MSI X99S XPOWER GAMING TITANIUM User Manual

1

Unpacking

Unpacking

Thank you for buying the MSI® X99S XPOWER GAMING TITANIUM/USB3.0
motherboard. Check to make sure your motherboard box contains the following items.
If something is missing, contact your dealer as soon as possible.

SATA Cable x10

SLI Bridge 102mm Cable (short) x2

SLI Bridge 140mm Cable (long) x2

Drivers & Utilities

Disc

Motherboard User

Guide

I/O Shield

Door Hanger

Quick Guide

Motherboard

SATA Cable Labels

V-Check Cable x6

RGB LED Extension Cable 40cm x1
RGB LED Extension Cable 80cm x1

Case Badge

Antenna x2

2

Safety Information

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.

3

Quick Start

Intel® LGA 2011-3 CPU

DDR4 Memory

Graphics Card

SATA Hard Disk Drive

SATA DVD Drive

A Package of Screws

Phillips Screwdriver

Chassis

Power Supply Unit

CPU Fan

Thermal Paste

Quick Start

Preparing Tools and Components

4

Quick Start

Installing a Processor

1

2

3

6

4

5

789

https://youtu.be/QnwHWBx3NnE

10

11

12

13

5

Quick Start

Installing DDR4 memory

http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs

1

2

2

3

6

Quick Start

Connecting the Front Panel Header

http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI

1

2 10

9

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

RESET SW

POWER SW

POWER LED+

POWER LED-

HDD LED

HDD LED

RESET SW

JFP1

HDD LED

HDD LED ­HDD LED +

POWER LED ­POWER LED +

POWER LED

7

Quick Start

Installing the Motherboard

1

2

8

Quick Start

Installing SATA Drives

http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc

1

2

3

4

5

9

Quick Start

1

4

5

Installing a Graphics Card

http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A

2

3

10

Quick Start

Connecting Peripheral Devices

11

Quick Start

Connecting the Power Connectors

http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

JPWR1

JPWR3

JPWR4

JPWR2

12

Quick Start

Power On

1

4

2

3

13

Contents

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 .................................................................................................... 23

Rear I/O Panel ..................................................................................................... 24

LAN Port LED Status Table................................................................................... 24

Audio Ports Configuration .................................................................................... 24

Realtek HD Audio Manager .................................................................................. 25

Installing Antennas ............................................................................................... 27

Overview of Components .................................................................................... 28

CPU Socket ........................................................................................................... 30

DIMM Slots ............................................................................................................ 31

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

PEGSW1: PCIe CeaseFire Switch ......................................................................... 35

SATA1~10: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors ..................................................................... 36

SE1_65: SATAe Connectors .................................................................................. 36

M2_1: M.2 Slot (Key M) ......................................................................................... 37

U2_1: U.2 Connector ............................................................................................. 38

SE_USB_SW1: SE USB Switch ............................................................................. 39

OC1: GAME BOOST Knob ..................................................................................... 42

SLOW_1, JSLOW_1: Slow Mode Booting Switch/ Jumper ................................... 43

JPWR1~4: Power Connectors ............................................................................... 44

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors ................................................................... 45

JUSB3~4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors ................................................................... 45

USB5: USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C Connector ............................................................... 46

14

Contents

JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors ............................................................................. 47

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector ........................................................................... 47

CPUFAN1,SYSFAN1~3, OPTFAN1~2, PUMPFAN1: Fan Connectors .................... 48

FV1: V-Check Points Connectors ......................................................................... 49

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................ 50

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector ....................................................................... 50

BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch ............................................................................. 51

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper ........................................................... 52

DISCH1: Discharge Button ................................................................................... 52

FLASHB1: BIOS FLASHBACK+ Button ................................................................. 53

POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button ................................................. 53

SW-TACT1~2, BLKOC_SEL1: Plus, Minus Button, BCLK-Ratio Switch .............. 53

OC_RT1, OC_FS1 : OC Retry Button, OC Force Enter BIOS Button ..................... 54

JLED1: RGB LED connector ................................................................................. 54

LED Status Indicators .......................................................................................... 55

LED Status Table................................................................................................... 55

