MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI DDR4 User manual

1
󸛚󳿜 Contents
Contents
3
4
 10
LAN Port LED Status Table......................................................................................11
Audio Ports Configuration........................................................................................11
 12
CPU Socket...............................................................................................................13
DIMM Slots................................................................................................................14
PCI_E1~4: PCIe Expansion Slots..............................................................................15
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors.......................................................................16
SATA1~6: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors...........................................................................17
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ................................................................................17
M2_1~4: M.2 Slot (Key M).........................................................................................18
ATX_PWR1, CPU_PWR1~2: Power Connectors.......................................................19
JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Connectors.................................................................................20
JUSB3~4: USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Connector .............................................................20
JUSB5: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Connector................................................................21
JTBT1: Thunderbolt Add-on Card Connector ..........................................................21
CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~6: Fan Connectors......................................22
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector...............................................................................22
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector...........................................................................23
JDASH1: Tuning controller Connector.....................................................................23
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper...............................................................24
JRAINBOW1~2: Addressable RGB LED connectors ................................................24
JRGB1: RGB LED connector.....................................................................................25
EZ Debug LED...........................................................................................................25
26
Installing Windows 10/ Windows 11.........................................................................26
Installing Drivers......................................................................................................26
MSI Center................................................................................................................26
27
Thank you for purchasing the MSI® 
motherboard. This User Guide gives information
about board layout, component overview, BIOS setup and
software installation.
Questo manuale d’istruzione è fornito da trovaprezzi.it. Scopri tutte le offerte per MSI Pro Z690-A DDR5 o
cerca il tuo prodotto tra le migliori offerte di Schede Madri

2Contents
BIOS Setup................................................................................................................28
Entering BIOS Setup.................................................................................................28
BIOS User Guide.......................................................................................................28
Resetting BIOS..........................................................................................................29
Updating BIOS...........................................................................................................29

3
Contents 

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.

4


Supports 12th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors
Processor socket LGA1700
* Please go to www.msi.com to get the newest support status
as new processors are released.
 Intel® Z690 chipset

4x DDR5 memory slots, support up to 128GB*
Supports JEDEC standard DDR5 4800/ 6400+ (OC) MHz
Supports Intel® XMP 3.0 OC
Supports Dual Controller Dual-Channel mode
Supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory
*Please refer www.msi.com for more information on
compatible memory

3x PCIe x16 slots
PCI_E1 (From CPU)
Support PCIe 5.0 x16
PCI_E3 & PCI_E4 (From Z690 chipset)
Support PCIe 3.0 x4 & 3.0 x1
1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot (From Z690 chipset)
 Realtek® ALC897 Codec
7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
 Supports AMD CrossFire™ Technology


1x HDMI 2.1 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.
 1x Intel® I225V 2.5Gbps LAN controller
Continued on next page

5
 
Continued from previous page


Intel® Wi-Fi 6E (Only for PRO Z690-A WIFI)
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 version 21H1 and Windows 11.
** Bluetooth 5.2 will be ready in Windows 10 version 21H1 and
Windows 11.

6x SATA 6Gb/s ports (From Z690 chipset)
4x M.2 slots (Key M)
M2_1 slot (From CPU)
Supports PCIe 4.0 x4
Supports 2242/ 2260/ 2280/ 22110 storage devices
M2_2 slot (From Z690 chipset)
Supports PCIe 4.0 x4
Supports 2242/ 2260/ 2280 storage devices
M2_3 slot (From Z690 chipset)
Supports PCIe 3.0x4
Supports SATA 6Gb/s
Supports 2242/ 2260/ 2280 storage devices
M2_4 slot (From Z690 chipset)
Supports PCIe 4.0x4
Supports SATA 6Gb/s
Supports 2242/ 2260/ 2280 storage devices
M2_2~4 support Intel® Optane™ Memory
Support Intel® Smart Response Technology for Intel Core™
processors

Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA
storage devices
Supports RAID 0 , RAID 1 and RAID 5 for M.2 NVMe storage
devices
Continued on next page

6
Continued from previous page

Intel® Z690 Chipset
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps Type-C port on the back
panel
2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps ports (1 Type-C internal
connector and 1 Type-A port on the back panel)
6x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports (2 Type-A ports on the
back panel, and 4 ports are available through the internal
USB connectors)
4x USB 2.0 Type-A ports on the back panel
USB Hub GL850G
4x USB 2.0 ports are available through the internal USB
connectors


