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Z68MA-G45 (B3)

Intel® Z68 (B3) Chipset Based

• Top quality & stability
• OC Genie II: Auto OC to boost performance in 1 sec
• ClickBIOS: Easy-to-use UEFI BIOS interface
• THX TruStudio PRO: deliver the fullest audio experience
• Support USB 3.0 & SATA 6Gb/s

product comparison

Overview

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OC Genie II (Z68)

Just press the OC Genie button or enable OC Genie II function in BIOS menu, the CPU, memory, iGPU and HDD performance will be highly improved. Whether users want to watch a high bit-rate HD movie or go online gaming, both can be enjoyed with image performance that is smoother and lag-free!
 
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Click BIOS

• Universal Extensible Firmware Interface 
• User-friendly mouse-controlled BIOS menu
• Pre-OS Applications(HDD Backup, Game, Memory test)
• 15 languages support
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NVIDIA SLI

SLI technology allows using multiple Nvidia graphics cards in a single computer system with a motherboard equipped with an nForce SLI MCP. Users need an a motherboard with two PCI-Express 16x graphics slots and two matching GeForce graphics cards which are "SLI Ready". Most NVIDIA's PCI-Express graphics cards starting from the 6600 GPU can enjoy the benefits of SLI.
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AMD CrossFire

AMD CrossFireX™ is the ultimate multi-GPU performance gaming platform. Enabling game-dominatig power, AMD CrossFireX technology enables two or more discrete graphics processors to work together to improve graphics performance. AMD CrossFireX technology allows you to expand your system's graphics capabilities. It allows you the ability to scale your system's graphics horsepower as you need it, supporting up to four AMD Radeon™ HD graphics cards, making it the most scalable gaming platform ever. With an AMD CrossFireX gaming technology, the traditional graphics limitation exists no more, allowing you to enjoy higher performance as well as visual experience.
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B3 Stepping Ready

To fix Intel’s 6 Series chipset design error, the SATA problems in its 6 Series chipset, MSI implements the latest Intel B3 Stepping 6 Series chipset on its Z68/P67/H67 motherboards for fixing SATA problems in the Intel Series 6 chipsets. Consumers can now identify the latest MSI Z68/P67/H67 motherboards equipped with the Intel B3 Stepping chipset with the MSI B3 Stepping Ready logo. This provides a more confident way to identify your next-generation P67/H67 motherboard.
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Virtu Switchable Graphics

Based on LucidLogix Virtu technology, MSI Z68 motherboard series firstly provides the most expectable feature for desktop platform - switchable graphics, which allows users to enjoy both graphics power of integrated GPU and discrete GPU. It will switch to integrated GPU for HD movie playback, video transcoding and general applications to save system energy, or release full power for hardcore 3D gaming by switching to discrete GPU automatically.
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THX TruStudio PRO

THX is a trade mark of a high-end audio/visual reproduction standard for movies, home theaters, computer speakers and other audio devices. THX Certified Audio products are designed to let users experience movies & videos as live show. The true sound effect can make high definition video more powerful.

Features
- A high-fidelity sound reproduction standard
- Accurately reproduce the fullest audio experience of movie, music and game soundtracks
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USB 3.0

Compared to the 480Mbps provided by traditional USB 2.0, the all-new USB 3.0's 5Gb/s offers 10 times the transfer bandwidth, so transferring a Blu-ray movie takes less than one minute.

Features
- 10X Faster Than USB 2.0
- Up to 5Gb/s Data Transfer Bandwidth
- Boost Transfer Rate Between Your PC and External Storage Devices
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SATA 6Gb/s

SATA 6Gb/s provides double the bandwidth of traditional SATA 3Gb/s, and increases the data transfer rate between your motherboard and internal storage devices, such as 7200RPM HDDs, 10000RPM HDDs and SSDs. It's also the current trend for upcoming high-speed internal storage devices to to break the existing bottleneck of a PC's performance.

