This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. There is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
The vendor makes no representations or warranties with respect to the
contents here and specially disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability
or fitness for any purpose. Further the vendor reserves the right to revise this
publication and to make changes to the contents here without obligation to
notify any party beforehand.
Duplication of this publication, in part or in whole, is not allowed without first
obtaining the vendor’s approval in writing.
The content of this user’s manual is subject to be changed without notice and
we will not be responsible for any mistakes found in this user’s manual. All the
brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
JAPANESE .............................................................................................................47
945P-A7A / 945PL-A7A
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 B
EFORE YOU START
Thank you for choosing our product. Before you start installing the
motherboard, please make sure you follow the instructions below:
Prepare a dry and stable working environment with
sufficient lighting.
Always disconnect the computer from power outlet
before operation.
Before you take the motherboard out from anti-static
bag, ground yourself properly by touching any safely
grounded appliance, or use grounded wrist strap to
remove the static charge.
Avoid touching the components on motherboard or the
rear side of the board unless necessary. Hold the board
on the edge, do not try to bend or flex the board.
Do not leave any unfastened small parts inside the
case after installation. Loose parts will cause short
circuits which may damage the equipment.
Keep the computer from dangerous area, such as heat
source, humid air and water.
1.2 PACKAGE CHECKLIST
z FDD Cable X 1
z HDD Cable X 1
z User’s Manual X 1
z Serial ATA Cable X 1
z Fully Setup Driver CD X 1
z Rear I/O Panel for ATX Case X 1
z USB 2.0 Cable X1 (optional)
z S/PDIF Cable X 1 (optional)
z Serial ATA Power Switch Cable X 1 (optional)
1
Motherboard Manual
1.3 MOTHERBOARD FEATURES
945P-A7A 945PL-A7A
LGA 775
Intel Pentium 4 / Pentium D / Celeron D
processor up to 3.8 GHz
CPU
FSB 533 / 800 / 1066 MHz 533 / 800 MHz
Chipset
Super I/O
Main
Memory
IDE
SATA
10/100
LAN
Sound
Codec
Slots PCI Express x 16 slot x1 PCI Express x 16 slot x1
Intel Core2Duo Processor (For Ver 8.0 only)
Supports Hyper-Threading
Execute Disable Bit
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep
Extended Memory 64 Technology
Intel 945P
Intel ICH7
ITE IT8712F
H/W Monitor
Fan Speed Controller
ITE's "Smart Guardian" function
DIMM Slots x 4
Each DIMM supports 256/512MB & 1GB
DDR2
Max Memory Capicity 4GB
Dual Channel Mode DDR2 memory module
Supports DDR2 533 / 667
Integrated IDE Controller
Ultra DMA 33~100 Bus Master Mode
supports PIO Mode 0~4,
Integrated Serial ATA Controller
Data transfer rates up to 3.0 Gb/s.
SATA Version 2.0 specification compliant.
Realtek RTL 8100C
10 / 100 Mb/s auto negotiation
Half / Full duplex capability
ALC655
6 channels audio out
AC’97 Version 2.3
LGA 775
Intel Pentium 4 / Pentium D / Celeron D
processor up to 3.8 GHz
Intel Core2Duo Processor (For Ver 8.0 only)
Supports Hyper-Threading
Execute Disable Bit
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep
Extended Memory 64 Technology
Intel 945PL
Intel ICH7
ITE IT8712F
H/W Monitor
Fan Speed Controller
ITE's "Smart Guardian" function
DIMM Slots x 2
Each DIMM supports 256/512MB & 1GB
DDR2
Max Memory Capicity 2GB
Dual Channel Mode DDR2 memory module
Supports DDR2 400 / 533
Integrated IDE Controller
Ultra DMA 33~100 Bus Master Mode
supports PIO Mode 0~4,
Integrated Serial ATA Controller
Data transfer rates up to 3.0 Gb/s.
SATA Version 2.0 specification compliant.
