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■ iPad, iPhone, and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc. ■ Qualcomm Atheros and Killer are trademarks of Qualcomm Atheros Inc. Revision History Revision Revision History Date V3.0 First release 2014/08 V3.1 Update release for X99A GAMING 7 2015/01 Preface...
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If a problem arises with your system and no solution can be obtained from the user’s manual, please contact your place of purchase or local distributor. Alternatively, please try the following help resources for further guidance. Visit the MSI website for technical guide, BIOS updates, driver updates, and other information: http://www.msi.com/support/ Contact our technical staff at: http://register.msi.com/...
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Safety Instructions ■ Always read the safety instructions carefully. ■ Keep this User’s Manual for future reference. ■ Keep this equipment away from humidity. ■ Lay this equipment on a reliable flat surface before setting it up. ■ The openings on the enclosure are for air convection hence protects the equipment from overheating.
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FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
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Radiation Exposure Statement This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment and its antenna should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20 cm between the radiator and your body. This equipment and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
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Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Chemical Substances Information In compliance with chemical substances regulations, such as the EU REACH Regulation (Regulation EC No. 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and the Council), MSI provides the information of chemical substances in products at: http://www.msi.com/html/popup/csr/evmtprtt_pcm.html Preface...
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MSI will comply with the product take back requirements at the end of life of MSI-branded products that are sold into the EU. You can return these products to local collection points.
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MSI će poštovati zahtev o preuzimanju ovakvih proizvoda kojima je istekao vek trajanja, koji imaju MSI oznaku i koji su prodati u EU. Ove proizvode možete vratiti na lokalnim mestima za prikupljanje.
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MSI si adeguerà a tale Direttiva ritirando tutti i prodotti marchiati MSI che sono stati venduti all’interno dell’Unione Europea alla fine del loro ciclo di vita.
Chapter 1 Getting Started Thank you for choosing the X99A GAMING 7 Series (MS-7885 v3.X) ATX motherboard. The X99A GAMING 7 Series motherboards are based on Intel ® X99 chipset for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced Intel ®...
Packing Contents Drivers & Utilities Motherboard I/O Shield Motherboard Disc User Guide Software & Application SLI Cable SATA Cable M-Connector User Guide Audio Power Adapter ** These pictures are for reference only and may vary without notice. Getting Started...
Assembly Precautions ■ 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. ■ Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing any computer component.
USB 2.0 connectors) ■ ASMedia ASM1142 - 2x USB 3.1 ports on the back panel ■ VIA VL805 - 4x USB 3.0 ports on the back panel * Internal JUSB1 connector supports MSI Super Charger. ■ Realtek Audio ® ALC1150 Codec - 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio...
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■ 1x PS/2 port Back Panel ■ 2x USB 2.0 ports Connectors ■ 1x Clear CMOS button ■ 6x USB 3.0 ports ■ 2x USB 3.1 ports ■ 1x LAN (RJ45) port ■ 1x Optical S/PDIF OUT connector ■ 5x OFC audio jacks ■...
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- Command Center - Live Update 6 - Smart Utilities - Super Charger - Fast Boot - MSI Gaming APP - ECO Center ■ XSplit Gamecaster ■ Sound Blaster Cinema2 ■ Intel Extreme Tuning Utility ■ Norton Internet Security Solution ■...
Block Diagram 4 Channel DDR4 Memory Haswell-E Processor LGA2011-3 CPU Switch PCIe x1 slot PCI Express Bus Switch PCI Express Bus Killer E2205 Gigabit LAN DMI 2.0 1 x M.2 Switch 1 x SATA Express PCIe x1 slot 10 x SATA 6Gb/s (2 ports reserved for SATA Express) X99 PCH VL805...
