MSI X299M-A PRO Manual
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MSI X299M-A PRO Manual

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Unpacking

Thank you for buying the MSI
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
Antenna x2
(for AC version)
* These pictures are for reference only and may vary without notice.
* The packing contents may vary according to the model you purchased.
X299M-A PRO/ X299M-A PRO AC
®
Drivers & Utilities
Disc
SATA Cable x2
motherboard. Check
Motherboard User
Guide
SLI Bridge
Connector
Unpacking
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Summary of Contents for MSI X299M-A PRO

  • Page 1: Unpacking

    Unpacking Thank you for buying the MSI X299M-A PRO/ X299M-A PRO 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 DIMMB1 DIMMB1 DIMMB2 DIMMA1 DIMMA1 DIMMA1 DIMMA2 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 (AC version only) Quick Start...

  • Page 11: Connecting The Power Connectors

    Connecting the Power Connectors http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4 ATX_PWR1 CPU_PWR1 PCIE_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 Installing Utilities ....................69 APP MANAGER ..................... 70 LIVE UPDATE 6 ...................... 71 COMMAND CENTER ..................... 73 X-BOOST ....................... 77 MYSTICLIGHT ......................79 MSI SMART TOOL ....................81 RAMDISK....................... 83 NETWORK MANAGER ................... 84 Intel Extreme Tuning Utility ................86 ®...
  • Page 15 RAID Configuration ....................88 Using Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM ........... 88 ® Degraded RAID Array ................... 91 M.2 PCIe SSD RAID ....................93 Intel Optane™ Memory Configuration .............. 96 ® System Requirements ..................96 Installing the Intel Optane™ memory ..............96 ®...

  • Page 16: Specifications

    Supports Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) ® * For the latest information about memory, please visit http://www.msi.com y 3x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots Expansion Slots ƒ Support x16/ x0/ x0, x8/ x8/ x0 or x8, x4, x4 mode with the 16-lane CPU.
  • Page 17 Continued from previous page y ASMedia ASM3142 Chipset ® ƒ 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) Type-A port on the back panel ƒ 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 (Super Speed USB 10Gbps) Type-C port on the back panel y Intel X299 Chipset ®...
  • Page 18 Continued from previous page y 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector y 1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector y 1x 6-pin ATX 12V power connector y 8x SATA 6Gb/s connectors y 2x M.2 slots (Key M) y 1x M.2 slot (Key E) y 2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0 ports) y 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 3.1...
  • Page 19 SMART TOOL y X-BOOST y MYSTIC LIGHT Software y RAMDISK y Network Manager y DPC Latency Tuner y FAST BOOT y CPU-Z MSI GAMING y Intel Extreme Tuning Utility ® y Google Chrome ,Google Toolbar, Google Drive ™ y Norton Internet Security Solution ™...
  • Page 20 LED ƒ Mystic Light Extension ƒ Mystic light SYNC ƒ EZ DEBUG LED y Protection ƒ PCI-E Steel Armor MSI Special y Performance Features ƒ Multi GPU – SLI Technology ƒ Multi GPU – CrossFire Technology ƒ DDR4 Boost ƒ...

  • Page 21: Block Diagram

    Block Diagram 4 DIMMs DDR4 Memory Processor Intel I219-V PCI Express Bus Wi-Fi / Bluetooth (optional) DMI 3.0 2x M.2 8x SATA 6Gb/s Switch X299 PCH PCIE Bus 8x USB 3.1 Gen1 ASMEDIA ASM3142 2x USB 3.1 Gen2 6x USB 2.0 LPC Bus PCIE Bus NV6795...

  • Page 22: Rear I/O Panel

    Rear I/O Panel Wi-Fi Antenna connectors Audio Ports (for AC version) PS/2 Mouse USB 2.0 USB 3.1 Gen2 Optical USB 3.1 Gen1 PS/2 Keyboard Type-C S/PDIF-Out Type-A USB 3.1 Gen2 USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A Type-A LAN Port LED Status Table Link/ Activity LED Speed LED Status...

  • Page 23: 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 Main Volume Connector Strings Profiles...
  • Page 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...

  • Page 25: Installing Antennas (For Ac Version)

    Installing Antennas (for AC version) 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 26: Overview Of Components

    Overview of Components DIMMA2 CPU_PWR1 DIMMA1 CPU Socket DIMMB2 CPU_FAN1 DIMMB1 SYS_FAN1 PUMP_FAN1 ATX_PWR1 JUSB4 M2_2 JUSB3 PCIE_PWR1 PCI_E1 BIOS_SW1 SATA▼1▲2 M2_1 SATA▼3▲4 PCI_E2 SATA▼5▲6 BAT1 PCI_E3 SATA▼7▲8 JBAT1 JLED1 JUSB1 JUSB2 SYSFAN3 SYSFAN2 JFP1 JAUD1 JCI1 JFP2 POWER1 JTPM1 Overview of Components...
  • Page 27 Component Contents Port Name Port Type Page BIOS_SW1 Multi-BIOS Switch CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~3 Fan Connectors CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1, PCIE_PWR1 Power Connectors CPU Socket LGA2066 CPU Socket DIMMA1/A2/B1/B2 DIMM Slots JAUD1 Front Audio Connector JBAT1 Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector JFP1, JFP2 Front Panel Connectors JLED1...

  • Page 28: 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 29: Dimm Slots

    DIMM Slots DIMMA2 DIMMB2 Channel A Channel B DIMMA1 DIMMB1 Memory module installation recommendation DIMMB1 DIMMB1 DIMMB2 DIMMA1 DIMMA1 DIMMA1 DIMMA2 Important To ensure system stability for Dual channel mode, memory modules must be of the same type, number and density. And for every channel, the odd number DIMM slot must to be installed first.

