Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Quick Start

Thank you for purchasing the MSI®
section 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.

Preparing Tools and Components

Intel® LGA1200 CPU
DDR4 Memory
Thermal Paste
Phillips Screwdriver
MEG Z590 UNIFY-X
CPU Fan
Power Supply Unit
SATA Hard Disk Drive
motherboard. This Quick Start
Graphics Card
SATA DVD Drive
A Package of Screws
Chassis
1
Quick Start

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the MEG Z590 UNIFY-X and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for MSI MEG Z590 UNIFY-X

  • Page 1: Quick Start

    Quick Start Thank you for purchasing the MSI® MEG Z590 UNIFY-X motherboard. This Quick Start section 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.
  • Page 2: Safety Information

    Safety Information ∙ 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. ∙ Ensure that all components are securely connected. Loose connections may cause the computer to not recognize a component or fail to start.
  • Page 3: Case Stand-Off Notification

    Case stand-off notification Before installing the motherboard into the case, install first the necessary mounting stand-off required for a motherboard on the mounting plate in the case. To prevent damage to the motherboard, any unnecessary mounting stand-off between the motherboard circuits and the computer case is prohibited. The Case standoff keep out zone signs will be marked on the backside of motherboard (as shown below) to serve as a warning to user.
  • Page 4: Installing A Processor

    Installing a Processor ⚽ https://youtu.be/4ce91YC3Oww Quick Start...
  • Page 5: Installing Ddr4 Memory

    Installing DDR4 memory ⚽ http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs DIMMB1 DIMMA1 DIMMB1 Quick Start...
  • Page 6: Connecting The Front Panel Header

    Connecting the Front Panel Header ⚽ http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI Power LED Power Switch JFP1 Reserved HDD LED Reset Switch HDD LED + Power LED + HDD LED - Power LED - Reset Switch Power Switch JFP1 Reset Switch Power Switch Reserved No Pin HDD LED - HDD LED HDD LED +...
  • Page 7: Installing The Motherboard

    Installing the Motherboard ⚽ https://youtu.be/wWI6Qt51Wnc Torque: 3 kgf·cm* *3 kgf·cm = 0.3 N·m = 2.6 lbf·in Quick Start...
  • Page 8: Connecting The Power Connectors

    Connecting the Power Connectors ⚽ http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4 ATX_PWR1 CPU_PWR2 PCIE_PWR1 CPU_PWR1 Quick Start...
  • Page 9: Installing Sata Drives

    Installing SATA Drives ⚽ http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc Quick Start...
  • Page 10: Installing A Graphics Card

    Installing a Graphics Card ⚽ http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A Quick Start...
  • Page 11: Connecting Peripheral Devices

    Connecting Peripheral Devices Quick Start...
  • Page 12: Power On

    Power On Quick Start...
  • Page 13: Table Of Contents

    Contents Quick Start ......................1 Preparing Tools and Components................1 Safety Information ....................2 Case stand-off notification ..................3 Installing a Processor .................... 4 Installing DDR4 memory ..................5 Connecting the Front Panel Header ..............6 Installing the Motherboard ..................7 Connecting the Power Connectors ................
  • Page 14 Boot Phases ......................55 Debug Code LED Table ..................55 ACPI States Codes ....................59 CPU Temperature ....................59 Installing OS, Drivers & MSI Center ..............60 Installing Windows® 10 ..................60 Installing Drivers ....................60 MSI Center ......................60 UEFI BIOS ......................
  • Page 15 Sound Tracker Tab ....................67 Settings Tab ......................67 RAID Configuration ....................68 Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration .............. 69 Troubleshooting ....................70 Contents...
  • Page 16: Specifications

