MSI Z170A MPower Gaming Titanium operation manual

Unpacking

Thank you for buying the MSI® Z170A MPOWER GAMING TITANIUM 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

SLI Bridge
Connector

Drivers & Utilities

Disc

SATA Cable x6

M-Connector

Motherboard User

Guide

SATA Cable Labels

Door Hanger

Unpacking

1

Safety Information

y The components included in this package are prone to damage from electrostatic

discharge (ESD). Please adhere to the following instructions to ensure successful
computer assembly.

y Ensure that all components are securely connected. Loose connections may cause

the computer to not recognize a component or fail to start.

y Hold the motherboard by the edges to avoid touching sensitive components.
y It is recommended to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when

handling the motherboard to prevent electrostatic damage. If an ESD wrist strap

is not available, discharge yourself of static electricity by touching another metal

object before handling the motherboard.

y Store the motherboard in an electrostatic shielding container or on an anti-static

pad whenever the motherboard is not installed.

y Before turning on the computer, ensure that there are no loose screws or metal

components on the motherboard or anywhere within the computer case.

y Do not boot the computer before installation is completed. This could cause

permanent damage to the components as well as injury to the user.

y If you need help during any installation step, please consult a certified computer

technician.

y Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet

before installing or removing any computer component.

y Keep this user guide for future reference.
y Keep this motherboard away from humidity.
y Make sure that your electrical outlet provides the same voltage as is indicated on

the PSU, before connecting the PSU to the electrical outlet.

y Place the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not place

anything over the power cord.

y All cautions and warnings on the motherboard should be noted.
y If any of the following situations arises, get the motherboard checked by service

personnel:

 Liquid has penetrated into the computer.
 The motherboard has been exposed to moisture.
 The motherboard does not work well or you can not get it work according to user

guide.

 The motherboard has been dropped and damaged.
 The motherboard has obvious sign of breakage.

y Do not leave this motherboard in an environment above 60°C (140°F), it may damage

the motherboard.

Safety Information

2

Quick Start

Preparing Tools and Components

Intel® LGA 1151 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

3

Installing a Processor

2

http://youtu.be/bf5La099urI

3

1

7

4

5

6

Quick Start

4

8

9

Installing DDR4 memory

http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs

1

1

2

2

3

3

Quick Start

5

Connecting the Front Panel Header

RESET SW

POWER SW

POWER LED+

POWER LED-

HDD LED

http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI

Quick Start

6

2 10

1

JFP1

1 HDD LED + 2 Power LED +

3 HDD LED - 4 Power LED -

5 Reset Switch 6 Power Switch

9

7 Reset Switch 8 Power Switch

9 Reserved 10 No Pin

HDD LED

POWER LED

RESET SW

HDD LED

JFP1

HDD LED ­HDD LED +

POWER LED ­POWER LED +

Installing the Motherboard

1

2

Quick Start

7

Installing SATA Drives

http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc

2

1

3

Quick Start

8

5

4

Installing a Graphics Card

http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A

1

2

3

5

4

Quick Start

9

Connecting Peripheral Devices

10

Quick Start

Connecting the Power Connectors

http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

JPWR1

JPWR2

Quick Start

11

Power On

1

2

3

12

4

Quick Start

Contents

Unpacking .............................................................................................................. 1

Safety Information ................................................................................................. 2

Quick Start ............................................................................................................. 3

Preparing Tools and Components .......................................................................... 3

Installing a Processor ............................................................................................. 4

Installing DDR4 memory ........................................................................................ 5

Connecting the Front Panel Header ....................................................................... 6

Installing the Motherboard ..................................................................................... 7

Installing SATA Drives............................................................................................. 8

Installing a Graphics Card ...................................................................................... 9

Connecting Peripheral Devices ............................................................................ 10

Connecting the Power Connectors ....................................................................... 11

Power On............................................................................................................... 12

Specifications ....................................................................................................... 16

Block Diagram .................................................................................................... 22

Rear I/O Panel ..................................................................................................... 23

LAN Port LED Status Table................................................................................... 23

Audio Ports Configuration .................................................................................... 23

Realtek HD Audio Manager .................................................................................. 24

Overview of Components .................................................................................... 26

CPU Socket ........................................................................................................... 28

DIMM Slots ............................................................................................................ 29

PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots .......................................................................... 30

PCIe slots bandwidth table ................................................................................... 30

SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors ....................................................................... 33

M2_1 & M2_2: M.2 Slot (Key M) ............................................................................ 34

U2_1: U.2 Connector ............................................................................................. 35

JPWR1~2: Power Connectors ............................................................................... 38

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors ................................................................... 39

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector ........................................................................... 39

USB4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C Connector ............................................................... 40

JUSB2~3: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors ................................................................... 40

JUSB1: USB 2.0 Connector .................................................................................. 41

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................41

Contents

13

CPUFAN1~2,SYSFAN1~3: Fan Connectors .......................................................... 42

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector ....................................................................... 43

JSLOW1: Slow Mode Booting Jumper .................................................................. 44

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper ........................................................... 44

FV1: V-Check Points ............................................................................................. 45

JLED1: RGB LED connector ................................................................................. 45

LED Status Indicators .......................................................................................... 46

LED Status Table................................................................................................... 46

Debug Code LED Table ......................................................................................... 47

BIOS Setup ........................................................................................................... 48

Entering BIOS Setup ............................................................................................. 48

Resetting BIOS ...................................................................................................... 49

Updating BIOS ....................................................................................................... 49

EZ Mode ................................................................................................................ 50

Advanced Mode .................................................................................................... 52

SETTINGS .............................................................................................................. 53

Advanced ............................................................................................................... 53

Boot ....................................................................................................................... 59

Security ................................................................................................................. 60

Save & Exit ............................................................................................................ 61

OC .......................................................................................................................... 62

M-FLASH .............................................................................................................. 71

OC PROFILE .......................................................................................................... 72

HARDWARE MONITOR .......................................................................................... 73

Software Description ........................................................................................... 74

Installing Windows® 7/ 8.1/ 10.............................................................................. 74

Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 74

Installing Utilities ................................................................................................. 74

COMMAND CENTER ............................................................................................. 75

LIVE UPDATE 6 ...................................................................................................... 79

GAMING APP ......................................................................................................... 81

M-CLOUD .............................................................................................................. 85

RAMDISK............................................................................................................... 88

USB SPEED UP ..................................................................................................... 89

DRAGON EYE ........................................................................................................ 90

GAMING LAN MANAGER ...................................................................................... 91

Contents

14

Nahimic 2 .............................................................................................................. 93

XSplit Gamecaster V2 ........................................................................................... 97

®

Intel

Extreme Tuning Utility .............................................................................. 101

RAID Configuration ............................................................................................ 102

Using Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM ......................................... 102

Degraded RAID Array ......................................................................................... 105

M.2 PCIe SSD RAID ............................................................................................. 107

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................ 109

Regulatory Notices ............................................................................................ 110

Contents

15

Specifications

CPU

Supports 6th Gen Intel® Core™ i3/i5/i7 processors, and Intel®
Pentium® and Celeron® processors for Socket LGA1151

Chipset Intel

y 4x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 64GB

Memory

y Dual channel memory architecture
y Supports ECC, un-buffered memory

y Supports Intel

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

y 3x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots*

Expansion Slots

Multi-GPU

y 3x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots*

* PCI_E6 slot and PCIe x1 slots share the same bandwidth. Please refer to

y Supports 3-Way AMD
y Supports 2-Way NVIDIA

y ASMedia

y Intel

USB

®

Z170 Chipset

 Supports DDR4 3600(OC)/ 3200(OC)/ 3000(OC)/ 2800(OC)/

2600(OC)/ 2400/ 2133 MHz

 ECC UDIMM memory (non-ECC mode)*

®

Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)

page 30 for PCIe slots bandwidth table.

