MSI MPG Z490 GAMING EDGE WIFI User Manual

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Quick Start
Quick Start
Thank you for purchasing the MSI® MPG Z490 GAMING EDGE WIFI 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 MPG Z490 GAMING EDGE WIFI Specifications

General

Chipset	Intel Z490
CPU Socket	LGA 1200
Form Factor	ATX
Memory Slots	4
Max Memory	128 GB
Memory Type	DDR4
M.2 Slots	2
Storage Interface	6 x SATA 6Gb/s
Wireless	Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.1
Audio	Realtek ALC1200 Codec
LAN	Realtek RTL8125B 2.5G LAN
RGB Headers	2 x 4-pin RGB, 2 x 3-pin ARGB
Memory Speed	4800MHz (OC)
USB Ports	1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2 x USB 2.0
PCIe Slots	2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (x16/x4 mode), 3 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots

Summary

Safety Information and Installation Steps

General Safety Precautions

Outlines critical safety guidelines for handling components, preventing ESD damage, and ensuring safe installation.

Installing a Processor

Step-by-step guide for installing the CPU onto the motherboard socket and attaching the CPU cooler.

Installing DDR4 Memory

Instructions for properly inserting DDR4 memory modules into the motherboard's DIMM slots.

Connecting Front Panel Headers

Installing the Motherboard

Guide on how to securely mount the motherboard inside the computer chassis using standoffs and screws.

Connecting Power Connectors

Instructions for connecting the main ATX power and CPU power connectors from the PSU to the motherboard.

Installing SATA Drives

Installing a Graphics Card

Visual guide on how to install a graphics card into the appropriate PCIe slot and secure it.

Powering On the System

System Specifications Overview

Rear I/O Panel and Connectivity

Motherboard Component Overview

CPU Socket Installation and Handling

Detailed instructions and safety advice for installing the CPU into the LGA 1200 socket.

DIMM Slot Configuration and Usage

Recommendations for installing memory modules in DIMM slots for dual-channel mode and optimal stability.

PCIe Expansion Slot Details

Power Connector Pinouts

Explains the pin configurations for the ATX_PWR1 and CPU_PWR1 power connectors on the motherboard.

Front Panel and Audio Headers

M.2 Slot Installation Guide

Fan Connector Types and Control

Onboard LED Indicators

Operating System, Drivers, and Utilities

Installing OS, Drivers, and Utilities

Step-by-step guide for installing the operating system, essential drivers, and system utilities.

UEFI BIOS Configuration

UEFI BIOS Introduction and Advantages

Entering and Navigating BIOS Setup

Guide to entering BIOS setup and explains the function of various keys for navigation and operations.

BIOS Reset and Update Methods

Instructions for resetting BIOS settings to default and updating the BIOS using M-FLASH.

Updating BIOS with MSI Dragon Center

BIOS Settings and Parameter Configuration

Overclocking (OC) Menu Options

Details various overclocking settings for CPU ratios, frequencies, voltages, and memory timings.

M-FLASH BIOS Update Utility

Step-by-step guide for updating the motherboard BIOS using the M-FLASH utility with a USB flash drive.

OC Profile Management

Hardware Monitor and Fan Control

RAID Configuration and Management

Enabling Intel RST and Understanding RAID Levels

Explains different RAID levels (0, 1, 5, 10) and the process to enable Intel Rapid Storage Technology.

Creating, Managing, and Rebuilding RAID Volumes

Installing RAID Drivers and Software

Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration

System Requirements and Optane Memory Installation

Disabling and Removing Optane Memory

Troubleshooting Common Issues