MSI X299 TOMAHAWK User Manual
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MSI X299 TOMAHAWK User Manual

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Unpacking

Thank you for buying the MSI
X299 TOMAHAWK/ X299 TOMAHAWK AC
motherboard.
®
Check to make sure your motherboard box contains the following items. If something
is missing, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
Drivers & Utilities
Motherboard User
Disc
Guide
Motherboard
I/O Shield
SLI HB Bridge M x1
SATA Cable x2
Case Badge
SATA Cable Labels
Antenna x2
(Optional)
* These pictures are for reference only and may vary without notice.
** The packing contents may vary according to the country you purchased.
1
Unpacking

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Table of Contents

Troubleshooting

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Summary of Contents for MSI X299 TOMAHAWK

  • Page 1: Unpacking

    Unpacking Thank you for buying the MSI X299 TOMAHAWK/ X299 TOMAHAWK AC motherboard. ® Check to make sure your motherboard box contains the following items. If something is missing, contact your dealer as soon as possible. Drivers & Utilities Motherboard User...

  • Page 2: Safety Information

    Safety Information y The components included in this package are prone to damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Please adhere to the following instructions to ensure successful computer assembly. y Ensure that all components are securely connected. Loose connections may cause the computer to not recognize a component or fail to start.

  • Page 3: Quick Start

    Quick Start Preparing Tools and Components Intel LGA 2066 CPU ® CPU Fan Thermal Paste DDR4 Memory Power Supply Unit Chassis SATA Hard Disk Drive Graphics Card SATA DVD Drive A Package of Screws Phillips Screwdriver Quick Start...

  • Page 4: Installing A Processor

    Installing a Processor https://youtu.be/ecdkLMmkya4 Quick Start...

  • Page 5: Installing Ddr4 Memory

    Installing DDR4 memory http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs DIMMC1 Quick Start...

  • Page 6: Connecting The Front Panel Header

    Connecting the Front Panel Header http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI HDD LED + Power LED + HDD LED - Power LED - Reset Switch Power Switch Reset Switch Power Switch JFP1 Reserved No Pin JFP1 HDD LED - HDD LED HDD LED + POWER LED - POWER LED POWER LED + Quick Start...

  • Page 7: Installing The Motherboard

    Installing the Motherboard BAT1 Quick Start...

  • Page 8: Installing Sata Drives

    Installing SATA Drives http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc Quick Start...

  • Page 9: Installing A Graphics Card

    Installing a Graphics Card http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A Quick Start...

  • Page 10: Connecting Peripheral Devices

    Connecting Peripheral Devices (Optional) Quick Start...

  • Page 11: Connecting The Power Connectors

    Connecting the Power Connectors http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4 ATX_PWR1 CPU_PWR1 Quick Start...

  • Page 12: Power On

    Power On Quick Start...

  • Page 13: Table Of Contents

    Contents Unpacking ......................1 Safety Information ....................2 Quick Start ......................3 Preparing Tools and Components ................3 Installing a Processor ..................... 4 Installing DDR4 memory ..................5 Connecting the Front Panel Header ............... 6 Installing the Motherboard ..................7 Installing SATA Drives.....................
  • Page 14 CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors ........44 JTBT1: Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector ............44 JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ................45 JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector ............... 45 BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch ................46 JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper ............47 POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button ..........47 JLED1: RGB LED connector .................
  • Page 15 GAMING APP ......................84 X-BOOST ....................... 89 MYSTICLIGHT ......................91 MSI SMART TOOL ....................93 RAMDISK....................... 95 GAMING LAN MANAGER ..................96 DRAGON EYE ......................98 Nahimic 2 ......................99 XSplit Gamecaster V2 ..................103 SteelSeries Engine 3 ..................107 Intel Extreme Tuning Utility ................