  • Page 30: Pci_E1~3: Pcie Expansion Slots

    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 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_E1 and PCI_E2 slots.

  • Page 32: 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 M2_2 Watch the video to learn how to Install M.2 M2_1 module. http://youtu.be/JCTFABytrYA Installing M.2 module 1.

  • Page 33: 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 SATA8 SATA7 Important Please do not fold the SATA cable at a 90-degree angle. Data loss may result during transmission otherwise.
  • Page 34 M.2 slots with examples of various combination possibilities 2xM.2 PCIe+ 8xSATA 1xM.2 SATA+ 1xM.2 PCIe+ 7xSATA M.2 PCIe M.2 SATA 1xM.2 PCIe+ 1xM.2 SATA+ 7xSATA 2xM.2 SATA+ 6xSATA M.2 PCIe M.2 SATA Overview of Components...

  • Page 35: Cpu_Pwr1, Atx_Pwr1, Pcie_Pwr1: Power Connectors

    CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1, PCIE_PWR1: Power Connectors These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply. CPU_PWR1 Ground +12V Ground +12V Ground +12V Ground +12V +3.3V +3.3V +3.3V -12V Ground Ground PS-ON# Ground Ground Ground ATX_PWR1 Ground Ground PWR OK 5VSB +12V +12V +3.3V...

  • Page 36: 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 37: 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 38: Cpu_Fan1, Pump_Fan1, Sys_Fan1~3: Fan Connectors

    CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~3: 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 39: Jci1: Chassis Intrusion Connector

    JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector This connector allows you to connect the chassis intrusion switch cable. Normal Trigger the chassis intrusion event (default) Using chassis intrusion detector 1. Connect the JCI1 connector to the chassis intrusion switch/ sensor on the chassis. 2.

  • Page 40: 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 41: 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 42: 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 43: 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, fail or non- supported.

  • Page 44: 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 45: 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 46: 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 47 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 48: 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 OC GENIE 4 switch Boot device priority bar BIOS menu BIOS menu selection selection...

  • Page 49: 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 50 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 51 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 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.
  • Page 52 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 53 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 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 boot settings.

  • Page 54: Boot

    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 when activity or input signal of Intel LAN device is detected. [Disabled] Disables this function.

  • Page 55: Security

    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 button about 4 seconds when the system is off. [Disabled] Disables this function.

  • Page 56: Save & Exit

    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.
  • Page 57 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.
  • Page 58 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 OC GENIE 4 function for easy overclocking.
  • Page 59 f Target CPU Turbo Ratio Group X [Auto] Sets the target CPU Turbo Ratio for CPU cores Group. The latter setting of Target CPU Turbo Ratio Group should not be higher than the former one. This item only appears when a CPU that support this function is installed. f Adjusted CPU Frequency Shows the adjusted CPU frequency.
  • Page 60 fEnhanced Turbo [Auto]* Enables or disables Enhanced Turbo function for all CPU cores to boost CPU performance. This item appears when the installed CPU supports this function. [Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS. [Enabled] All CPU cores would be increased to maximum turbo ratio. [Disabled] Disables this function.
  • Page 61 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 for memory. So the memory will not be initialed and trained when booting to accelerate the system booting time.
  • Page 62 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].
  • Page 63 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. [Disabled] Disables the hardware prefetcher. fAdjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled] Enables or disables the CPU hardware prefetcher (MLC Spatial prefetcher).
  • Page 64 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.
  • Page 65 fFCLK Frequency [Auto] Set FCLK Frequency for early power on. Lower FCLK frequency may help you to set higher base clock frequency. This item only appears when a CPU that support this function is installed. fDMI Link Speed [Auto] Sets DMI speed. This item only appears when a CPU that support this function is installed.

  • Page 66: 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 67: 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 68: Hardware Monitor

    HARDWARE MONITOR Temperature Speed Fan Manage Setting Buttons Information display f Temperature The assignment fan will be controlled according to the selected temperature source. And you can set the duty cycle for each fan. f Speed Shows all fans' speeds. f Fan Manage ƒ...

  • Page 69: 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 70: 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 71: 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 72 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 73: 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 74 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 75 OC GENIE 4 OC GENIE 4 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 76 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 77: 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 78 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 79: 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 80 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 81: 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 82 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 83: 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 84: Network Manager

    NETWORK MANAGER NETWORK 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, NETWORK MANAGER provides virtual access point function for traffic shaping for your mobile devices.
  • Page 85 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 NETWORK MANAGER. 2. Click Test Network Speed button. The test takes several minutes to test your network speed.

  • Page 86: 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 87: 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 88: 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 89 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 90 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 91: 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 92 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 93: 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 94 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 95 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 96: 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 97 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 98: 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 99: 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 100: 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 101 The point of contact for regulatory matters is MSI, recycling and disposing of their end-of-life products. MSI-NL Eindhoven 5706 5692 ER Son. y Visit the MSI website and locate a nearby distributor B급 기기 (가정용 방송통신기자재) for further recycling information.
  • Page 102 MSI will comply with the product take entregar a una empresa autorizada para la recogida de back requirements at the end of life of MSI-branded estos residuos.
  • Page 103 及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾 。 saranno obbligati a ritirare ogni prodotto alla fine del suo ciclo di vita. MSI si adeguerà a tale Direttiva Products with radio functionality (EMF) ritirando tutti i prodotti marchiati MSI che sono stati This product incorporates a radio transmitting venduti all’interno dell’Unione Europea alla fine del...
  • Page 104 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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