Msi X470 GAMING PLUS User Manual

Unpacking

Thank you for buying the MSI® X470 GAMING PLUS motherboard. Check to make sure your motherboard box contains the following items. If something is missing, contact your dealer as soon as possible.

Motherboard User

Drivers & Utilities

Disc

Guide

Motherboard

I/O Shield	M.2 Screw x2
	SATA Cable x2

Case Badge	SATA Cable Labels

Unpacking 1

Safety Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

yKeep this user guide for future reference.

yKeep this motherboard away from humidity.

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

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

yAll cautions and warnings on the motherboard should be noted.

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

Liquid has penetrated into the computer.

The motherboard has been exposed to moisture.

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

The motherboard has been dropped and damaged.

The motherboard has obvious sign of breakage.

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

2 Safety Information

Quick Start

Preparing Tools and Components

AMD® AM4 CPU

Thermal Paste

CPU Fan

DDR4 Memory

Power Supply Unit

Chassis

SATA DVD Drive

SATA Hard Disk Drive

Graphics Card

Phillips Screwdriver

A Package of Screws

Quick Start 3

Installing a Processor

https://youtu.be/Xv89nhFk1vc

1

3

2

5

4

6	8	9
	7	CPU_FAN1

4 Quick Start

Important

If you are installing the screw-type CPU heatsink, please follow the figure below to remove the retention module first and then install the heatsink.

1

2	3

Quick Start 5

Installing DDR4 memory

http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs

1

1

2

3 2

3

	DIMMB2	DIMMB2
		DIMMB1
DIMMA2	DIMMA2	DIMMA2
		DIMMA1

6 Quick Start

Connecting the Front Panel Header

http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI

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

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

RESETSW

HDDLED

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

Quick Start 7

Installing the Motherboard

1

2

8 Quick Start

Installing SATA Drives

http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc	1

2	3

5

4

Quick Start 9

Installing a Graphics Card

http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A

1

3

2

5

4

6

10 Quick Start

Connecting Peripheral Devices

A
-
Ryzen™	Desktop
Series/Athlon™			Processors
		Processors with
			Radeon
			Vega	Graphics
				&

Quick Start 11

Connecting the Power Connectors

http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

ATX_PWR1	CPU_PWR1

CPU_PWR2

12 Quick Start

Power On

1

2

3

4

Quick Start 13

Contents
Unpacking..............................................................................................................	1
Safety Information.................................................................................................	2
Quick Start .............................................................................................................	3
Preparing Tools and Components..........................................................................	3
Installing a Processor.............................................................................................	4
Installing DDR4 memory ........................................................................................	6
Connecting the Front Panel Header.......................................................................	7
Installing the Motherboard.....................................................................................	8
Installing SATA Drives.............................................................................................	9
Installing a Graphics Card ....................................................................................	10
Connecting Peripheral Devices ............................................................................	11
Connecting the Power Connectors.......................................................................	12
Power On...............................................................................................................	13
Specifications.......................................................................................................	17
Block Diagram ....................................................................................................	22
Rear I/O Panel .....................................................................................................	23
LAN Port LED Status Table...................................................................................	23
Audio Ports Configuration ....................................................................................	23
Realtek HD Audio Manager ..................................................................................	24
Overview of Components ....................................................................................	26
CPU Socket ...........................................................................................................	28
DIMM Slots............................................................................................................	29
PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots..........................................................................	30
M2_1~2: M.2 Slots (Key M) ...................................................................................	32
SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors .......................................................................	33
JLPT1: Parallel Port Connector ...........................................................................	33
CPU_PWR1, CPU_PWR2, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors ..................................	34
JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors.............................................................................	35
JUSB3~4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors ...................................................................	35
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors...................................	36
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................	37
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector.......................................................................	37
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors ...................................................................	38
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector...........................................................................	38
JCOM1: Serial Port Connector .............................................................................	39
JRGB1, JRGB2: RGB LED Connectors .................................................................	39
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper ...........................................................	40

