ECS GF7050VT-M5 User Manual

Preface

This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of the author.

Version 1.0A

Disclaimer

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. 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.

Trademark Recognition

Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. nVIDIA is a registered trademark of nVIDIA Corporation.. Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective

owners and are acknowledged.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for 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. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver

• Connect the equipment onto an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits governing this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system’s manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Preface

Declaration of Conformity

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation

Canadian Department of Communications

This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interferencecausing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement sur le matériel brouilieur du Canada.

About the Manual

The manual consists of the following:

Chapter 1 Introducing the Motherboard

Chapter 2 Installing the Motherboard

Chapter 3 Using BIOS

Chapter 4 Using the Motherboard Software

Chapter 5 Setting Up NVIDIA RAID Configuration

Describes features of the motherboard.

Go to

Describes installation of motherboard components.

Go to

Provides information on using the BIOS Setup Utility.

Go to

Describes the motherboard software

Go to

Provides information about SAT A RAID Setup

Go to

page 1

page 7

page 27

page 43

page 49

Preface

ABLE OF CONTENTSABLE OF CONTENTS

ABLE OF CONTENTS

ABLE OF CONTENTSABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface i

iii

Chapter 1

Introducing the Motherboard 1

Introduction......................................................................................1

Feature ..............................................................................................2

Motherboard Components.............................................................4

Chapter 2

Installing the Motherboard 7

Safety Precautions.............................................................................7

Choosing a Computer Case..............................................................7

Installing the Motherboard in a Case.............................................7

Checking Jumper Settings................................................................8

Setting Jumpers.........................................................................8

Checking Jumper Settings.........................................................9

Jumper Settings.........................................................................9

Installing Hardware..........................................................................10

Installing the Processor...........................................................10

Installing Memory Modules.....................................................12

Expansion Slots

Connecting Optional Devices..................................................16

Installing a Hard Disk Drive/CD-ROM/SATA Har d Drive......19

Installing a Floppy Diskette Drive...........................................20

Connecting I/O Devices...............................................................21

Connecting Case Components.......................................................22

Front Panel Header...................................................................24

.......................................................................14

7 7

Chapter 3 27

Using BIOS 27

About the Setup Utility ................................................................ 27

The Standard Configuration..............................................27

Entering the Setup Utility....................................................27

Using BIOS......................................................................................28

Standard CMOS Setup......................................................29

Advanced Setup.................................................................31

Advanced Chipset Setup....................................................33

Integrated Peripherals.......................................................34

Power Management Setup.................................................35

PCI/PNP Configuration.....................................................37

PC Health Status................................................................37

Frequency/Voltage Contr ol.................................................39

Load Default Settings.......................................................40

Supervisor Password.........................................................40

User Password...................................................................41

Save & Exit Setup...............................................................41

Exit Without Saving.............................................................41

Updating the BIOS..............................................................42

Chapter 4

43 43

Using the Motherboard Software 43

About the Software CD-ROM......................................................43

Auto-installing under W indows XP/Vista..................................43

Running Setup....................................................................44

Manual Installation........................................................................48

Utility Software Reference............................................................48

Chapter 5

49 49

Setting Up NVIDIA RAID Configuration 49

Setting Up a Non-Bootable RAID Array ....................................49

Setting Up a Bootable RAID Array .............................................51

Chapter 1

Introducing the Motherboard

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the GF7050VT-M5 motherboard. This motherboard is a high performance, enhanced function motherboard designed to support the LGA775

socket for Intel® Core

D processors for high-end business or personal desktop markets.

This motherboard is based on NVIDIA® MCP73V for best desktop platform solution. MCP73V is a single-chip, highly integrated, high performance Hyper-Threading peripheral controller, unmatched by any other single chip-device controller. This motherboard supports up to 4 GB of system memory with

533 (Over spec up to 800*) MHz. High resolution graphics via a PCI Express x16

slot, 8 USB 2.0 ports (4 USB ports and 2 USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB ports) and SATA support with RAID function.

There is an advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel, including PS/2 mouse and keyboard connectors, COM, one VGA port, four USB ports, one LAN port and audio jacks for microphone, line-in, and line-out. This motherboard is designed in a Micro ATX form factor using a four-layer printed circuit board and measures 244 mm x 194 mm.

