MSI A520M PRO-C DASH User manual

1
󸛚󳿜 Contents
Contents
2
3
6
 7
LAN Port LED Status Table........................................................................................7
8
CPU Socket.................................................................................................................9
DIMM Slots................................................................................................................10
PCI_E1~3 & PCI1: PCIe & PCI Expansion Slots .......................................................10
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors.......................................................................11
SATA1~4: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors...........................................................................12
M2_1: M.2 Slot (Key M).............................................................................................12
ATX_PWR1, CPU_PWR1: Power Connectors...........................................................13
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ................................................................................13
JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors.................................................................................14
JUSB3: USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Connector.................................................................14
CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1: Fan Connectors.................................................................15
JLPT1: Parallel Port Connector...............................................................................15
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector...............................................................................16
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector...........................................................................16
JCOM1: Serial Port Connector.................................................................................17
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper...............................................................17
EZ Debug LED...........................................................................................................17
18
BIOS Setup................................................................................................................19
Entering BIOS Setup.................................................................................................19
Resetting BIOS..........................................................................................................19
20
Installing Windows® 10.............................................................................................20
Installing Drivers......................................................................................................20
Installing Utilities .....................................................................................................20
Thank you for purchasing the MSI® 
motherboard. This User Guide gives information about
board layout, component overview, BIOS setup and soft-
ware installation.

2

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.
Ensure that all components are securely connected. Loose connections may cause
the computer to not recognize a component or fail to start.
Hold the motherboard by the edges to avoid touching sensitive components.
It 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.
Store the motherboard in an electrostatic shielding container or on an anti-static
pad whenever the motherboard is not installed.
Before turning on the computer, ensure that there are no loose screws or metal
components on the motherboard or anywhere within the computer case.
Do not boot the computer before installation is completed. This could cause
permanent damage to the components as well as injury to the user.
If you need help during any installation step, please consult a certified computer
technician.
Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet
before installing or removing any computer component.
Keep this user guide for future reference.
Keep this motherboard away from humidity.
Make sure that your electrical outlet provides the same voltage as is indicated on
the PSU, before connecting the PSU to the electrical outlet.
Place the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not place
anything over the power cord.
All cautions and warnings on the motherboard should be noted.
If 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.
Do not leave this motherboard in an environment above 60°C (140°F), it may
damage the motherboard.

3
 

CPU Supports 3rd Gen AMD® Ryzen™ Desktop processors and AMD® Ryzen™ 4000 G-Series Desktop processors for AM4
socket
 AMD® A520 chipset

2x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 64GB*
Supports DDR4 1866/ 2133/ 2400/ 2667/ 2800/ 2933/
3000/ 3066/ 3200 MHz by JEDEC
Supports DDR4 2667/ 2800/ 2933/ 3000/ 3066/ 3200/
3466/ 3600/ 3733/ 3866/ 4000/ 4133/ 4266/ 4400/ 4600+
MHz by A-XMP OC MODE
1DPC 1R max speed 4600 MHz
1DPC 2R max speed 3866 MHz
Dual channel memory architecture
Supports non-ECC UDIMM memory
Supports ECC UDIMM memory (non-ECC mode)
Supports un-buffered memory
* Please refer www.msi.com for more information on
compatible memory.

1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (From AMD processor, PCI_E2)
2x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots(From chipset, PCI_E1 & PCI_E3)
1x PCI slot


1x VGA port, supports a maximum resolution of
2048x1280 @60Hz*
1x DVI-D port, supports a maximum resolution of
1920x1200 @60Hz*
1x HDMI 2.1 port, supports a maximum resolution of
4096x2160 @60Hz*/**
Maximum shared memory of 16 GB
* Available for the processor with integrated graphics.
** Graphics specifications may vary depending on the CPU
installed.
Continued on next page

4
Continued from previous page

AMD® A520 Chipset
4x SATA 6Gb/s ports
1x M.2 slot (From AMD processor, Key M)
Supports PCIe 3.0 x4
Supports SATA 6Gb/s
Supports 2242/ 2260/ 2280 storage devices
 Supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10 for SATA storage
devices