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Connectors Reference Guide Port Name Port Type Page AUDPWR1 Direct Audio Power Connector 1-29 AUD_SW1 Audio Power Switch 1-35 Back panel 1-10 BIOS1 Multi-BIOS Switch 1-34 CPUFAN1~2,SYSFAN1~3 Fan Power Connectors 1-25 LGA2011-3 CPU Socket 1-12 DIMM1~8 Memory slots 1-16 JAUD1 Front Panel Audio Connector 1-29 JBAT1...
Back Panel Quick Guide LAN Port PS/2 Port* Line-In/ SS-Out CS-Out USB 3.0 Port USB 3.1 Port Clear CMOS Button RS-Out Line-Out USB 2.0 Port* USB 3.0 Port USB 3.0 Port Optical S/PDIF-Out * Gaming Device Port ▶ PS/2 Port ®...
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▶ LAN Port The standard RJ-45 LAN jack is for connecting to a Local Area Network (LAN). LED Status Description No link Link/ Activity LED Yellow Linked LINK/ACT SPEED Blinking Data activity 10 Mbps connection Speed LED Green 100 Mbps connection Orange 1 Gbps connection ▶...
This motherboard is designed to support overclocking. Before attempting to overclock, please make sure that all other system components can tolerate overclocking. Any attempt to operate beyond product specifications is not recommend. MSI does not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate operation beyond product specifications.
CPU & Heatsink Installation When installing a CPU, always remember to install a CPU heatsink. A CPU heatsink is necessary to prevent overheating and maintain system stability. Follow the steps below to ensure correct CPU and heatsink installation. Wrong installation can damage both the CPU and the motherboard.
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5. Line up the CPU to fit the CPU socket. Be sure to hold the CPU by the base with the metal contacts facing downward. The alignment keys on the CPU will line up with the edges of the CPU socket to ensure a correct fit. 6.
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9. Evenly spread a thin layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) on the top of the CPU. This will help in heat dissipation and prevent CPU overheating. 10. Locate the CPU fan connector on the motherboard. CPUFAN1 Thermal paste 11.
Memory These DIMM slots are used for installing memory modules. DIMM1 DIMM2 DIMM3 DIMM4 DIMM8 DIMM7 DIMM6 DIMM5 Video Demonstration Watch the video to learn how to install memory. http://youtu.be/T03aDrJPyQs Up to Quad-Channel mode This motherboard supports up to four memory channels. Two DIMM slots provide a single channel.
Mounting Screw Holes When installing the motherboard, first install the necessary mounting stands required for an motherboard on the mounting plate in your computer case. If there is an I/O back plate that came with the computer case, please replace it with the I/O backplate that came with the motherboard package.
Power Supply Video Demonstration Watch the video to learn how to install power supply connectors. http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4 JPWR1~2: ATX Power Connectors These connectors allow you to connect an ATX power supply. To connect the ATX power supply, align the power supply cable with the connector and firmly press the cable into the connector.
Adding on one or more discrete video cards will significantly boost the system’s graphics performance. For best compatibility, MSI graphics cards are recommended. Video Demonstration Watch the video to learn how to install a graphics card on PCIe x16 slot with butterfly lock.
Internal Connectors SATA1~10: SATA Connectors This connector is a high-speed SATA interface port. Each connector can connect to one SATA device. SATA devices include disk drives (HDD), solid state drives (SSD), and optical drives (CD/ DVD/ Blu-Ray). Video Demonstration Watch the video to learn how to Install SATA HDD. http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc SATA2 SATA1...
SATA_EX1: SATA Express Connector The SATA Express, a new high performance storage interface, supports to connect 1 SATA Express device with up to 10 Gb/s transfer rate. Connects the SATA Express device to this 3-in-1 connector by a SATA Express cable. M2_1: M.2 Port The M.2 port supports either M.2 SATA 6Gb/s module or M.2 PCIe module.
CPUFAN1~2,SYSFAN1~3: Fan Power Connectors The fan power connectors support system cooling fans with +12V. If the motherboard has a System Hardware Monitor chipset on-board, you must use a specially designed fan with a speed sensor to take advantage of the CPU fan control. Remember to connect all system fans.