®

CrossFire™ Technology

®

SLI™ Technology

®

ASM1142 Chipset

 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) port on the

back panel

 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 (Super Speed USB 10Gbps) Type-C port

on the back panel

®

Z170 Chipset

 6x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports (2 ports on the

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

 1x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) Type-C port on the

board

 6x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (4 ports on the

back panel, 2 ports available through the internal USB
connector)

16

Continued on next page

Specifications

Storage

Audio

Continued from previous page

®

Intel

Z170 Chipset

y 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports*

 Support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10

y 2x M.2 slots (Key M)*

 Supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s
 Supports 2242/ 2260/ 2280/ 22110 storage devices**
 Supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 for M.2 PCIe Storage

devices***

y 1x U.2 port*

 Supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe storage

y Supports Intel

* M.2 SATAs and SATA1, 2, 5 and 6 share the same bandwidth. M2_2 slot and

U.2 port share the same bandwidth. Please refer to page 36 for M.2/ U.2 &

SATA combination table.
** Only M2_1 slot supports type 22110 storage device.
*** M.2 PCIe RAID volume can be created with UEFI BIOS.
****This function will be supported depend on the CPU.

y Realtek

®

Smart Response Technology****

®

ALC1150 Codec

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

LAN

Back Panel
Connectors

1x Intel I219 Gigabit LAN controller

y 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port
y 4x USB 2.0 ports
y 1x DVI-D port
y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 port
y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port
y 1x HDMI port
y 1x LAN (RJ45) port
y 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports
y 1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector
y 5x OFC audio jacks

Continued on next page

Specifications

17

Continued from previous page

y 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
y 1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
y 6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
y 2x M.2 slots
y 1x U.2 port
y 1x USB 2.0 connector (supports additional 2 USB 2.0

ports)

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

3.1 Gen1 ports)

Internal Connectors

I/O Controller NUVOTON NCT6793D Controller Chip

Hardware Monitor

y 1x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C port
y 2x 4-pin CPU fan connectors
y 3x 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 RGB LED connector
y 1x Clear CMOS jumper
y 1x Slow mode booting jumper

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

18

Specifications

Form Factor

BIOS Features

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

y 1x 128 Mb flash
y UEFI AMI BIOS
y ACPI 5.0, PnP 1.0a, SM BIOS 2.8
y Multi-language

Continued on next page

Software

Enthusiast GAMING
Features

Continued from previous page

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

®

y Intel

Extreme Tuning Utility

™

y Norton
y Google Chrome

Internet Security Solution

™

,Google Toolbar, Google Drive

y SteelSeries Engine 3
y CPU-Z

y GAMING CERTIFIED
y AUDIO BOOST 3

 Isolated Audio PCB
 EMI Shielding
 High Quality Audio Capacitors
 Golden Audio Connectors

y GAME BOOST

 Easy Overclocking

y GAMING LAN

®

 Intel

Gigabit Ethernet

y GAMING APP

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

y Optimized Thermal Design

Continued on next page

Specifications

19

Enthusiast GAMING
Features

MSI Exclusive
Features

Continued from previous page

y Nahimic 2

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

y XSplit

 XSplit GAMECASTER V2
 XSplit BROADCASTER V2

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

y CLICK BIOS 5

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

y MILITARY CLASS 5

 Military Class Component
 Military Class Stability and Reliability

 ESD Protection
 EMI Protection
 Humidity Protection
 Circuit Protection
 High Temperature Protection
 Steel Armor PCIe Slot

y COMMAND CENTER

 System Monitor

 Smart Fan Control
y RAMDISK
y LIVE UPDATE 6
y M-CLOUD
y USB Redrivers
y CPU-Z
y Steel Series Engine 3
y SUPER CHARGER

20

Continued on next page

Specifications

Specification
Highlights

Continued from previous page

y DDR4 BOOST Support

 Dual-Channel DDR4 Memory Support

 Isolated DDR4 Circuit Design

 DDR4 XMP Ready

 Steel Armor Ready
y PCI Express 3.0 Support

 2-Way Nvidia SLI

 3-Way AMD CrossFire

TM

Support

TM

Support

y Multi-GPU with Steel Armor
y USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A/ Type-C Ready
y USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C Ready
y Twin Turbo M.2 Ready

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

 Steel Armor Ready
y U.2 On-board
y NVMe / AHCI Driver Support
y 2-Digit Debug Code LED
y EZ Debug LED 2
y RGB LED pin header
y PCI-E Ambient Light

Specifications

21

Block Diagram

PCI Express Bus

2 x M.2

1 x U.2

6 x SATA 6Gb/s

HDMI DVI-D

DMI 3.0

Switch

PCI Express Bus

CPU

Switch

PCI Express Bus

2 Channel DDR4 Memory

PCIe x1

PCIe x1

PCIe x1

Block Diagram

22

7 x USB 3.1 Gen1

6 x USB 2.0

LPC Bus

NV6793

Super I/O

P/S2 Mouse / Keyboard

Z170

Realtek

ALC1150

Audio Jacks

ASMEDIA
ASM1142

Intel
i219

2 x USB 3.1 Gen2

Rear I/O Panel

PS/2

DVI-D

USB 3.1 Gen2

USB 2.0

Audio Ports

LAN

USB 2.0

USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C

LAN Port LED Status Table

Link/ Activity LED

Status Description

Off No link

Yellow Linked

Blinking Data activity

Audio Ports Configuration

Optical S/PDIF-Out

USB 3.1 Gen1

Speed LED

Status Description

Off 10 Mbps connection

Green 100 Mbps connection

Orange 1 Gbps connection

Audio Ports

Center/ Subwoofer Out ● ●

Rear Speaker Out ● ● ●

Line-In/ Side Speaker Out ●

Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out ● ● ● ●

Mic In

Channel

2 4 6 8

(●: 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

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

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

Rear I/O Panel

24

Audio jacks to headphone and microphone diagram

Audio jacks to stereo speakers diagram

AUDIO INPUT

Audio jacks to 7.1-channel speakers diagram

AUDIO INPUT

Rear Front

Side Center/

Subwoofer

Rear I/O Panel

25

Overview of Components

SYSFAN1

JPWR2

CPU Socket

CPUFAN1

DIMM1

DIMM2

DIMM3

DIMM4

Debug LED

V-Check points

CPUFAN2

JPWR1

JUSB3

M2_1

PCI_E1

PCI_E2

PCI_E3

PCI_E4

PCI_E5
M2_2

PCI_E6

JAUD1

JLED1

SYSFAN3

SYSFAN2

JBAT1
USB4

JUSB2

SATA5_6

SATA3_4

U2_1
JCI1

JFP2
SATA2

SATA1

JFP1

JSLOW1

JUSB1JTPM1

Overview of Components

26

Component Contents

Port Name Port Type Page

CPUFAN1~2,SYSFAN1~3 Fan Connectors 42

CPU Socket LGA1151 28

DIMM1~4 DIMM Slots 29

FV1 V-Check Points 45

JAUD1 Front Audio Connector 41

JBAT1 Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper 44

JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector 43

JFP1, JFP2 Front Panel Connectors 39

JLED1 RGB LED connector 45

JPWR1~2 Power Connectors 38

JSLOW1 Slow Mode Booting Jumper 44

JTPM1 TPM Module Connector 39

JUSB1 USB 2.0 Connector 41

JUSB2~3 USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors 40

M2_1 & M2_2 M.2 Slot (Key M) 34

PCI_E1~6 PCIe Expansion Slots 30

SATA1~6 SATA 6Gb/s Connectors 33

U2_1 U.2 Connector 35

USB4 USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C Connector 40

Overview of Components

27

CPU Socket

Introduction to the LGA 1151 CPU

The surface of the LGA 1151 CPU has
two notches and a golden triangle to
assist in correctly lining up the CPU for
motherboard placement. The golden
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.

