Question 1

Is this board going to work with a larger size CPU cooler? Is the fan going to clear the ram?

Accepted Answer

If you are using all 4 RAM banks, then no. There is only a few mm between the cpu heatsync+fan that comes standard w/ the Intel I3/5/7 CPU's and the nearest RAM bank. If you're OC'ing and need to get more cooling, I would rig a duct from the CPU fan to directly outside the case (either cut a hole in the side of the case, or mount it to the back of the case where there (usually) are enough holes to both mount and blow air out.

Option 2 is to use half the RAM slots, then there might be enough space for a bigger fan; however, you'll be better off redirecting the hot air directly outside the case -- it'll keep the other components much cooler and any other fans you may have in there will have to work less.

You can get ducting from Home Depot or your favorite hardware store along w/ some large zip ties (to keep it in place). You can zip-tie multiple zip-ties together to create a large enough cradle to hold just about any size ducting. Get the smallest required to cover the fan.  Your drier duct will work; you only need about 8in. Chances are, the drier duct is much longer than needed, so if you chop off a foot, it won't hurt it.

Question 2

Does this Motherboard support 3 pin fans?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I though would not buy this board. Mine did not boot and the Newegg vendor did not want to take it back. Said he would lose money because it was from overseas. Offered me $28.00 refund and I keep the board that would not boot.

They also are not new in a box as the Newegg listing I bought from indicated in the photos.

Question 3

Do i need to update bios to use E3 1230v2?

Accepted Answer

Looks like you need at least BIOS: 7758v13.zip   or newer

For the latest BIOS, download 7758v19.zip

It might be able to boot with the Xeon installed, but not recognized as the correct Proc until the BIOS update.  If not try another supported Processor and then update the BIOS.

I also cannot remember what BIOS is shipped with this board.  Sorry about that.  I hope that helps.

Brand	MSI
Model	ZH77A-G43

CPU Socket Type	LGA 1155
CPU Type	Celeron / Core i3 / Core i5 / Core i7 / Intel Core 2nd gen (LGA 1155) / Intel Core 3rd Gen (LGA 1155) / Pentium

Number of Memory Slots	4x240pin
Memory Standard	DDR3 1066/1333/1600/1800/2000/2200/2400*(OC, 22nm CPU required)
Maximum Memory Supported	32GB
Channel Supported	Dual Channel

PCI Express 3.0 x16	1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16
PCI Express 2.0 x16	1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16
PCI Express x1	2 x PCI Express x1
PCI Slots	3 x PCI Slots

Serial ATA (SATA)	2 x SATA 6Gb/s
SATA RAID	0/1/5/10

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MSI ZH77A-G43 LGA 1155 Intel H77 HDMI USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS

Used - Very Good

Learn more about the MSI ZH77A-G43

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Back I/O Ports	1 x HDMI / 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo / 2 x USB 3.0 / 6 x USB 2.0/1.1
PS/2	1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
Video Ports	D-Sub + DVI
HDMI	1 x HDMI
USB 3.0	2 x USB 3.0
USB 1.1/2.0	6 x USB 2.0
Audio Ports	6 Ports

Onboard USB	2 x USB 3.0 + 4 x USB 2.0
Other Connectors	ATX 24-Pin power connector 8-pin ATX 12V power connector CPU x 1 / System x 4 FAN connectors 1 x Clear CMOS jumper 1 x Serial port connector 1 x Parallel port connector 1 x TPM Module connector 1 x Front Panel Audio connector 1 x Front Panel connector 1 x Chassis Intrusion connector

Onboard Audio
Audio Chipset	Realtek ALC892
Audio Channels	8 Channels

Onboard LAN
LAN Chipset	Realtek 8111E
Max LAN Speed	1Gbps

Physical Spec
Form Factor	ATX
Dimensions (W x L)	12.0" x 9.6"
Power Pin	24 Pin

Item#: 9SIC3VHKUD1383