MSI A68HM User manual

1
<󸙗󳽙 1> Contents
Contents
Safety Information...........................................................................................2
Specifications...................................................................................................3
Rear I/O Panel ................................................................................................. 6
LAN Port LED Status Table................................................................................6
Overview of Components ................................................................................ 7
CPU Socket.........................................................................................................8
DIMM Slots .........................................................................................................9
PCI_E1~E2, PCI1: PCIe/ PCI Expansion Slot......................................................9
SATA1~4: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors...................................................................10
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors...............................................................10
M2_1: M.2 Slot..................................................................................................11
JPWR1~2: Power Connectors..........................................................................12
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector.......................................................................12
JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors ........................................................................13
JUSB3: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connector.....................................................................13
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ........................................................................14
JCOM1: Serial Port Connector.........................................................................14
CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~2: Fan Connectors .....................................................14
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector ..................................................................15
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper.......................................................15
EZ Debug LED: Debug LED indicators............................................................15
BIOS Setup.....................................................................................................16
Entering BIOS Setup.........................................................................................16
Resetting BIOS .................................................................................................17
Updating BIOS ..................................................................................................17
Software Description..................................................................................... 18
Installing Windows®7/ 8.1/ 10.........................................................................18
Installing Drivers..............................................................................................18
Installing Utilities.............................................................................................18
Thank you for purchasing the MSI®A68HM GAMING
motherboard. This User Guide gives information about board
layout, component overview and BIOS setup.

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
Safety Information Specifications
Specifications
CPU
Supports AMD®A-series/ Athlon™processors for Socket FM2/
FM2+*
* If you install the Carrizo processor in the motherboard,
please note that you have to update the chipset drivers in
advance on www.msi.com .
Chipset AMD®A68H Chipset
Memory
y2x DDR3 memory slots, support up to 32GB
Supports DDR3 2400(OC)/ 2133(OC)/ 1866/ 1600/ 1333
MHz*
yDual channel memory architecture
ySupports non-ECC, un-buffered memory
ySupports AMD®Memory Profile (AMP)
ySupports Intel®Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
* Please refer to www.msi.com for more information on
compatible memory.
Expansion Slots
y1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot
y1x PCIe 2.0 x1 slot
y1x PCI slot
Onboard Graphics
y1x VGA port, supports a maximum resolution of
1920x1200@60Hz
y1x DVI-D port, supports a maximum resolution of
2560x1600@60Hz and 1920x1200@60Hz
y1x HDMI port, supports a maximum resolution of
4096x2160@24Hz*, 3840x2160@30Hz*, 1920x1200@120Hz
and 1920x1200@60Hz
* Supported by FM2+ processors
Audio yRealtek®ALC887 Codec
y7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
LAN 1x Realtek®RTL8111H Gigabit LAN controller
Storage
AMD®A68H Chipset
y4x SATA 6Gb/s ports
Supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10
y1xM.2 slot (Key M)
Supports up to PCIe 2.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s*
Supports 2242/ 2260/ 2280 storage devices
* The SATA1 will be unavailable when installing M.2 SATA
device in M.2 slot.
Continued on next page

4Specifications
Continued from previous page
USB
yAMD®A68H Chipset
2x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports available through
the internal USB connector
8x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (4 ports on the
back panel, 4 ports available through the internal USB
connectors)
yAsmedia 1143 Chip
1x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) port on the
back panel
1x USB 3.1 Gen2 (Super Speed USB 10Gbps) Type-C port on
the back panel
Back Panel
Connectors
y1x PS/2 mouse & keyboard combo port
y4x USB 2.0 ports
y1x VGA port
y1x DVI-D port
y1x HDMI port
y1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A port
y1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port
y1x LAN (RJ45) port
y3x audio jacks
Internal
Connectors
y1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
y1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
y4x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
y1x M.2 slot
y2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0 ports)
y1x USB 3.1 Gen1 connector (supports additional 2 USB 3.1
Gen1 ports)
y1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
y2x 4-pin system fan connectors
y1x Front panel audio connector
y2x Front panel connectors
y1x Serial Port connector
y1x TPM connector
y1x Chassis Intrusion connector
y1x Clear CMOS jumper
I/O Controller FINTEK F71878 Controller Chip
Hardware
Monitor
yCPU/System temperature detection
yCPU/System fan speed detection
yCPU/System fan speed control
Continued on next page