JFP1, JFP2: System Panel Connectors These connectors connect to the front panel switches and LEDs. The JFP1 connector ® is compliant with the Intel Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide. When installing the front panel connectors, please use the optional M-Connector to simplify installation.
• Please only connect one device per USB port to ensure stable charging. • Super-Charger Technology is only available on select MSI motherboard models. Please refer to the MSI website to check if your motherboard has Super-Charger technology. • For iPad, JUSB1 (red mark) can still charge iPad in S3, S4, S5 state.
JUSB3~4: USB 2.0 Expansion Connectors This connector is designed for connecting high-speed USB peripherals such as USB HDDs, digital cameras, MP3 players, printers, modems, and many others. Important Note that the VCC and GND pins must be connected correctly to avoid possible damage.
JAUD1: Front Panel Audio Connector This connector allows you to connect the front audio panel located on your computer ® case. This connector is compliant with the Intel Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide. AUDPWR1: Direct Audio Power Connector This connector is used to provide direct power to back panel audio ports. The direct audio power can provide the better audio quality.
JTPM1: TPM Module Connector This connector connects to a TPM (Trusted Platform Module). Please refer to the TPM security platform manual for more details and usages. Getting Started 1-30...
BIOS section of the manual for instructions on how to turn off OC Genie from the BIOS. • The usage of OC Genie is at the user’s own risk. Overclocking is never guaranteed by MSI. • To ensure successfully OC Genie usage, MSI components are recommended. 1-31 Getting Started...
POWER1: Power Button This button is used to turn-on and turn-off the system. Press the button once to turn-on or turn-off the system. RESET1: Reset Button This reset button is used to reset the system. Press the button to reset the system. Getting Started 1-32...
Jumper JBAT1: Clear CMOS Jumper There is CMOS RAM onboard that is external powered from a battery located on the motherboard to save system configuration data. With the CMOS RAM, the system can automatically boot into the operating system (OS) every time it is turned on. If you want to clear the system configuration, set the jumpers to clear the CMOS RAM.
Preparation: 1. Prepare a bootable USB flash drive. 2. Download the latest BIOS file from the MSI official website at www.msi.com, and then decompress the file. 3. Copy the AFUDE238.exe and the BIOS file to the bootable USB flash drive BIOS recovery steps: 1.
AUD_SW1: Audio Power Switch This switch specifies the power mode for back panel audio ports. Onboard Power Direct Power mode (Default) mode Important • Before switching to "Direct Power mode", please make sure the "Direct Audio Power Connector” (AUDPWR1) has been connected to the power supply. •...
LED Status Indicators MSI LED Debug LED BIOS A LED BIOS B LED LED Status Table The following table describes the status of LED indicators. LED Status Description BIOS B Green BIOS B in operation BIOS A Blue BIOS A in operation...
Debug Code LED Table Please refer to the table below to get more information about the Debug Code LED message. Post Status Power on CPU Initialization 02,07 Power on North Bridge Initialization 03,08 Power on South Bridge Initialization 04,09 Power on Cache Initialization Early CPU Initialization 11~14,32~36,56~5A Early North Bridge Initialization...
After you install the operating system you will need to install drivers to maximize the performance of the new computer you just built. MSI motherboard comes with a Driver Disc. Drivers allow the computer to utilize your motherboard more efficiently and take advantage of any special features we provide.
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Chapter 2 Quick Installation This chapter 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. Important The diagrams in this chapter are for reference only and may vary from the product you purchased.
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CPU Installation http://youtu.be/WPhyn2C5mgs Quick Installation...
Chapter 3 BIOS Setup CLICK BIOS is a revolutionary UEFI interface that allows you to setup and configure your system for optimum use. Using your mouse and keyboard, users can change BIOS settings, monitor CPU temperature, select the boot device priority and view system information such as the CPU name, DRAM capacity, the OS version and the BIOS version.