2 Quad*/CoreTM 2 Duo/Pentium® D*/Pentium® 4*/Celeron

Single Channel DDR2 667/

Introducing the Motherboard

Feature

Processor

The motherboard uses an LGA775 type of Intel® Core

Pentium

“Hyper-Threading” technology enables the operating system into thinking it’s hooked up to two processors, allowing two threads to be run in parallel, both on separate “logical” processors within the same physical processor.

D*/Pentium® 4*/Celeron® D that carries the following features:

• Accommodates Intel® Core

Pentium® 4*/Celeron® D processors

• Supports a system bus (FSB) of 1333/1066/800 MHz

• Supports “Hyper-Threading” technology CPU

2 Quad*/CoreTM 2 Duo/Pentium® D*/

2 Quad*/Core

2 Duo/

1. “ * ” stands for this motherboard is ready to support Intel® Core 2 Quad/ Pentium

D/Pentium® 4 processor and over spec to sup-

port DDR2 800.

2. To reach DDR2 800, users please make sure that “System Clock Mode” in “Frequency/Voltage Control” should be selected to “Unlinked” manually since the Auto-run is DDR2 667.

Chipset

The NVIDIA® MCP73V is a single-chip with proven reliability and performance.

• Supports 33-bit addressing for access to 8 GB of system memory

• PCI Express 16-lane link interface for external graphics processors

• PCI 2.3 interface at 33 MHz

• Integrated SATA 3.0 Gb/s Host Controller

• USB 2.0 ports supported

• Fast ATA-133 IDE controller

Memory

• DDR

• Accommodates two unbuffered DIMMs

• Up to 2 GB per DIMM with maximum memory size up to 4 GB

2 667/533 (Over spec up to 800*) DDR SDRAM with Single Chan-

nel supported

Audio

• 6 Channels of DAC support 16/20/24-bit PCM Format for 5.1 Audio Solution

• All ADCs support 48k/192k Independent Sample Rate

• Exceeds Microsoft PC2001 Requirement

• High Quality Differential CD input

• Power Support: Digital: 3.3V; Analog: 3.3V/5.0V

Introducing the Motherboard

Onboard LAN

The onboard LAN provides the following features:

• 10/100 Mb/s dual speed transceiver

• MII interface for external MAC devices

• 10/100 Mb/s IEEE 802.3 compliant

• IEEE 802.3 Auto-Negotiation

Expansion Options

The motherboard comes with the following expansion options:

• One PCI Express x16 for Graphics Interface

• One PCI Express x1 slot

• Two 32-bit PCI v2.3 compliant slots

• One IDE connector supporting up to two IDE devices

• One floppy disk drive interface

• Four 7-pin SATA connectors

This motherboard supports Ultra DMA bus mastering with transfer rates of 133/ 100/66/33 Mb/s.

Integrated I/O

The motherboard has a full set of I/O ports and connectors:

• Two PS/2 ports for mouse and keyboard

• One serial port

• One VGA port

• Four USB ports

• One LAN port

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

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.

1. Some hardware specifications and software items are subject to change without prior notice.

2. Due to chipset limitation, we recommend that motherboard be operated in the ambiance between 0 and 50 °C.

Introducing the Motherboard

Motherboard Components

Introducing the Motherboard

Table of Motherboard Components

LABEL COMPONE NTS

1. CPU Socket

2. CPU_FAN CPU cooling fan connector

3. DDR2_1~2 240-pin DDR2 SDRAM slots

4. ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX pow er connector

5. SYS_FAN System cooling fan connector

6. SATA1~4 Serial ATA connectors

7. SPK Speaker header

8. LPT Onboard parallel port header

9. CLR_CMOS Clear CMOS jumper

10. F_PANEL Front panel switch/LED header

11. IDE Primary IDE connector

12. FDD Floppy disk drive connector

13. F_USB1~2 Front Panel USB headers

14. USBPWR_F Front Panel USB Pow er Select Jumper

15. CD_IN Analog audio input header

16. F_AUDIO Front panel audio header

17. PCI1~2 32-bit add-on card slots

18. SPDIFO SPDIF out header

19. PCIEX16 PCI Express slot for graphics interface

20. PCIE PCI Express x1 slot

21. US BPWR_R Real Panel USB PS/2 Power Select Jumper

22. ATX12V Auxiliary 4-pin pow er connector

LGA775 socket for Intel Duo/Pentium

D*/Pentium® 4*/C eleron® D CPUs

CoreTM2 Quad*/CoreTM2

This concludes Chapter 1. The next chapter explains how to install the motherboard.