Realtek RTL 8100C
10 / 100 Mb/s auto negotiation
Half / Full duplex capability
ALC655
6 channels audio out
AC’97 Version 2.3
2
945P-A7A / 945PL-A7A
945P-A7A 945PL-A7A
PCI Express x 1 slot x2 PCI Express x 1 slot x2
PCI slot x3 PCI slot x3
Floppy connector x1 Floppy connector x1
IDE Connector x1 IDE Connector x1
SATA Connector x4 SATA Connector x4
Front Panel Connector x1 Front Panel Connector x1
Front Audio Connector x1 Front Audio Connector x1
CD-in Connector x1 CD-in Connector x1
On Board
Connector
Back Panel
I/O
Board Size 205 (W) x 305 (L) mm 205 (W) x 305 (L) mm
OS
Support
S/PDIF out connector x1 S/PDIF out connector x1
CPU Fan header x1 CPU Fan header x1
System Fan header x1 System Fan header x1
Chassis open header (optional) x1 Chassis open header (optional) x1
Clear CMOS header x1 Clear CMOS header x1
Chassis open header x1 Chassis open header x1
USB connector x2 USB connector x2
Power Connector (24pin) x1 Power Connector (24pin) x1
Power Connector (4pin) x1 Power Connector (4pin) x1
PS/2 Keyboard x1
PS/2 Mouse x1
Serial Port x1
Printer Port x1
LAN port x1
USB Port x4
Audio Jack x3
Windows 2000 / XP
Biostar Reserves the right to add or remove
support for any OS with or without notice.
PS/2 Keyboard x1
PS/2 Mouse x1
Serial Port x1
Printer Port x1
LAN port x1
USB Port x4
Audio Jack x3
Windows 2000 / XP
Biostar Reserves the right to add or remove
support for any OS with or without notice.
1.4REAR PANEL CONNECTORS
PS/2
Mouse
PS/2
Keyboard
C
O
COM1
Parallel
M
1
USB x2
LAN
USB x2
Line In/
Surround
Line Out
Mic In 1/
Base/Center
3
Motherboard Manual
1.5MOTHERBOARD LAYOUT (945P-A7A)
JKBMS1
CO
J
M
C
1
O
M
1
JPRNT1
LGA775
CPU1
JRJ45USB1
JAUDIO1
Codec
Super
I/O
BIOS
10/100 LAN
JAUDIOF1
JCDIN1
JCFAN1JATXPWR2
JATXPWR1
PCI-Ex1_1
PCI-Ex1_2
PCI1
PCI2
PCI3
JSPDIF_OUT1
Note: ■ represents the 1
PCI-Ex16
st
945P
FDD1
pin.
Intel
BAT1
JSFAN1
JCI1
JCMOS1
Intel
ICH7
DDR2_A1
SATA1
SATA2
DDR2_B1
DDR2_A2
SATA3
SATA4
JPANEL1
DDR2_B2
IR
(optional)
IDE1
4
945P-A7A / 945PL-A7A
1.6MOTHERBOARD LAYOUT (945PL-A7A)
JKBMS 1
CO
J
M
C
1
O
M
1
JPRNT1
LGA775
CPU1
JRJ45U SB1
JAUDIO 1
Codec
Super
I/O
BIOS
10/100 LAN
JAUDIOF1
JCDIN1
JCFAN1JATXPWR2
JATXPWR1
PCI-Ex1 _1
PCI-Ex1 _2
PCI1
PCI2
PCI3
JSPDIF_OUT 1
Note: ■ represents the 1
PCI-Ex16
st
pin.
Intel
945PL
BAT1
FDD1
JSFAN1
JCI1
JCMOS1
Intel
ICH7
DDR2_A1
SATA1
SATA2
SATA3
SATA4
JPANEL1
DDR2_B1
IR
(optional)
IDE1
5
Motherboard Manual
CHAPTER 2: HARDWARE INSTALLATION
2.1 I
NSTALLING CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
Special Notice:
Remove Pin Cap before installation, and make good preservation
for future use. When the CPU is removed, cover the Pin Cap on the
empty socket to ensure pin legs won’t be damaged.