14 Contents

CLR_CMOS1: Clear CMOS Button........................................................................	40
BIOS Setup...........................................................................................................	41
Entering BIOS Setup.............................................................................................	41
Resetting BIOS......................................................................................................	42
Updating BIOS.......................................................................................................	42
EZ Mode ................................................................................................................	43
Advanced Mode ....................................................................................................	45
SETTINGS..............................................................................................................	46
Advanced...............................................................................................................	46
Boot.......................................................................................................................	51
Security.................................................................................................................	52
Save & Exit............................................................................................................	54
OC..........................................................................................................................	55
M-FLASH ..............................................................................................................	60
OC PROFILE..........................................................................................................	61
HARDWARE MONITOR..........................................................................................	62
A-XMP Operation ..................................................................................................	63
Software Description...........................................................................................	64
Installing Windows® 10.........................................................................................	64
Installing Drivers ..................................................................................................	64
Installing Utilities .................................................................................................	64
APP MANAGER .....................................................................................................	65
LIVE UPDATE 6......................................................................................................	66
COMMAND CENTER .............................................................................................	68
GAMING APP.........................................................................................................	72
X-BOOST ...............................................................................................................	77
MYSTIC LIGHT.......................................................................................................	79
MYSTIC LIGHT PARTY ...........................................................................................	83
Joining Group........................................................................................................	84
Group Control Panel .............................................................................................	85
Inviting Member....................................................................................................	86
SMART TOOL.........................................................................................................	87
RAMDISK...............................................................................................................	89
Nahimic 2.5...........................................................................................................	90
RAID Configuration..............................................................................................	95
Using AMD RAID Controller BIOS Configuration Utility.......................................	95
Initialize Disks ......................................................................................................	97
Create Arrays........................................................................................................	98
Delete Arrays ........................................................................................................	99
Swap Arrays........................................................................................................	100

Contents 15

Manage Spares ...................................................................................................	101
Change the Controller Options...........................................................................	102
Booting the system from an array......................................................................	102
Pausing the boot sequence for warning messages ...........................................	102
Change the Staggered Spinup Count .................................................................	103
Using UEFI to create a 2.2TB RAID ....................................................................	104
Installing RAID Driver.........................................................................................	105
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................	106

16 Contents

Specifications

	CPU	Supports AMD® Ryzen™ Desktop Processors and AMD®
		A-Series/Athlon™ Processors for Socket AM4
	Chipset	AMD® X470 Chipset
		y4x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 64GB
		Supports DDR4 1866/ 2133/ 2400/ 2667 Mhz by JEDEC,
		and 2667/ 2800/ 2933/ 3000/ 3066/ 3200/ 3466 Mhz by
		A-XMP OC MODE*
	Memory	yDual channel memory architecture
		ySupports non-ECC UDIMM memory
		ySupports ECC UDIMM memory
		* A-series/ Athlon™ processors support up to 2400 MHz. And the supporting
		frequency of memory varies with installed processor. Please refer www.msi.com
		for more information on compatible memory.
		y2x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (PCIE_1, PCIE_4)
		Ryzen™ Desktop Processors support x16/x0, x8/x8
		mode
		Ryzen™ Desktop Processors with Radeon Vega
	Expansion Slots	Graphics and A-Series/Athlon™ Processors support x8/
		x0 mode
		y1x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot (PCIE_6, supports x4 mode)*
		y3x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots
		* PCI_E6 slot will be unavailable when installing M.2 PCIe SSD in M2_2 slot.
		y1x DVI-D port, supports a maximum resolution of
		1920x1200@60Hz*
	Onboard Graphics	y1x HDMI™ port 1.4, supports a maximum resolution of
		4096x2160@30Hz*
		* Only support when using Ryzen™ Desktop Processors with Radeon Vega
		Graphics and A-Series/Athlon™ Processors
		* Maximum shared memory of 2048 MB
		yRyzen™ Desktop Processors
		Supports 3-Way AMD® CrossFire™ Technology
	Multi-GPU	yRyzen™ Desktop Processors with Radeon Vega Graphics
		and A-Series/Athlon™ Processors
		Supports 2-Way AMD® CrossFire™ Technology
	LAN	1x Realtek® 8111H Gigabit LAN controller
		Continued on next page

