MSI X299 TOMAHAWK ARCTIC Quick Start [ml]

Quick Start

Thank you for purchasing the MSI® X299 TOMAHAWK ARCTIC
motherboard. This Quick Start section provides demonstration
diagrams about how to install your computer. Some of the
installations also provide video demonstrations. Please link to the
URL to watch it with the web browser on your phone or tablet. You
may have even link to the URL by scanning the QR code.

Kurzanleitung

Danke, dass Sie das MSI® X299 TOMAHAWK ARCTIC Motherboard
gewählt haben. Dieser Abschnitt der Kurzanleitung bietet eine Demo
zur Installation Ihres Computers. Manche Installationen bieten
auch die Videodemonstrationen. Klicken Sie auf die URL, um diese
Videoanleitung mit Ihrem Browser auf Ihrem Handy oder Table
anzusehen. Oder scannen Sie auch den QR Code mit Ihrem Handy,
um die URL zu öffnen.

Présentation rapide

Merci d’avoir choisi la carte mère MSI® X299 TOMAHAWK ARCTIC.
Ce manuel fournit une rapide présentation avec des illustrations
explicatives qui vous aideront à assembler votre ordinateur. Des
tutoriels vidéo sont disponibles pour certaines étapes. Cliquez sur
le lien fourni pour regarder la vidéo sur votre téléphone ou votre
tablette. Vous pouvez également accéder au lien en scannant le QR
code qui lui est associé.

Быстрый старт

Благодарим вас за покупку материнской платы MSI®

X299 TOMAHAWK ARCTIC. В этом разделе представлена

информация, которая поможет вам при сборке комьютера.
Для некоторых этапов сборки имеются видеоинструкции.
Для просмотра видео, необходимо открыть
соответствующую ссылку в веб-браузере на вашем телефоне
или планшете. Вы также можете выполнить переход по
ссылке, путем сканирования QR-кода.

Quick Start

I

Installing a Processor/ Installation des Prozessors/ Installer un
processeur/ Установка процессора

1

3

2

https://youtu.be/ecdkLMmkya4

4

5

6

Quick Start

II

789

10

11

12

13

Installing DDR4 memory/ Installation des DDR4-Speichers/
Installer une mémoire DDR4/ Установка памяти DDR4

http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs

1

2

2

DIMMC1

3

Quick Start

III

RESET SW

POWER SW

POWER LED+

POWER LED-

HDD LED

Connecting the Front Panel Header/ Anschließen der
Frontpanel-Stiftleiste/ Connecter un connecteur du panneau
avant/ Подключение разъемов передней панели

http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI

IV

2 10

1

Quick Start

JFP1

1 HDD LED + 2 Power LED +

3 HDD LED - 4 Power LED -

5 Reset Switch 6 Power Switch

9

7 Reset Switch 8 Power Switch

9 Reserved 10 No Pin

HDD LED

POWER LED

RESET SW

HDD LED

JFP1

HDD LED ­HDD LED +

POWER LED ­POWER LED +

Installing the Motherboard/ Installation des Motherboards/
Installer la carte mère/ Установка материнской платы

1

2

BAT1

Quick Start

V

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

1

http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc

2

3

5

4

VI

Quick Start

Installing a Graphics Card/ Einbau der Grafikkarte/ Installer
une carte graphique/ Установка дискретной видеокарты

http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A

1

3

2

5

4

6

Quick Start

VII

Connecting Peripheral Devices/ Peripheriegeräte/
Connecter un périphérique anschliessen/ Подключение
периферийных устройств

VIII

Quick Start

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

http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

ATX_PWR1

CPU_PWR1

Quick Start

IX

Power On/ Einschalten/ Mettre sous-tension/ Включение

питания

1

2

3

Quick Start

X

4

Contents

Safety Information ................................................................................................. 3

Specifications ......................................................................................................... 4

Rear I/O Panel ..................................................................................................... 10

LAN Port LED Status Table................................................................................... 10

Audio Ports Configuration .................................................................................... 10

Realtek HD Audio Manager .................................................................................. 11

Overview of Components .................................................................................... 13

CPU Socket ........................................................................................................... 14

DIMM Slots ............................................................................................................ 15

PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots .......................................................................... 18

PCIe slots bandwidth table ................................................................................... 18

U2_1: U.2 Connector ............................................................................................. 20

M2_1~3: M.2 Slots ................................................................................................ 21

SATA1~8: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors ....................................................................... 22

CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors ....................................................... 24

VRAID1: Virtual RAID on CPU Connector ............................................................. 24

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors ................................................................... 25

JUSB3, JUSB4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors........................................................... 25

JUSB5: USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connector ............................................................. 26

JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors ............................................................................. 27

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector ........................................................................... 27

CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors ................................... 28

JTBT1: Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector ...................................................... 28

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................29

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector ....................................................................... 29

BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch ............................................................................. 30

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper ........................................................... 31

POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button ................................................. 31

JLED1: RGB LED connector ................................................................................. 32

Onboard LEDs ...................................................................................................... 33

EZ Debug LEDs ..................................................................................................... 33

DIMM LEDs ........................................................................................................... 33

XMP LED ............................................................................................................... 33