Introducing the Motherboard

Memo

Introducing the Motherboard

Chapter 2

Installing the Motherboard

Safety Precautions

• Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard

• Wear a grounding strap attached to a grounded device to avoid damage from static electricity

• Discharge static electricity by touching the metal case of a safely grounded object before working on the motherboard

• Leave components in the static-proof bags they came in

• Hold all circuit boards by the edges. Do not bend circuit boards

Choosing a Computer Case

There are many types of computer cases on the market. The motherboard complies with the specifications for the Micro ATX system case. Firstly, some features on the motherboard are implemented by cabling connectors on the motherboard to indicators and switches on the system case. Make sure that your case supports all the features required. Secondly, this motherboard supports one floppy diskette drive and one enhanced IDE drive. Make sure that your case has sufficient power and space for all drives that you intend to install.

Most cases have a choice of I/O templates in the rear panel. Make sure that the I/O template in the case matches the I/O ports installed on the rear edge of the motherboard.

This motherboard carries an Micro ATX form factor of 244 x 194 mm. Choose a case that accommodates this form factor.

Installing the Motherboard in a Case

Refer to the following illustration and instructions for installing the motherboard in a case.

Most system cases have mounting brackets installed in the case, which correspond the holes in the motherboard. Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets and secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with screws.

Ensure that your case has an I/O template that supports the I/O ports and expansion slots on your motherboard.

Installing the Motherboard

Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard.

Checking Jumper Settings

This section explains how to set jumpers for correct configuration of the motherboard.

Setting Jumpers

Use the motherboard jumpers to set system configuration options. Jumpers with more than one pin are numbered. When setting the jumpers, ensure that the jumper caps are placed on the correct pins.

The illustrations show a 2-pin jumper. When the jumper cap is placed on both pins, the jumper is SHORT. If you remove the jumper cap, or place the jumper cap on just one pin, the jumper is OPEN.

This illustration shows a 3-pin jumper. Pins 1 and 2 are SHORT

SHORT OPEN

Installing the Motherboard

Checking Jumper Settings

The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is labeled.

Jumper Settings

Jumper Type Description

CLR_CMOS

USBPWR_F

USBPWR_R

3-pin Clear CMOS

Front Panel

3-pin

USB Power Select Jumper

Rear USB/PS2

3-pin

Power Select Jumper

1. To avoid the system unstability after clearing CMOS, we recommend users to enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Optimal Defaults” and then “Save Changes and Exit”.

2. Make sure the power supply provides enough 5VSB voltage before selecting the 5VSB function.

3. It is required that users place the USBPWR_F & USBPWR_R cap onto 2-3 pin rather than 1-2 pin as default if you want to wake up the computer by USB/PS2 KB/Mouse.

Installing the Motherboard

Setting (default)

1-2: NORMAL 2-3: CLEAR CMOS

Before clearing the CMOS, make sure to turn off the system.

1-2: VCC 2-3: 5VSB

CLR_CMOS

USBPWR_F

USBPWR_R

Installing Hardware

Installing the Processor

Caution: When installing a CPU heatsink and cooling fan make sure that you DO NOT scratch the motherboard or any of the surface-mount resistors with the clip of the cooling fan. If the clip of the cooling fan scrapes across the motherboard, you may cause serious damage to the motherboard or its components.

On most motherboards, there are small surface-mount resistors near the processor socket, which may be damaged if the cooling fan is carelessly installed.

Avoid using cooling fans with sharp edges on the fan casing and the clips. Also, install the cooling fan in a well-lit work area so that you can clearly see the motherboard and processor socket.

Before installing the Processor

This motherboard automatically determines the CPU clock frequency and system bus frequency for the processor. You may be able to change the settings in the system Setup Utility. We strongly recommend that you do not over-clock processors or other components to run faster than their rated speed.