Features
- 2X Faster Than SATA 3Gb/s
- Up to 6Gb/s Data Transfer Bandwidth
- Unleash True Performance of New HDDs/SSDs
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HDMI v1.4

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is new generation fully digital video/audio interface which can transfer 1080p High-Definition video and Audio output in single compact connector. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as Blu-ray Discs, HDMI provides you with the highest-quality home theater experience.

Features
- Next-Gen Multimedia Interface
- Deliver Full HD Video & Audio output In Only One Cable
(HDMI 1.4 is only supported with 2nd Intel®Generation CoreTM Processors. Pentium and Celeron Processors support HDMI 1.3)
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HTPC Ready

With such diversity of display outputs, you are able to choose and upgrade display devices then build up your own home theater.

Features
- Next-Gen Multimedia Interface
- All digital signal output 
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3TB+ Infinity

3TB+ Infinity is not only breaking through the limit of traditional BIOS, but also enhancing the utilization of hard drives efficiently. In addition to supporting the latest 3TB hard drives, MSI 3TB+ Infinity technology can use the 3TB hard drive as boot disk when installing a 64-bit operating system. Compared to competitors, MSI 3TB+ Infinity is an industry-leading technology which substantially presents an advantage of development and application in the future.

Features
- All the latest 3TB hard drivers on the market can be supported
- Make the 3TB hard drive as boot disk when installing a 64-bit operating system
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Instant OC

• Instant MB info monitor
• Intelligently auto set clock/voltage of CPU and memory
• Smart Mode: 4 instant OC modes
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Live Update 5

MSI Live Update 5 is a powerful and useful application for updating the latest BIOS and Drivers, saving you time and lowers the risk of updating. End-users can install and run the Live Update 5 software on their computers with the companion CD or downloading the app from the MSI website.

Features
- Automatically Detect the BIOS/Driver/VGA/Utility Update
- Support Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7 32/64bit
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M-Flash

Compared to common motherboard which need extra BIOS chips, MSI’s M-Flash has a double advantage which doesn’t need extra components and secondly, all your BIOS data will be saved in the USB drive. The stored data does not only have backup and upgrade function, moreover it can also be seen as a portable BIOS chip which is actually able to boot up your PC.

Features
- Backup/Restore Your BIOS to/from Any USB Flash Disk
- Avoid Unnecessary Repair Due to Accident Failures During The Upgrading Process
- Earn more BIOS Lifespan by Reducing Unnecessary Rewriting Process
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Winki 3

Winki 3 is a free Linux-based O/S which is based on the Linux core. With an ultra-fast  booting speed and a multi-language interface, the built-in Winki 3 provides an easy-to-use internet environment that includes the most popular functions such as internet surfing, web mail, instant messaging, picture browsing, and more. It's the most practical way to be online in the shortest time.

Features
- User friendly & totally free applications
- Power on to run applications in 25 seconds
- Multi-language interface support

MSI Reminds You...

  1. The specifications may differ from areas and we keep the right to change without notice. Please check the specific Specification with your local dealers.
  2. The color of the product might be affected by photography and the monitor's setting, which might be different from the real product.

Basic Specifications

Socket 1155
CPU (Max Support) Core i7 / Core i5 / Core i3
FSB/BCLK/Hyper Transport Bus 100MHz
Chipset Intel® Z68 (B3)
DDR3 Memory DDR3 1066/1333/1600*/1866*/2133*(OC)
Memory Channel Dual
DIMM Slots 4
Max Memory (GB) 32
PCI-Ex16 2
PCI-E Gen Gen2 (2x8)
PCI-Ex1 2
SATAIII 2
SATAII 4
RAID 0/1/5/10
LAN 10/100/1000*1
TPM 1
USB 3.0 ports (Rear) 2
USB 2.0 ports (Rear) 6
Audio ports (Rear) 6
VGA 1
HDMI 1
DVI 1
VGA Max Share Memory (MB) 1759
DirectX DX10.1
Form Factor M-ATX
SLI Y
CrossFire Y

 

The Specification may change without notice. The actual products sold are different from areas. Please check the detailed Specification with your local dealers.

