Biostar A68MHE operation manual

FCC Information and Copyright

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.

Dichiarazione di conformità sintetica

Ai sensi dell’art. 2 comma 3 del D.M. 275 del 30/10/2002

Si dichiara che questo prodotto è conforme alle normative vigenti e soddisfa i requisiti essenziali richiesti dalle direttive

2004/108/CE, 2006/95/CE e 1999/05/CE quando ad esso applicabili

Short Declaration of conformity

We declare this product is complying with the laws in force and meeting all the essential requirements as specified by the directives

2004/108/CE, 2006/95/CE and 1999/05/CE whenever these laws may be applied

Table Of Contents

FCC Information and Copyright 1 Chapter 1: Introduction 3

1.1 Before You Start 3

1.2 Package Checklist 3

1.3 Specifications 4

1.4 Rear Panel Connectors 5

1.5 Motherboard Layout 6

Chapter 2: Hardware installation 7

2.1 Install Central Processing Unit (CPU) 7

2.2 Install a Heatsink 8

2.3 Connect Cooling Fans 9

2.4 Install System Memory 9

2.5 Expansion Slots 11

2.6 Jumper & Switch Setting 12

2.7 Headers & Connectors 13

Chapter 3: UEFI BIOS & Software 16

3.1 UEFI BIOS Setup 16

3.2 BIOS Update 16

3.3 Software 20

Chapter 4: Useful help 23

4.1 Driver Installation 23

4.2 AMI BIOS Beep Code 24

4.3 Troubleshooting 24

4.4 RAID Functions 25

APPENDIX I: Specifications in Other Languages 27

Arabic......................................................................................................................................	27
German...................................................................................................................................	28
Russian....................................................................................................................................	29
Spanish ...................................................................................................................................	30
Thai .........................................................................................................................................	31

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Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Before 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. •  The operating temperatures of the computer should be 0 to 45 degrees Celsius. •  To avoid injury, be careful of:

Sharp pins on headers and connectors

Rough edges and sharp corners on the chassis Damage to wires that could cause a short circuit

1.2Package Checklist

•  Serial ATA Cable x2

•  Rear I/O Panel for ATX Case x1 •  Quick Installation Guide x1 •  Fully Setup Driver DVD x1

Note

»  The package contents may be different due to the sales region or models in which it was sold. For more information about the standard package in your region, please contact your dealer or sales representative.

Chapter 1: Introduction | 3

1.3 Specifications

Specifications

		Socket FM2+ supports AMD FM2+ A-series APU
	CPU Support	Maximum CPU TDP (Thermal Design Power): 100Watt
		* Please refer to www.biostar.com.tw for CPU support list.
	Chipset	AMD A68H FCH
		Supports Dual Channel DDR3 800/ 1066/ 1333/ 1600/ 1866/ 2133/ 2400(OC)/ 2600(OC)
	Memory	2 x DDR3 DIMM Memory Slot, Max. Supports up to 32 GB Memory
		Each DIMM supports non-ECC 512MB/ 1/ 2/ 4/ 8/ 16 GB DDR3 module
		* Please refer to www.biostar.com.tw for Memory support list.
	Storage	4x SATA III Connector (6Gb/s) : Supports AHCI & RAID 0, 1, 10
	LAN	Realtek RTL 8111H
		10/ 100/ 1000 Mb/s auto negotiation, Half / Full duplex capability
	Audio Codec	ALC662
		5.1 Channels, High Definition Audio
	USB	2x USB 3.1 Gen1 (5Gb/s) port (2 on rear I/Os)
		6x USB 2.0 port (2 on rear I/Os and 4 via internal headers)
	Expansion Slots	1x PCIe 2.0 x1 Slot
		1x PCIe 3.0 x16 Slot
		1x PS/2 Mouse
		1x PS/2 Keyboard
		1x VGA Port
	Rear I/Os	1x HDMI Port
		1x LAN port
		2x USB 3.1 Gen1 (5Gb/s) Port
		2x USB 2.0 Port
		3x Audio Jack
		4x SATA III 6.0Gb/s Connector
		2x USB 2.0 Header (each header supports 2 USB 2.0 ports)
		1x 4-Pin Power Connector
		1x 24-Pin Power Connector
	Internal I/Os	1x CPU Fan Connector
		1x System Fan Connector
		1x Front Panel Header
		1x Front Audio Header
		1x Clear CMOS Header
	Form Factor	uATX Form Factor, 215 mm x 170 mm
	OS Support	Windows 7/ 8/ 8.1(64bit)/ 10(64bit)
		Biostar reserves the right to add or remove support for any OS with or without notice.

