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Preface
Z97I GAMING AC
Motherboard
G52-79201X1

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Summary of Contents for MSI Z97I GAMING AC

  • Page 1 Preface Z97I GAMING AC Motherboard G52-79201X1...
  • Page 2: Preface

    Copyright Notice The material in this document is the intellectual property of MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL. We take every care in the preparation of this document, but no guarantee is given as to the correctness of its contents. Our products are under continual improvement and we reserve the right to make changes without notice.
  • Page 3: Smartphone Application

    If a problem arises with your system and no solution can be obtained from the user’s manual, please contact your place of purchase or local distributor. Alternatively, please try the following help resources for further guidance. Visit the MSI website for technical guide, BIOS updates, driver updates, and other information: http://www.msi.com/service/download/ Contact our technical staff at: http://register.msi.com/...
  • Page 4: Safety Instructions

    Safety Instructions ■ Always read the safety instructions carefully. ■ Keep this User’s Manual for future reference. ■ Keep this equipment away from humidity. ■ Lay this equipment on a reliable flat surface before setting it up. ■ The openings on the enclosure are for air convection hence protects the equipment from overheating.
  • Page 5: Fcc-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement

    FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
  • Page 6: Radiation Exposure Statement

    Radiation Exposure Statement This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment and its antenna should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20 cm between the radiator and your body. This equipment and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
  • Page 7: Battery Information

    Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Chemical Substances Information In compliance with chemical substances regulations, such as the EU REACH Regulation (Regulation EC No. 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and the Council), MSI provides the information of chemical substances in products at: http://www.msi.com/html/popup/csr/evmtprtt_pcm.html Preface...
  • Page 8: Weee (Waste Electrical And Electronic Equipment) Statement

    MSI will comply with the product take back requirements at the end of life of MSI-branded products that are sold into the EU. You can return these products to local collection points.
  • Page 9 MSI će poštovati zahtev o preuzimanju ovakvih proizvoda kojima je istekao vek trajanja, koji imaju MSI oznaku i koji su prodati u EU. Ove proizvode možete vratiti na lokalnim mestima za prikupljanje.
  • Page 10 MSI si adeguerà a tale Direttiva ritirando tutti i prodotti marchiati MSI che sono stati venduti all’interno dell’Unione Europea alla fine del loro ciclo di vita.
  • Page 11: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS ▍ Preface ......................i Copyright Notice ......................ii Trademarks ......................ii Revision History ......................ii Smartphone Application ..................iii Technical Support ....................iii Safety Instructions ....................iv FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement ........... v CE Conformity ......................v Radiation Exposure Statement ................vi European Community Compliance Statement ............vi FCC Bluetooth Wireless Compliance ..............vi Bluetooth Industry Canada Statement ..............vi Taiwan Wireless Statements ...................vi...
  • Page 12 SATA1~4: SATA Connectors ..............1-20 CPUFAN,SYSFAN1: Fan Power Connectors ..........1-21 JFP1, JFP2: System Panel Connectors ............1-22 JUSB1: USB 2.0 Expansion Connector ............1-23 JUSB2: USB 3.0 Expansion Connector ............1-23 JAUD1: Front Panel Audio Connector ............1-24 JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector .............. 1-24 Jumpers ......................
  • Page 13 Appendix A Realtek Audio ................A-1 Software Configuration ..................A-2 Software panel overview ................A-2 Auto popup dialog ..................A-3 Hardware Default Setting ..................A-4 Appendix B Intel RAID ................B-1 Introduction ......................B-2 Using Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM..........B-3 Degraded RAID Array ..................B-10 System Acceleration (optional) ................B-12 RST Synchronization (optional) .................B-14 xiii...
  • Page 15: Chapter 1 Getting Started

    Chapter 1 Getting Started Thank you for choosing the Z97I GAMING AC Series (MS-7920 v1.X) Mini- ITX motherboard. The Z97I GAMING AC Series motherboards are based on Intel Z97 chipset for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced ®...
  • Page 16: Packing Contents

    * These pictures are for reference only and may vary without notice. * The packing contents may vary according to the model you purchased. * If you need to purchase the optional accessories or request part numbers, please visit the MSI website at http://www.msi.com/index.php or consult the dealer. Getting Started...
  • Page 17: Assembly Precautions

    Assembly Precautions ■ 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. ■ Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing any computer component.
  • Page 18: Motherboard Specifications

