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MSI X299 TOMAHAWK User Manual

MSI X299 TOMAHAWK
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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
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Table of Contents

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MSI X299 TOMAHAWK Specifications

General IconGeneral
SocketLGA 2066
ChipsetIntel X299
Form FactorATX
Max Memory Support128GB
PCIe x16 Slots3
SATA 6Gb/s8
M.2 Slots2
U.2 Ports1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Rear)4
USB 2.0 (Rear)2
AudioRealtek ALC1220 Codec
RAID Support0, 1, 5, 10
Memory Speed2666/ 2400/ 2133 MHz
Storage InterfaceSATA, M.2, U.2
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Rear)1 x Type-A, 1 x Type-C
LANIntel I219-V Gigabit LAN

Summary

Unpacking

Safety Information

Quick Start

Preparing Tools and Components

Lists essential tools and components for PC assembly.

Installing a Processor

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

Installing DDR4 memory

Detailed instructions for installing DDR4 memory modules.

Connecting the Front Panel Header

Guide for connecting front panel connectors to the motherboard header.

Installing the Motherboard

Instructions on how to physically install the motherboard into the PC case.

Installing SATA Drives

Steps for installing SATA drives (HDD/SSD) into the system.

Installing a Graphics Card

Guide for installing a graphics card into the PCIe slot.

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Connects external devices like keyboard, mouse, monitor, and speakers.

Connecting the Power Connectors

Illustrates connecting ATX and CPU power cables to the motherboard.

Power On

Final steps to power on the computer after assembly.

Specifications

CPU

Details about the supported CPU and socket type.

Chipset

Information about the motherboard's chipset.

Memory

Specifications for DDR4 memory slots and support.

Expansion Slots

Details on PCIe slots and their configurations.

Multi-GPU

Information on multi-GPU support technologies.

LAN

Details about the integrated LAN controller.

Wireless LAN & Bluetooth® (Optional)

Specifications for the optional wireless and Bluetooth module.

Audio

Specifications for the onboard audio codec and features.

USB

Details on USB controller chipsets and port specifications.

Storage

Specifications for SATA, M.2, and U.2 storage interfaces.

RAID

Information on supported RAID levels for storage devices.

Internal Connectors

Lists and describes various internal connectors on the motherboard.

Back Panel Connectors

Lists and describes the connectors on the rear I/O panel.

I/O Controller

Identifies the I/O controller chip used on the motherboard.

Hardware Monitor

Features for monitoring system temperature and fan speeds.

Form Factor

Specifies the physical dimensions of the motherboard.

BIOS Features

Lists key BIOS features and capabilities.

Software

Lists bundled software applications and utilities.

MSI Special Features

Highlights unique MSI features and technologies.

MSI Special Features

Lists unique MSI features and technologies.

Block Diagram

Rear I/O Panel

LAN Port LED Status Table

Explains the status indicators for the LAN port.

Audio Ports Configuration

Diagrams showing audio port connections for different speaker setups.

Realtek HD Audio Manager

Overview and explanation of the Realtek HD Audio Manager software.

Audio Jack Diagrams

Illustrates connections for headphones, speakers, and surround sound.

Installing Antennas (Optional)

Instructions for installing the optional Wi-Fi antennas.

Overview of Components

CPU Socket

Provides information about the LGA 2066 CPU and its alignment keys.

Important

Key safety and installation notes for the CPU socket and installation.

DIMM Slots

Guide for installing memory modules for 4-channel CPU configurations.

Important

Important notes regarding DIMM slot installation and memory compatibility.

Memory module installation recommendation (2-Channels architecture CPU)

Guide for installing memory modules for 2-channel CPU configurations.

PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots

Details on PCIe slots and their configurations.

PCIe slots bandwidth table

Table detailing bandwidth configurations for PCIe slots based on CPU lanes.

Multiple graphics cards installation recommendation

Recommendations for installing multiple graphics cards for optimal performance.

Important

Critical advice for installing PCIe expansion cards.

Installing SLI graphics cards

Instructions for installing and configuring NVIDIA SLI graphics cards.

U2_1: U.2 Connector

Steps for connecting a U.2 SSD to the motherboard.

Important

Important note about U.2 port availability based on PCIe slot usage.

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

Step-by-step guide for installing an M.2 module into the slot.