Overview of Components

28

DIMM Slots

DIMM1 DIMM3

Channel A Channel B

DIMM2 DIMM4

Memory module installation recommendation

DIMM4 DIMM4

DIMM2 DIMM2 DIMM2

DIMM3

DIMM1

Important

y

Always insert memory modules in the DIMM2 slot 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). Go to BIOS and find the Memory Try It! to set the memory
frequency if you want to operate the memory at the marked or at a higher
frequency.

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 module depend on installed CPU
and devices when overclocking.

Overview of Components

29

PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots

PCI_E1: PCIe 3.0 x1

PCI_E2: PCIe 3.0 x16

PCI_E3: PCIe 3.0 x1

PCI_E4: PCIe 3.0 x8

PCI_E5: PCIe 3.0 x1

PCI_E6: PCIe 3.0 x4

Important

y

For a single PCIe x16 expansion card installation with optimum performance, using
the PCI_E2 slot is recommended.

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.

y

With MSI PCI-E Ambient Light feature, you will be able to easily find out which PCIe
x16 slot is operating with full 3.0 x16 speed. Red PCIe LED ambient light indicate
the PCIe x16 slot is operating at full 3.0 x16 speed, and white PCIe LED ambient
light indicate the other speeds. You can also refer to the PCIe 3.0 bandwidth table
for details.

PCIe slots bandwidth table

Graphics

Card

PCI_E1 x1 x1 Disabled x1 Disabled Disabled Disabled

PCI_E2 @ x16 ─ ─ @ x8 @ x16 ─ @ x8

PCI-E3 x1 x1 Disabled x1 Disabled Disabled Disabled

PCI_E4 ─ @ x8 ─ @ x8 ─ @ x8 @ x8

PCI-E5 x1 x1 Disabled x1 Disabled Disabled Disabled

PCI_E6 x1 x1 @ x4 x1 @ x4 @ x4 @ x4

Single Single Single 2-Way 2-Way 2-Way 3-Way

(@: graphics card slot, ─: empty slot)

Overview of Components

30

Multiple graphics cards installation recommendation

x16

x16

x8

x8

x4

x8

x8

x4

Overview of Components

31

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_E2 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

32

SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors

These connectors are SATA 6Gb/s interface ports. Each connector can connect to one
SATA device.

SATA6
SATA5

SATA4
SATA3

SATA1

SATA2

Important

y

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

y

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.

y

The SATA5 & SATA6 will be unavailable when installing the M.2 SATA device in M2_1
slot.

y

The SATA1 & SATA2 will be unavailable when installing the M.2 SATA device in M2_2
slot.

Overview of Components

33

M2_1 & M2_2: M.2 Slot (Key M)

Important

Intel® RST only supports PCIe M.2 SSD with UEFI ROM,
does not support Legacy ROM.

Installing M.2 module

1. Remove the screw from

the base screw.

2. Remove the base screw.

1

2

Video Demonstration

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

http://youtu.be/JCTFABytrYA

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.

5. Put the screw in the

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

Overview of Components

34

4

3

30°

5

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.

Important

The U.2 port will be unavailable when installing the
M.2 storage device in M2_2 slot.

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.

U.2 SSD

http://youtu.be/KgFvKDxymvw

U.2 Connector

1

U.2 Cable

2

Connect to power
adapter cable

Overview of Components

3

35

M.2/ U.2 & SATA combination table

Available SATA connectors

M2_1

PCIe/

Empty

SATA

PCIe/

Empty

SATA

PCIe/

Empty

M2_2 PCIe PCIe SATA Empty Empty SATA

U2_1 ─ ─ ─ ✓ ✓ ─

SATA1 ✓ ✓ ─ ✓ ✓ ─

SATA2 ✓ ✓ ─ ✓ ✓ ─

SATA3 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

SATA4 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

SATA5 ✓ ─ ✓ ─ ✓ ─

SATA6 ✓ ─ ✓ ─ ✓ ─

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

M.2 slots with examples of various combination possibilities

2xM.2 PCIe+ 6xSATA

1xM.2 PCIe+ 6xSATA

SATA

PCIe

PCIe

SATA1 S ATA2

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

PCIe

SATA

Overview of Components

36

SATA6SATA4

SATA3 SATA5

PCIe

SATA1 S ATA2

SATA6SATA4

SATA3 SATA5

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

SATA6SATA4

SATA5

SATA3

SATA

PCIe

SATA1 S ATA2

SATA4

SATA3

1xM.2 SATA+ 4xSATA

SATA

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

SATA6

SATA5

SATA4

SATA3

SATA

SATA1 S ATA2

SATA4

U.2

SATA3

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

PCIe

SATA1

SATA2

2xM.2 SATA+ 2xSATA

SATA

SATA

1xU.2+ 6xSATA

SATA6

SATA5

SATA4

SATA3

U.2

SATA1

SATA4

SATA3

SATA2

SATA6

SATA4

U.2

SATA5

SATA3

Overview of Components

37

JPWR1~2: 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

24

12

JPWR1

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

5

JPWR2

Important

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

Overview of Components

38

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors

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

2 10

JFP1

1

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

9

1

JFP2

1 Speaker - 2 Buzzer +

3 Buzzer - 4 Speaker +

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

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

13

Overview of Components

39

USB4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C Connector

This connector is a USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C connector. Each connector can connect to
one USB 3.1 Gen1 device.

JUSB2~3: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors

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

10 11

1

20

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 Ground 20 No Pin

Important

Note that the Power and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible
damage.

Overview of Components

40

JUSB1: USB 2.0 Connector

This connector allows you to connect USB 2.0 ports on the front panel.

2 10

1

9

1 VCC 2 VCC

3 USB0- 4 USB1-

5 USB0+ 6 USB1+

7 Ground 8 Ground

9 No Pin 10 NC

Important

y

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

y

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

®

SUPER CHARGER utility.

MSI

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector

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

2 10

1

9

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

Overview of Components

41

CPUFAN1~2,SYSFAN1~3: Fan Connectors

Fan connectors can be classified as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Mode and Voltage
Mode. PWM Mode fan connectors provide constant 12V output and adjust fan speed
with speed control signal. Voltage Mode fan connectors control fan speed by changing
voltage. Therefore, when you plug a 3-pin (Non-PWM) fan to a PWM Mode fan
connector, the fan speed will be always maintained at 100%, and that could be noisy.