    Motherboard Specifications ■ Supports 5th and 4th Generation Intel Core™ Processors, and ® Intel Pentium and Celeron Processors for the Socket LGA1150 Support ® ® ® Chipset ■ Intel Z97 Express Chipset ® Memory ■ 2x DDR3 memory slots supporting up to 16GB ■...
  • Page 19 Back Panel ■ 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse port ■ 4x USB 2.0 ports Connectors ■ 4x USB 3.0 ports ■ 2x eSATA ports ■ 1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector ■ 2x HDMI ports ■ 1x DisplayPort ■ 1x LAN (RJ45) port ■...
  • Page 20 Software ■ Drivers ■ MSI - Command Center - Live Update 6 - Smart Utilities - Super Charger - Fast Boot - Gaming App ■ 7-ZIP ■ Intel Extreme Tuning Utility ■ Norton Internet Security Solution ■ Sound Blaster Cinema 2 ■...
  • Page 21: Connectors Quick Guide

    Connectors Quick Guide SATA4 SATA3 SATA2 JCI1 SATA1 JPWR1 JAUD1 JUSB2 JPWR2 CPUFAN Back Panel CLR_CMOS1 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth expansion module connector DIMM1 SYSFAN1 PCI_E1 DIMM2 JUSB1 JBAT1 JFP2 JFP1 Getting Started...
  • Page 22 Connectors Reference Guide Port Name Port Type Page Back Panel LGA1150 CPU Socket 1-11 CPUFAN,SYSFAN1 Fan Power Connectors 1-21 DIMM1~2 Memory Slots 1-15 JAUD1 Front Panel Audio Connector 1-24 JBAT1 Clear CMOS Jumper 1-25 JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector 1-24 JFP1, JFP2 System Panel Connectors 1-22 JPWR1~2...
  • Page 23: Back Panel Quick Guide

    Back Panel Quick Guide Optical PS/2 Keyboard/ S/PDIF-Out Mouse Combo USB 3.0 Port Port LAN Port Line-In RS-Out HDMI Clear BIOS USB 2.0 Port Line-Out CS-Out Button SS-Out eSATA Port USB 2.0 Port HDMI DisplayPort USB 3.0 Port ▶ PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo Port A combination of PS/2 mouse/keyboard DIN connector for a PS/2 mouse/keyboard.
  • Page 24 ▶ DisplayPort DisplayPort is a digital display interface standard. This connector is used to connect a monitor with DisplayPort inputs. Important This platform supports dual-display function. HDMI+DisplayPort HDMI+HDMI Extend mode ◯ ◯ (Extend the desktop to the second and third monitor) Clone mode ◯...
  • Page 25: Cpu (Central Processing Unit)

    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 recommend. MSI does not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate operation beyond product specifications.
  • Page 26: Cpu & Heatsink Installation

    CPU & Heatsink Installation When installing a CPU, always remember to install a CPU heatsink. A CPU heatsink is necessary to prevent overheating and maintain system stability. Follow the steps below to ensure correct CPU and heatsink installation. Wrong installation can damage both the CPU and the motherboard.
  • Page 27 3. Align the notches with the socket alignment keys. Lower the CPU straight down, without tilting or sliding the CPU in the socket. Inspect the CPU to check if it is properly seated in the socket. 4. Close and slide the load plate under the retention knob. Close and engage the load lever.
  • Page 28 7. Locate the CPU fan connector on the motherboard. 8. Place the heatsink on the motherboard with the fan’s cable facing towards the fan connector and the fasteners matching the holes on the motherboard. CPU fan connector 9. Push down the heatsink until the four fasteners get wedged into the holes on the motherboard.
  • Page 29: Memory

    Memory These DIMM slots are used for installing memory modules. DIMM1 DIMM2 Video Demonstration Watch the video to learn how to install memories at the address below. http://youtu.be/76yLtJaKlCQ Dual-Channel mode Population Rule In Dual-Channel mode, the memory modules can transmit and receive data with two data bus channels simultaneously.
  • Page 30: Mounting Screw Holes

    Mounting Screw Holes When installing the motherboard, first install the necessary mounting stands required for an motherboard on the mounting plate in your computer case. If there is an I/O back plate that came with the computer case, please replace it with the I/O backplate that came with the motherboard package.
  • Page 31: Power Supply