Pin-Cap
Step 1: Pull the socket locking lever out from the socket and then raise the lever
up to a 90-degree angle.
6
945P-A7A / 945PL-A7A
Step 2: Look for the triangular cut edge on socket, and the golden dot on
CPU should point forwards this triangular cut edge. The CPU will
fit only in the correct orientation.
Step 2-1:
Step 2-2:
Step 3: Hold the CPU down firmly, and then lower the lever to locked
position to complete the installation.
Step 4: Put the CPU Fan and heatsink assembly on the CPU and buckle it
on the retention frame. Connect the CPU FAN power cable into
the JCFAN1. This completes the installation.
7
Motherboard Manual
2.2 FANHEADERS
These fan headers support cooling-fans built in the computer. The fan
cable and connector may be different according to the fan manufacturer.
Connect the fan cable to the connector while matching the black wire to
pin#1.
JCFAN1: CPU Fan Header
Pin
1 Ground
2 Power
3 FAN RPM rate
4 Smart Fan
Pin
1Ground
2+12V
3FAN RPM rate
JSFAN1: System Fan Header
JCFAN1
4
1
JSFAN1
3
1
Assignment
sense
Control
Assignment
sense
Note:
The JCFAN1 and JSFAN1 support 4-pin and 3-pin head connector. When connecting
with wires onto connectors, please note that the red wire is the positive and should be
connected to pin#2, and the black wire is Ground and should be connected to GND.
8
945P-A7A / 945PL-A7A
2.3 INSTALLING SYSTEM MEMORY
DDR2_A1
DDR2_B1
DDR2_A1
DDR2_B1
DDR2_A2
DDR2_B2
DDR2_A2
DDR2_B2
1. Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the retaining clips outward. Align a
DIMM on the slot such that the notch on the DIMM matches the
break on the Slot.
2. Insert the DIMM vertically and firmly into the slot until the retaining
chip snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.
9
Motherboard Manual
B. Memory Capacity
For 945P-A7A the maximum memory capacity is 4GB.
DIMM Socket
Location
DDR2_A1 256MB/512MB/1GB *1
DDR2_A2 256MB/512MB/1GB *1
DDR2_B1 256MB/512MB/1GB *1
DDR2_B2 256MB/512MB/1GB *1
For 945PL-A7A the maximum memory capacity is 2GB.
DIMM Socket
Location
DDR2_A1 256MB/512MB/1GB *1
DDR2_B1 256MB/512MB/1GB *1
DDR Module Total Memory Size
945P Chipset
Max memory 4GB.
DDR Module Total Memory Size
Max memory 2GB.
10
945P-A7A / 945PL-A7A
2.4CONNECTORS AND SLOTS
FDD1: Floppy Disk Connector
The motherboard provides a standard floppy disk connector that supports 360K,
720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88M floppy disk types. This connector supports the
provided floppy drive ribbon cables.
IDE1: Hard Disk Connectors
The motherboard has a 32-bit Enhanced PCI IDE Controller that provides PIO
Mode 0~4, Bus Master, and Ultra DMA 33/66/100/133 functionality.
The IDE connectors can connect a master and a slave drive, so you can connect
up to four hard disk drives. The first hard drive should always be connected to
IDE1.
33
IDE1
40
21
1
234
39
11
Motherboard Manual
PCI-Ex16: PCI-Express x16 Slot
- PCI-Express 1.0a compliant.
- Maximum theoretical realized bandwidth of 4GB/s simultaneously per
direction, for an aggregate of 8GB/s totally.
PCI-Ex1_1/PCI-EX1_2: PCI-Express x1 slots
- PCI-Express 1.0a compliant.
- Data transfer bandwidth up to 250MB/s per direction; 500MB/s in total.
- PCI-Express supports a raw bit-rate of 2.5Gb/s on the data pins.
- 2X bandwidth over the traditional PCI architecture.
