UEFI BIOS. MSI 7C56

UEFI BIOS

MSI UEFI BIOS is compatible with UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) architecture. UEFI has many new functions and advantages that traditional BIOS cannot achieve, and it will completely replace BIOS in the future. The MSI UEFI

BIOS uses UEFI as the default boot mode to take full advantage of the new chipset’s capabilities. However, it still has a CSM (Compatibility Support Module) mode to be compatible with older devices. That allows you to replace legacy devices with UEFI compatible devices during the transition.

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Important

The term BIOS in this user guide refers to UEFI BIOS unless otherwise noted.

UEFI advantages

∙ Fast booting - UEFI can directly boot the operating system and save the BIOS selftest process. And also eliminates the time to switch to CSM mode during POST.

∙ Supports for hard drive partitions larger than 2 TB.

∙ Supports more than 4 primary partitions with a GUID Partition Table (GPT).

∙ Supports unlimited number of partitions.

∙ Supports full capabilities of new devices - new devices may not provide backward compatibility.

∙ Supports secure startup - UEFI can check the validity of the operating system to ensure that no malware tampers with the startup process.

Incompatible UEFI cases

∙ 32-bit Windows operating system

64-bit operating system.

- this motherboard supports only Windows 10

∙ Older graphics card - the system will detect your graphics card. When display a warning message There is no GOP (Graphics Output protocol) support detected in this graphics card .

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Important

We recommend that you to use a GOP/ UEFI compatible graphics card.

How to check the BIOS mode?

After entering the BIOS, find the BIOS Mode at the top of the screen.

CPU Temperature:

Motherboard Temperature:

VCore:

DDR Voltage:

BIOS Mode: CSM/ UEFI

UEFI boot mode

CPU Temperature:

Motherboard Temperature:

VCore:

DDR Voltage:

BIOS Mode: CSM /UEFI

CSM boot mode

UEFI BIOS

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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 booting unless you are familiar with BIOS.

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Important

∙ BIOS items are continuously update for better system performance. Therefore, the only. You could also refer to the HELP information panel for BIOS item description.

∙ The pictures in this chapter are for reference only and may vary from the product

∙ The BIOS items will vary with the processor.

Entering BIOS Setup

Press Delete key, when the Press DEL key to enter Setup Menu, F11 to enter 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 USB flash drive (FAT/ FAT32 format only).

Ctrl+F : Enter Search page

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

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UEFI BIOS

Resetting BIOS

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

∙ Go to BIOS and press F6 to load optimized defaults.

∙ Short the Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard.

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Important

Be sure the computer is off before clearing CMOS data. Please refer to the Clear

Updating BIOS

Updating 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 drive.

Updating BIOS:

1. Insert the USB flash drive that contains the update file into the USB port.

2. Please refer the following methods to enter flash mode.

▪ Reboot and press system.

Ctrl + F5 key during POST and click on Yes to reboot the

Press <Ctrl+F5> to activate M-Flash for BIOS update.

▪ Reboot and press Del key during POST to enter BIOS. Click the and click on Yes to reboot the system.

M-FLASH button

3. Select a BIOS file to perform the BIOS update process.

4. After the flashing process is 100% completed, the system will reboot automatically.

UEFI BIOS

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Updating the BIOS with MSI CENTER

Before updating:

Make sure the LAN driver is already installed and the internet connection is set properly.

Updating BIOS:

1. Install and launch MSI CENTER and go to Support page.

2. Select Live Update and click on Advance button.

3. Click on Scan button to search the latest BIOS file.

4. Select the BIOS file and click on Download icon to download and install the latest

BIOS file.

5. Click Next and choose In Windows mode . And then click Next and Start to start updating BIOS.

6. After the flashing process is 100% completed, the system will restart automatically.

Updating BIOS with Flash BIOS Button

1. Please download the latest BIOS file that matches your motherboard model from the MSI® website.

2. Rename the BIOS file to MSI.ROM

, and save it to the root of your USB flash drive.

3. Connect the power supply to CPU_PWR1 and ATX_PWR1 . (No need to install CPU and memory.)

4. Plug the USB flash drive that contains the MSI.ROM file into the Flash BIOS Port on the rear I/O panel.

5. Press the Flash BIOS Button to flash BIOS, and the LED starts flashing.

6. The LED will be turned off when the process is completed.

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UEFI BIOS

EZ Mode

At EZ mode, it provides the basic system information and allows you to configure the basic setting. To configure the advanced BIOS settings, please enter the Advanced

Mode by pressing the Setup Mode switch or F7 function key.