(optional) on the motherboard to enable the system going to BIOS setup directly at next boot. Click "GO2BIOS" tab on "MSI Fast Boot" utility screen. Important Please be sure to install the “MSI Fast Boot” utility before using it to enter the BIOS setup. BIOS Setup...
Overview After entering BIOS, the following screen is displayed. Temperature monitor My Favorites Language System information Boot device priority bar Virtual OC Genie Button BIOS menu BIOS menu selection selection Menu display ▶ BIOS menu selection The following options are available: ■...
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Enables or disables the OC Genie function by clicking on this button. When enabled, this button will be light. Enabling OC Genie function can automatically overclock with MSI optimized overclocking profile. Important We recommend that you do not to make any modification in OC menu mode and do not to load defaults after enabling the OC Genie function.
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Adding BIOS item to Favorite 1~5 1. Move the mouse cursor to highlight a BIOS setting item. 2. Right-click (or press "F2" key) and then choose a favorite menu (Favorite 1~5) to add the BIOS item. Choose a favorite menu to add the BIOS item Deleting BIOS item from Favorite 1~5 1.
Operation You can control BIOS settings with the mouse and the keyboard. The following table lists and describes the hot keys and the mouse operations. Hot key Mouse Description <↑↓→← > Select Item Move the cursor <Enter> Select Icon/ Field Click/ Double-click the left button <Esc>...
Updating BIOS Updating the BIOS with M-FLASH ▶ Before updating Please download the latest BIOS file that matches your motherboard model from MSI website. And then save the BIOS file into the USB flash disk. Important Only the FAT32/ NTFS format USB flash disk supports updating BIOS by M-FLASH.
SETTINGS System Status ▶ System Date Sets the system date. Use tab key to switch between date elements. The format is <day> <month> <date> <year>. <day> Day of the week, from Sun to Sat, determined by BIOS. Read-only. <month> The month from Jan. through Dec. <date>...
Advanced ▶ PCI Subsystem Settings Sets PCI, PCI express interface protocol and latency timer. Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. ▶ PEGX - Gen X [Auto] Sets PCI Express protocol for matching different installed devices. [Auto] Enables all PCIe Gen1, Gen2 and Gen3. supports. [Gen1] Enables PCIe Gen1 support only.
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▶ Network Stack [Disabled] Sets UEFI network stack for optimizing IPv4 / IPv6 function. [Enabled] Enables UEFI network stack. [Disabled] Disables UEFI network stack. ▶ SATA Mode [AHCI Mode] (For SATA1~6) Sets the operation mode of the onboard 1st SATA controller. [IDE Mode] Specify the IDE mode for SATA storage devices.
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Disables this function. ▶ MSI Fast Boot [Disabled] MSI Fast Boot is the fastest way to boot the system. It will disable more devices to speed up system boot time which is faster than the boot time of “Fast Boot”.
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Important If you want to enter BIOS with enabled “MSI Fast Boot” mode or enabled "Fast Boot" mode, you have to click the "GO2BIOS" tab on MSI Fast Boot utility screen or press the "GO2BIOS" button (optional) on the motherboard. And then the system will enter to BIOS setup directly at next boot.
▶ Resume By PCI-E Device [Disabled] Disables or enables the system wake up by PCI express device. [Enabled] Enables the system to be awakened from the power saving modes when activity or input signal of PCIe device is detected. Note: Enabled this Item will also support some USB devices which are connected to third party supported USB ports to be resumed from sleep mode.
▶ Boot Mode Select [LEGACY+UEFI] Sets the system boot mode from legacy or UEFI architecture depending on OS installation requirement. This item will become unselectable and will be configured automatically by BIOS when “Windows 8/ 8.1 Feature” is enabled. [UEFI] Enables UEFI BIOS boot mode support only.
Save & Exit ▶ Discard Changes and Exit Exit BIOS setup without saving any change. This it is used to abandon all changes and exit BIOS setup. ▶ Save Changes and Reboot This item is used to save all changes and reboot the system. ▶...
