MSI H81M/H87M/B85M Series Motherboard Guide

Layout

The motherboard layout includes the following key areas:

• Top: Mouse connector
• Bottom: Keyboard connector
• Ports: USB 2.0 ports, USB 3.0 ports
• Video Outputs: DVI-D port (for H81M-P33/H87M-P33/B85M-P33), HDMI port (for H81M-E33/H87M-E33/B85M-E33), VGA port
• Internal Connectors: JPWR2 (ATX Power), JUSB_PW1 (USB Power), SYSFAN1, SYSFAN2 (Fan Connectors), PCI_E1, PCI_E2 (PCIe Slots), JBAT1 (CMOS Jumper), JCI1 (Chassis Intrusion), JAUD1 (Front Panel Audio), JTPM1 (TPM Module), JFP2, JFP1 (System Panel Connectors), JUSB2, JUSB1 (USB 2.0 Connectors), SATA1-4 (SATA Connectors), CPUFAN (CPU Fan Connector), LAN (RJ45)
• Front Panel Headers: LAN jack, USB ports, Line-In, Line-Out, MIC.

Motherboard Specifications

Optional Specifications

This section details optional specifications across different models:

Back Panel and Connectors

Back Panel Ports

For H81M-E33/ H87M-E33/ B85M-E33:

• PS/2 Mouse port
• USB 2.0 ports
• PS/2 Keyboard port
• USB 3.0 ports
• HDMI port
• VGA port
• LAN port (with Line-In, Line-Out, Mic audio jacks)
• USB 2.0 ports

For H81M-P33/ H87M-P33/ B85M-P33:

• PS/2 Mouse port
• USB 2.0 ports
• PS/2 Keyboard port
• USB 3.0 ports
• DVI-D port
• VGA port
• LAN port (with Line-In, Line-Out, Mic audio jacks)
• USB 2.0 ports

LAN LED Indicator

The LAN port has two LEDs:

• LINK/ACT LED: Indicates link status. Off means no link, Yellow means linked, Blinking means data activity.
• SPEED LED: Indicates connection speed. Off means no connection, Green means 100 Mbps, Orange means 1 Gbps.

Internal Connectors Explained

• JPWR1~2: ATX Power Connectors: Connect the ATX power supply. Align the cable and press firmly. Ensure the clip engages. (Video: http://youtu.be/gkDYyR_83I4)
• JCOM1: Serial Port Connector: A 16550A high-speed communication port for serial devices.
• SATA1~4: SATA Connectors: High-speed interface for SATA devices like HDDs, SSDs, and optical drives. Ensure proper cable routing to avoid data loss. (Video: http://youtu.be/RZsMpqxythc)
• JCI1: Chassis Intrusion Connector: Connects to a chassis intrusion switch. If the case is opened, the system records this and displays a warning. Clear the warning in BIOS.
• CPUFAN, SYSFAN1~2: Fan Power Connectors: Connect system cooling fans with +12V. Some fans may require connection directly to the power supply. Use fans with speed sensors for CPU fan control. (Important: Refer to processor vendor for heatsink recommendations; Smart Fan Control is supported via MSI Command Center utility; ensure no cables impede fan blades.)
• JFP1, JFP2: System Panel Connectors: Connect front panel switches and LEDs. Use the M-Connector for simplified installation. Pins marked with small triangles are positive wires. (Video: http://youtu.be/DPELIdVNZUI)
• JUSB1~2: USB 2.0 Expansion Connectors: For high-speed USB peripherals. Ensure VCC and GND pins are connected correctly.
• JAUD1: Front Panel Audio Connector: Connects the front audio panel.
• JTPM1: TPM Module Connector: Connects to a Trusted Platform Module. Refer to the TPM security platform manual for details.
• JBAT1: Clear CMOS Jumper: Resets system configuration data stored in CMOS RAM. Short the jumper while the system is off to clear. Do not clear while the system is on.
• JUSB_PW1, JUSB_PW2: USB Power Jumper: Enable/disable "Wakeup from S3/S4/S5 by USB and PS/2 device". If enabled, the power supply must provide at least 2A.
• PCI_E1~2: PCIe Expansion Slots: Support PCIe interface expansion cards (PCIe 3.0 x16, PCIe 2.0 x1). (Important: Always turn off power and unplug the power cable before adding or removing expansion cards.)

CPU & Heatsink Installation

Proper CPU and heatsink installation is crucial for system stability and preventing overheating. Follow these steps:

1. Push the load lever down to unclip and lift it to the fully open position. The load plate will lift automatically.
2. Important: Do not touch the socket contacts or the bottom of the CPU.
3. Align the CPU notches with the socket alignment keys. Lower the CPU straight down, without tilting or sliding. Inspect to ensure it is properly seated.
4. Close and slide the load plate under the retention knob, then engage the load lever.
5. When pressing down the load lever, the PnP cap will pop up. Do not discard it; replace it if the CPU is removed.
6. Evenly spread a thin layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) on the CPU for heat dissipation.
7. Locate the CPU fan connector on the motherboard.
8. Place the heatsink, aligning the fan cable towards the connector and fasteners with the holes.
9. Push down the heatsink until fasteners lock into place (a click should be heard).
10. Inspect to ensure fasteners are properly locked.
11. Attach the CPU fan cable to the CPU fan connector.

