z270 Tomahawk User Guide

Unpacking
Thank you for buying the MSI® Z270 TOMAHAWK 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

Disc Motherboard User
Guide
Motherboard
I/O Shield
SATA Cable x2
Unpacking 1
Safety Information
y The components included in this package are prone to damage from electrostatic
discharge (ESD). Please adhere to the following instructions to ensure successful
computer assembly.
y Ensure that all components are securely connected. Loose connections may cause
the computer to not recognize a component or fail to start.
y Hold the motherboard by the edges to avoid touching sensitive components.
y 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.
y Store the motherboard in an electrostatic shielding container or on an anti-static
pad whenever the motherboard is not installed.
y Before turning on the computer, ensure that there are no loose screws or metal
components on the motherboard or anywhere within the computer case.
y Do not boot the computer before installation is completed. This could cause
permanent damage to the components as well as injury to the user.
y If you need help during any installation step, please consult a certified computer
technician.
y Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet
before installing or removing any computer component.
y Keep this user guide for future reference.
y Keep this motherboard away from humidity.
y Make sure that your electrical outlet provides the same voltage as is indicated on
the PSU, before connecting the PSU to the electrical outlet.
y Place the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not place
anything over the power cord.
y All cautions and warnings on the motherboard should be noted.
y 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.
y Do not leave this motherboard in an environment above 60°C (140°F), it may damage
the motherboard.
2 Safety Information
Quick Start
Preparing Tools and Components
Intel® LGA 1151 CPU CPU Fan Thermal Paste
DDR4 Memory
Power Supply Unit
Chassis
SATA DVD Drive SATA Hard Disk Drive Graphics Card
Phillips Screwdriver A Package of Screws
Quick Start 3
Installing a Processor
2
7
4 5 9
6
4 Quick Start
Installing DDR4 memory
3
2
DIMMB2 DIMMB2
DIMMB1
DIMMA2 DIMMA2 DIMMA2
DIMMA1
Quick Start 5
Connecting the Front Panel Header
-
ED
RL
WE
D+ PO
LE
ER W
ED PO
DL
SW
HD
R
WE
PO
W
TS
SE
RE
RESET SW
HDD LED
1 HDD LED + 2 Power LED +

2 10
3 HDD LED - 4 Power LED -
5 Reset Switch 6 Power Switch

1 9
JFP1
9 Reserved 10 No Pin
JFP1
HDD LED -
HDD LED
HDD LED +
POWER LED -
POWER LED
POWER LED +
6 Quick Start
Installing the Motherboard
Quick Start 7
Installing SATA Drives
2
3
8 Quick Start
Installing a Graphics Card
Quick Start 9
Connecting Peripheral Devices
10 Quick Start
Connecting the Power Connectors
ATX_PWR1 CPU_PWR1
Quick Start 11
Power On
12 Quick Start
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............................................................................................. 8
Installing a Graphics Card ...................................................................................... 9
Connecting Peripheral Devices ............................................................................ 10
Connecting the Power Connectors....................................................................... 11
Power On............................................................................................................... 12
Specifications....................................................................................................... 15
Block Diagram .................................................................................................... 19
Rear I/O Panel ..................................................................................................... 20
LAN Port LED Status Table................................................................................... 20
Audio Ports Configuration .................................................................................... 20
Realtek HD Audio Manager .................................................................................. 21
Overview of Components .................................................................................... 23

CPU Socket ........................................................................................................... 25
DIMM Slots............................................................................................................ 26
PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots .......................................................................... 27
M2_1~2: M.2 Slots (Key M) ................................................................................... 28
SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors ....................................................................... 29
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors ................................................................... 30
CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors ....................................................... 31
JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors ............................................................................. 32
JUSB3~4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors ................................................................... 32
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors ................................... 33
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................ 34
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector ....................................................................... 34
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector ........................................................................... 35
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper ........................................................... 35
JLED1: RGB LED connector ................................................................................. 36
JCOM1: Serial Port Connector ............................................................................. 36
Contents 13
JLPT1: Parallel Port Connector ........................................................................... 37
EZ Debug LED ....................................................................................................... 37
BIOS Setup ........................................................................................................... 38

Entering BIOS Setup ............................................................................................. 38
Resetting BIOS...................................................................................................... 39
Updating BIOS....................................................................................................... 39
EZ Mode ................................................................................................................ 40
Advanced Mode .................................................................................................... 42
SETTINGS.............................................................................................................. 43
Advanced ............................................................................................................... 43
Boot ....................................................................................................................... 50
Security ................................................................................................................. 51
Save & Exit ............................................................................................................ 52
OC.......................................................................................................................... 53
M-FLASH .............................................................................................................. 61
OC PROFILE .......................................................................................................... 62
HARDWARE MONITOR .......................................................................................... 63
Software Description........................................................................................... 64
Installing Windows® 7/ 8.1/ 10.............................................................................. 64
Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 64
Installing Utilities ................................................................................................. 64
LIVE UPDATE 6...................................................................................................... 65
COMMAND CENTER ............................................................................................. 67
GAMING APP ......................................................................................................... 71
X-BOOST ............................................................................................................... 76
MSI SMART TOOL ................................................................................................. 78
DRAGON EYE ........................................................................................................ 80
RAMDISK............................................................................................................... 81
GAMING LAN MANAGER ...................................................................................... 82
XSplit Gamecaster V2 ........................................................................................... 84
Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility ................................................................................ 88
SteelSeries Engine 3 ............................................................................................ 89
CPU-Z.................................................................................................................... 91
RAID Configuration .............................................................................................. 92

Using Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM ........................................... 92
Degraded RAID Array ........................................................................................... 95
M.2 PCIe SSD RAID ............................................................................................... 97
14 Contents
Specifications
Supports 7th/6th Gen Intel® Core™ i3/i5/i7 processors,
CPU and Intel® Pentium® and Celeron® processors for Socket
LGA1151
Chipset Intel® Z270 Chipset
y 4x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 64GB
7th Gen processors support DDR4 3800(OC)/ 3600(OC)/
3200(OC)/ 3000(OC)/ 2800(OC)/ 2600(OC)/ 2400/ 2133
MHz*
Memory 6th Gen processors support DDR4 3600(OC)/ 3200(OC)/
3000(OC)/ 2800(OC)/ 2600(OC)/ 2400(OC)/ 2133 MHz*
y Dual channel memory architecture
y Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
y 3x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (support x16/x4/x1 modes)

y 3x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
Expansion Slots * The PCI_E4 slot will be unavailable when an M.2 PCIe SSD module has been
installed in the M.2_2 slot.
** The PCI_E2/ PCI_E5 slot will be unavailable when an expansion card has
been installed in the PCI_E3/ PCI_E6 slot.
y 1x HDMI™ port, supports a maximum resolution of

4096x2160@30Hz(7th CPU), 4096x2160@24Hz(6th CPU),
Onboard Graphics 2560x1600@60Hz
y 1x DVI-D port, supports a maximum resolution of
1920x1200@60Hz
Multi-GPU y Supports 2-Way AMD® CrossFire™ Technology
Intel® Z270 Chipset
y 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports*
y 2x M.2 slots (Key M)
Support up to PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s
Support PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe U.2 SSD with Turbo U.2 Host
Card**
M2_1 slot supports 2242/ 2260 /2280/ 22110 storage
Storage devices
M2_2 slot supports 2242/ 2260 /2280 storage devices
Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready for all M.2
y Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology for Intel
Core™ processors
* M.2 and SATA ports maximum support 2x M.2 PCIe SSDs + 6x SATA HDDs.
Please refer to page 30 for M.2 slots with examples of various combination
possibilities.
** The Turbo U.2 Host Card is not included, please purchase separately.
Continued on next page
Specifications 15
Continued from previous page
Intel® Z270 Chipset

y Supports RAID 0, RAID1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA
storage devices
RAID
y Supports RAID 0 and RAID1 for M.2 PCIe storage devices*
* M.2 PCIe RAID volume can be created with M.2 GENIE. Please refer to page
41 for details about M.2 GENIE.
y ASMedia® ASM2142 Chipset

1x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) Type-C port
on the back panel
1x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) Type-A port
on the back panel
USB y Intel® Z270 Chipset
8x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports (4 Type-A
ports on the back panel, 4 ports available through the
internal USB connectors)
6x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (2 Type-A ports on
the back panel, 4 ports available through the internal
USB connectors)
y Realtek® ALC892 Codec
Audio y 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
y Supports S/PDIF output
LAN 1x Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN controller
y 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port
y 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
y 1x DVI-D port
y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A port
Back Panel y 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port
Connectors y 4x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A ports
y 1x HDMI™ port
y 1x LAN (RJ45) port
y 5x OFC audio jacks
y 1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector
16 Specifications
y 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector

y 1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
y 6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
y 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors (supports additional 4 USB
3.1 Gen1 ports)
y 2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0
ports)
y 1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
y 1x 4-pin water pump fan connector
Internal Connectors y 4x 4-pin system fan connectors
y 1x Front panel audio connector
y 2x Front panel connectors
y 1x RGB LED connector
y 1x TPM module connector
y 1x Chassis Intrusion connector
y 1x Serial port connector
y 1x Parallel port connector
y 1x Clear CMOS jumper
I/O Controller NUVOTON NCT6795 Controller Chip
y CPU/System temperature detection
Hardware Monitor y CPU/System fan speed detection
y CPU/System fan speed control
y ATX Form Factor
Form Factor
y 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.4 cm x 24.3 cm)
y 1x 128 Mb flash
y UEFI AMI BIOS
BIOS Features
y ACPI 5.0, PnP 1.0a, SM BIOS 2.8
y Multi-language
y Drivers
y COMMAND CENTER
y LIVE UPDATE 6
y FAST BOOT
Software y SUPER CHARGER
y GAMING APP
y RAMDISK
y X-BOOST
y MSI SMART TOOL
Specifications 17
y GAMING LAN MANAGER

y XSplit Gamecaster V2
y Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility
y Norton™ Internet Security Solution
Software
y Google Chrome™ ,Google Toolbar, Google Drive
y SteelSeries Engine 3
y CPU-Z MSI GAMING
y DRAGON EYE
y Audio Boost
y GAMING LAN with cFos
y WTFast
y Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready
y Twin Turbo M.2
y M.2 Genie
y Pump Fan
y Smart Fan Control
y Mystic Light Extension (RGB)
y Gaming DNA with bottom LED
y PCI-E Steel Armor
y M.2 Steel Armor
y Multi GPU – CrossFire Technology
y DDR4 Boost
y GAME Boost
Special Features y Lightning USB
y X-Boost
y Military Class 5
y 7000+ Quality Test
y VR Ready
y Dragon eye
y Xsplit
y RAMDisk
y GAMING HOTKEY
y Click BIOS 5
y Mystic light SYNC
y WTFast GPN*
2-Month Premium License
Multi-Server Network Optimization
Advanced Lag Spike & Disconnect Reduction
18 Specifications
Block Diagram
HDMI DVI-D
2 Channel DDR4 Memory
CPU
PCI Express Bus

DMI 3.0
x1
PCIe x1 slot
2 x M.2 Switch
x1
PCIe x1 slot
Switch
PCI Express Bus
x1
PCIe x1 slot
6 x SATA 6Gb/s
Switch
Z270
8 x USB 3.1 Gen1
PCIe x1 slot
PCI-E Bus
6 x USB 2.0
x2 ASMEDIA
LPC Bus ASM2142
2 x USB 3.1 Gen2
NV6795 Realtek
Super I/O ALC892
P/S2 Mouse / Keyboard Audio Jacks
Block Diagram 19
Rear I/O Panel
USB 3.1 Gen1 Audio Ports

