mode [Dynamic Mode]*

Selects the CPU Ratio operating mode. This item will appear when you set the CPU ratio manually.

[Fixed Mode] Fixes the CPU ratio. [Dynamic Mode] CPU ratio will be changed dynamically according to the CPU

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 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.

fEnhanced Turbo [Auto]*

Enables or disables Enhanced Turbo function for all CPU cores to boost CPU

performance. This item appears when the installed CPU supports this function. [Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS. [Enabled] All CPU cores would be increased to maximum turbo ratio. [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.

BIOS Setup

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.

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 DigitALL Power

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. Controls the digital powers related to CPU PWM.

f SVID Communication [Auto]*

Enables or disables SVID (Serial Voltage Identification) support. [Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS.

[Enabled] PWM phase will be changed dynamically according to the CPU SVID

[Disabled] Disables SVID (Serial Voltage Identification) support.

channel.

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

(Serial Voltage Identification).

f VCCIN Voltage [Auto]

Sets the CPU input voltage. The CPU input voltage is the CPU power source that is shared with components of the CPU.

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.

f PCH Voltages control [Auto] (optional)

These options allows you to set the voltages related to PCH. If set to Auto, BIOS will set these voltages automatically or you can set it manually.

BIOS Setup

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 than needs to

[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.

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].

fDIMMx 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 [All]

Allows you to select the number of active CPU cores.

load the default settings for new devices.

fLimit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]

Enables or disables the extended CPUID value. [Enabled] BIOS limits the maximum CPUID input value to circumvent boot

problems with older operating system that do not support the processor with extended CPUID value.

[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

multiple operating systems in independent partitions. The system can function as multiple systems virtually.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

BIOS Setup

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.

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.

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.

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

latency time and tuning the performance to the specific application.

adaptive temperature.

accordingly.

power-saving in halt state.

BIOS Setup

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.

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]

Set FCLK Frequency for early power on. Lower FCLK frequency may help you to set

higher base clock frequency.

fDMI Link Speed [Auto]

Sets DMI speed.

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. A message will pop-up. Please select a target BIOS ROM by switching the Multi-

BIOS switch and then clicks on OK to start the flashing process.

6. After the flashing process is 100% completed, the system will reboot automatically.

BIOS Setup

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.

BIOS Setup

Software Description

Installing Windows® 10

1. Power on the computer.

2. Insert the Windows® 10 disc into your optical drive.

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 your optical drive from the Boot Menu.

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. The installer will automatically appear and it will find and list all necessary

drivers.

4. Click Install button.

5. The software 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.

Driver Disc into your optical drive.

Installing Utilities

Before you install utilities, you must complete drivers installation.

1. Insert MSI

2. The installer will automatically appear.

3. Click Utilities tab.

4. Select the utilities you want to install.

5. Click Install button.

6. The utilities 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.

Driver Disc into your optical drive.

10.

Software Description

APP MANAGER

APP MANAGER is a handy management application for integration of MSI applications and software interface. Providing easy shortcut entrance and real-time update information of all the MSI software and applications.

APP list

Total Install/ Update Motherboard Information

y APP list - shows all the applications and software be supported by this motherboard.

An icon represents a entrance to the application rather than the application itself.

 Colorful icon - a colorful icon means that the application had have been installed successfully and is available. Double click on desired icon to access the application. A refresh icon

 Gray icon - the icon with gray painting means that the application is not available and you have to install it if needed. Double click on the gray icon and the update information will show. Click on the INSTALL button to install the application.

y Motherboard Information - shows the model name of motherboard. y Total Install/ Update - click on this tab to update/ install all the applications.

shows to inform you that the application has a update version.

Important

Please note that, once you uninstall the APP MANAGER, all the MSI applications and software will be uninstalled simultaneously.

Software Description

LIVE UPDATE 6

LIVE UPDATE 6 is an application for the MSI® system to scan and download the latest drivers, BIOS and utilities. With LIVE UPDATE 6, you don’t need to search the drivers on websites, and don’t need to know the models of motherboard and graphics cards. LIVE UPDATE 6 will download the appropriate drivers automatically.