This motherboard is equipped with 3 standard PCI slots. PCI stands for
Peripheral Component Interconnect, and it is a bus standard for expansion
cards. This PCI slot is designated as 32 bits.
12
PCI1
PCI2
PCI3
945P-A7A / 945PL-A7A
A
A
AN/A
)
(+)
)
y
CHAPTER 3: HEADERS & JUMPERS SETUP
3.1 H
OW TO SETUP JUMPERS
The illustration shows how to set up jumpers. When the jumper cap is
placed on pins, the jumper is “close”, if not, that means the jumper is
“open”.
Pin opened Pin closed Pin1-2 closed
3.2 DETAIL SETTINGS
JPANEL1: Front Panel Header
This 22-pin connector includes Power-on, Reset, HDD LED, Power LED, Sleep
button, speaker and IrDA Connection. It allows user to connect the PC case’s
front panel switch functions.
PWR_LED
SLP
2
1
SPK
++
On/Off
-
-
+
HLED
RST
IR Header
(optional)
22
21
Pin
1+5V 2 Sleep control
3N/A 4Ground
5N/A 6N/
7Speaker
9HDD LED (+) 10Power LED
11HDD LED (-)
13Ground 14Power button
15Reset control
17N/A 18Ke
19+5V 20Ground
21IRTX
ssignment FunctionPin
Speaker
connector
Hard drive LED
Reset button
IrDA Connector
(optional)
12Power LED (-
16Ground
22IRRX
ssignmentFunction
8Power LED (+
Sleep button
Power LED
Power-on button
IrDA Connector
(optional)
13
Motherboard Manual
JATXPWR1: ATX Power Source Connector
This connector allows user to connect 24-pin power connector on the ATX
power supply.
By connecting this connector, it will provide +12V to CPU power circuit.
14
341
2
Pin
Assignment
1 +12V
2 +12V
3 Ground
4 Ground
945P-A7A / 945PL-A7A
JUSB3/JUSB4: Headers for USB 2.0 Ports at Front Panel
This motherboard provides 2 USB 2.0 headers, which allows user to connect
additional USB cable on the PC front panel, and also can be connected with
internal USB devices, like USB card reader.
JKBV1: Power Source Headers for PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse
13
3
Pin 1-2 close (Default)
+5V for PS/2 keyboard and
mouse.
7 Ground
8 Ground
9 Key
10NC
1
13
Pin 2-3 close
PS/2 keyboard and mouse are
powered by +5V standby
voltage.
Note:
In order to support this function “Power-on system via keyboard and mouse”, “JKBV1”
jumper cap should be placed on Pin 2-3.
15
Motherboard Manual
JAUDIOF1: Front Panel Audio Header
This header allows user to connect the front audio output cable with the PC front
panel. It will disable the output on back panel audio connectors.
JCDIN1: CD-ROM Audio-in Connector
This connector allows user to connect the audio source from the variaty devices,
like CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, PCI sound card, PCI TV turner card etc..
1413
12
4
1
Pin Assignment
1 Mic in/center
2 Ground
3 Mic power/Bass
4 Audio power
Right line out/
5
Speaker out Right
Right line out/
6
Speaker out Right
7 Reserved
8 Key
Left line out/
9
Speaker out Left
Left line out/
10
Speaker out Left
Right line in/
11
Rear speaker Right
Right line in/
12
Rear speaker Right
Left line in/
13
Rear speaker Left
Left line in/
14
Rear speaker Left
Pin
Assignment
1 Left Channel
Input
2 Ground
3 Ground
4 Right Channel
Input
16
945P-A7A / 945PL-A7A
JCMOS1: Clear CMOS Header
By placing the jumper on pin2-3, it allows user to restore the BIOS safe setting
and the CMOS data, please carefully follow the procedures to avoid damaging
the motherboard.
13
Pin 1-2 Close:
Normal Operation (Default).
13
Pin 2-3 Close:
Clear CMOS data.
