MSI Z170A GAMING M5 - 7 GPU [SOLVED]

[gethsky]

I can confirm that the Intel Celeron G3950 Processor with MSI Z170A Gaming M5 will Mine ETH with 6 RX480 8 Gigs

I have this exact same motherboard and I cant get it to work no matter what.  What BIOS version are you using?

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[primeBlue]

So I have this board and had been having problems with anymore than 4 GPU's. But I now have it running with 6 NV GPU's with the IGD as the display output.

I'm running with Kabylake i3-7300 so having that is not a problem and you don't need to be looking at Skylake parts. I do have a Skylake G3900 which actually had more issues.

The main thing is to set all your settings in BIOS first and then install Windows 10, I had an old image of Windows 10 I was using that just would not boot when you enabled 'Above 4G Decoding'.

I didn't need to change much in BIOS using latest 7977v1E BIOS.

1. Above 4G Decoding 'Enabled'
2. Win 8.1/10 set to 'Enabled'
3. UEFI only

Hopefully this helps, and clears up issues for some or at least provides some hope.

[car1999]

Well, I got a Skylake Celeron (G3900) CPU running on this Gaming M5 board and no change.  Still boots to a blank screen whenever I enable 4G/crypto option. No cards installed.  What did people do to get this to work?

Try following steps in BIOS:

1. Set PEG0/1 to AUTO
2. Enable above 4G enconding
3. PCI Latency timer 64
4. Initiate Graphic Adapter set to IGD with 64 memory (and connect the monitor to internal HDMI port if not done anyway already!)
5. Win 8.1/10 set to DISABLED
6. Win 7 set to DISABLED
7. Set UEFI only

It's important that you install Win10 in UEFI mode - if you have any issue that you cannot install Win10 on empty hard disk after you configured UEFI only proceed with following steps during Win10 setup.

At the partition screen of Win10 Setup press Shift + F10 to get a command prompt
Type this (hit enter after each)

diskpart
list disk
(will show you a list of attached disks, the one you want to install to should be 0)
select disk 0
clean
convert gpt
exit

then refresh the partition list and install Win10 on the empty disk.

If you have your monitor connected to the internal GPU instead of one of the mining GPUs you have the advantage that even the 1st GPU can mine at full speed as it doesn't have to waste some performance for Win10 graphics rendering

Thanks.  I actually got it working just with steps 1 and 4.  I already had all the others set except for 3 which I didn't do and doesn't seem to be necessary.  I'm using Linux in UEFI mode.  6 cards worked fine.

I didn't have a 7th riser available (getting more tomorrow), so I plugged a 7th card directly into the last PCIe slot and it recognized it, but ran into an issue with X-server.  However, I was able to use a tty terminal and that worked fine and miner recognized all 7 cards.  Using a riser for the 7th card might fix that issue.  If not, I might just need to try plugging monitor into one of the cards.  I tried plugging it into the 7th card, but that didn't work.

I have some M.2 to PCIe converters coming this week, so I'll try adding an 8th and 9th card and see if that works.  In theory, 9 cards should work in Linux, but I'll find out soon if this motherboard has any problems with that many.

Man, have you tried 9 cards? My test result is that only 1st m2 slot works, the 2nd m2 slot doesn't work. Not sure if my slot is broken or the mobo doesn't support 9 cards. Now my rigs has 7x1050ti and 1x1060 with nvOC linux system, works well and very stable.

[car1999]

I can confirm that the Intel Celeron G3950 Processor with MSI Z170A Gaming M5 will Mine ETH with 6 RX480 8 Gigs

I have this exact same motherboard and I cant get it to work no matter what.  What BIOS version are you using?

Use the latest BIOS version which was released on 2017.05, just enable 4G decoding, other changes in BIOS are unnecessary, 8 cards run. Looking for a way to run 9 cards with 2 M.2 slots.

[hcwh]

I didn't have a 7th riser available (getting more tomorrow), so I plugged a 7th card directly into the last PCIe slot and it recognized it, but ran into an issue with X-server.  However, I was able to use a tty terminal and that worked fine and miner recognized all 7 cards.  Using a riser for the 7th card might fix that issue.  If not, I might just need to try plugging monitor into one of the cards.  I tried plugging it into the 7th card, but that didn't work.