Debug Code LED .................................................................................................. 56

Hexadecimal Character Table .............................................................................. 56

Boot Phases .......................................................................................................... 56

Debug Code LED Table ......................................................................................... 56

ACPI States Codes ................................................................................................ 58

CPU Temperature ................................................................................................. 58

BIOS Setup ........................................................................................................... 59

Entering BIOS Setup ............................................................................................. 59

Resetting BIOS ...................................................................................................... 60

Updating BIOS ....................................................................................................... 60

EZ Mode ................................................................................................................ 62

Advanced Mode .................................................................................................... 64

SETTINGS .............................................................................................................. 65

Advanced ............................................................................................................... 65

Boot ....................................................................................................................... 70

Security ................................................................................................................. 71

Save & Exit ............................................................................................................ 72

OC .......................................................................................................................... 73

M-FLASH .............................................................................................................. 83

OC PROFILE .......................................................................................................... 84

HARDWARE MONITOR .......................................................................................... 85

Software Description ........................................................................................... 86

Installing Windows® 7/ 8.1/ 10.............................................................................. 86

15

Contents

Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 86

Installing Utilities ................................................................................................. 86

COMMAND CENTER ............................................................................................. 87

LIVE UPDATE 6 ...................................................................................................... 91

GAMING APP ......................................................................................................... 93

M-CLOUD .............................................................................................................. 99

RAMDISK............................................................................................................. 102

USB SPEED UP ................................................................................................... 103

GAMING LAN MANAGER .................................................................................... 104

Nahimic 2 ............................................................................................................ 106

XSplit Gamecaster V2 ......................................................................................... 110

Intel

®

Extreme Tuning Utility .............................................................................. 114

SteelSeries Engine 3 .......................................................................................... 115

CPU-Z.................................................................................................................. 117

Intel

®

Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Application / Driver ............................ 118

RAID Configuration ............................................................................................ 120

Using Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM ......................................... 120

Degraded RAID Array ......................................................................................... 123

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................ 125

Regulatory Notices ............................................................................................ 126

16

Specifications

Specifications

CPU

y Supports New Intel

®

Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition

for LGA2011-3 Socket

y Supports Intel

®

Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0*

* This function will be supported depend on the CPU.

Chipset Intel® X99 Chipset

Memory

y 8x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 128GB*

 Supports DDR4 3466(OC) /3400(OC)/ 3333(OC)/ 3200(OC)/

3000(OC)/ 2933(OC)/ 2800(OC) / 2666(OC)/ 2600(OC)/

2400/ 2200(OC)/ 2133 MHz

y Quad channel memory architecture
y Supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory
y Supports Intel

®

Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)

y Supports RDIMM 1Rx8 memory module (Operates in non-

ECC mode)

* For the latest information about memory, please visit http://www.msi.com

Expansion Slots

y 5x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (PCI_E1~PCI_E4 & PCI_E6*), support

up to 4-way mode.

 1-way mode: x16/x0/x0/x0/x0
 2-way mode: x16/x0/x0/x16/x0**, x16/x0/x0/x8/x0***
 3-way mode: x16/x0/x0/x16/x8** x8/x8/x0/x8/x0***
 4-way mode: x8/x8/x0/x16/x8**, x8/x8/x0/x8/x4***

y 1x PCIe 2.0 x1 slot (PCI_E5)

* PCI_E6 slot, U.2 port and M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 share the same bandwidth. Please

refer to page 33 for PCIe bandwidth tables.
** For the CPU that supports 40 PCIe lanes
*** For the CPU that supports 28 PCIe lanes

Multi-GPU

y Supports 4-Way AMD

®

CrossFire™ Technology

y Supports 4-Way NVIDIA

®

SLI™ Technology

Storage

Intel

®

X99 Chipset

y 10x SATA 6Gb/s ports (2 ports from SATAe port)
y 1x M.2 slot (Key M)

 Supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s
 Supports 2242/ 2260 /2280/ 22110 storage devices

y 1x U.2 port*

 Supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe storage

y 1x SATAe port (compatible with 2 SATA ports)**

 Supports up to PCIe 2.0x2

y Supports Intel

®

Smart Response Technology***

* The U.2 port will be unavailable when installing the PCIe device in PCI_E6

slot.
** SATAe port is backward compatible with SATA.
*** This function will be supported depend on the CPU.

