MSI 970A GAMING PRO CARBON User manual

I
Quick Start
Quick Start
Thank you for purchasing the MSI®970A GAMING PRO CARBON
motherboard. This Quick Start section 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 the QR code.
Kurzanleitung
Danke, dass Sie das MSI®970A GAMING PRO CARBON Motherboard
gewählt haben. Dieser Abschnitt der Kurzanleitung bietet eine Demo
zur Installation Ihres Computers. Manche Installationen bieten
auch die Videodemonstrationen. Klicken Sie auf die URL, um diese
Videoanleitung mit Ihrem Browser auf Ihrem Handy oder Table
anzusehen. Oder scannen Sie auch den QR Code mit Ihrem Handy,
um die URL zu öffnen.
Présentation rapide
Merci d’avoir choisi la carte mère MSI®970A GAMING PRO CARBON.
Ce manuel fournit une rapide présentation avec des illustrations
explicatives qui vous aideront à assembler votre ordinateur. Des
tutoriels vidéo sont disponibles pour certaines étapes. Cliquez sur
le lien fourni pour regarder la vidéo sur votre téléphone ou votre
tablette. Vous pouvez également accéder au lien en scannant le QR
code qui lui est associé.
Быстрый старт
Благодарим вас за покупку материнской платы MSI®
970A GAMING PRO CARBON. Вэтом разделе представлена
информация, которая поможет вам при сборке комьютера.
Для некоторых этапов сборки имеются видеоинструкции.
Для просмотра видео, необходимо открыть
соответствующую ссылку ввеб-браузере на вашем телефоне
или планшете. Вы также можете выполнить переход по
ссылке, путем сканирования QR-кода.

II Quick Start
1
6
7
8
2
34
5
http://youtu.be/zGR-s3xgPik
Installing a Processor/ Installation des Prozessors/ Installer un
processeur/ Установка процессора

III
Quick Start
http://youtu.be/76yLtJaKlCQ
1
2
2
3
Installing DDR3 memory/ Installation des DDR3-Speichers/
Installer une mémoire DDR3/ Установка памяти DDR3

IV Quick Start
http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI
1
2 10
9
JFP1
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
RESET SW
POWER SW
POWER LED+
POWER LED-
HDD LED
HDD LED
RESET SW
JFP1
HDD LED HDD LED -
HDD LED +
POWER LED -
POWER LED +
POWER LED
Connecting the Front Panel Header/ Anschließen der
Frontpanel-Stiftleiste/ Connecter un connecteur du panneau
avant/ Подключение разъемов передней панели

V
Quick Start
1
2
Installing the Motherboard/ Installation des Motherboards/
Installer la carte mère/ Установка материнской платы

VI Quick Start
1
23
4
5
http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc
Installing SATA Drives/ Installation der SATA-Laufwerke/
Installer le disque dur SATA/ Установка дисков SATA

VII
Quick Start
1
4
5
http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A
2
3
Installing a Graphics Card/ Einbau der Grafikkarte/ Installer
une carte graphique/ Установка дискретной видеокарты

VIII Quick Start
Connecting Peripheral Devices/ Peripheriegeräte/
Connecter un périphérique anschliessen/ Подключение
периферийных устройств

IX
Quick Start
http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4
ATX_PWR1 CPU_PWR1
Connecting the Power Connectors/ Stromanschlüsse
anschliessen/ Connecter les câbles du module d’alimentation/
Подключение разъемов питания

XQuick Start
1
4
2
3
Power On/ Einschalten/ Mettre sous-tension/ Включение
питания

1
Contents
Contents
Safety Information................................................................................................. 2
Specifications......................................................................................................... 3
Rear I/O Panel ....................................................................................................... 8
LAN Port LED Status Table..................................................................................... 8
Audio Ports Configuration...................................................................................... 8
Overview of Components .................................................................................... 10
CPU Socket ........................................................................................................... 11
DIMM Slots............................................................................................................ 12
PCI_E1~5, PCI1: PCIe/ PCI Expansion Slots ........................................................ 13
M2_1: M.2 Slot ...................................................................................................... 14
SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors ....................................................................... 15
CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors ....................................................... 16
JCOM1: Serial Port Connector ............................................................................. 16
JUSB4~5: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors ................................................................... 17
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors................................................................... 17
JUSB1~3: USB 2.0 Connectors............................................................................. 18
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector........................................................................... 18
CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors.......................................................... 19
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................ 20
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector....................................................................... 20
JLED1: RGB LED connector ................................................................................. 21
JSP1: S/PDIF-Out connector................................................................................ 21
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper........................................................... 22
EZ Debug LED: Debug LED indicators ................................................................. 22
BIOS Setup........................................................................................................... 23
Entering BIOS Setup............................................................................................. 23
Resetting BIOS...................................................................................................... 24
Updating BIOS....................................................................................................... 24
Overview ............................................................................................................... 25
OC Menu................................................................................................................ 26
Software Description........................................................................................... 30
Installing Windows®7/ 8.1/ 10.............................................................................. 30
Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 30
Installing Utilities ................................................................................................. 30

