MSI MEG Z490 UNIFY - User Manual

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Quick Start
Quick Start
Thank you for purchasing the MSI® MEG Z490 UNIFY motherboard. This Quick Start
section provides demonstration diagrams about how to install your computer. Some
of the installations also provide video demonstrations. Please link to the URL to watch
it with the web browser on your phone or tablet. You may have even link to the URL by
scanning the QR code.
Preparing Tools and Components
Intel® LGA 1200 CPU
CPU Fan
DDR4 Memory
Graphics Card
SATA Hard Disk Drive
SATA DVD Drive
Phillips Screwdriver
Chassis
Power Supply Unit
A Package of Screws
Thermal Paste

MSI MEG Z490 UNIFY Specifications

General

Brand	MSI
Model	MEG Z490 UNIFY
Category	Motherboard
Language	English

Summary

Safety Information

General Safety Precautions

Lists essential safety guidelines for handling components and assembly.

Installing a Processor

Installing DDR4 Memory

Connecting the Front Panel Header

Installing the Motherboard

Connecting the Power Connectors

Installing SATA Drives

Installing a Graphics Card

Specifications

Rear I;O Panel

Clear CMOS and Flash BIOS Buttons

Describes essential rear panel buttons.

Overview of Components

CPU, Memory, and Expansion Slots

Covers CPU socket, DIMM slots, and PCIe slots.

Storage and Front Panel Interfaces

Details M.2, SATA, and front panel connectors.

Power, USB, Audio, and Internal Headers

Power connectors, USB, Audio, and other internal headers.

BIOS, Overclocking, and Fan Controls

Jumpers, buttons, and fan connectors.

Lighting and Special Connectivity

Onboard LEDs

EZ Debug, XMP, and LED Power Input

Describes key onboard LEDs and their purpose.

EZ LED Control and Debug Code LED

Switch for LED control and POST code display.

Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities

Installing Windows 10

Guide for Windows 10 OS installation.

Installing Drivers

Procedure for installing system drivers.

Installing Utilities

UEFI BIOS

Incompatible UEFI Cases

BIOS Setup

Entering BIOS Setup

Steps to access BIOS settings.

BIOS Reset and Update

Resetting BIOS to Defaults

Methods to restore BIOS to default settings.

Updating BIOS with M-FLASH

Using M-FLASH for BIOS updates.

Advanced BIOS Update Methods

Updating BIOS with MSI DRAGON CENTER

Updating BIOS via software.

Updating BIOS with Flash BIOS Button

Using the dedicated BIOS update button.

OC Menu for Overclocking

OC Explore Mode and Extreme OC Setup

CPU Ratio and Core Grouping Settings

Advanced CPU and Frequency Settings

Memory and Voltage Configuration

CPU, DRAM, and PCH Voltage Controls

M-FLASH Menu for BIOS Update

OC PROFILE Menu

Overclocking Profile Management

HARDWARE MONITOR Menu

Smart Fan Functionality

RAID Configuration

RAID Level Comparison

Enabling Intel Rapid Storage Technology

Steps to enable RAID support.

Creating RAID Volume

Removing a RAID Volume

Resetting Disks to Non-RAID

Rebuilding RAID Array

RAID Driver and Software Installation

Installing RAID Driver

Installing drivers for RAID during OS setup.

Installing Intel Rapid Storage Technology Software

Installing the management software.

Intel Optane Memory Configuration

System Requirements for Optane Memory

Installing Intel Optane Memory Module

Guide for installing Optane modules.

Enabling Intel Optane Memory in OS

Activating Optane memory in software.

Removing the Intel Optane Memory

Disabling Intel Optane Memory

Steps to disable Optane before removal.

Disabling M.2;Optane Genie in BIOS

BIOS setting to disable Optane functionality.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Power and Display Problems

Diagnosing power-on and monitor signal issues.

Boot Failure and BIOS Issues

Resolving boot problems and lost BIOS passwords.

Audio, Network, and USB Problems

Diagnosing issues with audio, network, and USB devices.