MSI B560-A PRO User manual

1
Quick Start
Quick Start
Thank you for purchasing the MSI® B560-A PRO 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.
Preparing Tools and Components
Intel® LGA1200 CPU
CPU Fan
DDR4 Memory
Graphics Card
SATA Hard Disk Drive SATA DVD Drive
Phillips Screwdriver
Chassis
Power Supply Unit
A Package of Screws
Thermal Paste

2Quick Start
Safety Information
∙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
Quick Start
Case stand-off notification
Before installing the motherboard into the case, install first the necessary mounting
stand-off required for a motherboard on the mounting plate in the case.
To prevent damage to the motherboard, any unnecessary mounting stand-off between
the motherboard circuits and the computer case is prohibited. The Case standoff keep
out zone signs will be marked on the backside of motherboard (as shown below) to
serve as a warning to user.

4Quick Start
Installing a Processor
⚽
https://youtu.be/4ce91YC3Oww
1
2
3
6
45
7
8
9

5
Quick Start
Installing DDR4 memory
http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs
⚽
DIMMA2 DIMMA2
DIMMB2
DIMMA1
DIMMA2
DIMMB1
DIMMB2

6Quick Start
HDD LED
RESET SW
Connecting the Front Panel Header
http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI
JFP1
HDD LED HDD LED -
HDD LED +
POWER LED -
POWER LED +
POWER LED
1
2 10
9
+
+
+- -- -
+
Power LED
HDD LED Reset Switch
Reserved
Power Switch
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
⚽

7
Quick Start
BAT1
Installing the Motherboard
1
2
https://youtu.be/wWI6Qt51Wnc
⚽
Torque:
3 kgf·cm*
*3 kgf·cm
= 0.3 N·m
= 2.6 lbf·in

8Quick Start
Connecting the Power Connectors
http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4
ATX_PWR1
CPU_PWR1
⚽
CPU_PWR2
PCIE_PWR1

9
Quick Start
Installing SATA Drives
http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc
1
23
4
5
⚽

10 Quick Start
1
Installing a Graphics Card
http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A
2
3
4
5
6
⚽

11
Quick Start
Connecting Peripheral Devices

12 Quick Start
Power On
4
3
12

13
Contents
Contents
Quick Start ............................................................................................................. 1
Preparing Tools and Components.......................................................................... 1
Safety Information.................................................................................................. 2
Case stand-off notification ..................................................................................... 3
Installing a Processor ............................................................................................ 4
Installing DDR4 memory ........................................................................................ 5
Connecting the Front Panel Header ...................................................................... 6
Installing the Motherboard..................................................................................... 7
Connecting the Power Connectors ........................................................................ 8
Installing SATA Drives............................................................................................ 9
Installing a Graphics Card.................................................................................... 10
Connecting Peripheral Devices............................................................................ 11
Power On .............................................................................................................. 12
Specifications....................................................................................................... 15
Package contents ................................................................................................ 21
Block Diagram .................................................................................................... 22
Rear I/O Panel ..................................................................................................... 23
LAN Port LED Status Table .................................................................................. 23
Audio Ports Configuration.................................................................................... 23
Realtek Audio Console ......................................................................................... 24
Overview of Components .................................................................................... 26
CPU Socket ........................................................................................................... 28
DIMM Slots............................................................................................................ 29
PCI_E1~3: PCIe Expansion Slots.......................................................................... 30
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................ 30
M2_1~3: M.2 Slots (Key M) ................................................................................... 31
SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors....................................................................... 33
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors................................................................... 34
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector........................................................................... 34
CPU_PWR1~2, ATX_PWR1, PCIE_PWR1: Power Connectors ............................. 35
JUSB4: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Connector............................................................ 36
JUSB3: USB 3.2 Gen 1 Connector ........................................................................ 36
JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors............................................................................. 37
JTBT1: Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector ...................................................... 37
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~5: Fan Connectors.................................. 38
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector....................................................................... 39
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper........................................................... 40