I have some M.2 to PCIe converters coming this week, so I'll try adding an 8th and 9th card and see if that works.  In theory, 9 cards should work in Linux, but I'll find out soon if this motherboard has any problems with that many.

Man, have you tried 9 cards? My test result is that only 1st m2 slot works, the 2nd m2 slot doesn't work. Not sure if my slot is broken or the mobo doesn't support 9 cards. Now my rigs has 7x1050ti and 1x1060 with nvOC linux system, works well and very stable.

I got 8 cards working in Windows 7.  That was an adventure.  You have to manually update the registry to pull that one off.  Windows 10 doesn't have that issue.  I haven't tried 9 cards in Win7, but I've heard it's not possible.

On the Linux side (XUbuntu 16.04), I've been having some issues with the X server configuration.  I currently have 7 cards running well there and have been focusing on overclocking and undervolting the nvidia cards and I think I've got a good, stable script working now.  I only have two M.2 converters and installed them both in my Win7 rig (was the only working rig I had at the time, so why not?

Here are the next things on my list to test (order subject to change):

• Add 9th card to Win7 rig and see if the rumors are true that 9 won't work.  My registry edits to get 8 cards working make me wonder if those same edits will also get 9 to work.
• Add 8th and 9th card to Linux rig and see if the motherboard supports that.  I recall something about the 2nd M.2 on some motherboards not supporting PCIe and only support storage and/or memory.
• Convert Win7 rig to Linux if it will give the ability to run 9 cards.

FYI...that Win7 rig is on an ASUS Prime Z270A mb (7 PCIe slots and 2 M.2 slots just like the MSI).  The Linux rig has the MSI Z170A Gaming M5 mb.  Obviously, I might have different results with the second M.2 slot on these rigs.  If one or both of these boards allow me utilize both M.2 slots, then I'll order more, but I have what I need to do the appropriate testing.

[hcwh]

@car1999

OK, I made a weak try to get 9 GPUs running in Win7 (using 2 M.2 to PCIe converters on ASUS Prime Z270A) and it didn't work, but the method I tried wouldn't have gotten 8 to work, so I'll probably need to revisit a little more to be sure.

I then moved one of the M.2 converters to the MSI Z170A Gaming M5 to get an 8th GPU there, but the BIOS wouldn't recognize anything on either of the M.2 slots.  I suppose the converter could be bad since it didn't work in either system.

Anything special you needed to do to get the M.2 to PCIe converter to work on the Gaming M5?  What BIOS version are you using and what are your BIOS settings for PCI and monitor?

[tomek019]

So I have this board and had been having problems with anymore than 4 GPU's. But I now have it running with 6 NV GPU's with the IGD as the display output.

I'm running with Kabylake i3-7300 so having that is not a problem and you don't need to be looking at Skylake parts. I do have a Skylake G3900 which actually had more issues.

The main thing is to set all your settings in BIOS first and then install Windows 10, I had an old image of Windows 10 I was using that just would not boot when you enabled 'Above 4G Decoding'.

I didn't need to change much in BIOS using latest 7977v1E BIOS.

1. Above 4G Decoding 'Enabled'
2. Win 8.1/10 set to 'Enabled'
3. UEFI only

Hopefully this helps, and clears up issues for some or at least provides some hope.

Its on MSI Z170A GAMING M5 s1151 ?
Because i try almost everything Expect instal Windows only on UEFI settings but it will help ?
My succes was when i turn on once 5 GPU but with only 0 Mhm and sometimes it was 2 Mhm :/

[botros]

Uifi is the most important option .
Updating the bios
Enable 4g encoding
All pcie turn to gen2

Every thing will work
 


I did installed & set up 2 of this board & working great with 6 cards each .  & did test the sevdnth card & worked too.

[ElBerryKM13]

I just got same motherboard and all I get are error 00 no boot with 4 different brand new gaming m5 boards. Using a i3-6100t so I don't now if this board has compatibility issues with that cpu. I think I will get asus z270a instead.