PWM Mode fan connector

1

1

CPUFAN1

1 Ground 2 +12V

3 Sense 4 Speed Control Signal

Voltage Mode fan connector

1

SYSFAN1/ SYSFAN2/ SYSFAN3

1 Ground 2 Voltage Control

3 Sense 4 NC

Controlling the fan speed

There are two ways to manage fan speed. One is to go to BIOS > HARDWARE
MONITOR. The other is to use COMMAND CENTER application.

CPUFAN2

BIOS > HARDWARE MONITOR COMMAND CENTER

Both methods offer gradient points of the fan speed that allow you to adjust fan speed
in relation to CPU temperature.

Overview of Components

42

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 Yes.

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 Yes.

Overview of Components

43

JSLOW1: Slow Mode Booting Jumper

This jumper is used for LN2 cooling solution, that provides the extreme overclocking
conditions, to boot at a stable processor frequency and to prevent the system from
crashing.

Normal

(default)

Enabled

(Please enable this

jumper during BIOS

POST.)

Important

y

Users will try extreme low temperature overclocking at their own risks. The
overclocking results will vary according to the CPU version.

y

Please don’t set this jumper to Enabled when power-off or the system will be un-
bootable.

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.

Overview of Components

44

FV1: V-Check Points

These voltage-check points are used to measure the current system voltages. A
multimeter (not included) will be required to check voltages.

PCH
VCCIO
VCCSA
DDR
GPU
CPU

JLED1: RGB LED connector

This connector allows you to connect the RGB LED strip.

1

1 +12V 2 G

3 R 4 B

1

Important

y

This connector supports 5050 RGB multi-color LED strips (12V/G/R/B) within 2
meters.

y

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

y

Please use the LED Effect of GAMING APP to adjust, calibrate and control the LED
light, refer to the Software section for details.

Overview of Components

45

LED Status Indicators

Debug Code LED
EZ Debug LED 2:

CPU
DRAM
VGA
BOOT

PCI-E Ambient Light LED

PCI-E Ambient Light LED

PCI-E Ambient Light LED

Slow Mode LED

LED Status Table

LED LED Status Description

CPU White CPU is not detected or fail

EZ Debug LED 2

PCI-E Ambient Light LED

Slow Mode LED Red Indicates that the Slow Mode is enabled.

LED Status Indicators

46

DRAM White Memory is not detected or fail
VGA White GPU is not detect or fail
BOOT White Booting device is not detected or fail

Red

White

The corresponding PCIe x16 slot oper­ates at full 3.0 x16 speed

The corresponding PCIe x16 slot oper­ates at 3.0 x8/ x4/ x1 speed

Debug Code LED Table

Post Status

02,07 Power on CPU Initialization

03,08 Power on North Bridge Initialization

04,09 Power on South Bridge Initialization

0B Power on Cache Initialization

11~14,32~36,56~5A Early CPU Initialization

15~18,37~3A Early North Bridge Initialization

19~1C,3B~3E Early South Bridge Initialization

1D~2F,31,3F~4E,50~55 Early Memory Initialization

63~67,D0 Late CPU Initialization

69~6F,D1 Late North Bridge Initialization

70~77,D2 Late South Bridge Initialization

92~96,B5,D4 PCI bus Initialization

97,98,99,B2,D5~D7

9A~A7,B4

A8,A9,AB Start of Setup. BIOS setup if needed/ requested.

AD/AE Ready To Boot event/Legacy Boot event

CPU temperature Fully boot

Console Output/Input devices/Console initialization
and Load Option ROM (VGA, RAID, parallel ports, serial
ports……)

Onboard devices Initialize and Detect (USB/ SATA/
SCSI……)

LED Status Indicators

47

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

y

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.

y

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

Key Function Key Function

F1 General Help F3 Enter Favorites menu

F4 Enter CPU Specifications menu F5 Enter Memory-Z menu

F6 Load optimized defaults F8 Load Overclocking Profile

F9 Save Overclocking Profile F10 Save Change and Reset*

* 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

48

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.

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 Manual scan.

3. Check MB BIOS box and click on Scan button.

4. Select the MB BIOS and click on

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.

icon to download and install the latest BIOS

BIOS Setup

49

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

Favorites ScreenshotSetup Mode switch

Language

System
information

GAME BOOST
switch

Information
display

M-Flash

Favorites

Hardware
Monitor

Boot device
priority bar

Function
buttons

y Function buttons - enable or disable the LAN Option ROM, M.2 Genie, HD audio

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

clicking on their respective button.

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 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 Information display - click on the CPU, Memory, Storage, Fan Info and Help

buttons on left side to display related information.

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.

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 Language - allows you to select the language of BIOS setup.
y Screenshot - press this tab or the F12 key to take a screenshot and save it to USB

flash drive (FAT/ FAT32 format only).

y Setup Mode switch - press this tab or the F7 key to switch between Advanced mode

and EZ mode.

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.

50

BIOS Setup

y GAME BOOST switch - click on the center button to turn the GAME BOOST function

on or off.

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 Favorites - press any 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/
frequently-used 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. Select a BIOS item in SETTINGS, OC or OC PROFILE menu.

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. Select a BIOS item in favorite page (Favorite 1~5)

2. Right-click or press F2 key.

3. Choose Delete and click on OK.

BIOS Setup

51

Advanced Mode

Press Setup Mode switch or F7 function key can switch between EZ Mode and
Advanced Mode in BIOS setup.

GAME BOOST
switch

XMP switch

Favorites ScreenshotSetup 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.

52

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

Shows the information of connected SATA device.

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, PCI express interface protocol and latency timer. Press Enter to enter the
sub-menu.

BIOS Setup

53

fPEG X - 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]

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.

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.

54

BIOS Setup

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 Genie [Disabled]

Enables or disables M.2 storage to build RAID volume.

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.

f Integrated Graphics Configuration

Adjusts integrated graphics settings for optimum system. Press Enter to enter the
sub-menu.

fInitiate Graphic Adapter [PEG]

Selects a graphics device as the primary boot device.
[IGD] Integrated Graphics Display.
[PEG] PCI-Express Graphics Device.

fIntegrated Graphics Share Memory [64M]

Followed by Intel DVMT technology requirement, the overall integrated graphics
share memory shown in the OS would be larger due to allocated by VGA driver to
support present cutting-edge software.

Selects a fixed amount of system memory allocated to the onboard graphics. This
item will appear when IGD Multi-Monitor is enabled.

fIGD Multi-Monitor [Disabled]

Enables or disables the multi-screen output from integrated graphics and external
graphics card. This item appears when Initiate Graphic Adapter set to PEG.

[Enabled] Enables multi-screen function for both integrated and external

[Disabled] Disables this function.

f USB Configuration

Sets the onboard USB controller and device function. Press Enter to enter the sub­menu.

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.

graphics cards.

BIOS Setup

55

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.

fEuP 2013 [Disabled]

Enables or disables the system power consumption according to EuP2013
regulation.

[Enabled] Optimize the system power consumption according to EuP 2013

[Disabled] Disables this function.

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)

fOn board LED Control [On]

Enables or disables the actions of onboard LEDs.
[On] Enables the actions of onboard LEDs.
[Off] Disables the actions of onboard LEDs.

fSystem Power Fault Protection [Disabled]

Enables or disables the power fault protection for system.
[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.

and enable the legacy USB support.

regulation. It will not support S4 & S5 wake up by USB, PCI and PCIe
devices.

before AC power loss.

the shut down status.

