ECS A47G Series User Manual

i

Motherboard User’s Guide

This publication, including photographs, illustrations and software, is under the
protection of international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this
guide, nor any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without the
express written consent of the manufacturer.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manu­facturer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof
and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose. Further, the manufacturer reserves the right to revise this
publication and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without
obligation of the manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or changes.

Trademarks

Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
AMD, Athlon, Sempron and Duron are registered trademarks of AMD Corp.
Other names used in this publication may be trademarks and are acknowledged.

Static Electricity Precautions

1. Don’t take this motherboard and components out of their original static­proof package until you are ready to install them.

2. While installing, please wear a grounded wrist strap if possible. If you
don’t have a wrist strap, discharge static electricity by touching the bare
metal of the system chassis.

3. Carefully hold this motherboard by its edges. Do not touch those compo­nents unless it is absolutely necessary. Put this motherboard on the top of
static-protection package with component side facing up while installing.

Pre-Installation Inspection

1. Inspect this motherboard whether there are any damages to components
and connectors on the board.

2. If you suspect this motherboard has been damaged, do not connect power
to the system. Contact your motherboard vendor about those damages.

Copyright © 2012

All Rights Reserved

A47G Series, V1.0

February, 2012

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Table of Contents

Trademark ............................................................................................................i

Chapter 1: Introduction ..................................................................................... 1

Key Features .................................................................................................................... 1

Package Contents ........................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 2: Motherboard Installation .............................................................. 5

Motherboard Components.................................................................................. 6

Installing the Processor ................................................................................................. 7

Installing Memory Modules .......................................................................................... 9

Jumper Settings ............................................................................................................ 1 0

Install the Motherboard ............................................................................................... 11

Connecting Optional Devices .....................................................................................1 2

Install Other Devices ....................................................................................................1 5

Expansion Slots ............................................................................................................ 1 6

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup Utility ....................................................................... 18

Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1 8

Running the Setup Utility...................................................................................18

Main Menu ....................................................................................................................1 9

Advanced Menu ............................................................................................................ 20

Chipset Menu ................................................................................................................3 2

Tweak Menu ................................................................................................................... 34

Boot Menu ..................................................................................................................... 36

Security Menu ............................................................................................................... 38

Exit Menu ......................................................................................................................3 9

Updating the BIOS .......................................................................................................4 0

Chapter 4: Software & Applications .............................................................. 41

Introduction .................................................................................................................. 4 1

Installing Support Software ........................................................................................4 1

Bundled Software Installation .................................................................................... 4 3

Chapter 6: Setting Up AMD A55 RAID Configuration ................................ 48

Setting Up a bootable RAID Array ............................................................................4 8

Chapter 5: CrossFireTM Technology (AMD Dual Graphics) Support ........ 44

CrossFireTM Technology ................................................................................................4 4

Recommendation .........................................................................................................4 7

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Notice:

1. Owing to Microsoft’s certifying schedule is various to every supplier, we
might have some drivers not certified yet by Microsoft. Therefore, it
might happen under Windows XP that a dialogue box (shown as below)
pops out warning you this software has not passed Windows Logo
testing to verify its compatibility with Windows XP. Please rest assured
that our RD department has already tested and verified these drivers.
Just click the “Continue Anyway” button and go ahead the installation.

2. USB 2.0 Driver Limitations:

2-1. The USB 2.0 driver only supports Windows XP and Windows 2000.
2-2. If you connect a USB 2.0 hub to the root hub, plugging USB devices

into this hub, the system might not successfully execute certain USB
devices’ connection because it could not recognize these devices.

Currently, we are working on such limitations’ solution. As soon as the
olution is done, the updated USB drive will be released to our website:
www.pcchips.com for your downloading.

Chapter 7: Trouble Shooting Tips ................................................................. 56

Start up problems during assemly .............................................................................. 56

Start up problems after prolong use .......................................................................... 5 7

Maintenance and care tips .......................................................................................... 57

1

Motherboard User’s Guide

Chapter 1 Introduction

This motherboard is a high performance, enhanced function motherboard that sup­ports socket FM1 for AMD A series processor for high-end business or personal
desktop markets.