  • Page 16: Specifications

    Supports Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) ® * For the latest information about memory, please visit http://www.msi.com ** Please refer the DIMM Slots section for more details. y 4x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots ƒ Support x16/ x4*/ x16/ x8 mode with the 44-lane CPU.
  • Page 17 Continued from previous page y Realtek ALC1220 Codec ® Audio y 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio y Supports S/PDIF output y ASMedia ASM3142 Chipset ® ƒ 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) Type-A port on the back panel ƒ 2x USB 3.1 Gen2 (Super Speed USB 10Gbps) Type-C ports(1 port on the back panel, 1 port available through the internal USB connector) y ASMedia...
  • Page 18 Continued from previous page Intel X299 Chipset ® y Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA storage devices RAID y Supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 for M.2 storage devices* * M.2 PCIe RAID volume can be created with M.2/Optane Genie. Please refer to page 120 for M.2 PCIe SSD RAID y 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector y 1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector...
  • Page 19 Continued from previous page y 1x Clear CMOS button y 1x BIOS Flash back button y 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port y 3x USB 2.0 Type-A ports y 4x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A ports Back Panel Connectors y 1x LAN (RJ45) port y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A port y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port y 1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector...
  • Page 20 Continued from previous page y Drivers y APP MANAGER y SUPER CHARGER y COMMAND CENTER y LIVE UPDATE 6 y MSI SMART TOOL y DRAGON EYE y GAMING APP y X-BOOST y MYSTIC LIGHT y RAMDISK y GAMING LAN Manager...
  • Page 21 Muitl GPU - CrossFire Technology y DDR4 Boost y OC Engine (Clock gen) y USB with type A+C y Lightning USB with ASM3142 MSI Special Features y Front Lightning USB 3.1 Gen type C y Military Class 6 y 7000+ Quality Test...

  • Page 22: Block Diagram

    Block Diagram 2/ 4 Channel DDR4 Memory Processor PCIe x1 slot PCI Express Bus PCIe x1 slot Intel I219-V Switch 1x U.2 DMI 3.0 Wi-Fi / 2x M.2 Switch Bluetooth (Optional) 8x SATA 6Gb/s ASMEDIA ASM3142 3x USB 3.1 Gen2 X299 PCH 5x USB 3.1 Gen1 PCIE Bus...

  • Page 23: Rear I/O Panel

    Rear I/O Panel Wi-Fi Antenna connectors (Optional) Audio Ports PS/2 Clear CMOS button USB 2.0/ BIOS FLASHBACK+ USB 3.1 Gen2 Optical BIOS FLASHBACK+ button Type-C S/PDIF-Out USB 2.0 USB 3.1 Gen1 USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A Type-A y Clear CMOS button - Power off your computer. Press and hold the Clear CMOS button for about 5-10 seconds to reset BIOS to default values.

  • Page 24: Realtek Hd Audio Manager

    Realtek HD Audio Manager After installing the Realtek HD Audio driver, the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon will appear in the system tray. Double click on the icon to launch. Device Selection Advanced Settings Jack Status Application Enhancement Connector Main Volume Strings Profiles y Device Selection - allows you to select a audio output source to change the related...
  • Page 25 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...

  • Page 26: Installing Antennas (Optional)

    Installing Antennas (Optional) 1. Screw the antennas tight to the Wi-Fi antenna connectors as shown. 2. Place the antennas as high as possible. Rear I/O Panel...

  • Page 27: Overview Of Components

    Overview of Components DIMMB1 SYS_FAN1 DIMMB2 CPU_PWR1 DIMMA1 PUMP_FAN1 DIMMA2 CPU Socket CPU_FAN1 DIMMC2 DIMMC1 DIMMD2 DIMMD1 ATX_PWR1 JUSB4 JBAT1 BAT1 M2_1 JUSB5 M2_2 PCI_E1 JUSB3 PCI_E2 JCI1 SATA▼1▲2 PCI_E3 SATA▼3▲4 PCI_E4 SATA▼5▲6 BIOS_SW1 PCI_E5 U2_1 JFP2 PCI_E6 SATA7 SATA8 VRAID1* JAUD1 JTBT1...
  • Page 28 Component Contents Port Name Port Type Page BIOS_SW1 Multi-BIOS Switch CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4 Fan Connectors CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1 Power Connectors CPU Socket LGA2066 DIMMA1~D2 DIMM Slots JAUD1 Front Audio Connector Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) JBAT1 Jumper JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector JFP1, JFP2 Front Panel Connectors JLED1 RGB LED connector...

  • Page 29: Cpu Socket

    Always unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing the CPU. Please retain the CPU protective cap after installing the processor. MSI will deal with Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests if only the motherboard comes with the protective cap on the CPU socket.