3
1
※ Clear CMOS Procedures:
1. Remove AC power line.
2. Set the jumper to “Pin 2-3 close”.
3. Wait for five seconds.
4. Set the jumper to “Pin 1-2 close”.
5. Power on the AC.
6. Reset your desired password or clear the CMOS data.
JCI1: Chassis Open Header
This connector allows system to monitor PC case open status. If the signal has
been triggered, it will record to the CMOS and show the message on next
boot-up.
Pin
Assignment
1 Case open signal
2 Ground
12
17
Motherboard Manual
JSATA1~JSATA4: Serial ATA Connectors
The motherboard has a PCI to SATA Controller with 4channels SATA interface, it
satisfies the SATA 2.0 spec and with transfer rate of 3GB/s.
SATA1SATA3
SATA2
JSPDIF_OUT1: Digital Audio out Connectors
This connector allows user to connect the PCI bracket SPDIF
output/input header.
4
17
SATA4
Pin
1 Ground
2 TX+
3 TX-
4 Ground
5 RX-
6 RX+
7 Ground
Assignment
Pin
1+5V
2SPDIF_OUT1
3Ground
Assignment
18
3
1
945P-A7A / 945PL-A7A
TCHAPTER 4: USEFUL HELP
4.1 D
RIVER INSTALLATION NOTE
After you installed your operating system, please insert the Fully Setup
Driver CD into your optical drive and install the driver for better system
performance.
You will see the following window after you insert the CD
The setup guide will auto detect your motherboard and operating system.
Note:
If this window didn’t show up after you insert the Driver CD, please use file browser to
locate and execute the file SETUP.EXE under your optical drive.
A. Driver Installation
To install the driver, please click on the Driver icon. The setup guide will
list the compatible driver for your motherboard and operating system.
Click on each device driver to launch the installation program.
B. Software Installation
To install the software, please click on the Software icon. The setup guide
will list the software available for your system, click on each software title
to launch the installation program.
C. Manual
Aside from the paperback manual, we also provide manual in the Driver
CD. Click on the Manual icon to browse for available manual.
Note:
You will need Acrobat Reader to open the manual file. Please download the latest version
of Acrobat Reader software from
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
19
Motherboard Manual
4.2 AWARD BIOSBEEP CODE
Beep Sound Meaning
One long beep followed by two short
beeps
High-low siren sound CPU overheated
One Short beep when system boot-up No error found during POST
Long beeps every other second No DRAM detected or install
Video card not found or video card
memory bad
System will shut down automatically
4.3 EXTRA INFORMATION
A. BIOS Update
After you fail to update BIOS or BIOS is invaded by virus, the
Boot-Block function will help to restore BIOS. If the following message
is shown after boot-up the system, it means the BIOS contents are
corrupted.
In this Case, please follow the procedure below to restore the BIOS:
1. Make a bootable floppy disk.
2. Download the Flash Utility “AWDFLASH.exe” from the Biostar
website: www.biostar.com.tw
3. Confirm motherboard model and download the respectively BIOS
from Biostar website.
4. Copy “AWDFLASH.exe” and respectively BIOS into floppy disk.
5. Insert the bootable disk into floppy drive and press Enter.
6. System will boot-up to DOS prompt.
7. Type “Awdflash xxxx.bf/sn/py/r” in DOS prompt.
(xxxx means BIOS name.)
8. System will update BIOS automatically and restart.
9. The BIOS has been recovered and will work properly.
20
945P-A7A / 945PL-A7A
B. CPU Overheated
If the system shutdown automatically after power on system for
seconds, that means the CPU protection function has been activated.
When the CPU is over heated, the motherboard will shutdown
automatically to avoid a damage of the CPU, and the system may not
power on again.
In this case, please double check:
1. The CPU cooler surface is placed evenly with the CPU surface.
2. CPU fan is rotated normally.
3. CPU fan speed is fulfilling with the CPU speed.
After confirmed, please follow steps below to relief the CPU protection
function.
