MSI Z270 TOMAHAWK - User Manual

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Unpacking
Unpacking
Thank you for buying the MSI
®
Z270 TOMAHAWK 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 x2
Drivers & Utilities
Disc
Motherboard User
Guide
I/O Shield
Motherboard

MSI Z270 TOMAHAWK Specifications

General

Chipset	Intel Z270
Form Factor	ATX
Socket	LGA 1151
Memory Slots	4 x DIMM
Max Memory	64 GB
Audio	Realtek ALC892 Codec
LAN	Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN
RAID Support	RAID 0, 1, 5, 10
Storage	6 x SATA 6Gb/s, 1 x M.2
USB Ports	6 x USB 2.0
Multi-GPU Support	AMD CrossFireX
Memory Speed	DDR4 2133/2400 MHz
PCIe Slots	2 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 3 x PCIe 3.0 x1

Summary

Unpacking

Safety Information

Quick Start

Preparing Tools and Components

Lists essential tools and components for motherboard installation.

Installing a Processor

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

Installing DDR4 Memory

Instructions for inserting DDR4 memory modules into the DIMM slots.

Connecting the Front Panel Header

Details on connecting the front panel connectors to the motherboard header.

Installing the Motherboard

Guide on how to physically mount the motherboard inside the computer chassis.

Installing SATA Drives

Instructions for connecting SATA drives like HDDs and SSDs to the motherboard.

Installing a Graphics Card

Steps for installing a graphics card into the PCIe slot.

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Illustrates connecting external devices like keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

Connecting the Power Connectors

Guide on connecting ATX and CPU power connectors from the PSU.

Power On

Steps for connecting power cords and turning on the computer for the first time.

Specifications

CPU

Details supported CPU types, socket, and core specifications.

Memory

Information on DDR4 memory slots, capacity, and supported speeds.

Expansion Slots

Lists available PCIe slots and their configurations.

Storage

Information on SATA and M.2 storage interfaces and compatibility.

Back Panel Connectors

Details the ports and connectors available on the rear I/O panel.

Software

Lists included software utilities and their functions.

Block Diagram

Rear I;O Panel

LAN Port LED Status Table

Explains the meaning of LAN port LEDs for link and activity status.

Audio Ports Configuration

Illustrates how to connect speakers and audio devices to the audio jacks.

Overview of Components

CPU Socket

Describes the CPU socket type and installation guidelines.

DIMM Slots

Details the memory slots, their configuration, and installation recommendations.

PCIe Expansion Slots

Explains the different PCIe slots and their compatibility.

M.2 Slots (Key M)

Information on M.2 slots, their keying, and installation of M.2 modules.

Front Panel Connectors

Identifies and explains the front panel connector pinouts.

Power Connectors

Details the ATX and CPU power connector pinouts and specifications.

Fan Connectors

Explains PWM and DC fan connectors and their pin definitions.

Clear CMOS Jumper

Describes the function and location of the Clear CMOS jumper.

BIOS Setup

Entering BIOS Setup

Methods to access the BIOS setup utility during system boot.

EZ Mode

Basic BIOS interface for easy configuration and system information display.

Advanced Mode

Comprehensive BIOS interface for detailed system settings and advanced options.

SETTINGS

Configuration options for system date, time, SATA, and advanced peripherals.

OC

Overclocking settings for CPU, memory, and voltages for performance tuning.

M-FLASH

Utility for updating the BIOS using a USB flash drive.

RAID Configuration

Creating a RAID Volume

Step-by-step process to create RAID volumes using Intel RST Option ROM.

Removing a RAID Volume

Procedure to delete existing RAID volumes and reset disks.

M.2 PCIe SSD RAID

Guide for creating RAID volumes specifically for M.2 PCIe SSDs.