    Power Supply Video Demonstration Watch the video to learn how to install power supply connectors. http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4 JPWR1~2: ATX Power Connectors These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply. To connect the ATX power supply, align the power supply cable with the connector and firmly press the cable into the connector.
  • Page 32: Expansion Slots

    Expansion Slots This motherboard contains numerous slots for expansion cards, such as discrete graphics or audio cards. PCI_E1: PCIe Expansion Slot The PCIe slot supports the PCIe interface expansion card. PCIe 3.0 x16 Slot Important When adding or removing expansion cards, always turn off the power supply and unplug the power supply power cable from the power outlet.
  • Page 33: Video/ Graphics Cards

    Adding on one or more discrete video cards will significantly boost the system’s graphics performance. For best compatibility, MSI graphics cards are recommended. Video Demonstration Watch the video to learn how to install a graphics card on PCIe x16 slot with butterfly lock.
  • Page 34: Internal Connectors

    Internal Connectors SATA1~4: SATA Connectors This connector is a high-speed SATA interface port. Each connector can connect to one SATA device. SATA devices include disk drives (HDD), solid state drives (SSD), and optical drives (CD/ DVD/ Blu-Ray). Video Demonstration Watch the video to learn how to Install SATA HDD. http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc SATA1 SATA4...
  • Page 35: Cpufan,Sysfan1: Fan Power Connectors

    CPUFAN,SYSFAN1: Fan Power Connectors The fan power connectors support system cooling fans with +12V. If the motherboard has a System Hardware Monitor chipset on-board, you must use a specially designed fan with a speed sensor to take advantage of the CPU fan control. Remember to connect all system fans.
  • Page 36: Jfp1, Jfp2: System Panel Connectors

    JFP1, JFP2: System Panel Connectors These connectors connect to the front panel switches and LEDs. The JFP1 connector is compliant with the Intel Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide. When ® installing the front panel connectors, please use the optional M-Connector to simplify installation.
  • Page 37: Jusb1: Usb 2.0 Expansion Connector

    JUSB1: USB 2.0 Expansion Connector This connector is designed for connecting high-speed USB peripherals such as USB HDDs, digital cameras, MP3 players, printers, modems, and many others. Important Note that the VCC and GND pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible damage.
  • Page 38: Jaud1: Front Panel Audio Connector

    JAUD1: Front Panel Audio Connector This connector allows you to connect the front audio panel located on your computer case. This connector is compliant with the Intel Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design ® Guide. JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector This connector connects to the chassis intrusion switch cable. If the computer case is opened, the chassis intrusion mechanism will be activated.
  • Page 39: Jumpers

    Jumpers JBAT1: Clear CMOS Jumper There is CMOS RAM onboard that is external powered from a battery located on the motherboard to save system configuration data. With the CMOS RAM, the system can automatically boot into the operating system (OS) every time it is turned on. If you want to clear the system configuration, set the jumpers to clear the CMOS RAM.
  • Page 41 Chapter 2 Quick Installation This chapter provides demonstration diagrams about how to install your computer. Some of the installations also provide video demonstrations. Please link to the URL to watch it with the web browser on your phone or tablet. You may have even link to the URL by scanning the QR code. Important The diagrams in this chapter are for reference only and may vary from the product you purchased.
  • Page 42 CPU Installation http://youtu.be/bf5La099urI Quick Installation...
  • Page 43: Chapter 2 Quick Installation

    Quick Installation...
  • Page 44: Memory Installation

    Memory Installation http://youtu.be/76yLtJaKlCQ Quick Installation...
  • Page 45: Motherboard Installation

    Motherboard Installation Quick Installation...
  • Page 46 Quick Installation...
  • Page 47: Power Connectors Installation

    Power Connectors Installation http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4 Quick Installation...
  • Page 48 Quick Installation...
  • Page 49: Sata Hdd Installation

    SATA HDD Installation http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc Quick Installation...
  • Page 50: M.2 Module Installation

    M.2 module Installation 4.2 cm 6 cm 8 cm Quick Installation 2-10...
  • Page 51: Front Panel Connector Installation

    Front Panel Connector Installation JFP1 Connector Installation http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI Front Panel Audio Connector Installation 2-11 Quick Installation...
  • Page 52: Peripheral Connector Installation