Continued on next page

17

Specifications

Continued from previous page

RAID

Intel

®

X99 Chipset

y SATA1~6 ports support RAID 0, RAID1, RAID 5 and RAID 10
y SATA7~10 ports only support IDE mode and AHCI mode.

USB

y ASMedia

®

ASM1142 Chipset

 4x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports (1 Type-A port

and 1 Type-C port on the back panel, 2 ports available
through the internal JUSB4 connector)

y VIA

®

VL805 Chipset

 4x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports on the back

panel

y Intel

®

X99 Chipset

 5x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports (2 Type-A

ports on the back panel, 1 internal Type-C port on the
board, 2 ports available through the internal JUSB3
connector)

 7x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (3 ports on the

back panel, 4 ports available through the internal USB
connectors)

Audio

y Realtek

®

ALC1150 Codec

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

LAN 1x Intel I218-V Gigabit LAN controller

WLAN & Bluetooth

®

y Wi-Fi/ Bluetooth

®

expansion module with Intel® Dual Band

Wireless-AC 8260 chip

 Supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual band (2.4GHz,

5GHz) up to 867 Mbps speed.

 Supports Dual Mode Bluetooth

®

2.1, 2.1+EDR, 3.0, 4.0,

BLE, 4.2

Back Panel
Connectors

y 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port
y 3x USB 2.0 ports

 1x BIOS FLASHBACK+ port
y 1x Clear CMOS button
y 7x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports
y 1x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C port
y 1x LAN (RJ45) port
y 1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector
y 5x OFC audio jacks

Continued on next page

18

Specifications

Continued from previous page

Internal Connectors

y 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
y 1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
y 1x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
y 1x flat 4-pin ATX 12V power connector*
y 10x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
y 2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0

ports)

y 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors (supports additional 4 USB

3.1 Gen1 ports)

y 1x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C port
y 1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
y 1x 4-pin Water Pump connector
y 2x 4-pin OPT fan connectors
y 3x 4-pin system fan connectors
y 1x Front panel audio connector
y 1x RGB LED connector
y 1x TPM module connector
y 1x OC retry button
y 1x OC force enter BIOS button
y 2x Front panel connectors
y 1x Chassis Intrusion connector

* Provides additional power to PCIe x16 slots

Buttons

y 1x GAME BOOST button
y 1x Power button
y 1x Reset button
y 1x BCLK+/ Ratio+ button
y 1x BCLK-/ Ratio- button
y 1x BIOS FLASHBACK+ button

Switches

y 1x Multi-BIOS switch
y 1x PCIe CeaseFire switch
y 1x Slow mode booting switch
y 1x BCLK-Ratio switch
y 1x SE_USB switch*

* Please refer to page 39 for SE USB switch with examples of various

combination possibilities.

Jumpers

y 1x Slow mode booting jumper
y 1x Clear CMOS jumper

Continued on next page

19

Specifications

Continued from previous page

Debug LED y 1x 2-Digit Debug Code LED

I/O Controller NUVOTON NCT6792D Controller Chip

Hardware Monitor

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

Form Factor

y EATX Form Factor
y 12.0 in. x 10.7 in. (30.5 cm x 27.2 cm)

BIOS Features

y 2x 128 Mb flash
y UEFI AMI BIOS
y ACPI 5.0, PnP 1.0a, SM BIOS 2.8
y Multi-language

Software

y Drivers
y COMMAND CENTER
y LIVE UPDATE 6
y FAST BOOT
y SUPER CHARGER
y GAMING APP
y SMART UTILITIES
y M-CLOUD
y RAMDISK
y USB SPEED UP
y GAMING LAN MANAGER
y Nahimic 2
y XSplit Gamecaster V2
y Intel

®

Extreme Tuning Utility

y Norton™ Internet Security Solution
y Google Chrome™ ,Google Toolbar, Google Drive
y SteelSeries Engine 3
y CPU-Z MSI GAMING
y Intel