LAN
PS/2
USB 3.1 Gen2

DVI-D
USB 2.0 Optical S/PDIF-Out
USB 3.1 Gen2 USB 3.1 Gen1

Type-C
LAN Port LED Status Table

Link/ Activity LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description
Off No link Off 10 Mbps connection
Yellow Linked Green 100 Mbps connection
Blinking Data activity Orange 1 Gbps connection
Audio Ports Configuration
Channel
Audio Ports
2 4 6 8
Center/ Subwoofer Out ● ●
Rear Speaker Out ● ● ●
Line-In/ Side Speaker Out ●
Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out ● ● ● ●
Mic In
(●: connected, Blank: empty)
20 Rear I/O Panel

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
y Device Selection - allows you to select a audio output source to change the related
options. The check sign indicates the devices as default.
y Application Enhancement - the array of options will provide you a complete
guidance of anticipated sound effect for both output and input device.
y Main Volume - controls the volume or balance the right/left side of the speakers
that you plugged in front or rear panel by adjust the bar.
y Profiles - toggles between profiles.
y Advanced Settings - provides the mechanism to deal with 2 independent audio
streams.
y Jack Status - depicts all render and capture devices currently connected with your
computer.
y Connector Settings - configures the connection settings.
Auto popup dialog

When you plug into a device at an audio jack, a dialogue window will pop up asking you
which device is current connected.
Each jack corresponds to its default setting as shown on the next page.
Rear I/O Panel 21

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
22 Rear I/O Panel

Overview of Components
DIMMA1
SYS_FAN1
DIMMA2
CPU_FAN1
CPU_PWR1 DIMMB1
CPU Socket DIMMB2
PUMP_FAN1
SYS_FAN4
EZ Debug LED
ATX_PWR1
JUSB3
M2_1 JBAT1
PCI_E1
JUSB4
PCI_E2
SATA▼1▲2
PCI_E3
SATA▼3▲4
PCI_E4
M2_2 SATA▼5▲6
PCI_E5
JCI1
PCI_E6
JAUD1
SYS_FAN3
JLED1 JFP1
SYS_FAN2 JFP2
JLPT1 JUSB1
JTPM1 JUSB2
JCOM1
Overview of Components 23
Component Contents
Port Name Port Type Page
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1,
Fan Connectors 33
SYS_FAN1~4
CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1 Power Connectors 31
CPU Socket LGA1151 CPU Socket 25
DIMMA1, DIMMA2,
DIMM Slots 26
DIMMB1, DIMMB2
JAUD1 Front Audio Connector 34
JBAT1 Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper 35
JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector 34
JCOM1 Serial Port Connector 36
JFP1, JFP2 Front Panel Connectors 30
JLED1 RGB LED connector 36
JLPT1 Parallel Port Connector 37
JTPM1 TPM Module Connector 35
JUSB1~2 USB 2.0 Connectors 32
JUSB3~4 USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors 32
M2_1~2 M.2 Slots (Key M) 28
PCI_E1~6 PCIe Expansion Slots 27
SATA1~6 SATA 6Gb/s Connectors 29
24 Overview of Components
CPU Socket
Introduction to the LGA 1151 CPU

The surface of the LGA 1151 CPU has
two notches and a golden triangle to
assist in correctly lining up the CPU for
motherboard placement. The golden
triangle is the Pin 1 indicator.
Important
y Always unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing
the CPU.
y 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.
y When installing a CPU, always remember to install a CPU heatsink. A CPU heatsink
is necessary to prevent overheating and maintain system stability.
y Confirm that the CPU heatsink has formed a tight seal with the CPU before booting
your system.
y 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.
y Whenever the CPU is not installed, always protect the CPU socket pins by covering
the socket with the plastic cap.
y If you purchased a separate CPU and heatsink/ cooler, Please refer to the
documentation in the heatsink/ cooler package for more details about installation.
y 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
recommended. MSI® does not guarantee the damages or risks caused by
inadequate operation beyond product specifications.
DIMM Slots
DIMMA1 DIMMB1
Channel A Channel B
DIMMA2 DIMMB2
Memory module installation recommendation
DIMMB2 DIMMB2
DIMMB1
DIMMA2 DIMMA2 DIMMA2
DIMMA1
Important
y Always insert memory modules in the DIMMA2 slot first.
y Due to chipset resource usage, the available capacity of memory will be a little less
than the amount of installed.
y Based on Intel CPU specification, the Memory DIMM voltage below 1.35V is
suggested to protect the CPU.
y 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.
y Some memory may operate at a lower frequency than the marked value when
overclocking due to the memory frequency operates dependent on its Serial
Presence Detect (SPD). Go to BIOS and find the Memory Try It! to set the memory
frequency if you want to operate the memory at the marked or at a higher
frequency.
y It is recommended to use a more efficient memory cooling system for full DIMMs
installation or overclocking.
y The stability and compatibility of installed memory module depend on installed CPU
and devices when overclocking.
PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots
PCI_E1: PCIe 3.0 x16
PCI_E2: PCIe 3.0 x1

PCI_E3: PCIe 3.0 x1
PCI_E4: PCIe 3.0 x4

PCI_E5: PCIe 3.0 x1
PCI_E6: PCIe 3.0 x1
Multiple graphics cards installation recommendation
x16 x16
x4
Important
y The PCI_E4 slot will be unavailable when an M.2 PCIe SSD module has been
installed in the M2_2 slot.
y The PCI_E2/ PCI_E5 slot will be unavailable when an expansion card has been
installed in the PCI_E3/ PCI_E6 slot.
y 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.
y For a single PCIe x16 expansion card installation with optimum performance, using
the PCI_E1 slot is recommended.
y 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.
M2_1~2: M.2 Slots (Key M)
Important
y Intel® RST only supports PCIe M.2 SSD with UEFI ROM,
does not support Legacy ROM.
y Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready for all M.2 slots.
M2_1
M2_2
Installing M.2 module
1. Remove the screw from

the base screw.
2. Remove the base screw. 1
4
3. Tighten the base screw
into the hole of the
distance to the M.2 slot
as the length your M.2
module.
3 30°
4. Insert your M.2 module
into the M.2 slot at a
30-degree angle.
5. Put the screw in the

notch on the trailing edge
of your M.2 module and
tighten it into the base
screw. 5
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
y The SATA1/ SATA5 port will be unavailable when an M.2 SATA SSD module has been
installed in the M2_1/ M2_2 slot.
y Please do not fold the SATA cable at a 90-degree angle. Data loss may result during
transmission otherwise.
y 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.
M.2 , SATA & PCIe combination table
Slot Available SATA connectors & PCIe slots

M2_1 PCIe SATA PCIe SATA PCIe SATA
M2_2 PCIe PCIe SATA SATA ─ ─
SATA1 ✓ ─ ✓ ─ ✓ ─
SATA2 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
SATA3 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
SATA4 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
SATA5 ✓ ✓ ─ ─ ✓ ✓
SATA6 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
PCI_E4 ─ ─ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
(SATA: M.2 SATA SSD, PCIe: M.2 PCIe SSD, ✓: available, ─: unavailable)
M.2 slots with examples of various combination possibilities
2xM.2 PCIe SSDs + 6xSATA HDDs 2xM.2 SATA SSDs + 4xSATA HDDs
SATA2
SATA1
SATA2
PCIe SATA
SATA4
SATA3
SATA4
SATA3
SATA6
SATA5
SATA6
PCIe SATA
1xM.2 SATA SSD + 1xM.2 PCIe SSD +

5xSATA HDDs 1xM.2 PCIe SSD + 6xSATA HDDs
SATA2
SATA1
SATA2
SATA PCIe
SATA4
SATA3
SATA4
SATA3
SATA6
SATA5
SATA6
SATA5
PCIe
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors

These connectors connect to the switches and LEDs on the front panel.
2 10
JFP1
1 9
1 HDD LED + 2 Power LED +
3 HDD LED - 4 Power LED -
9 Reserved 10 No Pin
1 1 Speaker - 2 Buzzer +
JFP2
3 Buzzer - 4 Speaker +
CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors
These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply.
8 5
CPU_PWR1
4 1
1 Ground 5 +12V
2 Ground 6 +12V
3 Ground 7 +12V
4 Ground 8 +12V
1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V
2 +3.3V 14 -12V
3 Ground 15 Ground
12 24 4 +5V 16 PS-ON#
5 Ground 17 Ground
6 +5V 18 Ground
ATX_PWR1
7 Ground 19 Ground
8 PWR OK 20 Res
1 13 9 5VSB 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V 23 +5V
12 +3.3V 24 Ground
Important
Make sure that all the power cables are securely connected to a proper ATX power
supply to ensure stable operation of the motherboard.
JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors
These connectors allow you to connect USB 2.0 ports on the front panel.
2 10
1 9
1 VCC 2 VCC
3 USB0- 4 USB1-
5 USB0+ 6 USB1+
7 Ground 8 Ground
9 No Pin 10 NC
Important
y Note that the VCC and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible
damage.
y In order to recharge your iPad,iPhone and iPod through USB ports, please install
MSI® SUPER CHARGER utility.
JUSB3~4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors

These connectors allow you to connect USB 3.1 Gen1 ports on the front panel.
10 11
1 20
1 Power 11 USB2.0+
2 USB3_RX_DN 12 USB2.0-
3 USB3_RX_DP 13 Ground
4 Ground 14 USB3_TX_C_DP
5 USB3_TX_C_DN 15 USB3_TX_C_DN
6 USB3_TX_C_DP 16 Ground
7 Ground 17 USB3_RX_DP
8 USB2.0- 18 USB3_RX_DN
9 USB2.0+ 19 Power
10 NC 20 No Pin
Important
Note that the Power and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible
damage.
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. You can follow the
instruction below to adjust the fan connector to PWM or DC Mode.
Default PWM Mode fan connectors
1
1
CPU_FAN1 PUMP_FAN1
Default DC Mode fan connectors

1
1
SYS_FAN1/ SYS_FAN4 SYS_FAN2/ SYS_FAN3
Switching fan mode and adjusting fan speed

You can switch between PWM mode and DC mode and adjust fan speed in BIOS >
HARDWARE MONITOR.
Select PWM mode or DC mode
There are gradient points of the fan speed that allow you to adjust
fan speed in relation to CPU temperature.
Important
Make sure fans are working properly after switching the PWM/ DC mode.
Pin definition of fan connectors

PWM Mode pin definition DC Mode pin definition
1 Ground 2 +12V 1 Ground 2 Voltage Control
3 Sense 4 Speed Control Signal 3 Sense 4 NC
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector
This connector allows you to connect audio jacks on the front panel.
2 10
1 9
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
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. 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.
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.
2 14
1 13
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
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) 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.
JLED1: RGB LED connector
These connectors allow you to connect the 5050 RGB LED strips.
1 +12V 2 G
3 R 4 B
1
5050 LED strip
Extension cable
JLED1
Important
y This connector supports 5050 RGB multi-color 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.
y Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet
before installing or removing the RGB LED strip.
y Please use GAMING APP to control the extended LED strip.
JCOM1: Serial Port Connector