This motherboard is based on AMD A55 (Hudson D2) express chipset for best
desktop platform. A55 is a single-chip, highly integrated, high performance Hyper­Transport peripheral controller, unmatched by any other single chip-device con­troller. The memory controller supports DDR3 memory DIMM frequencies of
1866

*1

/1600/1333. It supports two DDR3 sockets with maximum memory size of
32 GB. High resolution graphics via one PCI Express x16 slot. It also supports one
PCI slot which is PCI 2.3 compliant. In addition, one PCI Express x1 slot is
supported, fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Specification, Revision 1.1. It
integrats USB 2.0 interface, supporting up to eight USB 2.0 functional ports (4
USB 2.0 ports and 2 USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports). This
motherboard integrates a Serial ATA host controller, supporting four SATA ports
with maximum transfer rate up to 3.0 Gb/s each. It provides AMD SATA RAID
configuration with RAID 0, 1 and 10 modes supported.

There is an advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel, including PS/2 mouse and
keyboard connectors, one D-sub (VGA) port, four USB 2.0 ports, one LAN port,
three audio jacks for microphone, line-in and 6-ch line-out. This motherboard is
designed in a Micro ATX form factor using a four-layer printed circuit board and
measures 230 mm x 180 mm.

Note: This board supports CPU up to 100W TDP only.

Key Features

The key features of this motherboard include:

Socket-FM1 Processor Support

• Supports socket FM1 for AMD A series processor

• Supports HyperTransport

TM

(HT) 3.0 interface Speeds

HyperTransport

TM

technology is a point-to-point link between two devices, it
enables integrated circuits to exchange information at much higher speeds than
currently available interconnect technologies.

Note: *1.Due to the limitation of chipset spec, it supports up to 1866 MHz for

motherboard with a single DIMM per channel.

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Chipset

The AMD A55 (Hudson D2) chipset is based on an innovative and scalable archi­tecture with proven reliability and performance.

• Supports one PCI Express x1 slot

• Supports one PCI Express x16 for Graphics Interface, fully compliant to

the PCI Express Base Specification revision 2.0

• Compliant with PCI v2.3 interface at 33 MHz

• Supports four Serial ATA devices which speeds up to 3.0Gb/s

• Integrated USB 2.0 Host Controller supporting up to eight USB 2.0 ports

• Supports integrated RAID0, RAID1 and RAID10 (requires use of 4 or

more SATA ports) functionalities across all 4 ports

• Supports ACPI states S1, S3, S4 and S5

Audio

• 5.1 +2 Channel High Definition Audio Codec

• Meets Microsoft WLP3.x (Windows Logo Program) audio Requirements

• All DACs supports 44.1k/48k/96k/192kHz sample rate

• Software selectable 2.5V/3.2V/4.0V VREFOUT

• Direct Sound 3D

TM

compatible

• Power Support: Digital: 3.3V; Analog: 5V

Expansion Slots

• One PCI Express x16 slot

• One PCI Express x 1 slot

• One 32-bit PCI v2.3 complianat slot

Memory Support

• DDR3 1866

*1

/1600/1333 DDR3 SDRAM with Dual-channel supported

• Accommodates two unbuffered DIMMs

• Up to 16 GB per DIMM with maximum memory size up to 32 GB

Serial ATA

• Four Serial ATA Connectors

• Transfer rate exceeding best ATA (3.0 Gb/s) with scalability to higher rates

• Low pin count for both host and devices

Note: *1.Due to the limitation of chipset spec, it supports up to 1866 MHz for

motherboard with a single DIMM per channel.

3

Chapter 1: Introduction

BIOS Firmware

The motherboard uses AMI BIOS that enables users to configure many
system features including the following:

• Power management

• Wake-up alarms

• CPU parameters

• CPU and memory timing

The firmware can also be used to set parameters for different processor clock
speeds.