Download Options

Download List

Scan / Download / Total Installer button

System Information

Last Scanned Date

There are Live Update, History, Setting and System Information tabs at the top. You can click the tab to switch the control panel.

y Live Update - When you launch LIVE UPDATE 6, you will see the Live update tab at first. This tab allows you to select files to download. You can also read the relevant information by clicking the information icon

y History - shows the downloading history.

y Setting - allows you to specify the frequency that LIVE UPDATE 6 remind you to

update.

y System Information - displays the information of the system.

y FA Q - shows Frequently Asked Questions.

y Online Help - shows Online Help information.

on the right of the item listed.

Updating The System

This section describes how to update your system with LIVE UPDATE 6. Please follow the steps below:

Software Description

1. Select the Live Update tab.

2. Choose Automatic scan, system will automatically scan all the items and search

for the latest update files. Or you can choose Manual scan and select the items you wish to scan.

3. Click the Scan button at the bottom. It may take several moments to complete the

process.

4. When the download list appears, please select the items you intend to update.

5. Click Download button at the bottom.

6. When Save Path prompt, you can specify a download directory.

7. When downloading you will see the screen below. It may take several moments to

complete the process.

8. To install the applications, simply unpack the packages and install.

Total Installer

Total Installer is a convenient feature to simplify frequent installing procedure. To use Total Installer:

1. Scan updates in Live Update tab.

2. Check the Select All check-box you intend to update.

3. Click the Total Installer button. LIVE UPDATE 6 will automatically install them.

4. When prompted, click OK to complete the Total Installer procedure

5. Reboot your system.

Software Description

COMMAND CENTER

COMMAND CENTER is an user-friendly software and exclusively developed by MSI, helping users to adjust system settings and monitor status under OS. With the help of COMMAND CENTER, making it possible to achieve easier and efficient monitoring process and adjustments than that under BIOS. In addition, the COMMAND CENTER can be a server for mobile remote control application.

CPU TemperatureSystem Information

Feature Menu

Feature Title

Feature

Control Panel

Previous Feature

Option Buttons

Profile Buttons

y Default - load the default values for the current feature.

y Apply - apply your changes.

y Save - store values in the file with individual file extension.

y Load - load the values from the file.

Important

Every time you shut down the system, the configured setting will be restored to the factory default. If you want to use the saved settings, you have to load it every time by clicking the Load and Apply buttons.

Profile

Buttons

Next Feature

Page Indicator

Resize Corner

CPU Frequency

CPU Frequency control panel allows you to change CPU Ratio and Base clock. You can see the current frequency of each CPU core on the top of the panel.

Software Description

CPU Fan

CPU Fan control panel provides Smart mode and Manual Mode. You can switch the control mode by

clicking the Smart Mode and Manual Mode buttons on the top of the CPU Fan control panel.

y Manual Mode - allows you to manually control the CPU fan speed by percentage.

y Smart Mode - a linear fan speed control feature. The control panel contains 4 dots allows you to drag and adjust the Smart Speed slopes. The fan speed will be changed along these lines with CPU temperature. The white dot will create strip chart in real time.

y System Fan Button - to open the system fan control panel in new window.

y Fan Tune Button - to automatically optimize the smart fan setting.

CPU Voltage

CPU Voltage control panel allows you to control the CPU voltage.

Manual Mode

Smart Mode

DRAM Frequency & DRAM Voltage

y DRAM Frequency - Shows the DRAM clock, ratio

and frequency.

y DRAM Voltage - Allows you to adjust the DRAM voltage. The risky values are displayed in red.

IGP Frequency & GT Voltage

y IGP Frequency - Allows you to adjust the IGP ratio,

and shows the IGP clock, ratio and frequency.

y GT Voltage - Allows you to adjust the GT voltage. The risky values are displayed in red.

Software Description

GAME BOOST

GAME BOOST provides a specified CPU frequency for overclocking the CPU.

Option Buttons - Advanced

When click the Advanced button, The Voltage, Fan and DRAM icons will appear.

y Voltage - allows you to adjust advanced voltage values of CPU and chipset.

Fan - allows you to control the system fans speed.

DRAM - shows the current Advanced DRAM parameters, and allows you to change

the settings by selecting values from the drop-down menu on the right hand side.

Sensor - allows you to monitor your motherboard temperature and fan speed with the virtual thermal image. You can drag and drop the fan icons to new locations. When you press the Cooling button, all fans will run at full speed.