14 Contents
JDASH1 : Tuning Controller connector................................................................ 40
JRGB1~2: RGB LED connectors........................................................................... 41
JRAINBOW1~2: Addressable RGB LED connectors ............................................ 42
Onboard LEDs...................................................................................................... 43
EZ Debug LED....................................................................................................... 43
LED_SW1: EZ LED Control................................................................................... 43
Installing OS, Drivers & MSI Center.................................................................... 44
Installing Windows® 10......................................................................................... 44
Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 44
MSI Center............................................................................................................ 44
UEFI BIOS............................................................................................................. 45
BIOS Setup............................................................................................................ 46
Entering BIOS Setup............................................................................................. 46
BIOS User Guide ................................................................................................... 46
Resetting BIOS...................................................................................................... 47
Updating BIOS....................................................................................................... 47
Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration.............................................................. 49
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 50

15
Specifications
Specifications
CPU
∙Supports 10th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors, 11th Gen
Intel® Core™ Processors, Pentium® Gold and Celeron®
Processors*
∙Processor socket LGA1200
* Please go to intel.com for compatibility information.
Chipset Intel® B560 Chipset
Memory
∙4x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 128GB*
▪Supports 1R 2133/ 2666/ 2933 MHz for 10th Gen Intel®
CPU (by JEDEC & POR)
▪Supports 1R 2133/ 2666/ 2933/ 3200 MHz for 11th Gen
Intel® CPU (by JEDEC & POR)
▪Max overclocking frequency:
▫1DPC 1R Max speed up to 5066 MHz
▫1DPC 2R Max speed up to 4600+ MHz
▫2DPC 1R Max speed up to 4266+ MHz
▫2DPC 2R Max speed up to 4000+ MHz
∙Supports Dual-Channel mode
∙Supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory
∙Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
* Please refer to www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory
Expansion Slot
∙2x PCIe x16 slots
▪PCI_E1 (from CPU)
▫Support up to PCIe 4.0 for 11th Gen Intel® CPU
▫Support up to PCIe 3.0 for 10th Gen Intel® CPU
▪PCI_E2 (from B560 chipset)
▫Support up to PCIe 3.0 x4
∙1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot (from B560 chipset)
Multi-GPU ∙Supports 2-Way AMD® CrossFire™ Technology
Onboard Graphics
∙1x HDMI 2.0b with HDR port, supports a maximum
resolution of 4K 60Hz*/**
∙1x DisplayPort 1.4 port, supports a maximum resolution of
4K 60Hz*/**
* Available only on processors featuring integrated graphics.
** Graphics specifications may vary depending on the CPU installed.
Continued on next column

16 Specifications
Continued from previous column
Storage
∙6x SATA 6Gb/s ports (from B560 chipset)
∙3x M.2 slots (Key M)
▪M2_1 slot (from CPU)
▫Available only on 11th Gen Intel® CPU
▫Supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4
▫Supports 2242/ 2260/ 2280/ 22110 storage devices
▪M2_2* slot (from B560 chipset)
▫Supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4
▫Supports SATA up to 6Gb/s
▫Supports 2242/ 2260/ 2280 storage devices
▪M2_3** slot (from B560 chipset)
▫Supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4
▫Supports 2242/ 2260/ 2280 storage devices
▫Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready***
∙Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology for Intel
Core™ processors
* SATA2 will be unavailable when installing M.2 SATA SSD in the M2_2 slot.
** PCI_E2 will be unavailable when installing M.2 SSD in the M2_3 slot.
*** Before using Intel® Optane™ memory modules, please ensure that you have
updated the drivers and BIOS to the latest version from MSI website.
USB
∙Intel® B560 Chipset
▪1x USB3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps port (Type-C port on the
back panel)
▪1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps port (1 Type-C available
through the internal connector)
▪6x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports (4 Type-A ports on the
back panel, 2 Type-A ports available through the internal
connector)
▪4x USB 2.0 ports on the back panel
∙Hub-GL850G
▪4x USB 2.0 ports available through the internal
connectors
Audio
Realtek® ALC897 Codec
∙7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
∙Supports S/PDIF output
Continued on next column