Using M.2 FROZR

Information on using the M.2 FROZR heatsink for thermal dissipation.

Important

Important notes regarding M.2 module installation and the FROZR.

SATA1~8: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors

Important advice on handling SATA cables to prevent data loss.

PCI_E3/ U.2/ M.2/ SATA Combination table

Table showing compatibility and usage combinations between slots.

M.2 slots with examples of various combination possibilities

Illustrates various possible configurations for M.2 slots with other interfaces.

CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors

Crucial reminder to ensure secure power cable connections for stability.

VRAID1: Virtual RAID on CPU Connector

Explains the connector for the specific Intel module/key for Virtual RAID.

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors

Connects front panel switches and LEDs to the motherboard.

JUSB3, JUSB4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors

Important note on correct power and ground pin connections to prevent damage.

JUSB5: USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Connector

Allows connection of USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C ports on the front panel.

Charger Port

Critical warnings to prevent operating system damage when enabling Optane memory.

JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors

Important note on correct VCC and Ground pin connections to prevent damage.

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector

Connector for the Trusted Platform Module (TPM).

CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors

Important note to check fan operation after switching PWM/DC mode.

JTBT1: Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector

Connector for adding a Thunderbolt I/O card.

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector

Connects front panel audio jacks to the motherboard.

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector

Guide on how to enable and use the chassis intrusion detection feature.

Resetting the chassis intrusion warning

Steps to reset the chassis intrusion warning message.

BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch

Procedure to recover the BIOS using the multi-BIOS switch.

Important

Important warnings regarding the use of the Multi-BIOS switch during boot.

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper

Step-by-step guide to reset BIOS settings to default values.

POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button

Describes the function of the power and reset buttons.

JLED1: RGB LED connector

Important notes on RGB LED strip compatibility, power limits, and software control.

Onboard LEDs

EZ Debug LEDs

Explains the function of EZ Debug LEDs for diagnosing boot issues.

DIMM LEDs

Indicates the function of DIMM LEDs for memory installation status.

XMP LED

Explains the XMP LED status for Extreme Memory Profile mode.

Fan LEDs

Describes LED indicators for fan control modes (PWM/DC).

PCIe x16 slot LEDs

Explains LED indicators for PCIe slot speed status.

Debug Code LED

Hexadecimal Character Table

Table showing hexadecimal characters displayed by the debug code LED.

Boot Phases

Explains the different boot phases indicated by debug codes.

Debug Code LED Table

Comprehensive table detailing debug codes for progress and errors.

BIOS Setup

Entering BIOS Setup

Methods to access the BIOS setup utility.

Resetting BIOS

Procedures for resetting BIOS settings to default values.

Updating BIOS with M-FLASH

Step-by-step guide to update BIOS using the M-FLASH utility.

Updating the BIOS with Live Update 6

Instructions for updating BIOS using the MSI Live Update 6 software.

Updating BIOS with BIOS FLASHBACK+

Guide for updating BIOS using the BIOS FLASHBACK+ feature.

EZ Mode

Important advice regarding changes in OC menu and GAME BOOST function.

Information display

Explains how to display system information within EZ Mode.

Function buttons

Describes the function of various buttons in EZ Mode.

Favorites

How to manage favorite BIOS settings pages in EZ Mode.

Advanced Mode

Overview of the main BIOS menu options available in Advanced Mode.

SETTINGS

Displays system date, time, and connected SATA/M.2/U.2 devices.

System Information

Shows detailed system information like CPU type and BIOS version.

DMI Information

Displays system, board, and chassis information.

Advanced

Access to advanced system settings and configurations.

PEGX - Max Link Speed

Configures PCI Express link speed for PCIe x16 slots.

PCI Latency Timer

Sets the latency timer for PCI interface devices.

Above 4G memory/ Crypto Currency mining

Enables/disables 64-bit device decoding for large memory or mining.

ACPI Settings

Configures onboard power LED behaviors and system power states.

Integrated Peripherals

Manages settings for integrated peripherals like LAN, HDD, USB, and audio.

SATA Mode

Sets the operation mode for onboard SATA controllers (AHCI/RAID).

M.2/Optane Genie

Enables/disables Intel RST support for M.2 PCIe SSDs or Optane memory.

USB Configuration

Configures onboard USB controllers and device functions.

Power Management Setup

Sets system power management behaviors like AC power loss and OS configuration.

