MSI MEG Series User manual

MEG Series
Motherboard
MEG Z790 ACE MAX
User Guide

2
English
Contents
Quick Start..................................................................................................................... 4
Specifications.............................................................................................................. 16
Special Features......................................................................................................... 22
Package Contents ...................................................................................................... 23
Back Panel Connectors ............................................................................................. 24
LAN Port LED Status Table .................................................................................. 25
Audio Jacks Connection ....................................................................................... 26
Installing Antennas............................................................................................... 28
Connecting Thunderbolt Devices via Daisy-chain................................................ 29
Overview of Components........................................................................................... 30
CPU Socket ........................................................................................................... 31
DIMM Slots............................................................................................................ 32
PCI_E1~3: PCIe Expansion Slots.......................................................................... 33
M2_1~5: M.2 Slots (Key M) ................................................................................... 34
SATA_5~8 & SATA_A1~A2: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors ........................................... 43
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................ 43
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors................................................................... 44
JDASH1: Tuning Controller Connector ................................................................ 45
W_FLOW1: Water Flow Meter Connector ............................................................ 45
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector....................................................................... 46
POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button ................................................. 46
CPU_PWR1~2, ATX_PWR1, PD_PWR1: Power Connectors ................................ 47
JUSB5~6: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C
Front Panel Connectors............................... 48
JUSB3~4: USB 3.2 Gen 1 Connectors .................................................................. 48
JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors............................................................................. 49
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector........................................................................... 49
T_SEN1~2: Thermal Sensor Connector............................................................... 50
BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch ............................................................................. 50
JOC_FS1: Safe Boot Jumper................................................................................ 51
JOC_RT1: OC Retry Button Connector................................................................. 51
JSLOW1: Slow Mode Booting Jumper.................................................................. 52
JLN1~2: Low Temperature Booting Jumpers ..................................................... 52
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1~2, SYS_FAN1~5: Fan Connectors.............................. 53

3
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper........................................................... 54
BAT1: CMOS Battery............................................................................................. 55
V-Check Points Lite .............................................................................................. 55
JAF_1: Integrated ARGB LED & System Fans Connector .................................. 56
JRGB1: RGB LED Connector ................................................................................ 57
JARGB_V2_1~3: A-RAINBOW V2 (ARGB Gen2) LED Connectors ........................ 58
Onboard LEDs............................................................................................................. 60
EZ Debug LED....................................................................................................... 60
LED_SW1: EZ LED Control................................................................................... 60
Debug Code LED................................................................................................... 61
Boot Phases.......................................................................................................... 61
Debug Code LED Table......................................................................................... 61
Installing OS, Drivers & MSI Center.......................................................................... 68
MSI Center............................................................................................................ 71
UEFI BIOS.................................................................................................................... 72
BIOS Setup............................................................................................................ 73
Resetting BIOS...................................................................................................... 74
Updating BIOS....................................................................................................... 74
Block Diagram............................................................................................................ 76
Regulatory Notices........................................................................................................ i

4
Quick Start
Thank you for purchasing a new motherboard from MSI®. 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® LGA1700 CPU LGA1700 CPU Fan
Graphics Card
SATA Hard Disk Drive
Phillips Screwdriver
Chassis
Power Supply Unit
A Package of Screws
Thermal Paste
DDR5 Memory

5
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.

6
Case stand-off notification
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.
Avoid collision notification
Protective paint is printed around each screw hole to prevent parts from being
scratched.

7
Installing a Processor
⚽
∙https://youtu.be/KMf9oIDsGes
11
22
33
66
44
5577
88
99

8
Installing DDR5 memory
∙https://youtu.be/XiNmkDNZcZk
⚽
DIMMA2 DIMMA2
DIMMB2
DIMMA1
DIMMA2
DIMMB1
DIMMB2

9
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
RESET SW
POWER SW
POWER LED+
POWER LED-
HDD LED
⚽
1
2 10
9
Power LED
Reserved
Power Switch
JFP1
Reset SwitchHDD LED

10
BAT1
Installing the Motherboard
11∙https://youtu.be/wWI6Qt51Wnc
⚽
Torque:
3 kgf·cm*
*3 kgf·cm
= 0.3 N·m
= 2.6 lbf·in
22