Screenshot

A-XMP Profile Setup Mode switch Search

Language

System information

CREATOR

GENIE Boot device priority bar

Component

Information

M-Flash

Favorites

Hardware

Monitor

Function buttons

∙ CREATOR GENIE - click on it to toggle the CREATOR GENIE for performance optimization. This function is only available when both of the motherboard and CPU are supporting this function.

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Important

Please don’t make any changes in OC menu and don’t load defaults to keep the optimal performance and system stability after activating the CREATOR GENIE function.

∙ A-XMP Profile - allows you to select the A-XMP profile for memory to overclock.

This function is only available when the system, memory and CPU are supporting this function.

∙ Setup Mode switch and EZ mode.

- press this tab or the F7 key to switch between Advanced mode

∙ Screenshot - click on this tab or the flash drive (FAT/ FAT32 format only).

F12 key to take a screenshot and save it to USB

∙ Search - click on this tab or the Ctrl+F keys to enter the search page. It allows you to search by BIOS item name. Move the mouse over a blank space and right click the mouse to exit the search page.

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Important

In search page, only the F6, F10 and F12 function keys are available.

∙ Language - allows you to select language of BIOS setup.

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∙ System information - shows the CPU/ DDR speed, CPU/ MB temperature, MB/ CPU type, memory size, CPU/ DDR voltage, BIOS version and build date.

∙ Boot device priority bar - you can move the device icons to change the boot priority.

The boot priority from high to low is left to right.

∙ Component Information - click on the CPU , Memory , Storage buttons to show the information of connected component.

, Fan Info and Help

∙ Function buttons - enable or disable these functions by clicking on these buttons.

The function is enabled when the button shows ON .

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Important

The function buttons will vary with the motherboard you purchased.

∙ M-Flash - click on this button to enter the update BIOS with a USB flash drive.

M-Flash menu that provides the way to

∙ Hardware Monitor - click on this button to enter the Hardware Monitor allows you to manually control the fan speed by percentage.

menu that

∙ Favorites - click on this button or press the F3 key to show the Favorites window.

It provides 5 menus for you to create personal BIOS menu where you can save and access favorite/ frequently-used BIOS setting items.

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UEFI BIOS

▪ To add a BIOS item to a favorite menu

1. Select a BIOS item not only on BIOS menu but also on search page.

2. Right-click or press F2 key.

3. Choose a favorite page and click on OK.

▪ To delete a BIOS item from favorite menu

1. Select a BIOS item on favorite menu.

2. Right-click or press F2 key.

3. Choose Delete and click on OK .

UEFI BIOS

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Advanced Mode

Press Setup Mode switch or F7 function key can switch between EZ Mode and

Advanced Mode in BIOS setup.

BIOS menu selection

BIOS menu selection

Menu display

∙ BIOS menu selection - the following options are available:

▪ SETTINGS - allows you to specify the parameters for chipset and boot devices.

▪ OC - allows you to adjust the frequency and voltage. Increasing the frequency may get better performance.

▪ M-FLASH - provides the way to update BIOS with a USB flash drive.

▪ OC PROFILE - allows you to manage overclocking profiles.

▪ HARDWARE MONITOR voltages of system.

- allows you to set the speeds of fans and monitor

▪ BOARD EXPLORER motherboard.

- provides the information of installed devices on this

∙ Menu display - provides BIOS setting items and information to be configured.

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UEFI BIOS

SETTINGS Menu

This menu allows you to specify the parameters for system, chipset and boot devices.

▶ System Status sub-menu

The System Status sub-menu allows you to set the system clock and view system information.

▶ System Date

Sets the system date. Use tab key to switch between date elements.

The format is <day> <month> <date> <year>.

<day>

<month>

<date>

<year>

Day of the week, from Sun to Sat, determined by BIOS. Read-only.

The month from Jan. through Dec.

The date from 1 to 31 can be keyed by numeric function keys.

The year can be adjusted by users.

▶ System Time

Sets the system time. Use tab key to switch between time elements.

The time format is <hour> <minute> <second>.

▶ SATA PortX/ M2_X

Shows the information of connected SATA/ M.2 device.

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Important

If the connected SATA/ M.2 device is not displayed, turn off computer and re-check

SATA/ M.2 cable and power cable connections of the device and motherboard.