Onboard I/O Ports

• PS/2 mouse and keyboard connectors

• One D-sub (VGA) port

• Four USB 2.0 ports

• One LAN port

• Audio jacks for microphone, line-in and 6-ch line-out

Onboard LAN (optional)

• Supports PCI Express

TM

1.1

• Integrated 10/100 transceiver

• Wake-on-LAN and remote wake-up support

• Supports PCI Express

TM

1.1

• Integrated 10/100/1000 transceiver

• Wake-on-LAN and remote wake-up support

Dimensions

• Micro ATX form factor of 230 x 180 mm

Note: Hardware specifications and software items are subject to change with

out notification.

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Package Contents

Your motherboard package ships with the following items:

 The motherboard
 Two Serial ATA cables
 The Software support disk

Optional Accessories

You can purchase the following optional accessories for this motherboard.

 The Extended USB module
 The Serial ATA cable

Note: You can purchase your own optional accessories from the third party,

but please contact your local vendor on any issues of the specification
and compatibility.

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Chapter 2: Motherboard Installation

Chapter 2 Motherboard Installation

To install this motherboard in a system, please follow these instructions in this
chapter:

 Identify the motherboard components
 Install a CPU
 Install one or more system memory modules
 Make sure all jumpers and switches are set correctly
 Install this motherboard in a system chassis (case)
 Connect any extension brackets or cables to headers/connectors on the

motherboard

 Install peripheral devices and make the appropriate connections to

headers/connectors on the motherboard

Note:

1 Before installing this motherboard, make sure jumper CLR_CMOS is

under Normal setting. See this chapter for information about locating

CLR_CMOS and the setting options.

2 Never connect power to the system during installation; otherwise, it

may damage the motherboard.

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Motherboard Components

LABEL COMPONENTS

1. CPU SOCKET FM1 for AMD A series processors

2. SYS_FAN System cooling fan connector

3. CPU_FAN CPU cooling fan connector

4. DDR3_1~2 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM slots

5. ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX power connector

6. CLR_CMOS Clear CMOS jumper

7. SPK Speaker header

8. SATA1~4 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors

9. F_PANEL Front panel switch/LED header

10. F_USB1~2 Front Panel USB 2.0 headers

11. USBPWR_F Front panel USB power select jumper

12. LPT Onboard parallel port header

13. COM Onboard serial port header

14. SPDIFO SPDIF out header

15. PCI 32-bit add-on card slots

16. CASE1 Chassis detect jumper

17. PCIE1 PCI Express x1 slot

18. PCIEX16 PCI Express x16 slot for graphics interface

19. F_AUDIO Front panel audio header

20. USBPWR_R Rear USB/PS2 power select jumper

21. ATX12V 4-pin +12V power connector

7

Chapter 2: Motherboard Installation

Installing the Processor

This motherboard has a socket FM1 processor socket. When choosing a processor,
consider the performance requirements of the system. Performance is based on the
processor design, the clock speed and system bus frequency of the processor, and
the quantity of internal cache memory and external cache memory.

PS/2 Mouse

Use the upper PS/2 port to connect a PS/2

pointing device.

PS/2 Keyboard

Use the lower PS/2 port to connect a PS/2

keyboard.

VGA P o r t

Connect your monitor to the VGA port.

LAN Port

Connect an RJ-45 jack to t he LAN port

to connect your computer t o the Network.

USB 2.0 Port s

Use the USB ports to connect USB devices.

Audio P ort s

Use the three audio ports to connect audio

devices. The first jack is for stereo line-in

signal. T he t hird jack is for microphone.

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Motherboard User’s Guide

CPU Installation Procedure

Follow these instructions to install the CPU:

1 Unhook the locking lever of the CPU socket.

Pull the locking lever away from the socket
and raising it to the upright position.

2 Match the pin1 corner marked as the beveled

edge on the CPU with the pin1 corner on the
socket. Insert the CPU into the socket. Do
not use force.