®

Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0

Continued on next page

20

Specifications

Continued from previous page

Enthusiast GAMING
Features

y AUDIO BOOST 3

 Isolated Audio PCB
 EMI Shielding
 Dual Headphone Amplifiers
 High Quality Audio Capacitors
 Golden Audio Connectors

y GAME BOOST

 Easy Overclocking
 7 Gear Clock Change

y GAMING LAN

 Intel

®

Gigabit Ethernet

 GAMING Network Manager power by cFos
 Electric Wave Surge

y GAMING APP

 System Mode Switching: OC/Gaming/Silent
 Gaming Hotkey
 Gaming Mouse Control
 Gaming LED Control

y Optimized Thermal Design

 Heat-pipe Direct Touch Technology
 Enhanced Choke Thermal Design

y Nahimic 2

 Sound Tracker
 HD Audio Recorder 2
 Expert Mode
 Sound Effect Equalizer
 Microphone Noise Reduction

y XSplit

 XSplit GAMECASTER V2
 XSplit BROADCASTER V2

y GAMING CERTIFIED
y WTFast GPN

 2-Month Premium License*
 Multi-Server Network Optimization
 Advanced Lag Spike & Disconnect Reduction

* This offer is valid for a limited period only, for more information please visit

www.msi.com

Continued on next page

21

Specifications

Continued from previous page

MSI Exclusive
Features

y CLICK BIOS 5

 EZ Mode & Advanced Mode Switching
 Board Explorer
 Hardware Monitor

y BIOS FLASHBACK+
y MILITARY CLASS 5

 Military Class Component
 Military Class Stability and Reliability

 ESD Protection
 EMI Protection
 Humidity Protection
 Circuit Protection
 High Temperature Protection
 VGA Armor Slot

y COMMAND CENTER

 System Monitor
 Smart Fan Control

y RAMDISK
y LIVE UPDATE 6
y M-CLOUD
y USB Redrivers
y CPU-Z MSI GAMING
y Steel Series Engine 3
y SUPER CHARGER

Continued on next page

22

Specifications

Continued from previous page

Specification
Highlights

y DDR4 BOOST Support

 Quad-Channel DDR4 Memory Support
 Isolated DDR4 Circuit Design
 DDR4 XMP Ready
 Steel Armor Ready

y PCI Express 3.0 Support

 4-Way Nvidia SLI™ Support
 4-Way AMD CrossFire™ Support

y USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C Ready
y Turbo M.2 Ready

 PCIe 3.0 x4 (32 Gb/s) Support
 PCIe/ SATA Dual Mode Support
 Steel Armor Ready

y SATA Express Support
y U.2 Ready
y NVMe / AHCI Driver Support
y 2-Digit Debug Code LED
y EZ Debug LED 2
y RGB LED pin header

23

Block Diagram

Block Diagram

LPC Bus

USB 3.1 Gen1

4 Channel DDR4 Memory

USB 3.1 Gen1

SATA Express

M.2

USB 2.0

PCI Express Bus

PCI Express Bus

PCI Express Bus

P/S2 Mouse / Keyboard

Audio Jacks

DMI 3.0

X99 PCH

NV6792D

Super I/O

Realtek

ALC1150

x1

x1

x2

PCI Express Bus

Switch

x1

PCIe x1 slot

Intel I218V

SATA 6Gb/s

ASMEDIA
ASM1142

USB 3.1 Gen1

VIA

VL805

USB 3.1 Gen1

Processor

U.2

Wi-Fi /
Bluetooth

x1

PCI Express Bus

ASMEDIA
ASM1142

Switch

24

Rear I/O Panel

Rear I/O Panel

PS/2

LAN

USB 2.0

Audio Ports

Clear CMOS

Optical S/PDIF-Out

USB 2.0/

BIOS FLASHBACK+

USB 3.1 Gen1 USB 3.1 Gen1

Type-C

USB 3.1
Gen1

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

LAN Port LED Status Table

Audio Ports Configuration

Audio Ports

Channel

2 4 6 8

Center/ Subwoofer Out ● ●

Rear Speaker Out ● ● ●

Line-In/ Side Speaker Out ●

Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out ● ● ● ●

Mic In

(●: connected, Blank: empty)

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 - Please refer to page 61 for Updating BIOS with BIOS

FLASHBACK+.

