MSI C236A WORKSTATION User manual

I
Quick Start
Quick Start
Thank you for purchasing the MSI®C236A WORKSTATION
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®C236A WORKSTATION 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®C236A WORKSTATION.
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®C236A
WORKSTATION. Вэтом разделе представлена информация,
которая поможет вам при сборке комьютера. Для некоторых
этапов сборки имеются видеоинструкции. Для просмотра
видео, необходимо открыть соответствующую ссылку в
веб-браузере на вашем телефоне или планшете. Вы также
можете выполнить переход по ссылке, путем сканирования
QR-кода.

II Quick Start
1
2
3
6
45
7
8
9
http://youtu.be/bf5La099urI
Installing a Processor/ Installation des Prozessors/ Installer un
processeur/ Установка процессора

III
Quick Start
1
1
2
2
3
3
Installing DDR4 memory/ Installation des DDR4-Speichers/
Installer une mémoire DDR4/ Установка памяти DDR4
http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs

IV Quick Start
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
http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI

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

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

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

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

IX
Quick Start
JPWR1 JPWR2
Connecting the Power Connectors/ Stromanschlüsse
anschliessen/ Connecter les câbles du module d’alimentation/
Подключение разъемов питания
http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4

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_E1~6: PCIe Expansion Slots.......................................................................... 13
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................ 14
SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors ....................................................................... 14
M2_1: M.2 Slots .................................................................................................... 15
JPWR1~2: Power Connectors............................................................................... 16
JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors............................................................................. 17
JUSB3~4: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connectors ................................................................... 17
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors................................................................... 18
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector........................................................................... 18
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector....................................................................... 19
JLPT1: Parallel Port Connector ........................................................................... 20
JCOM1: Serial Port Connector ............................................................................. 20
CPUFAN1~2, SYSFAN1~3: Fan Connectors.......................................................... 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
EZ Mode ................................................................................................................ 25
Advanced Mode .................................................................................................... 27
Overclocking Menu ............................................................................................... 28
Software Description........................................................................................... 34
Installing Windows®7/ 8.1/ 10.............................................................................. 34
Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 34
Installing Utilities ................................................................................................. 34

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 Intel®Xeon®E3-1200 v5 series processors, Core™
i3 processors, and Intel®Pentium®and Celeron®processors
for Socket LGA1151
Chipset Intel® C236 Chipset
Memory
y4x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 64GB
Supports DDR4 2133 MHz
yDual channel memory architecture
ySupports ECC, un-buffered memory*
ySupports Intel®Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)**
* Please refer to www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.
** DDR4 2133 MHz and higher memory modules will only run at maximum of
DDR4 2133 MHz on XMP mode due to Intel®chipset limitation.
Expansion Slots y3x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (support x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 modes)
y3x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
Onboard Graphics
y1x HDMI™port, supports a maximum resolution of
4096x2160@24Hz, 2560x1600@60Hz
y1x VGA port, supports a maximum resolution of
2048x1536@50Hz, 2048x1280@60Hz, 1920X1200@60Hz
y1xDVI-D port, supports a maximum resolution of
1920x1200@60Hz
Multi-GPU ySupports 3-Way AMD®CrossFire™Technology
ySupports 2-Way NVIDIA®SLI™Technology
Storage
Intel®C236 Chipset
y6x SATA 6Gb/s ports
Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA
storage devices
y1x M.2 slot
Supports PCIe 3.0 x4 standard, 4.2cm/ 6cm/ 8cm length
M.2 SSD cards
Supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe Mini-SAS SSD with Turbo U.2
Host Card*
ySupports Intel®Smart Response Technology for Intel
Core™ processors
* The Turbo U.2 Host Card is not included, please purchase separately.
Continued on next page

4Specifications
Continued from previous page
USB
yASMedia®ASM1142 Chipset
1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port on the back panel
yIntel®C236 Chipset
6x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports (2 ports on the
back panel, 4 ports available through the internal USB
connector)
6x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (2 ports on the
back panel, 4 ports available through the internal USB
connector)
Audio yRealtek®ALC1150 Codec
y7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
LAN 1x Intel®I219-V Gigabit LAN controller
Back Panel
Connectors
y1x PS/2 mouse port
y1x PS/2 keyboard port
y1x VGA port
y1x DVI-D port
y1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port
y2x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports
y1x HDMI™port
y1x LAN (RJ45) port
y2x USB 2.0 ports
y6x audio jacks
Continued on next page

5
Specifications
Continued from previous page
Internal Connectors
y1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
y1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
y6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
y2x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 4 USB 2.0
ports)
y2x USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors (supports additional 4 USB
3.1 Gen1 ports)
y2x 4-pin CPU fan connectors
y3x 4-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 Parallel port connector
y1x Clear CMOS jumper
I/O Controller NUVOTON NCT6793 Controller Chip
Hardware Monitor
yCPU/System temperature detection
yCPU/System fan speed detection
yCPU/System fan speed control
Form Factor yATX Form Factor
y12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
BIOS Features
y1x 128 Mb flash
yUEFI AMI BIOS
yACPI 5.0, PnP 1.0a, SM BIOS 2.8
yMulti-language
Continued on next page

6Specifications
Continued from previous page
Software
yDrivers
yCOMMAND CENTER
yLIVE UPDATE 6
ySHORTCUT MANAGER
yFAST BOOT
ySUPER CHARGER
yM-CLOUD
yRAMDISK
yIntel®Extreme Tuning Utility
yNorton™Security
yGoogle Chrome™,Google Toolbar, Google Drive
yCPU-Z
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
Steel Armor PCIe Slots
VGA Armor Slot
yCOMMAND CENTER
System Monitor
Smart Fan Control
yRAM DISK
yLIVE UPDATE 6
yM-CLOUD
yCPU-Z
Continued on next page

7
Specifications
Continued from previous page
Specification
Highlights
yDDR4 Boost Support
Dual-Channel DDR4 Memory Support
Isolated DDR4 Circuit Design
DDR4 XMP Ready
yPCI Express 3.0 Support
2-Way Nvidia SLITM Support
3-Way AMD CrossFireTM Support
yUSB 3.1 Gen2 Ready
USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Ready
yNVMe / AHCI Driver Support
yU.2 Support (Optional)

8Rear I/O Panel
Rear I/O Panel
PS/2 Mouse LAN
Audio Ports
VGA
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
USB 3.1 Gen 1
DVI-D USB 2.0
Audio Ports Channel
2468
Line In
Line-Out/ Front Speak Out ●●●●
Mic In
Rear Speaker Out ●●●
Center/ Subwoofer Out ● ●
Side Speaker Out ●
(●: connected, Blank: empty)
USB 3.1
Gen 2
Type-C
PS/2 Keyboard

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
CPUFAN1
PCI_E1
PCI_E2
PCI_E3
PCI_E4
CPU Socket
JPWR2
DIMM1
SYSFAN1 DIMM2
DIMM3
DIMM4
JUSB1
JCOM1
JFP1
JFP2
SYSFAN2
JTPM1
CPUFAN2
JPWR1
JUSB3
SATA1_2
JCI1
EZ Debug LED
SATA5_6
SATA4
SATA3
JTBT1*
JBAT1
JUSB2
SYSFAN3
JUSB4
M2_1
JLPT1
JAUD1
PCI_E5
PCI_E6
* JTBT1 is used to connect a specific card.