Option Buttons - Setting

When click the Setting button, The Record, Warning and Mobile Control icons will appear.

y Record - allows you to monitor the status of voltage, fan speed and temperature in

real time.

 To filter record charts, select the check box next to the items.

 When click the Play button, the chart pane will start to show the recording chart. If you want to check the value of a specific spot on chart, please move the orange vertical line to the spot.

 History Record stores the data and names with date and time.

 To make a history record: Select items and click the Record button. When finished, click the Record button again. The data will be stored in the drop-down menu.

 To load a record, click the drop-down menu and select one from the list.

 To delete a record, select the record that you want to delete, and click the Trash

Can icon.

Software Description

y Warning - contains fields of voltage, fan speed and temperature for you to set the

threshold values. When system detects the status over your settings, a warning message will pop-up.

y Mobile Control - is only available for the motherboard with the built-in WiFi module. It allows you to enable/disable the COMMAND CENTER Remote Server. Please refer to the instruction on the Mobile Control control panel.

y To start remote control: (optional)

1. Download and install MSI

COMMAND CENTER APP to your mobile device.

2. Enable COMMAND CENTER Remote Server on the Mobile Control panel.

3. Enable SoftAP Management.

4. Enter SSID and Password, and then click the Apply button.

5. Activate Wi-Fi

6. Run MSI

7. Find the IP address on the SoftAP Management Setting area, and enter the IP

address on your MSI

8. Press Refresh on the MSI

on your mobile device and connect to SoftAP with the SSID.

COMMAND CENTER APP on your mobile device.

COMMAND CENTER APP to link your system.

COMMAND CENTER APP to verify that monitoring and

OC functions are working properly.

Option Buttons - Information

When click the Information button, The Motherboard, CPU, Memory and HW monitor icons will appear.

You can click the icons to open the related information.

Gadget Mode

COMMAND CENTER provides a gadget mode to monitor the system status. You can switch between gadget mode and full mode by clicking the arrow icon

on the top left.

y To arrange gadgets:

1. Click the Spanner icon

configuration panel will slide out.

2. Select the check box next to the items.

3. Click the Close button.

on the Gadget mode, a

Software Description

GAMING APP

GAMING APP is an application designed to quickly control your system for improving gaming performance.

Remote Control Setting Button

Setting Button

Information Button

Cooler Boost

CPU Frequency

Control Mode Buttons

Gaming Function Buttons

GPU Frequency

Peripheral Device Function Buttons

y Setting Button - allows you to choose running GAMING APP when Windows starts or let GAMING APP to overwrite the VGA fan control function.

y Information Button - shows the information of this application.

y CPU Frequency - shows the current CPU frequency.

y GPU Frequency - shows the current GPU frequency.

y Control Mode Buttons

 OC Mode - apply turbo frequency to CPU and OC frequency to GPU.  Gaming Mode - automatically optimize the CPU ratio and the GPU clock.  Silent Mode - reverts the CPU ratio and GPU clock to the default values.

y Gaming Function Buttons - allows you to use LED Effect, OSD, Eye Rest and Dragon Eye functions.

y Peripheral Device Function Buttons - allows you to set the Gaming Hotkey, Mouse Master and VR Ready functions.

y Remote Control Setting Button - available for the motherboards with built-in or

discrete WiFi module. It allows you to set up Name and Password to link the android device and the motherboard. Please follow the steps below to complete the remote control setting.

1. Download and install the MSI

GAMING APP APP to your android device.

2. Set up a set of Name and Password on the Remote Control Setting panel, and

then click the Apply button.

3. Connect your android device and motherboard to the same local area network.

4. Run MSI

5. Press the Remote Control Setting icon on the MSI

GAMING APP APP on your android device.

GAMING APP APP to find the

paired device Name you set in the Remote Control Setting panel.

6. Enter the Password you set in the Remote Control Setting panel.

7. Finally, you can use the MSI

GAMING APP APP to control your motherboard with

the android device.

Software Description

OSD Setting Panel

Use the OSD setting panel to specify information within on-screen display (OSD).

y Apply Button - applies above settings to OSD.

