Overview of Components
Processor
Socket
CPU_FAN1
CPU_PWR2
JRGB2
CPU_PWR1
JRAINBOW2
PUMP_FAN1
DIMMB2
DIMMB1
DIMMA2
DIMMA1
ATX_PWR1
M2_1
PCI_E1 SATA▼5▲6
JBAT1 SATA▼3▲4
PCI_E2 SATA▼1▲2
BAT1
M2_2
PCI_E3
JUSB4
PCI_E4
JCI1
JFP2
PCI_E5
JRAINBOW1
JAUD1 JFP1
JRGB1
JTPM1
JUSB3
SYS_FAN1 JUSB2
SYS_FAN2 JUSB1
SYS_FAN3 JCOM1
SYS_FAN4
Overview of Components 25
Component Contents
Port Name Port Type Page
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4 Fan Connectors 33
CPU_PWR1~2, ATX_PWR1 Power Connectors 32
CPU Socket AM4 CPU Socket 27
DIMMA1/A2/B1/B2 DIMM Slots 28
JAUD1 Front Audio Connector 35
Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS)
JBAT1 37
Jumper
JCI1 Chassis Intrusion Connector 36
JCOM1 Serial Port Connector 35
JFP1, JFP2 Front Panel Connectors 31
Addressable RGB LED
JRAINBOW1~2 39
connectors
JRGB1~2 RGB LED connectors 38
JUSB1~2 USB 2.0 Connectors 34
JUSB3~4 USB 3.2 Gen1 Connectors 34
M2_1~2 M.2 Slots (Key M) 30
PCI_E1~5 PCIe Expansion Slots 29
SATA1~6 SATA 6Gb/s Connectors 31
26 Overview of Components
CPU Socket
Distance from the center of the
CPU to the nearest DIMM slot.
52.5 mm
Introduction to the AM4 CPU
The surface of the AM4 CPU has a
yellow triangle to assist in correctly
lining up the CPU for motherboard
placement. The yellow triangle is
the Pin 1 indicator.
Important
y When changing the processor, the system configuration could be cleared and reset
BIOS to default values, due to the AM4 processor’s architecture.
y Always unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing
the CPU.
y When installing a CPU, always remember to install a CPU heatsink. A CPU heatsink
is necessary to prevent overheating and maintain system stability.
y Confirm that the CPU heatsink has formed a tight seal with the CPU before booting
your system.
y 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.
y If you purchased a separate CPU and heatsink/ cooler, Please refer to the
documentation in the heatsink/ cooler package for more details about installation.
y 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
recommended. MSI® does not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate
operation beyond product specifications.
Overview of Components 27
DIMM Slots
DIMMA1 DIMMB1
Channel A Channel B
DIMMA2 DIMMB2
Memory module installation recommendation
DIMMA1
DIMMA2 DIMMA2
DIMMA2
DIMMB1
DIMMB2 DIMMB2
Important
y Always insert memory modules in the DIMMA2 slot first.
y Due to chipset resource usage, the available capacity of memory will be a little less
than the amount of installed.
y Based on CPU specification, the Memory DIMM voltage below 1.35V is suggested to
protect the CPU.
y Please note that the maximum capacity of addressable memory is 4GB or less
for 32-bit Windows OS due to the memory address limitation. Therefore, we
recommended that you to install 64-bit Windows OS if you want to install more than
4GB memory on the motherboard.
y Some memory may operate at a lower frequency than the marked value when
overclocking due to the memory frequency operates dependent on its Serial Presence
Detect (SPD). Go to BIOS and find the DRAM Frequency to set the memory frequency if
you want to operate the memory at the marked or at a higher frequency.
y It is recommended to use a more efficient memory cooling system for full DIMMs
installation or overclocking.
y The stability and compatibility of installed memory module depend on installed CPU
and devices when overclocking.
28 Overview of Components
PCI_E1~5: PCIe Expansion Slots
Ryzen™ with Radeon™
Vega Graphics and 2nd
Slots 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™
Gen AMD Ryzen™ with
Radeon™ Graphics
PCI_E1 PCIe 4.0 x16 PCIe 3.0 x16 PCIe 3.0 x8
PCI_E2 PCIe 3.0 x1 PCIe 3.0 x1 PCIe 3.0 x1
PCI_E3 PCIe 4.0 x4 PCIe 3.0 x4 PCIe 3.0 x4
PCI_E4 PCIe 3.0 x1 PCIe 3.0 x1 PCIe 3.0 x1
PCI_E5 PCIe 3.0 x1 PCIe 3.0 x1 PCIe 3.0 x1
Important
y If you install a large and heavy graphics card, you need to use a tool such as MSI
Gaming Series Graphics Card Bolster to support its weight to prevent deformation of
the slot.
y For a single PCIe x16 expansion card installation with optimum performance, using
the PCI_E1 slot is recommended.
y 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.