1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
2x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
6x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
4x M.2 slots (M-Key)
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-C port
2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps connectors (supports additional 4
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
6x 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 Tuning controller connector
1x TBT connector (Supports RTD3)

1x 4-pin RGB LED connector
2x 3-pin RAINBOW LED connectors
4x EZ Debug LED
Continued on next page

7
 
Continued from previous page


1x Flash BIOS Button
1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port
4x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
1x DisplayPort
1x HDMI 2.1 port
1x LAN (RJ45) port
2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Type-A ports
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-A port
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps Type-C port
2x Wi-Fi Antenna connectors (Only for PRO Z690-A WIFI)
6x audio jacks
 NUVOTON NCT6687D-W Controller Chip


CPU/ System/ Chipset temperature detection
CPU/ System/ Pump fan speed detection
CPU/ System/ Pump fan speed control
 ATX Form Factor
12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

1x 256 Mb flash
UEFI AMI BIOS
ACPI 6.4, SMBIOS 3.4
Multi-language

Drivers
MSI Center
Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility
CPU-Z MSI GAMING
Google Chrome™, Google Toolbar, Google Drive
Norton™ Internet Security Solution
Continued on next page

8
Continued from previous page


Mystic Light
LAN Manager
User Scenario
Hardware Monitor
Frozr AI Cooling
True Color
Live Update
Speed Up
Super Charger


Audio
Audio Boost
Network
2.5G LAN
LAN Manager
Intel WiFi (Only for PRO Z690-A WIFI)
Cooling
M.2 Shield Frozr
Pump Fan
Smart Fan Control
LED
Mystic Light Extension (RAINBOW/RGB)
Mystic Light SYNC
EZ LED Control
EZ DEBUG LED
Continued on next page


 
Continued from previous page


Performance
Multi GPU-CrossFire Technology
DDR5 Boost
Core Boost
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20G
USB 3.2 Gen 2 10G
USB with Type A+C
Front USB Type-C
Protection
PCI-E Steel Armor
Experience
MSI Center
Frozr AI Cooling
Click BIOS 5
Flash BIOS Button

10 

USB 3.2 Gen 1
5Gbps Type-A
Flash BIOS Button
PS/2 Combo port 2.5 Gbps LAN
DisplayPort
USB 2.0 Type-A
USB 2.0 Type-A Audio Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
20Gbps Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-A
Flash BIOS
Port
USB 3.2 Gen 1
5Gbps Type-A
Flash BIOS Button
PS/2 Combo port 2.5 Gbps LAN
DisplayPort
USB 2.0 Type-A
USB 2.0 Type-A Audio Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
20Gbps Type-C
USB 3.2 Gen 2
10Gbps Type-A
Flash BIOS
Port
Wi-Fi Antenna connectors



11
 

 
Off No link
Yellow Linked
Blinking Data activity

 
Off 10 Mbps connection
Green 100/ 1000 Mbps connection
Orange 2.5 Gbps connection


 
2468
Line-Out/ Front Specker Out
Line-In 
Rear Speaker Out 
Center/ Subwoofer Out  
Side Speaker Out 
Mic In
: empty)

12 

* Distance from the center of the CPU to the nearest DIMM slot.
SATA6
SATA5
M2_4
SYS_FAN4
JFP2
JTPM1
JRGB1


JCI1
M2_3
M2_2
M2_1
SYS_FAN6 JUSB4
JUSB5
JUSB3
JUSB1
JUSB2
JTBT1
SYS_FAN5
JSMB1
CPU_FAN1
PUMP_FAN1
SYS_FAN1
SYS_FAN3
SYS_FAN2
PCI_E1
PCI_E2
PCI_E3
JBAT1
PCI_E4
JDASH1
Processor Socket
CPU_PWR1
CPU_PWR2
JRAINBOW2
JAUD1
JRAINBOW1
JFP1
ATX_PWR1
DIMMA2
DIMMA1
DIMMB2
DIMMB1
50.98mm*
(For PRO Z690-A
WIFI)

13
 

Please install the CPU into the CPU socket as shown below.


