MSI GAMING Series Manual
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MSI GAMING Series Manual

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Unpacking

Thank you for buying the MSI
®
Z270 GAMING M3/ H270 GAMING M3/ B250 GAMING M3
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
LED Extension Cable
SATA Cable x2
80cm x1
Case Badge
SATA Cable Labels
* These pictures are for reference only and may vary without notice.
* The packing contents may vary according to the model you purchased.
1
Unpacking

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Summary of Contents for MSI GAMING Series

  • Page 1: Unpacking

    Unpacking Thank you for buying the MSI ® Z270 GAMING M3/ H270 GAMING M3/ B250 GAMING M3 motherboard. Check to make sure your motherboard box contains the following items. If something is missing, contact your dealer as soon as possible.

  • 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. Hold the motherboard by the edges to avoid touching sensitive components.

  • Page 3: Quick Start

    Quick Start Preparing Tools and Components Intel LGA 1151 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/4ce91YC3Oww Quick Start...

  • Page 5: Installing Ddr4 Memory

    Installing DDR4 memory http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs DIMMB2 DIMMB2 DIMMB1 DIMMA2 DIMMA2 DIMMA2 DIMMA1 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 The picture is for reference only. 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 The picture is for reference only. 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 COMMAND CENTER ..................... 68 LIVE UPDATE 6 ...................... 72 GAMING APP ......................74 RAMDISK....................... 79 X-BOOST ....................... 80 MSI SMART TOOL ....................82 DRAGON EYE ......................84 Killer Control Center .................... 85 Nahimic 2 ......................86 XSplit Gamecaster V2 ................... 90 Intel Extreme Tuning Utility ................
  • Page 15 RAID Configuration (optional) ................98 Using Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM ........... 98 ® Degraded RAID Array ..................101 M.2 PCIe SSD RAID ..................... 103 Troubleshooting ....................105 Regulatory Notices .................... 106 Contents...

  • Page 16: Specifications

    ® Supports Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) * Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory. 2x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (supports x16/x4 mode)* 4x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots** * The PCI_E4 slot will be unavailable when an M.2 SSD module has been installed in the M.2_2 slot.
  • Page 17 Optane™ Technology is only supported when using 7th Gen ® processors. Before using Intel ® Optane™ memory modules, please ensure that you have updated the drivers and BIOS to the latest version from MSI website. Intel Z270/ H270 Chipset ®...
  • Page 18 Continued from previous page 1x Killer™ E2500 Gigabit LAN controller 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports 1x DVI-D port 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A port 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port Back Panel Connectors 4x/ 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A ports (optional) 1x HDMI port ™...
  • Page 19 ACPI 5.0, PnP 1.0a, SM BIOS 2.8 Multi-language Drivers COMMAND CENTER LIVE UPDATE 6 FAST BOOT Software SUPER CHARGER GAMING APP RAMDISK X-BOOST MSI SMART TOOL Killer Network Manager Nahimic Audio XSplit Gamecaster V2 Intel Extreme Tuning Utility ® Norton Internet Security Solution ™ Google Chrome ,Google Toolbar, Google Drive ™...
  • Page 20 Continued from previous page Audio Boost 4 Nahimic 2 GAMING LAN with Killer WTFast Intel Optane Memory Ready ® Twin Turbo M.2 M.2 Genie Pump Fan Smart Fan Control Mystic Light Extension (RGB) Mystic light SYNC PCI-E Steel Armor M.2 Steel Armor Golden Plated USB with type A+C (Z270 GAMING M3) Special Features VR Cover (Z270 GAMING M3)

  • Page 21: Specification Comparison Table

    Specification Comparison Table Z270 GAMING M3 H270 GAMING M3 B250 GAMING M3 Chipest Z270 H270 B250 3800(OC), 3600(OC), 7th Gen processors 3200(OC), support DDR4 3000(OC), 2400, 2133 2400, 2133 frequency (MHz) 2800(OC), 2600(OC), 2400, 2133 3600(OC), 3200(OC), 6th Gen processors 3000(OC), support DDR4 2133...