    Peripheral Connector Installation USB2.0 Connector Installation USB3.0 Connector Installation Quick Installation 2-12...
  • Page 53: Graphics Card Installation

    Graphics Card Installation http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A 2-13 Quick Installation...
  • Page 54 Quick Installation 2-14...
  • Page 55: Chapter 3 Bios Setup

    Chapter 3 BIOS Setup CLICK BIOS is a revolutionary UEFI interface that allows you to setup and configure your system for optimum use. Using your mouse and keyboard, users can change BIOS settings, monitor CPU temperature, select the boot device priority and view system information such as the CPU name, DRAM capacity, the OS version and the BIOS version.
  • Page 56: Entering Setup

    (optional) on the motherboard to enable the system going to BIOS setup directly at next boot. Click "GO2BIOS" tab on "MSI Fast Boot" utility screen. Important Please be sure to install the “MSI Fast Boot” utility before using it to enter the BIOS setup. BIOS Setup...
  • Page 57: Overview

    Overview After entering BIOS, the following screen is displayed. Temperature monitor My Favorites Language System information Boot device priority bar Virtual OC Genie Button BIOS menu BIOS menu selection selection Menu display ▶ BIOS menu selection The following options are available: ■...
  • Page 58 Enables or disables the OC Genie function by clicking on this button. When enabled, this button will be light. Enabling OC Genie function can automatically overclock with MSI optimized overclocking profile. Important We recommend that you do not to make any modification in OC menu mode and do not to load defaults after enabling the OC Genie function.
  • Page 59 Adding BIOS item to Favorite 1~5 1. Move the mouse cursor to highlight a BIOS setting item. 2. Right-click (or press "F2" key) and then choose a favorite menu (Favorite 1~5) to add the BIOS item. Choose a favorite menu to add the BIOS item Deleting BIOS item from Favorite 1~5 1.
  • Page 60: Operation

    Operation You can control BIOS settings with the mouse and the keyboard. The following table lists and describes the hot keys and the mouse operations. Hot key Mouse Description <↑↓→← > Select Item Move the cursor <Enter> Select Icon/ Field Click/ Double-click the left button...
  • Page 61: Updating Bios

    Updating BIOS Updating the 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 disk. Important Only the FAT32/ NTFS format USB flash disk supports updating BIOS by M-FLASH.
  • Page 62: Settings

    SETTINGS System Status ▶ 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 63 ▶ PEG X - Gen X [Auto] Sets PCI Express protocol for matching different installed devices. [Auto] Enables all PCIe Gen1, Gen2 and Gen3. supports. [Gen1] Enables PCIe Gen1 support only. [Gen2] Enables PCIe Gen2 support only. [Gen3] Enables PCIe Gen3 support only. ▶...
  • Page 64 [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. [RAID Mode] Enables RAID function for SATA storage devices. ▶...
  • Page 65 ▶ Entry After [10 minutes] Sets a timer for system to enter the sleep mode with Intel Rapid Start Technology. This item will appear when “Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology” is enabled. [Options: 1 minute ~ 120 minutes] ▶ Active Page Threshold Support [Enabled] Enables or disables to support Active Page Threshold when the Rapid Start partition size is less than the system DRAM size.
  • Page 66 ▶ XHCI Hand-off [Enabled] Enables or disables XHCI hand-off support for the operating system without XHCI hand-off feature. ▶ EHCI Hand-off [Enabled] Enables or disables EHCI hand-off support for the operating system without EHCI hand-off feature. ▶ Legacy USB Support [Enabled] Sets Legacy USB function support.
  • Page 67 Disables this function. ▶ MSI 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”.
  • Page 68 ▶ Wake Up Event Setup Sets system wake up behaviors for different sleep modes. Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. ▶ Wake Up Event By [BIOS] Selects the wake up event by BIOS or operating system. [BIOS] Activates the following items, and use these items to set the wake up events.
  • Page 69: Boot

    Boot Sets the sequence of system boot devices. ▶ Full Screen Logo Display [Enabled] Enables or disables to show the full screen logo while system POST. [Enabled] The OS boots straight to the GUI without showing the POST screen. [Disabled] Shows the POST messages at booting.
  • Page 70: Save & Exit