  • Page 30: Dimm Slots

    DIMM Slots S/K LED : S/K LED indicates that the installed CPU supports either 4-channels or 2-channels memory architecture. Red = 8 DIMMs support (4-channels architecture CPU) White = 4 DIMMs support (2-channels architecture CPU) BAT1 B1B2A1A2 C2C1D2D1 Memory module installation recommendation (4-Channels architecture CPU ) Intel Core X-series CPU 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs...
  • Page 31 DIMMA2 DIMMD1 DIMMD1 DIMMA1 DIMMA1 DIMMC1 DIMMC1 DIMMB1 DIMMB1 DIMMC2 DIMMA2 DIMMD1 DIMMA1 DIMMA1 DIMMD2 DIMMB2 DIMMC1 DIMMC1 DIMMB1 DIMMB1 DIMMC2 Important Always insert a memory module in the DIMMC1 slot first. To ensure system stability for Dual/ Triple/ Quad channel mode, memory modules must be of the same type, number and density.
  • Page 32 Memory module installation recommendation (2-Channels architecture CPU ) Intel Core X-series CPU 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs Supports 2-channels memory architecture 3 DIMMs 4 DIMMs DIMMB1, B2, A1 and A2 are un-available DIMMD1 DIMMC1 DIMMC1 DIMMD1 DIMMD1 DIMMD2 DIMMC1 DIMMC1 DIMMC2 DIMMC2 Overview of Components...

  • Page 33: Pci_E1~6: Pcie Expansion Slots

    PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots BAT1 PCI_E1: PCIe 3.0 x16 (CPU lanes) PCI_E2: PCIe 3.0 x1 (PCH lanes) PCI_E3: PCIe 3.0 x4 (PCH lanes) PCI_E4: PCIe 3.0 x16 (CPU lanes) PCI_E5: PCIe 3.0 x1 (PCH lanes) PCI_E6: PCIe 3.0 x8 (CPU lanes) PCIe slots bandwidth table for 44-lane CPU Graphics Card...
  • Page 34 For a single PCIe x16 expansion card installation with optimum performance, using the PCI_E1 slot is recommended. If you install a large and heavy graphics card, you need to use a tool such as MSI Gaming Series Graphics Card Bolster to support its weight and to prevent deformation of the slot.
  • Page 35 Installing SLI graphics cards For power supply recommendations for SLI configurations, please refer to the user guide of your graphics card to make sure you meet all the system requirements. To install SLI graphics cards: 1. Turn off your computer and disconnect the power cord, install two graphics cards into the PCI_E1 and PCI_E4 slots.

  • Page 36: U2_1: U.2 Connector

    U2_1: U.2 Connector This connector is a U.2 interface port. Each connector can connect to one PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe storage device. Video Demonstration Watch the video to learn how to Install U.2 SSD. http://youtu.be/KgFvKDxymvw Installing U.2 SSD 1. Connect the U.2 cable to the U.2 connector on the motherboard.

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

    M2_1~2: M.2 Slots (Key M) Important Intel RST only supports PCIe M.2 SSD with UEFI ROM. ® Intel Optane™ Memory Ready for all M.2 slots. ® Video Demonstration Watch the video to learn how to Install M.2 module. http://youtu.be/JCTFABytrYA Installing M.2 module 1.

  • Page 38: Sata1~8: Sata 6Gb/S Connectors

    SATA1~8: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors These connectors are SATA 6Gb/s interface ports. Each connector can connect to one SATA device. SATA2 SATA1 SATA4 SATA3 SATA6 SATA5 SATA7 SATA8 Important Please do not fold the SATA cable at a 90-degree angle. Data loss may result during transmission otherwise.
  • Page 39 M.2 slots with examples of various combination possibilities 1xU.2+ 1xM.2 PCIe+ 1xM.2 SATA+ 1xU.2+ 2xM.2 SATA+ 6xSATA 7xSATA M.2 PCIe M.2 SATA M.2 SATA M.2 SATA SATA7 SATA7 SATA8 SATA8 1xM.2 PCIe+ 1xM.2 SATA+ 7xSATA 2xM.2 SATA+ 6xSATA M.2 PCIe M.2 SATA M.2 SATA M.2 SATA...

  • Page 40: Cpu_Pwr1, Atx_Pwr1: Power Connectors

    CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply. Ground +12V Ground +12V Ground +12V Ground +12V +3.3V +3.3V +3.3V -12V Ground Ground PS-ON# Ground Ground Ground Ground Ground PWR OK 5VSB +12V +12V +3.3V Ground Important Make sure that all the power cables are securely connected to a proper ATX power...