  • Page 22: Block Diagram

    Block Diagram HDMI DVI-D 2 Channel DDR4 Memory PCIe x1 slot PCI Express Bus DMI 3.0 PCIe x1 slot PCIe x1 slot PCIe x1 slot PCIe x4 slot Switch SATA 6Gb/s Z270/H270/B250 USB 3.1 Gen1 PCI-E Bus USB 3.1 Gen2 USB 2.0 ASMEDIA ASM2142 (Z270/H270)

  • Page 23: Rear I/O Panel

    Rear I/O Panel USB 3.1 Gen1 (Z270 GAMING M3/ H270 GAMING M3) Audio Ports PS/2 USB 3.1 Gen2 DVI-D Optical S/PDIF-Out USB 2.0 USB 3.1 Gen2 USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C LAN Port LED Status Table Link/ Activity LED Speed LED Status Description Status...

  • 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 Main Volume Connector Strings Profiles...
  • 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: Overview Of Components

    Overview of Components DIMMA1 SYS_FAN1 DIMMA2 CPU_FAN1 CPU_PWR1 DIMMB1 DIMMB2 CPU Socket PUMP_FAN1 SYS_FAN4 ATX_PWR1 M2_1 JBAT1 PCI_E1 JUSB4 PCI_E2 PCI_E3 SATA 1 2 PCI_E4 SATA 3 4 M2_2 PCI_E5 SATA 5 6 PCI_E6 JCI1 JAUD1 JFP2 JFP1 JCOM1 JLED1 JUSB3 SYS_FAN3 JUSB2...
  • Page 27 Component Contents Port Name Port Type Page CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, Fan Connectors SYS_FAN1~4 CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1 Power Connectors CPU Socket LGA1151 CPU Socket DIMMA1, DIMMA2, DIMMB1, DIMM Slots DIMMB2 JAUD1 Front Audio Connector JBAT1 Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector JCOM1 Serial Port Connector JFP1, JFP2...

  • 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 DIMMA1 DIMMB1 Channel A Channel B DIMMA2 DIMMB2 Memory module installation recommendation DIMMB2 DIMMB2 DIMMB1 DIMMA2 DIMMA2 DIMMA2 DIMMA1 Important Always insert memory modules in the DIMMA2 slot first. Due to chipset resource usage, the available capacity of memory will be a little less than the amount of installed.

  • Page 30: Pci_E1~6: Pcie Expansion Slots

    The PCI_E3 slot will be unavailable when an expansion card has been installed in the PCI_E6 slot. 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 31: 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_1 Watch the video to learn how to Install M.2 module. http://youtu.be/JCTFABytrYA M2_2 Installing M.2 module Remove the screw from...

  • Page 32: 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 The SATA1 / SATA6 port will be unavailable when an M.2 SATA SSD module has been installed in the M.2_1/ M.2_2 slot.

  • Page 33: Jfp1, Jfp2: Front Panel Connectors

    M.2 slots with examples of various combination possibilities 2xM.2 PCIe SSDs + 6xSATA HDDs 2xM.2 SATA SSDs + 4xSATA HDDs PCIe SATA SATA PCIe 1xM.2 SATA SSD + 1xM.2 PCIe SSD + 1xM.2 PCIe SSD + 6xSATA HDDs 5xSATA HDDs SATA PCIe PCIe...

  • Page 34: Cpu_Pwr1, Atx_Pwr1: Power Connectors

    CPU_PWR1, ATX_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 Ground...

  • Page 35: 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 36: 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 37: 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 38: Jtpm1: Tpm Module Connector

    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. LPC Clock 3V Standby power LPC Reset 3.3V Power LPC address & data pin0 Serial IRQ LPC address &...

  • Page 39: Jled1: Rgb Led Connector

    JLED1: RGB LED connector These connectors allow you to connect the 5050 RGB LED strips. +12V 5050 LED strip Extension cable JLED1 Video Demonstration Watch the video to learn how to install 5050 RGB LED strips to RGB LED connector. https://youtu.be/CqNHyADzd2Q Important This connector supports 5050 RGB color LED strips with the maximum power rating...

