MSI X299-A PRO

1
Quick Start
Quick Start
Thank you for purchasing the MSI® X299-A PRO 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 2066 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 X299-A PRO Specifications

General

Brand	MSI
Model	X299-A PRO
Category	Motherboard
Language	English

Summary

Quick Start Guide

Preparing Tools and Components

Lists essential tools and components needed for computer assembly.

Safety Information

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

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Power On

Specifications

Package Contents

Block Diagram

Rear IO Panel

LAN Port LED Status Table

Explanation of LAN port LEDs indicating network connection status.

Audio Ports Configuration

Diagram showing audio port assignments for different speaker setups.

Realtek Audio Console

Overview of Components

CPU Socket

DIMM Slots

PCIe Expansion Slots

Power Connectors

Front Panel Connectors

M.2 Slots

U.2 Connector

SATA Connectors

Virtual RAID on CPU Connector

Front Audio Connector

Fan Connectors

USB 2.0 Connectors

USB 3.2 Gen1 Connectors

USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C Connector

Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector

Multi-BIOS Switch

Power and Reset Buttons

Clear CMOS Jumper

Chassis Intrusion Connector

RGB LED Connector

Onboard LEDs

Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities

BIOS Setup

Entering BIOS Setup

Methods for accessing the BIOS setup utility during system boot.

BIOS Management

Procedures for resetting and updating the system BIOS.

EZ Mode Overview

Introduction to the EZ Mode interface and its basic settings.

Advanced Mode Overview

Introduction to the Advanced Mode interface and its main menus.

Key BIOS Settings

Details on core settings like System Status, Advanced, Boot, Security, and Save & Exit.

Overclocking and Memory Settings

Advanced settings for CPU overclocking, frequency, timings, and voltages.

CPU Features and Power Management

Options for CPU technology support, features, and power management.

RAID Configuration

Enabling Intel Rapid Storage Technology

Steps to enable Intel Rapid Storage Technology in BIOS for RAID setup.

Creating and Managing RAID Volumes

Guide on creating, removing, and resetting RAID volumes.

Rebuilding and Installing RAID Drivers

Procedures for rebuilding RAID arrays and installing necessary RAID drivers.

Intel Optane Memory Configuration

System Requirements and Installation

Requirements and steps to install Intel Optane memory module.

Removing Intel Optane Memory

Procedure to safely disable and remove Intel Optane memory.

Troubleshooting