 Always unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing
the CPU.
 Please retain the CPU protective cap after installing the processor. MSI will deal
with Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests if only the motherboard
comes with the protective cap on the CPU socket.
 When installing a CPU, always remember to install a CPU heatsink. A CPU heatsink
is necessary to prevent overheating and maintain system stability.
 
your system.
 Overheating can seriously damage the CPU and motherboard. Always make sure
the cooling fans work properly to protect the CPU from overheating. Be sure to apply
an even layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) between the CPU and the heatsink to
enhance heat dissipation.
 Whenever the CPU is not installed, always protect the CPU socket pins by covering
the socket with the plastic cap.
 If you purchased a separate CPU and heatsink/ cooler, Please refer to the docu-
mentation in the heatsink/ cooler package for more details about installation.
1
4
6
57
8

3
2

14 

Please install the memory module into the DIMM slot as shown below.
DIMMB2
DIMMA2 DIMMA2
1
1
2
3
3
2

DIMMB2
DIMMB1
DIMMA2
DIMMA1

15
 


 Always insert memory modules in the 
 To ensure system stability for Dual channel mode, memory modules must be of the
same type, number and density.
 Some memory modules may operate at a lower frequency than the marked value
when overclocking due to the memory frequency operates dependent on its Serial
 to set the memory
frequency if you want to operate the memory at the marked or at a higher frequency.
 󽙎
installation or overclocking.
 The stability and compatibility of installed memory module depend on installed
CPU and devices when overclocking.
 Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.



 󽙋
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.
 If you install a large and heavy graphics card, you need to use a tool such as 
 to support its weight to prevent deformation
of the slot.
 For a single PCIe x16 expansion card installation with optimum performance, using
the  slot is recommended.
: PCIe 5.0 x16 (From CPU)
: PCIe 3.0 x4 (From Z690 chipset)
: PCIe 3.0 x1 (From Z690 chipset)
: PCIe 3.0 x1 (From Z690 chipset)

16 

These connectors connect to the switches and LEDs on the front panel.
1
2 10
9
+
+
+- -- -
+
Power LED
HDD LED Reset Switch
Reserved
Power Switch 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
JFP2 1
+
+- -
Speaker
Buzzer 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

17
 

This connector allow you to connect audio jacks on the front panel.
1
2 10
9
1 MIC L 2 Ground
3 MIC R 4 NC
5 Head Phone R 6 MIC Detection
7 SENSE_SEND 8 No Pin
9 Head Phone L 10 Head Phone Detection

These connectors are SATA 6Gb/s interface ports. Each connector can connect to one
SATA device.
SATA1
SATA3
SATA2
SATA6
SATA5
SATA4


 Please do not fold the SATA cable at a 90-degree angle. Data loss may result
during transmission otherwise.
 SATA cables have identical plugs on either sides of the cable. However, it is

saving purposes.

18 

Please install the M.2 solid-state drive (SSD) into the M.2 slot as shown below.
1
3
Standoff
Supplied
M.2 screw 30º30º
2
30º30º
3
2
1
(Optional)


 

These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply.


Make sure that all the power cables are securely connected to a proper ATX power
supply to ensure stable operation of the motherboard.
24
131
12
ATX_PWR1
1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V
2 +3.3V 14 -12V
3 Ground 15 Ground
4 +5V 16 PS-ON#
5 Ground 17 Ground
6 +5V 18 Ground
7 Ground 19 Ground
8 PWR OK 20 Res
9 5VSB 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V 23 +5V
12 +3.3V 24 Ground
5
41
8
CPU_PWR1~2
1 Ground 5 +12V
2 Ground 6 +12V
3 Ground 7 +12V
4 Ground 8 +12V

20 

This connector allows you to connect USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports on the front panel.
1
10 11
20
1 Power 11 USB2.0+
2 USB3_RX_DN 12 USB2.0-
3 USB3_RX_DP 13 Ground
4 Ground 14 USB3_TX_C_DP
5 USB3_TX_C_DN 15 USB3_TX_C_DN
6 USB3_TX_C_DP 16 Ground
7 Ground 17 USB3_RX_DP
8 USB2.0- 18 USB3_RX_DN
9 USB2.0+ 19 Power
10 Ground 20 No Pin


Note that the Power and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible
damage.

These connectors allow you to connect USB 2.0 ports on the front panel.


 Note that the VCC and Ground pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible
damage.
 In order to recharge your iPad,iPhone and iPod through USB ports, please install
MSI Center utility.
1
2 10
9
1 VCC 2 VCC
3 USB0- 4 USB1-
5 USB0+ 6 USB1+
7 Ground 8 Ground
9 No Pin 10 NC