Eye Rest

Eye Rest allows you to optimize the display on your monitor.

y EyeRest - reduces blue-light of your LED backlit screen, in order to protect your eyes.

y Gaming - automatically increase contrast ratio of your screen.

y Movie - automatically increase dynamic contrast ratio of your screen.

y Customize - allows you to adjust gamma, contrast and color balance for your screen.

y Default - loads the default settings.

Software Description

VR Ready

It will optimize the performance of your system to ensure everything is VR Ready.

VR ON/ OFF

Applications

y VR ON/ OFF -enables or disables VR settings.

y Applications - appears when you turn on the VR support. It allows you to close some

applications to optimize the system for better VR experience.

Software Description

Gaming Hotkey

Gaming Hotkey provides instant control of the system through user defined hotkeys.

Categories Toggle

Hotkey Manager

Current Hotkeys

Gaming Hotkey ON/OFF

y Gaming Hotkey ON/OFF - allows you to turn ON/OFF the Gaming Hotkey function.

y Categories Toggle - allows you to toggle over the Hotkey categories.

 Macro Genie - provides the keyboard and mouse macro record function and

allows you to define the hotkeys for the macro recorder.

1. Click on the Record button to start the keyboard and mouse macro recorder.

2. Click on the Stop button to stop the recorder.

3. Key-in a file name and set-up the parameter for the macro.

4. Finally, click on the Save button to save the recorded macro.  Windows Keys - allows you to define hotkeys to replace Windows default

keyboard shortcuts.

 Login Keys - provides hotkey login function.  MSI Smart Keys - allows you to define hotkeys for MSI Smart Keys.

y Hotkey Manager - allows you to create, edit and delete hotkeys. y Current Hotkeys - shows all existing hotkeys.

Important

The Caps Lock, Num Lock, Scroll Lock, Window Home, Application and BackSpace

keys can not be used as Hotkeys.

Some key combinations are reserved for use by Microsoft Windows and can not be

assigned as a hotkey.

Software Description

Mouse Master

Mouse Master provides mouse macro function. You can also use it to change DPI of your mouse.

Delay Time

Macro Hot Key

Mouse Action

Action List

Edit Buttons Load Button

Save Button

DPI Setting Default Button DPI Hot Key

Test Area

Clear Button

y Delay Time - allows you to apply a delay time in mouse macro. y Macro Hot Key - allows you to assign a hotkey from A to Z to activate the macro. y Mouse Action - assigns mouse actions to the macro.

 New - captures the mouse coordinate and add to the macro.  Left - add a left-click to the macro.  Middle - add a middle-click to the macro.  Left - add a left-click to the macro.

y Action List - shows the actions of the current macro. y Edit Buttons - there 3 buttons for editing the macro.

 Run - activates the macro.  Delete - removes the selected action from the macro.  Clear - removes all actions from the macro.

y Load Button - allows you to load a macro. y Save Button - allows you to save the macro to a file. y DPI Setting - allows you select the mouse DPI from the drop-down menu. y Default Button - reverts to the default DPI setting. y DPI Hot Key - allows you to assign a hotkey from A to Z to activate the DPI setting.

Please note that you muse hold the hotkey to keep the DPI setting. When you release the hotkey, the DPI setting will be reverted to default.

y Test Area - allows you to test the mouse movement. y Clear Button - clears the test area.

Software Description

X-BOOST

The MSI X-BOOST allows you to select the system performance mode to meet your current system environment or support faster storage access speed for your external storage or memory cards.

Easy

In Easy page, you can select one system performance mode to meet the current system environment.

Setting

Performance mode

Performance information

y Performance mode - moves over the mouse to any one of performance mode and

click on the ON button to enable it.

Important

The Customize mode is the default of system performance.

y Performance information - displays the system performance diagram of enabled

mode.

y Setting - enables or disables Run X-BOOST when windows starts.

Software Description

Advance

In Advance page, you can enable the USB SPEED UP, the STORAGE BOOST and VR BOOST.

Setting

Device information

y Device information - displays the information and current transfer rates/ access

speeds of USB/ storage devices.

y Setting - enables or disables Run X-BOOST when windows starts. y USB SPEED UP - supports faster data transfer rates of the USB storage devices. y STORAGE BOOST - supports faster access speed of storage device. y VR BOOST - provides the optimized settings to boost the system for better VR

experience.

y OPTANE BOOST - supports faster access speed of Intel Optane memory (require a

reboot).