56

BIOS Setup

fWindows 8.1/ 10 WHQL Support [Disabled]

Enables the supports for Windows 8.1/ 10 or disables for other operating systems.
Before enabling this item, make sure all installed devices & utilities (hardware &
software) should meet the Windows 8.1/ 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.

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/ windows 8.1/ 10, Disabled/ windows7]

Enables or disables the fast boot feature for Windows 8.1/ 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 8.1/ 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

[Disabled] Disables this function.

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 sub­menu 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.

boot settings.

the secure keys.

BIOS Setup

57

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.

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.

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.

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.

58

BIOS Setup

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 Intel ( R ) Ethernet Connection 1219-V -(MAC

Shows driver information and configuration of the ethernet controller parameter.

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.

f Info Block effect [Unlock]

Sets the state of Help information block.
[Unlock] Sliding effect.
[Lock] Fix the Help information block on the screen.

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 8.1/ 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.

button about 4 seconds when the system is off.

mode.

BIOS Setup

59

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> 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.

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.

60

BIOS Setup

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

61

OC

Important

y

Overclocking your PC manually is only recommended for advanced users.

y

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

y

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 X-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]*

Allows you to set the CPU ratios for different number of active cores. These items only
appear when a CPU that support this function is installed.

f Adjusted CPU Frequency

Shows the adjusted CPU frequency. Read-only.

setup.

that be set in CPU Ratio.

separately in X-Core Ratio Limit.

62

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

loading.

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 GT Ratio [Auto]

Sets the integrated graphics ratio. The valid value range depends on the installed
CPU.

f Adjusted GT Frequency

Shows the adjusted integrated graphics 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.

f CPU Base Clock (MHz)

Sets the CPU Base clock. You may overclock the CPU by adjusting this value. Please
note that overclocking behavior and stability is not guaranteed. This item appears
when the installed processor supports this function.

f CPU Base Clock Apply Mode [Auto]*

Sets the applying mode for adjusted CPU base clock.
[Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS.
[Next Boot] CPU will run the adjusted CPU base clock at next boot.
[Immediate] CPU runs the adjusted CPU base clock immediately.
[During Boot] CPU will run the adjusted CPU base clock during boot.

BIOS Setup

63

f Clockgen Features

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. Sets the detailed clockgen features.

fDynamic Frequency Control [Disabled]

When enabled, it allows CPU to run different base clock frequency steps
dynamically according to CPU loading. This item will be disabled when the Dynamic

Frequency Search is enabled.

fDFC Baseline (MHz) [Auto]

Manual set initial base clock frequency for Dynamic Frequency Control. This item
will be available when the Dynamic Frequency Control is enabled.

fThreshold 1~3 (A) [Auto]

Sets the CPU loading threshold for Dynamic Frequency Control. When the CPU
loading reach to a set value of Threshold 1/ 2/ 3, and the CPU will run the base
clock that set in the Level 1/ 2/ 3 BCLK field. These items will appear when the

Dynamic Frequency Control is enabled.

fLevel 1~3 BCLK (MHz) [Auto]

Sets the base clock frequency for Dynamic Frequency Control function. When the
CPU loading reach to a set value in Threshold 1/ 2/ 3 field, and the CPU will run
the base clock of Level 1/ 2/ 3 BCLK. These items will appear when the Dynamic

Frequency Control is enabled.

fDynamic Frequency Search [Disabled]

Enables or disables the base clock optimization for CPU. This item will be disabled
when the Dynamic Frequency Control is enabled.

[Enabled] Run the CPU BCLK optimization.
[Disabled] Disables this function.

fDynamic Frequency Search Mode [Once]

Allows CPU to run base clock optimization either once or every booting. This item
will be available when the Dynamic Frequency Search is enabled.

[Once] Run CPU BCLK optimization once only on next boot.
[Each Power On] Always run CPU BCLK optimization on every boot.

fDynamic Frequency Search Step (MHz) [Auto]

Sets a increment/ value for each step of base clock optimization. If set to Auto,
BIOS will configure this setting automatically. This item will be available when the

Dynamic Frequency Search is enabled.

fBCLK Amplitude [Auto]

Sets the value for BCLK Amplitude for overclocking. Higher value might benefit to
get higher overclocking values.

fBCLK Slew Rate [Auto]

Sets the value for BCLK Slew Rate for overclocking. The value might vary
depending on the actual overclocking scenario.

64

BIOS Setup

fBCLK ORT Duration [Auto]

Sets the value for BCLK ORT duration for overclocking. The value might vary
depending on the actual overclocking scenario.

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.

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 Memory Try It ! [Disabled]

It improve memory compatibility or performance by choosing optimized memory
preset.

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.

fCPU Loadline Calibration Control [Auto]

Sets a specific CPU loadline calibration mode for full-loading system to get good
overclocking performance and stability. If set to Auto, BIOS will configure this
setting automatically.

fCPU Over Voltage Protection [Auto]

Sets the voltage limit for CPU over-voltage protection. If set to Auto, BIOS will
configure this setting automatically. Higher voltage provides less protection and
may damage the system.

fCPU Under Voltage Protection [Auto]

Sets the voltage limit for CPU under-voltage protection. If set to Auto, BIOS will
configure this setting automatically. Higher voltage provides less protection and
may damage the system.

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

BIOS Setup

65

fCPU Over Current Protection [Auto]

Sets the current limit for CPU over-current protection. If set to Auto, BIOS will
configure this setting 0utomatically.

[Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS.
[Enhanced] Extends the current range for over-current protection.

fCPU Switching Frequency [Auto]

Sets the PWM working speed to stabilize CPU Core voltage and minimize ripple
range. Increasing the PWM working speed will cause higher temperature of
MOSFET. So please make sure a cooling solution is well-prepared for MOSFET
before you increase the value. If set to Auto, BIOS will configure this setting
automatically.

fCPU VRM Over Temperature Protection [Enabled]

Sets the temperature limit on CPU VRM for over-temperature protection. The CPU
frequency may be throttled when CPU temperature over the specified temperature.

fCPU GT Loadline Calibration Control [Auto]

Sets a specific CPU-GT loadline calibration mode for full-loading system to get
good overclocking performance and stability. If set to Auto, BIOS will configure this
setting automatically.

fCPU GT Over Voltage Protection [Auto]

Sets the voltage limit for CPU GT over-voltage protection. If set to Auto, BIOS will
configure this setting automatically. Higher voltage provides less protection and
may damage the system.

fCPU Under Voltage Protection [Auto]

Sets the voltage limit for CPU GT under-voltage protection. If set to Auto, BIOS will
configure this setting automatically. Higher voltage provides less protection and
may damage the system.

fCPU GT Over Current Protection [Auto]

Sets the current limit for CPU GT over-current protection. If set to Auto, BIOS will
configure this setting 0utomatically.

[Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS.
[Enhanced] Extends the current range for over-current protection.

fCPU GT Switching Frequency [Auto]

Sets the PWM working speed to stabilize CPU GT voltage and minimize ripple
range. Increasing the PWM working speed will cause higher temperature of
MOSFET. So please make sure a cooling solution is well-prepared for MOSFET
before you increase the value. If set to Auto, BIOS will configure this setting
automatically.

fCPU GT VRM Over Temperature Protection [Enabled ]

Sets the temperature limit on CPU GT VRM for over-temperature protection.
The CPU frequency may be throttled when CPU temperature over the specified
temperature.

