MSI Z97 Gaming 3 Manual

							xi
 ▍CONTENTS
Preface ........................................................................\
....................................i
Copyright Notice .....................................................................................................\
.. ii
Trademarks .....................................................................................................\
......... ii
Revision History  .....................................................................................................\
.. ii
Smartphone Application  .......................................................................................... iii
Technical Support  ................................................................................................... iii
Safety Instructions ................................................................................................... iv
FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement  ...................................................v
CE Conformity .....................................................................................................\
.... v
Radiation Exposure Statement  ............................................................................... vi
European Community Compliance Statement  ........................................................vi
Taiwan Wireless Statements  ................................................................................... vi
Japan VCCI Class B Statement  .............................................................................. vi
Korea Warning Statements  ..................................................................................... vi
Battery Information ................................................................................................. vii
Chemical Substances Information  ......................................................................... vii
WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Statement  ...........................viii
Chapter 1 Getting Started........................................................................\
....1-1
Packing Contents  ................................................................................................. 1-2
Optional Accessories  ........................................................................................... 1-2
Assembly Precautions  .......................................................................................... 1-3
Motherboard Specifications  .................................................................................. 1-4
Connectors Quick Guide  ...................................................................................... 1-7
Back Panel Quick Guide  ...................................................................................... 1-9
CPU (Central Processing Unit)  .......................................................................... 1-11
Introduction to the LGA 1150 CPU  .............................................................. 1-11
CPU & Heatsink Installation  ......................................................................... 1-12
Memory .....................................................................................................\
......... 1-15
Dual-Channel mode Population Rule  .......................................................... 1-15
Mounting Screw Holes  ....................................................................................... 1-16
Power Supply  .....................................................................................................\
 1-17
JPWR1~2: ATX Power Connectors  ............................................................. 1-17
Expansion Slots  ................................................................................................. 1-18
PCI_E1~4: PCIe Expansion Slots  ................................................................ 1-18
PCI1~3: PCI Slots ........................................................................................ 1-18
Video/ Graphics Cards   ...................................................................................... 1-19
Single Video Card Installation  ...................................................................... 1-19
Internal Connectors  ............................................................................................ 1-20
SATA1~6: SATA Connectors ...................................................................... 1-20
Preface 
Preface  
						

							xii
CPUFAN1~2,SYSFAN1~3: Fan Power Connectors ....................................1-21
JFP1, JFP2: System Panel Connectors ...................................................... 1-22
JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Expansion Connectors  .................................................1-23
JUSB3: USB 3.0 Expansion Connector  .......................................................1-23
JAUD1: Front Panel Audio Connector  .........................................................1-24
AUDPWR1: Direct Audio Power Connector  ................................................1-24
JLPT1: Parallel Port Connector  ................................................................... 1-25
M2_1: M.2 Port ............................................................................................ 1-25
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector  ................................................................ 1-26
JCOM1: Serial Port Connector  .................................................................... 1-26
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector  .............................................................. 1-26
Jumpers ....................................................................................................\
......... 1-27
JBAT1: Clear CMOS Jumper ....................................................................... 1-27
Switch .....................................................................................................\
............ 1-28
AUD_SW1: Audio Power Switch  .................................................................. 1-28
LED Status Indicators ........................................................................................ 1-29
LED Status Table ......................................................................................... 1-29
Drivers and Utilities  ............................................................................................ 1-30
Driver/ Utilities Installation  ........................................................................... 1-30
Chapter 2 Quick Installation .......................................................................\
.2-1
CPU Installation ................................................................................................... 2-2
Memory Installation  .............................................................................................. 2-4
Motherboard Installation  ....................................................................................... 2-5
Power Connectors Installation  ............................................................................. 2-7
SATA HDD Installation  ......................................................................................... 2-9
M.2 module Installation  ...................................................................................... 2-10
Front Panel Connector Installation  ..................................................................... 2-11
JFP1 Connector Installation  ......................................................................... 2-11
Front Panel Audio Connector Installation  ....................................................2-11
Peripheral Connector Installation  ....................................................................... 2-12
USB2.0 Connector Installation  ..................................................................... 2-12
USB3.0 Connector Installation  ..................................................................... 2-12
Graphics Card Installation  .................................................................................. 2-13
Chapter 3 BIOS Setup .......................................................................\
..........3-1
Entering Setup ....................................................................................................\
. 3-2
Entering BIOS Setup ..................................................................................... 3-2
Overview .....................................................................................................\
......... 3-3
Operation  ....................................................................................................\
......... 3-6
Updating BIOS .....................................................................................................\
 3-7
Updating the BIOS with M-FLASH ................................................................. 3-7
Preface
Preface  
						

