MSI Z97 Gaming 5 Manual

							
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CPU (Central Processing Unit)
 Important
Overheating
Overheating can seriously damage the CPU and motherboard. Always make sure the cooling fans work properly to protect the CPU from overheating. Be sure to apply an even layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) between the CPU and the heatsink to enhance heat dissipation.
Replacing the CPU
When replacing the CPU, always turn off the system’s power supply and unplug the power supply’s power cord to ensure the safety of the CPU.
Overclocking
This motherboard is designed to support overclocking. Before attempting to overclock, please make sure that all other system components can tolerate overclocking. Any attempt to operate beyond product specifications is not recommend. MSI does not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate operation beyond product specifications.
Introduction to the LGA 1150 CPU
The surface of the LGA 1150 CPU has two notches and a golden triangle to assist in correctly lining up the CPU for motherboard placement. The golden triangle is the Pin 1 indicator.
Notch
Golden triangle is the Pin 1 indicator
Notch 
						

							
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CPU & Heatsink Installation
When installing a CPU, always remember to install a CPU heatsink. A CPU heatsink is necessary to prevent overheating and maintain system stability. Follow the steps below to ensure correct CPU and heatsink installation. Wrong installation can damage both the CPU and the motherboard.
1. Push the load lever down to unclip it and lift to the fully open position .
2.  The load plate will automatically lift up as the load lever is pushed to  the fully open 
position.
Retention tab
Load lever
Load plate
 Important
Do not touch the socket contacts or the bottom of the CPU.
 Video Demonstration
Watch the video to learn how to install CPU & heatsink.
http://youtu.be/bf5La099urI  
						

							
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3. Align the notches with the socket alignment keys. Lower the CPU str aight down, without tilting or sliding the CPU in the socket. Inspect the CPU to check if it is properly seated in the socket.
4.  Close and slide the load plate under the retention knob. Close and en gage the 
load lever. 
Alignment Key
CPU notches
Retention knob
5. When you press down the load lever the PnP cap will automatically p op up from the CPU socket. Do not discard the PnP cap. Always replace the PnP cap if the CPU is removed from the socket.
6.  Evenly spread a thin layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) on the t op of the 
CPU. This will help in heat dissipation and prevent CPU overheating.
PnP cap
Thermal paste 
						

							
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 Important
Confirm that the CPU heatsink has formed a tight seal with the CPU before booting your system.
Whenever the CPU is not installed, always protect the CPU socket pins by covering the socket with the plastic cap.
If you purchased a separate CPU and heatsink/ cooler, Please refer to the documentation in the heatsink/ cooler package for more details about installation.
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• 7. Locate the CPU fan connector on the motherboard.
8.  Place the heatsink on the motherboard with the fan’s cable facing tow ards the fan 
connector and the fasteners matching the holes on the motherboard.
CPU fan connector
9. Push down the heatsink until the four fasteners get wedged into the h oles on the motherboard. Press the four fasteners down to fasten the heatsink. As each fastener locks into position a click should be heard.
10.  Inspect the motherboard to ensure that the fastener-ends have been  properly 
locked in place.
11.  Finally, attach the CPU fan cable to the CPU fan connector on the m otherboard.
Motherboard
Fastener-end 
						

							
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Memory
These DIMM slots are used for installing memory modules. 
DIMM1DIMM2DIMM3DIMM4
 Video Demonstration
Watch the video to learn how to install memories.
http://youtu.be/76yLtJaKlCQ
Dual-Channel mode Population Rule
In Dual-Channel mode, the memory modules can transmit and receive data with two data bus channels simultaneously. Enabling Dual-Channel mode can enhance system performance. The following illustrations explain the population rules for Dual-Channel mode.
DIMM2
DIMM4
DIMM1DIMM2DIMM3DIMM4
 Important
DDR3 memory modules are not interchangeable with DDR2, and the DDR3 standard is not backward compatible. Always install DDR3 memory modules in DDR3 DIMM slots.
To ensure system stability, memory modules must be of the same type and density in Dual-Channel mode.
Due to chipset resource usage, the system will only detect up to 31+ GB of memory (not full 32 GB) when all DIMM slots have 8GB memory modules installed.
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Mounting Screw Holes
When installing the motherboard, first install the necessary mounting stands required for an motherboard on the mounting plate in your computer case. If there is an I/O back plate that came with the computer case, please replace it with the I/O backplate that came with the motherboard package. The I/O backplate should snap easily into the computer case without the need for any screws. Align the mounting plate’s mounting stands with the screw holes on the motherboard and secure the motherboard with the screws provided with your computer case. The locations of the screw holes on the motherboard are shown below.  For more information, please refer to the manual that came with the computer case.
 Important
Install the motherboard on a flat surface free from unnecessary debris. 
To prevent damage to the motherboard, any contact between the motherboard circuitry and the computer case, except for the mounting stands, is prohibited.
Please make sure there are no loose metal components on the motherboard or within the computer case that may cause a short circuit of the motherboard.
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The I/O ports should be facing toward the rear of the computer case. They should line up with the holes on the I/O backplate. 
						