    ∙ Supports non-ECC mode, un-buffered memory ∙ Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) * Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory. ∙ 1x PCIe x16 slot (PCI_E2, from CPU) ▪ Supports up to PCIe 4.0 x16 with11th Gen CPU* ▪...
  • Page 17 *** Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready. Before using Intel® Optane™ memory modules, please ensure that you have updated the drivers and BIOS to the latest version from MSI website. **** PCI_E4 and M2_4 share the same bandwidth, if you want to use both of them simultaneously, the PCI_E4 will only support x1 speed and the M2_4 will only support x2 speed.
  • Page 18 Continued from previous page ∙ Intel® Z590 Chipset ▪ 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps Type-C port on the back panel ▪ 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps ports (1 Type-A port on the back panel and 1 Type-C internal connector) ▪...
  • Page 19 Continued from previous page ∙ 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector ∙ 2x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors ∙ 1x 6-pin ATX PCIE power connector ∙ 6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors ∙ 4x M.2 slots (M-Key) ∙ 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-C port ∙...
  • Page 20 Continued from previous page ∙ 1x Clear CMOS button ∙ 1x Flash BIOS button ∙ 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports ∙ 1x HDMI port ∙ 8 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Type-A ports Back Panel ∙ 1 x LAN (RJ45) port Connectors ∙...
  • Page 21 ∙ Drivers ∙ MSI Center ∙ Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility ∙ Nahimic Software ∙ MSI APP Player (BlueStacks) ∙ Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) ∙ CPU-Z MSI GAMING ∙ Google Chrome™, Google Toolbar, Google Drive ∙ Norton™ Internet Security Solution ∙ Duet Display ∙...
  • Page 22 Continued from previous page ∙ Audio ▪ Audio Boost 5 ▪ Nahimic 3 ▪ Sound Tune ∙ Network ▪ 2.5G LAN ▪ LAN Manager ▪ Intel WiFi ∙ Cooling ▪ All Aluminum Design ▪ Extended Heatsink Design ▪ MOSFET Baseplate ▪...
  • Page 23: Jcorsair1 Connector Specification

    ▪ Dual CPU Power 2x 8 pin ▪ SUPPLEMENTAL PCIE POWER CONNECTOR ▪ 2oz Copper thickened PCB ∙ Experience ▪ Smart Button ▪ MSI Center ▪ Duet Display ▪ Frozr AI Cooling ▪ Click BIOS 5 ▪ System Saver ▪ Flash BIOS Button...
  • Page 24: Package Contents

    Package contents Please check the contents of your motherboard package. It should contain: Motherboard MEG Z590 UNIFY-X User manual Documentation Quick installation guide Application USB drive with drivers & utilities SATA 6Gb/s cables LED JRGB Y cable Cables LED JCORSAIR cable...
  • Page 25: Block Diagram

    Block Diagram M2_1 PCI_E2 DDR4 2Channel DIMM A1 DIMM B1 Switch SATA5/6 PCI_E1 & PCI_E3 M2_3 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps M2_2 SATA2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps PCI_E4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps M2_4 USB 2.0 SATA1/3/4 USB 2.0 Hub-GL850G Intel LAN 2.5G WiFi AX210...
  • Page 26: Rear I/O Panel

    Rear I/O Panel Wi-Fi Antenna USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectors 5Gbps Type-A USB 2.0 Audio Ports 2.5 Gbps LAN Clear CMOS button USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Optical Flash BIOS 20Gbps Type-C S/PDIF-Out Button USB 3.2 Gen 2 Flash BIOS Port 10Gbps Type-A ∙...
  • Page 27: Realtek Audio Console

    Realtek Audio Console After Realtek Audio Console is installed. You can use it to change sound settings to get better sound experience. Application Enhancement Device Selection Main Volume Connector Settings Jack Status ∙ Device Selection - allows you to select a audio output source to change the related options.
  • Page 28 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 29: Installing Antennas

    Installing Antennas 1. Combine the antenna with the base. 2. Screw two antenna cables tight to the WiFi antenna connectors as shown. 3. Place the antenna as high as possible. Rear I/O Panel...
  • Page 30: Overview Of Components