Important

Please note that you can only select one mode at a time from Easy or Advance page

as MSI X-BOOST function.

The improved transfer rate/ access speed will vary with the USB/ storage device.

Software Description

MYSTICLIGHT

MYSTICLIGHT is an application allows you to control LED lights of MSI products.

Main Screen

The Main screen is used to configure what devices need to be synchronized and LED light effect options.

Sync Devices

ON/ OFF All LED

Sync Profile

Light Effect

Device Setting

Live Preview

y ON/OFF All LED - allows you to turn ON/ OFF all LED lights of sync devices. y Sync Devices - allows you to select devices to sync by clicking the device's icon on

the Sync Device bar. The lighting effect of the sync devices will be controlled by the main screen.

y Live Preview - gives you the full experience of your configuration’s look, feel while

you are editing it.

y Light Effect Options - allow you to customize lighting effect of the sync devices. y Apply Button - applies lighting effect settings. y Sync Profile - manages sets of sync device lighting effect settings.

 All Sync - all devices are synchronized to the main lighting effect settings.  Individual - all devices lighting effects are applied to their respective settings.  Profile01~03 - selected sync devices lighting effects are synchronized to the main

lighting effect settings.

y Save Button - saves sync device settings and lighting effect settings to the current

Sync Profile.

y Device Setting - switches to the other supported products.

Options

Apply Button Save Button

Software Description

Motherboard Screen

The motherboard screen is used to configure the LED light effect of the motherboard.

Sync All

Return Button

ON/ OFF All LED

Profile

LED Area

Apply Button

Save Button

Motherboard Name

Live Preview

Light Effect Options

Note: The motherboard picture and name may vary according to different models.

y Return Button - returns to the main screen. y ON/OFF All LED - allows you to turn ON/ OFF all LED lights of the motherboard. y Sync All - allows you to synchronize all LED light effect of the motherboard. y Motherboard Name - shows the name of the motherboard. y Live Preview - gives you the full experience of your configuration’s look, feel while

you are editing it.

y Light Effect Options - allow you to customize lighting effect of the sync devices. y Apply Button - applies lighting effect settings. y Profile - manages sets of motherboard LED light effect settings. y Save Button - saves sync device settings and lighting effect settings to the current

profile.

y LED Area - switches to the other LED area on the motherboard.

Software Description

MSI SMART TOOL

MSI SMART TOOL is a convenient tool that can help you to create your Windows installation USB flash drive with USB 3.0 drivers, and it can also create a software RAID.

Main menu

After installing and activating MSI SMART TOOL, it will display a main menu for you to choose Win7 Smart Tool or Software RAID. Note that the Software RAID is only available when your system equipped with at least 3 hard-disk drives (1 system disk and 2 data disks).

WIN7 SMART TOOL

Before you can create your Windows installation USB flash drive, you’ll need to have your Windows Installation DVD or ISO file, and also have a minimum of a 8GB USB flash drive to create your installer. Be sure to backup files on the USB drive, this process will erase it.

To create the Windows installation USB drive:

Step1. Choose source folder

y In the Source folder box, type the name and path of your Windows ISO file, or click Browse button and select the file from the dialog box. (This option will copy all Windows installation files and USB 3.0 drivers)

y If you already have the Windows Installation USB flash drive and just want to add USB 3.0 drivers on it, you can choose Add USB drivers.

Step2. Choose Storage device

y Choose USB storage and select your USB flash drive in the drop-down list. In case the USB flash drive is not listed, click the Refresh Drive button.

y If you want to install Windows on the PCIe M.2 RAID that was created by BIOS > M.2 Genie (please refer to BIOS Setup Section for details), check the M.2 Genie checkbox to copy iRST drivers to the USB flash drive.

y Click Start.

Important

You can also create an installer ISO image file by selecting the ISO destination in Step2, and then burn it onto the DVD. However, this method does not support M.2

Genie.

Software Description

SOFTWARE RAID

This utility allows you to create a software RAID in Windows system.