  • Page 41: Jfp1, Jfp2: Front Panel Connectors

    JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors These connectors connect to the switches and LEDs on the front panel. JFP1 HDD LED + Power LED + HDD LED - Power LED - Reset Switch Power Switch Reset Switch Power Switch Reserved No Pin Speaker - Buzzer + JFP2...

  • Page 42: Jusb5: Usb 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connector

    However, when you boot the computer into Windows ® you will need to install the MSI SUPER CHARGER application to turn ON/OFF the ®...

  • Page 43: Jusb1~2: Usb 2.0 Connectors

    JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors These connectors allow you to connect USB 2.0 ports on the front panel. USB0- USB1- USB0+ USB1+ Ground Ground No Pin Important Note that the VCC and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible damage.

  • Page 44: Cpu_Fan1, Pump_Fan1, Sys_Fan1~4: Fan Connectors

    CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors Fan connectors can be classified as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Mode or DC Mode. PWM Mode fan connectors provide constant 12V output and adjust fan speed with speed control signal. DC Mode fan connectors control fan speed by changing voltage. When you plug a 3-pin (Non-PWM) fan to a fan connector in PWM mode, the fan speed will always maintain at 100%, which might create a lot of noise.

  • Page 45: Jaud1: Front Audio Connector

    JAUD1: Front Audio Connector This connector allows you to connect audio jacks on the front panel. MIC L Ground MIC R Head Phone R MIC Detection SENSE_SEND No Pin Head Phone L Head Phone Detection JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector This connector allows you to connect the chassis intrusion switch cable. Normal Trigger the chassis intrusion event...

  • Page 46: Bios_Sw1: Multi-Bios Switch

    When BIOS updating fails or causes the computer non-bootable, you can recover the failed BIOS by the steps below. Before recovering, please download the latest BIOS file that matches your motherboard model from MSI website. And then save the BIOS file to the root of the USB flash drive.

  • Page 47: Jbat1: Clear Cmos (Reset Bios) Jumper

    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 Clear CMOS/ Reset BIOS...

  • Page 48: Jled1: Rgb Led Connector

    Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing the RGB LED strip. Please use MSI’ s software to control the extended LED strip. Overview of Components...

  • Page 49: Onboard Leds

    Onboard LEDs EZ Debug LEDs These LEDs indicate the status of key components during booting process. When an error is occurred, the corresponding LED stays lit until the problem is solved. CPU - indicates CPU is not detected or fail. DRAM - indicates DRAM is not detected or fail.

  • Page 50: Fan Leds

    Fan LEDs These LEDs indicate the fan control mode. PUMP_FAN1 LED CPU_FAN1 LED LED Color Fan control mode PWM mode Green DC mode PCIe x16 slot LEDs These LED indicate the PCIe x16 slots status. LED Color PCIe slot speed status PCI_E1 LED White x8, x4, x1...

  • Page 51: Debug Code Led

    Debug Code LED The Debug Code LED displays progress and error codes during and after POST. Refer to the Debug Code LED table for details. Hexadecimal Character Table Hexadecimal 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F Debug Code LED display Boot Phases...
  • Page 52 DXE Progress Codes Memory initialization. Memory presence detection DXE Core is started Memory initialization. Programming NVRAM initialization memory timing information Installation of the PCH Runtime Services Memory initialization. Configuring CPU DXE initialization is started memory CPU DXE initialization (CPU module Memory initialization (other) 64 - 67 specific)

  • Page 53: Acpi States Codes

    Setup Verifying Password S3 Resume Failed Start of Setup S3 Resume PPI not Found Setup Input Wait S3 Resume Boot Script Error Ready To Boot event S3 OS Wake Error Legacy Boot event EC - EF Reserved for future AMI error codes Exit Boot Services event Recovery Progress Codes Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin...

  • Page 54: Bios Setup

    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.