▶ System Information

Shows detailed system information, including CPU type, BIOS version, and Memory

(read only).

▶ DMI Information

Shows system information, desktop board information and chassis information.

▶ Advanced sub-menu

The Advanced sub-menu allows you to adjust and set the parameters and behaviors of

PCIe, ACPI, integrated peripherals, integrated graphics, USB, power management and

Windows .

▶ PCI Subsystem Settings

Sets PCI, PCI express interface protocol and latency timer. Press Enter to enter the sub-menu.

▶ ACPI Settings

Sets ACPI parameters of onboard power LED behaviors.

▶ Integrated Peripherals sub-menu

Sets integrated peripherals’ parameters, such as LAN, Wi-Fi, HDD, SSD, USB and audio.

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▶ Integrated Graphics Configuration sub-menu (optional)

Adjusts integrated graphics settings for optimum system. This sub-menu is only available when using the CPU which integrate with IGP.

▶ USB Configuration sub-menu

Sets the onboard USB controller and device function. Press Enter to enter the sub-menu.

▶ Super IO Configuration sub-menu

Sets system Super I/O chip parameters including COM ports. Press Enter to enter the sub-menu.

▶ Power Management Setup sub-menu

Sets system Power Management of ErP and AC Power Loss behaviors. You can optimize the system power consumption in this menu.

▶ Windows OS Configuration

Sets Windows detailed configuration and behaviors. You also can set the secure boot and control key management to prevent the unauthorized accessing for system.

▶ Wake Up Event Setup sub-menu

Sets system wake up behaviors for different sleep modes.

▶ Secure Erase+

Enables or disables Secure Erase+ function. Secure Erase+ is the best way to effectively wipe all data from a SSD. Please note that data of SSD will be erased after enabling Secure Erase+ .

▶ Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller (MAC sub-menu

This sub-menu shows driver information and configuration of the Ethernet controller parameter.

▶ Boot sub-menu

Use this menu to set the system boot states and the sequence of system boot devices.

▶ Security sub-menu

Use this menu to set the administrator password and the user password for system security. This menu also allows you to set the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) function.

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Important

When selecting the Administrator / User Password items, a password box will appear on the screen. Type the password then press Enter . The password typed now will replace any previous set password from CMOS memory. You will be prompted to confirm the password. You may also press Esc key to abort the selection.

To clear a set password, press Enter when you are prompted to enter a new password. A message will confirm the password is being disabled. Once the password is disabled, you can enter the setup and OS without authorization.

▶ Save & Exit

This menu allows you to load the BIOS default values or factory default settings into the BIOS and exit the BIOS setup utility with or without changes.

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UEFI BIOS

OC Menu

This menu allows you to configure the frequencies and voltages for overclocking.

Please note that, higher frequency and voltage may benefit overclocking capability but cause system un-stability.

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Important

∙ Overclocking your PC manually is only recommended for advanced users.

∙ Overclocking is not guaranteed, and if done improperly, it could void your warranty or severely damage your hardware.

∙ If you are unfamiliar with overclocking, we advise you to use function for easy overclocking.

CREATOR GENIE

∙ The BIOS items in OC menu will vary with the processor.

▶ OC Explore Mode [Normal]

Enables or disables to show the normal or expert version of OC settings.

[Normal]

[Expert]

Provides the regular OC settings in BIOS setup.

Provides the advanced OC settings for OC expert to configure in BIOS setup.

Note: We use * as the symbol for the OC settings of Expert mode.

▶ CPU Ratio [Auto]

Sets the CPU ratio that is used to determine CPU clock speed. This item can only be changed if the processor supports this function.

▶ Advanced CPU Configuration

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. User can set the parameters about CPU power/ current. The system may become unstable or unbootable after changing the parameters. If it occurs, please clear the CMOS data and restore the default settings.

▶ A-XMP [Disabled]

Please enable A-XMP or select a profile of memory module for overclocking the memory. This item will be available when the installed processor, memory modules and motherboard support this function.

▶ DRAM Frequency [Auto]

Sets the DRAM frequency. Please note the overclocking behavior is not guaranteed.

▶ Adjusted DRAM Frequency

Shows the adjusted DRAM frequency. Read-only.

▶ FCLK Frequency [Auto]

Sets the FCLK frequency (Internal Data Fabric clock of DRAM). Please note the overclocking behavior is not guaranteed.