 

Detail Specifications

CPU 

• Supports Intel® Sandy Bridge processors in LGA1155 package.
Please refer to CPU Support for compatible CPU; the above description is for reference only.
 

Chipset

• Intel® Z68 (B3) Chipset
 

Main Memory

• Supports four unbuffered DIMM of 1.5 Volt DDR3 1066/1333/1600*/1866*/2133*(OC) DRAM, 32GB Max
- Supports 1GB/ 2GB/ 4GB/ 8GB DRAM size
- Supports Dual channel mode
 

Slots

• 2 PCI Express gen2 x16 slots
- PCI_E1 supports up to PCIE x8 speed
- PCI_E4 supports up to PCIE x8 speed
• 2 PCIE x1 slots
 


On-Board SATA

• SATAII controller integrated in Intel® Z68 (B3) chipset
- Up to 3Gb/s transfer speed.
- Supports four SATAII ports (SATA3~6) by Z68 (B3) PCH
- SATA3~6 ports support Intel Rapid Storage Technology (AHCI / RAID 0/1/5/10) by Intel Z68 (B3)

• SATAIII controller integrated in Intel® Z68 (B3) chipset
- Up to 6Gb/s transfer speed.
- Supports two SATAIII ports (SATA1~2) by Z68 (B3) PCH
- SATA1~2 ports support Intel Rapid Storage Technology (AHCI / RAID 0/1) by Intel Z68 (B3)
 


USB 3.0

• 2 USB 3.0 rear I/O ports by NEC® D720200
 


Audio 

• Chipset integrated by Realtek® ALC892
- Flexible 8-channel audio with jack sensing
- Compliant with Azalia 1.0 Spec
- Meet Microsoft Vista Premium spec
 


LAN 

• Supports one PCI Express LAN 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet by Realtek 8111E.
 


Internal I/O Connectors

- ATX 24-Pin power connector
- 4-pin ATX 12V power connector 
- CPU x 1 / System x 2 FAN connectors
- Front panel audio connector
- Front panel connector
- 1 x chasis intrusion connector
- 3 x USB 2.0 connectors
- 4 x Serial ATAII connectors
- 2 x Serial ATAIII connectors
- 1 x Clear CMOS jumper
- 1 x SPDIF-out connector
- 1 x TPM module connector
- 1 x Serial port connector
- 1 x Parallel port connector
 


Back Panel I/O Ports

- 1 x PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard port
- 2 x USB 3.0 ports
- 6 x USB 2.0 ports
- 1 x HDMI port
- 1 x VGA port
- 1 x DVI-D port
- 1 x RJ45 LAN Jack
- 1 x 6 in 1 audio jack 

MSI Reminds You...
• VGA, HDMI, DVI-D ports can only work with CPUs with GPUs core inside.


BIOS

• The motherboard BIOS provides "Plug & Play" BIOS which detects the peripheral devices and expansion cards of the board automatically.
• The motherboard provides a Desktop Management Interface(DMI) function which records your motherboard specifications.
 


Dimension

• 24.4cm(L) x 24.4cm(W) M-ATX Form Factor

Mounting

• 8 mounting holes.
 
 

 

The Specification may change without notice. The actual products sold are different from areas. Please check the detailed Specification with your local dealers.

 

News

Release Date Title

Awards

BIOS

!Attention:

Users who download BIOS from here (not using Live Update) should use the flash utility included in the downloaded compressed file when doing the BIOS update. To avoid BIOS update failure, please do not use older versions of the update utility or utilities not provided by MSI.


We suggest using Chrome, Firefox 3.0 or IE 8.0 above browsers to download BIOS, Drivers, etc.
Description - Update CPU Micro Code.
- Update onboard Realtek LAN driver.
- Enhanced PCI-E display card performance.
- Support Roccat ISKU keyboard.
- Improved memory compatibility.