    Overview of Components JCORSAIR1 CPU Socket JRAINBOW2 PUMP_FAN1 CPU_PWR2 CPU_FAN1 CPU_PWR1 DIMMA1 DIMMB1 SYS_FAN5 JLN1 JLN2 ATX_PWR1 JSLOW1 JUSB4 M2_1 JOC_FS1 SYS_FAN1 JOC_RT1 PCI_E1 JUSB3 JCI1 M2_3 M2_2 SATA▼1▲2 JSMB1 SATA▼3▲4 PCI_E2 SATA▼5▲6 JTPM1 PCI_E3 SYS_FAN6 M2_4 JBAT1 PCI_E4 JFP2 JAUD1 JFP1 JRGB1...
  • Page 31 Component Contents Port Name Port Type Page BIOS_SW1 Multi-BIOS Switch CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, Fan Connectors SYS_FAN1~6 CPU_PWR1~2, ATX_PWR1, Power Connectors PCIE_PWR1 CPU Socket LGA 1200 DIMMA1, DIMMB1 DIMM Slots JAUD1 Front Audio Connector JBAT1 Clear CMOS Jumper JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector JCORSAIR1 CORSAIR Connector JDASH1...
  • Page 32: 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 33: Dimm Slots

    It is recommended to use a more efficient memory cooling system for full DIMMs ∙ installation or overclocking. ∙ The stability and compatibility of installed memory module depend on installed CPU and devices when overclocking. Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory. ∙ Overview of Components...
  • Page 34: Pci_E1~4: Pcie Expansion Slots

    PCI_E4: PCIe 3.0 x4 (From Z590 chipset) ⚠ Important 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 to prevent deformation of the slot.
  • Page 35 PCIe bandwidth configuration table for PCIe & M.2 slots The M2_2 and M2_3 slots can be used under two PCIe bandwidth modes: Chipset mode (default) and CPU mode (by BIOS setting). Please refer the PCIe bandwidth configuration table below for details. Slot Chipset mode (Default) CPU mode (By BIOS setting)
  • Page 36: M2_1~4: M.2 Slots (Key M)

    M2_1~4: M.2 Slots (Key M) ⚽ Video Demonstration Watch the video to learn how to Install M.2 SSD. M2_1 https://youtu.be/2UeWMgjwogU M2_2 M2_3 M2_4 ⚠ Important Intel® RST only supports PCIe M.2 SSD with UEFI ROM. ∙ Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready for M2_2 (from chipset), M2_3 (from chipset) and ∙...
  • Page 37 3. Secure the supplied M.2 standoff according to your M.2 SSD length if need. 4. Insert your M.2 SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle. 5. Secure the M.2 SSD in place with the supplied M.2 8.5H screw. ⚠...
  • Page 38: Sata1~6: Sata 6Gb/S Connectors

    SATA1~6: 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 ⚠ Important Please do not fold the SATA cable at a 90-degree angle. Data loss may result during ∙...
  • Page 39: Jfp1, Jfp2: Front Panel Connectors

    JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors These connectors connect to the switches and LEDs on the front panel. Buzzer JFP2 Speaker Speaker - Buzzer + Buzzer - Speaker + Power LED Power Switch JFP1 Reserved HDD LED Reset Switch HDD LED + Power LED + HDD LED - Power LED -...
  • Page 40: Cpu_Pwr1~2, Atx_Pwr1, Pcie_Pwr1: Power Connectors

    CPU_PWR1~2, ATX_PWR1, PCIE_PWR1: Power Connectors These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply. CPU_PWR1~2 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 41: Jslow1: Slow Mode Booting Jumper

    JSLOW1: Slow Mode Booting Jumper This jumper is used for LN2 cooling solution, that provides the extreme overclocking conditions, to boot at a stable processor frequency and to prevent the system from crashing. Normal Enabled (Default) (Please enable this jumper during BIOS POST.) JLN1~2: Low Temperature Booting Jumper This jumper is used for liquid nitrogen cooling system to boot at an extreme low...
  • Page 42: Joc_Fs1: Safe Boot Jumper

    JOC_FS1: Safe Boot Jumper This jumper is used for Safe Boot. Once enabled, the system will boot with default settings and lower PCIe (from CPU) mode. Normal Enabled (default) Apply the BIOS default Boot with the saved settings and lower PCIe BIOS settings.
  • Page 43: V-Check Points Lite

    V-Check Points Lite These voltage checkpoints are used to measure the current system voltages. A multimeter (not included) will be required to check voltages. To measure voltage, place test leads on the GND (screw mounting hole) and a specific V-Check Point. Please refer to the manual of your multimeter for more information.
  • Page 44: Jdash1 : Tuning Controller Connector