2Safety Information
Safety Information
yThe components included in this package are prone to damage from electrostatic
discharge (ESD). Please adhere to the following instructions to ensure successful
computer assembly.
yEnsure that all components are securely connected. Loose connections may cause
the computer to not recognize a component or fail to start.
yHold the motherboard by the edges to avoid touching sensitive components.
yIt is recommended to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when
handling the motherboard to prevent electrostatic damage. If an ESD wrist strap
is not available, discharge yourself of static electricity by touching another metal
object before handling the motherboard.
yStore the motherboard in an electrostatic shielding container or on an anti-static
pad whenever the motherboard is not installed.
yBefore turning on the computer, ensure that there are no loose screws or metal
components on the motherboard or anywhere within the computer case.
yDo not boot the computer before installation is completed. This could cause
permanent damage to the components as well as injury to the user.
yIf you need help during any installation step, please consult a certified computer
technician.
yAlways turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet
before installing or removing any computer component.
yKeep this user guide for future reference.
yKeep this motherboard away from humidity.
yMake sure that your electrical outlet provides the same voltage as is indicated on
the PSU, before connecting the PSU to the electrical outlet.
yPlace the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not place
anything over the power cord.
yAll cautions and warnings on the motherboard should be noted.
yIf any of the following situations arises, get the motherboard checked by service
personnel:
Liquid has penetrated into the computer.
The motherboard has been exposed to moisture.
The motherboard does not work well or you can not get it work according to user
guide.
The motherboard has been dropped and damaged.
The motherboard has obvious sign of breakage.
yDo not leave this motherboard in an environment above 60°C (140°F), it may damage
the motherboard.

3
Specifications
Specifications
CPU Supports AMD®FX™/ Phenom™/ Athlon™II/ Sempron™
processors for Socket AM3/ AM3+
Chipset AMD® 970 & SB950 Chipset
Memory
y4x DDR3 memory slots, support up to 32GB
Supports DDR3 1066/ 1333/ 1600/ 1866/ 2133(OC) MHz
yDual channel memory architecture
Expansion Slots
y2x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (support x16/x0, x8/x8 mode)
y3x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots
y1x PCI slot
Multi-GPU ySupports 2-Way AMD®CrossFire™Technology
ySupports 2-Way NVIDIA®SLI™Technology
Storage
AMD®SB950 Chipset
y6x SATA 6Gb/s ports
Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA
storage devices
y1x M.2 slot (Key M)*
 Supports PCIe 2.0 x2 or x4 and SATA 6Gb/s**
 Supports 2242/ 2260 /2280 storage devices
* M.2 and SATA ports maximum support 1x M.2_PCIe + 6x SATAs or 1x M.2_
SATA + 5x SATAs. Please refer to page 15 for M.2/ SATA ports & PCIe slots
combination table.
** When inserted M.2_PCIe of x4, PCI_E3 & PCI_E4 can not be used.
** When inserted M.2_PCIe of x2, PCI_E3 & PCI_E4 can be used.
USB
yASMedia®ASM1143 Chipset
2x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) ports (1
Type-A port and 1 Type-C port on the back panel)
yASMedia®ASM1143 Chipset
4x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports available
through the internal USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors
yAMD®SB950 Chipset
14x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (8 ports on the
back panel, 6 ports available through the internal USB
connector)
Audio
yRealtek®ALC1150 Codec
y7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
ySupports S/PDIF output
LAN 1x Intel I211-AT Gigabit LAN controller
Continued on next page