66

BIOS Setup

fDRAM Phase Control [Auto]

Controls memory phase according to the DRAM loading. If set to Auto, BIOS will
optimize the DRAM PWM phase automatically.

[Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS.
[Optimized] Sets the optimum power phase profile.
[Disabled] Disables the PWM power phase switching feature.

fDRAM Over Voltage Protection [Auto]

Sets the voltage limit for DRAM over-voltage protection. If set to Auto, BIOS will
configure this setting automatically. Higher voltage provides less protection and
may damage the memory/ system.

fDRAM Under Voltage Protection [Auto]

Sets the voltage limit for DRAM under-voltage protection. If set to Auto, BIOS will
configure this setting automatically.

fDRAM Over Current Protection [Auto]

Sets the current limit for DRAM over-current protection. If set to Auto, BIOS will
configure this setting automatically.

[Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS.
[Enhanced] Extends the current range for over-current protection.

fDRAM Switching Frequency [Auto]

Sets the DRAM switching frequency to stabilize system (low frequency) or to
increase the overclocking range (high frequency). If set to Auto, BIOS will configure
this setting automatically.

fDRAM VRM Over Temperature Protection [Auto]

Sets the temperature limit for DRAM VRM over-temperature protection. The DRAM
frequency may be throttled when VRM temperature over the specified value. If set
to Auto, BIOS will configure this settings.

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.

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.

(Serial Voltage Identification).

BIOS Setup

67

f PCH Voltages control [Auto]

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.

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 Control [All]

Allows you to select the number of active CPU cores.

fLimit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]

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

[Disabled] Use the actual maximum CPUID input value.

fExecute Disable Bit [Enabled]

Intel’s Execute Disable Bit functionality can prevent certain classes of malicious
buffer overflow attacks where worms attempt to execute code to damage the
system. It is recommended that keeps this item enabled always.

[Enabled] Enables NO-Execution protection to prevent the malicious attacks

[Disabled] Disables this function.

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

and worms.

68

BIOS Setup

fIntel Virtualization Tech [Enabled]

Enables or disables Intel Virtualization technology.
[Enabled] Enables Intel Virtualization technology and allows a platform to run

[Disabled] Disables this function.

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.

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

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

69

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.

fEIST [Enabled]

Enables or disables the Enhanced Intel

®

SpeedStep Technology. This item will

appear when OC Explore Mode is set to Normal.
[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 is for Normal mode and

appears when a CPU that support Turbo Boost is installed.
[Enabled] Enables this function to boost CPU performance automatically over

specification when system request the highest performance state.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

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]

Sets FCLK frequency. Lower FCLK frequency may help you to set higher base clock
frequency.

fDMI Link Speed [Auto]

Sets DMI speed.

70

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

automatically.

BIOS Setup

71

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.

72

BIOS Setup

HARDWARE MONITOR

Current Temperature & Speed information

Fan control
field

Setting
Buttons

Voltage
display

f Current Temperature & Speed information

Shows the current CPU temperature, system temperature and fans' speeds.

f Fan control field

This motherboard provides a fan speed control feature call Smart Fan. Please check
the Smart Fan Mode box to enable the Smart Fan. It automatically controls fan speed
depending on the current CPU temperature and to keep it with a specific operating
speed. When the current CPU temperature is over/ under the setting temperature,
the CPU/ system fan will run at the corresponding speed. In this field, drag the color
points to configure the fan speeds and the target temperatures of CPU for four level.

Important

The changing will achieve after you save the changes and reboot the system.

f Function Buttons

[All Full Speed] Configures CPU and system fans to run at full operating speed.
[All Set Default] Configures CPU and system fans to run at default operating

speed.

[All Set Cancel] Discards current changes and restores previous operating speeds

to CPU and system fans .

f Voltage display

Shows the current voltages of CPU, system and memory.

BIOS Setup

73

Software Description

Installing Windows® 7/ 8.1/ 10

1. Power on the computer.

2. Insert the Windows

Note: Due to chipset limitation, during the Windows® 7 installation process, USB

optical drives or USB flash drives are not supported. You can use Win7 Smart Tool
to install Windows® 7.

3. Press the Restart button on the computer case.

4. For windows 8.1/ 10, skip this step. For Windows

SETTINGS > Advanced > Windows OS Configuration > Windows 7 Installation and

set the item to enabled, save changes and restart.

Note: It is suggested to plug in your USB Keyboard/ USB Mouse to the leftmost
USB port when installing Windows® 7.

5. Press F11 key during the computer POST (Power-On Self Test) to get into Boot

Menu.

6. Select your optical drive from the Boot Menu.

7. Press any key when screen shows Press any key to boot from CD or DVD...

message.

8. Follow the instructions on the screen to install Windows

Installing Drivers

1. Start up your computer in Windows® 7/ 8.1/ 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.

®

®

7/ 8.1/ 10 disc into your optical drive.

Video Demonstration

Watch the video to learn how to Install Windows® 7 with Win7 Smart
Tool.

http://youtu.be/64TzNuHCf8A

®

7, access the BIOS menu

®

7/ 8.1/ 10.

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.

Software Description

74

®

Driver Disc into your optical drive.

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.

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.

CPU TemperatureSystem Information

Profile
Buttons

Next Feature

Page Indicator

Resize Corner

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.

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

75

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

76

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.
y

Fan - allows you to control the system fans speed.

y

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.

y

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.

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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

a configuration panel will slide out.

2. Select the check box next to the items.

3. Click the Close button.

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on the Gadget mode,

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.

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:

1

2

4

5

3

1. Select the Live Update tab.

Software Description

79

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:

2

3

1

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.

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GAMING APP

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

Display Mode Button

CPU Frequency

GPU Frequency

Full Speed GPU Fan

Control Mode Buttons

y Setting Button - allows you to run GAMING APP when Windows starts.
y Information Button - shows the information of this application.
y Display Mode Button - allows you to switch between CPU clock display mode and

Status bar display mode.

y CPU Frequency - shows the current CPU frequency.
y Control Mode Buttons

 OC Mode - automatically overclock the CPU.
 Gaming Mode - force the CPU to stay at maximum clock speed limited by CPU

specification.

 Silent Mode - sets the CPU clock to the default value.

y Gaming Function Buttons - allows you to use Eye Rest, OSD, Gaming Hotkey, Mouse

Master and LED Effect functions.

Setting Button

Information Button

Gaming Function
Buttons

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.

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OSD Setting Panel

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

y Apply Button - allows you to accept selections.

LED Effect

LED Effect allows you to control LED lights on your motherboard.

y All LED - controls all LEDs on your motherboard.
y Each LED - separately controls each segment of LEDs on your motherboard.

 MB Extend LED - controls the extended RGB LED strip. Please follows the steps to

calibrate the RGB LED color.

1. Click on the

2. Click on the arrow icon to go to next step.

3. Click on the RED, GREEN and BLUE buttons separately to calibrate the LED

red, green and blue colors.