Important Notes:

• Confirm the CPU heatsink forms a tight seal before booting.
• Always protect CPU socket pins with the plastic cap when the CPU is not installed.
• For separate CPU/heatsink purchases, refer to the heatsink/cooler package documentation.

(Video: http://youtu.be/bf5La099url)

Memory Installation

Install memory modules correctly for system stability.

1. Important: DDR3 memory modules are not interchangeable with DDR2 and are not backward compatible. Always install DDR3 modules in DDR3 DIMM slots.
2. For system stability, memory modules must be of the same type and density for Dual-Channel mode.

(Video: http://youtu.be/76yLtJaKICQ)

BIOS Setup

The default BIOS settings provide optimal performance and stability. You may need to run Setup when:

• An error message appears during boot-up.
• You wish to change default settings for customized features.

Important Notes:

• Load default settings to restore optimal performance if the system becomes unstable after changing BIOS settings.
• If unfamiliar with BIOS settings, it is recommended to keep default settings to avoid potential system damage or boot failures.

Entering BIOS Setup

Power on the computer and wait for the Power On Self Test (POST). When prompted, press the <DEL> key to enter Setup or <F11> to enter Boot Menu.

If the prompt disappears quickly, restart the system by turning it off and on, or by pressing the RESET button. You can also use the key combination <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>.

MSI also offers alternative methods: use the "GO2BIOS" tab on the "MSI Fast Boot" utility or the physical "GO2BIOS" button (if available) on the motherboard for direct BIOS entry on the next boot.

Important: Ensure the "MSI Fast Boot" utility is installed before using it to enter BIOS.

BIOS Overview

Upon entering BIOS, you will see screens displaying information such as Temperature monitor, Model name, Language, System information, Virtual OC Genie Button, BIOS menu selections, OC Menu, and Boot device priority bar.

OC Menu

The OC Menu allows for system tuning. Key settings include:

• Current CPU/DRAM/Ring Frequency: Displays current frequencies (read-only).
• CPU Ratio Mode: Sets CPU Ratio operating mode (Auto, Fixed Mode, Dynamic Mode).
• Adjust CPU Ratio: Sets the CPU ratio for clock speed determination.
• Adjusted CPU Frequency: Shows the adjusted CPU frequency (read-only).
• EIST: Enables/disables Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology.
• Intel Turbo Boost: Enables/disables Turbo Boost for increased performance.
• Enhanced Turbo: Enables/disables enhanced turbo for all CPU cores.
• Adjust Ring Ratio: Sets the ring ratio.
• Adjusted Ring Frequency: Shows the adjusted ring frequency (read-only).
• Adjust GT Ratio: Sets the integrated graphics ratio.
• Adjusted GT Frequency: Shows the adjusted integrated graphics frequency (read-only).
• DRAM Frequency: Sets the DRAM frequency. Overclocking behavior is not guaranteed.
• Adjusted DRAM Frequency: Shows the adjusted DRAM frequency (read-only).
• DRAM Timing Mode: Selects memory timing (Auto, Link, UnLink).
• Advanced DRAM Configuration: Allows manual memory timing configuration per channel. (Note: System may become unstable. Clear CMOS if necessary.)
• Memory Fast Boot: Enables/disables memory initiation and training for faster booting.
• DRAM Voltage: Sets memory voltage (Auto or manual).
• Spread Spectrum: Reduces EMI by modulating clock generator pulses. [Disabled] enhances overclocking. [Enabled] reduces EMI but may decrease stability.

Important Notes on Overclocking:

• Manual overclocking is for advanced users only.
• Overclocking is not guaranteed and may void warranty or damage hardware if done improperly.
• For easier overclocking, use the OC Genie feature.

CPU Features

Accessing the CPU Features sub-menu allows configuration of various processor settings:

• Hyper-Threading Technology: Increases transaction rates and reduces response times by treating cores as logical processors.
• Active Processor Cores: Selects the number of active CPU cores.
• Limit CPUID Maximum: Enables/disables extended CPUID value to circumvent OS compatibility issues.
• Execute Disable Bit: Provides protection against malicious "buffer overflow" attacks. Recommended to keep enabled.
• Intel Virtualization Tech: Enables running multiple operating systems in partitions.
• Hardware Prefetcher: Automatically prefetches data into L2 cache for performance tuning.
• Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch: Reduces cache latency for better application performance.
• CPU AES Instructions: Enables/disables Advanced Encryption Standard instructions for enhanced security.
• Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor: Protects the CPU from overheating by throttling clock speed.
• Intel C-State: Processor power management technology. [Auto] configures automatically, [Enabled] reduces power consumption in idle states, [Disabled] disables the function.
• C1E Support: Enables/disables C1E function for power-saving in halt state.
• Package C State limit: Selects CPU C-state mode for power-saving when idle.
• LakeTiny Feature: Enhances dynamic IO load for SSD speed acceleration.

Turbo Boost Settings: (Appear when Intel Turbo Boost is enabled)

• Long Duration Power Limit (W): Sets TDP power limit for CPU in Turbo Boost.
• Long Duration Maintained (s): Sets the maintaining time for the power limit.
• Short Duration Power Limit (W): Sets short duration TDP power limit for CPU in Turbo Boost.
• CPU Current limit (A): Sets maximum CPU package current limit in Turbo Boost.
• 1/2/3/4-Core Ratio Limit: Sets CPU ratios for different numbers of active cores in turbo boost mode.