    JDASH1 : Tuning Controller connector This connector is used to connect an optional Tuning Controller module. No Pin MCU_SMB_SCL_M MCU_SMB_SDA_M VCC5 Ground PSIN#_R FP_RST#_R OC_RETRY# OC_FS BLK+ BLK- CLRCMOS_EN Connecting the JDASH1 and Tuning Controller module OC button+ OC Fail Save Debug Code LED Reset Clear CMOS...
  • Page 45 Tuning Controller module magnet Tuning controller module has build in some magnets on both sides that will be convenient for you to stick it to the chassis. However, we provide extra four magnets for sticking inside the back cover of module. Please follow the instructions below to stick the magnets.
  • Page 46: Jusb4: Usb 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Connector

    JUSB4: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Connector This connector allows you to connect USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connector on the front panel. The connector possesses a foolproof design. When you connect the cable, be sure to connect it with the corresponding orientation. USB Type-C Cable JUSB4 USB Type-C port on...
  • Page 47: Jusb1~2: Usb 2.0 Connectors

    ∙ In order to recharge your iPad,iPhone and iPod through USB ports, please install MSI® Center utility. JTPM1: TPM Module Connector This connector is for TPM (Trusted Platform Module). Please refer to the TPM security platform manual for more details and usages.
  • Page 48: Cpu_Fan1, Pump_Fan1, Sys_Fan1~6: Fan Connectors

    CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~6: 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. The auto mode fan connectors can automatically detect PWM and DC mode.
  • Page 49: Jci1: Chassis Intrusion Connector

    JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector This connector allows you to connect the chassis intrusion switch cable. Normal Trigger the chassis (default) intrusion event Using chassis intrusion detector 1. Connect the JCI1 connector to the chassis intrusion switch/ sensor on the chassis. 2.
  • Page 50: 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 jumpers to clear the CMOS memory. Keep Data Clear CMOS/ (default)
  • Page 51: Jrgb1: Rgb Led Connector

    (12V/G/R/B) with the maximum power rating of 3A (12V). 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 52: Jrainbow1~2: Addressable Rgb Led Connectors

    (5V). In the case of 20% brightness, the connector supports up to 200 LEDs. ∙ 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 53: Jcorsair1: Corsair Connector

    The JCORSAIR1 connector allows you to connect the CORSAIR Individually Addressable Lighting PRO RGB LED strips 5V or CORSAIR RGB fans with the CORSAIR fan hub. Once all items are connected properly, you can control the CORSAIR RGB LED strips and fans with MSI's software. Data Ground...
  • Page 54: Onboard Leds

    Onboard LEDs EZ Debug LED These LEDs indicate the debug status of the motherboard. CPU - indicates CPU is not detected or fail. DRAM - indicates DRAM is not detected or fail. VGA - indicates GPU is not detected or fail. BOOT - indicates the booting device is not detected or fail.
  • Page 55: Hexadecimal Character Table

    Hexadecimal Character Table Hexadecimal Debug Code 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F LED display Boot Phases Security (SEC) – initial low-level initialization Pre-EFI Initialization (PEI) – memory initialization Driver Execution Environment (DXE) – main hardware initialization Boot Device Selection (BDS) –...
  • Page 56 Memory initialization. Configuring memory Memory initialization (other) Memory Installed CPU post-memory initialization is started CPU post-memory initialization. Cache initialization CPU post-memory initialization. Application Processor(s) (AP) initialization CPU post-memory initialization. Boot Strap Processor (BSP) selection CPU post-memory initialization. System Management Mode (SMM) initialization Post-Memory System Agent initialization is started 38 - 3A Post-Memory System Agent initialization (System Agent module specific)
  • Page 57 PCH DXE SMM initialization is started PCH devices initialization 73 - 77 PCH DXE Initialization (PCH module specific) ACPI module initialization CSM initialization 7A - 7F Reserved for future AMI DXE codes Boot Device Selection (BDS) phase is started Driver connecting is started PCI Bus initialization is started PCI Bus Hot Plug Controller Initialization PCI Bus Enumeration 32...
  • Page 58 USB hot plug PCI bus hot plug Clean-up of NVRAM Configuration Reset (reset of NVRAM settings) B8 - BF Reserved for future AMI codes DXE Error Codes CPU initialization error System Agent initialization error PCH initialization error Some of the Architectural Protocols are not available PCI resource allocation error.
  • Page 59: Acpi States Codes