  • Page 40: 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 41: Dimm Leds

    DIMM LEDs These LED indicate the memory modules are installed. DIMM LEDs Onboard LEDs...

  • Page 42: 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. Use MSI FAST BOOT application. Click on GO2BIOS button and choose OK. The system will reboot and enter BIOS setup directly.

  • Page 43: 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: Press Del key to enter the BIOS Setup during POST.

  • Page 44: 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 45 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 ®...

  • Page 46: 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 47: 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 48 PEG X - Max Link Speed [Auto] Sets PCI Express protocol of PCIe x16 slots for matching different installed devices. [Auto] This item will be configured automatically by BIOS. [Gen1] Enables PCIe Gen1 support only. [Gen2] Enables PCIe Gen2 support only. [Gen3] Enables PCIe Gen3 support only.
  • Page 49 Ipv6 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. SATA Mode [AHCI Mode] Sets the operation mode of the onboard SATA controller.
  • Page 50 [Enabled] Enables multi-screen function for both integrated and external graphics cards. [Disabled] Disables this function. USB Configuration Sets the onboard USB controller and device function. Press Enter to enter the sub- menu. USB Controller [Enabled] Enables or disables all USB controller. XHCI Hand-off [Diasbled] Enables or disables XHCI hand-off support for the operating system without XHCI hand-off feature.
  • Page 51 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. [Enabled] Enables the MSI Fast Boot function to speed up booting time.
  • Page 52 Secure Boot Sets the Windows secure boot to prevent the unauthorized accessing. Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. This sub-menu will appear when Windows 8.1/ 10 WHQL Support is enabled. Secure 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 53: Boot

    Resume by USB Device [Disabled] Enables or disables the system wake up by USB devices. [Enabled] Enables the system to be awakened from sleep state when activity of USB device is detected. [Disabled] Disables this function. Resume From S3/S4/S5 by PS/2 Mouse [Disabled] Enables or disables the system wake up by PS/2 mouse.

  • Page 54: Security

    AUTO CLR_CMOS [Disabled] Enables or disables the CMOS data to be resumed automatically when the booting process hang-up over 5 seconds. Boot Mode Select [LEGACY+UEFI] Sets the system boot mode from legacy or UEFI architecture depending on OS installation requirement. This item will become un-selectable and will be configured automatically by BIOS when Windows 8.1/ 10 WHQL Support is enabled.

  • Page 55: Save & Exit

    Trusted Computing Sets TPM (Trusted Platform Module) function. Security Device Support [Disabled] Enables or disables the TPM function to build the endorsement key for accessing the system. Chassis Intrusion Configuration Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. Chassis Intrusion [Disabled] Enables or disables recording messages when the chassis is opened. This function is ready for the chassis equips a chassis intrusion switch.
  • Page 56 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 57 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 58 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 a CPU that support this function is installed. CPU Base Clock Apply Mode [Auto]* Sets the applying mode for adjusted CPU base clock.
  • Page 59 DigitALL Power Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. Controls the digital powers related to CPU PWM. CPU Loadline Calibration Control [Auto] The CPU voltage will decrease proportionally according to CPU loading. Higher load-line calibration could get higher voltage and good overclocking performance, but increase the temperature of the CPU and VRM.
  • Page 60 CPU GT Switching Frequency [Auto] Sets the PWM working speed to stabilize CPU GT voltage and minimize ripple range. Increasing the PWM working speed will cause higher temperature of MOSFET. So please make sure a cooling solution is well-prepared for MOSFET before you increase the value.
  • Page 61 CPU Technology Support Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. The sub-menu shows the key features of installed CPU. Read only. 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 62 Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled] Enables or disables the CPU hardware prefetcher (MLC Spatial prefetcher). [Enabled] Enables adjacent cache line prefetching for reducing the cache latency time and tuning the performance to the specific application. [Disabled] Enables the requested cache line only. CPU AES Instructions [Enabled] Enables or disables the CPU AES (Advanced Encryption Standard-New Instructions) support.
  • Page 63 Intel Turbo Boost [Enabled] Enables or disables the Intel Turbo Boost. This item is for Normal mode and ® appears when a CPU that support Turbo Boost is installed. [Enabled] Enables this function to boost CPU performance automatically over specification when system request the highest performance state. [Disabled] Disables this function.