This connector allows you to connect the optional serial port with bracket.
2 10
1 9
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.
2 26
1 25
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
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.
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.
Important
y 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.
y 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.
y Press Delete key, when the Press DEL key to enter Setup Menu, F11 to enter Boot
Menu message appears on the screen during the boot process.
y Use MSI FAST BOOT application. Click on GO2BIOS button and choose OK. The
system will reboot and enter BIOS setup directly.
Click on GO2BIOS
Function key
F1: General Help
F2: Add/ Remove a favorite item
F3: Enter Favorites menu
F4: Enter CPU Specifications menu
F5: Enter Memory-Z menu
F6: Load optimized defaults
F7: Switch between Advanced mode and EZ mode
F8: Load Overclocking Profile
F9: Save Overclocking Profile
F10: Save Change and Reset*
F12: Take a screenshot and save it to USB flash drive (FAT/ FAT32 format only).
* When you press F10, a confirmation window appears and it provides the modification
information. Select between Yes or No to confirm your choice.
38 BIOS Setup
Resetting BIOS
You might need to restore the default BIOS setting to solve certain problems. There are
several ways to reset BIOS:
y Go to BIOS and press F6 to load optimized defaults.
y Short the Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard.
Important
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 Manual scan.
3. Check MB BIOS box and click on Scan button.
4. Select the MB BIOS and click on 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.
BIOS Setup 39
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 Search
Language
System
information
GAME BOOST Boot device

switch priority bar
Information
display
M-Flash
Favorites Function
buttons
Hardware
Monitor
y GAME BOOST switch - click on it to toggle the GAME BOOST for OC.
Important
Please don’t make any changes in OC menu and don’t load defaults to keep the
optimal performance and system stability after activating the GAME BOOST function.
y XMP switch - click on the inner circle to enable/ disable the X.M.P. (Extreme Memory
Profile). Switch the outer circle to select the X.M.P. profile. This switch will only be
available if the X.M.P. supported memory module is installed.
y Setup Mode switch - press this tab or the F7 key to switch between Advanced mode
and EZ mode.
y Screenshot - click on this tab or the F12 key to take a screenshot and save it to USB
flash drive (FAT/ FAT32 format only).
y Search - click on this tab or the Ctrl+F keys and the search page will show. It allows
you to search by BIOS item name, enter the item name to find the item listing. Move
the mouse over a blank space and right click the mouse to exit search page.
Important
In search page, only the F6, F10 and F12 function keys are available.
y Language - allows you to select the language of BIOS setup.
y System information - shows the CPU/ DDR speed, CPU/ MB temperature, MB/ CPU
type, memory size, CPU/ DDR voltage, BIOS version and build date.
y Boot device priority bar - you can move the device icons to change the boot priority.
The boot priority from high to low is left to right.
40 BIOS Setup
y Information display - click on the CPU, Memory, Storage, Fan Info and Help
buttons on left side to display related information.
y Function buttons - enable or disable the LAN Option ROM, M.2 Genie, HD audio
controller, AHCI, RAID, CPU Fan Fail Warning Control and BIOS Log Review by
clicking on their respective button.
M.2 GENIE is an user-friendly and easiest way to build the M.2 SSDs in RAID 0
automatically. If you using M.2 PCIe SSDs with M.2 GEINE function can greatly
improves read and write performances for many applications. You just need to
click on the M.2 GENIE button to build the RAID 0 volume for M.2 SSDs. After the
RAID 0 volume creating is done, the system will reboot and you can start to install
the operating system.
Important
y Please note that you must install M.2 SSDs of the same model and type in the M.2
slots to create the RAID 0 volume.
y During windows setup, the RAID driver may be required and you can find the RAID
driver in MSI Driver Disc.
y You can use MSI SMART TOOL to build the Windows® 7/ 8.1/ 10 installation drive
that includes RAID driver.
y If your system currently boots to M.2 SSD RAID and you delete the RAID volume in
the UEFI BIOS, your system will become un-bootable.
y M-Flash - click on this button to display the M-Flash menu that provides the way to
update BIOS with a USB flash drive.
y Hardware Monitor - click on this button to display the Hardware Monitor menu that
allows you to manually control the fan speed by percentage.
y Favorites - press the Favorites tab or the F3 key to enter Favorites menu. It
allows you to create personal BIOS menu where you can save and access favorite/
frequently-used BIOS setting items.
Default HomePage - allows you to select a BIOS menu (e.g. SETTINGS, OC...,etc)
as the BIOS home page.
Favorite1~5 - allows you to add the frequently-used/ favorite BIOS setting items in
one page.
To add a BIOS item to a favorite page (Favorite 1~5)
1. Move the mouse over a BIOS item not only on BIOS menu but also on search
page.
2. Right-click or press F2 key.
3. Choose a favorite page and click on OK.
To delete a BIOS item from favorite page
1. Move the mouse over a BIOS item on favorite page (Favorite 1~5)
2. Right-click or press F2 key.
3. Choose Delete and click on OK.
BIOS Setup 41
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
Menu display
y GAME BOOST switch/ XMP switch/ Setup Mode switch/ Screenshot/ Favorites/
Language/ System information/ Boot device priority bar - please refer to the
descriptions of EZ Mode Overview section.
y BIOS menu selection - the following options are available:
SETTINGS - allows you to specify the parameters for chipset and boot devices.
OC - allows you to adjust the frequency and voltage. Increasing the frequency may
get better performance.
M-FLASH - provides the way to update BIOS with a USB flash drive.
OC PROFILE - allows you to manage overclocking profiles.
HARDWARE MONITOR - allows you to set the speeds of fans and monitor voltages
of system.
BOARD EXPLORER - provides the information of installed devices on this
motherboard.
y Menu display - provides BIOS setting items and information to be configured.
42 BIOS Setup
SETTINGS
System Status
f System Date
Sets the system date. Use tab key to switch between date elements.
The format is <day> <month> <date> <year>.
<day> Day of the week, from Sun to Sat, determined by BIOS. Read-only.
<month> The month from Jan. through Dec.
<date> The date from 1 to 31 can be keyed by numeric function keys.
<year> The year can be adjusted by users.
f System Time
Sets the system time. Use tab key to switch between time elements.
The time format is <hour> <minute> <second>.
f SATA PortX
Shows the information of connected SATA device.
Important
If the connected SATA device is not displayed, turn off computer and re-check SATA
cable and power cable connections of the device and motherboard.
f System Information
Shows detailed system information, including CPU type, BIOS version, and Memory
(read only).
f DMI Information
Shows system information, desktop Board Information and chassis Information. (Read
only).
Advanced
f PCI Subsystem Settings
Sets PCI, PCI express interface protocol and latency timer. Press Enter to enter the
sub-menu.
BIOS Setup 43
fPEG 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.
fPCI Latency Timer [32]
Sets latency timer of PCI interface device.
[Options: 32, 64, 96, 128, 160, 192, 224, 248 PCI Bus clocks]
fAbove 4G Decoding [Disabled]
Enables or disables 64-bit capable devices to be decoded in above 4G address
space. It is only available if the system supports 64-bit PCI decoding.
f ACPI Settings
Sets ACPI parameters of onboard power LED behaviors. Press Enter to enter the sub-
menu.
fPower LED [Blinking]
Sets shining behaviors of the onboard Power LED.
[Dual Color] The power LED turns to another color to indicate the S3 state.
[Blinking] The power LED blinks to indicate the S3 state.
f Integrated Peripherals
Sets integrated peripherals' parameters, such as LAN, HDD, USB and audio. Press
Enter to enter the sub-menu.
fOnboard LAN Controller [Enabled]
Enables or disables the onboard LAN controller.
fLAN Option ROM [Disabled]
Enables or disables the legacy network Boot Option ROM for detailed settings. This
item will appear when Onboard LAN Controller is enabled.
[Enabled] Enables the onboard LAN Boot ROM.
[Disabled] Disables the onboard LAN Boot ROM.
fNetwork Stack [Disabled]
Sets UEFI network stack for optimizing IPv4 / IPv6 function.
[Enabled] Enables UEFI network stack.
[Disabled] Disables UEFI network stack.
fIpv4 PXE Support [Enabled]
When Enabled, the system UEFI network stack will support Ipv4 protocol. This item
will appear when Network Stack is enabled.
[Enabled] Enables the Ipv4 PXE boot support.
[Disabled] Disables the Ipv4 PXE boot support.
44 BIOS Setup
fIpv6 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.
fSATA Mode [AHCI Mode]
Sets the operation mode of the onboard SATA controller.
[AHCI Mode] Specify the AHCI mode for SATA storage devices. AHCI (Advanced
Host Controller Interface) offers some advanced features to enhance
the speed and performance of SATA storage device, such as Native
Command Queuing (NCQ) and hot-plugging.
[RAID Mode] Enables RAID function for SATA storage devices.
fM2_1/ M2_2-RST Pcie Storage Remapping [Disabled]
Enables or disables Intel Rapid Storage Technology for M.2 PCIe devices.
fM.2 Genie [Disabled]
Enables or disables M.2 storage to build RAID volume.
fSATAx Hot Plug [Disabled]
Allows user to enable or disable the SATA hot plug support.
[Enabled] Enables hot plug support for the SATA ports.
[Disabled] Disables hot plug support for the SATA ports.
fHD Audio Controller [Enabled]
Enables or disables the onboard High Definition Audio controller.
fHPET [Enabled]
Enables or disables the HPET (High Precision Event Timers) support.
f Integrated Graphics Configuration
Adjusts integrated graphics settings for optimum system. Press Enter to enter the
sub-menu.
fInitiate Graphic Adapter [PEG]
Selects a graphics device as the primary boot device.
[IGD] Integrated Graphics Display.
[PEG] PCI-Express Graphics Device.
fIntegrated Graphics Share Memory [64M]
Selects a fixed amount of system memory allocated to the onboard graphics. This
item will appear when IGD Multi-Monitor is enabled.
fIGD Multi-Monitor [Disabled]
Enables or disables the multi-screen output from integrated graphics and external
graphics card. This item appears when Initiate Graphic Adapter set to PEG.
[Enabled] Enables multi-screen function for both integrated and external
graphics cards.
[Disabled] Disables this function.
BIOS Setup 45
f USB Configuration
Sets the onboard USB controller and device function. Press Enter to enter the sub-
menu.
fUSB Controller [Enabled]
Enables or disables all USB controller.
fXHCI Hand-off [Diasbled]
Enables or disables XHCI hand-off support for the operating system without XHCI
hand-off feature.
fLegacy USB Support [Enabled]
Sets Legacy USB function support.
[Auto] The system will automatically detect if any USB device is connected
and enable the legacy USB support.
[Enabled] Enable the USB support under legacy mode.
[Disabled] The USB devices will be unavailable under legacy mode.
f Super IO Configuration
Sets system Super I/O chip parameters including LPT and COM ports. Press <Enter>
to enter the sub-menu.
fSerial (COM) Port x Configuration
Sets detailed configuration of serial(COM) port x. Press <Enter> to enter the sub-
menu.
fSerial (COM) Port x [Enabled]
Enables or disables serial (COM) port x.
fSerial (COM) Port x Settings [Auto]
Sets serial port x (COM). If set to Auto, BIOS will optimize the IRQ automatically or
you can set it manually.
fParallel (LPT) Port Configuration
Sets detailed configuration of parallel port (LPT). Press <Enter> to enter the sub-
menu.
fParallel (LPT) Port [Enabled]
Enables or disables parallel(LPT) port.
fParallel (LPT) Port Settings [Auto]
Sets parallel port (LPT). If set to Auto, BIOS will optimize the IRQ automatically or
you can set it manually.
fDevice Mode [STD Printer Mode]
Selects an operating mode for parallel port.
[STD Printer Mode] Printer port mode
[SPP] Standard Parallel Port mode
[EPP-1.9/ 1.7 + SPP] Enhanced Parallel Port-1.9/ 1.7 mode + Standard
Parallel Port mode.
[ECP] Extended Capability Port mode
[ECP + EPP-1.9/ 1.7] Extended Capability Port mode + Enhanced Parallel
Port-1.9/ 1.7 mode.
46 BIOS Setup
f Power Management Setup
Sets system Power Management of EuP2013 and AC Power Loss behaviors. Press
Enter to enter the sub-menu.
fEuP 2013 [Disabled]
Enables or disables the system power consumption according to EuP2013
regulation.
[Enabled] Optimize the system power consumption according to EuP 2013
regulation. It will not support S4 & S5 wake up by USB, PCI and PCIe
devices.
fRestore after AC Power Loss [Power Off]
Sets the system behaviors while encountering the AC power loss.
[Power Off] Leaves the system in power off state after restoring AC power.
[Power On] Boot up the system after restoring AC power.
[Last State] Restores the system to the previous state (power on/ power off)
before AC power loss.
fSystem Power Fault Protection [Disabled]
Enables or disables the system to boot up when detecting abnormal voltage input.
[Enabled] Protect the system from unexpected power operation and remain
the shut down status.
f Windows OS Configuration
Sets Windows OS detailed configuration and behaviors. Press Enter to enter the sub-
menu.
fWindows 8.1/ 10 WHQL Support [Disabled]
Enables the supports for Windows 8.1/ 10 or disables for other operating systems.
Before enabling this item, make sure all installed devices & utilities (hardware &
software) should meet the Windows 8.1/ 10 requirements.
[Enabled] The system will switch to UEFI mode to meet the Windows
equirement.
fMSI Fast Boot [Disabled]
MSI Fast Boot is the fastest way to boot the system. It will disable more devices to
speed up system boot time which is faster than the boot time of Fast Boot.
[Enabled] Enables the MSI Fast Boot function to speed up booting time. And
the following Fast Boot field will be disabled and fixed.
[Disabled] Disables MSI Fast Boot.
Important
When MSI Fast Boot is enabled, you can use MSI FAST BOOT application to enter BIOS
setup if needed. Please refer Entering BIOS Setup section for details.
BIOS Setup 47
fFast Boot [Enabled/ windows 8.1/ 10, Disabled/ windows7]
Enables or disables the fast boot feature for Windows 8.1/ 10. This item will only be
available when MSI Fast Boot is disabled.
[Enabled] Enables the Fast Boot configuration to accelerate system boot time.
[Disabled] Disables the Fast Boot configuration.
fInternal GOP Configuration
Manages the onboard Graphics Output Protocol (GOP). Press Enter to enter the
sub-menu. This sub-menu will appear when Windows 8.1/ 10 WHQL Support is
enabled.
fSecure Boot
Sets the Windows secure boot to prevent the unauthorized accessing. Press Enter
to enter the sub-menu. This sub-menu will appear when Windows 8.1/ 10 WHQL
Support is enabled.
fSecure Boot Support [Disabled]
Enables or disables secure boot support.
[Enabled] Enables the secure boot function and allow you to set the secure
boot settings.
fSecure Boot Mode [Standard]
Selects the secure boot mode. This item is to select how the secure boot keys be
loaded. This item appears when Secure Boot Support is enabled.
[Standard] The system will automatically load the secure keys from BIOS.
[Custom] Allows user to configure the secure boot settings and manually load
the secure keys.
fKey Management
Manages the secure boot keys. Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. This sub-
menu will appear when Secure Boot Mode sets to Custom.
f Wake Up Event Setup
Sets system wake up behaviors for different sleep modes. Press Enter to enter the
sub-menu.
fWake Up Event By [BIOS]
Selects the wake up event by BIOS or operating system.
[BIOS] Activates the following items, set wake up events of these items.
[OS] The wake up events will be defined by OS.
fResume By RTC Alarm [Disabled]
Disables or enables the system wake up by RTC Alarm.
[Enabled] Enables the system to boot up on a scheduled time/ date.
fDate (of month) Alarm/ Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm
Sets RTC alarm date/ Time. If Resume By RTC Alarm is set to [Enabled], the system
will automatically resume (boot up) on a specified date/hour/minute/second in
these fields (using the + and - keys to select the date & time settings).
48 BIOS Setup
fResume By PCI-E Device [Disabled]
Enables or disables the wake up function of installed PCI-E expansion cards,
integrated LAN controllers or USB devices which are supported by third party
integrated chips.
[Enabled] Enables the system to be awakened from the power saving modes
when activity or input signal of PCIe device is detected.
fResume By Onboard Intel LAN [Disabled]
Enables or disables the system wake up by Onboard Intel LAN.
[Enabled] Enables the system to be awakened from the power saving modes
when activity or input signal of Intel LAN device is detected.
fResume 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.
fResume From S3/S4/S5 by PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]
Enables or disables the system wake up by PS/2 mouse.
[Enabled] Enables the system to be awakened from S3/ S4/ S5 state when
activity of PS/2 mouse is detected.
fResume From S3/S4/S5 by PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
Enables or disables the system wake up by PS/2 keyboard.
[Any Key] Enables the system to be awakened from S3/ S4/ S5 state when
activity of any key on PS/2 keyboard is detected.
[Hot Key] Enables the system to be awakened from S3/ S4/ S5 state when
activity of hot key on PS/2 keyboard is detected.
fHot Key [Ctrl+Space]
Selects a combination of keys as a hot key to wake the system. This item appears
when you set the Resume From S3/S4/S5 by PS/2 Keyboard to Hot Key.
f Secure Erase+
Enables or disables Secure Erase+ function. Secure Erase+ is the best way to
effectively wipe all data from a SSD. Please note that data of SSD will be erased after
enabling Secure Erase+.
f Intel ( R ) Ethernet Connection 1219-V -(MAC
Shows driver information and configuration of the ethernet controller parameter.
BIOS Setup 49
Boot
Sets the sequence of system boot devices.
f Full Screen Logo Display [Enabled]
Enables or disables to show the full screen logo while system POST.
[Enabled] Shows the logo in full screen.
[Disabled] Shows the POST messages.
f GO2BIOS [Disabled]
Allows system to enter BIOS setup directly by pressing the Power button for 4 sec pon
bootup.
[Enabled] The system boots straight to the BIOS setup by long pressing the power
button about 4 seconds when the system is off.
f Bootup NumLock State [On]
Select the keyboard NumLock state upon bootup.
f Info Block effect [Unlock]
Sets the state of Help information block.
[Unlock] Sliding effect.
[Lock] Fix the Help information block on the screen.
f AUTO CLR_CMOS [Disabled]
Enables or disables the CMOS data to be resumed automatically when the booting
process hang-up over 5 seconds.
f 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.
[UEFI] Enables UEFI BIOS boot mode support only.
[LEGACY+UEFI] Enables both Legacy BIOS boot mode and UEFI BIOS boot
mode.
f FIXED BOOT ORDER Priorities
Sets device priority for system boot.
f Boot Option Priorities
These items are used to prioritize the installed boot devices.
50 BIOS Setup
Security
f Administrator Password
Sets administrator password for system security. User has full rights to change the
BIOS items with administrator password. After setting the administrator password, the
state of this item will show“Installed”.
f User Password
Sets User Password for system security. User has limited rights to change the BIOS
items with user password. This item will be available when administrator password is
set. After setting the user password, the state of this item will show“Installed”.
f Password Check [Setup]
Selects a condition that will request the password.
[Setup] A password will be requested for entering the BIOS Setup.
[Boot] A password will be requested for booting the system.
f Password Clear [Enabled]
Enables or disables the clear CMOS behavior to clear a set password.
[Enabled] The password will be erased after clear CMOS.
[Disabled] The password will always be kept.
Important
When selecting the Administrator / User Password items, a password box will appear
on the screen. Type the password then press <Enter>. The password typed now will
replace any previous set password from CMOS memory. You will be prompted to
confirm the password. You may also press <Esc> to abort the selection.
To clear a set password, press <Enter> when you are prompted to enter a new
password. A message will confirm the password is being disabled. Once the password
is disabled, you can enter the setup and OS without authorization.
f Trusted Computing
Sets TPM (Trusted Platform Module) function.
fSecurity Device Support [Disabled]
Enables or disables the TPM function to build the endorsement key for accessing
the system.
fTPM Device Selection [PTT]
Selects TPM device: PTT or dTPM.
[PTT] Select it for Firmware TPM (Intel Platform Trust Technology)
[dTPM] Select it for Discrete TPM.
f Chassis Intrusion Configuration
Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.
fChassis Intrusion [Disabled]
Enables or disables recording messages when the chassis is opened. This function
is ready for the chassis equips a chassis intrusion switch.
[Enabled] Once the chassis is opened, the system will record and issue a
warning message.
BIOS Setup 51
[Reset] Clear the warning message. After clearing the message, please
return to Enabled or Disabled.
[Disabled] Disables this funcion.
Save & Exit

