MSI B350 Tomahawk Arctic Motherboard User Manual

MSI B350 Tomahawk Arctic Motherboard

Table of Contents

Installing a Processor

Installing DDR4 memory

Connecting the Front Panel Header

Installing the Motherboard

Installing SATA Drives

Installing a Graphics Card

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Connecting the Power Connectors

Power On

Safety Information

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 in 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 arise, 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 to work according to the user guide.
The motherboard has been dropped and damaged.
The motherboard has an obvious sign of breakage.

Do not leave this motherboard in an environment above 60°C (140°F), as it may damage the motherboard.

Rear I/O Panel

Audio Ports Configuration

Realtek HD Audio Manager

After installing the Realtek HD Audio driver, the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon will appear in the system tray. Double-click on the icon to launch.

Device Selection – allows you to select an audio output source to change the related options. The check sign indicates the devices as default.
Application Enhancement – the array of options will provide you a complete guidance on the anticipated sound effect for both output and input devices.
Main Volume – controls the volume or balances the right/left side of the speakers that you plugged into the front or rear panel by adjusting the bar.
Profiles – toggles between profiles.
Advanced Settings – provides the mechanism to deal with 2 independent audio streams.
Jack Status – depicts all render and capture devices currently connected to your computer.
Connector Settings – configures the connection settings.

Auto pop-up dialog

When you plug into a device at an audio jack, a dialogue window will pop up asking you which device is currently connected.

Each jack corresponds to its default setting.

Overview of Components

CPU Socket

Introduction to the AM4 CPU

The surface of the AM4 CPU has a yellow triangle to assist in correctly lining up the CPU for motherboard placement. The yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator.

Important

When changing the processor, the system configuration could be cleared and the BIOS reset to default values, due to the AM4 processor’s architecture.
Always unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing the CPU.
When installing a CPU, always remember to install a CPU heatsink. A CPU heatsink is necessary to prevent overheating and maintain system stability.
Confirm that the CPU heatsink has formed a tight seal with the CPU before booting 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.
If you purchased a separate CPU and heatsink/ cooler, please refer to the documentation in the heatsink/ cooler package for more details about installation.
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 recommended. MSI® does not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate operation beyond product specifications.

DIMM Slots

Memory module installation recommendation

Important

Always insert memory modules in the DIMM2 slot first.
Due to chipset resource usage, the available capacity of memory will be a little less than the amount installed.
Based on the processor specification, the Memory DIMM voltage below 1.35V is suggested to protect the processor.
Some memory modules may operate at a lower frequency than the marked value when overclocking because the memory frequency operates dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD). Go to BIOS and find the DRAM Frequency! to set the memory frequency if you want to operate the memory at the marked or at a higher frequency.
It is recommended to use a more efficient memory cooling system for full DIMM installation or overclocking.
The stability and compatibility of the installed memory module depend on the installed processor and devices when overclocking.
Due to the AM4 CPU/memory controller official specification limitation, the frequency of memory modules may operate lower than the marked value under the default state.

Please refer to www.msi.com for more information on compatible memory.

CPU_FAN1, PUMP_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~4: Fan Connectors

Fan connectors can be classified as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Mode or DC Mode. PWM Mode fan connectors provide a constant 12V output and adjust fan speed with the speed control signal. DC Mode fan connectors control fan speed by changing voltage. When you plug a 3-pin (non-PWM) fan into a fan connector in PWM mode, the fan speed will always be maintained at 100%, which might create a lot of noise.

Switching fan mode and adjusting fan speed

You can switch between PWM mode and DC mode and adjust fan speed in BIOS > HARDWARE MONITOR.

Select PWM mode or DC mode

Important

Make sure fans are working properly after switching the PWM/ DC mode.

JBAT1: Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS) Jumper

There is CMOS memory onboard that is externally powered from a battery located on the motherboard to save system configuration data. If you want to clear the system configuration, set the jumpers to clear the CMOS memory.

Resetting BIOS to default values

Power off the computer, but DO NOT unplug the power cord (system under S5/ Soft-off mode).
Use a jumper cap to short JBAT1 for about 5-10 seconds.
Remove the jumper cap from JBAT1.
Power on the computer.

EZ Debug LEDs

These LEDs indicate the status of key components during the booting process. When an error occurs, the corresponding LED stays lit until the problem is solved.

CPU – indicates CPU is not detected or fails.
DRAM – indicates DRAM is not detected or fails.
VGA – indicates the GPU is not detected or fails.
BOOT – indicates the booting device is not detected or fails.

GPU LED

This LED indicates the CPU’s iGPU is not detected, and you need to install a graphics card.

BIOS Setup

The default settings offer the optimal performance for system stability in normal conditions. You should always keep the default settings to avoid possible system damage or failure to boot unless you are familiar with the BIOS.

Important

BIOS items are continuously updated for better system performance. Therefore, the description may be slightly different from the latest BIOS and should be for reference only. You could also refer to the HELP information panel for the BIOS item description.
The pictures in this chapter are for reference only and may vary from the product you purchased.
The BIOS items will vary with the processor.

Entering BIOS Setup

Press Delete key, when the Press DEL key to enter the Setup Menu, Press F11 to enter the Boot Menu message appears on the screen during the boot process.

Function key

F1: General Help list
F2: Add/ Remove a favorite item
F3: Enter Favorites menu
F4: Enter CPU Specifications menu
F5: Enter Memory-Z menu
F6: Load optimized defaults
F7: Switch between Advanced mode and EZ mode
F8: Load Overclocking Profile
F9: Save Overclocking Profile
F10: Save Change and Reset*
F12: Take a screenshot and save it to a USB flash drive (FAT/ FAT32 format only).

When you press F10, a confirmation window appears, and it provides the modification information. Select between Yes or No to confirm your choice.

Resetting BIOS

You might need to restore the default BIOS settings to solve certain problems. There are several ways to reset the BIOS:

Go to BIOS and press F6 to load optimized defaults.
Short the Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard.

Important

Be sure the computer is off before clearing CMOS data. Please refer to the Clear CMOS jumper section for resetting the BIOS.

Software Description

Please download and update the latest utilities and drivers at www.msi.com

Installing Windows® 7 64-bit/ Windows®10 64-bit

Power on the computer.
Insert the Windows® 7/ 10 disc into your optical drive. Note: Due to chipset limitations, during the Windows 7 installation process, USB optical drives or USB flash drives are not supported. You can use the MSI Smart Tool to install Windows® 7.
Press the Restart button on the computer case.
Press the F11 key during the computer’s POST (Power-On Self Test) to get into the Boot Menu.
Select your optical drive from the Boot Menu.
Press any key when the screen shows Press any key to boot from CD or DVD… message.
Follow the instructions on the screen to install Windows® 7/10.

Installing Drivers

Start up your computer in Windows® 7/ 10.
Insert the MSI® Driver Disc into your optical drive.
The installer will automatically appear, and it will find and list all necessary drivers.
Click the Install button.
The software installation will then be in progress. After it has finished, it will prompt you to restart.
Click the OK button to finish.
Restart your computer.

Installing Utilities

Before you install utilities, you must complete driver installation.

Insert the MSI® Driver Disc into your optical drive.
The installer will automatically appear.
Click the Utilities tab.
Select the utilities you want to install.
Click the Install button.
The utilities installation will then be in progress. After it has finished, it will prompt you to restart.
Click the OK button to finish.
Restart your computer.

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MSI B350 Tomahawk Arctic Motherboard User Manual