MSI MEG Z690 ACE User manual

1
Quick Start
Quick Start
Thank you for purchasing the MSI® MEG Z690 ACE 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® LGA1700 CPU
LGA1700 CPU Fan
DDR5 Memory
Graphics Card
SATA Hard Disk Drive SATA DVD Drive
Phillips Screwdriver
Chassis
Power Supply Unit
A Package of Screws
Thermal Paste
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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
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.

4Quick Start
Installing a Processor
⚽
https://youtu.be/KMf9oIDsGes
1
2
3
6
4
5
7
8
9

5
Quick Start
Installing DDR5 memory
DIMMA2 DIMMA2
DIMMB2
DIMMA1
DIMMA2
DIMMB1
DIMMB2
https://youtu.be/XiNmkDNZcZk
⚽

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

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

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
Avoid collision notification...................................................................................... 3
Installing a Processor ............................................................................................ 4
Installing DDR5 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....................................................................................................... 16
JCORSAIR1 Connector Specification.................................................................... 23
Package contents ................................................................................................ 24
Block Diagram .................................................................................................... 25
Rear I/O Panel ..................................................................................................... 26
LAN Port LED Status Table .................................................................................. 26
Audio Ports Configuration.................................................................................... 26
Realtek Audio Console ......................................................................................... 27
Installing Antennas............................................................................................... 29
Connecting Thunderbolt Devices via Daisy-chain................................................ 30
Overview of Components .................................................................................... 31
CPU Socket ........................................................................................................... 33
DIMM Slots............................................................................................................ 34
PCI_E1~3: PCIe Expansion Slots.......................................................................... 35
M2_1~5: M.2 Slots (Key M) ................................................................................... 37
SATA5~8 & SATAA~B: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors................................................... 45
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................ 45
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors................................................................... 46
W_FLOW1: Water Flow Meter Connector ............................................................ 46
JDASH1 : Tuning Controller connector................................................................ 47
CPU_PWR1~2, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors................................................... 49
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector....................................................................... 50
POWER1, RESET1: Power Button, Reset Button ................................................. 50

14 Contents
JUSB5~6: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C Connectors .................................................. 51
JUSB3~4: USB 3.2 Gen 1 Connectors .................................................................. 51
JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors............................................................................. 52
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector........................................................................... 52
JSLOW1: Slow Mode Booting Jumper.................................................................. 53
JLN1~2: Low Temperature Booting Jumper ....................................................... 53
JOC_FS1: Safe Boot Jumper................................................................................ 54
JOC_RT1: OC Retry Button Connector................................................................. 54
T_SEN1~2: Thermal Sensor Connector............................................................... 55
BIOS_SW1: Multi-BIOS Switch ............................................................................. 55
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~6: Fan Connectors.................................. 56
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper........................................................... 57
V-Check Points Lite .............................................................................................. 57
JRGB1: RGB LED connector................................................................................. 58
JRAINBOW1~2: Addressable RGB LED connectors ............................................ 59
JCORSAIR1: CORSAIR Connector ........................................................................ 60
Onboard LEDs...................................................................................................... 61
EZ Debug LED....................................................................................................... 61
JPWRLED1: LED power input............................................................................... 61
LED_SW1: EZ LED Control................................................................................... 61
Debug Code LED................................................................................................... 62
Hexadecimal Character Table.............................................................................. 62
Boot Phases.......................................................................................................... 62
Debug Code LED Table......................................................................................... 62
Installing OS, Drivers & MSI Center.................................................................... 68
Installing Windows 10/ Windows 11..................................................................... 68
Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 68
MSI Center............................................................................................................ 68
Nahimic 3 ............................................................................................................. 69
Installation and Update ........................................................................................ 69
Audio Tab .............................................................................................................. 69
Microphone Tab.................................................................................................... 70
Sound Tracker Tab ............................................................................................... 71
Settings Tab.......................................................................................................... 71

15
Contents
UEFI BIOS............................................................................................................. 72
BIOS Setup............................................................................................................ 73
Entering BIOS Setup............................................................................................. 73
BIOS User Guide ................................................................................................... 73
Resetting BIOS...................................................................................................... 74
Updating BIOS....................................................................................................... 74
RAID Configuration.............................................................................................. 76
Intel® Optane™ Memory Configuration.............................................................. 77
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 78

16 Specifications
Specifications
CPU
∙Supports 12th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors, Pentium®
Gold and Celeron® Processors
∙Processor socket LGA1700
* Please go to www.msi.com to get the newest support status as new processors
are released.
Chipset Intel® Z690 Chipset
Memory
∙4x DDR5 memory slots, supporting up to 128GB*
∙Supports 1R 4800 MHz (by JEDEC & POR)
∙Max. overclocking frequency:
▪1DPC 1R Max speed up to 6666+ MHz
▪1DPC 2R Max speed up to 5600+ MHz
▪2DPC 1R Max speed up to 4000+ MHz
▪2DPC 2R Max speed up to 4000+ MHz
∙Supports Intel® XMP 3.0 OC
∙Supports Dual Controller Dual-Channel mode
∙Supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory
* Please refer to www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.
Expansion Slot
∙3x PCIe x16 slots
▪Supports x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
▪PCI_E1 & PCI_E2 slots (From CPU)
▫PCI_E1 supports up to PCIe 5.0 x16
▫PCI_E2 supports up to PCIe 5.0 x8
▪PCI_E3* (From Z690 chipset)
▫Supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4
* PCI_E3 & M2_4 share the bandwidth. PCI_E3 will run at x1 speed and M2_4
will run at x2 speed when installing devices in both slots.
Multi-GPU ∙Supports NVIDIA® SLI™ Technology
∙Supports AMD CrossFire™ Technology
Onboard Graphics
∙1x USB-C Display port, supporting 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