AMD® A520 Chipset
2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports are available through the
internal USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps connector
6x USB 2.0 ports (2 Type-A ports on the back panel, 4
ports through the internal USB 2.0 connectors)
AMD® Processor
4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Type-A ports on the back panel
 Realtek® ALC892 Codec
7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
LAN 1x Realtek® RTL8111EPV 1Gbps LAN controller


1x VGA port
1x DVI-D port
1x Serial port
1x HDMI port
1x PS/2 mouse port
1x PS/2 keyboard port
4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Type-A ports
1x LAN (RJ45) port
2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
3x audio jacks
Continued on next page

5
 
Continued from previous page


1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
4x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1x M.2 slot (M-Key)
1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps connector (supports additional 2
USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports)
2x USB 2.0 connectors (support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports)
1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
1x 4-pin system fan connector
1x Front panel audio connector
2x System panel connectors
1x Chassis Intrusion connector
1x Serial port connector
1x Parallel port connector
1x TPM module connector
1x Clear CMOS jumper
 4x EZ Debug LED
 NUVOTON NCT6687-R Controller Chip


CPU/ System/ Chipset/ MOS/ PCI-E temperature detection
CPU/ System fan speed detection
CPU/ System fan speed control
 Micro-ATX Form Factor
9.6 in. x 8.7 in. (24.4 cm x 22.0 cm)

1x 256 Mb flash
UEFI AMI BIOS
ACPI 6.0, SMBIOS 2.8
Multi-language
Continued on next page

6
Continued from previous page

Drivers
DRAGON CENTER
CPU-Z MSI GAMING
Google Chrome™, Google Toolbar, Google Drive
Norton™ Internet Security Solution


User Scenario
Hardware Monitor
True Color
Live Update
Speed Up
Smart Tool
Super Charger
Please refer to http://
download.msi.com/manual/
mb/DRAGONCENTER2.pdf for
more details.

Please check the contents of your motherboard package. It should contain:
 A520M PRO-C DASH
 SATA 6G cables (2 cables/pack) 1

IO shielding 1
Case Badge 1
Product registration card 1
 Driver DVD 1
 Quick installation guide 1


If any of the above items are damaged or missing, please contact your retailer.

7
 


Status 
Off No link
Yellow Linked
Blinking Data activity

Status 
Off 10 Mbps connection
Green 100 Mbps connection
Orange 1 Gbps connection


To configure 7.1-channel audio, you have to connect front audio I/O module to JAUD1
connector and follow the below steps.
 Click on the  to open the dialog
below.
 Select .
 Plug your speakers to audio jacks on rear and front I/O panel. When you plug into
a device at an audio jack, a dialogue window will pop up asking you which device
is current connected.
PS/2 Mouse LAN
USB 3.2
Gen 1 5Gpbs
(Type-A)
USB 2.0
PS/2 Keyboard
DVI-D
VGA COM
Line-in
Line-out
Mic in

8

JFP1
JCOM1 JUSB1 JUSB3
JUSB2
JFP2
M2_1
JBAT1
JTPM1
SATA1
SATA2
PCI1
JAUD1
PCI_E3
PCI_E2
PCI_E1
CPU Socket
CPU_PWR1
CPU_FAN1
SYS_FAN1
JCI1
JLPT1
ATX_PWR1
EZ Debug LED
DIMMA1
DIMMB1


9
 

Please install the CPU into the CPU socket as shown below.


 
BIOS to default values due to the AM4 processor’s architecture.
 Always unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing
the CPU.
 When installing a CPU, always remember to install a CPU heatsink. A CPU heatsink
is necessary to prevent overheating and maintain system stability.
 
your system.
 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.
 If you purchased a separate CPU and heatsink/ cooler, Please refer to the docu-
mentation in the heatsink/ cooler package for more details about installation.
1
3
5
4
6
7
8
2

10 

Please install the memory module into the DIMM slot as shown below.


 Always insert memory modules in the 
 Due to chipset resource usage, the available capacity of memory will be a little less
than the amount of installed.
 -
gested to protect the processor.
 󽙎
of memory modules may operate lower than the marked value under the default
state. Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.