Windows OS Configuration

Configures Windows OS specific behaviors like WHQL support and Fast Boot.

MSI Fast Boot

Enables/disables MSI Fast Boot for accelerated system startup.

Secure Boot

Manages Windows secure boot settings for system security.

Secure Boot Mode

Selects the secure boot mode and key loading method.

Wake Up Event Setup

Configures system wake-up behaviors based on various events.

Boot

Configures system boot device sequence and options.

Security

Manages system security settings like administrator and user passwords.

Chassis Intrusion Configuration

Configures the chassis intrusion detection feature and warning messages.

Save & Exit

Options for saving changes, discarding them, and exiting the BIOS setup.

OC

OC Explore Mode

Selects between Normal and Expert views for OC settings.

CPU Ratio Apply Mode

Sets how CPU ratio is applied (All Core or Per Core).

CPU Ratio

Adjusts the CPU ratio to determine CPU clock speed.

Adjusted CPU Frequency

Shows the currently adjusted CPU frequency.

CPU Ratio Mode

Selects the CPU ratio operating mode (Fixed or Dynamic).

CPU Ratio Offset When Running AVX

Adjusts CPU core ratio for heat dissipation during AVX instructions.

Ring Ratio

Sets the ring ratio, affecting CPU performance.

Misc Setting

Accesses settings related to CPU features like EIST and Turbo Boost.

Intel Turbo Boost

Enables or disables Intel Turbo Boost for increased CPU performance.

Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.)

Configures memory overclocking profiles via X.M.P.

DRAM Frequency

Adjusts the DRAM frequency for memory performance tuning.

Advanced DRAM Configuration

Detailed settings for memory timing configuration for all channels.

Memory Fast Boot

Enables or disables memory initiation and training during boot.

SVID Communication

Manages SVID support for dynamic PWM phase adjustment.

CPU Voltages control

Allows manual adjustment of voltages related to the CPU.

DRAM Voltages control

Allows manual adjustment of voltages related to the memory modules.

CPU Specifications

Displays detailed information about the installed CPU.

CPU Features

Configures CPU-specific features like Hyper-Threading and core activation.

Hyper-Threading

Enables or disables Intel Hyper-Threading technology for improved multitasking.

Active Processor Cores

Selects the number of active CPU cores to be utilized.

Intel Virtualization Tech

Enables Intel Virtualization Technology for running multiple OS.

Intel VT-D Tech

Enables or disables Intel VT-D technology for directed I/O.

Hardware Prefetcher

Controls the hardware prefetcher for cache performance tuning.

Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor

Manages Intel adaptive thermal monitor to prevent CPU overheating.

Intel C-State

Controls Intel C-state for processor power management.

CFG Lock

Locks or unlocks the CFG lock bit for system security.

Long Duration Power Limit

Sets the long duration TDP power limit for CPU in Turbo Boost.

CPU Current Limit

Sets the maximum current limit for CPU package in Turbo Boost mode.

FCLK Frequency

Sets the FCLK frequency for early power on.

M-FLASH

OC PROFILE

Software Description

Installing Windows® 10

Step-by-step guide for installing the Windows 10 operating system.

Installing Drivers

Instructions for installing essential system drivers from the disc.

Installing Utilities

Guide for installing bundled software utilities from the driver disc.

APP MANAGER

Manages MSI applications and provides update information.

LIVE UPDATE 6

Instructions for updating system drivers and BIOS using Live Update 6.

Total Installer

Describes the Total Installer feature for simplified software installation.

COMMAND CENTER

Software for adjusting system settings and monitoring status under OS.

CPU Fan

Controls CPU fan speed via Smart or Manual modes.

CPU Voltage

Allows control over CPU voltage settings.

DRAM Frequency & DRAM Voltage

Displays and allows adjustment of DRAM frequency and voltage.

GAME BOOST

Provides specified CPU frequency for overclocking the CPU.

Warning

Configures threshold values for system status warnings.

Mobile Control

Enables remote control of COMMAND CENTER via a mobile device.

Gadget Mode

Monitors system status using a gadget mode interface.

GAMING APP

Application for quick system control and performance enhancement.

OSD Setting Panel

Configures on-screen display (OSD) information within GAMING APP.

Eye Rest

Optimizes display settings to reduce eye strain.