 Version 20.1
Type AMI BIOS Release Date 2013-01-09
Download 7676vK1.zip File Size 5.96 MB
Note *Please download and execute the file in USB pen drive only.
System will restart several times to update ME firmware after updated system BIOS. Please DO NOT remove the USB pen drive until ME update sucessfully.
*Please make sure you have read the SOP before you update the BIOS.
SOP Download: BIOS & ME update SOP
*MSI recommend you to update BIOS with ME8 only if you are using IvyBridge 22nm CPU.

**Please reinstall driver after updating BIOS with ME8.
OS: Windows 7
OS: Windows XP
Description - Update BIOS for IvyBridge 22nm CPU.

 Version 20.0
Type AMI BIOS Release Date 2012-05-18
Download 7676vK0.zip File Size 5.93 MB
Note *Please download and execute the file in USB pen drive only.
System will restart several times to update ME firmware after updated system BIOS. Please DO NOT remove the USB pen drive until ME update sucessfully.
*Please make sure you have read the SOP before you update the BIOS.
SOP Download: BIOS & ME update SOP
*MSI recommend you to update BIOS with ME8 only if you are using IvyBridge 22nm CPU.

**Please reinstall driver after updating BIOS with ME8.
OS: Windows 7
OS: Windows XP
Description - Update CPU micro code.
- Update RAID option ROM.
- Update M-Flash module.
- Improved memory compatibility.
 Version 17.4
Type AMI BIOS Release Date 2012-01-10
Download 7676vH4.zip File Size 4.45 MB
Note About how to flash the BIOS, please refer to BIOS flash SOP
Description - Update CPU Micro Code.
- Update memory module.
Version 17.3
Type AMI BIOS Release Date 2011-11-10
Download 7676vH3.zip File Size 4.44 MB
Note About how to flash the BIOS, please refer to BIOS flash SOP
Description - Update memory module.
- Update audio table.
 Version 17.2
Type AMI BIOS Release Date 2011-08-09
Download 7676vH2.zip File Size 4.43 MB
Note About how to flash the BIOS, please refer to BIOS flash SOP
Description - Update CPU module.
- Support dual color power LED.
 Version 17.1
Type AMI BIOS Release Date 2011-07-22
Download 7676vH1.zip File Size 4.42 MB
Note About how to flash the BIOS, please refer to BIOS flash SOP
Description New BIOS Release
 Version 17.0
Type AMI BIOS Release Date 2011-06-24
Download 7676vH0.zip File Size 4.42 MB
Note About how to flash the BIOS, please refer to BIOS flash SOP
click here

Live Update 5

DISCLAIMER:
Live Update 5 utility is only intended for MSI Desktop PC related products (motherboards and graphics cards) usage. This utility doesn’t support any MSI Notebook (NB and Tablet PC) or AIO product, while installed might experience unexpected errors. If it happens that you have installed Live Update 5 on your Notebook or AIO system, please uninstall it then perform system restart.

Live Update 5 is a powerful update tool with user-friendly interface, provides an automatic scan and download for your MSI products. Using this service to keep your system in the most updated environment.

Live Update 5 supports the following MSI product lines and items:
Motherboards: Drivers/BIOS/Utilities;
Graphics Cards: Drivers/BIOS

Click here to read the instruction

Driver

Win8 64,Win8 32,Win7 64,Win7 32,Vista 64,Vista 32,XP 64,XP 32

!Special Note:

The Drivers provided here are exclusively for MSI products only. MSI takes no responsibility for any damage resulted from improper usage or lack of technical expertise.


