MSI B360M MORTAR Motherboard Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your MSI B360M MORTAR Micro ATX Motherboard. This motherboard is designed for Intel Coffee Lake 6-core processors, offering robust performance for gaming and demanding PC tasks. It features heavy plated heat sinks and advanced gaming-oriented functionalities.

2. Setup and Installation

Before beginning installation, ensure your workspace is clean and static-free. It is recommended to wear an anti-static wrist strap.

2.1. Motherboard Overview

Figure 1: Top-down view of the MSI B360M MORTAR Motherboard, highlighting key components such as the CPU socket, DDR4 memory slots, M.2 slots, and various connectors.

2.2. CPU Installation

The MSI B360M MORTAR supports 8th Generation Intel Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron Processors for the LGA 1151 socket.

1. Locate the LGA 1151 CPU socket on the motherboard.
2. Gently lift the load lever and open the CPU socket cover.
3. Align the triangular mark on the CPU with the corresponding mark on the socket. Carefully place the CPU into the socket without forcing it.
4. Close the socket cover and press down the load lever until it locks into place.
5. Install the CPU cooler according to its manufacturer's instructions.

2.3. Memory (RAM) Installation

This motherboard supports DDR4 Memory, up to 2666MHz. It features two DIMM slots for dual-channel memory configuration.

1. Open the clips at both ends of the DIMM slots.
2. Align the notch on the DDR4 memory module with the key on the DIMM slot.
3. Insert the memory module firmly into the slot until the clips snap into place. Ensure both clips are fully closed.

2.4. Storage Device Installation

The B360M MORTAR includes two M.2 slots (Twin Turbo M.2) and six SATA 6Gb/s ports.

• M.2 SSD: Locate the M.2 slots. Insert the M.2 SSD into the slot at an angle and secure it with the provided screw. These slots support PCI-E Gen3 x4 for NVMe based SSDs, maximizing performance.
• SATA Drives: Connect your SATA SSDs or HDDs to the SATA 6Gb/s ports using SATA data cables. Connect the power cables from your power supply to the drives.

2.5. Graphics Card Installation

The motherboard features a STEEL ARMOR PCI-E x16 slot for graphics cards and supports 2-Way AMD Crossfire.

1. Locate the PCI-E x16 slot (the longest slot).
2. Open the retention clip at the end of the slot.
3. Align your graphics card with the slot and press down firmly until it is seated and the retention clip locks.
4. Secure the graphics card to your PC case with screws.

2.6. Power Connections

Connect the main 24-pin ATX power connector and the 8-pin CPU power connector from your power supply to the corresponding ports on the motherboard.

2.7. Front Panel Connections

Connect the cables from your PC case's front panel (USB ports, audio jacks, power button, reset button, and LED indicators) to the appropriate headers on the motherboard. Refer to the motherboard's detailed manual for specific header locations and pin assignments.

3. Operating Instructions

Once all components are installed and connected, you can power on your system. The motherboard's BIOS/UEFI interface allows for system configuration and monitoring.

3.1. Initial Boot-up

Press the power button on your PC case. The system should initiate the boot process. If no display appears, refer to the troubleshooting section.

3.2. Accessing BIOS/UEFI

During the initial boot-up, repeatedly press the DEL key (or F2 depending on configuration) to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility. Here you can configure boot order, system time, and various hardware settings.

3.3. Audio Boost Feature

The Audio Boost feature provides studio-grade sound quality. Ensure your audio drivers are installed for optimal performance. Connect your speakers or headphones to the appropriate audio jacks on the rear I/O panel.

3.4. Multi-GPU Support

For users with multiple AMD graphics cards, the motherboard supports 2-Way AMD Crossfire. Install both graphics cards into the compatible PCI-E slots and configure them via the AMD software suite.

4. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your motherboard and PC components.

• Dust Removal: Periodically clean dust from inside your PC case, especially around the motherboard, CPU cooler, and GPU fans, using compressed air. Ensure the system is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
• Driver Updates: Keep your motherboard drivers (chipset, audio, LAN) and BIOS/UEFI firmware updated. Visit the official MSI website for the latest versions.
• Temperature Monitoring: Monitor system temperatures using software utilities to ensure components are operating within safe thermal limits. Good airflow within the case is crucial.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your system, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Display: Ensure your monitor is connected to the correct display output (motherboard or graphics card). Check if the graphics card requires additional power connections.
• EZ Debug LED: The motherboard features EZ Debug LEDs (CPU, DRAM, VGA, BOOT). If one of these LEDs remains lit, it indicates a problem with the corresponding component. For example, if the CPU LED is on, re-check CPU installation and power connections.
• System Instability: Ensure all power cables are securely connected. Verify that RAM modules are properly seated in their slots. Check for overheating components.
• BIOS Reset: If system settings become problematic, you can reset the BIOS to default settings. This can usually be done via a jumper on the motherboard (refer to the detailed manual) or through the BIOS/UEFI menu.
• Component Compatibility: Double-check that all installed components (CPU, RAM) are compatible with the B360M MORTAR motherboard.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

For detailed information regarding the product warranty, technical support, and service options, please refer to the official MSI website or the documentation included with your product packaging. You can typically find support resources, FAQs, and contact information on the manufacturer's support pages.