MSI A88XM GAMING- User Manual

Preface v Preface CE Conformity Hereby, Micro-Star International CO., LTD declares that this device is in compliance with the essential safety requirements and other relevant provisions set out in the European Directive. FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement This equipment has been tested and...

vi Preface Preface Radiation Exposure Statement This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment and its antenna should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20 cm between the radiator and your body. This equipment and its...

Preface vii Preface California, USA: The button cell battery may contain perchlorate material and requires special handling when recycled or disposed of in California. For further information please visit:http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate/ Taiwan: For better environmental protection,...

viii Preface Preface WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Statement ENGLISH To protect the global environment and as an environmentalist, MSI must remind you that...Under the European Union (“EU”) Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Directive 2002/96/EC, which takes e...

Preface ix Preface ESPAÑOL MSI como empresa comprometida con la protección del medio ambiente, recomienda:Bajo la directiva 2002/96/EC de la Unión Europea en materia de desechos y/o equipos electrónicos, con fecha de rigor desde el 13 de agosto de 2005, los productos clasificados como “eléctricos y ...

x Preface Preface TÜRKÇE Çevreci özelliğiyle bilinen MSI dünyada çevreyi korumak için hatırlatır:Avrupa Birliği (AB) Kararnamesi Elektrik ve Elektronik Malzeme Atığı, 2002/96/EC Kararnamesi altında 13 Ağustos 2005 tarihinden itibaren geçerli olmak üzere, elektrikli ve elektronik malzemeler diğer atı...

Preface xi Preface CONTENTS Preface ............................................................................................................ i Copyright Notice ......................................................................................................iiTrademarks ........................

Chapter 1 Getting Started Thank you for choosing the A88XM GAMING Series (MS-7903 v1.X) M-ATX motherboard. The A88XM GAMING Series motherboards are based on AMD ® A88X chipset for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced AMD ® FM2+/ FM2 processor, the A88XM GAMING Series motherboards ...

Chapter 1 1-3 Getting Started Assembly Precautions The components included in this package are prone to damage from electrostatic 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 p...

Chapter 1 1-7 Getting Started Connectors Quick Guide Back Panel APU Socket CPUFAN DIMM2 JUSB1 JPWR1 SATA1_2 JAUD1 PCI_E1 JUSB3 JTPM1 DIMM1 JPWR2 JCI1 SYSFAN1 JBAT1 SATA5_6 JUSB2 PCI_E2 PCI_E3 PCI_E4 SYSFAN2 JUSB4 JCOM1 SATA3_4 SATA7_8 SLOW_1 RESET1 POWER1 OC1 OC_SW1 DIMM3 DIMM4 JFP1 JFP2

Chapter 1 1-12 Getting Started APU & Cooler Installation When you are installing the APU, make sure the APU has a cooler attached on the top to prevent overheating. Meanwhile, do not forget to apply some thermal paste on APU before installing the heat sink/cooler fan for better heat dispersion. ...

Chapter 1 1-14 Getting Started Memory These DIMM slots are used for installing memory modules. For more information on compatible components, please visit http://www.msi.com/service/test-report/ DIMM1 DIMM2 DIMM3 DIMM4 Video Demonstration Watch the video to learn how to install memories at the addre...

Chapter 1 1-15 Getting Started 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 bac...

Chapter 1 1-16 Getting Started 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 suppl...

Chapter 1 1-17 Getting Started Expansion Slots This motherboard contains numerous slots for expansion cards, such as discrete graphics or audio cards. PCI_E1~4: PCIe Expansion Slots The PCIe slot supports the PCIe interface expansion card. PCIe x16 Slot PCIe 2.0 x1 Slot Important When adding or remo...

Chapter 1 1-18 Getting Started 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 th...

Chapter 1 1-21 Getting Started Internal Connectors SATA1~8: 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 ...