17
Specifications
Continued from previous column
LAN 1x Realtek® RTL8125B 2.5Gbps LAN controller
Internal Connectors
∙1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
∙1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
∙1x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
∙1x 6-pin PCIE power connector
∙6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
∙3x M.2 slots (M-Key)
∙1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-C port
∙1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps connector (supports additional 2
USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports)
∙2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0
ports)
∙1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
∙1x 4-pin water-pump fan connector
∙5x 4-pin system fan connectors
∙1x Front panel audio connector
∙2x System panel connectors
∙1x Chassis Intrusion connector
∙1x Clear CMOS jumper
∙1x TPM module connector
∙1x TBT connector (supports RTD3)
∙1x Tuning Controller connector
LED Features
∙1x EZ LED Control switch
∙2x 4-pin RGB LED connectors
∙2x 3-pin RAINBOW LED connectors
∙4x EZ Debug LED
Continued on next column

18 Specifications
Continued from previous column
Back Panel
Connectors
∙4x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
∙1x DisplayPort
∙1x HDMI port
∙4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Type-A ports
∙1x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps Type-C port
∙1x 2.5G LAN (RJ45) port
∙5x audio jacks
∙1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector
I/O Controller NUVOTON NCT6687-R Controller Chip
Hardware Monitor
∙CPU/ System/ Chipset temperature detection
∙CPU/ System/ Pump fan speed detection
∙CPU/ System/ Pump fan speed control
Form Factor ∙ATX Form Factor
∙12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
BIOS Features
∙1x 256 Mb flash
∙UEFI AMI BIOS
∙ACPI 6.2, SMBIOS 3.0
∙Multi-language
Software
∙Drivers
∙MSI Center
∙MSI APP Player (BlueStacks)
∙Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)
∙CPU-Z MSI GAMING
∙Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility
∙Google Chrome™, Google Toolbar, Google Drive
∙Norton™ Internet Security Solution
Continued on next column

19
Specifications
Continued from previous column
MSI Center
Features
∙MSI Sound Tune
∙Gaming Mode
∙Creator Mode
∙Game Highlights
∙LAN Manager
∙Mystic Light
∙Frozr AI Cooling
∙User Scenario
∙True Color
∙Live Update
∙Monitor
∙Super Charger
∙Speed Up
Special Features
∙Audio
▪Audio Boost
▪Sound Tune
∙Network
▪2.5G LAN
▪LAN Manager
∙Cooling
▪All Aluminum Design
▪Extended Heatsink Design
▪M.2 Shield Frozr
▪K7 thermal pad
▪Choke pad
▪Pump Fan
▪Smart Fan Control
Continued on next column

20 Specifications
Continued from previous column
Special Features
∙LED
▪Mystic Light
▪Mystic Light Extension (RAINBOW/RGB)
▪Mystic Light SYNC
▪EZ LED Control
▪EZ DEBUG LED
∙Performance
▪Lightning Gen 4 PCI-E Slot
▪Lightning Gen 4 M.2
▪Multi GPU-CrossFire Technology
▪DDR4 Boost
▪Core Boost
▪OC Engine
▪Lightning USB 20G
▪USB 3.2 Gen 2 10G
▪USB with Type A+C
▪Front USB Type-C
▪Dual CPU Power
▪SUPPLEMENTAL PCIE POWER CONNECTOR
▪2oz Copper thickened PCB
∙Protection
▪PCI-E Steel Armor
▪Pre-installed I/O Shielding
∙Experience
▪MSI Center
▪Click BIOS 5
▪CPU Cooler Tuning