Warning:

1. Over-clocking components can adversely affect the reliability of the system and introduce errors into your system. Over-clocking can permanently damage the motherboard by generating excess heat in components that are run beyond the rated limits.

2. Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components.

This motherboard has an LGA775 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.

Installing the Motherboard

CPU Installation Procedure

The following illustration shows CPU installation components.

A. Read and follow the instructions shown on the sticker on the CPU cap.

B. Unload the cap

· Use thumb & forefinger to hold the lifting tab of the cap.

· Lift the cap up and remove the cap completely from the socket.

C. Open the load plate

· Use thumb & forefinger to hold the hook of the lever, pushing down and pulling aside unlock it.

· Lift up the lever.

· Use thumb to open the load plate. Be careful not to touch the contacts.

D. Install the CPU on the socket

· Orientate CPU package to the socket. Make sure you match triangle marker to pin 1 location.

E. Close the load plate

· Slightly push down the load plate onto the tongue side, and hook the lever.

· CPU is locked completely.

F. Apply thermal grease on top of the CPU. G. Fasten the cooling fan supporting base

onto the CPU socket on the motherboard. H. Make sure the CPU fan is plugged to the

CPU fan connector. Please refer to the CPU cooling fan user’s manual for more detail installation procedure.

1. To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that you use a high quality fan with 3800 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.

2. DO NOT remove the CPU cap from the socket before installing a CPU.

3. Return Material Authorization (RMA) requests will be accepted only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA775 socket.

Installing the Motherboard

Installing Memory Modules

This motherboard accommodates two 240-pin unbuffered DIMMs and supports DDR2

667/533 (Over spec up to 800*) DDR2 SDRAM.

DDR2 SDRAM memory module table

Memory module Memory Bus

DDR2 533 266 MHz

DDR2 667 333 MHz DDR2 800* 400 MHz

You must install at least one module in any of the two slots. Each module can be installed with 2 GB of memory; the total memory capacity is 4 GB.

Do not remove any memory module from its antistatic packaging until you are ready to install it on the motherboard. Handle the modules only by their edges. Do not touch the components or metal parts. Always wear a grounding strap when you handle the modules.

Installation Procedure

Refer to the following to install the memory modules.

1 This motherboard supports unbuffered DDR2 SDRAM only. 2 Push the latches on each side of the DIMM slot down. 3 Align the memory module with the slot. The DIMM slots are keyed with

notches and the DIMMs are keyed with cutouts so that they can only be installed correctly.

4 Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge connector match the

notches in the DIMM slot.

5 Install the DIMM module into the slot and press it firmly down until it

seats correctly. The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to the edges of the DIMM.

6 Install any remaining DIMM modules.

Installing the Motherboard

T able A: DDR2 (memory module) QVL (Qualified V endor List)

The following DDR2 memory modules have been tested and qualified for use with this motherboard.

