MSI MEG Z690 Ace Quick Start Guide

MSI MEG Z690 Ace manual cover
Pages 500
Year 2021
Language(s)
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MSI MEG Z690 Ace Specification

The MSI MEG Z690 Ace is a premium motherboard designed to leverage the capabilities of Intel's 12th generation Alder Lake processors, supporting the LGA 1700 socket. It features the Intel Z690 chipset, optimized for performance and overclocking. The board includes four DIMM slots, capable of supporting up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, with speeds reaching up to 6666 MHz through overclocking. The storage solutions include five M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs and six SATA 6Gb/s ports for traditional drives. Connectivity is enhanced with Intel's Wi-Fi 6E and dual LAN, including a 2.5G LAN port for fast and reliable networking.

The MEG Z690 Ace offers robust expansion capabilities with three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, providing ample support for multi-GPU setups. Audio is powered by the Realtek ALC4082 codec, delivering high-definition sound quality. The board supports USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for a wide range of connectivity options. Built for overclockers and gamers, it features a sophisticated power delivery system with 19+1+2 Duet Rail Power System and premium thermal solutions, including a heat pipe and multiple thermal pads, ensuring optimal heat dissipation.

Aesthetically, the motherboard showcases a sleek design with customizable RGB lighting that can be controlled via MSI Mystic Light. Additionally, the motherboard includes advanced BIOS options and support for MSI's software suite, offering comprehensive system tuning and monitoring capabilities. The MSI MEG Z690 Ace is engineered to deliver exceptional performance and versatility, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge technology and superior build quality.

MSI MEG Z690 Ace F.A.Q.

How do I update the BIOS on the MSI MEG Z690 Ace?

To update the BIOS on the MSI MEG Z690 Ace, download the latest BIOS file from the MSI website onto a USB drive. Reboot the system and enter the BIOS setup by pressing the 'Delete' key during startup. Navigate to the M-Flash utility and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

What is the maximum RAM capacity supported by the MSI MEG Z690 Ace?

The MSI MEG Z690 Ace supports up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM across its four DIMM slots.

How can I troubleshoot boot issues on my MSI MEG Z690 Ace motherboard?

First, ensure all components are properly seated. Check for any loose cables and verify that the power supply is functioning. Use the EZ Debug LED feature on the motherboard to identify hardware issues based on the LED indicators.

What are the optimal BIOS settings for gaming performance on the MSI MEG Z690 Ace?

Enable the XMP profile for your RAM to maximize memory speed. Adjust CPU performance settings to 'Enhanced Turbo' mode and ensure that 'Resizable BAR' is enabled for better graphics performance.

How do I enable TPM for Windows 11 on the MSI MEG Z690 Ace?

Enter the BIOS setup by pressing the 'Delete' key during startup. Navigate to the 'Security' tab, locate 'TPM Device Selection', and set it to 'Enable'. Save changes and exit.

What should I do if my MSI MEG Z690 Ace motherboard is not detecting my M.2 SSD?

Ensure that the M.2 SSD is properly installed in the M.2 slot. Check the BIOS to see if the drive is recognized under storage devices. If not, try updating the motherboard BIOS to the latest version.

How can I optimize the cooling system on my MSI MEG Z690 Ace?

Ensure that all fans are connected to the appropriate headers on the motherboard. Use the BIOS or MSI's Dragon Center software to adjust fan curves for optimal cooling performance. Consider upgrading to liquid cooling for better thermal management.

How do I perform a CMOS reset on the MSI MEG Z690 Ace?

To reset the CMOS, turn off the computer and unplug the power supply. Locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard and remove it for about 5 minutes, then reinstall it. Alternatively, use the 'Clear CMOS' button on the motherboard if available.

Can I use a PCIe 4.0 graphics card on the MSI MEG Z690 Ace?

Yes, the MSI MEG Z690 Ace is backward compatible with PCIe 4.0 graphics cards, even though it supports PCIe 5.0.

What steps should I take if the MSI MEG Z690 Ace motherboard fails to power on?

Check all power connections to the motherboard, including the 24-pin and 8-pin power connectors. Verify that the power supply is operational. Try using a different power outlet and ensure the power switch on the PSU is turned on.