MSI B360M GAMING PLUS Manual

Specifications

Rear I/O Panel

LAN Port LED Status Table

Audio 7.1-channel Configuration
To configure 7.1-channel audio, you have to connect front audio I/O module to JAUD1 connector and follow the below steps.

1. Click on the Realtek HD Audio Manager > Advanced Settings to open the dialog below.
   
2. Select Mute the rear output device, when a front headphone plugged in.
3. Plug your speakers to audio jacks on rear and front I/O panel. When you plug into a device at an audio jack, a dialogue window will pop up asking you which device is current connected.

Overview of Components

* Distance from the center of the CPU to the nearest DIMM slot.

CPU Socket

Please install the CPU into the CPU socket as shown below.

• 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.
• When installing a CPU, always remember to install a CPU heatsink. A CPU heatsink is necessary to prevent overheating and maintain system stability.
• Confirm that the CPU heatsink has formed a tight seal with the CPU before booting your system.
• Overheating can seriously damage the CPU and motherboard. Always make sure the cooling fans work properly to protect the CPU from overheating. Be sure to apply an even layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) between the CPU and the heatsink to enhance heat dissipation.
• Whenever the CPU is not installed, always protect the CPU socket pins by covering the socket with the plastic cap.
• If you purchased a separate CPU and heatsink/cooler, Please refer to the documentation in the heatsink/cooler package for more details about installation.

DIMM Slots

Please install the memory module into the DIMM slot as shown below.

• To boot up the system successfully, always insert the memory module into DIMMA1 first.
• Due to chipset resource usage, the available capacity of memory will be a little less than the amount of installed.
• Please note that the maximum capacity of addressable memory is 4GB or less for 32-bit Windows OS due to the memory address limitation. Therefore, we recommended that you to install 64-bit Windows OS if you want to install more than 4GB memory on the motherboard.

PCI_E1~3: PCIe Expansion Slots

• 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.
• For a single PCIe x16 expansion card installation with optimum performance, using the PCI_E1 slot is recommended.
• When adding or removing expansion cards, always turn off the power supply and unplug the power supply power cable from the power outlet. Read the expansion card' s documentation to check for any necessary additional hardware or software changes.

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors

These connectors connect to the switches and LEDs on the front panel.

1. HDD LED +
2. Power LED +
3. HDD LED -
4. Power LED -
5. Reset Switch
6. Power Switch
7. Reset Switch
8. Power Switch
9. Reserved
10. No Pin

1. Speaker -
2. Buzzer +
3. Buzzer -
4. Speaker +

SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors

These connectors are SATA 6Gb/s interface ports. Each connector can connect to one SATA device.

• Please do not fold the SATA cable at a 90-degree angle. Data loss may result during transmission otherwise.
• SATA cables have identical plugs on either sides of the cable. However, it is recommended that the flat connector be connected to the motherboard for space saving purposes.

M2_1: M.2 Slot (Key M)

Please install the M.2 solid-state drive (SSD) into the M.2 slot as shown below.

• Intel^® RST only supports PCIe M.2 SSD with UEFI ROM.
• Intel^® Optane™ Memory Ready.

ATX_PWR1, CPU_PWR1: Power Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply.

1. +3.3V
2. +3.3V
3. Ground
4. +5V
5. Ground
6. +5V
7. Ground
8. PWR OK
9. 5VSB
10. +12V
11. +12V
12. +3.3V
13. +3.3V
14. -12V
15. Ground
16. PS-ON#
17. Ground
18. Ground
19. Ground
20. Res
21. +5V
22. +5V
23. +5V
24. Ground

1. Ground
2. Ground
3. Ground
4. Ground
5. +12V
6. +12V
7. +12V
8. +12V

Make sure that all the power cables are securely connected to a proper ATX power supply to ensure stable operation of the motherboard.

JUSB1, JUSB2: USB 2.0 Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect USB 2.0 ports on the front panel.

1. VCC
2. VCC
3. USB0-
4. USB1-
5. USB0+
6. USB1+
7. Ground
8. Ground
9. No Pin
10. NC

• Note that the VCC and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible damage.
• In order to recharge your iPad, iPhone and iPod through USB ports, please install MSI^® SUPER CHARGER utility.

