MSI Z490-A PRO

1
Quick Start
Quick Start
Thank you for purchasing the MSI® Z490-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 1200 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 Z490-A PRO Specifications

General

Brand	MSI
Model	Z490-A PRO
Category	Motherboard
Language	English

Summary

Quick Start

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

Overview of Components

Clear CMOS Jumper

Installing OS, Drivers & Utilities

UEFI BIOS

BIOS Setup

Overview of BIOS setup and its importance for system configuration.

Entering BIOS Setup

Key combinations and steps to access the BIOS setup menu.

Resetting BIOS

Methods for restoring BIOS to default settings to resolve issues.

Updating BIOS

Procedures for updating the motherboard's BIOS firmware.

EZ Mode

Basic BIOS interface for viewing system info and making simple settings.

Advanced Mode

Comprehensive BIOS interface for detailed system configuration.

SETTINGS Menu

Options for configuring system parameters, chipset, and boot devices.

OC Menu

Settings for overclocking CPU frequencies and voltages.

HARDWARE MONITOR Menu

Tools for adjusting fan speeds and monitoring system voltages.

RAID Configuration

Creating RAID Volume

Step-by-step guide to setting up RAID arrays for storage.

Removing a RAID Volume

Resetting Disks to Non-RAID

Rebuilding RAID Array

Intel Optane Memory Configuration

Installing the Intel Optane Memory

Steps for installing Optane memory modules and enabling features.

Enable Intel Optane Memory

How to activate Optane memory via the RST software.

Removing the Intel Optane Memory

Procedures to disable and remove Optane memory safely.

Troubleshooting