4. Click on the Finish to complete the RGB LED color calibration.

y LED effects - switches LEDs on or off.
y Styles - select the LED style from the drop-down list.
y Music - flashes the LED light with music’s beat. It will only function with the music

output from analog audio ports.

y LED color - allows you change the LED color.
y Apply Button - applies LED Effect settings to LEDs.

icon and a calibration pop-up window will show.

Important

The Stack, Marquee, Meteor, Rainbow and Music light effects can only support to sync
all LEDs effect. If you want to control each segment of LEDs, please set the other LED
effects.

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Gaming Hotkey

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

Hotkey Manager

Current Hotkeys

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 .

 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.

Categories Toggle

Gaming Hotkey ON/OFF

Important

y

The Caps Lock, Num Lock, Scroll Lock, Window Home, Application and BackSpace
keys can not be used as hot-keys.

y

Some key combinations are reserved for use by Microsoft Windows and can not be
assigned as a hotkey.

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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 input delay time and click the Add button to insert a

delay in the 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.

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M-CLOUD

M-CLOUD is an application of MSI network sharing. It allows you to turn your computer
into Wi-Fi AP. It can also transfer files between your MSI computers.

Soft AP
ON/OFF

Server
Information

History

Users &
Permissions

Local
Directory

File Transfer

Server
Directory

y Soft AP ON/OFF - click on the Soft AP ON/OFF button to enable virtual Wi-Fi AP.
y Server Information - indicate information of current server connection.
y History - click on the History button to view file transfer history.
y Users & Permissions - click on the Users & Permissions button to open the Users

& Permissions Management window.

y Local/ Server Directory - you can upload or download files between the local and

the server. There 5 icons on the toolbar at the top of Local/ Server Directory.



Refresh - refresh the local/ server directory.

Delete - you needs delete permission to delete files.





Root Folder- navigate to root folder.

Up a Level - navigate up one directory level.



New Folder - you needs delete permission to create a new folder.


y File Transfer - click > button to upload files from the local to the server. Click <

button to download files from the server to the local.

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Setting up Soft AP (optional)

The Soft AP function is only available for the motherboard with the built-in WiFi
module. You can share your network connection to your smartphones, tablets and
laptops with the Soft AP function.

Important

y

You must have an active network connection and an installed Wi-Fi moudle to
enable Soft AP.

y

If you connect to Internet by using PPPoE, you should check Allow other people to
use this connection when set up a new connection.

To use Soft AP:

1

2

3

4

1. Click the Soft AP button to ON and the Soft AP dialogue will pop up.

2. Select an existing network connection.

3. Fill in Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and network password.

4. Click Apply button to complete.

Installing Cloud Storage

M-CLOUD needs a connection to Google Drive or Dropbox in order to detect your
available servers.

Cloud Storage
Server Detection

File Transfer

If you haven’t installed either Google Drive or Dropbox software yet, you can download
and install it from below web address, and please follow the direction on the web page.

Google Drive: https://www.google.com/drive/download/
Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/downloading/

Software Description

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Managing User Accounts

This section describes how to create/ remove a user account and configure individual
access permissions.

1

2

5

3

4

1. Click the Users & Permissions button and the Users & Permissions Management

window will pop up.

2. Click Add Account button create a new user account.

3. Fill in user’s ID, password and Confirm Password fields.

4. Select permission for the user account.

5. Click Apply button to complete.

Once you create an account 3 management icons will appear on the right hand side.

Delete - delete the user account.





/ Unlock/ Lock - unlock/ lock the user account.

Edit - change the user password and permission.



Transferring Files

This section describes how to transfer files between your local computer and a server.

Important

y

Before using the M-CLOUD to transfer files, you need to connect both the local
computer and the server to either Google Drive or Dropbox properly with the same
user account.

y

To allow your computers to communicate through the firewall with M-CLOUD, you
have to open ports 24680~24780.

1. Activate M-CLOUD both on the local computer and the server.

2. Select a server from the bar

3. Enter User ID and Password and click the Login button.

4. You can select files from Local/ Server Directory and then click the File Transfer

button to upload or download them. You can also drag the files from one side and
drop them on the other side.

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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

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Dislpay
information

Delete files
in the RAM
disk.

USB SPEED UP

Enabling USB SPEED UP can speed up the date transfer rates of the USB storage
devices.

Setting

On/ Off
button

Display

y Setting - enables or disables Run USB SPEED UP when windows starts.

Default setting
is enabled

y On/ Off button - switches the USB SPEED UP on or off.
y Display - displays the information and current transfer rates of USB storage devices.

Important

The improved transfer rate will vary with the USB storage devices.

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DRAGON EYE

DRAGON EYE is an application allows you to watch a game guide, tutorial, live match
or tournament stream while playing a game. In the game, you can use hotkeys to
control / adjust the window of video.

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 - allows you to select the video you want to watch, and also add videos or

channels to the list. You simply paste the URL of your video or stream into the input
bar and hit the +. Then your video or stream will be in the list and you can select it to
view it with Dragon Eye.

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 select where the Dragon Eye video needs to be

displayed on screen. This way you can control where you want your video in-game,
so you can place it on a place where no important game information is.

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 screen 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

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GAMING LAN MANAGER

GAMING LAN MANAGER is an utility for traffic shaping for the Windows 7/ 8.1/ 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

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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

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

3

4

2

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

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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.

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

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 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

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

as input, as well as its current volume.

 Mute - mutes the current device.

Software Description

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Microphone
Loopback

Microphone
Effects

 Device properties - allows you to boost the volume and modify the left/ right

balance of microphone. Clicks on this button and a device properties panel will
show.

y Microphone Loopback - turns the microphone loopback On/Off. In order to avoid any

feedback (Larsen effect).

y Microphone Effects - allows you to separately control any of the 3 microphone

effects.

 Voice Shaper - applies a filter to the voice.

 Voice Leveler - levels the volume of your voice in order to avoid any saturation and

maintains a constant and clear communication. Voice Leveler can be adjusted with
a 0 to 100% slider.

 Noise Reduction - removes the remaining sound that the Noise Gate has left on

top of your words and sentences.

HD Audio Recorder 2

From this tab, you can access the audio launchpad and HD Audio Recorder 2 settings.

Audio

Launchpad

effects

Pad

Properties

Control page

y Audio Launchpad effects - allows streamers to use prerecorded sounds during a

livestream. These sounds can also be heard by viewers. This tool will allow you to
create your true audio identity. That way, your livestreams will be more personal and
animated. The Audio Launchpad is one of the fresh new features of Nahimic 2. As
it’s a feature designed for broadcasters, we included it in the HD Audio Recorder 2
page.

 Pad Properties - every pad can be customized by clicking the properties button

that will appear in its bottom right when hovering over it with your mouse.
On the Pad Properties panel you can choose:

 The sound assigned to each pad.
 The keyboard hotkey assigned to each pad.
 The color assigned to each pad.

 Config 1, 2 & 3 - allows you to prepare 3 completely different configurations so

as to adapt the Launchpad to the content you are streaming. Each configuration
has 6 customizable pads. The 3 configurations are independent, meaning Config 1
cannot be used at the same time than Config 3.

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y Control Page - by clicking the arrow button, you can access the control page.

 Audio Launchpad ON/OFF - switches the Audio Launchpad on or off.

 HD Audio Recorder 2 - The HD Audio Recorder 2 is, by default, automatically

launched when a XSplit Gamecaster 2 recording session is detected. The launch of
the HD Audio Recorder 2 enables HD audio processing over an XSplit Gamecaster
2 recording without any need for adjustments. The HD Audio Recorder supports

XSplit Gamecaster 2.