3 Push the locking lever down and hook it un-

der the latch on the edge of socket.
4 Apply thermal grease to the top of the CPU.
5 Install the cooling fan/heatsink unit onto the

CPU, and secure them all onto the socket

base.
6 Plug the CPU fan power cable into the CPU

fan connector (CPU_FAN) on the

motherboard.

Note: To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that

you use a high quality fan with 4800 rpm at least. CPU fan and heatsink
installation procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan/heatsink
supplied. The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary.

*For reference only

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Chapter 2: Motherboard Installation

Installing Memory Modules

This motherboard accommodates two 240-pin DIMM sockets (Dual Inline Memory
Module) for unbuffered DDR3 1866/1600/1333 memory modules (Double Data
Rate SDRAM), and maximum 32 GB installed memory.

Memory Module Installation Procedure

These modules can be installed with up to 32 GB system memory. Refer to the
following to install the memory module.

1. Push down the latches on both sides of the DIMM socket.

2. Align the memory module with the socket. There is a notch on the DIMM
socket that you can install the DIMM module in the correct direction.
Match the cutout on the DIMM module with the notch on the DIMM
socket.

3. Install the DIMM module into the socket and press it firmly down until it
is seated correctly. The socket latches are levered upwards and latch on to
the edges of the DIMM.

4. Install any remaining DIMM modules.

*For reference only

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Motherboard User’s Guide

CLR_CMOS: Clear CMOS Jumper

Use this jumper to clear the contents of the CMOS memory. You may need to clear
the CMOS memory if the settings in the Setup Utility are incorrect and prevent
your motherboard from operating. To clear the CMOS memory, disconnect all the
power cables from the motherboard and then move the jumper cap into the CLEAR
setting for a few seconds.

Jumper Settings

Connecting two pins with a jumper cap is SHORT; removing a jumper cap from
these pins, OPEN.

Note: To avoid the system unstability after clearing CMOS, we recommend

users to enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Optimal De-faults”
and then “Save Changes and Exit”.

Function Jumper Setting

VCC Short Pins 1-2
5VSB Short Pins 2-3

Use this jumper to set the Front Panel USB Power function.

USBPWR_F: FRONT PANEL USB POWER SELECT Jumper

Function Jumper Setting

NORMAL CMOS Short Pins 1-2
CLEA R Short Pins 2-3

CLR_CMOS

1

USBPWR_F

1

11

Chapter 2: Motherboard Installation

Install The Motherboard

Install the motherboard in a system chassis (case). The board is a Micro ATX size
motherboard. You can install this motherboard in an ATX case. Make sure your
case has an I/O cover plate matching the ports on this motherboard.

Install the motherboard in a case. Follow the case manufacturer’s instructions to
use the hardware and internal mounting points on the chassis.

Note: 1. Make sure the power supply provides enough SB5V voltage before

selecting the SB5V function.

2. To wake up the computer by USB/PS2 KB/Mouse in S3 status, users
have to place the USBPWR_F & USBPWR_R cap onto 2-3 pin instead of
1-2 as default, and then press into BIOS “power Management Setup”
page to choose the functions (USB/PS2KB/MS) you want to enable.

Function Jumper Setting

VCC Short Pins 1-2
5V SB Short Pins 2-3

USBPWR_R: REAR USB PS/2 POWER SELECT Jumper

Use this jumper to set the Rear USB PS/2 Power function.

USBPWR_R

1

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Connecting Optional Devices

Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional
devices:

Connect the CPU cooling fan cable to CPU_FAN. Connect the standard power
supply connector to ATX_POWER. Connect the case speaker cable to SPK. Con-
nect the cable from the cooling fan to the SYS_FAN fan power connector on the
motherboard. Connect the auxiliary case power supply connector to ATX_12V.

Connect the case switches and indicator LEDs to the F_PANEL.