Type Size Vendor Module Nam e

DDR2 533

DDR2 667

DDR2 800

Aeneon AET660UD00-370A98Z

Infineon HYS64T64400HU-3.7-A

Kingston KVR533D2N4/512

512 MB

1 GB

256 MB

512 MB

1 GB

2 GB

512 MB

1 GB

PQI MEABR321LA01AA

Samsung M378T6553BGO-CD5

Infineon HYS64T128920HU-3.7-A

PQI MEABR421LA0106 Infineon HYS64T32400HU-3S-A A-DATA M2OAD5G3H3166I1C52

Apacer AU512E667C5KBGC Apacer AU512E667C5KBGY

APOGEE AU51082-667P005

Corsair VS512MB667D2

Kingston KVR667D2N5/512

Nanya NT512T64U88A0BY-3C

PSC AL6E8E63B-6E1T PSC AL6E8E63J-6E1

Ramxel RML1520HC38D6F-667

Transcend Transcend K4T51083QC ZCE6

Twinmos 8G25JK-ED Twinmos TMM6208G8M30B

A-DATA M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52

Apacer AU01GE667C5KBGY

APOGEE AU1G082-667P005

Infineon HYS64T128920HU-3S-A

PQI MEABR421LA0107

PSC AL7E8E63B-6E1T

PSC AL7E8E63J-6E1 Ramaxel RML1320HC38D7F-667 Twinmos 8D23JK-TT

Hynix HYMP125U64AP8-Y5-AB-A

Kingston KVR667D2N5/2G

Nanya NT2GT64U8HB0JY-3C

Twinmos 8D-23MK-ED

A-DATA M2OAD6G3H3160I1E53

Aeneon AET660UD00-25DB98X

Apacer AU512E800C5KBGC

APOGEE AU51082-800P505

Infineon HYS64T64000HU-25F-B

Kingston KHX6400D2ULK2/1G

Nanya NT512T64U88B0BY-25C

PSC AL6E8E63H-8E1

APOGEE AU1G082-800P000

Infineon HYS64T128020HU-25F-B

Kingston KHX6400D2ULK2/2G

Nanya NT1GT64U8HB0BY-25C

PSC AL7E8E63H-8E1

UMAX 53016042-7100B

Installing the Motherboard

Expansion Slots

Installing Add-on Cards

The slots on this motherboard are designed to hold expansion cards and connect them to the system bus. Expansion slots are a means of adding or enhancing the motherboard’s features and capabilities. With these efficient facilities, you can increase the motherboard’s capabilities by adding hardware that performs tasks that are not part of the basic system.

PCIE Slot

PCIEX16 Slot

PCI1~2 Slots

Before installing an add-on card, check the documentation for the card carefully. If the card is not Plug and Play, you may have to manually configure the card before installation.

The PCI Express x1 slot is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Specification revision 1.1 as well.

The PCI Express x16 slot is used to install an external PCI Express graphics card that is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Specification revision 1.1.

This motherboard is equipped with two standard PCI slots. PCI stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect and is a bus standard for expansion cards, which for the most part, is a supplement of the older ISA bus standard. The PCI slots on this board are PCI v2.3 compliant.

Installing the Motherboard

Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:

1 Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the

slot you are going to use.

2 Install the edge connector of the add-on card into the expansion slot.

Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot.

3 Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case with a screw.

For some add-on cards, for example graphics adapters and network adapters, you have to install drivers and software before you can begin using the add-on card.

Installing the Motherboard

Connecting Optional Devices

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

F_AUDIO: Front Panel Audio header

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

Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name Function

1 PORT 1L 2 AUD_GND

3 PORT 1R 4 PRESENCE# 5 PORT 2R 6 SENSE1_RETURN

7 SENSE_SEND 8 KEY

9 PORT 2L 10 SENSE2_RETURN

Pin Signal Name

SAT A1~4: Serial A T A connectors

These connectors are used to support the new Serial ATA devices for the highest date transfer rates (3.0 Gb/s), 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.

Pin Signal Name

1 Ground 2 TX+

3 TX- 4 Ground 5 RX- 6 RX+

7 Ground - -

Pin Signal Name

Installing the Motherboard

F_USB1~2: Front Panel USB headers

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

Pin Signal Name

1 USBPWR Front Panel USB Power 2 USBPWR Front Panel USB Power 3 USB_FP_P0- USB Port 0 Negative Signal

4 USB_FP_P1- USB Port 1 Negative Signal 5 USB_FP_P0+ USB Port 0 Positive Signal 6 USB_FP_P1+ USB Port 1 Positive Signal 7 GND Ground

8 GND Ground 9 Key No pin

10 NC Not connected

Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as indicated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system hang-up.

Function

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 Name Function

1 SPDIF SPDIF digital output

2 +5VA 5V analog Power

3 Key No p in

4 GND Ground

CD_IN: CD Audio In connector

Pin Signal Name

Pin Signal Name Function

1 CD_L CD Audio in left channel

2 GND Ground 3 GND Ground

4 CD_R CD Audio in right channel

Function

Installing the Motherboard

LPT : Onboard parallel port header

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

Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name

1 STROBE 14 ALF

2 PD0 15 ERROR 3 PD1 16 INIT

4 PD2 17 SLCTIN

5 PD3 18 Ground

6 PD4 19 Ground 7 PD5 20 Ground

8 PD6 21 Ground 9 PD7 22 Ground

10 ACK 23 Ground 11 BUSK 24 Ground 12 PE 25 Ground 13 SLCT 26 Key

Installing the Motherboard

Installing a Hard Disk Drive/CD-ROM/SATA Hard Drive

This section describes how to install IDE devices such as a hard disk drive and a CDROM drive.