  • Page 55: Resetting Bios

    Updating BIOS Updating BIOS with M-FLASH Before updating: Please download the latest BIOS file that matches your motherboard model from MSI website. And then save the BIOS file into the USB flash drive. Updating BIOS: 1. Press Del key to enter the BIOS Setup during POST.
  • Page 56 Before updating: Please download the latest BIOS file that matches your motherboard model from MSI ® website and rename the BIOS file to MSI.ROM. And then, save the MSI.ROM file to the root of USB flash drive. Important Only the FAT32 format USB flash drive supports updating BIOS by BIOS FLASHBACK+.

  • Page 57: Ez Mode

    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 Setup Mode switch Screenshot...
  • Page 58 y Information display - click on the CPU, Memory, Storage, Fan Info and Help buttons on left side to display related information. y Function buttons - enable or disable the LAN Option ROM, M.2/Optane Genie, Hardcore mode, AHCI, RAID, CPU Fan Fail Warning Control and BIOS Log Review by clicking on their respective button.

  • Page 59: Advanced Mode

    Advanced Mode Press Setup Mode switch or F7 function key can switch between EZ Mode and Advanced Mode in BIOS setup. XMP switch Setup Mode switch Screenshot Search Language System information GAME BOOST switch Boot device priority bar BIOS menu BIOS menu selection selection...

  • Page 60: Settings

    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>...
  • Page 61 fPEGX - Max Link Speed [Auto] Sets PCI Express protocol of PCIe x16 slots for matching different installed devices. [Auto] This item will be configured automatically by BIOS. [Gen1] Enables PCIe Gen1 support only. [Gen2] Enables PCIe Gen2 support only. [Gen3] Enables PCIe Gen3 support only.
  • Page 62 fIpv6 PXE Support [Enabled] When Enabled, the system UEFI network stack will support Ipv6 protocol. This item will appear when Network Stack is enabled. [Enabled] Enables the Ipv6 PXE boot support. [Disabled] Disables the Ipv6 PXE boot support. fSATA Mode [AHCI Mode] Sets the operation mode of the onboard SATA controller.
  • Page 63 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.
  • Page 64 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 the secure keys.

  • Page 65: Boot

    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 activity of PS/2 mouse is detected. [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.

  • Page 66: Security

    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.

  • Page 67: Save & Exit

    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.
  • Page 68 Important Overclocking your PC manually is only recommended for advanced users. Overclocking is not guaranteed, and if done improperly, it could void your warranty or severely damage your hardware. If you are unfamiliar with overclocking, we advise you to use GAME BOOST function for easy overclocking.
  • Page 69 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.
  • Page 70 f DRAM Frequency [Auto] Sets the DRAM frequency. Please note the overclocking behavior is not guaranteed. f Adjusted DRAM Frequency Shows the adjusted DRAM frequency. Read-only. f DRAM Timing Mode [Link] Selects the memory timing mode. [Link] Allows user to configure the DRAM timing for all memory channel. [UnLink] Allows user to configure the DRAM timing for respective memory channel.
  • Page 71 f CPU Memory Changed Detect [Enabled]* Enables or disables the system to issue a warning message during boot when the CPU or memory has been replaced. [Enabled] The system will issue a warning message during boot and than needs to load the default settings for new devices.
  • Page 72 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 and instructions into L2 cache from memory for tuning the CPU performance.
  • Page 73 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.

  • Page 74: 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.

  • Page 75: Oc Profile

    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 sub- menu. 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.

  • Page 76: Software Description

    7. Follow the instructions on the screen to install Windows ® Installing Drivers 1. Start up your computer in Windows ® 2. Insert MSI Driver Disc into your optical drive. ® 3. The installer will automatically appear and it will find and list all necessary drivers.

  • Page 77: App Manager

    Motherboard Information - shows the model name of motherboard. y Total Install/ Update - click on this tab to update/ install all the applications. Important Please note that, once you uninstall the APP MANAGER, all the MSI applications and software will be uninstalled simultaneously. Software Description...

  • Page 78: Live Update 6

    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.
  • Page 79 1. Select the Live Update tab. 2. Choose Automatic scan, system will automatically scan all the items and search for the latest update files. Or you can choose Manual scan and select the items you wish to scan. 3. Click the Scan button at the bottom. It may take several moments to complete the process.

  • Page 80: Command Center

    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.
  • Page 81 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.
  • Page 82 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.
  • Page 83 7. Find the IP address on the SoftAP Management Setting area, and enter the IP address on your MSI COMMAND CENTER APP to link your system. ® 8. Press Refresh on the MSI COMMAND CENTER APP to verify that monitoring and ® OC functions are working properly.