f Discard Changes and Exit
Exit BIOS setup without saving any change.
f Save Changes and Reboot
Save all changes and reboot the system.
f Save Changes
Save current changes.
f Discard Changes
Discard all changes and restore to the previous values.
f Restore Defaults
Restore or load all default values.
f Boot Override
The installed bootable devices will appear on this menu, you can select one of them to
be the boot device.
52 BIOS Setup
OC
Important
y Overclocking your PC manually is only recommended for advanced users.
y Overclocking is not guaranteed, and if done improperly, it could void your warranty
or severely damage your hardware.
y If you are unfamiliar with overclocking, we advise you to use GAME BOOST function
for easy overclocking.
f OC Explore Mode [Normal]
Enables or disables to show the normal or expert version of OC settings.
[Normal] Provides the regular OC settings in BIOS setup.
[Expert] Provides the advanced OC settings for OC expert to configure in BIOS
setup.
Note: We use * as the symbol for the OC settings of Expert mode.
f Beta Runner [Disabled]
Beta function or feature for DIY attempt only.
f CPU Ratio Apply Mode [All Core]*
Sets applied mode for CPU ratio. This item only appears when a CPU that supports
Turbo Boost is installed.
[All Core] Activate the CPU Ratio field. All CPU cores will run the same CPU ratio
that be set in CPU Ratio.
[Per Core] Activate the X-Core Ratio Limit field. Sets each CPU core ratio
separately in X-Core Ratio Limit.
f CPU Ratio [Auto]
Sets the CPU ratio that is used to determine CPU clock speed. This item can only be
changed if the processor supports this function.
f 1/2/3/4-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]*
Allows you to set the CPU ratios for different number of active cores. These items only
appear when a CPU that support this function is installed.
f Adjusted CPU Frequency
Shows the adjusted CPU frequency. Read-only.
BIOS Setup 53
f 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.
f CPU Ratio Offset When Running AVX [Auto]*
Sets a offset value to lower the CPU core ratio. It could be helpful for heat dissipation
when running AVX instruction set. If set to Auto, BIOS will configure this setting
automatically. This item appears when the installed CPU supports this function.
f Ring Ratio [Auto]
Sets the ring ratio. The valid value range depends on the installed CPU.
f Adjusted Ring Frequency
Shows the adjusted Ring frequency. Read-only.
f GT Ratio [Auto]
Sets the integrated graphics ratio. The valid value range depends on the installed
CPU.
f Adjusted GT Frequency
Shows the adjusted integrated graphics frequency. Read-only.
f Misc Setting*
Press Enter, + or - key to open or close the following 3 items related to CPU features.
fEIST [Enabled]*
Enables or disables the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology.
[Enabled] Enables the EIST to adjust CPU voltage and core frequency
dynamically. It can decrease average power consumption and
average heat production.
[Disabled] Disables EIST.
fIntel Turbo Boost [Enabled]*
Enables or disables the Intel® Turbo Boost. This item appears when the installed
CPU supports this function.
[Enabled] Enables this function to boost CPU performance automatically above
rated specifications when system request the highest performance
state.
fEnhanced Turbo [Auto]*
Enables or disables Enhanced Turbo function for all CPU cores to boost CPU
performance.
[Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS.
[Enabled] All CPU cores would be increased to maximum turbo ratio.
54 BIOS Setup
f CPU Base Clock (MHz)
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.
f CPU Base Clock Apply Mode [Auto]*
Sets the applying mode for adjusted CPU base clock.
[Next Boot] CPU will run the adjusted CPU base clock at next boot.
[Immediate] CPU runs the adjusted CPU base clock immediately.
[During Boot] CPU will run the adjusted CPU base clock during boot.
f Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) [Disabled]
X.M.P. (Extreme Memory Profile) is the overclocking technology by memory module.
Please enable XMP or select a profile of memory module for overclocking the memory.
This item will be available when the memory modules that support X.M.P. is installed.
f DRAM Reference Clock [Auto]*
Sets the DRAM reference clock. The valid value range depends on the installed CPU.
This item appears when a CPU that supports this adjustment is installed.
f DRAM Frequency [Auto]
Sets the DRAM frequency. Please note the overclocking behavior is not guaranteed.
f Adjusted DRAM Frequency
Shows the adjusted DRAM frequency. Read-only.
f Memory Try It ! [Disabled]
It improve memory compatibility or performance by choosing optimized memory
preset.
f Advanced DRAM Configuration
Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. User can set the memory timing for each/ all
memory channel. The system may become un-stable or un-bootable after changing
memory timing. 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.)
f Memory Fast Boot [Auto]*
Enables or disables the initiation and training for memory every booting.
[Auto] The setting will be configured automatically by BIOS.
[Enabled] System will completely keep the archives of first intiation and training
for memory. So the memory will not be initialed and trained when
booting to accelerate the system booting time.
[Disabled] The memory will be initialed and trained every booting.
BIOS Setup 55
f DigitALL Power
Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. Controls the digital powers related to CPU PWM.
fCPU Loadline Calibration Control [Mode4]
Sets a specific CPU loadline calibration mode for full-loading system to get good
overclocking performance and stability. If set to Auto, BIOS will configure this
setting automatically.
fCPU Over Voltage Protection [Auto]
Sets the voltage limit for CPU over-voltage protection. If set to Auto, BIOS will
configure this setting automatically. Higher voltage provides less protection and
may damage the system.
fCPU Under Voltage Protection [Auto]
Sets the voltage limit for CPU under-voltage protection. If set to Auto, BIOS will
fCPU Over Current Protection [Auto]
Sets the current limit for CPU over-current protection. If set to Auto, BIOS will
configure this setting 0utomatically.
fCPU Switching Frequency [Auto]
Sets the PWM working speed to stabilize CPU Core 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. If set to Auto, BIOS will configure this setting
automatically.
fCPU VRM Over Temperature Protection [Enabled]
Enables or disables the CPU VRM over temperature protection.
fCPU GT Loadline Calibration Control [Auto]
Sets a specific CPU-GT loadline calibration mode for full-loading system to get
good overclocking performance and stability. If set to Auto, BIOS will configure this
setting automatically.
fCPU GT Over Voltage Protection [Auto]
Sets the voltage limit for CPU GT over-voltage protection. If set to Auto, BIOS will
fCPU GT Under Voltage Protection [Auto]
Sets the voltage limit for CPU GT under-voltage protection. If set to Auto, BIOS will
fCPU Over Current Protection [Auto]
Sets the current limit for CPU GT over-current protection. If set to Auto, BIOS will
configure this setting 0utomatically.
56 BIOS Setup
fCPU 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. If set to Auto, BIOS will configure this setting
automatically.
fCPU GT VRM Over Temperature Protection [Enabled]
Enables or disables the CPU GT VRM for over-temperature protection. The CPU GT
frequency may be throttled when VRM temperature over the specified value.
f CPU Core/ GT Voltage Mode [Auto]*
Selects the control mode for CPU Core/ GT voltages.
[Adaptive Mode] Sets the adaptive voltage automatically for optimizing the system
performance.
[Override Mode] Allows you to set the voltage manually.
[Offset Mode] Allows you to set the offset voltage and select the voltage offset
mode.
[Adaptive + Offset ] Sets the adaptive voltage automatically and allows you to set the
offset voltage.
[Override + Offset ] Allows you to set the voltage and the offset voltage manually.
f CPU Voltages control [Auto]
These options allows you to set the voltages related to CPU. If set to Auto, BIOS will
set these voltages automatically or you can set it manually.
f DRAM Voltages control [Auto]
These options allows you to set the voltages related to memory. If set to Auto, BIOS
will set these voltages automatically or you can set it manually.
f PCH Voltages control [Auto] (optional)
These options allows you to set the voltages related to PCH. If set to Auto, BIOS will
set these voltages automatically or you can set it manually.
f OC Quick View Timer [3 Sec]*
Sets the duration of OC setting values showed on the screen.
f CPU Specifications
Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. This sub-menu displays the information of
installed CPU. You can also access this information menu at any time by pressing [F4].
Read only.
fCPU Technology Support
Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. The sub-menu shows the key features of
installed CPU. Read only.
f MEMORY-Z
Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. This sub-menu displays all the settings and
timings of installed memory. You can also access this information menu at any time by
pressing [F5].
BIOS Setup 57
fDIMM X Memory SPD
Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. The sub-menu displays the information of
installed memory. Read only.
f CPU Features
Press Enter to enter the sub-menu.
fHyper-Threading [Enabled]
Intel Hyper-Threading technology treats the multi cores inside the processor as
multi logical processors that can execute instructions simultaneously. In this way,
the system performance is highly improved. This item appears when the installed
CPU supports this technology.
[Enable] Enables Intel Hyper-Threading technology.
[Disabled] Disables this item if the system does not support HT function.
fActive Processor Cores Control [All]
Allows you to select the number of active CPU cores.
fLimit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]
Enables or disables the extended CPUID value.
[Enabled] BIOS limits 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.
fIntel Virtualization Tech [Enabled]
Enables or disables Intel Virtualization technology.
[Enabled] Enables Intel Virtualization technology and allows a platform to run
multiple operating systems in independent partitions. The system
can function as multiple systems virtually.
fIntel VT-D Tech [Disabled]
Enables or disables Intel VT-D (Intel Virtualization for Directed I/O) technology.
fHardware Prefetcher [Enabled]
Enables or disables the hardware prefetcher (MLC Streamer prefetcher).
[Enabled] Allows the hardware prefetcher to automatically pre-fetch data
and instructions into L2 cache from memory for tuning the CPU
performance.
[Disabled] Disables the hardware prefetcher.
fAdjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]
Enables or disables the CPU hardware prefetcher (MLC Spatial prefetcher).
[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.
fCPU AES Instructions [Enabled]
Enables or disables the CPU AES (Advanced Encryption Standard-New
Instructions) support. This item appears when a CPU supports this function.
58 BIOS Setup
fIntel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled]
Enables or disables the Intel adaptive thermal monitor function to protect the CPU
from overheating.
[Enabled] Throttles down the CPU core clock speed when the CPU is over the
adaptive temperature.
fIntel C-State [Auto]
Enables or disables the Intel C-state. C-state is a processor power management
technology defined by ACPI.
[Enabled] Detects the idle state of system and reduce CPU power consumption
accordingly.
[Disabled] Disable this function.
fC1E Support [Disabled]
Enables or disables the C1E function for power-saving in halt state. This item
appears when Intel C-State is enabled.
[Enabled] Enables C1E function to reduce the CPU frequency and voltage for
power-saving in halt state.
fPackage C State limit [Auto]
This item allows you to select a CPU C-state level for power-saving when system is
idle. The options of C-state depend on the installed CPU. This item appears when
Intel C-State is enabled.
fCFG Lock [Enabled]
Lock or un-lock the MSR 0xE2[15], CFG lock bit.
[Enabled] Locks the CFG lock bit.
[Disabled] Un-locks the CFG lock bit.
fEIST [Enabled]
Enables or disables the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology. This item will
appear when OC Explore Mode is set to Normal.
[Enabled] Enables the EIST to adjust CPU voltage and core frequency
dynamically. It can decrease average power consumption and
average heat production.
[Disabled] Disables EIST.
fIntel 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.
fLong Duration Power Limit (W) [Auto]
Sets the long duration TDP power limit for CPU in Turbo Boost mode.
BIOS Setup 59
fLong Duration Maintained (s) [Auto]
Sets the maintaining time for Long duration power Limit(W).
fShort Duration Power Limit (W) [Auto]
Sets the short duration TDP power limit for CPU in Turbo Boost mode.
fCPU Current Limit (A) [Auto]
Sets maximum current limit of CPU package in Turbo Boost mode. When the
current is over the specified value, the CPU will automatically reduce the core
frequency for reducing the current.
fFCLK Frequency [Auto]
Sets FCLK frequency. Lower FCLK frequency may help you to set higher base clock
frequency.
fDMI Link Speed [Auto]
Sets DMI speed.
fSW Guard Extensions (SGX) [Software Control]
Enables or disables Intel SGX.
60 BIOS Setup
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.
1. Insert the USB flash drive that contains the update file into the computer.
2. Click on M-FLASH tab, a demand message will be prompted. Click on Yes to
reboot and enter the flash mode.
3. The system will enter the flash mode and a file selection menu will appear after
rebooting.
4. Select a BIOS file to perform the BIOS update process.