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1.4Rear Panel Connectors

Note

»» HDMI / VGA output require an AMD family processor with intedrated graphics.

»» Maximum resolution

HDMI: 4096 x 2160 @24Hz / 1920 x 1200 @60Hz

VGA: 1920 x 1200 @60Hz

»» Since the audio chip supports High Definition Audio Specification, the function of each audio jack

can be defined by software. The input / output function of each audio jack listed above represents

the default setting. However, when connecting external microphone to the audio port, please use

the Line In (Blue) and Mic In (Pink) audio jack.

»» When using the front HD audio jack and plug in the headset / microphone , the rear sound will be

automaticallyDisabled.

Chapter 1: Introduction | 5

1.5 Motherboard Layout

Note

»  represents the 1st pin.

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Chapter 2: Hardware installation

2.1 Install Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Step 1: Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard

Step 2: Pull the socket locking out from the socket and then raise the lever up to a 90-degree angel.

Step 3: Look for the white triangle on socket, and the gold triangle on CPU should point towards this white triangle. The CPU will fit only in the correct orientation.

Chapter 2: Hardware installation | 7

Step 4: Hold the CPU down firmly, and then close the lever to locked the position

Note

»  Please turn off the Power Supply before remove the CPU socket.

2.2 Install a Heatsink

Step 1: Place the heatsink and fan assembly onto the retention frame. Match the heatsink clip with the socket mounting-lug. Hook the spring clip to the mounting-lug.

Step 2: On the other side, push the retention clip straight down to lock into the plastic lug on the retention frame, and then press down the locker until it stops.

Note

»» Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector.

»» For proper installation, please kindly refer to the installation manual of your CPU heatsink.

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2.3 Connect Cooling Fans

These fan headers support cooling-fans built in the computer. The fan cable and connector may be different according to the fan manufacturer.

CPU_FAN1: CPU Fan Header

																					Pin	Assignment
																					1	Ground
																					2	+12V
																					3	FAN RPM rate sense
																					4	Smart Fan Control (By Fan)

SYS_FAN1: System Fan Header

Pin

Assignment

1

Ground

2

+12V

3

FAN RPM rate sense

Note

»  CPU_FAN1, support 4-pin and 3-pin head connectors. SYS_FAN1 support 3-pin head connectors. 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 pin#1(GND).

2.4 Install System Memory

DDR3 Modules

Chapter 2: Hardware installation | 9

Step 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.

Step 2: Insert the DIMM vertically and firmly into the slot until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.

Note

»  If the DIMM does not go in smoothly, do not force it. Pull it all the way out and try again.

Memory Capacity

	DIMM Socket Location	DDR3 Module	Total Memory Size
	DDR3_A1	512MB/1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB/16GB	Max is 32GB.
	DDR3_B1	512MB/1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB/16GB

Dual Channel Memory Installation

Please refer to the following requirements to activate Dual Channel function:

Install memory module of the same density in pairs, shown in the table.

Dual Channel Status	DDR3_A1	DDR3_B1
Disabled	O	X
Disabled	X	O
Enabled	O	O

(O means memory installed, X means memory not installed.)

Note

»  When installing more than one memory module, we recommend to use the same brand and

capacity memory on this motherboard.

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2.5 Expansion Slots

PEX16_1: PCI-Express Gen3 x16 Slot

•  PCI-Express 3.0 compliant.

•  Theoretical maximum bandwidth using two slots simultaneously is 16GB/s for each slot, a total of 32GB/s.