VR Ready

Optimizes system performance for Virtual Reality readiness.

Gaming Hotkey

Provides instant system control via user-defined hotkeys.

Mouse Master

Manages mouse macro functions and DPI settings.

X-BOOST

Selects system performance modes for enhanced speed.

Advance

Enables USB SPEED UP, STORAGE BOOST, and VR BOOST in X-BOOST.

MYSTICLIGHT

Application to control LED lighting effects of MSI products.

Motherboard Screen

Configures LED lighting effects for the motherboard.

MSI SMART TOOL

Utility for creating Windows installation USB drives with USB 3.0 drivers.

SOFTWARE RAID

Utility for creating software RAID volumes in Windows.

RAMDISK

Creates a virtual RAM drive for faster storage access.

GAMING LAN MANAGER

Utility for traffic shaping and optimizing internet connection.

Speed Testing

Guide for testing and configuring internet upload/download speeds.

DRAGON EYE

Allows watching game guides and streams with hotkey controls.

Nahimic 2

Accesses Nahimic 2's audio effects, profiles, and settings.

Microphone Tab

Accesses Nahimic 2's microphone effects and settings.

HD Audio Recorder 2

Features for audio recording and processing within Nahimic 2.

Sound Tracker

Visualizes sound sources in FPS games using DirectX.

Sound Tracker

Details on Sound Tracker functionality and controls.

XSplit Gamecaster V2

Lists hardware and software requirements for XSplit Gamecaster.

Logging

Instructions for logging into XSplit Gamecaster.

Learning stream and record

Guide to learn streaming and recording features in XSplit Gamecaster.

Accounts Tab

Manages social network connections for sharing streams and recordings.

Settings Tab

Configures stream and recording settings, and microphone input.

Recordings Tab

Manages and organizes recorded gameplay videos.

SteelSeries Engine 3

Software for customizing SteelSeries device settings.

Configuring Your Devices

Customizes device settings and configurations within SteelSeries Engine.

Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility

Software for tuning, testing, and monitoring system overclocking.

CPU-Z

Utility that gathers information on system hardware.

TriDef VR

Enables playing PC games in a 3D virtual reality environment.

Games Tab

Manages and launches games within the TriDef VR environment.

VR Controls

Describes controls for recentering and adjusting the VR view.

Settings Popup

Adjusts virtual screen settings, game 3D, and output quality.

TriDef SmartCam

Replaces or blurs backgrounds in video chat or XSplit.

RAID Configuration

Using Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM

Guide to enter and use the Intel RST Option ROM for RAID setup.

Creating s RAID Volume

Step-by-step process for creating a RAID volume using Intel RST.

Removing a RAID Volume

Instructions for deleting a RAID volume and resetting disks.

Resetting Disks to Non-RAID

Process to remove RAID structures and revert disks to non-RAID status.

Recovery Volume Options

Options for configuring recovery volumes for RAID arrays.

Degraded RAID Array

Explains degraded RAID status and procedures to restore data redundancy.

Failed Hard Drive Member

Steps to replace a failed hard drive and rebuild the RAID array.

M.2 PCIe SSD RAID

Guide to create M.2 PCIe SSD RAID using M.2/Optane Genie.

Creating a M.2 PCIe SSD RAID with UEFI BIOS

Guide to create M.2 PCIe SSD RAID using UEFI BIOS settings.

Create RAID Volume

Detailed steps for creating a RAID volume for M.2 PCIe SSDs.

Removing a M.2 PCIe SSD RAID Volume with M.2/Optane Genie

Instructions to remove M.2 PCIe SSD RAID using M.2/Optane Genie.

Removing a M.2 PCIe SSD RAID Volume with UEFI BIOS

Instructions to remove M.2 PCIe SSD RAID using UEFI BIOS.

Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration

System Requirements

Lists the requirements for installing Intel® Optane™ memory.

Installing the Intel® Optane™ memory

Step-by-step guide for installing the Intel® Optane™ memory module.

Enable Intel® Optane™ Memory

Instructions to enable Intel® Optane™ Memory via the application.

WARNING

Critical warnings to prevent operating system damage when enabling Optane memory.

Removing the Intel® Optane™ memory

Steps to disable and remove the Intel® Optane™ memory module.

Troubleshooting

Common System Issues

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

Regulatory Notices

Copyright

Trademark Recognition

Revision History

Technical Support

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