PCIe bandwidth table
Slot Single 2-Way
@4.0 x16* @4.0 x16*
PCI_E1 (CPU) or @3.0 x16** or @3.0 x16**
or @3.0 x8*** or @3.0 x8***
PCI_E2 (PCH) 3.0 x1 ― 3.0 x1 ―
4.0 x4* @4.0 x4*
PCI_E3 (PCH)
or 3.0 x4**/*** or @3.0 x4**/***
PCI_E4 (PCH) ― 3.0 x1 ― 3.0 x1
PCI_E5 (PCH) 3.0 x1 3.0 x1
(─: unavailable, @: graphics card, *: for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™, **: for 2nd Gen AMD
Ryzen™, ***: for Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics and 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ with
Radeon™ Graphics)
Overview of Components 29
M2_1~2: M.2 Slots (Key M)
M2_1
M2_2
The following table describes the relationship between the M.2 slots and the PCIe
bandwidth of the processors.
Ryzen™ with
Radeon™ Vega
3rd Gen AMD 2nd Gen AMD
Slots Graphics and 2nd Gen
Ryzen™ Ryzen™
AMD Ryzen™ with
Radeon™ Graphics
M2_1 (CPU) PCIe 4.0 x4 PCIe 3.0 x4 PCIe 3.0 x4
M2_2 (PCH) PCIe 3.0 x4 PCIe 3.0 x4 PCIe 3.0 x4
M.2 installation
1. Move and fasten the M.2 standoff to the appropriate position for your M.2 SSD.
2. Insert your M.2 SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle.
3. Secure the M.2 SSD in place with the 8.5H M.2 screw provided with motherboard
package.
8.5H M.2 screw 30º
3
M.2 standoff
1
30 Overview of Components
SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors
These connectors are SATA 6Gb/s interface ports. Each connector can connect to one
SATA device.
SATA6
SATA5
SATA4
SATA3
SATA2
SATA1
Important
y Please do not fold the SATA cable at a 90-degree angle. Data loss may result during
transmission otherwise.
y 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.
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors
These connectors connect to the switches and LEDs on the front panel.
Power LED Power Switch
+
+
-
-
2 10
JFP1
1 9
Reserved
+
+
-
-
HDD LED Reset Switch
1 HDD LED + 2 Power LED +
3 HDD LED - 4 Power LED -
5 Reset Switch 6 Power Switch
7 Reset Switch 8 Power Switch
9 Reserved 10 No Pin
Buzzer 1 Speaker - 2 Buzzer +
+
-
JFP2 1
+
-
Speaker 3 Buzzer - 4 Speaker +
Overview of Components 31
CPU_PWR1~2, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors
These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply.
8 5
CPU_PWR1
4 1
1 Ground 5 +12V
2 Ground 6 +12V
3 Ground 7 +12V
4 Ground 8 +12V
4 3
CPU_PWR2
2 1
1 Ground 3 +12V
2 Ground 4 +12V
1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V
2 +3.3V 14 -12V
3 Ground 15 Ground
12 24 4 +5V 16 PS-ON#
5 Ground 17 Ground
6 +5V 18 Ground
ATX_PWR1
7 Ground 19 Ground
8 PWR OK 20 Res
1 13 9 5VSB 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V 23 +5V
12 +3.3V 24 Ground
Important
Make sure that all the power cables are securely connected to a proper ATX power
supply to ensure stable operation of the motherboard.
32 Overview of Components
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors
Fan connectors can be classified as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Mode or DC Mode.
PWM Mode fan connectors provide constant 12V output and adjust fan speed with
speed control signal. DC Mode fan connectors control fan speed by changing voltage.
You can follow the instruction below to adjust the fan connector to PWM or DC Mode.
CPU_FAN1 is the auto-detection mode fan connector, the system will auto detect the
fan mode.
1 1
CPU_FAN1 PUMP_FAN1
(Auto-detection Mode) (Default PWM mode)
SYS_FAN1~4
(Default DC mode)
Switching fan mode and adjusting fan speed
You can switch between PWM mode and DC mode and adjust fan speed in BIOS >
HARDWARE MONITOR.
Select PWM mode or DC mode
There are gradient points of the fan speed that allow you to adjust
fan speed in relation to CPU temperature.
Important
Make sure fans are working properly after switching the PWM/ DC mode.
Pin definition of fan connectors
PWM Mode pin definition DC Mode pin definition
1 Ground 2 +12V 1 Ground 2 Voltage Control
3 Sense 4 Speed Control Signal 3 Sense 4 NC
Overview of Components 33
JUSB3~4: USB 3.2 Gen1 Connectors
These connectors allow you to connect USB 3.2 Gen1 ports on the front panel.
10 11
1 10
JUSB4
20 11
JUSB3
1 20
1 Power 11 USB2.0+
2 USB3_RX_DN 12 USB2.0-
3 USB3_RX_DP 13 Ground
4 Ground 14 USB3_TX_C_DP
5 USB3_TX_C_DN 15 USB3_TX_C_DN
6 USB3_TX_C_DP 16 Ground
7 Ground 17 USB3_RX_DP
8 USB2.0- 18 USB3_RX_DN
9 USB2.0+ 19 Power
10 NC 20 No Pin
Important
Note that the Power and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible
damage.
JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors
These connectors allow you to connect USB 2.0 ports on the front panel.
2 10
1 9
1 VCC 2 VCC
3 USB0- 4 USB1-
5 USB0+ 6 USB1+
7 Ground 8 Ground
9 No Pin 10 NC
Important
y Note that the VCC and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible
damage.
y In order to recharge your iPad,iPhone and iPod through USB ports, please install
MSI® DRAGON CENTER utility.
34 Overview of Components