    Recovery condition triggered by user (Forced recovery) Recovery process started Recovery firmware image is found Recovery firmware image is loaded F5 - F7 Reserved for future AMI progress codes Recovery Error Codes Recovery PPI is not available Recovery capsule is not found Invalid recovery capsule FB - FF Reserved for future AMI error codes...
  • Page 60: Installing Os, Drivers & Msi Center

    MSI Center is an application that helps you easily optimize game settings and smoothly use content creation softwares. It also allows you to control and synchronize LED light effects on PCs and other MSI products. With MSI Center, you can customize ideal modes, monitor system performance, and adjust fan speed.
  • Page 61: Uefi Bios

    UEFI has many new functions and advantages that traditional BIOS cannot achieve, and it will completely replace BIOS in the future. The MSI UEFI BIOS uses UEFI as the default boot mode to take full advantage of the new chipset’s capabilities.
  • Page 62: Bios Setup

    * When you press F10, a confirmation window appears and it provides the modification information. Select between Yes or No to confirm your choice. BIOS User Guide If you’d like to know more instructions on setting up the BIOS, please refer to http://download.msi.com/manual/mb/Intel500BIOS.pdf or scan the QR code to access. UEFI BIOS...
  • Page 63: 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. Switch to the target BIOS ROM by Multi-BIOS switch 2.
  • Page 64 1. Please download the latest BIOS file that matches your motherboard model from the MSI® website. 2. Rename the BIOS file to MSI.ROM, and save it to the root of the USB 2.0 storage device. 3. Connect the power supply to CPU_PWR1 and ATX_PWR1. (No need to install CPU and memory.)
  • Page 65: Nahimic 3

    Sound Tracker. Installation and Update Nahimic 3 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 3’s audio effects, audio profiles and...
  • Page 66: Microphone Tab

    ▪ Voices - it boosts (or removes) the speech in movies, video games and incoming communication from -12 to +12 dB. ▪ Bass - increases (or decreases) the energy in low frequencies from -12 to +12 ▪ Treble - increases (or decreases) the energy in high frequencies from -12 to +12 ∙...
  • Page 67: Sound Tracker Tab

    Sound Tracker Tab The Sound Tracker is an FPS oriented feature that provides a visual indication localizing the sources of the sounds while in a game. These are represented by dynamic segments pointing the direction of the sounds: the more opaque they are, the stronger the sounds are.
  • Page 68: Raid Configuration

    All the information/ volumes/ pictures listed in your system might differ from the illustrations in this appendix. Intel RAID User Guide If you’d like to know more instructions on how to set up Intel RAID, please refer to http://download.msi.com/manual/mb/IntelRAID.pdf or scan the QR code to access. RAID Configuration...
  • Page 69: Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration

    Optane™ memory, please note that it requires Windows 10 64-bit operating system. Intel® Optane™ Memory User Guide If you’d like to know more instructions on how to enable or remove Intel® Optane™ Memory, please refer to http://download.msi.com/manual/mb/Optane.pdf or scan the QR code to access. ⚠ WARNING After you enable Intel®...
  • Page 70: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Lost BIOS password Before sending the motherboard for RMA repair, try to go over troubleshooting ∙ 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 71 European Harmonized Standards. disposing of their end-of-life products. The point of contact for regulatory matters is MSI, y Visit the MSI website and locate a nearby distributor MSI-NL Eindhoven 5706 5692 ER Son. for further recycling information. KC인증서...
  • Page 72 Unión Europea al final de su periodo de vida. Usted their useful life. MSI will comply with the product take debe depositar estos productos en el punto limpio...
  • Page 73 Products designed to be operated del suo ciclo di vita. MSI si adeguerà a tale Direttiva at closer proximities, such as tablet computers, comply with applicable EU requirements in typical ritirando tutti i prodotti marchiati MSI che sono stati venduti all’interno dell’Unione Europea alla fine del...
  • Page 74 Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved. contact your place of purchase or local distributor. The MSI logo used is a registered trademark of Alternatively, please try the following help resources Micro-Star Int’l Co., Ltd. All other marks and names for further guidance.

Table of Contents