4Specifications
Continued from previous page
Back Panel
Connectors
y1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port
y8x USB 2.0 ports
y1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A port
y1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port
y1x LAN (RJ45) port
y1x optical S/PDIF OUT connector
y6x audio jacks
Internal Connectors
y1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
y1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
y6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
y3x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 6 USB 2.0
ports)
y2x USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors (supports additional 4 USB
3.1 Gen1 ports)
y1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
y2x 4-pin system fan connectors
y2x 3-pin system fan connectors
y1x Front panel audio connector
y2x Front panel connectors
y1x TPM module connector
y1x Chassis Intrusion connector
y1x Serial port connector
y1x S/PDIF OUT connector
y1x RGB LED connector
y1x Clear CMOS jumper
I/O Controller FINTEK F71878AD Controller Chip
Form Factor yATX Form Factor
y12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.3 cm)
Continued on next page

5
Specifications
Continued from previous page
Software
yDrivers
yCOMMAND CENTER
yLIVE UPDATE 6
yFAST BOOT
ySUPER CHARGER
yGAMING APP
yUSB SPEED UP
yGAMING LAN MANAGER
yNahimic 2
yOpen Broadcaster Software
yNorton™ Internet Security Solution
yGoogle Chrome™ ,Google Toolbar, Google Drive
ySteelSeries Engine 3
yDRAGON EYE
Continued on next page

6Specifications
Continued from previous page
Enthusiast GAMING
Features
yAUDIO BOOST 3
Isolated Audio PCB
EMI Shielding
Dual Headphone Amplifiers
High Quality Audio Capacitors
Golden Audio Connectors
yGAME BOOST
Easy Overclocking
yGAMING LAN
Intel®Gigabit Ethernet
GAMING Network Manager power by cFos
Electric Wave Surge
yGAMING APP
System Mode Switching: OC/Gaming/Silent
Gaming Hotkey
Gaming Mouse Control
Gaming LED Control
yOptimized Thermal Design
Heat-pipe Direct Touch Technology
Enhanced Choke Thermal Design
yNahimic 2
Sound Tracker
HD Audio Recorder 2
Expert Mode
Sound Effect Equalizer
Microphone Noise Reduction
yGAMING CERTIFIED
yWTFast GPN
 2-Month Premium License*
 Multi-Server Network Optimization
 Advanced Lag Spike & Disconnect Reduction
* This offer is valid for a limited period only. For more information please visit
www.msi.com
Continued on next page

7
Specifications
Continued from previous page
MSI Exclusive
Features
yCLICK BIOS 5
EZ Mode & Advanced Mode Switching
Board Explorer
Hardware Monitor
yMILITARY CLASS 4
Military Class Component
Military Class Stability and Reliability
ESD Protection
EMI Protection
Humidity Protection
Circuit Protection
High Temperature Protection
VGA Armor Slot
yCOMMAND CENTER
System Monitor
Smart Fan Control
yEZ Debug LED
yLIVE UPDATE 6
yUSB Redrivers
ySteel Series Engine 3
ySUPER CHARGER
Specification
Highlights
yUSB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A/ Type-C Ready
yNVMe / AHCI Driver Support
yRGB LED pin header

8Rear I/O Panel
Rear I/O Panel
PS/2 LAN
USB 2.0
Audio Ports
Optical S/PDIF-Out
USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C
USB 3.1
Gen2
Link/ Activity LED
Status Description
Off No link
Yellow Linked
Blinking Data activity
Speed LED
Status Description
Off 10 Mbps connection
Green 100 Mbps connection
Orange 1 Gbps connection
LAN Port LED Status Table
Audio Ports Configuration
Audio Ports Channel
2468
Line-In
Line-Out/ Front Speaker Out ●●●●
Mic In
Rear Speaker Out ●●●
Center/ Subwoofer Out ● ●
Side Speaker Out ●
(●: connected, Blank: empty)

9
Rear I/O Panel
Audio jacks to headphone and microphone diagram
Audio jacks to stereo speakers diagram
Audio jacks to 7.1-channel speakers diagram
AUDIO INPUT
AUDIO INPUT
Rear Front
Side Center/
Subwoofer

10 Overview of Components
Overview of Components
CPU_FAN1
CPU Socket
DIMMA1
DIMMA2
DIMMB1
DIMMB2
ATX_PWR1
EZ Debug LED
CPU_PWR1
JBAT1
JUSB5
JUSB2
JUSB1
JUSB4
JUSB3
JFP2
JFP1
SYS_FAN3
SYS_FAN1
SYS_FAN2
SYS_FAN4
JSP1
JTPM1
JCOM1
JLED1
JAUD1
PCI1
PCI_E5
M2_1
JCI1
PCI_E4
PCI_E3
PCI_E2
PCI_E1
SATA1_2
SATA3_4
SATA5_6