							xiii
SETTINGS .....................................................................................................\
...... 3-8
System Status ................................................................................................ 3-8
Advanced  ....................................................................................................... 3-9
Boot ............................................................................................................. 3-15
Security ........................................................................................................ 3-16
Save & Exit .................................................................................................. 3-17
OC .....................................................................................................\
................. 3-18
M-FLASH ....................................................................................................\
....... 3-28
OC PROFILE ....................................................................................................\
. 3-29
HARDWARE MONITOR .................................................................................... 3-30
Appendix A Realtek Audio ........................................................................\
..A-1
Software Configuration ......................................................................................... A-2
Software panel overview  ................................................................................ A-2
Auto popup dialog  .......................................................................................... A-3
Hardware Default Setting  ..................................................................................... A-4
Appendix B Intel RAID (optional) ................................................................B-1
Introduction ....................................................................................................\
...... B-2
Using Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM ............................................B-3
Degraded RAID Array  ........................................................................................ B-10
System Acceleration (optional)  .......................................................................... B-12
RST Synchronization (optional)  ......................................................................... B-14
Appendix C Intel SBA (optional) .................................................................C-1
Prerequisites .....................................................................................................\
.. C-2
Installing Intel SBA .............................................................................................. C-3
Software Configuration  ........................................................................................ C-3
Software panel overview  ............................................................................... C-3
Password settings  ......................................................................................... C-4
Help Button  ....................................................................................................\
..... C-4
Preface 
Preface  
						

							Chapter 1
Getting Started
Thank you for choosing the Z97 GAMING 3/ H97 GAMING 3/ B85 GAMING 3 
Series (MS-7918 v1.X) ATX motherboard. The Z97 GAMING 3/ H97 GAMING 3/ B85 GAMING 3  Series motherboards are based on Intel® Z97/ H97/ B85 
chipset for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced Intel® LGA1150 processor, the Z97 GAMING 3/ H97 GAMING 3/ B85 GAMING 3 
Series motherboards deliver a high performance and professional desktop \
platform solution. 
						

							1-2
Packing Contents
* These pictures are for reference only and may vary without notice.
* The packing contents may vary according to the model you purchased.
* If you need to purchase the optional accessories or request part numbe\
rs, please 
visit the MSI website at http://www.msi.com/index.php or consult the dea\
ler.SATA Cable
Optional Accessories
M-Connector
Drivers & Utilities 
DiscMotherboardUser Guide I/O ShieldMotherboard
Chapter 1 
Getting Started  
						

							1-3
Assembly Precautions
 
■ The components included in this package are prone to damage from electro\
static 
discharge (ESD). Please adhere to the following instructions to ensure\
 successful 
computer assembly. 
 
■ Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet 
before installing or removing any computer component.
 
■ Ensure that all components are securely connected. Loose connections may\
 cause 
the computer to not recognize a component or fail to start. 
 
■ Hold the motherboard by the edges to avoid touching sensitive components\
. 
 
■ It is recommended to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap\
 when 
handling the motherboard to prevent electrostatic damage. If an ESD wris\
t strap is 
not available, discharge yourself of static electricity by touching anot\
her metal object 
before handling the motherboard. 
 
■ Store the motherboard in an electrostatic shielding container or on an a\
ntistatic pad 
whenever the motherboard is not installed. 
 