About IDE Devices

Your motherboard has one IDE interface. An IDE ribbon cable supporting two IDE devices is bundled with the motherboard.

You must orient the cable connector so that the pin1 (color) edge of the cable corresponds to the pin 1 of the I/O port connector.

IDE: IDE Connector

This motherboard supports four high data transfer SATA ports with each runs up to

3.0 Gb/s. To get better system performance, we recommend users connect the CDROM to the IDE channel, and set up the hard drives on the SATA ports.

IDE devices enclose jumpers or switches used to set the IDE device as MASTER or SLAVE. Refer to the IDE device user ’s manual. Installing two IDE devices on one cable, ensure that one device is set to MASTER and the other device is set to SLAVE. The documentation of your IDE device explains how to do this.

About SAT A Connectors

Your motherboard features four SATA connectors supporting a total of four drives. SATA refers to Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is the standard interface for the IDE hard drives which are currently used in most PCs. These connectors are well designed and will only fit in one orientation. Locate the SATA connectors on the motherboard and follow the illustration below to install the SATA hard drives.

Installing Serial A T A Hard Drives

To install the Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives, use the SATA cable that supports the Serial ATA protocol. This SATA cable comes with a SATA power cable. You can connect either end of the SATA cable to the SATA hard drive or the connector on the motherboard.

SATA cable (optional)

SATA power cable (optional)

Installing the Motherboard

Refer to the illustration below for proper installation:

1 Attach either cable end to the connector on the motherboard. 2 Attach the other cable end to the SATA hard drive. 3 Attach the SATA power cable to the SATA hard drive and connect the

other end to the power supply.

This motherboard supports the “Hot-Plug” function.

Installing a Floppy Diskette Drive

FDD: Floppy Disk Connector

This connector supports the floppy drive ribbon cable. After connecting the single end to the onboard floppy connector, connect the remaining plugs on the other end to the floppy drives correspondingly.

You must orient the cable connector so that the pin 1 (color) edge of the cable corresponds to the pin 1 of the I/O port connector.

Installing the Motherboard

Connecting I/O Devices

The backplane of the motherboard has the following I/O ports:

PS2 Mouse Use the upper PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 pointing device.

PS2 Keyboard Use the lower PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 keyboard.

Serial Port Use the COM port to connect serial devices such as mouse (COM) or fax/modems.

VGA Port Connect your monitor to the VGA port. USB Ports Use the USB ports to connect USB devices.

LAN Port

Audio Ports

Connect an RJ-45 jack to the LAN port to connect your computer to the Network.

Use the three audio jacks to connect audio devices. The first jack is for stereo line-in signal. The second jack is for stereo line-out signal. The third jack is for microphone.

Installing the Motherboard

Connecting Case Components

After you have installed the motherboard into a case, you can begin connecting the motherboard components. Refer to the following:

1 Connect the CPU cooling fan cable to CPU_FAN. 2 Connect the system cooling fan connector to SYS_FAN. 3 Connect the standard power supply connector to ATX_POWER. 4 Connect the auxiliary case power supply connector to ATX12V. 5 Connect the case switches and indicator LEDs to the F_PANEL. 6 Connect the case speaker cable to SPK.

Connecting 24-pin power cable

The ATX 24-pin connector allows you to connect to ATX v2.x power supply.

With ATX v2.x power supply, users please note that when installing 24-pin power cable, the latches of power cable and the ATX_POWER match perfectly.

24-pin power cable

Connecting 4-pin power cable

The ATX12V power connector is used to provide power to the CPU.

When installing 4-pin power cable, the latches of power cable and the ATX12V match perfectly.

4-pin power cable

Installing the Motherboard

CPU_FAN: F AN Power Connector

Pin Signal Name Function

1 GND System Ground

2 +12V Power +12V 3 Sense Sensor 4 Control CPU FAN control

Users please note that the fan connector supports the CPU cooling fan of

1.1A ~ 2.2A (26.4W max) at +12V.