5. After the flashing process is 100% completed, the system will reboot
automatically.
BIOS Setup 61
OC PROFILE
f Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6
Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6 management. Press <Enter> to enter the sub-
menu.
fSet Name for Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6
Name the current overclocking profile.
fSave Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6
Save the current overclocking profile.
fLoad Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6
Load the current overclocking profile.
fClear Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6
Clear the current overclocking profile.
f OC Profile Load from ROM
Load OC profile from BIOS ROM.
f OC Profile Save to USB
Save OC profile to the USB flash drive. The USB flash drive should be FAT/ FAT32
format only.
f OC Profile Load from USB
Load OC profile from the USB flash drive. The USB flash drive should be FAT/ FAT32
format only.
62 BIOS Setup
HARDWARE MONITOR
Temperature
& Speed
Fan Manage
Setting
Buttons
Voltage
display
f Temperature & Speed

Shows the current CPU temperature, system temperature and fans' speeds.
f 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.
Smart Fan Mode field - allows you to drag the gradient points to configure the
fan target values for Smart Fan mode. Smart Fan can control the fan speed
automatically depending on the CPU temperature to keep it with in a specific
range. If the current CPU temperature reaches to the target value, the Smart Fan
function will be activated.
Important
y The changing will achieve after you save the changes and reboot the system.
y Make sure fans are working properly after switching the PWM/ DC mode.
f Settings Buttons
All Full Speed - configures all fans to run at full operating speed.
All Set Default - configures all fans to run at default operating speed.
All Set Cancel - discards current changes and restores previous operating fan
speeds .
f Voltage display
Shows the current voltages of CPU, system and memory.
BIOS Setup 63
Software Description
Installing Windows® 7/ 8.1/ 10
1. Power on the computer.
2. Insert the Windows® 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® 7.
3. Press the Restart button on the computer case.
4. For windows 8.1/ 10, skip this step. For Windows 7, access the BIOS menu
SETTING > Advanced > Windows OS Configuration > Windows 7 Installation and
set the item to enabled, save changes and restart.
Note: It is suggested to plug in your USB Keyboard/ USB Mouse to the leftmost
USB port when installing Windows® 7.
5. Press F11 key during the computer POST (Power-On Self Test) to get into Boot
Menu.
6. Select your optical drive from the Boot Menu.
7. Press any key when screen shows Press any key to boot from CD or DVD...
message.
8. Follow the instructions on the screen to install Windows® 7/ 8.1/ 10.
Installing Drivers
1. Start up your computer in Windows® 7/ 8.1/ 10.
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.
64 Software Description
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 do not need to search the drivers
on specific MSI web page. LIVE UPDATE 6 will download the appropriate drivers
automatically.
Download Options
Download List
Scan / Download / Total

Installer button
System Information
Last Scanned Date
There are Live Update, History, Setting, System Information, FAQ and Online Help
tabs at the top. You can click the tab to switch the control panel.
y Live Update - When you launch LIVE UPDATE 6, you will see the Live update tab at
first. This tab allows you to select files to download. You can also read the relevant
information by clicking the information icon on the right of the item listed.
y History - shows the downloading history.
y Setting - allows you to specify the frequency of LIVE UPDATE 6 that reminds you to
update.
y System Information - displays the information of the system.
y FAQ - shows Frequently Asked Questions.
y Online Help - shows Online Help information.
Updating The System

This section describes how to update your system with LIVE UPDATE 6. Please follow
the steps below:
1
2
4
5
3
Software Description 65
1. Select the Live Update tab.
2. Choose Automatic scan, system will automatically scan all the items and search
for the latest update files. Or you can choose Manual scan and select the items you
wish to scan.
3. Click the Scan button at the bottom. It may take several minutes to complete the
process.
4. When the download list appears, please select the items you intend to update.
5. Click Download button at the bottom.
6. When Save Path prompts, you can specify a download directory.
7. When download, you will see the screen below. It may take several minutes to
complete the process.
8. To install the applications, simply unpack the packages and install.
Total Installer
Total Installer is a convenient feature to simplify complicated installing procedure. To
use Total Installer:
3
1
1. Scan updates in Live Update tab.