 󽙋
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.
 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.
1
12
3
3
2

: PCIe 3.0 x1 (PCH)
: PCIe 3.0 x16 (CPU)
: PCIe 3.0 x1 (PCH)
: PCI slot

11
 

These connectors connect to the switches and LEDs on the front panel.
1
2 10
9
+
+
+- -- -
+
Power LED
HDD LED Reset Switch
Reserved
Power 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
JFP2 1
+
+- -
Speaker
Buzzer 1 Speaker - 2 Buzzer +
3 Buzzer - 4 Speaker +
HDD LED
RESET SW
HDD LED HDD LED -
HDD LED +
POWER LED -
POWER LED +
POWER LED
JFP1

12 
30º30º

Please install the M.2 solid-state drive (SSD) into the M.2 slot as shown below.

These connectors are SATA 6Gb/s interface ports. Each connector can connect to one
SATA device.
SATA4
SATA1
SATA3
SATA2


 Please do not fold the SATA cable at a 90-degree angle. Data loss may result
during transmission otherwise.
 SATA cables have identical plugs on either sides of the cable. However, it is

saving purposes.
1
2
3

13
 

These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply.


Make sure that all the power cables are securely connected to a proper ATX power
supply to ensure stable operation of the motherboard.
24
131
12
ATX_PWR1
1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V
2 +3.3V 14 -12V
3 Ground 15 Ground
4 +5V 16 PS-ON#
5 Ground 17 Ground
6 +5V 18 Ground
7 Ground 19 Ground
8 PWR OK 20 Res
9 5VSB 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V 23 +5V
12 +3.3V 24 Ground
3
2 1
4CPU_PWR1
1 Ground 5 +12V
2 Ground 6 +12V
3 Ground 7 +12V
4 Ground 8 +12V

This connector allow you to connect audio jacks on the front panel.
1
2 10
9
1 MIC L 2 Ground
3 MIC R 4 NC
5 Head Phone R 6 MIC Detection
7 SENSE_SEND 8 No Pin
9 Head Phone L 10 Head Phone Detection

14 

This connector allows you to connect USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gpbs ports on the front panel.
1 10
1120
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


Note that the Power and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible
damage.

These connectors allow you to connect USB 2.0 ports on the front panel.


 Note that the VCC and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible
damage.
 In order to recharge your iPad,iPhone and iPod through USB ports, please install
MSI® DRAGON CENTER utility.
1
2 10
9
1 VCC 2 VCC
3 USB0- 4 USB1-
5 USB0+ 6 USB1+
7 Ground 8 Ground
9 No Pin 10 NC

15
 

PWM Mode fan connectors provide constant 12V output and adjust fan speed with
speed control signal. When you plug a 3-pin (Non-PWM) fan to a fan connector in
PWM mode, the fan speed will always maintain at 100%, which might create a lot of
noise.


You can adjust fan speed in .
1
1 Ground 2 +12V
3 Sense 4 Speed Control Signal
 
  

CPU_FAN1 Auto mode 2A 24W
SYS_FAN1 DC mode 1A 12W
1
1 Ground 2 Voltage Control
3 Sense 4 NC
1
2 26
25
1 RSTB# 2 AFD# 3 PRND0
4 ERR# 5 PRND1 6 PINIT#
7 PRND2 8 LPT_SLIN# 9 PRND3
10 Ground 11 PRND4 12 Ground
13 PRND5 14 Ground 15 PRND6
16 Ground 17 PRND7 18 Ground
19 ACK# 20 Ground 21 BUSY
22 Ground 23 PE 24 Ground
25 SLCT 26 No Pin

This connector allows you to connect the optional parallel port with bracket.

16 

This connector is for TPM (Trusted Platform Module). Please refer to the TPM
security platform manual for more details and usages.

This connector allows you to connect the chassis intrusion switch cable.
Normal
(default) Trigger the chassis intrusion event

 Connect the  connector to the chassis intrusion switch/ sensor on the
chassis.
 Close the chassis cover.
 Go to .
 Set  to .
 Press F10 to save and exit and then press the  key to select .
 Once the chassis cover is opened again, a warning message will be displayed on
screen when the computer is turned on.