We suggest using Chrome, Firefox 3.0 or IE 8.0 above browsers to download BIOS, Drivers, etc.
TPM Device Driver
Description Intel Trusted Platform chipset driver
XP: 2.01.0001.00
 Version 2.01.0001.00
Type System & Chipset Drivers Release Date 2012-11-14
OS XP 64, XP 32
Download TPMDriver_XP_MB.zip File Size 0.06 MB
Note
Intel Management Engine Driver
Description
Version 7.1.52.1176
Type System & Chipset Drivers Release Date 2012-08-30
OS Win8 32, Win8 64, Win7 64, Win7 32, Vista 64, Vista 32, XP 64, XP 32
Download intel6x_ime_mb.zip File Size 4.4 MB
Note
Intel Chipset Driver.
Description
Version 9.3.0.1021
Type System & Chipset Drivers Release Date 2012-08-29
OS Win8 32, Win8 64, Win7 64, Win7 32, Vista 64, Vista 32, XP 64, XP 32
Download intel_chipset_all_mb.zip File Size 2.69 MB
Note
Renesas USB3.0 Drivers
Description
Version 2.0.34.0
Type System & Chipset Drivers Release Date 2012-07-12
OS Win7 64, Win7 32, Vista 64, Vista 32, XP 64, XP 32
Download renesas_usb3_mb.zip File Size 16.04 MB
Note
Realtek PCI-E Ethernet Drivers
Description Network Driver
 Version 7.67.1226.2012
Type On-Board LAN Drivers Release Date 2013-05-10
OS Win7 64, Win7 32
Download realtek_pcielan_7_mb.zip File Size 5.76 MB
Note
Realtek PCI-E Ethernet Drivers
Description
Version 6.252.1109.2012
Type On-Board LAN Drivers Release Date 2013-05-10
OS Vista 64, Vista 32
Download Realtek_LAN_PCIE_Vista_MB.zip File Size 5.69 MB
Note
Realtek PCI-E Ethernet Drivers
Description
Version 5.808.1120.2012
Type On-Board LAN Drivers Release Date 2013-05-10
OS XP 64, XP 32
Download Realtek_LAN_PCIE_MB.zip File Size 5.6 MB
Note
Realtek PCI-E Ethernet Drivers (W8)
Description Network Driver
 Version 8.10.1226.2012
Type On-Board LAN Drivers Release Date 2013-05-10
OS Win8 32, Win8 64
Download realtek_pcielan_8_mb.zip File Size 5.67 MB
Note
Realtek High Definition Audio Driver
Description • Realtek High Definition Audio System Software
• WinXP Driver Version: 5.10.0.6849
• Windows 8/7/Vista Version: 6.0.1. 6849
 Version 6.0.1. 6849
Type On-Board Audio Drivers Release Date 2013-05-10
OS Win8 32, Win8 64, Win7 64, Win7 32, Vista 64, Vista 32, XP 64, XP 32
Download realtek_hd_all_mb.zip File Size 153.79 MB
Note
Intel Smart Connect Technology Driver
Description
Version 3.0.41.1571
Type On-Board PIDE/SATA Drivers Release Date 2012-12-26
OS Win8 32, Win8 64, Win7 64, Win7 32
Download intel_sct_mb.zip File Size 19.61 MB
Note Must update to ME8 BIOS
Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver
Description Intel Rapid Storage Technology for SATA RAID and AHCI mode.
 Version 10.5.0.1027
Type On-Board PIDE/SATA Drivers Release Date 2011-11-21
OS Win7 64, Win7 32, Vista 64, Vista 32, XP 64, XP 32
Download Intel_RST_MB.zip File Size 11.9 MB
Note
Intel Rapid Storage Technology Floppy Driver (F6)
Description Intel Rapid Storage Technology for SATA RAID and AHCI mode.
 Version 10.5.0.1027
Type On-Board PIDE/SATA Drivers Release Date 2011-08-22
OS Win7 64, Win7 32, Vista 64, Vista 32, XP 64, XP 32
Download Intel_RST_floppy_MB.zip File Size 0.58 MB
Note
Intel VGA Driver.
Description VGA Driver
 Version 9.17.10.2867
Type On-Board VGA Drivers Release Date 2012-12-26
OS Win8 32, Win8 64, Win7 64, Win7 32, Vista 64, Vista 32
Download intel_vga_7_mb.zip File Size 245.44 MB
Note
Lucid Virtu Driver
Description
Version 1.2.112
Type On-Board VGA Drivers Release Date 2012-07-27
OS Win7 64, Win7 32
Download virtu_vw_mb.zip File Size 10.76 MB
Note
Intel VGA Driver.
Description
Version 6.14.10.5400
Type On-Board VGA Drivers Release Date 2012-07-16
OS XP 64, XP 32
Download intel_vga_x_mb.zip File Size 53.11 MB
Note