2. Check the Select All check-box you intend to update.
3. Click the Total Installer button. LIVE UPDATE 6 will automatically install them.
4. When prompted, click OK to complete the Total Installer procedure
5. Reboot your system.
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.
System Information CPU Temperature
Feature Menu
Profile
Feature Title Buttons
Feature
Control Panel
Next Feature
Previous
Feature
Page Indicator
Option Buttons
Resize Corner
Profile Buttons
y Default - load the default values for the current feature.

y Apply - apply your changes.
y Save - store values in the file with individual file extension.
y Load - load the values from the file.
Important
Every time you shut down the system, the configured setting will be restored to the
factory default. If you want to use the saved settings, you have to load it every time by
clicking the Load and Apply buttons.
CPU Frequency
CPU Frequency control panel allows you to change
CPU Ratio and Base clock. You can see the current
frequency of each CPU core on the top of the panel.
CPU Fan
CPU Fan control panel provides Smart mode and
Manual Mode. You can switch the control mode by
clicking the Smart Mode and Manual Mode buttons
on the top of the CPU Fan control panel.
y Manual Mode - allows you to manually control the
CPU fan speed by percentage.
y Smart Mode - a linear fan speed control feature.
The control panel contains 4 dots allows you to
Manual Mode
drag and adjust the Smart Speed slopes. The fan
speed will be changed along these lines with CPU
temperature. The white dot will create strip chart
in real time.
y System Fan Button - to open the system fan
control panel in new window.
y Fan Tune Button - to automatically optimize the
smart fan setting.
Smart Mode
CPU Voltage
CPU Voltage control panel allows you to control the
CPU voltage.
DRAM Frequency & DRAM Voltage

y DRAM Frequency - Shows the DRAM clock, ratio
and frequency.
y DRAM Voltage - Allows you to adjust the DRAM
voltage. The risky values are displayed in red.
IGP Frequency & GT Voltage

y IGP Frequency - Allows you to adjust the IGP ratio,
and shows the IGP clock, ratio and frequency.
y GT Voltage - Allows you to adjust the GT voltage.
The risky values are displayed in red.
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.
y Voltage - allows you to adjust advanced voltage values of CPU and chipset.
y Fan - allows you to control the system fans speed.
y DRAM - shows the current Advanced DRAM parameters, and allows you to change
the settings by selecting values from the drop-down menu on the right hand side.
y Sensor - allows you to monitor your motherboard temperature and fan speed with
the virtual thermal image. You can drag and drop the fan icons to new locations.
When you press the Cooling button, all fans will run at full speed.
Option Buttons - Setting

When click the Setting button, The Record, Warning and Mobile Control icons will
appear.
y Record - allows you to monitor the status of voltage, fan speed and temperature in
real time.
To filter record charts, select the check box next to the items.
When click the Play button, the chart pane will start to show the recording chart.
If you want to check the value of a specific spot on chart, please move the orange
vertical line to the spot.
History Record stores the data and names with date and time.
To make a history record: Select items and click the Record button. When finished,
click the Record button again. The data will be stored in the drop-down menu.
To load a record, click the drop-down menu and select one from the list.
To delete a record, select the record that you want to delete, and click the Trash
Can icon.
y Warning - contains fields of voltage, fan speed and temperature for you to set the
threshold values. When system detects the status over your settings, a warning
message will pop-up.
y Mobile Control - is only available for the motherboard with the built-in WiFi module.
It allows you to enable/disable the COMMAND CENTER Remote Server. Please refer
to the instruction on the Mobile Control control panel.
y To start remote control: (optional)
1. Download and install MSI® COMMAND CENTER APP to your mobile device.
2. Enable COMMAND CENTER Remote Server on the Mobile Control panel.
3. Enable SoftAP Management.
4. Enter SSID and Password, and then click the Apply button.
5. Activate Wi-Fi® on your mobile device and connect to SoftAP with the SSID.
6. Run MSI® COMMAND CENTER APP on your mobile device.
7. Find the IP address on the SoftAP Management Setting area, and enter the IP
address on your MSI® COMMAND CENTER APP to link your system.
8. Press Refresh on the MSI® COMMAND CENTER APP to verify that monitoring and
OC functions are working properly.
Option Buttons - Information

When click the Information button, The Motherboard, CPU, Memory and HW monitor
icons will appear.
You can click the icons to open the related information.
Gadget Mode
COMMAND CENTER provides a gadget mode to
monitor the system status. You can switch between
gadget mode and full mode by clicking the arrow
icon on the top left.
y To arrange gadgets:
1. Click the Spanner icon on the Gadget mode,
a configuration panel will slide out.
2. Select the check box next to the items.
3. Click the Close button.
GAMING APP
GAMING APP is an application designed to quickly control your system for improving
gaming performance.
Setting Button
Information Button
Remote Control Setting Button
Cooler Boost Gaming Function

Buttons
CPU Frequency GPU Frequency
Control Mode Buttons
Peripheral Device
Function Buttons
y Setting Button - allows you to choose running GAMING APP when Windows starts or
let GAMING APP to overwrite the VGA fan control function.
y Information Button - shows the information of this application.
y CPU Frequency - shows the current CPU frequency.
y GPU Frequency - shows the current GPU frequency.
y Control Mode Buttons
OC Mode - apply turbo frequency to CPU and OC frequency to GPU.
Gaming Mode - automatically optimize the CPU ratio and the GPU clock.
Silent Mode - reverts the CPU ratio and GPU clock to the default values.
y Gaming Function Buttons - allows you to use LED Effect, OSD, Eye Rest and Dragon
Eye functions.
y Peripheral Device Function Buttons - allows you to set the Gaming Hotkey, Mouse
Master and VR Ready functions.
y Remote Control Setting Button - available for the motherboards with built-in or
discrete WiFi module. It allows you to set up Name and Password to link the android
device and the motherboard. Please follow the steps below to complete the remote
control setting.
1. Download and install the MSI® GAMING APP APP to your android device.
2. Set up a set of Name and Password on the Remote Control Setting panel, and
then click the Apply button.
3. Connect your android device and motherboard to the same local area network.
4. Run MSI® GAMING APP APP on your android device.
5. Press the Remote Control Setting icon on the MSI® GAMING APP APP to find the
paired device Name you set in the Remote Control Setting panel.
6. Enter the Password you set in the Remote Control Setting panel.
7. Finally, you can use the MSI® GAMING APP APP to control your motherboard with
the android device.
LED
LED function allows you to control LED lights on your motherboard.
LED
ON/OFF
LED Area
Selection
y LED ON/OFF - allows you to turn ON/ OFF the LED function.
y LED Area Selection - separately controls each segment of LEDs on your
motherboard and graphics cards.
MB Extend LED (optional, for RGB multi-color LED connector)- controls the
extended RGB LED strip. Please follows the steps to calibrate the RGB LED color.
1. Click on the icon and a calibration pop-up window will show.
2. Click on the icon to go to next step.
3. Click on the RED, GREEN and BLUE buttons accordingly to calibrate the LED
red, green and blue colors.
4. Click on the Finish to complete the RGB LED color calibration.
y LED effects - switches LEDs on or off.
y Styles - select the LED style from the drop-down list.
y Music (optional) - flashes the LED light with music’s beat.
y Extend LED (optional) - allows you to turn ON/ OFF the Extend LED Effects.
Extend LED Effects - select extend LED strip effect.
y LED color (optional) - allows you change the LED color.
y Apply Button - applies above settings to LEDs.
OSD Setting Panel

Use the OSD setting panel to specify information within on-screen display (OSD).
y Apply Button - applies above settings to OSD.
Eye Rest
Eye Rest allows you to optimize the display on your monitor.
y EyeRest - reduces blue-light of your LED backlit screen, in order to protect your
eyes.
y Gaming - automatically increases contrast ratio of your screen.
y Movie - automatically increases dynamic contrast ratio of your screen.
y Customize - allows you to adjust gamma, contrast and color balance for your
screen.
y Default - loads the default settings.
VR Ready
It will optimize the performance of your system to ensure everything is VR Ready.
VR ON/ OFF
Applications
y VR ON/ OFF -enables or disables VR settings.

y Applications - appears when you turn on the VR support. It allows you to close some
applications to optimize the system for better VR experience.
Gaming Hotkey
Gaming Hotkey provides instant control of the system through user defined hotkeys.
Categories Toggle Gaming Hotkey ON/OFF
Hotkey Manager
Current Hotkeys
y Gaming Hotkey ON/OFF - allows you to turn ON/OFF the Gaming Hotkey function.
y Categories Toggle - allows you to toggle over the Hotkey categories.
Macro Genie - provides the keyboard and mouse macro record function and allows
you to define the hotkeys for the macro recorder.
1. Click on the Record button to start the keyboard and mouse macro recorder.
2. Click on the Stop button to stop the recorder.
3. Key-in a file name and set-up the parameter for the macro.
4. Finally, click on the Save button to save the recorded macro.
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.
y Hotkey Manager - allows you to create, edit and delete hotkeys.
y Current Hotkeys - shows all existing hotkeys.
Important
y The Caps Lock, Num Lock, Scroll Lock, Window Home, Application and BackSpace
keys can not be used as Hotkeys.
y Some key combinations are reserved for use by Microsoft Windows and can not be
assigned as a hotkey.
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
y Delay Time - allows you to apply a delay time in mouse macro.

y Macro Hot Key - allows you to assign a hotkey from A to Z to activate the macro.
y Mouse Action - assigns mouse actions to the macro.
New - captures the mouse coordinate and add to the macro.
Left - adds a left-click to the macro.
Middle - adds a middle-click to the macro.
Right - adds a right-click to the macro.
y Action List - shows the actions of the current macro.
y Edit Buttons - there 3 buttons for editing the macro.
Run - activates the macro.
Delete - removes the selected action from the macro.
Clear - removes all actions from the macro.
y Load Button - allows you to load a macro.
y Save Button - allows you to save the macro to a file.
y DPI Setting - allows you select the mouse DPI from the drop-down menu.
y Default Button - reverts to the default DPI setting.
y DPI Hot Key - allows you to assign a hotkey from A to Z to activate the DPI setting.
Please note that you must hold the hotkey to keep the DPI setting. When you release
the hotkey, the DPI setting will be reverted to default.
y Test Area - allows you to test the mouse movement.
y Clear Button - clears the test area.
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.
Setting
Performance
mode
Performance
information
y Performance mode - moves over the mouse to any one of performance mode and
click on the ON button to enable it.
Important
The Customize mode is the default of system performance.
y Performance information - displays the system performance diagram of enabled

mode.
y Setting - enables or disables Run X-BOOST when windows starts.
Advance
In Advance page, you can enable the USB SPEED UP, the STORAGE BOOST and VR
BOOST.
Setting
Device
information
y Device information - displays the information and current transfer rates/ access
speeds of USB/ storage devices.
y Setting - enables or disables Run X-BOOST when windows starts.
y USB SPEED UP - supports faster data transfer rates of the USB storage devices.
y STORAGE BOOST - supports faster access speed of storage device.
Important
y Please note that you can only select one mode at a time from Easy or Advance page
as MSI X-BOOST function.
y The improved transfer rate/ access speed will vary with the USB/ storage device.
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. Note that the Software RAID is only
available when your system equipped with at least 3 hard-disk drives (1 system disk
and 2 data disks).
WIN7 SMART TOOL

Before you can create your Windows installation USB flash drive, you’ll need to have
your Windows Installation DVD or ISO file, and also have a minimum of a 8GB USB
flash drive to create your installer. Be sure to backup files on the USB drive, this
process will erase it.
To create the Windows installation USB drive:
Step1. Choose source folder

y In the Source folder box, type the name and path of your Windows ISO file, or click
Browse button and select the file from the dialog box. (This option will copy all
Windows installation files and USB 3.0 drivers)
y If you already have the Windows Installation USB flash drive and just want to add
USB 3.0 drivers on it, you can choose Add USB drivers.
Step2. Choose Storage device

y Choose USB storage and select your USB flash drive in the drop-down list. In case
the USB flash drive is not listed, click the Refresh Drive button.
y If you want to install Windows on the PCIe M.2 RAID that was created by BIOS >
M.2 Genie (please refer to BIOS Setup Section for details), check the M.2 Genie
checkbox to copy iRST drivers to the USB flash drive.
y Click Start.
Important
You can also create an installer ISO image file by selecting the ISO destination in
Step2, and then burn it onto the DVD. However, this method does not support M.2
Genie.
SOFTWARE RAID
This utility allows you to create a software RAID in Windows system.
To create a software RAID:

1. Use checkboxs to select the disks you want included in your RAID.
2. Choose Speed Up or Backup for RAID type.
y Speed Up = RAID0
y Backup = RAID1
3. Click Start.
4. When prompt Finish!, click OK.
Important
Software RAID can't includ the system disk.
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
Transparency Settings
Video List
Hotkeys Information
y On / Off Switch - enables or disables Dragon Eye during your gaming sessions.
Switch it on before you launch the game in order to watch video while playing.
y Video List - allows you to select the video you want to watch, and also add videos or
channels to the list. You simply paste the URL of your video or stream into the input
bar and hit the +. Then your video or stream will be in the list and you can select it to
view it with Dragon Eye.
y Size Settings - allows you to select the size of the Dragon Eye video content
displayed on-screen when you’re playing a game. There are three options available:
WQVGA (Small – 400×240)
HVGAW (Medium – 640×360)
WVGA (Large – 768×480)
y Position Settings - allows you to select where the Dragon Eye video needs to be
displayed on screen. This way you can control where you want your video in-game,
so you can place it on a place where no important game information is.
y Help - If you want to watch the video tutorial for Dragon Eye or want to see if your
game is supported, press this button and the help window will be shown.
y Transparency Settings - allows you to set the transparency of your Dragon Eye
video.
0 = opaque | 100 = transparent.
y Hotkeys Information - In this information screen you can find the hotkeys for
Dragon Eye. There are three hotkeys:
Alt+F9 - switches mouse focus between video window and game itself. (Direct
interface to adjust progress bar, volume and other settings of video during the
game)
Alt+F10 - turns on/off video window .
Alt+F11 - adjusts transparency of video clip.
NOTE: To customize hotkey, simply select the hotkey icon and then press the keys
combination you want to use as a hotkey.
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.
Creating a RAM Disk

When RAMDISK is started, it will create a default RAM disk. If you want to change
settings, refer to following instructions.
Setting Option
Backup
Apply
Button
Management
y Setting - specify Letter, Name, Size and Format of the RAM disk.
y Option - select browser temporary files to save/load on the RAM disk. You can also
add software files to improve reading speed.
y Backup - specify backup and restore settings to prevent data loss. All files will be
lost each time the RAMDISK is stopped if you do not backup.
Browse Button - set the path to the image file.
Backup Right Now Button - manually backup files.
Restore On Boot - check this box to have the image file loaded automatically when
RAMDISK starts.
Auto Backup - check this box to backup automatically over a period of time.
y Apply Button - allows you to apply changes.
y Management - shows RAMDISK information and allows you to delete files.
Remove the RAM disk
Dislpay
information
Delete files
in the RAM
disk.
GAMING LAN MANAGER
GAMING LAN MANAGER is an utility for traffic shaping for the Windows 7/ 8.1/ 10.
It can keep your internet fast during heavy upload/ download and improve your ping
for online games. If your motherboard has a Wi-Fi module, GAMING LAN MANAGER
provides virtual access point function for traffic shaping for your mobile devices.
y Applications - displays currently using network bandwidth applications. You can

prioritize Games, Medias or File sharing programs as high as possible.
y Performance - shows top 5 applications by total traffic, allows you to monitor
network bandwidth usage.
y Network Test - allows you to setup bandwidth control.
y Advanced Setting - allows you to expand RWIN to accelerate download speed. You
can also block IP address and setup virtual access point.
y Information - shows version information.
Configuring Bandwidth
This section describes how to configure Internet Provider Speed. You can configure
default internet upload and download bandwidth from the Network Test tab on the
GAMING LAN MANAGER window.
Important
Before using the GAMING LAN MANAGER for the first time, you should use the
Test Network Speed button which runs a speed test of your current total Internet
bandwidth delivered through your Internet service provider.
Speed Testing
The speed testing is used to optimize bandwidth usage. To test the Upload and Down-
load speed, please follow the steps below:
1. Click the Network Test block in GAMING LAN MANAGER.
2. Click Test Network Speed button. The test takes several minutes to test your
network speed.
3. Enter the testing results into Upload Speed and Download Speed fields.
4. Check the Enable Bandwidth Control to allow the GAMING LAN MANAGER to
manage the bandwidth.
XSplit Gamecaster V2
XSplit Gamecaster is the newest product from SplitmediaLabs, the creators of XSplit
Broadcaster, the world’s most popular streaming application.
XSplit Gamecaster was designed to provide gamers with the simplest and most
uncomplicated way to create high quality gameplay recordings and live streams. By
utilizing the revolutionary in-game overlay, streamlined encoding, and social network
features, you’ll be sharing your gameplay to your family, friends, and followers in no
time!
System Requirement
y Hardware specifications:
For HD 720p Recording/Streaming - Core i5 CPU or equivalent
For HD 1080p Recording/Streaming - Core i7 CPU or equivalent
4 GB RAM minimum
8 GB free hard disk space
GeForce/Radeon Class Graphics card, minimum Direct X hardware level 10.1
y Software specifications:
Windows® 7 SP1 32bit/ 64bit, Windows® 8.1 32bit/ 64bit
.NET Framework 3.5
DirectX 10.1 or better
Logging
After installing and activating XSplit Gamecaster V2, it will display a login dialogue. If
you already have an account and password, fill your email and password into the form
and click the 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
a free 6 month XSplit premium license that you can apply to an existing free account
or to a new account. If you already have an XSplit account with a personal or premium
license, then you can instead add 6 months to your license duration.
Registering an Account
If you don’t have an XSplit account yet, click Register now on the login dialogue. When
the user registration form appears, complete all the fields.
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.
Question mark
Inside the XSplit Gamecaster Overlay
1. Streaming/Recording Buttons - Press Stream to start live streaming or Record to

start recording.
2. Microphone/System Sound Control - Pressing the microphone or system sound
button will enable or disable the microphone or system sound.
3. Webcam Controls - To enable webcam controls, you must first select a camera/
webcam in the Settings Tab. Once you have selected a webcam, you can activate it
by clicking on its icon in the XSplit Gamecaster V2 overlay.
4. Twitch Chat Controls - If you’ve signed in to your Twitch.tv account, you’ll see a
Twitch icon in the overlay. When you click on this icon, a window will open. This
window is XSplit Gamecaster’s integrated chat system.
5. 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.
6. 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.
Accounts Tab
y Live Streaming - allows you to stream to a variety of live streaming services such as
YouTube, Twitch, Ustream, Dailymotion, Niconico and also allows for custom RTMP
streaming.
y Video Sharing - allows you to directly upload recordings to YouTube from within the
software.
y Social Network - allows you to share your live stream or YouTube links to friends
& followers on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter. To allow XSplit Gamecaster to post
on your desired social network, click on the Authorize To Post On... button of your
desired social network and enter your username and password to authorize.
Settings Tab
y Stream Settings - The default setting is Automatic mode. In Automatic mode, your
stream settings are automatically determined by XSplit Gamecaster based on your
computer and internet resources (this includes resolution, bitrate, codec, but frame
is always set to 30). You can change to a different resolution by clicking on the drop-
down arrow.
y Record Settings - The default setting for recording is Original Resolution. This
refers to the resolution of the game that’s been set inside the game’s video/
graphics settings. You can change to a different resolution by clicking on the drop-
down arrow.
y 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 > Control
Panel > Sound > Recording).
y Camera Settings - In this region, you can select your desired camera. What is shown
in the list depends on the cameras you have connected to your PC (Control Panel >
Device Manager > Imaging Devices).
y BRB Graphics (Be-Right-Back Graphics) - BRB Graphics are activated when you
alt-tab or minimize your game. BRB Graphics will not work in Console Viewer mode.
You can enter the BRB Graphics editor by clicking on the gear icon next to the BRB
Graphics preview.
Recordings Tab
y Arranging Recordings - In the Recordings Tab, you can view your recordings as
thumbnails or in a listed format by clicking on the button in the top right corner
of the window. You can sort your recordings by name, date, length, and size by right
clicking in the Recordings Tab.
y Opening Recordings Folder - To open your recordings folder in Windows® Explorer,
click on Open Folder.
y Changing Recordings Location - To change the location of where your videos will be
saved, click on the recordings folder location.
y Uploading video recordings to YouTube - To upload to YouTube, you must first
authorize your account in the Accounts Tab. After you have authorized your account,
click on a recording and then click on the YouTube logo in the bottom right corner. A
window will open and you will be able to fill out the title, description, category, tags,
privacy, and you will be able to choose to allow or disallow embedding. Once you
have entered the details for YouTube, press the Upload Now button.
y Sharing on Social Media - Once a video has been uploaded, you can share the
YouTube link on any social media accounts you have connected to XSplit Gamecaster.
Simply click on the icon of the social media site you wish to share, and a window will
appear where you can enter some details about your post before publishing your
link. When you are done entering the details of your post, click Share Video to post it
to your selected social media account.
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
Navigation System
Table
System System
Graphs Monitors
y Views Settings Help
Views - toggles to switche between Monitoring and Show All view.

Settings - opens the General Settings window.
Help - displays the help content for Intel XTU in a separate window.
y Navigation - lists all of the major functions of Intel XTU.
System Information - shows the details about your system.
App-Profile Pairing - tunes automatically based on active application.
Manual Tuning - changes system settings in a free form.
Stress Test - tests the stability of your system.
Benchmarking - analyzes and compares your system’s performance against
other system profiles.
Profiles - manages sets of system settings.
y Tuning Controls - displays the controls for changing the system settings in manual
tuning. For stress tests and profiles, this area displays the settings for these
features.
y System Table - displays information about the current system settings and a
summary of your changes.
y System Graphs - shows measured system values over a period of time. The system
graphs update live as changes are detected in the system. You can customize the
system graphs to show the data you need for your overclocking strategy in the
system graphs preferences.
y System Monitors - shows the range of the value, averages, and the current value.
The monitors change color if the monitored values fall into warning or critical zones.
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.
My Gear
Device Cards
Library
Application
Configuration
y My Gear - all of your SteelSeries devices in one place.