 Go to .
 Set  to Reset.
 Press to save and exit and then press the  key to select .
1
212
11
1 SPI Power 2 SPI Chip Select
3
Master In Slave Out (SPI
Data)
4
Master In Slave In (SPI
Data)
5 Reserved 6 SPI Clock
7 Ground 8 SPI Reset
9 Reserved 10 No Pin
11 Reserved 12 Interrupt Request

17
 

This connector allows you to connect the optional serial port with bracket.
1
2 10
9
1 DCD 2 SIN
3 SOUT 4 DTR
5 Ground 6 DSR
7 RTS 8 CTS
9 RI 10 No Pin

There is CMOS memory onboard that is external powered from a battery located on
the motherboard to save system configuration data. If you want to clear the system
configuration, set the jumpers to clear the CMOS memory.
Keep Data
(default) Clear CMOS/ Reset BIOS

 Power off the computer and unplug the power cord.
 Use a jumper cap to short  for about 5-10 seconds.
 Remove the jumper cap from .
 Plug the power cord and power on the computer.

These LEDs indicate the status of the motherboard.
CPU - indicates CPU is not detected or fail.
 - indicates DRAM is not detected or fail.
VGA - indicates GPU is not detected or fail.
 - indicates booting device is not detected or fail.

18 

MSI UEFI BIOS is compatible with UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)
architecture. UEFI has many new functions and advantages that traditional BIOS
cannot achieve, and it will completely replace BIOS in the future. The MSI UEFI
BIOS uses UEFI as the default boot mode to take full advantage of the new chipset’s
capabilities. However, it still has a CSM (Compatibility Support Module) mode to be
compatible with older devices. That allows you to replace legacy devices with UEFI
compatible devices during the transition.


The term BIOS in this user guide refers to UEFI BIOS unless otherwise noted.

Fast booting - UEFI can directly boot the operating system and save the BIOS self-
test process. And also eliminates the time to switch to CSM mode during POST.
Supports for hard drive partitions larger than 2 TB.
Supports more than 4 primary partitions with a GUID Partition Table (GPT).
Supports unlimited number of partitions.
Supports full capabilities of new devices - new devices may not provide backward
compatibility.
Supports secure startup - UEFI can check the validity of the operating system to
ensure that no malware tampers with the startup process.

 - this motherboard supports only 64-bit
Windows 10 operating system.
  - the system will detect your graphics card. When display a
warning message 



We recommend that you to use a GOP/ UEFI compatible graphics card.

Please go to 
to check the BIOS mode.

19
 

The default settings offer the optimal performance for system stability in normal
conditions. You should  to avoid possible system
damage or failure booting unless you are familiar with BIOS.


 BIOS items are continuous update for better system performance. Therefore, the
󽙋
reference only. You could also refer to the  information panel for BIOS item
description.
 The BIOS items will vary with the processor.

Press  key, when the
Menu message appears on the screen during the boot process.

F1: General Help list
F4: Enter CPU Specifications menu
F5: Enter Memory-Z menu
F6: Load optimized defaults
F10: Save Change and Reset*
* When you press F10, a confirmation window appears and it provides the
modification information. Select between Yes or No to confirm your choice.

You might need to restore the default BIOS setting to solve certain problems. There
are several ways to reset BIOS:
Go to BIOS and press F6 to load optimized defaults.
Short the  jumper on the motherboard.


Please refer to the jumper section for resetting BIOS.

20 

Please download and update the latest utilities and drivers at www.msi.com

 Power on the computer.
 Insert the Windows® 10 installation disc/USB into your computer.
 Press the  button on the computer case.
 Press F11 key during the computer POST (Power-On Self Test) to get into Boot
Menu.
 Select the Windows® 10 installation disc/USB from the Boot Menu.
 Press any key when screen shows 
message.
 Follow the instructions on the screen to install Windows® 10.

 Start up your computer in Windows® 10.
 Insert MSI® Driver Disc into your optical drive.
 Click the pop-up notification,
then select  to open the installer. If you turn off the AutoPlay
feature from the Windows Control Panel, you can still manually execute the
 from the root path of the MSI Driver Disc.
 The installer will find and list all necessary drivers in the  tab.
 Click the button in the lower-right corner of the window.
 The drivers installation will then be in progress, after it has finished it will prompt
you to restart.
 Click  button to finish.
 Restart your computer.

Before you install utilities, you must complete drivers installation.
 Open the installer as described above.
 Click the  tab.
 Select the utilities you want to install.
 Click the button in the lower-right corner of the window.
 The utilities installation will then be in progress, after it has finished it will
prompt you to restart.
 Click  button to finish.
 Restart your computer.