JUSB3: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connector

These connectors allow you to connect USB 3.1 Gen1 ports on the front panel.

1. Power
2. USB3_RX_DN
3. USB3_RX_DP
4. Ground
5. USB3_TX_C_DN
6. USB3_TX_C_DP
7. Ground
8. USB2.0-
9. USB2.0+
10. NC
11. USB2.0+
12. USB2.0-
13. Ground
14. USB3_TX_C_DP
15. USB3_TX_C_DN
16. Ground
17. USB3_RX_DP
18. USB3_RX_DN
19. Power
20. No Pin

Note that the Power and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible damage.

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector

This connector allow you to connect audio jacks on the front panel.

1. MIC L
2. Ground
3. MIC R
4. NC
5. Head Phone R
6. MIC Detection
7. SENSE_SEND
8. No Pin
9. Head Phone L
10. Head Phone Detection

JCOM1: Serial Port Connector

This connector allows you to connect the optional serial port with bracket.

1. DCD
2. SIN
3. SOUT
4. DTR
5. Ground
6. DSR
7. RTS
8. CTS
9. RI
10. No Pin

JLPT1: Parallel Port Connector

This connector allows you to connect the optional parallel port with bracket.

1. RSTB#
2. AFD#
3. PRND0
4. ERR#
5. PRND1
6. PINIT#
7. PRND2
8. LPT_SLIN#
9. PRND3
10. Ground
11. PRND4
12. Ground
13. PRND5
14. Ground
15. PRND6
16. Ground
17. PRND7
18. Ground
19. ACK#
20. Ground
21. BUSY
22. Ground
23. PE
24. Ground
25. SLCT
26. No Pin

CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~2: 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. You can follow the instruction below to adjust the fan connector to PWM or DC Mode.

Default PWM Mode fan connectors

Default DC Mode fan connectors

Switching fan mode and adjusting fan speed
You can switch between PWM mode and DC mode and adjust fan speed in BIOS > HARDWARE MONITOR.

Make sure fans are working properly after switching the PWM/ DC mode.

Pin definition of fan connectors
PWM Mode pin definition

1. Ground
2. +12V
3. Sense
4. Speed Control Signal

DC Mode pin definition

1. Ground
2. Voltage Control
3. Sense
4. NC

JRGB1: RGB LED connector

This connector allows you to connect the 5050 RGB LED strips 12V.

1. +12V
2. G
3. R
4. B

• The JRGB1 connector supports 5050 RGB LED strips (12V/G/R/B) with the maximum power rating of 3A (12V).
• Please keeping the LED strip shorter than 2 meters to prevent dimming.
• 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.

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.

1. LPC Clock
2. 3V Standby power
3. LPC Reset
4. 3.3V Power
5. LPC address & data pin0
6. Serial IRQ
7. LPC address & data pin1
8. 5V Power
9. LPC address & data pin2
10. No Pin
11. LPC address & data pin3
12. Ground
13. LPC Frame
14. Ground

EZ Debug LED

These LEDs indicate the 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 booting device is not detected or fail.

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector

This connector allows you to connect the chassis intrusion switch cable.

Normal (default)

Trigger the chassis intrusion event

Using chassis intrusion detector

1. Connect the JCI1 connector to the chassis intrusion switch/ sensor on the chassis.
2. Close the chassis cover.
3. Go to BIOS > Settings > Security > Chassis Intrusion Configuration.
4. Set Chassis Intrusion to Enabled.
5. Press F10 to save and exit and then press the Enter key to select Yes.
6. Once the chassis cover is opened again, a warning message will be displayed on screen when the computer is turned on.

Resetting the chassis intrusion warning

1. Go to BIOS > Settings > Security > Chassis Intrusion Configuration.
2. Set Chassis Intrusion to Reset.
3. Press F10 to save and exit and then press the Enter key to select Yes.

