MSI X99A GAMING 7 User Manual

Appendix B
B-3 Intel RAID
Using Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM
The Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM should be integrated with the
system BIOS on all motherboards with a supported Intel chipset. The Intel Rapid
Storage Technology Option ROM is the Intel RAID implementation and provides BIOS
and DOS disk services. Please use <Ctrl> + <I> keys to enter the “Intel
®
RAID for
Serial ATA” status screen, which should appear early in system boot-up, during the
POST (Power-On Self Test). Also, you need to enable the RAID function in BIOS to
create, delete and reset RAID volumes.
Creating, Deleting and Resetting RAID Volumes:
The Serial ATA RAID volume may be con󰘰gured using the RAID Con󰘰guration utility
stored within the Intel RAID Option ROM. During the Power-On Self Test (POST), the
following message will appear for a few seconds.
Important
The “Device Model”, “Serial #” and “Size” in the following example might be di󰘯erent
from your system.
RAID Volumes
None de󰘰ned.
Physical Disks:
Port Device Model Serial # Size Type/Status(Vol ID)
1 XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XGB
Non-RAID Disk
2 XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XGB Non-RAID Disk
Press <CTRL-I> to enter Con󰘰guration Utility..
After the above message shows, press <Ctrl> and <I> keys simultaneously to enter
the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM.
Important
The following procedure is only available with a newly-built system or if you are
reinstalling your OS. It should not be used to migrate an existing system to RAID.

MSI X99A GAMING 7 Specifications

General

Socket	LGA 2011-3
Chipset	Intel X99
Form Factor	ATX
Memory Slots	8
Max Memory	128GB
Memory Type	DDR4
PCI Express x1 Slots	1
USB 2.0 Ports	6
SATA 6Gb/s	10
M.2	1
SATA Express	1
Audio	Realtek ALC1150
RAID Support	0, 1, 5, 10
Memory Speed	2133 MHz
USB 3.0 Ports	8
USB 3.1	2
LAN	Killer E2205

Summary

Chapter 1 Getting Started

Assembly Precautions

Crucial safety and handling guidelines for installing components to prevent damage.

Connectors Quick Guide

CPU Installation and Overview

Introduces the CPU and its installation requirements, including socket alignment.

CPU & Heatsink Installation

Step-by-step guide for installing the CPU and its cooling solution correctly.

Memory Installation

Explains memory installation and multi-channel configurations.

Power Supply Connection

Graphics Card Installation

Internal Connectors

Explains various internal connectors on the motherboard for system components.

Driver and Utility Installation

Chapter 2 Quick Installation

CPU Installation

Step-by-step visual guide for correctly installing the CPU into its socket.

Memory Installation

Visual guide for correctly installing RAM modules into the DIMM slots.

Motherboard Installation

Instructions for mounting the motherboard securely inside the computer case.

Power Connectors Installation

Shows how to connect power supply cables to motherboard power connectors.

SATA HDD Installation

M.2 module Installation

Front Panel Connector Installation

Front Panel Audio Connector Installation

USB2.0 Connector Installation

USB3.0 Connector Installation

Graphics Card Installation

Visual steps for installing a graphics card into a PCIe slot.

Chapter 3 BIOS Setup

Entering Setup

How to access the BIOS/UEFI setup utility using keyboard commands or utility.

Overview

Updating BIOS

Step-by-step guide for updating the motherboard's BIOS firmware using M-FLASH utility.

Advanced Settings

Secure Boot

Boot Configuration

Manages boot device order, boot modes (Legacy/UEFI), and boot options.

Security Settings

Save & Exit Options

Options for saving configuration changes, discarding them, or loading default settings.

Overclocking (OC)

Section dedicated to overclocking settings, CPU tuning, and performance adjustments.

CPU Setting

CPU Base Clock (MHz)

DRAM Setting

Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P)

Voltage Setting

Controls various voltage regulators for CPU, VRM, and other components for stability.

M-FLASH Utility

Utility for updating the motherboard's BIOS firmware directly from a USB flash drive.

Hardware Monitor

Appendix B Intel RAID

Intel Rapid Storage Technology

Guide to entering and using the Intel RAID configuration utility for managing storage.

RAID Volume Management

Detailed steps for creating, deleting, and resetting RAID arrays for storage configuration.

Delete RAID Volume

Reset Disks to Non-RAID

Degraded RAID Array Handling

Explains how to handle RAID arrays that have failed or are missing drives.

System Acceleration (optional)