MSI Z370I GAMING PRO CARBON AC User manual

1
Unpacking
Unpacking
Thank you for buying the MSI®Z370I GAMING PRO CARBON AC motherboard. Check
to make sure your motherboard box contains the following items. If something is
missing, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
SATA Cable x2
Drivers & Utilities
Disc Motherboard User
Guide
I/O Shield
Motherboard
SATA Cable Labels CORSAIR HD RGB LED
Cable 50cm x1*
Antenna x2
RGB LED Extension
Cable 80cm x1
* Only for connecting the Corsair HD Series, HD120 RGB LED Case Fan.

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 60oC (140oF), it may damage
the motherboard.

3
Quick Start
Intel®LGA 1151 CPU
DDR4 Memory
Graphics Card
SATA Hard Disk Drive
SATA DVD Drive
A Package of Screws
Phillips Screwdriver
Chassis
Power Supply Unit
CPU Fan Thermal Paste
Quick Start
Preparing Tools and Components

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

5
Quick Start
Installing DDR4 memory
http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs
1
2
2
3

6Quick Start
Connecting the Front Panel Header
http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI
1
210
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

7
Quick Start
Installing the Motherboard
1
2

8Quick Start
Installing SATA Drives
http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc
1
2
3
4
5

9
Quick Start
1
Installing a Graphics Card
http://youtu.be/mG0GZpr9w_A
2
3
4
5
6

10 Quick Start
Connecting Peripheral Devices

11
Quick Start
Connecting the Power Connectors
http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4
ATX_PWR1 CPU_PWR1

12 Quick Start
Power On
1
4
2
3

13
Contents
Contents
Unpacking .............................................................................................................. 1
Safety Information................................................................................................. 2
Quick Start ............................................................................................................. 3
Preparing Tools and Components.......................................................................... 3
Installing a Processor............................................................................................. 4
Installing DDR4 memory ........................................................................................ 5
Connecting the Front Panel Header....................................................................... 6
Installing the Motherboard..................................................................................... 7
Installing SATA Drives............................................................................................. 8
Installing a Graphics Card...................................................................................... 9
Connecting Peripheral Devices ............................................................................ 10
Connecting the Power Connectors....................................................................... 11
Power On............................................................................................................... 12
Specifications....................................................................................................... 16
Block Diagram .................................................................................................... 21
Rear I/O Panel ..................................................................................................... 22
LAN Port LED Status Table................................................................................... 22
Audio Ports Configuration.................................................................................... 22
Realtek HD Audio Manager .................................................................................. 23
Overview of Components .................................................................................... 25
M2_1: M.2 Slot (Key M)......................................................................................... 27
CPU Socket ........................................................................................................... 28
DIMM Slots............................................................................................................ 29
M2_2: M.2 Wi-Fi module slot (Key E) ................................................................... 29
PCI_E1: PCIe Expansion Slot................................................................................ 30
SATA1~4: SATA 6Gb/s Connectors ....................................................................... 30
CPU_PWR1, ATX_PWR1: Power Connectors ....................................................... 31
JFP1, JFP2: Front Panel Connectors................................................................... 31
JUSB1: USB 2.0 Connector .................................................................................. 32
JUSB2: USB 3.1 Gen1 Connector ......................................................................... 32
CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1: Fan Connectors.............................................................. 33
JAUD1: Front Audio Connector ............................................................................ 34
JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector....................................................................... 34
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector........................................................................... 35
JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper........................................................... 35
JRGB1, JCORSAIR1: RGB LED Connectors.......................................................... 36

14 Contents
Onboard LEDs ...................................................................................................... 37
EZ Debug LEDs..................................................................................................... 37
DIMM LEDs ........................................................................................................... 37
PCIe x16 slot LEDs................................................................................................ 37
BIOS Setup ........................................................................................................... 38
Entering BIOS Setup............................................................................................. 38
Resetting BIOS...................................................................................................... 39
Updating BIOS....................................................................................................... 39
EZ Mode ................................................................................................................ 40
Advanced Mode .................................................................................................... 42
SETTINGS.............................................................................................................. 43
Advanced............................................................................................................... 43
Boot....................................................................................................................... 48
Security................................................................................................................. 49
Save & Exit............................................................................................................ 51
OC.......................................................................................................................... 52
M-FLASH .............................................................................................................. 58
OC PROFILE .......................................................................................................... 59
HARDWARE MONITOR.......................................................................................... 60
Software Description........................................................................................... 61
Installing Windows®10......................................................................................... 61
Installing Drivers .................................................................................................. 61
Installing Utilities ................................................................................................. 61
APP MANAGER ..................................................................................................... 62
LIVE UPDATE 6...................................................................................................... 63
COMMAND CENTER ............................................................................................. 65
GAMING APP......................................................................................................... 69
X-BOOST ............................................................................................................... 74
MYSTICLIGHT........................................................................................................ 76
MSI SMART TOOL ................................................................................................. 78
RAMDISK............................................................................................................... 80
GAMING LAN MANAGER ...................................................................................... 81
DRAGON EYE ........................................................................................................ 83
Nahimic 2.............................................................................................................. 84
SteelSeries Engine 3 ............................................................................................ 88
Intel®Extreme Tuning Utility................................................................................ 90
CPU-Z.................................................................................................................... 91
TriDef VR ............................................................................................................... 92
TriDef SmartCam.................................................................................................. 95

15
Contents
RAID Configuration.............................................................................................. 96
Using Intel®Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM ........................................... 96
Degraded RAID Array ........................................................................................... 99
Intel®Optane™ Memory Configuration ............................................................ 101
System Requirements ....................................................................................... 101
Installing the Intel®Optane™ memory .............................................................. 101
Removing the Intel®Optane™ memory ............................................................. 103
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................. 104
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................ 105
Regulatory Notices............................................................................................ 106