[botros]

all i can confirm is the processor should be Skylake  ,, not Kapylake

as example   g3900  4400 , so on

[car1999]

@car1999

OK, I made a weak try to get 9 GPUs running in Win7 (using 2 M.2 to PCIe converters on ASUS Prime Z270A) and it didn't work, but the method I tried wouldn't have gotten 8 to work, so I'll probably need to revisit a little more to be sure.

I then moved one of the M.2 converters to the MSI Z170A Gaming M5 to get an 8th GPU there, but the BIOS wouldn't recognize anything on either of the M.2 slots.  I suppose the converter could be bad since it didn't work in either system.

Anything special you needed to do to get the M.2 to PCIe converter to work on the Gaming M5?  What BIOS version are you using and what are your BIOS settings for PCI and monitor?

my bios is the latest version, i enabled 4g decoding, the gen1,gen2 setting is auto,  disable integreted video card, plug hdmi monitor  to the first Pcie 16x, m.2 closest to CPU works, the other m.2 doesn't work. I haven't try  Windows, I use nvOC, a customized linux, can be found in this forum.
now 8 cards works very stable, 7 1050ti and 1 1060.
btw, CPU is g3900.

[iamnewhere]

my bios is the latest version, i enabled 4g decoding, the gen1,gen2 setting is auto,  disable integreted video card, plug hdmi monitor  to the first Pcie 16x, m.2 closest to CPU works, the other m.2 doesn't work. I haven't try  Windows, I use nvOC, a customized linux, can be found in this forum.
now 8 cards works very stable, 7 1050ti and 1 1060.
btw, CPU is g3900.

if you leave integrated video card enabled, enable "Windows 10" in bios only during installation (no other GPU's connected or bios will complain) and then back to "Windows 10" disabled you don't lose performance on the first GPU as it doesn't need to handle windows graphics

have 2 rigs with each 6 x 1070s running and IGD active - works like a charm and all cards at the same performance

[primeBlue]

So I have this board and had been having problems with anymore than 4 GPU's. But I now have it running with 6 NV GPU's with the IGD as the display output.

I'm running with Kabylake i3-7300 so having that is not a problem and you don't need to be looking at Skylake parts. I do have a Skylake G3900 which actually had more issues.

The main thing is to set all your settings in BIOS first and then install Windows 10, I had an old image of Windows 10 I was using that just would not boot when you enabled 'Above 4G Decoding'.

I didn't need to change much in BIOS using latest 7977v1E BIOS.

1. Above 4G Decoding 'Enabled'
2. Win 8.1/10 set to 'Enabled'
3. UEFI only

Hopefully this helps, and clears up issues for some or at least provides some hope.

Its on MSI Z170A GAMING M5 s1151 ?
Because i try almost everything Expect instal Windows only on UEFI settings but it will help ?
My succes was when i turn on once 5 GPU but with only 0 Mhm and sometimes it was 2 Mhm :/

Yes, it is on that board. I'm not sure if it was the UEFI only setting that helped, it seemed to me it was more the Above 4G Decoding option being enabled in the first place during the windows install. That option gave me the most grief just being turned on/off with an old install. With a fresh install of Windows 10 with all the BIOS settings I wanted set in the first place I haven't had an issue since. Even added a 7th card from one of my other machines.

[tomek019]

So I have this board and had been having problems with anymore than 4 GPU's. But I now have it running with 6 NV GPU's with the IGD as the display output.

I'm running with Kabylake i3-7300 so having that is not a problem and you don't need to be looking at Skylake parts. I do have a Skylake G3900 which actually had more issues.

The main thing is to set all your settings in BIOS first and then install Windows 10, I had an old image of Windows 10 I was using that just would not boot when you enabled 'Above 4G Decoding'.

I didn't need to change much in BIOS using latest 7977v1E BIOS.

1. Above 4G Decoding 'Enabled'
2. Win 8.1/10 set to 'Enabled'
3. UEFI only

Hopefully this helps, and clears up issues for some or at least provides some hope.

Its on MSI Z170A GAMING M5 s1151 ?
Because i try almost everything Expect instal Windows only on UEFI settings but it will help ?
My succes was when i turn on once 5 GPU but with only 0 Mhm and sometimes it was 2 Mhm :/

Yes, it is on that board. I'm not sure if it was the UEFI only setting that helped, it seemed to me it was more the Above 4G Decoding option being enabled in the first place during the windows install. That option gave me the most grief just being turned on/off with an old install. With a fresh install of Windows 10 with all the BIOS settings I wanted set in the first place I haven't had an issue since. Even added a 7th card from one of my other machines.