PEX1_1: PCI-Express Gen2 x1 Slot

•  PCI-Express 2.0 compliant.

•  Data transfer bandwidth up to 500MB/s per direction; 1GB/s in total.

Install an Expansion Card

You can install your expansion card by following steps:

•  Read the related expansion card’s instruction document before install the expansion card into the computer.

•  Remove your computer’s chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the computer. •  Place a card in the expansion slot and press down on the card until it is completely

seated in the slot.

•  Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw. •  Replace your computer’s chassis cover.

•  Power on the computer, if necessary, change BIOS settings for the expansion card. •  Install related driver for the expansion card.

Chapter 2: Hardware installation | 11

2.6 Jumper & Switch Setting

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

Pin 1-2 closed

JCMOS1: Clear CMOS Jumper

The jumper allows users to restore the BIOS safe setting and the CMOS data. Please carefully follow the procedures to avoid damaging the motherboard.

Pin 1-2 Close:

Normal Operation (default).

Pin 2-3 Close:

Clear CMOS data.

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.Load Optimal Defaults and save settings in CMOS.

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2.7 Headers & Connectors

ATXPWR1: ATX Power Source Connector

For better compatibility, we recommend to use a standard ATX 24-pin power supply for this connector. Make sure to find the correct orientation before plugging the connector.

																														Pin	Assignment	Pin	Assignment
																														13	+3.3V	1	+3.3V
																														14	-12V	2	+3.3V
																														15	Ground	3	Ground
																														16	PS_ON	4	+5V
																														17	Ground	5	Ground
																														18	Ground	6	+5V
																														19	Ground	7	Ground
																														20	NC	8	PW_OK
																														21	+5V	9	Standby Voltage+5V
																														22	+5V	10	+12V
																														23	+5V	11	+12V
																														24	Ground	12	+3.3V

ATXPWR2: ATX Power Source Connector

This connector will provide +12V to CPU power circuit.

																																	Pin	Assignment
																																	1	+12V
																																	2	+12V
																																	3	Ground
																																	4	Ground

Note

»  Before you power on the system, please make sure that both ATXPWR1 and ATXPWR2 connectors have been plugged-in.

»  Insufficient power supplied to the system may result in instability or the peripherals not functioning properly. Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when configuring a system with more power-consuming devices.

Chapter 2: Hardware installation | 13

PANEL1: Front Panel Header

This 16-pin header includes Power-on, Reset, HDD LED, Power LED, and speaker connection.

Pin

Assignment

Function

Pin

Assignment

Function

1

+5V

9

N/A

N/A

2

N/A

Speaker

10

N/A

Connector

3

N/A

11

N/A

N/A

4

Speaker

12

Power LED (+)

Power

5

HDD LED (+)

Hard drive

13

Power LED (+)

LED

6

HDD LED (-)

LED

14

Power LED (-)

7

Ground

Reset

15

Power button

Power-on

8

Reset control

button

16

Ground

button

SATA1~SATA4: Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s Connectors

These connectors connect to SATA hard disk drives via SATA cables.

																																					Pin	Assignment
																																					1	Ground
																																					2	TX+
																																					3	TX-
																																					4	Ground
																																					5	RX-
																																					6	RX+
																																					7	Ground

F_USB1/2: Header for USB 2.0 Ports at Front Panel

This header allows user to add additional USB ports on the PC front panel, and also can be connected with a wide range of external peripherals.

																													Pin	Assignment
																													1	+5V (fused)
																													2	+5V (fused)
																													3	USB-
																													4	USB-
																													5	USB+
																													6	USB+
																													7	Ground
																													8	Ground
																													9	Key
																													10	NC

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F_AUDIO1: Front Panel Audio Header

This header allows user to connect the chassis-mount front panel audio I/O which supports HD and AC’97 audio standards.