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Important • Overclocking your PC manually is only recommended for advanced users. • Overclocking is not guaranteed, and if done improperly, can void your warranty or severely damage your hardware. • If you are unfamiliar with overclocking, we advise you to use OC Genie for easy overclocking.
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Enables the OC Genie function by virtual button in BIOS or physical button on motherboard. Enabling OC Genie function can automatically overclock the system with MSI optimized overclocking profile. [By BIOS Options] OC Genie function is enabled by clicking the virtual OC Genie button at the top left corner of BIOS setup screen.
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▶ CPU Base Clock Apply Mode [Auto]* Sets the applying mode for adjusted CPU base clock. [Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS. [Next Boot] CPU will run the adjusted CPU base clock at next boot. [Immediate] CPU runs the adjusted CPU base clock immediately. [During Boot] CPU will run the adjusted CPU base clock during boot.
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▶ Memory Fast Boot [Auto] Enables or disables the initiation and training for memory every booting. [Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS. [Enabled] Memory will completely imitate the archive of first initiation and first training. After that, the memory will not be initialed and trained when booting to accelerate the system booting time.
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▶ CPU VRM Over Temperature Protection [Enabled] Enables or disables the CPU VRM over-temperature protection. [Enabled] Sets the temperature limit on CPU VRM for over-temperature protection. The CPU frequency may be throttled when CPU temperature over the specified temperature. [Disabled] Disables this function.
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▶ CPU Core/Ring Voltage Mode [Auto]* Selects the control mode for CPU Core/ Ring voltages. [Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS. [Adaptive Mode] Sets the adaptive voltage automatically for optimizing the system performance. [Override Mode] Allows you to set the voltage manually. [Offset Mode] Allows you to set the offset voltage and select the voltage offset mode.
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▶ XXX Voltage [Auto]* (optional) Sets the voltages related to memory/ PCH. If set to "Auto", BIOS will set the voltage automatically or you can set it manually. < Other Setting > ▶ CPU Memory Changed Detect [Enabled]* Enables or disables the system to issue a warning message during boot when the CPU or memory has been replaced.
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▶ Execute Disable Bit [Enabled] Intel’s Execute Disable Bit functionality can prevent certain classes of malicious “buffer overflow” attacks where worms attempt to execute code to damage the system. It is recommended that keeps this item enabled always. [Enabled] Enables NO-Execution protection to prevent the malicious attacks and worms.
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▶ Intel C-State [Enabled] C-state is a processor power management technology defined by ACPI. [Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS. [Enabled] Detects the idle state of system and reduce CPU power consumption accordingly. [Disabled] Disable this function. ▶...
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▶ Internal VR OVP OCP Protection [Auto] Enables or disables the over-voltage protection and over-current protection for CPU internal VR (Voltage Regulator). [Auto] This setting will be configured automatically by BIOS. [Enabled] Enables the limitation of internal VR for over-voltage protection and over-current protection.
M-FLASH Important M-Flash funcion allows you to update BIOS from USB flash disk (FAT32/ NTFS format only). ▶ Select one file to update BIOS and ME Selects a BIOS file, includes the ME management settings, in the USB flash disk (NTFS/ FAT 32 format) to update the BIOS and ME.
HARDWARE MONITOR Current Temperature & Speed information control field Setting Buttons Voltage display ▶ Current Temperature & Speed information Shows the current CPU temperature, system temperature and fans' speeds. ▶ Fan control field This motherboard provides a fan speed control feature call “Smart Fan Mode”. Please check the “Smart Fan Mode”...
Appendix A Realtek Audio The Realtek audio provides 10-channel DAC that simultaneously supports 7.1 sound playback and 2 channels of independent stereo sound output (multiple streaming) through the Front-Out-Left and Front-Out-Right channels.