  • Page 64: 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 65: 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 Name the current overclocking profile. Save Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6 Save the current overclocking profile.

  • Page 66: Hardware Monitor

    HARDWARE MONITOR Temperature & Speed Fan Manage Setting Buttons Voltage display Temperature & Speed Shows the current CPU temperature, system temperature and fans' speeds. Fan Manage PWM - allows you to select the PWM mode for fan operation. DC - allows you to select the DC mode for fan operation. Fan step up/ down time - allows you to set the period of fan step up/ down.

  • Page 67: Software Description

    7/ 8.1/ 10 disc into your optical drive. ® Note: Due to chipset limitation, during the Windows 7 installation process, USB optical drives or USB flash drives are not supported. You can use MSI Smart Tool to install Windows ®...

  • Page 68: 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 69 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. Manual Mode - allows you to manually control the CPU fan speed by percentage.
  • Page 70 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. Voltage - allows you to adjust advanced voltage values of CPU and chipset. Fan - allows you to control the system fans speed.
  • Page 71 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. ® Press Refresh on the MSI COMMAND CENTER APP to verify that monitoring and ® OC functions are working properly.

  • Page 72: 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 73 Select the Live Update tab. 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. Click the Scan button at the bottom. It may take several moments to complete the process.

  • Page 74: Gaming App

    Run MSI GAMING APP on your android device. ® Press the Remote Control Setting icon on the MSI GAMING APP to find the paired ® device Name you set on the Remote Control Setting panel. Enter the Password you set on the Remote Control Setting panel.
  • Page 75 LED function allows you to control LED lights on your motherboard. LED ON/OFF LED Area Selection LED ON/OFF - allows you too turn ON/ OFF the LED Effect function. LED Area Selection - separately controls each segment of LEDs on your motherboard and graphics cards.
  • Page 76 Eye Rest Eye Rest allows you to optimize the display on your monitor. EyeRest - reduces blue-light of your LED backlit screen, in order to protect your eyes. Gaming - automatically increase contrast ratio of your screen. Movie - automatically increase dynamic contrast ratio of your screen. Customize - allows you to adjust gamma, contrast and color balance for your screen.
  • Page 77 Windows Keys - allows you to define hotkeys to replace Windows default keyboard shortcuts. Login Keys - provides hotkey login function. MSI Smart Keys - allows you to define hotkeys for MSI Smart Keys. Hotkey Manager - allows you to create, edit and delete hotkeys. Current Hotkeys - shows all existing hotkeys.
  • Page 78 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 Delay Time - allows you to input delay time and click the Add button to insert a...

  • Page 79: 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 s life by sparing it from excessive reading and writing.

  • Page 80: X-Boost

    X-BOOST The MSI X-BOOST allows you to select the system performance mode to meet your current system environment or supports faster storage access speed. Most of the external storage and memory cards can also benefit this feature. Easy In Easy page, you can select one system performance mode to meet the current system environment.
  • Page 81 Setting - enables or disables Run X-BOOST when windows starts. Important Please note that, you can only select one of the Easy and Advance to execute as the MSI X-BOOST function. The improved transfer rate/ access speed will vary with the USB/ storage device. Software Description...

  • Page 82: 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 83 SOFTWARE RAID This utility allows you to create a software RAID in Windows system. To create a software RAID: Use checkboxs to select the disks you want included in your RAID. Choose Speed Up or Backup for RAID type. Speed Up = RAID0 Backup = RAID1 Click Start.

  • Page 84: Dragon Eye

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

  • Page 85: Killer Control Center

    Killer Control Center The Killer Control Center software installs with the Killer LAN driver. Once installed, the Killer Control Center icon shows on system tray (the right bottom corner of the screen). Mouse right click on the tray icon to show the application window. In case no icon is shown on the system tray, it is possible to activate Killer Control Center manually by double clicking Killer Control Center icon on the desktop.