Utility

Win8 64,Win8 32,Win7 64,Win7 32,Vista 64,Vista 32,XP 64,XP 32

!Special Note:

The Utilities provided here are exclusively for MSI products only. MSI takes no responsibility for any damage resulted from improper usage or lack of technical expertise.


We suggest using Chrome, Firefox 3.0 or IE 8.0 above browsers to download BIOS, Drivers, etc.
MSI Live Update 5
Description • Online update BIOS/Driver/Firmware/Utility.
• Live Monitor auto-detects and suggests the latest BIOS/Driver/Utilities information.
Version 5.0.102
Type Utility Release Date 2013-05-10
OS Win8 32, Win8 64, Win7 64, Win7 32, Vista 64, Vista 32, XP 64, XP 32
Download LiveUpdate.zip File Size 3.38 MB
Note For K9VGM-V (MS-7253) mainboard, please do not select the DMI option.
Control Center
Description 1. The utility for msi products to overclock & greenpower

 Version 2.5.056
Type Utility Release Date 2013-05-10
OS Win8 32, Win8 64, Win7 64, Win7 32, Vista 64, Vista 32, XP 64, XP 32
Download ControlCenterIIv25_mb.zip File Size 24.68 MB
Note 1. .net framework 4.0 is required.
2. Intel mainboards need to install Intel ME driver to enable CPU overclock.
Fast Boot
Description Boot faster for MSI products
 Version 1.0.0.8
Type Utility Release Date 2012-12-12
OS Win8 32, Win8 64, Win7 64, Win7 32, Vista 64, Vista 32, XP 64, XP 32
Download FastBoot_mb.zip File Size 3.3 MB
Note 1. .net framework 4.0 is required.
2. The default setting is "disable"
3. Fast Boot will delay entering BIOS settings. If you need to enter BIOS, please disable it first.
THX TruStudio PRO
Description THX TruStudio PRO
 Version 1.04.03
Type Utility Release Date 2012-11-14
OS Win8 32, Win8 64, Win7 64, Win7 32, Vista 64, Vista 32
Download thx_mb.zip File Size 12.85 MB
Note

Manual

!Special Note:

MSI™ provides user manuals (in PDF format) here for download. You can use Adobe Acrobat Reader (Adobe's WEB Site) to open them.

An easy guide for you to assemble your PC step by step, please refer to "Quick Installation Guide".


We suggest using Chrome, Firefox 3.0 or IE 8.0 above browsers to download BIOS, Drivers, etc.
Version Language File Size Download Release Date
1.0 English 2.24 MB Z68_RAID_Manual.zip 2012-02-13
3.0 Multi-Language 13.97 MB M7676v3.0_ASIA.zip 2011-06-16
3.0 Multi-Language 8.81 MB M7676v3.0_Euro.zip 2011-06-16
3.0 English 6.78 MB E7676v3.0.zip 2011-06-13

Quick Guide

!Special Note:

MSI™ provides user manuals (in PDF format) here for download. You can use Adobe Acrobat Reader (Adobe's WEB Site) to open them.


We suggest using Chrome, Firefox 3.0 or IE 8.0 above browsers to download BIOS, Drivers, etc.
Version Language File Size Download Release Date
1.5 English 5.85 MB MSI_Software_Guide.zip 2012-03-09

Test Report

CPU Support

FAQ

Release Date Title
Common FAQ