Pin Signal Pin Signal

1 HD_ LED_ P(+ ) 2 FP PW R/ S LP( +)
3 HD_L ED_N( - ) 4 FP PWR/SLP(-)

5 RESET_ SW _N( - ) 6 PO WER_ SW _P( +)
7 RESET_ SW _P( +) 8 PO WER_ SW _ N( - )
9 RSV D_DNU 10 KEY

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Chapter 2: Motherboard Installation

F_AUDIO: Front Panel Audio Header

This header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented microphone and line­out ports for easier access.

Here is a list of USB 2.0 pin assignments.

1. Locate the F_USB1~2 headers on the motherboard.

2. Plug the bracket cable onto the F_USB1~2 headers.

3. Remove a slot cover from one of the expansion slots on the system chassis.
Install an extension bracket in the opening. Secure the extension bracket to
the chassis with a screw.

Pin Signal Pin Signal

1 V ERG _ FP_ US BPW R0 2 V ERG _ FP_ US BPW R0

3 USB_FP_P0(-) 4 USB_FP_P1(- )

5 USB_FP_P0(+) 6 USB_FP_P1(+)
7 GROUND 8 GROUND

9KEY 10GROUND

F_USB1~2: Front Panel USB 2.0 Headers

The motherboard has USB 2.0 ports installed on the rear edge I/O port array.
Additionally, some computer cases have USB 2.0 ports at the front of the case. If
you have this kind of case, use auxiliary USB 2.0 headers F_USB1~2 to connect the
front-mounted ports to the motherboard.

CASE1: Chassis intrusion detect header

This detects if the chassis cover has been removed. This function needs a chassis
equipped with instrusion detection switch and needs to be enabled in BIOS.

Pin Signal Pin Signal

1 PORT1L 2 AUD_GND

3 PO RT1 R 4 PRES ENCE#

5 PORT2R 6 SENSE1_RETURN

7 S ENS E_S END 8 KEY

9 PO RT2 L 1 0 S ENSE2 _RETU RN

Pin 1-2 Function

Short Chassis cover is removed

Open Chassis cover is closed

14

Motherboard User’s Guide

13 SLCT

26 K ey

LPT: Onboard parallel port header

This is a header that can ba used to connect to the printer, scanner or other devices.

1 STROBE

14 ALF

2 PD0

3 PD1

4 PD2

5 PD3

15 ERROR

16 INIT

17 SLCTIN

18 Ground

Pin Signal Name

Pin Signal Name

6 PD4

19 Ground

7 PD5

20 Ground

8 PD6

9 PD7

10 AC K

11 BUSK

12 PE

21 Ground

22 Ground

23 Ground

24 Ground

25 Ground

COM: Onboard serial port header

Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a second serial port to
your system.

SPDIFO: SPDIF out header

This is an optional header that provides an S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface)
output to digital multimedia device through optical fiber or coaxial connector.

Pin Signal

1SPDIF

2 +5VA
3Key

4GND

1 DCDB Data Carrier Detect
2 SINB Serial Input
3 SOUTB UART B Serial Output

4 DTRB UART B Data Terminal Ready

5 GND Ground
6 DSRB Data Set Ready

7 RTSB RART B Request to Send
8 CTSB Clear to Send

9 RI Ring Indicator

10 Key No pin

Pin Signal Name Function

15

Chapter 2: Motherboard Installation

Install Other Devices

Install and connect any other devices in the system following the steps below.

Serial ATA Devices

The Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is the standard interface for
the IDE hard drives, which is designed to overcome the design limitations while
enabling the storage interface to scale with the growing media rate demands of PC
platforms. It provides you a faster transfer rate of 3.0 Gb/s. If you have installed a
Serial ATA hard drive, you can connect the Serial ATA cables to the Serial ATA hard
drive or the connector on the motherboard.

On the motherboard, locate the Serial ATA connectors SATA1-4, which support
Serial ATA devices, simpler disk drive cabling and easier PC assembly.

It eliminates limitations of the current Parallel ATA interface, but maintains register
compatibility and software compatibility with Parallel ATA.

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Expansion Slots

This motherboard has one PCI Express x16, one PCI Express x1 and one 32-bit
PCI slot.