Software Configuration After installing the audio driver (see Chapter 1 - Driver and Utilities), the “Realtek HD Audio Manager” icon will appear at the notification area (lower right of the screen). You may double click the icon and the GUI will pop up accordingly. double click the icon It is also available to enable the audio driver by clicking the Realtek HD Audio Manager from the Control Panel.
▶ Device Selection Here you can select a audio output source to change the related options. The “check” sign indicates the devices as default. ▶ Volume Adjustment You can control the volume or balance the right/left side of the speakers that you plugged in front or rear panel by adjust the bar.
Introduction The motherboard comes with the Intel RAID controller that allows you to configure SATA hard drives as RAID sets. SATA hard drives deliver blistering transfer speeds up to 6 Gb/s. Serial ATA uses long, thin cables, making it easier to connect your drive and improving the airflow inside your PC.
Using Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM The Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM should be integrated with the system BIOS on all motherboards with a supported Intel chipset. The Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM is the Intel RAID implementation and provides BIOS and DOS disk services.
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After pressing the <Ctrl> and <I> keys simultaneously, the following window will appear: MAIN MENU MAIN MENU Recovery Volume Options Create RAID Volume Acceleration Options Delete RAID Volume Reset Disks to Non-RAID Exit DISK / VOLUME INFORMATION RAID Volumes : None defined.
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3. In the Disk field, press <Enter> key and use <Space> key to select the disks you want to create for the RAID volume, then click <Enter> key to finish selection. This field will become available according to the selected RAID level. 4.
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6. Go to the Create Volume field and press <Enter>, the following screen appears for you to confirm if you are sure to create the RAID volume. Press <Y> to continue. CREATE VOLUME MENU Name : Volume0 RAID Level : RAID1(Mirror) Disks : Select Disks...
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■ Delete RAID Volume Here you can delete the RAID volume, but please be noted that all data on RAID drives will be lost. Important If your system currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume in the Intel RAID Option ROM, your system will become un-bootable.
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■ Reset Disks to Non-RAID Select option 3 Reset Disks to Non-RAID and press <Enter> to delete the RAID volume and remove any RAID structures from the drives. The following screen appears: MAIN MENU Recovery Volume Options Create RAID Volume Delete RAID Volume RESET RAID DATA Recovery Volume Options...
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■ Recovery Volume Options Select option 4 Recovery Volume Options and press <Enter> to change recovery volume mode. The following screen appears: RECOVERY VOLUME OPTIONS Enable Only Recovery Disk Enable Only Master Disk HELP Enable Only Recovery Disk - enables recovery disk if available and disables master disk.
Degraded RAID Array A RAID 1, RAID 5 or RAID 10 volume is reported as degraded when one of its hard drive members fails or is temporarily disconnected, and data mirroring is lost. As a result, the system can only utilize the remaining functional hard drive member. To re-establish data mirroring and restore data redundancy, refer to the procedure below that corresponds to the current situation.
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5. Exit Intel RAID Option ROM, and then reboot to Windows system. 6. When prompted to rebuild the RAID volume, click ‘Yes’. 7. The Intel Rapid Storage Technology application will be launched. Right-click the new hard drive and select ‘Rebuild to this Disk’. The ‘Rebuild Wizard’ will be launched which will guide you through the process of rebuilding to the new hard drive.
1. Reboot and enter the BIOS steup. 2. Set the SATA Mode to RAID in BIOS. 3. Install Windows operating system. 4. Insert the MSI Driver DVD into the DVD-ROM drive. 5. Install Intel RAID driver 6. Powered off. 7. Connect the SSD.
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9. Run Intel Rapid Storage Technology application. 10. Click "Enable acceleration" under Performance tab. Click here 11. Select the acceleration mode options. 12. Click OK and reboot the system. The page refreshes and reports the new acceleration configuration in the Acceleration View.
RST Synchronization (optional) If you are using Maximized mode as the Acceleration mode, the data on the hard disk is not always synchronized with the data in the SSD cache. In some situations, you may want to manually sync the disks for avoiding data loss. Follow these steps to sync manually.
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