  • Page 84: Gaming App

    3. Connect your android device and motherboard to the same local area network. 4. Run MSI GAMING APP APP on your android device. ® 5. Press the Remote Control Setting icon on the MSI GAMING APP APP to find the ® paired device Name you set in the Remote Control Setting panel.
  • Page 85 OSD Setting Panel Use the OSD setting panel to specify information within on-screen display (OSD). y Apply Button - applies above settings to OSD. Eye Rest Eye Rest allows you to optimize the display on your monitor. y EyeRest - reduces blue-light of your LED backlit screen, in order to protect your eyes.
  • Page 86 VR Ready It will optimize the performance of your system to ensure everything is VR Ready. VR ON/ OFF Applications y VR ON/ OFF -enables or disables VR settings. y Applications - appears when you turn on the VR support. It allows you to close some applications to optimize the system for better VR experience.
  • Page 87 ƒ Login Keys - provides hotkey login function. ƒ 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.
  • Page 88 Mouse Master Mouse Master provides mouse macro function. You can also use it to change DPI of your mouse. DPI Setting Delay Time Default Button Macro Hot Key DPI Hot Key Mouse Action Action List Test Area Edit Buttons Clear Button Load Button Save Button y Delay Time - allows you to apply a delay time in mouse macro.

  • Page 89: X-Boost

    X-BOOST The MSI X-BOOST allows you to select the system performance mode to meet your current system environment or support faster storage access speed for your external storage or memory cards. Easy In Easy page, you can select one system performance mode to meet the current system environment.
  • Page 90 OPTANE BOOST - supports faster access speed of Intel Optane memory (require a reboot). Important Please note that you can only select one mode at a time from Easy or Advance page as MSI X-BOOST function. The improved transfer rate/ access speed will vary with the USB/ storage device. Software Description...

  • Page 91: Mysticlight

    MYSTICLIGHT MYSTICLIGHT is an application allows you to control LED lights of MSI products. Main Screen The Main screen is used to configure what devices need to be synchronized and LED light effect options. Sync Devices ON/ OFF All LED...
  • Page 92 Motherboard Screen The motherboard screen is used to configure the LED light effect of the motherboard. Sync All Return Button Motherboard ON/ OFF All LED Name Profile Live Preview LED Area Light Effect Apply Button Options Save Button Note: The motherboard picture and name may vary according to different models. y Return Button - returns to the main screen.

  • Page 93: Msi Smart Tool

    MSI SMART TOOL MSI SMART TOOL is a convenient tool that can help you to create your Windows installation USB flash drive with USB 3.0 drivers, and it can also create a software RAID. Main menu After installing and activating MSI SMART TOOL, it will display a main menu for you to choose Win7 Smart Tool or Software RAID.
  • Page 94 SOFTWARE RAID This utility allows you to create a software RAID in Windows system. To create a software RAID: 1. Use checkboxs to select the disks you want included in your RAID. 2. Choose Speed Up or Backup for RAID type. y Speed Up = RAID0 y Backup = RAID1 3.

  • Page 95: Ramdisk

    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’...

  • Page 96: Gaming Lan Manager

    GAMING LAN MANAGER GAMING LAN MANAGER is an utility for traffic shaping for the Windows 10. It can keep your internet fast during heavy upload/ download and improve your ping for online games. If your motherboard has a Wi-Fi module, GAMING LAN MANAGER provides virtual access point function for traffic shaping for your mobile devices.
  • Page 97 Speed Testing The speed testing is used to optimize bandwidth usage. To test the Upload and Down- load speed, please follow the steps below: 1. Click the Network Test block in GAMING LAN MANAGER. 2. Click Test Network Speed button. The test takes several minutes to test your network speed.

  • Page 98: Dragon Eye

    DRAGON EYE DRAGON EYE allows you to watch game guides, tutorials, live match or tournament stream while gaming. In game, you can use hotkeys to control/adjust the settings of DRAGON EYE. Size Settings Position Settings On / Off Switch Help Transparency Settings Video List Hotkeys Information...