    ▶ Chassis Intrusion [Disabled] This function will be available if the chassis equips a chassis intrusion switch. Once the chassis is opened, the system will record and issue a warning message. To clear the warning message, set the item to [Reset], then it will return to [Enabled] later.
  • Page 71 Important • Overclocking your PC manually is only recommended for advanced users. • Overclocking is not guaranteed, and if done improperly, can void your warranty or severely damage your hardware. • If you are unfamiliar with overclocking, we advise you to use OC Genie for easy overclocking.
  • Page 72 ▶ OC Genie Function Control [By Onboard Button] Enables the OC Genie function by virtual button in BIOS or physical button on moth- erboard. Enabling OC Genie function can automatically overclock the system with MSI optimized overclocking profile. [By BIOS Options] OC Genie function is enabled by clicking the virtual OC Genie button at the top left corner of BIOS setup screen.
  • Page 73 < CPU BCLK Setting > ▶ CPU Base Clock (MHz) [Default] 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. ▶...
  • Page 74 ▶ DRAM Training Configuration* Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. Enables or disables the various training ways of DRAM. The system may become unstable or unbootable after changing these items in this sub-menu. 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.) ▶...
  • Page 75 ▶ CPU Over Current Protection [Auto] Sets the current limit for CPU over-current protection. If set to "Auto", BIOS will configure this setting automatically. Higher voltage provides less protection and may damage the system. ▶ Phase Over Current Protection [Enabled] Enables or disables the phase over-current protection.
  • Page 76 ▶ 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 (Serial Voltage Identification). [Disabled] Disables SVID (Serial Voltage Identification) support. ▶...
  • Page 77 ▶ CPU SA/ IOA/ IOD Voltage Offset [Auto]* Sets the offset value for CPU SA/ IOA/ IOD voltage. If set to "Auto", BIOS will set these voltages automatically or you can set it manually. This item appears when "CPU SA/ IOA/IOD Voltage Mode"...
  • Page 78 ▶ Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled] Enables or disables the extended CPUID value. [Enabled] BIOS will limit the maximum CPUID input value to circumvent boot problems with older operating system that do not support the processor with extended CPUID value. [Disabled] Use the actual maximum CPUID input value.
  • Page 79 ▶ Intel C-State [Auto] 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 accordingly. [Disabled] Disable this function. ▶...
  • Page 80 ▶ CPU Current limit (A) [Auto] Sets maximum current limit of CPU package in Turbo Boost mode. When the current is over the specified limit value, the CPU will automatically reduce the core frequency for reducing the current. ▶ Internal VR OVP OCP Protection [Auto] Enables or disables the over-voltage protection and over-current protection for CPU internal VR (Voltage Regulator).
  • Page 81: M-Flash

    [Disabled] Enables the system to boot from the BIOS within ROM on motherboard. *This may cause system unstable, MSI recommend it only for power users. ▶ Select one file to boot Selects a BIOS file in the USB flash disk (NTFS/ FAT 32 format) to boot the system.
  • Page 82: Oc Profile

    OC PROFILE ▶ Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6 Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6 management. Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. ▶ Set Name for Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6 Names the current overclocking profile. ▶...
  • Page 83: Hardware Monitor

    HARDWARE MONITOR Current Temperature & Speed information control field Setting Buttons Voltage display ▶ Current Temperature & Speed information Shows the current CPU temperature, system temperature and fans' speeds. ▶ Fan control field This motherboard provides a fan speed control feature call “Smart Fan Mode”. Please check the “Smart Fan Mode”...
  • Page 85: Appendix A Realtek Audio

    Appendix A Realtek Audio The Realtek audio provides 10-channel DAC that simultaneously supports 7.1 sound playback and 2 channels of independent stereo sound output (multiple streaming) through the Front-Out-Left and Front-Out-Right channels.
  • Page 86: Software Configuration

    Software Configuration After installing the audio driver (see Chapter 1 - Driver and Utilities), the “Realtek HD Audio Manager” icon will appear at the notification area (lower right of the screen). You may double click the icon and the GUI will pop up accordingly. double click the icon It is also available to enable the audio driver by clicking the Realtek HD Audio Manager from the Control Panel.
  • Page 87: Auto Popup Dialog

    ▶ Device Selection Here you can select a audio output source to change the related options. The “check” sign (in orange) indicates the devices as default. ▶ Volume Adjustment You can control the volume or balance the right/left side of the speakers that you plugged in front or rear panel by adjust the bar.
  • Page 88: Hardware Default Setting