17
Specifications
Continued from previous column
Thunderbolt 4
Intel® JHL8540 Thunderbolt™ 4 Controller
∙2x Thunderbolt™ 4 (USB-C) ports on the back panel
▪Supports up to 40Gbps transfer rate with Thunderbolt
devices
▪Supports up to 20Gbps transfer rate with USB4 devices
▪Supports up to 10Gbps transfer rate with USB 3.2
devices
▪Supports up to 5V/3A ,15W power charging
▪Each port can daisy-chain up to three Thunderbolt 4
devices or five Thunderbolt 3 devices
▪Supports up to 8K display (need to connect the
DisplayPort of the motherboard or discrete graphics card
to the Mini DisplayPort Input port on the back panel)
Storage
∙6x SATA 6Gb/s ports (From Z690 chipset)
▪SATA5~8 (From Z690 chipset)
▪SATAA~B (From ASM1061)
∙5x M.2 slots (Key M)
▪M2_1 slot (From CPU)
▫Supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4
▫Supports 2260/ 2280/ 22110 storage devices
▪M2_2 & M2_3 slots (From Z690 chipset)
▫M2_2 slot supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4
▫M2_3 slot upports up to PCIe 3.0 x4
▫Supports 2260/ 2280 storage devices
▪M2_4 & M2_5* slots (From Z690 chipset)
▫Supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4
▫Supports up to SATA 6Gb/s
▫M2_4 slot supports 2280/ 22110 storage devices
▫M2_5 slot supports 2260/ 2280 storage devices
▪M2_2~5 slots support Intel® Optane™ Memory
∙Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology for Intel
Core™ processors
* SATA7 will be unavailable when installing M.2 SATA SSD in the M2_5 slot.
Continued on next column

18 Specifications
Continued from previous column
RAID
∙Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA
storage devices*
∙Supports RAID 0, RAID 1 , RAID 5 and RAID 10 for M.2
NVMe storage devices
* SATAA & SATAB do not support RAID function.
USB
∙Intel® Z690 Chipset
▪2x USB3.2 Gen2x2 20Gbps ports (2 Type-C internal
connectors)
▪4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps ports (1 Type-C port on the
back panel, 3 Type-A ports on the back panel)
∙Hub-GL3590
▪4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-A ports on the back
panel
∙ASM1074
▪4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Type-A ports available
through the internal connectors
∙Hub-GL850G
▪4x USB 2.0 Type-A ports available through the internal
connectors
Audio
Realtek® ALC4082 Codec + ESS SABRE9018Q2C Combo
DAC/HPA
∙7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
∙Supports S/PDIF output
LAN ∙2x Intel® I225V 2.5Gbps LAN controllers
Wireless LAN &
Bluetooth®
∙Intel® Wi-Fi 6E
∙The Wireless module is pre-installed in the M.2 (Key-E)
slot
∙Supports MU-MIMO TX/RX, 2.4GHz/ 5GHz/ 6GHz*(160MHz)
up to 2.4Gbps
∙Supports 802.11 a/ b/ g/ n/ ac/ ax
∙Supports Bluetooth® 5.2**, FIPS, FISMA
* Wi-Fi 6E 6GHz may depend on every country’s regulations and will be ready in
Windows 10 build 21H1 and Windows 11.
** Bluetooth 5.2 will be ready in Windows 10 build 21H1 and Windows 11.
Continued on next column

19
Specifications
Continued from previous column
Internal Connectors
∙1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
∙2x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors
∙6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
∙5x M.2 slots (M-Key)
∙2x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps Type-C ports
∙2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps connectors (supports additional 4
USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports)
∙2x USB 2.0 Type-A connectors (supports additional 4 USB
2.0 ports)
∙1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
∙1x 4-pin water-pump fan connector
∙6x 4-pin system fan connectors
∙1x Front panel audio connector
∙2x System panel connectors
∙1x Chassis Intrusion connector
∙1x 3-pin Water Flow connector
∙2x 2-pin Thermal sensor connectors
∙1x TPM module connector
∙1x Tuning Controller connector
Internal Buttons ∙1x Power button
∙1x Reset button
Jumpers
∙1x Clear CMOS jumper
∙1x Slow mode jumper
∙2x Low temperature booting jumpers
∙1x OC force enter BIOS jumper
LED Features
∙1x EZ LED Control switch
∙1x 4-pin RGB LED connector
∙2x 3-pin RAINBOW LED connectors
∙1x 3-pin CORSAIR LED connector
∙4x EZ Debug LED
∙1x 2-Digit Debug Code LED
Continued on next column

20 Specifications
Continued from previous column
Back Panel
Connectors
∙1x Clear CMOS button
∙1x Flash BIOS button
∙2x LAN I225V ports
∙7x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-A ports
∙1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-C port
∙2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
∙2x Mini DisplayPort Input (for Thunderbolt 4 pass through)
∙2x Wi-Fi Antenna connectors
∙5x OFC 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 ∙E-ATX Form Factor
∙12 in. x 10.9 in. (30.5 cm x 27.7 cm)
BIOS Features
∙Dual BIOS
∙2x 256 Mb flash
∙UEFI AMI BIOS
∙ACPI 6.4, SMBIOS 3.4
∙Multi-language
Software
∙Drivers
∙MSI Center
∙Intel Extreme Tuning Utility
∙Nahimic Audio
∙MSI APP Player (BlueStacks)
∙Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)
∙CPU-Z MSI GAMING
∙Google Chrome™, Google Toolbar, Google Drive
∙Norton™ Internet Security Solution
Continued on next column