1. Remove the power cord from power supply for seconds.
2. Wait for seconds.
3. Plug in the power cord and boot up the system.
Or you can:
1. Clear the CMOS data.
(See “Close CMOS Header: JCMOS1” section)
2. Wait for seconds.
3. Power on the system again.
21
Motherboard Manual
4.4 TROUBLESHOOTING
Probable Solution
1. No power to the system at all
Power light don’t illuminate, fan
inside power supply does not turn
on.
2. Indicator light on keyboard does
not turn on.
System inoperative. Keyboard lights
are on, power indicator lights are lit,
and hard drive is spinning.
System does not boot from hard disk
drive, can be booted from optical drive.
System only boots from optical drive.
Hard disk can be read and applications
can be used but booting from hard disk
is impossible.
Screen message says “Invalid
Configuration” or “CMOS Failure.”
Cannot boot system after installing
second hard drive.
1. Make sure power cable is
securely plugged in.
2. Replace cable.
3. Contact technical support.
Using even pressure on both ends of
the DIMM, press down firmly until the
module snaps into place.
1. Check cable running from disk to
disk controller board. Make sure
both ends are securely plugged
in; check the drive type in the
standard CMOS setup.
2. Backing up the hard drive is
extremely important. All hard
disks are capable of breaking
down at any time.
1. Back up data and applications
files.
2. Reformat the hard drive.
Re-install applications and data
using backup disks.
Review system’s equipment. Make sure
correct information is in setup.
1. Set master/slave jumpers
correctly.
2. Run SETUP program and select
correct drive types. Call the drive
manufacturers for compatibility
with other drives.
22
945P-A7A / 945PL-A7A
CHAPTER 5: WARPSPEEDER™
5.1 INTRODUCTION
[WarpSpeeder™], a new powerful control utility, features three
user-friendly functions including Overclock Manager, Overvoltage
Manager, and Hardware Monitor.
With the Overclock Manager, users can easily adjust the frequency they
prefer or they can get the best CPU performance with just one click. The
Overvoltage Manager, on the other hand, helps to power up CPU core
voltage and Memory voltage. The cool Hardware Monitor smartly indicates
the temperatures, voltage and CPU fan speed as well as the chipset
information. Also, in the About panel, you can get detail descriptions about
BIOS model and chipsets. In addition, the frequency status of CPU,
memory, AGP and PCI along with the CPU speed are synchronically
shown on our main panel.
Moreover, to protect users' computer systems if the setting is not
appropriate when testing and results in system fail or hang,
[WarpSpeeder™] technology assures the system stability by automatically
rebooting the computer and then restart to a speed that is either the
original system speed or a suitable one.
5.2 SYSTEM REQUIREMENT
OS Support: Windows 98 SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP
DirectX: DirectX 8.1 or above. (The Windows XP operating system
includes DirectX 8.1. If you use Windows XP, you do not need to install
DirectX 8.1.)
23
Motherboard Manual
5.3 INSTALLATION
1. Execute the setup execution file, and then the following dialog will pop
up. Please click “Next” button and follow the default procedure to
install.
2. When you see the following dialog in setup procedure, it means setup
is completed. If the “Launch the WarpSpeeder Tray Utility” checkbox
is checked, the Tray Icon utility and [WarpSpeeder™] utility will be
automatically and immediately launched after you click “Finish”
button.
24
Usage:
The following figures are just only for reference, the screen printed in
this user manual will change according to your motherboard on hand.
945P-A7A / 945PL-A7A
5.4 WARPSPEEDER™
1. Tray Icon:
Whenever the Tray Icon utility is launched, it will display a little tray
icon on the right side of Windows Taskbar.
This utility is responsible for conveniently invoking [WarpSpeeder™]
Utility. You can use the mouse by clicking the left button in order to
invoke [WarpSpeeder™] directly from the little tray icon or you can
right-click the little tray icon to pop up a popup menu as following
figure. The “Launch Utility” item in the popup menu has the same
function as mouse left-click on tray icon and “Exit” item will close
Tray Icon utility if selected.
25
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