MSI z170a GAMING M9 ACK User Manual

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Unpacking
Unpacking
Thank you for buying the MSI
®
Z170A GAMING M9 ACK motherboard. Check to
make sure your motherboard box contains the following items. If something is missing,
contact your dealer as soon as possible.
SATA Cable x6
SLI Bridge
Connector
Drivers & Utilities
Disc
Motherboard User
Guide
I/O Shield
Motherboard
Antenna x2
Door Hanger
Quick Guide
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
module
Modular Screws
package

MSI z170a GAMING M9 ACK Specifications

General

Chipset	Intel Z170
CPU Socket	LGA 1151
Memory Support	DDR4
Memory Slots	4
Max Memory	64 GB
Form Factor	ATX
USB Ports	8 x USB 3.1 Gen1, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen2, 6 x USB 2.0
SATA 6Gb/s	6
M.2 Slots	2
SATA Express	1
PCIe 3.0 x16 Slots	3
PCIe 3.0 x1 Slots	3
Multi-GPU Support	2-Way SLI, 3-Way CrossFire
Audio	Realtek ALC1150
LAN	Killer E2400 Gigabit LAN
Bluetooth	4.1
Memory Speed	DDR4-3600 (OC)
RAID Support	RAID 0, 1, 5, 10

Summary

Unpacking

Safety Information

Quick Start

Preparing Tools and Components

Lists necessary tools and components for motherboard installation.

Installing a Processor

Step-by-step guide to install the CPU onto the motherboard.

Installing DDR4 memory

Instructions for correctly inserting DDR4 RAM modules into the slots.

Connecting the Front Panel Header

Guide for connecting front panel case connectors to the motherboard.

Installing the Motherboard

Steps for physically mounting the motherboard inside the computer case.

Installing SATA Drives

Instructions for connecting SATA storage devices like HDDs and SSDs.

Installing a Graphics Card

Guide for installing a graphics card into the PCIe slot.

Connecting Peripheral Devices

How to connect external devices like mouse, keyboard, and monitor.

Connecting the Power Connectors

Steps for connecting the main power supply connectors to the motherboard.

Power On

Final steps to power on the system after assembly.

Specifications

CPU and Chipset

Details about supported CPU models, socket type, and motherboard chipset.

Memory and Expansion Slots

Specifications for DDR4 memory, capacity, and PCIe expansion slot configurations.

Onboard Graphics and Multi-GPU

Information on integrated graphics ports, resolutions, and multi-GPU support.

Storage and RAID

Specifications for SATA, SATAe, M.2 storage, and supported RAID levels.

USB, Audio, LAN, and Wireless

Details on USB, Audio, LAN, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth interfaces and features.

Connectors and I/O Controller

Lists and describes rear I/O panel and internal motherboard connectors, and I/O controller.

Hardware Monitor and BIOS Features

Features for system monitoring and overview of BIOS capabilities.

Enthusiast Gaming and MSI Exclusive Features

Highlights gaming features and unique MSI technologies.

Specification Highlights

Summarizes key technological features and support.

Block Diagram

Rear I/O Panel

LAN Port LED Status and Audio Ports

Explains LAN port LEDs and audio port configurations for connectivity.

Cmedia Xtreme Audio DAC

Details the functionality and interface of the Xtreme Audio DAC software.

Overview of Components

CPU Socket and DIMM Slots

Introduction to CPU socket and guide for installing DIMM memory modules.

PCIe Expansion Slots

Details on PCIe slot types, speeds, and multiple graphics card configurations.

SATA and SATAe Connectors

Description of SATA 6Gb/s and SATA Express connectors for storage.

M.2 Slots

Guide for installing M.2 modules and supported interfaces.

GAME BOOST Knob and Power Connectors

Explanation of GAME BOOST and motherboard power connectors.

Front Panel Connectors and USB Ports

Details on front panel connectors for case switches, LEDs, and USB ports.

Front Audio Connector and Fan Connectors

Guide for front audio jacks and explanation of fan connectors.

Chassis Intrusion, BIOS FLASHBACK+, HOTKEY, and CMOS Jumper

Details on security connectors, BIOS buttons, HOTKEY switch, and CMOS jumper.

BIOS Setup

Entering and Updating BIOS

Methods to access BIOS and procedures for updating it via M-FLASH or Live Update.

EZ Mode and Advanced Mode

Overview of the basic EZ mode and the advanced BIOS interface for configuration.

Settings Configuration

Options for configuring system date, time, and integrated peripherals.

USB and Power Management

Settings for controlling USB ports and system power management behaviors.

Boot and Security Settings

Options related to system boot sequence, passwords, and secure boot.

Overclocking (OC) Settings

Settings for adjusting CPU, memory, and voltage for overclocking.

Software Description

Installing OS, Drivers, and Utilities

Guide for installing Windows OS, essential drivers, and bundled software utilities.

MSI Utilities Overview

Introduction to core MSI utilities like Command Center, Gaming App, and Live Update.

System Monitoring, Fan Control, and Gaming Features

Controls for monitoring system status, fan speed, and gaming optimizations.

Software Updates and System Tools

Using Live Update 6 and Total Installer for software management.

Gaming Hotkey, Mouse Control, ECO CENTER, and M-CLOUD

Hotkey customization, mouse control, power saving, and network sharing utilities.

XSplit Gamecaster V2

Software for recording and streaming gameplay with an in-game overlay.

Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility

Utility for overclocking, tuning, and monitoring system performance.

RAID Configuration

Intel® Rapid Storage Technology

Guide to entering and using the Intel RST Option ROM for RAID setup.

Creating and Managing RAID Volumes

Step-by-step instructions for creating, removing, and resetting RAID volumes.

Handling Degraded RAID Arrays

Information on managing RAID arrays with failed or disconnected hard drives.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Solutions for common problems like no power, no signal, boot failures, and connectivity issues.

Regulatory Notices

FCC and Battery Compliance

Compliance information regarding FCC regulations and battery disposal guidelines.

WEEE and Environmental Policy

Information on environmental compliance and proper disposal of electronic waste.