To create a software RAID:

1. Use checkboxs to select the disks you want included in your RAID.

2. Choose Speed Up or Backup for RAID type.

y Speed Up = RAID0 y Backup = RAID1

3. Click Start.

4. When prompt Finish!, click OK.

Important

Software RAID can't includ the system disk.

Software Description

RAMDISK

RAMDISK creates a virtual RAM drive using the available memory in your computer, the performance of the RAMDISK is faster than an SSD and hard drive. RAMDISK allows you to store any temporary information on it. Furthermore, using the RAMDISK will extend your SSD’s life by sparing it from excessive reading and writing.

Creating a RAM Disk

When RAMDISK is started, it will create a default RAM disk. If you want to change settings, refer to following instructions.

Setting

Backup

Management

Option

Apply Button

y Setting - specify Letter, Name, Size and Format of the RAM disk. y Option - select browser temporary files to save/load on the RAM disk. You can also

add software files to improve reading speed.

y Backup - specify backup and restore settings to prevent data loss. All files will be lost

each time the RAMDISK is stopped if you do not backup.

 Browse Button - set the path to the image file.  Backup Right Now Button - manually backup files.  Restore On Boot - check this box to have the image file loaded automatically when

RAMDISK starts.

 Auto Backup - check this box to backup automatically over a period of time. y Apply Button - allows you to apply changes. y Management - shows RAMDISK information and allows you to delete files.

Remove the RAM disk

Dislpay information Delete files in the RAM disk.

Software Description

GAMING LAN MANAGER

GAMING LAN MANAGER is an utility for traffic shaping for the Windows 10. It can keep your internet fast during heavy upload/ download and improve your ping for online games. If your motherboard has a Wi-Fi module, GAMING LAN MANAGER provides virtual access point function for traffic shaping for your mobile devices.

y Applications - displays currently using network bandwidth applications. You can

prioritize Games, Medias or File sharing programs as high as possible.

y Performance - shows top 5 applications by total trafﬁc, allows you to monitor

network bandwidth usage.

y Network Test - allows you to setup bandwidth control. y Advanced Setting - allows you to expand RWIN to accelerate download speed. You

can also block IP address and setup virtual access point.

y Information - shows version information.

Configuring Bandwidth

This section describes how to configure Internet Provider Speed. You can configure default internet upload and download bandwidth from the Network Test tab on the GAMING LAN MANAGER window.

Important

Before using the GAMING LAN MANAGER for the first time, you should use the Test Network Speed button which runs a speed test of your current total Internet bandwidth delivered through your Internet service provider.

Software Description

Sp eed Te sting

The speed testing is used to optimize bandwidth usage. To test the Upload and Download speed, please follow the steps below:

1. Click the Network Test block in GAMING LAN MANAGER.

2. Click Test Network Speed button. The test takes several minutes to test your

network speed.

3. Enter the testing results into Upload Speed and Download Speed fields.

4. Check the Enable Bandwidth Control to allow the GAMING LAN MANAGER to

manage the bandwidth.

Software Description

DRAGON EYE

DRAGON EYE allows you to watch game guides, tutorials, live match or tournament stream while gaming. In game, you can use hotkeys to control/adjust the settings of DRAGON EYE.

Size Settings

On / Off Switch

Video List

y On / Off Switch - enables or disables Dragon Eye during your gaming sessions.

Switch it on before you launch the game in order to watch video while playing.

y Video List - contains the videos you can select to watch. You can add videos or

streams to the list by pasting their URL into the input bar and hit+.

y Size Settings - allows you to select the size of the Dragon Eye video content

displayed on-screen when you’re playing a game. There are three options available:

 WQVGA (Small – 400×240)

 HVGAW (Medium – 640×360)

 WVGA (Large – 768×480) y Position Settings - allows you to determine how you want to position your DRAGON

EYE windows on screen to avoid interfering your gaming experience.

y Help - If you want to watch the video tutorial for Dragon Eye or want to see if your

game is supported, press this button and the help window will be shown.

y Transparency Settings - allows you to set the transparency of your Dragon Eye video.

 0 = opaque | 100 = transparent. y Hotkeys Information - In this information section you can find the hotkeys for Dragon

Eye. There are three hotkeys:

 Alt+F9 - switches mouse focus between video window and game itself. (Direct

interface to adjust progress bar, volume and other settings of video during the game)

 Alt+F10 - turns on/off video window .