16 Specifications
Specifications
CPU Supports 8th Generation Intel®Core™ Processors, and Intel®
Pentium®and Celeron®Processors for Socket LGA1151
Chipset Intel®Z370 Express Chipset
Memory
y2x DDR4 memory slots, support up to 32GB
ySupports 4500(OC)/ 4400(OC)/ 4333(OC)/ 4266(OC)/
4133(OC)/ 4000(OC)/ 3866(OC)/ 3733(OC)/ 3600(OC)/
3466(OC)/ 3400(OC)/ 3333(OC)/ 3300(OC)/ 3200(OC)/
3000(OC)/ 2800(OC)/ 2667/ 2400/ 2133 MHz Memory*
ySupports Dual-Channel mode
ySupports non-ECC, un-buffered memory
ySupports Intel®Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
* Please refer www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.
Expansion Slots y1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot
Onboard Graphics
y1x HDMI™ port, supports a maximum resolution of
4096x2160@30Hz, 2560x1600@60Hz
y1x DisplayPort port, supports a maximum resolution of
4096X2304@24Hz, 3840X2160@60Hz,1920X1200@60Hz
Storage
Intel®Z370 Chipset
y4x SATA 6Gb/s ports
Supports RAID 0, RAID1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA
storage devices
y1x M.2 slot (M2_1, Key M)
Support up to PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s
Supports 2242/ 2260 /2280 storage devices
Intel®Optane™ Memory Ready
Audio
yRealtek®ALC1220 Codec
y7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
ySupports S/PDIF output
LAN 1x Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN controller
Continued on next page

17
Specifications
Continued from previous page
Wirsless LAN &
Bluetooth®
Intel®Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 module
yThe Wireless module is pre-install in the M2_2 (M.2 Key E)
slot.
ySupports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual band (2.4GHz,
5GHz) up to 867 Mbps speed.
ySupports Dual Mode Bluetooth®2.1, 2.1+EDR, 3.0, 4.0,
BLE, 4.2
USB
yASMedia®ASM3142 Chipset
1x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) Type-C port
on the back panel
1x USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) Type-A port
on the back panel
yIntel®Z370 Chipset
4x USB 3.1 Gen1 (SuperSpeed USB) ports (2 Type-A
ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through the
internal USB connector)
4x USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) ports (2 Type-A ports on
the back panel, 2 ports available through the internal
USB connector)
Back Panel
Connectors
y1x PS/2 keyboard/ mouse combo port
y2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
y1x DisplayPort port
y1x HDMI™ port
y1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A port
y1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port
y1x Clear CMOS button
y1x LAN (RJ45) port
y2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A ports
y2x Wi-Fi Antenna connectors
y5x OFC audio jacks
y1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector
Continued on next page

18 Specifications
Continued from previous page
Internal Connectors
y1x 24-pin ATX main power connector
y1x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
y4x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
y1x USB 3.1 Gen1 connector (supports additional 2 USB 3.1
Gen1 ports)
y1x USB 2.0 connector (supports additional 2 USB 2.0 ports)
y1x 4-pin CPU fan connector
y1x 4-pin system fan connector
y1x Front panel audio connector
y2x Front panel connectors
y1x TPM module connector
y1x Chassis Intrusion connector
y1x Clear CMOS jumper
y1x 5050 RGB LED strip 12V connector
y1x CORSAIR Individually Addressable RGB LED strip 5V
connector
I/O Controller NUVOTON NCT5565 Controller Chip
Hardware Monitor
yCPU/System temperature detection
yCPU/System fan speed detection
yCPU/System fan speed control
Form Factor yMini-ITX Form Factor
y6.7 in. x 6.7 in. (17.0 cm x 17.0 cm)
BIOS Features
y1x 128 Mb flash
yUEFI AMI BIOS
yACPI 6.0 , SMBIOS 3.0
yMulti-language
Continued on next page

19
Specifications
Continued from previous page
Software
yDrivers
yAPP MANAGER
ySUPER CHARGER
yCOMMAND CENTER
yLIVE UPDATE 6
yMSI SMART TOOL
yRAMDISK
yDPC LATENCY TUNER
yFAST BOOT
yX-BOOST
yDRAGON EYE
yGAMING APP
yMYSTIC LIGHT
yGAMING LAN MANAGER
yNahimic Audio
yOpen Broadcaster Software (OBS)
yTriDef® VR & SmartCam
ySteelSeries Engine 3
yWTFast*
yCPU-Z MSI GAMING
yIntel®Extreme Tuning Utility
yGoogle Chrome™ ,Google Toolbar, Google Drive
yNorton™ Internet Security Solution
* This offer is valid for a limited period only, for more information please visit
www.msi.com
Special Features
yAudio
Audio Boost 4
Nahimic 2
yNetwork
GAMING LAN with Gaming LAN Manager
Intel Wi-Fi
Continued on next page

20 Specifications
Continued from previous page
Special Features
yStorage
Turbo M.2
yFan
Smart Fan Control
yLED
Mystic Light
Mystic Light Extension (RGB)
Corsair Extension
Mystic light SYNC
EZ DEBUG LED
yProtection
DDR4 Steel Armor
PCI-E Steel Armor
yPerformance
DDR4 Boost
Lightning USB
USB with Type A+C
yStability
Military Class 4
yVR
VR Ready
yGamer Experience
GAMING HOTKEY
GAMING MOUSE Control
yBIOS
Click BIOS 5
yCertification
Quadro Ready
SteelSeries Certified