Chapter 1 1-25 Getting Started JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector This connector connects to the chassis intrusion switch cable. If the computer case is opened, the chassis intrusion mechanism will be activated. The system will record this intrusion and a warning message will flash on screen. To clea...

Chapter 1 1-26 Getting Started JCOM1: Serial Port Connector This connector is a 16550A high speed communication port that sends/receives 16 bytes FIFOs. You can attach a serial device. 1.DC D 3.SO UT 10.N o Pin 5.Gro und 7.RT S 9.RI 8.CT S 6.DS R 4.DT R 2.SIN JAUD1: Front Panel Audio Connector This ...

Chapter 1 1-27 Getting Started Jumper JBAT1: Clear CMOS Jumper There is CMOS RAM onboard that is external powered from a battery located on the motherboard to save system configuration data. With the CMOS RAM, the system can automatically boot into the operating system (OS) every time it is turned o...

Chapter 1 1-28 Getting Started Buttons & Switches The motherboard has numerous on-board buttons to control various functions. This section will explain how to change your motherboard’s functions through the use of these on-board buttons. OC1: OC Genie Button This button is used to automatically ...

Chapter 1 1-31 Getting Started LED Status Indicators OC Genie Mode LEDs These LEDs are used to indicate OC Genie operation mode. When the bottom LED lights blue, the OC Genie operation mode is Gear 1. When the top LED lights red, the OC Genie operation mode is Gear 2. OC Genie Mode LEDs

Chapter 1 1-32 Getting Started Drivers and Utilities After you install the operating system you will need to install drivers to maximize the performance of the new computer you just built. MSI mainbaord comes with a Driver Disc. Drivers allow the computer to utilize your motherboard more efficiently...

Chapter 2 Quick Installation This chapter provides demonstration diagrams about how to install your computer. Some of the installations also provide video demonstrations. Please link to the URL to watch it with the web browser on your phone or tablet. You may have even link to the URL by scanning th...

Chapter 2 2-2 Quick Installation APU Installation 1 2 3 4 5

Chapter 2 2-4 Quick Installation Memory Installation 1 2 3 http://youtu.be/76yLtJaKlCQ

Chapter 2 2-5 Quick Installation Motherboard Installation 1 2

Chapter 2 2-7 Quick Installation Power Connectors Installation E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 or 1 2 http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

Chapter 2 2-9 Quick Installation SATA HDD Installation 1 2 http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68...

Chapter 2 2-10 Quick Installation mSATA SSD Installation

Chapter 2 2-11 Quick Installation E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 HD _L ED + HD _L ED - RS T...

Chapter 2 2-12 Quick Installation E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 US B E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 MSI MC 4 E68 8 ...

Chapter 2 2-13 Quick Installation Graphics Card Installation http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A 1 2

Important The items under each BIOS category described in this chapter are under continuous update for better system performance. Therefore, the description may be slightly different from the latest BIOS and should be held for reference only.The pictures in this chpater are for reference only and ma...

Chapter 3 3-6 BIOS Setup SETTINGS System Status System Date Sets the system date. Use tab key to switch between date elements. The format is <day> <month> <date> <year>. <day> Day of the week, from Sun to Sat, determined by BIOS. Read-only. <month> The month from ...

Chapter 3 3-7 BIOS Setup Advanced PCI Subsystem Settings Sets PCI Express interface protocol and latency timer. Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. PCI Latency Timer [32] Sets latency timer of PCI interface device. [Options: 32, 64, 96, 128, 160, 192, 224, 248 PCI Bus clocks] ACPI Settings Se...

Chapter 3 3-12 BIOS Setup Resume From S3/S4/S5 by PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] Disables or enables the system wake up by PS/2 keyboard. [Any Key] Enables the system to be awakened from S3/ S4/ S5 state when activity of any key on PS/2 keyboard is detected. [Hot Key] Enables the system to be awakened fro...

Appendix A Realtek Audio The Realtek audio provides 10-channel DAC that simultaneously supports 7.1 sound playback and 2 channels of independent stereo sound output (multiple streaming) through the Front-Out-Left and Front-Out-Right channels.