 Alt+F11 - adjusts transparency of video clip.

NOTE: To customize hotkey, simply select the hotkey icon and then press the keys

combination you want to use as a hotkey.

Position Settings Help

Transparency Settings

Hotkeys Information

Software Description

Nahimic 2

Nahimic 2 is designed to offer the best audio experience it contains 6 audio effects, 3 microphone effects, HD Audio Recorder2 and Sound Tracker.

Installation and Update

Nahimic 2 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 2’s audio effects, audio profiles and settings.

Device

properties

Display & Volume

Mute

Profiles

Audio Effects

EQ Profile Page

Reset Button On/Off Button

y Display & Volume - displays the type of audio rendering device currently being used

as output, as well as its current volume.

 Mute - mutes the current audio output device.

 Device properties - allows you to change the format, sample rate, bit rate and

the channel gain of the current device (if these options are available for the current device). Clicks on this button and a device properties panel will show.

y Profiles - allows you to adjust the 6 audio effects to your current listening

experience.

 Gaming - allows you to choose an audio profile to fit your gaming experience.

 Multimedia - allows you to choose an audio profile to fit your everyday experience. y Audio Effects - allows you to separately control any of the 6 audio effects.

 Bass Boost - increases the energy in low frequencies up to +12 dB.

 Virtual Surround

 Gaming and Movies - virtualizes the multichannel audio stream 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.

 Reverb - increases the feeling of space by applying different types of reverbs

corresponding to different room sizes.

Software Description

 Treble Enhancer - Increases the energy in high frequencies up to +12 dB.

 Smart Loudness - maintains a constant volume for all elements of the audio

experience to making them all sound softer, balanced or louder.

 Voice Clarity - boosts the speech in movies, video games and incoming

communication from +0 through +12 dB (0 to 100%).

y Reset Button - restores the current profile to its default values. y On/Off Button - allows you to turn on and off all Nahimic 2’s effects in one click. y EQ Profile Page - by clicking the arrow button, you can also access a second page

that contains the x10 bands EQ and EQ profiles.

EQ Profiles

Custom EQ

Profile

x10 bands EQ

 EQ Profiles - allows you to choose between 6 EQ profiles to fit your audio

experience

 Custom EQ Profile - you can change the x10 bands of the Custom EQ profile so as

to make it fit your current needs.

 x10 bands EQ - x10 bands EQ, from 32Hz to 16KHz.

Microphone Tab

From this tab, you can access all of Nahimic 2’s microphone effects and settings.

Device

properties

Display &

Volume

Mute

Software Description

100

Microphone Loopback

Microphone Effects

MSI X299 Tomahawk User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Unpacking

Safety Information

Quick Start

Preparing Tools and Components

Installing a Processor

Installing DDR4 memory

Connecting the Front Panel Header

Installing the Motherboard

Installing SATA Drives

Installing a Graphics Card

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Connecting the Power Connectors

Power On

Specifications

Block Diagram

Rear I/O Panel

LAN Port LED Status Table

Audio Ports Configuration

Realtek HD Audio Manager

Installing Antennas (Optional)

Overview of Components

CPU Socket

DIMM Slots

PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots

PCIe slots bandwidth table

U2_1: U.2 Connector

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

SATA1~8: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors

CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors

VRAID1: Virtual RAID on CPU Connector

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors

JUSB3, JUSB4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors

JUSB5: USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connector

JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector

CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors

JTBT1: Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector

BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper

POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button

JLED1: RGB LED connector

Onboard LEDs

EZ Debug LEDs

DIMM LEDs

XMP LED

Fan LEDs

PCIe x16 slot LEDs

Debug Code LED

Debug Code LED Table

ACPI States Codes

CPU Temperature

BIOS Setup

Entering BIOS Setup

Resetting BIOS

Updating BIOS

EZ Mode

Advanced Mode

SETTINGS

Advanced

Boot

Security

Save & Exit

M-FLASH

OC PROFILE

Software Description

Installing Windows® 10

Installing Drivers

Installing Utilities

APP MANAGER

LIVE UPDATE 6

COMMAND CENTER

GAMING APP

X-BOOST

MYSTICLIGHT