■ Before turning on the computer, ensure that there are no loose screws or\
 metal 
components on the motherboard or anywhere within the computer case.
 
■ Do not use the computer in a high-temperature environment.
 
■ Do not boot the computer before installation is completed. This could ca\
use 
permanent damage to the components as well as injury to the user. 
 
■ If you need help during any installation step, please consult a certified computer 
technician.
 Important
A screwdriver (not included) may be required for computer assembly. 
Chapter 1 
Getting Started  
						

							1-4
Motherboard Specifications
CPU Support 
■ Z97 GAMING 3/ H97 GAMING 3
 
- Supports 4th and 5th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors, and 
Intel® Pentium® and Celeron® Processors for Socket LGA1150
 
■ B85 GAMING 3
 
- Supports 4th Generation Intel
® Core™ Processors, and Intel® 
Pentium® and Celeron® Processors for Socket LGA1150
Chipset  
■ Intel® Z97/ H97/ B85 Express Chipset
Memory Support  
■ 4x DDR3 memory slots supporting up to 32GB
 
■ Z97 GAMING 3 supports DDR3 3200(OC)/3100(OC)/ 3000(OC)/ 
2800(OC)/ 2666(OC)/ 2600(OC)/ 2400(OC)/ 2200(OC)/ 2133(OC)/ \
2000(OC)/ 1866(OC)/ 1600/ 1333/ 1066 MHz
 
■ H97 GAMING 3 and B85 GAMING 3 supports DDR3 1600/ 1333/ 
1066 MHz
 
■ Dual channel memory architecture
 
■ Supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory
 
■ Supports Intel
® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
Expansion Slots  
■ 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (PCI_E2, supports x16 speed)
 
■ 1x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot (PCI_E4, supports x4 speed)*
 
■ 2x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots
 
■ 3x PCI slots
* The PCIe x1 slots (PCI_E1, PCI_E3) will be unavailable when installing an expansion card in the PCI_E4 slot.
Onboard Graphics  
■ 1x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 
4096x2160@24Hz, 2560x1600@60Hz
 
■ 1x DisplayPort,  supporting a maximum resolution of 
4096x2304@24Hz, 2560x1600@60Hz, 3840x2160@60Hz, 
1920x1200@60Hz
 
■ 1x VGA port, supporting a maximum resolution of 
1920x1200@60Hz
 
■ 1x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 
1920x1200@60Hz
Multi-GPU Support  
■ Supports 2-Way AMD
® CrossFireTM Technology** Supports Windows 7 and Windows 8/ 8.1
Storage  
■ Z97 GAMING 3/ H97 GAMING 3
 
- Intel Z97/ H97 Express Chipset
 
- 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports (SATA1~6)
 
- 1x M.2 port*
 
- M.2 port supports M.2 SATA 6Gb/s module
 
- M.2 port supports M.2 PCIe module up to 10Gb/s speed**
 
- M.2 port supports 4.2cm/ 6cm/ 8cm length module
 
- Supports RAID 0, RAID1, RAID 5 and RAID 10***
 
- Supports Intel Smart Response Technology, Supports Intel Rapid 
Start Technology and Intel Smart Connect Technology**** 
* The SATA5 and SATA6 ports will be unavailable when installing a module\
 in the M.2 port.** Intel RST only supports PCIe M.2 SSD with UEFI ROM, does not support \
Legacy ROM.*** M.2 PCIe interface does not support RAID 0, RAID1, RAID 5 and RAID 1\
0.**** Supports Intel Core processors on Windows 7 and Windows 8/ 8.1
Chapter 1 
Getting Started  
						

							1-5
Storage 
■ B85 GAMING 3
 
- Intel B85 Express Chipset
 
- 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports (SATA1~4)
 
- 2x SATA 3Gb/s ports (SATA5~6)
 
- Supports Intel
® Rapid Start Technology and Intel Smart Connect 
Technology*
* Supports Intel Core processors on Windows 7 and Windows 8/ 8.1
USB  
■ Z97 GAMING 3/ H97 GAMING 3
 
