MSI Z170-A PRO User Manual

28
BIOS Setup
OC
This menu is for advanced users who want to overclock the motherboard.
Important
● Overclocking your PC manually is only recommended for advanced users.
● Overclocking is not guaranteed, and if done improperly, it could void your warranty
or severely damage your hardware.
● If you are unfamiliar with overclocking, we advise you to use OC GENIE 4 function
for easy overclocking.
▶OC Explore Mode [Normal]
Enables or disables to show the normal or expert version of OC settings.
[Normal] Provides the regular OC settings in BIOS setup.
[Expert] Provides the advanced OC settings for OC expert to configure in BIOS
setup.
Note: We use * as the symbol for the OC settings of Expert mode.
▶CPU Ratio [Auto]
Sets the CPU ratio that is used to determine CPU clock speed. This item can only be
changed if the processor supports this function.
▶1/2/3/4-Core Ratio Limit [Auto] *
Allows you to set the CPU ratios for different number of active cores. These items only
appear when a CPU that support this function is installed.
▶Adjusted CPU Frequency
Shows the adjusted CPU frequency. Read-only.
▶OC Genie Function Control [By Onboard Button] (optional)
Enables the OC GENIE function by virtual button in BIOS or physical button on
motherboard. Enabling OC GENIE function can automatically overclock the system
with MSI optimized overclocking profile.
[By BIOS Options] OC GENIE function is enabled by clicking the virtual OC GENIE 4
toggle at the top left corner of BIOS setup screen.
[By Onboard Button]OC GENIE function is enabled by pressing the physical OC
GENIE button.

MSI Z170-A PRO Specifications

General

Socket	LGA 1151
Chipset	Intel Z170
Form Factor	ATX
Memory Type	DDR4
Memory Slots	4
Maximum Memory Supported	64 GB
SATA 6Gb/s	6
M.2 Slots	1
USB 3.0 Ports	6
USB 2.0 Ports	6
USB 3.1 Gen1 (Rear)	2
USB 3.1 Gen2 (Rear)	1
USB 2.0 (Rear)	2
USB 3.1 Ports (Rear)	1
USB 3.1 Ports (Front)	1
PCIe x16 Slots	2
PCIe x1 Slots	3
Audio	Realtek ALC892
LAN	1 x Gigabit LAN

Summary

Installing a Processor

Installing DDR4 Memory

Connecting the Front Panel Header

Installing the Motherboard

Installing SATA Drives

Installing a Graphics Card

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Connecting the Power Connectors

Power On

Safety Information

Specifications

Rear I/O Panel

LAN Port LED Status Table

Table detailing LAN port LED status and speed.

Audio Ports Configuration

Diagram showing audio port connections and channel assignments.

Overview of Components

CPU Socket

Details on the CPU socket, installation, and important notes.

DIMM Slots

Information on memory module installation and slot recommendations.

PCI_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots

Explains PCIe slot types, configurations, and installation guidelines.

SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors

Describes SATA connectors and their interface.

SE1_21-SE2_65: SATAe Connectors

Describes SATA Express connectors and their usage.

M2_1: M.2 Slot

Details on the M.2 slot, installation, and compatibility.

JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors

Pinout and connection details for front panel connectors.

JPWR1~2: Power Connectors

Explains ATX power connector pinouts and requirements.

JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors

Details on USB 2.0 front panel connector pinouts.

JUSB3~4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors

Details on USB 3.1 Gen1 front panel connector pinouts.

Charger Port

Information about the USB charger port for fast charging.

JAUD1: Front Audio Connector

Pinout and connection details for the front audio connector.

CPUFAN1~2, SYSFAN1~3: Fan Connectors

Explains PWM and Voltage Mode fan connectors and their usage.

Controlling the fan speed

Describes methods to manage fan speed via BIOS or software.

JLPT1: Parallel Port Connector

Pinout for the optional parallel port connector.

JCOM1: Serial Port Connector

Pinout for the optional serial port connector.

JTPM1: TPM Module Connector

Details for the TPM module connector.

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper

Instructions for clearing CMOS and resetting BIOS using a jumper.

JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector

Pinout for the chassis intrusion detection connector.

EZ Debug LED: Debug LED indicators

Explains the status indicated by the EZ Debug LEDs.

BIOS Setup

Entering BIOS Setup

Methods to access the BIOS setup utility during boot.

Resetting BIOS

Procedures for restoring default BIOS settings to solve issues.

Updating BIOS

Guides on updating the motherboard BIOS using M-FLASH or Live Update.

EZ Mode

Overview of the basic BIOS interface for simple settings.

Advanced Mode

Overview of the advanced BIOS interface for detailed configurations.

OC

Settings related to CPU overclocking, frequency, and voltage adjustments.

Software Description

Installing Windows® 7/ 8.1/ 10

Step-by-step guide for installing Windows operating systems.

Installing Drivers

Instructions for installing essential motherboard drivers.

Installing Utilities

Guide for installing optional MSI utilities for enhanced functionality.

Regulatory Notices

FCC Compliance Statement

Statement regarding compliance with FCC rules for digital devices.

Battery Information

Guidelines for battery disposal and recycling.

Chemical Substances Information

Information on chemical substances compliance with regulations.

Technical Support