Specifications 17

Continued from previous page

		y6x SATA 6Gb/s ports (from AMD® X470 Chipset)
		y2x M.2 ports (Key M)*
		M2_1 slot (from AMD® processor) supports PCIe 3.0 x4
		(Ryzen™ Desktop Processors ) or PCIe 3.0 x2 (A-series/
	Storage	Athlon™ Processors) 2242/ 2260 /2280/ 22110 storage
		devices
		M2_2 slot (from AMD® X470 Chipset) supports PCIe 2.0
		x4 and SATA 6Gb/s 2242/ 2260 /2280 storage devices
		* SATA1 port will be unavailable when installing SATA M.2 SSD in M2_2 slot.
		* PCI_E6 slot will be unavailable when installing PCIe M.2 SSD in M2_2 slot.
		AMD® X470 Chipset
	RAID	ySupports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10 for SATA storage
		devices
		yASMedia® ASM1143 Chipset
		2x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) Type-A
		ports on the back panel
		yAMD® X470 Chipset
		4x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports through the
	USB	internal USB connectors
		6x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (2 Type-A ports on
		the back panel, 4 ports available through the internal
		USB connectors)
		yAMD® CPU
		4x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) Type-A ports on the
		back panel
		yRealtek® ALC892 Codec
	Audio	y7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
		ySupports S/PDIF output
		Continued on next page

18 Specifications

Continued from previous page

		y1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port
		y2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
		y1x DVI-D port
	Back Panel	y1x HDMI™ 1.4 port
		y4x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A ports
	Connectors
		y1x LAN (RJ45) port
		y2x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A ports
		y5x OFC audio jacks
		y1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector
		y1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
		y1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
		y1x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
		y6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
		y2x USB 2.0 connectors (support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports)
		y2x USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors (support additional 4 USB 3.1
		Gen1 ports)
		y1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
		y1x 4-pin PUMP fan connector (supports up to 2A)

Internal Connectors y4x 4-pin system fan connectors

y1x Serial port connector

y1x Parallel port connector

y2x 5050 RGB LED strip 12V connectors

y1x TPM module connector

y1x Front panel audio connector

y2x System panel connectors

y1x Chassis Intrusion connector

y1x Clear CMOS jumper

y1x Clear CMOS button

I/O Controller

NUVOTON NCT6795D Controller Chip

Continued on next page

Specifications 19

		Continued from previous page
		yCPU/System temperature detection
	Hardware Monitor	yCPU/System fan speed detection
		yCPU/System fan speed control
	Form Factor	yATX Form Factor
		y12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
		y1x 128 Mb flash
	BIOS Features	yUEFI AMI BIOS
		yACPI 6.1, SM BIOS 2.8
		yMulti-language
		yDrivers
		yAPP MANAGER
		yCOMMAND CENTER
		yLIVE UPDATE 6
		yMYSTIC LIGHT
		ySUPER CHARGER
		yGAMING APP
	Software	yRAMDISK
		yX-BOOST
		ySMART TOOL
		yNahimic Audio
		yOpen Broadcaster Software (OBS)
		yNorton™ Internet Security Solution
		yGoogle Chrome™, Google Toolbar, Google Drive
		yCPU-Z MSI GAMING
		Continued on next page

20 Specifications

Continued from previous page

		yAudio
		Audio Boost
		Voice Boost
		Nahimic 2.5
		yStorage
		Turbo M.2
		yFan
		Pump Fan
		Smart Fan Control
		yLED
		Mystic Light
		Mystic Light Extension
		Mystic light SYNC
		EZ DEBUG LED
		yProtection
	Special Features	PCI-E Steel Armor
		yPerformance
		Multi GPU-CrossFire Technology
		DDR4 Boost
		GAME Boost
		X-Boost
		A-XMP
		yStability
		7000+ Quality Test
		yVR
		VR Ready
		yGamer Experience
		RAMDisk
		yBIOS
		Click BIOS 5
		yCertification
		GAMING Certified

Specifications 21

Block Diagram

HDMI DVI-D

2 Channel DDR4 Memory

	CPU
	1 x M.2
PCI Express Bus
PCIex4	4 x USB 3.1 Gen1
	Realtek
	ALC892
	Audio Jacks

		NV6795
		Super I/O
		P/S2 Mouse / Keyboard
PCIe x4 slot
Switch			x1	PCIe x1 slot
1 x M.2			x1	PCIe x1 slot
Switch	PCI		x1	PCIe x1 slot
6 x SATA 6Gb/s	BusExpress
4 x USB 3.1 Gen1	X470	ASMEDIA	2 x USB 3.1 Gen2
		ASM1143
6 x USB 2.0
		RTL8111H

22 Block Diagram

Rear I/O Panel

	USB 3.1 Gen1 LAN	Audio Ports
PS/2

DVI-D

USB 2.0	USB 3.1 Gen2
	USB 3.1 Gen1	Optical S/PDIF-Out

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

Channel

Audio Ports

	2	4	6	8
Center/ Subwoofer Out			●	●
Rear Speaker Out		●	●	●
Line-In/ Side Speaker Out				●
Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out	●	●	●	●
Mic In
(●: connected, Blank: empty)

Rear I/O Panel 23

Realtek HD Audio Manager

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

Device

Selection

Advanced

Settings

Jack Status

Application

Enhancement

Main Volume									Connector
									Settings
						Profiles

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

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

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

yProfiles - toggles between profiles.