  • Page 99: Nahimic 2

    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’...
  • Page 100 ƒ Treble Enhancer - Increases the energy in high frequencies up to +12 dB. ƒ Smart Loudness - maintains a constant volume for all elements of the audio experience to making them all sound softer, balanced or louder. ƒ Voice Clarity - boosts the speech in movies, video games and incoming communication from +0 through +12 dB (0 to 100%).
  • Page 101 y Display & Volume - displays the type of audio recording device currently being used as input, as well as its current volume. ƒ Mute - mutes the current device. ƒ Device properties - allows you to boost the volume and modify the left/ right balance of microphone.
  • Page 102 y Control Page - by clicking the arrow button, you can access the control page. ƒ Audio Launchpad ON/OFF - switches the Audio Launchpad on or off. ƒ HD Audio Recorder 2 - The HD Audio Recorder 2 is, by default, automatically launched when a XSplit Gamecaster 2 recording session is detected.

  • Page 103: Xsplit Gamecaster V2

    Login button. 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 ®...
  • Page 104 Learning stream and record Refer to the Start page of XSplit Gamecaster V2 to learn how to stream and record your gameplay. Tool Tip 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.
  • Page 105 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.
  • Page 106 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.

  • Page 107: Steelseries Engine 3

    SteelSeries Engine 3 SteelSeries Engine 3 is a unified platform built to support all of SteelSeries products. It can deploy your saved device settings automatically when switching between your favorite games or applications. After installation the SteelSeries Engine background processes will start and the interface will open automatically.
  • Page 108 Configuring Your Devices You can custom configurations for SteelSeries devices in their Configuration Windows. The top left displays the name of the configuration you are viewing, the body features widgets for customizing various functions of the device, and at the bottom are Save/ Revert buttons, a Live Preview toggle, and a button to open/close the collapsible Configuration List Panel.

  • Page 109: Intel ® Extreme Tuning Utility

    Intel Extreme Tuning Utility ® Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (Intel XTU) is a simple overclocking software for you to ® tune, test and monitor your system. Tuning Controls Views Settings Help System Navigation Table System System Monitors Graphs y Views Settings Help ƒ...

  • Page 110: Cpu-Z

    CPU-Z CPU-Z is an utility that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system. y CPU Tab - shows processor name, code name, package, specification, instructions sets, core speed and cache levels. y Caches Tab - shows extended information related to the cache capabilities. y Mainboard Tab - shows motherboard manufacturer, model name, chipset, BIOS version and graphic interface.

  • Page 111: Tridef Vr

    TriDef VR With TriDef VR you can play your favorite PC games on a huge 3D screen inside your virtual reality headset. It is compatible with the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. After installation, please ensure that your VR headset is set up and working correctly, then double-click TriDef VR Games on the Desktop, or from: Start >...
  • Page 112 Games Tab The first tab you’ ll see on the main window is the Games tab. As mentioned, apps or games launched from the desktop will appear in 2D on the virtual screen. However, if you launch a supported game from the Games tab, it will be displayed on the virtual screen in stereoscopic 3D! The first time you launch TriDef VR, the application will scan your PC and automatically add supported games to the list.
  • Page 113 Settings Popup Look at the Settings item for 1 second to display the Settings popup. This popup window appears in front of the virtual screen. Use your mouse to adjust the slider values. y Screen Settings - adjust the virtual screen’ s size, distance and curvature. y Game Settings - adjust 3D settings for that game.

  • Page 114: Tridef Smartcam

    TriDef SmartCam Use TriDef SmartCam to replace or SmartBlur your background in video chat applications or to remove your background in XSplit. Just select TriDef SmartCam wherever you see a list of cameras or choose your webcam application. The following description uses XSplit Gamecaster for an example. TriDef SmartCam for XSplit Gamecaster After installation TriDef SmartCam is integrated into XSplit Gamecaster version 2.5 and newer.

  • Page 115: Raid Configuration

    RAID Configuration Below are the different types of a RAID. RAID 0 breaks the data into blocks which are written to separate hard drives. Spreading the hard drive I/O load across independent channels greatly improves I/O performance. RAID 1 provides data redundancy by mirroring data between the hard drives and provides enhanced read performance.
  • Page 116 Creating s RAID Volume 1. Select option Create RAID Volume and press Enter key. The following screen appears. CREATE VOLUME MENU Name : Volume0 RAID Level : RAID1(Mirror) Disks : Select Disks Strip Size : N / A Capacity : XXX.X GB Sync : N / A...
  • Page 117 Removing a RAID Volume Here you can delete the RAID volume, but please be noted that all data on RAID drives will be lost. Important If your system currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume in the IRST Option ROM, your system will become unbootable.