▶ UCLK DIV1 Mode [Auto]

Sets UCLK (Internal memory controller clock) mode.

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▶ Memory Try It ! [Disabled]

It can improve memory compatibility or performance by choosing optimized memory preset. This item will be available when the installed processor supports this function.

▶ Memory Failure Retry [Enabled]

Enables or disables the system reboot function when the memory OC retry fails.

▶ Memory Failure Retry Count [2]

Sets the count for memory OC retry. When memory OC retry fails reach the count, the memory will restore the last available settings. This item will display when the

Memory Failure Retry sets to Enabled .

▶ Advanced DRAM Configuration

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. User can set the memory timing for each/ all memory channel. The system may become unstable or unbootable after changing memory timing. If it occurs, please clear the CMOS data and restore the default settings. (Refer to the Clear CMOS jumper section to clear the CMOS data, and enter the BIOS to load the default settings.)

▶ DigitALL Power sub-menu

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. In the sub-menu, you can setup some protecting conditions about voltage/ current/ temputure for CPU.

▶ CPU Voltages control [Auto]

These options allows you to set the voltages related to CPU. If set to Auto , BIOS will set these voltages automatically or you can set it manually.

▶ DRAM Voltages control [Auto]

These options allows you to set the voltages related to memory. If set to Auto , BIOS will set these voltages automatically or you can set it manually.

▶ Memory Changed Detect [Enabled]*

Enables or disables the system to issue a warning message during boot when the memory has been replaced.

[Enabled] The system will issue a warning message during boot and then you have to load the default settings for new devices.

[Disabled] Disables this function and keeps the current BIOS settings.

▶ CPU Specifications sub-menu

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. This sub-menu displays the information of installed CPU. You can also access this information menu at any time by pressing [F4].

Read only.

▶ MEMORY-Z sub-menu

Press Enter to enter the sub-menu. This sub-menu displays all the settings and timings of installed memory. You can also access this information menu at any time by pressing [F5].

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UEFI BIOS

M-FLASH Menu

M-FLASH provides the way to update BIOS with a USB flash drive. Please download the latest BIOS file that matches your motherboard model from MSI website, save the

BIOS file into your USB flash drive. And then follow the steps below to update BIOS.

1. Insert the USB flash drive that contains the update file into the computer.

2. Click on M-FLASH tab, a demand message will be prompted. Click on Yes to reboot and enter the flash mode.

3. The system will enter the flash mode and a file selection menu will appear after rebooting.

4. Select a BIOS file to perform the BIOS update process.

5. After the flashing process is 100% completed, the system will reboot automatically.

UEFI BIOS

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OC PROFILE Menu

▶ Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6 management. Press Enter to enter the sub-menu.

▶ Set Name for Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Name the current overclocking profile.

▶ Save Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Save the current overclocking profile.

▶ Load Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Load the current overclocking profile.

▶ Clear Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6

Clear the current overclocking profile.

▶ OC Profile Load from ROM

Load OC profile from BIOS ROM.

▶ OC Profile Save to USB

Save OC profile to the USB flash drive. The USB flash drive should be FAT/ FAT32 format only.

▶ OC Profile Load from USB

Load OC profile from the USB flash drive. The USB flash drive should be FAT/ FAT32 format only.

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UEFI BIOS

HARDWARE MONITOR Menu

This menu allows you to adjust the fan speed manually and monitor CPU/ system voltage.

Select a temperature curve line (white) to be showed in Fan operating window

Select a fan mode for target fan Select a fan to be configured

Click to enable the Smart Fan

Smart Fan duty information

Fan operating window

Setting Buttons

Temperature information

Voltage information

∙ Smart Fan - This setting enables/disables the Smart Fan function. Smart Fan is an excellent feature which will adjust the CPU/system fan speed automatically depending on the current CPU/system temperature, avoiding the overheating to damage your system.

▶ Settings Buttons

▪ All Full Speed - configures all fans to run at full operating speed.

▪ All Set Default - configures all fans’ speeds return the BIOS default values.

▪ All Set Cancel fan .

- discards current changes and restores previous settings for all

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Important

UEFI BIOS

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Adjusting fans

1. Selects a fan that you want to adjust and to display the fan duty curve line (yellow) in fan operating windows.

2. Click and drag the duty points to adjust the fan speed.

Select a fan to be adjusted

Duty points

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Important

The pictures in this section are for reference only and may vary from the motherboard you purchased.

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UEFI BIOS