Appendix A A-2 Realtek Audio Software Configuration After installing the audio driver (see Chapter 1 - Driver and Utilities), the “Realtek HD Audio Manager” icon will appear at the notification area (lower right of the screen). You may double click the icon and the GUI will pop up accordingly. doubl...

Appendix A A-3 Realtek Audio Device Selection Here you can select a audio output source to change the related options. The “check” sign (in orange) indicates the devices as default. Volume Adjustment You can control the volume or balance the right/left side of the speakers that you plugged in front ...

Appendix A A-4 Realtek Audio Hardware Default Setting The following diagrams are audio back panel default setting. Backpanel audio jacks to 2-channel speakers diagram Front Backpanel audio jacks to 4-channel speakers diagram Rear Front ■ ■

Appendix B AMD RAID This appendix will assist users in configuring and enabling RAID functionality.

Appendix B B-3 AMD RAID Using AMD RAID Controller BIOS Configuration Utility When booting the system, press <Ctrl + R> when the BIOS banner displays. After entering AMD RAID Controller BIOS Configuration Utility, the following screen is displayed. AMD-RAID Array Configuration Creates an array ...

Appendix B B-4 AMD RAID AMD-RAID Array Configuration Initializes one or more disks so that arrays can be created Arrays Disks 0-00,500GB,Ready 0-01,500GB,Ready 0-02,500GB,Ready 0-03,500GB,Ready Main Menu Initialize Disk(s) Create Array Delete Array(s) Swap Two Arrays Manage Hot Sqare(s) View Disk De...

Appendix B B-5 AMD RAID Create Arrays Arrays can be created after the disks are initialized. Important For redundant arrays, the Create process is not finished until after the operating system and AMD-RAID OS drivers have been installed and the system has booted to the operating system. However, the...

Appendix B B-6 AMD RAID Delete Arrays Important Deleting an array permanently destroys all data that is on the array. This action cannot be undone and it is very unlikely the data can be recovered. To delete an array: At the “Main Menu”, use the arrow keys to highlight “Delete Array” and press <E...

Appendix B B-7 AMD RAID Swap Arrays Use the Swap Two Arrays option to arrange arrays in a different order. Important If more than one array is created, install the operating system to any of them. However, a small amount of boot information is always written to a disk(s) in the first array (Array 1)...

Appendix B B-8 AMD RAID Manage Spares This option allows the user to assign or unassign global or dedicated spares. At the Main Menu, use the <arrow keys> to highlight “Manage Host Spare(s)” and press <Enter> to enter submenu. AMD-RAID Array Configuration Assign Global Hot Spare(s) Array...

Appendix B B-9 AMD RAID Change the Controller Options Controller Options allows the user to configure options for the boot sequence. At the Main Menu, use the <arrow keys> to highlight “Controller Options” and press <Enter> to enter submenu. AMD-RAID Array Configuration Toggles whether B...

Appendix B B-10 AMD RAID Change the Staggered Spinup Count Depending on a system’s power supply load-rating, you might want to limit the number of disks that are spun-up together when a system is powered on. At the Controller Options submenu, use the <arrow keys> to highlight “Set Staggered Sp...

Appendix B B-11 AMD RAID Important Please follow the instruction below to make an “AMD ® RAID Driver” for yourself. Insert the MSI Driver Disc into the optical drive.Click the “Browse CD” on the Setup screen.Copy all the contents in \\ChipSet\W7_W8\Packages\Drivers\SBDrv\Bolton\RAID_Driver (for Wind...

Appendix B B-12 AMD RAID Installing OS on 2.2TB RAID If you plan to install Windows 7/ 8/ 8.1 64bit on a RAID volume greater than 2.2TB, you can only manually create the RAID array in EFI shell. WARNING Create raid array will erase all the data stored on hard drives! Make sure to back up your files!...