  • Page 118: Degraded Raid Array

    Important You will lose all data on the RAID drives and any internal RAID structures when you perform this operation. Possible reasons to Reset Disks to Non-RAID could include issues such as incompatible RAID configurations or a failed volume or failed disk. Recovery Volume Options Select option Recovery Volume Options from the main menu screen and press Enter to change recovery volume mode.
  • Page 119 2. Reconnect the hard drive. 3. Reboot to Windows ; the rebuild will occur automatically. ® Failed Hard Drive Member 1. Power off. 2. Replace the failed hard drive with a new one that is of equal or greater capacity. 3.

  • Page 120: M.2 Pcie Ssd Raid

    RAID 0 volume. During windows setup, the RAID driver may be required and you can find the RAID driver in MSI Driver Disc. You can use MSI SMART TOOL to build the Windows 7/ 8.1/ 10 installation drive that ®...
  • Page 121 12. Select Create RAID Volume and press Enter key..\Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology\ Create RAID Volume Create RAID Volume Name: Volume1 RAID Level: [RAID0(Stripe)] Select Disks: PCIe, XXXXX XXXXXXXX-XXXX, XXXGB PCIe, XXXXX XXXXXXXX-XXXX, XXXGB Strip Size: [XXKB] Capacity (MB): XXXXXX Create Volume 13.
  • Page 122 Removing a M.2 PCIe SSD RAID Volume with M.2/Optane Genie 1. Access the BIOS setup. 2. Disable M.2/Optane Genie by clicking M.2/Optane Genie item. 3. Click Ok in the dialog. 4. Press F10 to save configuration and exit. Removing a M.2 PCIe SSD RAID Volume with UEFI BIOS 1.

  • Page 123: Intel ® Optane™ Memory Configuration

    Optane™ memory can accelerate the Windows 10 64bit operating system. This ® section describes how to install and remove the Intel Optane™ memory. ® System Requirements y Intel Optane™ memory ready MSI motherboards ® ® y Supported 7th Gen, or later, Intel Core™ - i Processor ®...
  • Page 124 5. Enable Intel Optane™ Memory. ® ˜ Enable Intel Optane™ Memory via the Intel Optane™ memory application ® ® (auto-launches upon reboot). ˜ Click Yes in the dialog. ˜ Reboot System. WARNING Once you enable Intel Optane™ memory, in order to prevent seriously damage your ®...

  • Page 125: Removing The Intel ® Optane™ Memory

    Removing the Intel Optane™ memory ® If you no longer want to use Intel Optane™ memory, you have to disable the Intel ® ® Optane™ memory before removing the Intel Optane™ memory module to avoid ® operating system damage. Please follow the steps below to remove the Intel Optane™...

  • Page 126: Troubleshooting

    ® Optane Memory and switch BIOS setting from RAID/ Optane mode back to AHCI mode, that may cause operating system damage. MSI has developed a software assistance for this problem. You can disable Intel Optane™ Memory and switch back to AHCI ®...

  • Page 127: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Lost BIOS password Before sending the motherboard for RMA repair, try to go over troubleshooting y Clear the CMOS, but that will cause guide first to see if your got similar you to lose all customized settings in the symptoms as mentioned below.
  • Page 128 C-Tick Compliance back such products at the end of their useful life. MSI will comply with the product take back requirements at the end of life of MSI-branded products that are sold into the EU.
  • Page 129 Europäische Union in Verkehr gebrachten Produkte, de richtlijn handelen voor de producten die de am Ende seines Lebenszyklus zurückzunehmen. merknaam MSI dragen en verkocht zijn in de EU. Deze Bitte entsorgen Sie dieses Produkt zum gegebenen goederen kunnen geretourneerd worden op lokale Zeitpunkt ausschliesslich an einer lokalen inzamelingspunten.
  • Page 130 EU Directives as may del suo ciclo di vita. MSI si adeguerà a tale Direttiva be applicable: ritirando tutti i prodotti marchiati MSI che sono stati R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC;...
  • Page 131 Alternatively, please try the following help resources for further guidance. y Visit the MSI website for technical guide, BIOS updates, driver updates, and other information: http://www.msi.com y Register your product at: http://register.msi.com...

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