Device Cards - all of your SteelSeries devices are easily accessible from the My
Gear tab, regardless of type, connection status, or which applications they are
assigned to.
y Library - quickly set up your configurations to autolaunch with an application.
Application Configuration - you can choose to have configurations deploy
automatically whenever you use a specific game or application. Add any number
of applications to your library and SteelSeries Engine 3 will seamlessly change the
configurations of your devices as you switch between them.
Configuration Windows
Configuration Windows are unique to their devices and each of them includes a
collapsible Configuration List Panel of all the configurations for that device. You
can create a new configuration by selecting the New button at the bottom of the
Configuration List Panel.
Configuration
Windows
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.
Widgets Widgets Toggle Widgets
Configuration Windows Toggle Live Preview Revert/ Save Button
y Widgets - allow you to customize a certain aspect of your device.

y Widgets Toggle - allows you to toggle Widgets .
y Configuration Windows Toggle - allows you to toggle the Configuration Windows.
y Live Preview - gives you the full experience of your configuration’s look, feel, and
sound while you are editing it.
y Revert/ Save Button - configuration changes are not written to the database until
you select Save. This gives you freedom to experiment, knowing that you can select
Revert to undo changes.
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.
Question Mark
CPU-Z
CPU-Z is an utility that gathers information on some of the main devices of your
system.
y CPU Tab - shows processor name, code name, package, specification, instructions
sets, core speed and cache levels.
y Caches Tab - shows extended information related to the cache capabilities.
y Mainboard Tab - shows motherboard manufacturer, model name, chipset, BIOS
version and graphic interface.
y Memory Tab - shows memory type, memory size, channels, memory frequency.
y SPD Tab - shows specifications relating to each memory module connected to the
motherboard, including the size, type and frequency.
y Graphics Tab - shows GPU name, code name, core speed, memory size, and
memory type.
y Bench Tab - allows you to run either a benchmark or a stress test on your processor.
y About Tab - shows the CPU-Z version, Windows version, DirectX version and allows
you to save the report file.
RAID Configuration
Below are the different types of a RAID.
RAID 0 breaks the data into blocks which are written to separate hard drives.
Spreading the hard drive I/O load across independent channels greatly
improves I/O performance.
RAID 1 provides data redundancy by mirroring data between the hard drives and
provides enhanced read performance.
RAID 5 provides data striping at the byte level and also stripe error correction
information. This results in excellent performance and good fault tolerance.
RAID 10 uses four hard drives to create a combination of RAID 0 and 1 by forming a
RAID 0 array from two RAID 1 arrays.
RAID level comparison
RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 RAID 10

Minimum # drives 2 2 3 4
Data protection None Excellent Excellent Excellent
Read performance Excellent OK Good OK
Write performance Excellent Good OK Good
Capacity utilization 100% 50% 67%~(1-1/n) 50%
Using Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM

First, you need to set the SATA mode to RAID in BIOS to create, delete and reset RAID
volumes. To enter the IRST Option ROM, reboot and press Ctrl + I keys to enter the
IRST Option ROM during the POST, the following window will appear.
[ [ MAIN
MAIN MENU
MENU ]]
1. Create RAID Volume 4. Recovery Volume Options
2. Delete RAID Volume 5. Acceleration Options
3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID 6. Exit
[ DISK / VOLUME INFORMATION ]
RAID Volumes :
None defined.
Physical Devices :
Port Device Model Serial # Size Type/Status (Vol ID)
1 XXXX-XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XGB Non-RAID Disk
[ ↑↓] - Select [ESC] - Exit [ENTER] - Select Menu
Important
The following procedure is only available with a newly-built system or if you are
reinstalling your OS. It should not be used to migrate an existing system to RAID.
92 RAID Configuration
Creating s RAID Volume
1. Select option Create RAID Volume and press Enter key. The following screen
appears.
[ CREATE VOLUME MENU ]
Name : Volume0
RAID Level : RAID1(Mirror)
Disks : Select Disks
Strip Size : N/A
Capacity : XXX.X GB
Sync : N/A
Create Volume
[ HELP ]
RAID 1 : Mirrors data (redundancy) .
[ ↑↓] - Change [TAB] - Next [ESC] - Previous Menu [ENTER] - Select
2. Specify a RAID Volume name and then press the Tab or Enter key to go to the next
field
3. Use the ↑↓←→ arrow keys to select the RAID level best suited to your usage
model in RAID Level.
4. 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.
5. Select the strip size for the RAID array by using the ↑ upper arrow or ↓ down
arrow keys to scroll through the available values, and pressing the Enter key
to select and advance to the next field. The available values range from 4KB to
128 KB in power of 2 increments. The strip size should be chosen based on the
planned drive usage. Here are some typical values:
RAID0 -128KB / RAID10 - 64KB / RAID5 - 64KB.
6. Select the capacity of the volume in the Capacity field. The default value is the
maximum volume capacity of the selected disks.
Important
Since you want to create two volumes, this default size (maximum) needs to be
reduced. Type in a new size for the first volume. As an example: if you want the first
volume to span the first half of the two disks, re-type the size to be half of what is
shown by default. The second volume, when created, will automatically span the
remainder of two hard drives.
7. Go to the Create Volume field and press Enter, a WARNING message will appear
for you to confirm if you are sure to create the RAID volume. Press Y to continue.
RAID Configuration 93
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.
Select option Delete RAID Volume from the main menu screen and press Enter key to
select a RAID volume for deletion. Then press Delete key to delete the selected RAID
volume. The following screen appears.
[ DELETE VOLUME MENU ]
Name Level Drives Capacity Status Bootable
Volume0 RAID1(Mirror) 2 XXX.XGB Normal Yes
[ DELETE VOLUME VERIFICATION ]
ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST!

(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)
HELP “Volume0”?
Are you sure you want to[ delete ] (Y / N) :
Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non-RAID.
WARNING : ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED.

(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)
[ ↑↓] - Select [ESC] - Previous Menu [DEL] - Delete Volume
Press Y key to accept the volume deletion.
Resetting Disks to Non-RAID

Select option Reset Disks to Non-RAID from the main menu screen and press Enter
to delete the RAID volume and remove any RAID structures from the drives. Use the
Space key to select the disks and press Enter key. A confirmation sentence will appear
below, and then press Y key to accept the selection
[ MAIN MENU ]
2. Delete RAID Volume [ RESET RAID DATA4. ] Recovery Volume Options
5. Exit
Resetting RAID disk will remove its RAID structures and revert it
to a non-RAID DISK / VOLUME INFORMATION ]
[ disk.
RAID Volumes : WARNING : Resetting a disk causes all data on the disk to be lost.
None defined. (This does not apply to Recovery volumes)
PhysicalPort Drive: Model Serial #

Devices Size Status
1 Model
Port Device XXXX-XXXXXXXX Serial # XXX.XGB Member
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXSize Type/Status (Vol ID) Disk
2 XXXX-XXXXXXXX
1 XXXX-XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XGB Disk
XXX.XGB Non-RAID Member Disk
Select the disks that should be reset.
[ ↑↓] - Previous/ Next [SPACE] - Selects [ENTER] - Selection Complete
Important
y You will lose all data on the RAID drives and any internal RAID structures when you
perform this operation.
y 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. The following screen appears:
[ RECOVERY VOLUME OPTIONS ]
1. Enable Only Recovery Disk
2. Enable Only Master Disk
[ HELP ]
Enable Only Recovery Disk - enables recovery disk if available and

disables master disk.
Enable Only Master Disk - enables master disk if available and
disables recovery disk.
Actions will result in change from Continuous Update mode to On-Request.
[ ↑↓] - select [ESC] - Previous Menu [ENTER] - Select
Recovery mode will change from Continuous Update to On-Request after you enable
Only Recovery Disk or Only Master Disk.
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.
RAID Volumes
ID Name Level Strip Size Status Bootable
0 Volume0 RAID 1(Mirror) N/A XXX.XGB Degraded Yes
Physical Disks:
Port Device Model Serial # Size Type/Status(Vol ID)
1 XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XGB Member Disk (0)
2 XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XGB Member Disk (0)
Press <CTRL-I> to enter Configuration Utility..
Missing Hard Drive Member

1. Power off.
2. Reconnect the hard drive.
3. Reboot to Windows®; the rebuild will occur automatically.
Failed Hard Drive Member

1. Power off.
2. Replace the failed hard drive with a new one that is of equal or greater capacity.
3. Reboot the system to IRST Option ROM by press Ctrl + I keys during the POST.
4. Select the port of the destination disk for rebuilding, and then press Enter.
[ MAIN MENU ]
[ DEGRADED VOLUME DETECTED ]
2. Delete RAID Volume 4. Recovery Volume Options
“Degraded” volume and disk available 5. for rebuilding
Exit detected. Selecting
a disk initiates a rebuild.[ Rebuild
DISK / completes in the operating] system.
VOLUME INFORMATION
RAID Volumes :
Select the port of the destination disk for rebuilding (ESC to exit):
None defined.
Port Drive Model Serial # Size
1 XXXX-XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XGB
Physical Devices :
Port Device Model Serial # Size Type/Status (Vol ID)
[ ↑↓] - Previous/ Next [ENTER] - Select [ESC] - Exit
5. Exit IRST Option ROM, reboot to Windows . ®
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.
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

1. Access the BIOS setup
2. Switch to Advanced Mode by pressing F7 key.
3. Go to Settings > Advanced > Windows OS Configuration.
4. Set Windows 8.1/10 WHQL Support to Enabled.
5. Go to Settings > Advanced > Integrated Peripherals.
Setting\Advanced\Integrated Peripherals
SATA Configuration
SATA Mode [RAID Mode]
M2_1 Pcie Storage Remapping [Enabled]
M2_2 Pcie Storage Remapping [Enabled]
6. Set SATA Mode to RAID Mode.

7. Set both M2_1 Pcie Storage Remapping and M2_2 Pcie Storage Remapping to
Enabled.
9. Reboot the system and access the BIOS setup again.
11. Go to Settings > Advanced > Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology.
12. Select Create RAID Volume and press Enter key.
...\Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology\
Create RAID Volume
Create RAID Volume
Name: Volume1
RAID Level: [RAID0(Stripe)]
Select Disks:
PCIe, XXXXX XXXXXXXX-XXXX, XXXGB [X]
PCIe, XXXXX XXXXXXXX-XXXX, XXXGB [X]
Strip Size: [XXKB]

Capacity (MB): XXXXXX
Create Volume
13. Enter in a volume name.

14. Select the RAID level.
15. Use Space key to select the both PCIe SSDs.
16. If creating RAID 0, select the Strip Size; it is recommended that it be left at the
default value.
17. Go to the Create Volume field and press Enter.
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.
To remove the M.2 PCIe SSD RAID volume:
1. Access the BIOS setup.
3. Go to Settings > Advanced > Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology.
4. Select a RAID volume and press Enter key.
5. Go to the Delete field and press Enter. The following screen appears
...\RAID VOLUME INFO\
Delete
Delete
Delete the RAID volume?

ALL DATA ON VOLUME WILL BE LOST!
Yes
No
6. Go to the Yes field and press Enter key to accept the volume deletion.

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Unpacking

Drivers & Utilities

Intel® LGA 1151 CPU CPU Fan Thermal Paste

SATA DVD Drive SATA Hard Disk Drive Graphics Card

Phillips Screwdriver A Package of Screws

1 HDD LED + 2 Power LED +

5 Reset Switch 6 Power Switch

Overview of Components .................................................................................... 23

BIOS Setup ........................................................................................................... 38

RAID Configuration .............................................................................................. 92

y 3x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (support x16/x4/x1 modes)

y 1x HDMI™ port, supports a maximum resolution of

Continued on next page

Intel® Z270 Chipset

y ASMedia® ASM2142 Chipset

y 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector

y GAMING LAN MANAGER

2 Channel DDR4 Memory

PCI Express Bus

P/S2 Mouse / Keyboard Audio Jacks

USB 3.1 Gen1 Audio Ports

USB 3.1 Gen2

USB 2.0 Optical S/PDIF-Out

USB 3.1 Gen2 USB 3.1 Gen1

LAN Port LED Status Table

Off No link Off 10 Mbps connection

Yellow Linked Green 100 Mbps connection

Blinking Data activity Orange 1 Gbps connection

Audio Ports Configuration

Center/ Subwoofer Out ● ●

Rear Speaker Out ● ● ●

Line-In/ Side Speaker Out ●

Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out ● ● ● ●

(●: connected, Blank: empty)

20 Rear I/O Panel

Auto popup dialog

Rear I/O Panel 21

Audio jacks to stereo speakers diagram

Audio jacks to 7.1-channel speakers diagram

22 Rear I/O Panel

Port Name Port Type Page

CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1 Power Connectors 31

CPU Socket LGA1151 CPU Socket 25

JAUD1 Front Audio Connector 34

JBAT1 Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper 35

JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector 34

JCOM1 Serial Port Connector 36

JFP1, JFP2 Front Panel Connectors 30

JLED1 RGB LED connector 36

JLPT1 Parallel Port Connector 37

JTPM1 TPM Module Connector 35

JUSB1~2 USB 2.0 Connectors 32

JUSB3~4 USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors 32

M2_1~2 M.2 Slots (Key M) 28

PCI_E1~6 PCIe Expansion Slots 27

SATA1~6 SATA 6Gb/s Connectors 29

Introduction to the LGA 1151 CPU

Memory module installation recommendation