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

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

yConnector Settings - configures the connection settings.

Auto popup dialog

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

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

24 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 25

Overview of Components

JRGB2 M2_1

PCI_E1

PCI_E2

JTPM1 PCI_E3

JCI1 PCI_E4

JBAT1

PCI_E5

M2_2

PCI_E6

	DIMMB1
	DIMMA2
SYS_FAN1	DIMMA1	DIMMB2
CPU_PWR2	CPU_FAN1
CPU_PWR1
	CPU Socket
		PUMP_FAN1
		SYS_FAN3

ATX_PWR1

SYS_FAN4

JUSB4

SATA▼5▲6

SATA▼3▲4

SATA▼1▲2

JFP2

JAUD1

JCOM1

JRGB1

JLPT1

JFP1

SYS_FAN2

JUSB3

Clear CMOS

JUSB2

JUSB1

26 Overview of Components

Component Contents

	Port Name	Port Type	Page
	CLR_CMOS1	Clear CMOS Button	40
	CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1,	Fan Connectors	36
	SYS_FAN1~4
	CPU_PWR1, CPU_PWR2,	Power Connectors	34
	ATX_PWR1
	CPU Socket	AM4 CPU Socket	28
	DIMMA1, DIMMA2,	DIMM Slots	29
	DIMMB1, DIMMB2
	JAUD1	Front Audio Connector	37
	JBAT1	Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper	40
	JCI1	Chassis Intrusion Connector	37
	JCOM1	Serial Port Connector	39
	JFP1, JFP2	Front Panel Connectors	38
	JLPT1	Parallel Port Connector	33
	JRGB1, JRGB2	RGB LED Connectors	39
	JTPM1	TPM Module Connector	38
	JUSB1~2	USB 2.0 Connectors	35
	JUSB3~4	USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors	35
	M2_1~2	M.2 Slots (Key M)	32
	PCI_E1~6	PCIe Expansion Slots	30
	SATA1~6	SATA 6Gb/s Connectors	33

Overview of Components 27

CPU Socket

Distance from the center of the

CPU to the nearest DIMM slot.

53.43 mm

Introduction to the AM4 CPU

The surface of the AM4 CPU has a yellow triangle to assist in correctly lining up the CPU for motherboard placement. The yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator.

Important

yWhen changing the processor, the system configuration could be cleared and reset BIOS to default values, due to the AM4 processor’s architecture.

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

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

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

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

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

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

28 Overview of Components

DIMM Slots

DIMMA1DIMMB1

Channel A

Channel B

DIMMA2DIMMB2

Memory module installation recommendation

	DIMMB2	DIMMB2
		DIMMB1
DIMMA2	DIMMA2	DIMMA2
		DIMMA1

Important

yAlways insert memory modules in the DIMMA2 slot first.

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

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

ySome memory modules may operate at a lower frequency than the marked value when overclocking due to the memory frequency operates dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD). Go to BIOS and find the DRAM Frequency to set the memory frequency if you want to operate the memory at the marked or at a higher frequency.

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

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

yDue to AM4 CPU/memory controller official specification limitation, the frequency of memory modules may operate lower than the marked value under the default state. Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.

Overview of Components 29

PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots

PCI_E1: PCIe 3.0 x16*/ PCIe 3.0 x8**

PCI_E2: PCIe 2.0 x1 PCI_E3: PCIe 2.0 x1

PCI_E4: PCIe 3.0 x8*/ Unavailable**

PCI_E5: PCIe 2.0 x1 PCI_E6: PCIe 2.0 x4

*For Ryzen™ Desktop processors

**For Ryzen™ Desktop Processors with Radeon Vega Graphics & A-Series/Athlon™ Processors

Multiple graphics cards installation recommendation (Ryzen™ series processors)

x16	x8	x8

Important

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

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

x8

yWhen adding or removing expansion

cards, always turn off the power supply

and unplug the power supply power

cable from the power outlet. Read the expansion card’s documentation to

check for any necessary additional hardware or software changes.

x8 x4

30 Overview of Components