							
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Power Supply
 Video Demonstration
Watch the video to learn how to install power supply connectors.
http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4
JPWR1~2: ATX Power Connectors
These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply. To connect the ATX power supply, align the power supply cable with the connector and firmly press the cable into the connector. If done correctly, the clip on the power cable should be hooked on the motherboard’s power connector.
1 3 . + 3 . 3
V
1 . + 3 . 3
V
1 4 . - 1 2 V
2 . + 3 . 3
V
1 5 . G r o u n d
3. G r o u n d
1 6 . P S - O N
#
4 . + 5V
1 7 . G r o u n d
5. G r o u n d
1 8 . G r o u n d
6 . + 5V
1 9 . G r o u n d
7. G r o u n d
2 2 . + 5V
1 0 . + 1 2 V
2 0 . R e s
8 . P WR OK
2 3 . + 5V
11. + 1 2 V
2 1 . + 5V
9 . 5 V S B
2 4 . G r o u n d
1 2 . + 3 . 3
V
7 . + 1 2 V
3 .G r o u n d
5 . + 1 2 V
1 .G r o u n d
8 . + 1 2 V
4. G r o u n d
6 . + 1 2 V
2. G r o u n d
JPWR1
JPWR2
 Important
Make sure that all the power cables are securely connected to a proper ATX power supply to ensure stable operation of the motherboard. 
						

							
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Expansion Slots
This motherboard contains numerous slots for expansion cards, such as discrete graphics or audio cards.
PCI_E1~7: PCIe Expansion Slots
The PCIe slot supports the PCIe interface expansion card.
PCIe 2.0 x1 Slot
PCIe 3.0 x16 Slot
 Important
When adding or removing expansion cards, always turn off the power supply and unplug the power supply power cable from the power outlet. Read the expansion card’s documentation to check for any necessary additional hardware or software changes. 
						

							
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Video/ Graphics Cards 
If available, this motherboard takes advantage of the CPU’s integrate graphics processor, but discrete video cards can be installed by way of the motherboard’s expansion slots. Adding on one or more discrete video cards will significantly boost the system’s graphics performance. For best compatibility, MSI graphics cards are recommended.
 Video Demonstration
Watch the video to learn how to install a graphics card on PCIe x16 slot with butterfly lock.
http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A
Single Video Card Installation
Determine what type of expansion slot(s) the video card will use. Locate the expansion slot(s) on the motherboard. Remove any protective expansion slot covers from the computer case. 
Line up the video card on top of the expansion slot(s) with the display ports facing out of the computer case. For a single video card installation, using the PCI_E2 slot is recommended. 
Push the video card into its expansion slot(s). Depending on the expansion slot(s) used, there should be clip(s) on the expansion slot(s) that will lock in place.
If needed, screw the edge of the graphics card to the computer case. Some video cards might require a power cable directly from the power supply.
Please consult your video card’s manual for further instructions regarding driver installation or other special settings.
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Internal Connectors
SATA1~6: SATA Connectors
This connector is a high-speed SATA interface port. Each connector can connect to one SATA device. SATA devices include disk drives (HDD), solid state drives (SSD), and optical drives (CD/ DVD/ Blu-Ray).
 Video Demonstration
Watch the video to learn how to Install SATA HDD.
http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc
SATA2
SATA1
SATA4
SATA3SATA6
SATA5
 Important
The SATA5 and SATA6 ports will be unavailable when installing a module in the M.2 port.
Many SATA devices also need a power cable from the power supply. Such devices include disk drives (HDD), solid state drives (SSD), and optical drives (CD / DVD / Blu-Ray).  Please refer to the device’s manual for further information. 
Many computer cases also require that large SATA devices, such as HDDs, SSDs, and optical drives, be screwed down into the case. Refer to the manual that came with your computer case or your SATA device for further installation instructions.  
Please do not fold the SATA cable at a 90-degree angle. Data loss may result during transmission otherwise.
SATA cables have identical plugs on either sides of the cable. However, it is recommended that the flat connector be connected to the motherboard for space saving purposes.
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