RP.SMA

25

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.

Jack Status

Device
Selection

Connector
Strings

Profiles

Main Volume

Application
Enhancement

Advanced
Settings

y Device Selection - allows you to select a audio output source to change the related

options. The check sign indicates the devices as default.

y Application Enhancement - the array of options will provide you a complete

guidance of anticipated sound effect for both output and input device.

y Main Volume - controls the volume or balance the right/left side of the speakers

that you plugged in front or rear panel by adjust the bar.

y Profiles - toggles between profiles.
y Advanced Settings - provides the mechanism to deal with 2 independent audio

streams.

y Jack Status - depicts all render and capture devices currently connected with your

computer.

y Connector Settings - configures the connection settings.

Auto popup dialog

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

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

26

Rear I/O Panel

AUDIO INPUT

Rear Front

Side Center/

Subwoofer

Audio jacks to headphone and microphone diagram

Audio jacks to stereo speakers diagram

Audio jacks to 7.1-channel speakers diagram

AUDIO INPUT

27

Rear I/O Panel

Installing Antennas

1. Screw the antennas tight to the RP-SMA connectors as shown.

2. Place the antennas as high as possible.

28

Overview of Components

Overview of Components

CPUFAN1CPU Socket

JPWR2

JPWR3

DIMM8DIMM1

DIMM7DIMM2

DIMM6DIMM3

DIMM5DIMM4

OC1

RESET1

PUMPFAN1
OPTFAN2
JPWR1

JPWR4

OPTFAN1
DISCH1

USB5

JUSB4

JUSB3

POWER1
BLKOC_SEL1
SLOW_1

JUSB1

JUSB2

JFP2

JFP1

OC_FS1

OC_RT1

SYSFAN3

SYSFAN2

JTPM1

JLED1

JSLOW_1

JAUD1

PCI_E6

PCI_E5

M2_1

JCI1

JBAT1

PCI_E4

PCI_E3

PCI_E2

PCI_E1

FLASHB1

SYSFAN1

PEGSW1

FV1

SW-TACT1
SW-TACT2

SATA1_2

SATA3_4

SATA7_8

SATA10

SATA9

SE_USB_SW1

MULTI_BIOS_SWITCH

SE1_65

U2_1

29

Overview of Components

Component Contents

Port Name Port Type Page

BIOS_SW1 Multi-BIOS Switch 51
CPUFAN1,SYSFAN1~3,

OPTFAN1~2, PUMPFAN1

Fan Connectors 48

CPU Socket LGA2011-3 30
DIMM1~8 DIMM Slots 31
DISCH1 Discharge Button 52
FLASHB1 BIOS FLASHBACK+ Button 53
FV1 V-Check Points Connectors 49
JAUD1 Front Audio Connector 50
JBAT1 Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper 52
JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector 50
JFP1, JFP2 Front Panel Connectors 45
JLED1 RGB LED connector 54
JPWR1~4 Power Connectors 44
JTPM1 TPM Module Connector 47
JUSB1~2 USB 2.0 Connectors 47
JUSB3~4 USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors 45
M2_1 M.2 Slot (Key M) 37
OC1 GAME BOOST Knob 42
OC_RT1,

OC_FS1

OC Retry Button,
OC Force Enter BIOS Button

54

PCI_E1~6 PCIe Expansion Slots 33
PEGSW1 PCIe CeaseFire Switch 35
POWER1, RESET1 Power Button, Reset Button 53
SATA1~10 SATA 6Gb/s Connectors 36
SE1_65 SATAe Connectors 36
SE_USB_SW1 SE USB Switch 39
SLOW_1, JSLOW_1 Slow Mode Booting Switch/ Jumper 43
SW-TACT1~2,

BLKOC_SEL1

Plus, Minus Button, BCLK-Ratio Switch 53

U2_1 U.2 Connector 38
USB5 USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C Connector 46

30

Overview of Components

CPU Socket

Introduction to the LGA 2011-3 CPU

The surface of the LGA2011-3 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® does not guarantee the damages or risks caused by
inadequate operation beyond product specifications.