- Intel Z97/ H97 Express Chipset
 
- 6x USB 3.0 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available 
through the internal USB connectors)
 
- 6x USB 2.0 ports (2 ports on the back panel, 4 ports available 
through the internal USB connectors)
 
■ B85 GAMING 3
 
- Intel B85 Express Chipset
 
- 4x USB 3.0 ports (2 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available 
through the internal USB connectors)
 
- 8x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 4 ports available 
through the internal USB connectors)
Audio  
■ Realtek® ALC1150 Codec
 
- 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
 
- Supports S/PDIF output
LAN  
■ 1x Killer E2205 Gigabit LAN controller** The Killer Network Manager is only available for Windows 7 and Windows 8/ 8.1 currently. The supported drivers for other operating systems would be available on the website if provided by vendor.
Back Panel Connectors  
■ 1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse port
 
■ 4x USB 3.0 ports, 2x USB 2.0 ports (for Z97 GAMING 3/ H97 
GAMING 3)
 
■ 2x USB 3.0 ports, 4x USB 2.0 ports (for B85 GAMING 3)
 
■ 1x VGA port
 
■ 1x DVI-D port
 
■ 1x HDMI port
 
■ 1x DisplayPort
 
■ 1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector
 
■ 1x LAN (RJ45) port
 
■ 6x OFC audio jacks
Internal Connectors  
■ 1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
 
■ 1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
 
■ 6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (for Z97 GAMING 3/ H97 GAMING 3)
 
■ 4x SATA 6Gb/s connectors, 2x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (for B85 
GAMING 3)
 
■ 2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0 ports)
 
■ 1x USB 3.0 connector (supports additional 2 USB 3.0 ports)
 
■ 2x 4-pin CPU fan connectors
 
■ 3x 4-pin system fan connectors
 
■ 1x Clear CMOS jumper
 
■ 1x Front panel audio connector
 
■ 2x System panel connectors
 
■ 1x TPM module connector
 
■ 1x Serial port connector
 
■ 1x Parallel port connector
Chapter 1 
Getting Started  
						

							1-6
Internal Connectors 
■ 1x Chassis Intrusion connector
 
■ 1x Direct audio power connector
 
■ 1x Audio power switch
I/O Controller  
■ NUVOTON NCT6792 Controller Chip
Hardware Monitor  
■ CPU/System temperature detection
 
■ CPU/System fan speed detection
 
■ CPU/System fan speed control
BIOS Features  
■ 64 Mb flash (for Z97 GAMING 3)
 
■ 128 Mb flash (for H97 GAMING 3/ B85 GAMING 3)
 
■ UEFI AMI BIOS
 
■ ACPI 5.0, PnP 1.0a, SM BIOS 2.7, DMI 2.0
 
■ Multi-language
Special Features  
■ Audio Boost
 
■ Military Class 4
 
■ OC Genie 4
 
■ Click BIOS 4
 
■ AMD CrossFire
 
■ Sound Blaster Cinema 2
 
■ Total Fan Control
 
■ Gaming Device Port
 
■ Smart Utilities
 
■ Command Center
 
■ ECO Center
Software  
■ Drivers
 
■ MSI 
 
- Command Center
 
- Live Update 6
 
- Smart Utilities
 
- Super Charger
 
- Fast Boot
 
- ECO Center
 
- Gaming APP
 
■ 7-ZIP
 
■ Intel Extreme Tuning Utility
 
■ Norton Internet Security Solution
 
■ Sound Blaster Cinema 2
 
■ XSplit Gamecaster
 
■ Killer Network Manager
 
■ Small Business Advantage (for H97 GAMING 3/ B85 GAMING 3)
Form Factor  
■ ATX Form Factor
 
■ 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
For the latest information about CPU, please visit 
http://www.msi.com/cpu-support/
For more information on compatible components, please visit 
http://www.msi.com/test-report/
Chapter 1 
Getting Started