MSI X299 TOMAHAWK AC User Manual

1
Unpacking
Unpacking
Thank you for buying the MSI
®
X299 TOMAHAWK/ X299 TOMAHAWK AC 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
I/O Shield
Motherboard
SATA Cable Labels
* These pictures are for reference only and may vary without notice.
** The packing contents may vary according to the country you purchased.
SATA Cable x2
Antenna x2
(Optional)
SLI HB Bridge M x1
Case Badge

MSI X299 TOMAHAWK AC Specifications

General

Brand	MSI
Model	X299 TOMAHAWK AC
Category	Motherboard
Language	English

Summary

Safety Information

Quick Start

Installing a Processor

Step-by-step guide for installing the CPU onto the motherboard.

Installing DDR4 Memory

Instructions for correctly inserting DDR4 memory modules into slots.

Connecting the Front Panel Header

Diagram and guide for connecting front panel case connectors.

Installing the Motherboard

Procedure for mounting the motherboard inside the computer chassis.

Installing SATA Drives

Guide for connecting SATA storage devices like SSDs and HDDs.

Installing a Graphics Card

Steps for inserting a graphics card into the PCIe slot.

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Connecting the Power Connectors

Diagrams for connecting ATX and CPU power supply cables.

Power On Procedure

Steps to power on the system and initiate boot-up.

Block Diagram

Rear I/O Panel

Overview of Components

CPU Socket

DIMM Slots

PCIe Expansion Slots

Multi-Graphics Card Installation

Installing SLI Graphics Cards

Procedure for setting up NVIDIA SLI configurations with graphics cards.

M.2 Slots (Key M)

M.2 Module Installation and FROZR Usage

SATA Connectors

Power Connectors

ATX and CPU Power Connections

Details on connecting ATX and CPU power supply cables to the motherboard.

Front Panel Connectors

Fan Connectors

Multi-BIOS Switch

BIOS Recovery Procedures

Steps for recovering BIOS using the Multi-BIOS switch feature.

Clear CMOS Jumper

Resetting BIOS Defaults and Power/Reset Buttons

RGB LED Connector

RGB LED Connection and Control

Debug Code LED

BIOS Setup

Entering BIOS Setup and Function Keys

Methods to enter BIOS and a list of BIOS setup function keys.

BIOS Resetting and Updating Methods

Procedures for resetting BIOS and updating it via M-FLASH or Live Update.

BIOS Update via BIOS FLASHBACK+

Instructions for updating BIOS using the dedicated BIOS FLASHBACK+ feature.

EZ Mode Interface Overview

Advanced Mode Overview

SETTINGS Menu and System Status

Details on the SETTINGS menu, system date/time, and status information.

OC Menu Overview

Introduction to the Overclocking (OC) menu and its explore modes.

M-FLASH BIOS Update Utility

Procedure for updating the motherboard BIOS using a USB flash drive.

OC PROFILE Management

Managing overclocking profiles, saving, loading, and naming profiles.

Software Description

Installing Windows, Drivers, and Utilities

Guides for installing the operating system, drivers, and system utilities.

APP MANAGER Overview

LIVE UPDATE 6 Functionality

LIVE UPDATE 6 Total Installer

COMMAND CENTER Overview and Controls

Introduction to COMMAND CENTER for system monitoring and adjustment.

COMMAND CENTER Game Boost and Settings

GAMING APP Interface and Controls

Gaming Hotkey Functionality

Mouse Master Features and Controls

X-BOOST Modes and Features

Description of X-BOOST modes for system performance enhancement.

MYSTICLIGHT Main Screen and Controls

MYSTICLIGHT Motherboard Screen Controls

MSI SMART TOOL Usage for USB Drives

Guide for creating Windows installation USB drives with MSI SMART TOOL.

SOFTWARE RAID Configuration

Procedure for creating software RAID volumes in Windows.

RAMDISK Creation and Settings

Guide for creating and configuring a virtual RAM disk.

GAMING LAN MANAGER Overview and Configuration

Description of GAMING LAN MANAGER for network traffic shaping.

GAMING LAN MANAGER Speed Testing

Procedure for testing network upload and download speeds.

DRAGON EYE Features and Controls

Nahimic 2 Installation and Audio Features

Nahimic 2 Microphone and Sound Tracker Features

XSplit Gamecaster Overview and Account Setup

XSplit Gamecaster Streaming and Recording

XSplit Gamecaster Settings and Tabs

XSplit Gamecaster Recordings Management

SteelSeries Engine 3 Overview and Configuration

SteelSeries Engine 3 Device Configuration

Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility

CPU-Z Utility and Tabs

TriDef VR Tabs and Controls

TriDef VR Settings and Options

RAID Configuration

Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) Option ROM

RAID Volume Management

Procedures for creating, removing, resetting RAID volumes, and handling degraded arrays.

M.2 PCIe SSD RAID Configuration

Creating and Removing M.2 PCIe SSD RAID

Guides for creating and removing M.2 RAID using Optane Genie or UEFI BIOS.

Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration

Installing Intel Optane Memory

Step-by-step guide for installing and enabling Intel Optane memory.

Removing Intel Optane Memory

Procedure for disabling and removing Intel Optane memory module.

Troubleshooting

Intel Optane Memory Troubleshooting

Steps to troubleshoot issues with Intel Optane memory and SATA mode.

General System Troubleshooting Steps

Common issues like no power, no signal, boot failures, audio, network, and USB problems.