SYS_FAN: System Cooling F AN Power Connector

Pin Signal Name Function

1 GND System Ground

2 +12V Power +12V 3 Sense Sensor

ATX_POWER: A TX 24-pin Power Connector

Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name

1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V

2 +3.3V 14 -12V

3 Ground 15 Ground

4 +5V 16 PS_ON

5 Ground 17 Ground

6 +5V 18 Ground 7 Ground 19 Ground 8 PWRGD 20 -5V

9 +5VSB 21 +5V

10 +12V 22 +5V 11 +12V 23 +5V

12 +3.3V 24 Ground

ATX12V : A TX 12V Power Connector

Pin Signal Name

1 Ground

2 Ground

3 +12V

4 +12V

Installing the Motherboard

SPK: Internal speaker header

Pin Signal Name

1 +5V

2 NC 3 GND

4 Speaker Signal

Front Panel Header

The front panel header (F_PANEL ) provides a standard set of switch and LED headers commonly found on ATX or Micro ATX cases. Refer to the table below for information:

Pin Signal Function Pin Signal Function

1 HD_LED_P Hard disk LED (+)

3 HD_LED_N Hard disk LED (-)

5 RST_SW_N Reset Switch (-)

7 RST_SW_P Reset Switch (+)

9 RSVD Reserved

* MSG LED (dual color or single color)

2 FP PWR/SLP *MSG LED (+)

4 FP PWR/SLP *MSG LED (-)

6 PWR_SW_P Power Switch (+)

8 PWR_SW_N Power Switch (-)

10 Key No pin

Hard Drive Activity LED

Connecting pins 1 and 3 to a front panel mounted LED provides visual indication that data is being read from or written to the hard drive. For the LED to function properly, an IDE drive should be connected to the onboard IDE interface. The LED will also show activity for devices connected to the SCSI (hard drive activity LED) connector.

Power/Sleep/Message waiting LED

Connecting pins 2 and 4 to a single or dual-color, front panel mounted LED provides power on/off, sleep, and message waiting indication.

Reset Switch

Supporting the reset function requires connecting pin 5 and 7 to a momentarycontact switch that is normally open. When the switch is closed, the board resets and runs POST.

Installing the Motherboard

Power Switch

Supporting the power on/off function requires connecting pins 6 and 8 to a momentary-contact switch that is normally open. The switch should maintain contact for at least 50 ms to signal the power supply to switch on or off. The time requirement is due to internal de-bounce circuitry. After receiving a power on/off signal, at least two seconds elapses before the power supply recognizes another on/off signal.

This concludes Chapter 2. The next chapter covers the BIOS.

Installing the Motherboard

Memo

Installing the Motherboard

Chapter 3

Using BIOS

About the Setup Utility

The computer uses the latest “American Megatrends Inc.” BIOS with support for Windows Plug and Play. The CMOS chip on the motherboard contains the ROM setup instructions for configuring the motherboard BIOS.

The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup Utility displays the system’s configuration status and provides you with options to set system parameters. The parameters are stored in battery-backed-up CMOS RAM that saves this information when the power is turned off. When the system is turned back on, the system is configured with the values you stored in CMOS.

The BIOS Setup Utility enables you to configure:

• Hard drives, diskette drives and peripherals

• Video display type and display options

• Password protection from unauthorized use

• Power Management features

The settings made in the Setup Utility affect how the computer performs. Before using the Setup Utility, ensure that you understand the Setup Utility options.

This chapter provides explanations for Setup Utility options.

The Standard Configuration

A standard configuration has already been set in the Setup Utility. However, we recommend that you read this chapter in case you need to make any changes in the future.

This Setup Utility should be used:

• when changing the system configuration

• when a configuration error is detected and you are prompted to make changes to the Setup Utility

• when trying to resolve IRQ conflicts

• when making changes to the Power Management configuration

• when changing the password or making other changes to the Security Setup

Entering the Setup Utility

When you power on the system, BIOS enters the Power-On Self Test (POST) routines. POST is a series of built-in diagnostics performed by the BIOS. After the POST routines are completed, the following message appears:

Press DEL to enter SETUP

Introducing the Motherboard

Press the delete key to access the BIOS Setup Utility.