5
Specifications Specifications
Continued from previous page
Form Factor yMicro-ATX Form Factor
y8.07 in. x 9.6 in. (20.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
BIOS Features
y1x 64 Mb flash
yUEFI AMI BIOS
yACPI 5.0, PnP 1.0a, SM BIOS 2.8
yMulti-language
Software
yDrivers
yCOMMAND CENTER
yLIVE UPDATE 6
yFAST BOOT
ySUPER CHARGER
yGAMING APP
yUSB SPEED UP
yGAMING LAN MANAGER
yOpen Broadcaster Software
yXSplit Gamecaster V2
yNorton™Security
yGoogle Chrome™,Google Toolbar, Google Drive
ySteelSeries Engine 3
yDRAGON EYE
Performance
GAMING Features
yGAMING LAN
GAMING Network Manager power by cFos
yGAMING APP
Gaming Hotkey
Gaming Mouse Control
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
MSI Exclusive
Features
yCLICK BIOS 4
yMILITARY CLASS 4
yCOMMAND CENTER
ySystem Monitor
yLIVE UPDATE 6
ySteel Series Engine 3
ySUPER CHARGER
yEZ Debug LED
yVGA Steel Armor

6Rear I/O Panel
Rear I/O Panel
PS/2 port
LAN
USB 3.1 Gen2
Type-C USB 2.0
DVI-D
Line-in
Line-out
Mic in
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
USB 2.0
VGA
Audio 7.1-channel Configuration
To configure 7.1-channel audio, you have to connect front audio I/O module to JAUD1
connector and follow the below steps.
1. Click on the Realtek HD Audio Manager > Advanced Settings to open the dialog
below.
2. Select Mute the rear output device, when a front headphone plugged in.
3. 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.
USB 3.1 Gen2

7
Rear I/O Panel Overview of Components
CPU_FAN1JPWR2
PCI_E1
DIMM1SYS_FAN2
DIMM2
JUSB3
JTPM1
JFP2
JFP1
JAUD1
JPWR1
SATA1
SATA2
SATA3_4
SYS_FAN1
Processor
Socket
JBAT1
BAT1
EZ Debug LED
M2_1
JUSB1
JUSB2
JCOM1
PCI1
PCI_E2
JCI1
Overview of Components

8Overview of Components
CPU Socket
Please install the CPU into the CPU socket as shown below.
Important
y Always unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing
the processor.
y When installing a processor, always remember to install a processor heatsink.
A processor heatsink is necessary to prevent overheating and maintain system
stability.
y Confirm that the processor heatsink has formed a tight seal with the processor
before booting your system.
y Overheating can seriously damage the processor and motherboard. Always make
sure the cooling fans work properly to protect the processor from overheating.
Be sure to apply an even layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) between the
processor and the heatsink to enhance heat dissipation.
y If you purchased a separate processor and heatsink/ cooler, Please refer to the
documentation in the heatsink/ cooler package for more details about installation.
y While disconnecting the Safety Hook from the fixed bolt, it is necessary to keep an
eye on your fingers, because once the Safety Hook is disconnected from the fixed
bolt, the fixed lever will spring back instantly.
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4
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8
3
2

9
Overview of Components Overview of Components
DIMM Slots
Please install the memory module into the DIMM slot as shown below.
Important
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 To ensure system stability, memory modules must be of the same type and density
in Dual-Channel mode.
PCI_E1~E2, PCI1: PCIe/ PCI Expansion Slot
BAT1
PCI_E1: PCIe 3.0 x16
Important
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.
123
2
PCI_E2: PCIe 2.0 x1
PCI1: PCI slot

10 Overview of Components
SATA1~4: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors
These connectors are SATA 6Gb/s interface ports. Each connector can connect to one
SATA device.
SATA1
SATA3
SATA2
SATA4
Important
y Please do not fold the SATA cable at a 90-degree angle. Data loss may result during
transmission otherwise.
y SATA cable has 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.
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
1
JFP2 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