 Pop-up message ON/OFF - switches the pop-up message on or off.

Sound Tracker

The Sound Tracker is an FPS oriented feature that provides a visual indication
localizing the source of the strongest sound while in a game. The Sound Tracker
captions the 5.1 and 7.1 sound streams processed by your audio system, and is
displayed in all applications and games using DirectX 9, 9c, 10 and 11. Please
remember Sound Tracker is only available if you are using an audio device that
supports Nahimic 2 effects.

 ON / OFF button and hotkey - switches the Sound Tracker on or off.

 Hotkey - use the CTRL + SHIFT + S to turn ON / OFF the Sound Tracker.

 7.1 Audio Test - launch a 7.1 audio sample allowing you to preview how the radar

will react in your game.

 Transparency - allows you to adjust the transparency of the Sound Tracker,

making it look more or less discrete.

 Scale - allows you to adjust the scale of the Sound Tracker, making it look bigger

or smaller.

Software Description

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Sound
Tracker
Effects

XSplit Gamecaster V2

XSplit Gamecaster is the newest product from SplitmediaLabs, the creators of XSplit
Broadcaster, the world’s most popular streaming application.

XSplit Gamecaster was designed to provide gamers with the simplest and most
uncomplicated way to create high quality gameplay recordings and live streams. By
utilizing the revolutionary in-game overlay, streamlined encoding, and social network
features, you’ll be sharing your gameplay to your family, friends, and followers in no
time!

System Requirement

y Hardware specifications:

 For HD 720p Recording/Streaming - Core i5 CPU or equivalent

 For HD 1080p Recording/Streaming - Core i7 CPU or equivalent

 4 GB RAM minimum

 8 GB free hard disk space

 GeForce/Radeon Class Graphics card, minimum Direct X hardware level 10.1
y Software specifications:

 Windows

 .NET Framework 3.5

 DirectX 10.1 or better

Logging

After installing and activating XSplit Gamecaster V2, it will display a login dialogue. If
you already have an account and password, fill your email and password into the form
and click the Login button.

®

7 SP1 32bit/ 64bit, Windows® 8.1 32bit/ 64bit

Important

When starting XSplit Gamecaster V2 on select MSI® gaming laptops, all-in ones or on
machines that contain select MSI® motherboards or graphics cards, you will receive
a free 6 month XSplit premium license that you can apply to an existing free account
or to a new account. If you already have an XSplit account with a personal or premium
license, then you can instead add 6 months to your license duration.

Registering an Account

If you don’t have an XSplit account yet, click “Register now” on the login dialogue.
When the user registration form appears, complete all the fields.

Software Description

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Learning stream and record

Refer to the Start page of XSplit Gamecaster V2 to learn how to stream and record your
gameplay.

Too l Ti p

When you click the question mark next to a feature name on the panel, a tooltip will
show, describing the particular function of that item.

Question mark

Inside the XSplit Gamecaster Overlay

1. Streaming/Recording Buttons - Press Stream to start live streaming or Record to

start recording.

2. Microphone/System Sound Control - Pressing the microphone or system sound

button will enable or disable the microphone or system sound.

3. Webcam Controls - To enable webcam controls, you must first select a camera/

webcam in the Settings Tab. Once you have selected a webcam, you can activate it
by clicking on its icon in the XSplit Gamecaster V2 overlay.

4. Twitch Chat Controls - If you’ve signed in to your Twitch.tv account, you’ll see a

Twitch icon in the overlay. When you click on this icon, a window will open. This
window is XSplit Gamecaster’s integrated chat system.

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5. Share Button - If you authorize your Facebook, Twitter, and/or Google+ accounts,

you can quickly share your stream URL and status update within the overlay.

6. Annotations - This feature of XSplit Gamecaster V2 allows you to draw directly

onto your game play. You can activate annotation mode by clicking on the pencil
button in the overlay.

Accounts Tab

y Live Streaming Services - allows you to stream to a variety of live streaming

services such as YouTube, Twitch, Ustream, Dailymotion, Niconico and also allows
for custom RTMP streaming.

y Video Sharing Services - allows you to directly upload recordings to YouTube from

within the software.

y Social Network Services - allows you to share your live stream or YouTube links to

friends & followers on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter. To allow XSplit Gamecaster
to post on your desired social network, click on the Authorize To Post On... button of
your desired social network and enter your username and password to authorize.

Settings Tab

y Stream Settings - The default setting is Automatic mode. In Automatic mode, your

stream settings are automatically determined by XSplit Gamecaster based on your
computer and internet resources (this includes resolution, bitrate, codec, but frame
is always set to 30). You can change to a different resolution by clicking on the drop­down arrow.

y Record Settings - The default setting for recording is Original Resolution. This

refers to the resolution of the game that’s been set inside the game’s video/
graphics settings. You can change to a different resolution by clicking on the drop­down arrow.

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y Microphone Settings - In this region, you can select your desired microphone. What

is shown in the list depends on what you have connected to your PC. If you don’t
see your desired device in the list, please make sure that it is detected and it is not
disabled in your recording devices list in the Windows

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Sound Menu (Start > Control

Panel > Sound > Recording).

y Camera Settings - In this region, you can select your desired camera. What is shown

in the list depends on the cameras you have connected to your PC (Control Panel >
Device Manager > Imaging Devices).

y BRB Graphics (Be-Right-Back Graphics) - BRB Graphics are activated when you

alt-tab or minimize your game. BRB Graphics will not work in Console Viewer mode.
You can enter the BRB Graphics editor by clicking on the gear icon next to the BRB
Graphics preview.

Hotkeys Tab

y Setting and Deleting Hotkeys - You can use virtually any keyboard key as a hot key

along with using Ctrl, Shift, and Alt as modifiers for hot keys. To set a hotkey, click
on the function you wish to set (e.g. Stream, Record, etc.) and hen press the key(s)
you wish to use as its hot key(s).

To remove a hot key, click on the function and press Delete or click on the X symbol at
the end of the box of the hot key.

Important

You cannot use the following keys individually because they are used for creating
annotations: C, S, T, Del and Esc.

Recordings Tab

y Arranging Recordings - In the Recordings Tab, you can view your recordings as

thumbnails or in a listed format by clicking on the
of the window. You can sort your recordings by name, date, length, and size by right
clicking in the Recordings Tab.

y Opening Recordings Folder - To open your recordings folder in Windows

click on Open Folder.

y Changing Recordings Location - To change the location of where your videos will be

saved, click on the recordings folder location.

y Uploading video recordings to YouTube - To upload to YouTube, you must first

authorize your account in the Accounts Tab. After you have authorized your account,
click on a recording and then click on the YouTube logo in the bottom right corner. A
window will open and you will be able to fill out the title, description, category, tags,
privacy, and you will be able to choose to allow or disallow embedding. Once you
have entered the details for YouTube, press the Upload Now button.

y Sharing on Social Media - Once a video has been uploaded, you can share the

YouTube link on any social media accounts you have connected to XSplit Gamecaster.
Simply click on the icon of the social media site you wish to share, and a window will
appear where you can enter some details about your post before publishing your
link. When you are done entering the details of your post, click Share Video to post it
to your selected social media account.

button in the top right corner

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Explorer,

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