																					HD Audio		AC’97
																					Pin	Assignment	Pin	Assignment
																					1	Mic Left in	1	Mic In
																					2	Ground	2	Ground
																					3	Mic Right in	3	Mic Power
																					4	GPIO	4	Audio Power
																					5	Right line in	5	RT Line Out
																					6	Jack Sense	6	RT Line Out
																					7	Front Sense	7	Reserved
																					8	Key	8	Key
																					9	Left line in	9	LFT Line Out
																					10	Jack Sense	10	LFT Line Out

Note

»  It is recommended that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to

avail of the motherboard’s high definition audio capability.

»  Please try to disable the “Front Panel Jack Detection” if you want to use an AC’97 front audio output

cable. The function can be found via O.S. Audio Utility.

Chapter 2: Hardware installation | 15

Chapter 3: UEFI BIOS & Software

3.1 UEFI BIOS Setup

•  The BIOS Setup program can be used to view and change the BIOS settings for the computer. The BIOS Setup program is accessed by pressing the <DEL> key after the Power-On Self-Test (POST) memory test begins and before the operating system boot begins.

•  For further information of setting up the UEFI BIOS, please refer to the UEFI BIOS Manual on our website.

3.2 BIOS Update

The BIOS can be updated using either of the following utilities:

•  BIOSTAR BIOS Flasher: Using this utility, the BIOS can be updated from a file on a hard disk, a USB drive (a flash drive or a USB hard drive), or a CD-ROM.

•  BIOSTAR BIOS Update Utility: It enables automated updating while in the Windows environment. Using this utility, the BIOS can be updated from a file on a hard disk, a USB drive (a flash drive or a USB hard drive), or a CD-ROM, or from the file location on the

Web.

BIOSTAR BIOS Flasher

Note

»  This utility only allows storage device with FAT32/16 format and single partition.

»  Shutting down or resetting the system while updating the BIOS will lead to system boot failure.

Updating BIOS with BIOSTAR BIOS Flasher

1.Go to the website to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard.

2.Then, copy and save the BIOS file into a USB flash (pen) drive.(Only supported FAT/FAT32 format)

3.Insert the USB pen drive that contains the BIOS file to the USB port.

4.Power on or reset the computer and then press <F12> during the POST process.

5.After entering the POST screen, the BIOS-

FLASHER utility pops out. Choose <fs0> to search for the BIOS file.

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6. Select the proper BIOS file, and a message asking if you are sure to flash the BIOS file. Click “Yes” to start updating BIOS.

7.A dialog pops out after BIOS flash is completed, asking you to restart the system. Press the <Y> key to restart system.

8.While the system boots up and the full screen logo shows up, press <DEL> key to enter BIOS setup.

After entering the BIOS setup, please go to the <Save & Exit>, using the <Restore Defaults> function to load Optimized Defaults, and select <Save Changes and Reset> to restart the computer. Then the BIOS Update is completed.

BIOS Update Utility (through the Internet)

1.Installing BIOS Update Utility from the DVD Driver.

2.Please make sure the system is connected to the internet before using this function.

3.Launch BIOS Update Utility and click the

“Online Update” button on the main screen.

4. An open dialog will show up to request your agreement to start the BIOS update. Click “Yes” to start the online update procedure.

Chapter 3: UEFI BIOS & Software | 17

5.If there is a new BIOS version, the utility will ask you to download it. Click “Yes” to proceed.

6.After the download is completed, you will be asked to program (update) the BIOS or not. Click “Yes” to proceed.

7.After the updating process is finished, you will be asked you to reboot the system. Click

“OK” to reboot.

8.While the system boots up and the full screen logo shows up, press <DEL> key to enter BIOS setup.

After entering the BIOS setup, please go to the <Save & Exit>, using the <Restore Defaults> function to load Optimized Defaults, and select <Save Changes> and <Reset> to restart the computer. Then, the BIOS Update is completed.

BIOS Update Utility (through a BIOS file)

1.Installing BIOS Update Utility from the DVD Driver.

2.Download the proper BIOS from http://www.biostar.com.tw/

3.Launch BIOS Update Utility and click the “Update

BIOS” button on the main screen.

4. A warning message will show up to request your agreement to start the BIOS update. Click “OK” to start the update procedure.

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