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 (default)

Clear CMOS/Reset BIOS

Resetting BIOS to default values

1. Power off the computer and unplug the power cord
2. Use a jumper cap to short JBAT1 for about 5-10 seconds.
3. Remove the jumper cap from JBAT1.
4. Plug the power cord and power on the computer.

BIOS Setup

The default settings offer the optimal performance for system stability in normal conditions. You should always keep the default settings to avoid possible system damage or failure booting unless you are familiar with BIOS.

• BIOS items are continuously update for better system performance. Therefore, the description may be slightly different from the latest BIOS and should be for reference only. You could also refer to the HELP information panel for BIOS item description.
• The pictures in this chapter are for reference only and may vary from the product you purchased.

Entering BIOS Setup

Please refer the following methods to enter 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.
  

Function key

* When you press F10, a confirmation window appears and it provides the modification information. Select between Yes or No to confirm your choice.

Resetting BIOS

You might need to restore the default BIOS setting to solve certain problems. There are several ways to reset BIOS:

• Go to BIOS and press F6 to load optimized defaults.
• Short the Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard.

Be sure the computer is off before clearing CMOS data. Please refer to the Clear CMOS jumper section for 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.
2. Insert the USB flash drive that contains the update file into the computer.
3. Select the M-FLASH tab and click on Yes to reboot the system and enter the flash mode.
4. Select a BIOS file to perform the BIOS update process.
5. After the flashing process is 100% completed, the system will reboot automatically.

Updating the BIOS with Live Update 6
Before updating:
Make sure the LAN driver is already installed and the Internet connection is set properly.
Updating BIOS:

1. Install and launch MSI LIVE UPDATE 6.
2. Select BIOS Update.
3. Click on Scan button.
4. Click on Download icon to download and install the latest BIOS file.
5. Click Next and choose In Windows mode. And then click Next and Start to start updating BIOS.
6. After the flashing process is 100% completed, the system will restart automatically.

Software Description

Installing Windows^® 10

1. Power on the computer.
2. Insert the Windows^® 10 disc into your optical drive.
3. Press the Restart button on the computer case.
4. Press F11 key during the computer POST (Power-On Self Test) to get into Boot Menu.
5. Select your optical drive from the Boot Menu.
6. Press any key when screen shows Press any key to boot from CD or DVD... message.
7. Follow the instructions on the screen to install Windows^® 10.

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.
4. Click Install button.
5. The software installation will then be in progress, after it has finished it will prompt you to restart.
6. Click OK button to finish.
7. Restart your computer.

Installing Utilities

Before you install utilities, you must complete drivers installation.

1. Insert MSI^® Driver Disc into your optical drive.
2. The installer will automatically appear.
3. Click Utilities tab.
4. Select the utilities you want to install.
5. Click Install button.
6. The utilities installation will then be in progress, after it has finished it will prompt you to restart.
7. Click OK button to finish.
8. Restart your computer.

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.
• It is recommended to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling the motherboard to prevent electrostatic damage. If an ESD wrist strap is not available, discharge yourself of static electricity by touching another metal object before handling the motherboard.
• Store the motherboard in an electrostatic shielding container or on an anti-static pad whenever the motherboard is not installed.
• Before turning on the computer, ensure that there are no loose screws or metal components on the motherboard or anywhere within the computer case.
• Do not boot the computer before installation is completed. This could cause permanent damage to the components as well as injury to the user.
• If you need help during any installation step, please consult a certified computer technician.
• Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing any computer component.
• Keep this user guide for future reference.
• Keep this motherboard away from humidity.
• Make sure that your electrical outlet provides the same voltage as is indicated on the PSU, before connecting the PSU to the electrical outlet.
• Place the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not place anything over the power cord.
• All cautions and warnings on the motherboard should be noted.
• If any of the following situations arises, get the motherboard checked by service personnel:
  • Liquid has penetrated into the computer.
  • The motherboard has been exposed to moisture.
  • The motherboard does not work well or you can not get it work according to user guide.
  • The motherboard has been dropped and damaged.
  • The motherboard has obvious sign of breakage.
• Do not leave this motherboard in an environment above 60°C (140°F), it may damage the motherboard.