    Hardware Default Setting The following diagrams are audio back panel default setting. ■ Backpanel audio jacks to 2-channel speakers diagram F r o ■ Backpanel audio jacks to 4-channel speakers diagram F r o R e a Realtek Audio...
  • Page 89 ■ Backpanel audio jacks to 6-channel speakers diagram F r o C e n R e a t e r & S u b w o o f ■ Backpanel audio jacks to 8-channel speakers diagram F r o C e n R e a t e r &...
  • Page 91: Appendix B Intel Raid

    Appendix B Intel RAID This appendix will assist users in configuring and enabling RAID functionality and accelerating system on platforms...
  • Page 92: Introduction

    Introduction The motherboard comes with the Intel RAID controller that allows you to configure SATA hard drives as RAID sets. SATA hard drives deliver blistering transfer speeds up to 6 Gb/s. Serial ATA uses long, thin cables, making it easier to connect your drive and improving the airflow inside your PC.
  • Page 93: Using Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option Rom

    Using Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM The Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM should be integrated with the system BIOS on all motherboards with a supported Intel chipset. The Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM is the Intel RAID implementation and provides BIOS and DOS disk services.
  • Page 94 After pressing the <Ctrl> and <I> keys simultaneously, the following window will appear: MAIN MENU MAIN MENU Create RAID Volume Recovery Volume Options Acceleration Options Delete RAID Volume Exit Reset Disks to Non-RAID DISK / VOLUME INFORMATION RAID Volumes : None defined.
  • Page 95 3. In the Disk field, press <Enter> key and use <Space> key to select the disks you want to create for the RAID volume, then click <Enter> key to finish selection. This field will become available according to the selected RAID level. 4.
  • Page 96 6. Go to the Create Volume field and press <Enter>, the following screen appears for you to confirm if you are sure to create the RAID volume. Press <Y> to continue. CREATE VOLUME MENU Name : Volume0 RAID Level : RAID1(Mirror) Disks : Select Disks...
  • Page 97 ■ Delete 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 Intel RAID Option ROM, your system will become un-bootable.
  • Page 98 ■ Reset Disks to Non-RAID Select option 3 Reset Disks to Non-RAID and press <Enter> to delete the RAID volume and remove any RAID structures from the drives. The following screen appears: MAIN MENU Recovery Volume Options Create RAID Volume RESET RAID DATA Recovery Volume Options Delete RAID Volume...
  • Page 99 ■ Recovery Volume Options Select option 4 Recovery Volume Options and press <Enter> to change recovery volume mode. The following screen appears: RECOVERY VOLUME OPTIONS Enable Only Recovery Disk Enable Only Master Disk HELP Enable Only Recovery Disk - enables recovery disk if available and disables master disk.
  • Page 100: Degraded Raid Array

    Degraded RAID Array A RAID 1, RAID 5 or RAID 10 volume is reported as degraded when one of its hard drive members fails or is temporarily disconnected, and data mirroring is lost. As a result, the system can only utilize the remaining functional hard drive member. To re-establish data mirroring and restore data redundancy, refer to the procedure below that corresponds to the current situation.
  • Page 101 5. Exit Intel RAID Option ROM, and then reboot to Windows system. 6. When prompted to rebuild the RAID volume, click ‘Yes’. 7. The Intel Rapid Storage Technology application will be launched. Right-click the new hard drive and select ‘Rebuild to this Disk’. The ‘Rebuild Wizard’ will be launched which will guide you through the process of rebuilding to the new hard drive.
  • Page 102: System Acceleration (Optional

    1. Reboot and enter the BIOS steup. 2. Set the SATA Mode to RAID in BIOS. 3. Install Windows operating system. 4. Insert the MSI Driver DVD into the DVD-ROM drive. 5. Install Intel RAID driver 6. Powered off. 7. Connect the SSD.
  • Page 103 9. Run Intel Rapid Storage Technology application. 10. Click "Enable acceleration" under Accelerate tab. Click here 11. Select the acceleration options. 12. Click OK and reboot the system. The page refreshes and reports the new acceleration configuration in the Acceleration View.
  • Page 104: Rst Synchronization (Optional

    RST Synchronization (optional) If you are using Maximized mode as the Acceleration mode, the data on the hard disk is not always synchronized with the data in the SSD cache. In some situations, you may want to manually sync the disks for avoiding data loss. Follow these steps to sync manually.

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