  • Page 86: 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 s audio effects, audio profiles and settings.
  • Page 87 Smart Loudness - maintains a constant volume for all elements of the audio experience to making them all sound softer, balanced or louder. Voice Clarity - boosts the speech in movies, video games and incoming communication from +0 through +12 dB (0 to 100%). Reset Button - restores the current profile to its default values.
  • Page 88 Device properties - allows you to boost the volume and modify the left/ right balance of microphone. Clicks on this button and a device properties panel will show. Microphone Loopback - turns the microphone loopback On/Off. In order to avoid any feedback (Larsen effect).
  • Page 89 Control Page - by clicking the arrow button, you can access the control page. Audio Launchpad ON/OFF - switches the Audio Launchpad on or off. HD Audio Recorder 2 - The HD Audio Recorder 2 is, by default, automatically launched when a XSplit Gamecaster 2 recording session is detected. The launch of the HD Audio Recorder 2 enables HD audio processing over an XSplit Gamecaster 2 recording without any need for adjustments.

  • Page 90: 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 91 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 92 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. Annotations - This feature of XSplit Gamecaster V2 allows you to draw directly onto your game play. You can activate annotation mode by clicking on the pencil button in the overlay.
  • Page 93 Microphone Settings - In this region, you can select your desired microphone. What is shown in the list depends on what you have connected to your PC. If you don t see your desired device in the list, please make sure that it is detected and it is not disabled in your recording devices list in the Windows Sound Menu (Start >...

  • Page 94: 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 Views Settings Help Views - toggles to switche between Monitoring and Show All view.

  • Page 95: 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 96 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 97: Cpu-Z

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

  • Page 98: Raid Configuration (Optional)

    RAID Configuration (optional) Below are the different types of a RAID. breaks the data into blocks which are written to separate hard drives. RAID 0 Spreading the hard drive I/O load across independent channels greatly improves I/O performance. provides data redundancy by mirroring data between the hard drives and RAID 1 provides enhanced read performance.
  • Page 99 Creating s RAID Volume Select option Create RAID Volume and press Enter key. The following screen appears. Name : Volume0 RAID Level : RAID1(Mirror) Disks : Select Disks Strip Size : N / A XXX.X GB Sync : N / A HELP RAID 1 : Mirrors data (redundancy) .
  • Page 100 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 101: 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 102 Reboot to Windows ; the rebuild will occur automatically. ® Failed Hard Drive Member Power off. Replace the failed hard drive with a new one that is of equal or greater capacity. Reboot the system to IRST Option ROM by press Ctrl + I keys during the POST. Select the port of the destination disk for rebuilding, and then press Enter.

  • Page 103: M.2 Pcie Ssd Raid

    M.2 PCIe SSD RAID You can create M.2 PCIe SSD RAID volume with UEFI BIOS. Creating a M.2 PCIe SSD RAID Volume Access the BIOS setup Switch to Advanced Mode by pressing F7 key. Go to Settings > Advanced > Windows OS Configuration. Set Windows 8.1/10 WHQL Support to Enabled.
  • Page 104 Removing a M.2 PCIe SSD RAID Volume Here you can delete the M.2 PCIe SSD RAID volume, but please be noted that all data on M.2 PCIe SSDs will be lost. Important If your system currently boots to M.2 PCIe SSD RAID and you delete the RAID volume in the UEFI BIOS, your system will become unbootable.

  • Page 105: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Before sending the motherboard for RMA Lost BIOS password 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 symptoms as mentioned below. the BIOS.

  • Page 106: Regulatory Notices

    EU REACH Regulation (Regulation EC No. 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and the This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Council), MSI provides the information of chemical Operation is subject to the following two conditions: substances in products at: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and http://www.msi.com/html/popup/csr/evmtprtt_pcm.
  • Page 107 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 108 K t ngày 01/12/2012, t t c các s n ph m do công illetve környezetvédőként fellépve az MSI emlékezteti ty MSI s n xu t tuân th Thông t s 30/2011/TT-BCT Önt, hogy ... quy đ nh t m th i v gi i h n hàm l ng cho phép c a...
  • Page 109 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 Register your product at: http://register.msi.com...

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