Ok then i will write to you on priv

[themonkii]

Hey Guys!

Hoping to get some assistance. I've re-read this whole thread a few times now, and can safely state the following;

7 x GPU's does work with the most recent BIOS but it is very important that you do the following BEFORE installing Windows 10.

UEFI only
Above 4G Decoding 'Enabled'
Win 8.1/10 set to 'Enabled'

You will otherwise run into grief. Once I did that, I was able to get Windows 10 to detect all cards.....but it isn't fully solved yet.

Right now I'm running the following;

MSI Z170A M5 Gaming board
G4400, 3.3 GHz Processor
8GB of Crucial Ram
1 x 1000w EVGA Gold PSU
1 x 650w EVGA Gold PSU
4 x Asus RX580 Dual 8GB
1 x R9 390
1 x MSI RX480 4GB
1 x MSI RX580 4GB

All cards are detecting in Windows, and I can fire up Claymore with stock settings (few of the cards have modded bios, but those particular cards ran solid for 4 days with OC prior to the addition of the other cards).

I'm currently using the most current drivers from AMD Drivers.

Long story short - I seem to be getting poor results from GPU0. All other cards are doing good given the lax settings, but GPU0 is only giving me about 4 or 5MH/s.

Any help would be really appreciated. This mobo has been one heck of a constant ball-kick though.

[alred911]

I'm currently using the most current drivers from AMD Drivers.

Long story short - I seem to be getting poor results from GPU0. All other cards are doing good given the lax settings, but GPU0 is only giving me about 4 or 5MH/s.

Any help would be really appreciated. This mobo has been one heck of a constant ball-kick though.

you probably plugged your monitor in GPU0 at some point,
use the integrated insteed,
shutdown several time till it back to normal.

[MONKEYSTOMP]

I have this same board currently running 6 GTX 1070

Win 10 creators update. without this creators update the cards hash at 2 mh/s
1.d bios
gen 1
4g enable
skylake cpu
4gb memory
Virtual memory setting 3000 -20000
I wouldn't say it's stable though
6 gpu's run about 12 hr before restarting
5 gpu's runs fine
7 gpu's claymore hashes for a few min then restarts...

Im going to upgrade to the newest bios tomorrow morning there is a 5/2017 release.

any other tips

PSU are 2 750 watts
1 running motherboard and 3 cards the other running the other 4
cards 5 asus Republic of gamers cards
1 white asus card
1 Founder edition but with this card claymore just restarts not sure if its the card or just the system becoming unstable for software reasons.

[iamnewhere]

Maybe too much OC? Never worked with split PSU but that might cause also some issue.
how much power do you take per GPU (check with nvidia-smi)?

[KevinUK]

Hi,

I have 7 x Nvidia GTX 1070 with this motherboard and have it running with 6 fine (not overclocking yet).

I am using an M.2. SSD and have 5 cards and 6 USB risers on a 1000W PSU and 2 cards and the M.2. SSD on a 500W PSU.

Sometimes when I reboot one of the cards fails to load (in device manager):

Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)

If I disable / enable the device then it works again.

I have run Display Driver Uninstaller then re-installed the Nvidia drivers but this does not help.

I have swapped the USB cable riser around and used different 3d cards, the hardware is all fine.

Any advice?

[themonkii]

I'm currently using the most current drivers from AMD Drivers.

Long story short - I seem to be getting poor results from GPU0. All other cards are doing good given the lax settings, but GPU0 is only giving me about 4 or 5MH/s.

Any help would be really appreciated. This mobo has been one heck of a constant ball-kick though.

you probably plugged your monitor in GPU0 at some point,
use the integrated insteed,
shutdown several time till it back to normal.

I moved the PCIE I was plugged into, and it started firing properly.
Once all drivers are set my intention is to use the integrated as my primary, but have had the best luck getting Windows to install drivers when I'm plugged into one of them.

Thanks for the response!