MSI Z87M GAMING User Manual

Chapter 1
1-22Getting Started
NVIDIA
®
SLI Technology
NVIDIA’s SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology allows two or more GPUs to run in
tandem within a system to achieve signi󰘰cant graphics performance gains. To utilize
this technology, the GPU cards must be connected by an SLI Video Link.
If you intend to use SLI mode, please follow the instructions below to properly set up
SLI mode. The instructions below are meant for a two video card SLI con󰘰guration.
Install two NVIDIA graphics cards into the PCIe x16 slots.
With the two cards installed, an optional SLI Video Link cable is required to
connect the graphics cards. Attach one side of the cable on each of the cards by
way of the metal contacts (please refer to the picture below). Please note that
although two graphics cards have been installed, only the display ports on the
graphics card installed in the 󰘰rst PCIe x16 slot will work. All displays should be
connected to this graphics card.
1.
2.
Boot up the computer and install the drivers and software included in your video
card package. For more information, please refer to the manual that came with
your video card.
3.
SLI Video Link Cable
(optional)

MSI Z87M GAMING Specifications

General

Brand	MSI
Model	Z87M GAMING
Category	Motherboard
Language	English

Summary

Chapter 1 Getting Started

Packing Contents

Lists items included in the motherboard package.

Assembly Precautions

Important guidelines for safe and proper motherboard installation.

Motherboard Specifications

Details technical specifications of the Z87M GAMING motherboard.

Connectors Quick Guide

Visual guide to identifying and locating motherboard connectors.

Chapter 2 Quick Installation

CPU Installation

Step-by-step guide for installing the CPU onto the motherboard.

Memory Installation

Instructions for correctly installing RAM modules into the motherboard slots.

Motherboard Installation

Guide on how to mount the motherboard inside the computer case.

Graphics Card Installation

Procedures for installing a graphics card into the PCIe slot.

Chapter 3 BIOS Setup

Entering and Navigating BIOS

Instructions on how to access and navigate the system's BIOS.

BIOS Overview and Operation

Explains the main interface elements, navigation, and hotkeys.

BIOS Settings Configuration

Covers system status, advanced settings, boot, security, and OC options.

Appendix A Realtek Audio

Realtek Audio Software Configuration

Guide to installing and using the Realtek HD Audio Manager software.

Audio Hardware Default Settings

Diagrams showing default audio jack connections for various speaker setups.

Appendix B Intel RAID

Intel RAID Introduction

Overview of RAID technology and its benefits for storage performance.

Configuring RAID Volumes

Steps for using the Intel RAID Option ROM to create RAID arrays.

Managing RAID Volumes

Procedures for deleting RAID volumes and resetting disks to non-RAID.

RAID Array Maintenance

How to handle degraded RAID arrays and system acceleration.