Fan LEDs ............................................................................................................... 34

PCIe x16 slot LEDs................................................................................................ 34

Debug Code LED ................................................................................................... 35

Debug Code LED Table ......................................................................................... 35

Contents

1

ACPI States Codes ................................................................................................ 37

CPU Temperature ................................................................................................. 37

Updating LED Firmware ....................................................................................... 38

BIOS Setup ........................................................................................................... 39

Entering BIOS Setup ............................................................................................. 39

Resetting BIOS ...................................................................................................... 40

Updating BIOS ....................................................................................................... 40

EZ Mode ................................................................................................................ 42

Advanced Mode .................................................................................................... 44

OC Menu................................................................................................................ 45

Software Description ........................................................................................... 51

Installing Windows® 10 ......................................................................................... 51

Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 51

Installing Utilities ................................................................................................. 52

2

Contents

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

3

Specifications

CPU

Chipset Intel

Memory

Expansion Slots

LGA2066 Socket

supports up to 4-channels DDR4**

supports up to 2-channels DDR4**

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

* The PCI_E3 lanes are supported by PCH. Please refer to page 18 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*
y Quad channel memory architecture with the CPU that

 X-series processor support DDR4 4000(OC)/ 3866(OC)/
3800(OC)/ 3733(OC)/ 3600(OC)/ 3466(OC)/ 3400(OC)/
3333(OC)/ 3200(OC)/ 3000(OC)/ 2933(OC)/ 2800(OC)/ 2667/
2400/ 2133 MHz*

y Dual channel memory architecture with the CPU that

 X-series processor support DDR4 4266(OC)/ 4200(OC)/
4133(OC)/ 4000(OC)/ 3866(OC)/ 3800(OC)/ 3733(OC)/
3600(OC)/ 3466(OC)/ 3400(OC)/ 3333(OC)/ 3200(OC)/
3000(OC)/ 2933(OC)/ 2800(OC)/ 2667/ 2400/ 2133 MHz*

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

®

ALC1220 Codec

Audio

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

Continued on next page

Specifications

4

®

CrossFire™ Technology

®

SLI™ Technology

USB

Storage

Continued from previous page

®

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 Hub

 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 bandwidth. Please
refer to page 22 for PCI_E3/ U.2/ M.2/ SATA Combination table .

** Please refer the Intel Optane Memory Installation Guide on www.msi.com

®

Smart Response Technology

RAID

®

X299 Chipset

Intel

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.

Continued on next page

Specifications

5

Internal Connectors

Continued from previous page

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

6

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

7

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

8

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 DDR4 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 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

9

Rear I/O Panel

Clear CMOS
button

PS/2

USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A

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 41 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

10

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

11

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

12

Overview of Components

M2_3

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

RESET1

BAT1

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

13

CPU Socket

Introduction to the LGA 2066 CPU

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

Important

y

Always unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing

the CPU.

y

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

y

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

y

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

y

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

y

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

y

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

y

This motherboard is designed to support overclocking. Before attempting to
overclock, please make sure that all other system components can tolerate
overclocking. Any attempt to operate beyond product specifications is not
recommended. MSI
operation beyond product specifications.

®

does not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate

Overview of Components

14

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

DIMMC1

DIMMA1

DIMMC1

Overview of Components

15

DIMMA1

DIMMB1

DIMMD1

DIMMC1

DIMMA1

DIMMB1

DIMMA2

DIMMD1

DIMMC1

DIMMC2

DIMMA1

DIMMB1

DIMMC1

DIMMA1

DIMMB2

DIMMB1

DIMMA2

DIMMC2

Important

y

Always insert a memory module in the DIMMC1 slot first.

y

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

y

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

y

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

y

Please note that the maximum capacity of addressable memory is 4GB or less
for 32-bit Windows OS due to the memory address limitation. Therefore, we
recommended that you to install 64-bit Windows OS if you want to install more than
4GB memory on the motherboard.

y

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).

y

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

y

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

Overview of Components

16

DIMMD1

DIMMD2

DIMMC1

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

DIMMD1 DIMMD1

DIMMC1 DIMMC1

DIMMC2 DIMMC2

Overview of Components

DIMMD2

17

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

18

Multiple graphics cards installation recommendation

PCI_E1

PCI_E1

PCI_E4

PCI_E1

PCI_E4

PCI_E6

Important

y

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

the PCI_E1 slot is recommended.

y

If you install a large and heavy graphics card, you need to use a tool such as MSI

Gaming Series Graphics Card Bolster to support its weight and to prevent deformation
of the slot.

y

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

19

U2_1: U.2 Connector

This connector is a U.2 interface port. Each connector can connect to one PCIe 3.0 x4
NVMe storage device.

Video Demonstration

Watch the video to learn how to Install
U.2 SSD.

Installing U.2 SSD

1. Connect the U.2 cable to the U.2 connector on the

motherboard.

2. Connect the U.2 cable to the U.2 SSD.

3. Connect the U.2 cable to power adapter cable.

http://youtu.be/KgFvKDxymvw

U.2 SSD

U.2 Connector

U.2 Cable

2

1

Connect to power
adapter cable

Important

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

Overview of Components

20

3