Standard CMOS Setup

Advanced Setup

Advanced Chipset Setup

Integrated Peripherals

Power Management Setup

PCI/PnP Setup

PC Health Status

: Move F10: Save ESC: Exit

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F1:General Help

Enter : Select

F9: Optimized Defaults

Frequency/Voltage Control

Load Default Settings Supervisor Password

User Password

Save & Exit Setup Exit Without Saving

+/-/: Value

Using BIOS

When you start the Setup Utility, the main menu appears. The main menu of the Setup Utility displays a list of the options that are available. A highlight indicates which option is currently selected. Use the cursor arrow keys to move the highlight to other options. When an option is highlighted, execute the option by pressing <Enter>.

Some options lead to pop-up dialog boxes that prompt you to verify that you wish to execute that option. Other options lead to dialog boxes that prompt you for information.

Some options (marked with a triangle the values for the option. Use the cursor arrow keys to scroll through the items in the submenu.

In this manual, default values are enclosed in parenthesis. Submenu items are denoted by a triangle

The default BIOS setting for this motherboard applies for most conditions with optimum performance. It is not suggested to change the default values in the BIOS setup and the manufacture takes no responsibility to any damage caused by changing the BIOS settings.

f) lead to submenus that enable you to change

BIOS Navigation Keys

The BIOS navigation keys are listed below:

KEY FUNCTION

ESC Exits the current menu

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+/-/PU/PD Modifies the selected field’s values

Enter Select

F9 Loads an optimized setting for better performance F10 Saves the current configuration and exits setup F1 Displays a screen that describes all key functions

Scrolls through the items on a menu

Introducing the Motherboard

For the purpose of better product maintenance, the manufacture reserves the right to change the BIOS items presented in this manual. The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference only and may differ from the actual BIOS. Please visit the manufacture’s website for updated manual.

Standard CMOS Setup

This option displays basic information about your system.

Date Wed 10/10/2007 Time 00 : 02 : 56

Primary IDE Master Not Detected

Primary IDE Slave Not Detected

f f

SAT A 1 Not Detected

SAT A 2 Not Detected

SAT A 3 Not Detected

SAT A 4 Not Detected IDE BusMaster Enabled Drive A: 1.44 MB 31/2”

: Move

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F1: General Help

Date & Time

The Date and Time items show the current date and time on the computer. If you are running a Windows OS, these items are automatically updated whenever you make changes to the Windows Date and Time Properties utility.

Primary IDE Master/Slave, SATA 1~4

Your computer has one IDE channel which can be installed with one or two devices (Master and Slave). In addition, this motherboard supports four SATA channels and each channel allows one SATA device to be installed. Use these items to configure each device on the IDE channel.

Standard CMOS Setup

Enter : Select

F9: Optimized Defaults

Primary IDE Master

+/-/: Value

Help Item

User [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-T AB] to select a field.

Use [+] or [-] to configure system Date.

F10: Save ESC: Exit

Primary IDE Master

Device : Not Detected

Type Auto

LBA/Large Mode Auto Block (Multi-Sector Transfer Auto

PIO Mode Auto

DMA Mode Auto

S.M.A.R.T Auto

32Bit Data Transfer Enabled

: Move

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Enter : Select

F1: General Help

+/-/: Value

F9: Optimized Defaults

Introducing the Motherboard

Help Item

Select the type of device connected to the system.

F10: Save ESC: Exit

Type (Auto)

Use this item to configure the type of the IDE device that you specify. If the feature is enabled, it will enhance hard disk performance by reading or writing more data during each transfer.

LBA/Large Mode (Auto)

Use this item to set the LAB/Large mode to enhance hard disk performance by optimizing the area the hard disk is visited each time.

Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) (Auto)

If the feature is enabled, it will enhance hard disk performance by reading or writing more data during each transfer.

PIO Mode (Auto)

Use this item to set the PIO mode to enhance hard disk performance by optimizing the hard disk timing.

DMA Mode (Auto)

DMA capability allows user to improve the transfer-speed and data-integrity for compatible IDE devices.

S.M.A.R.T. (Auto)

The S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) system is a diagnostics technology that monitors and predicts device performance. S.M.A.R.T. software resides on both the disk drive and the host computer.

32Bit Data Transfer (Enabled)

Use this item to set the onboard SATA-IDE channel to be disabled, IDE, or RAID.

Press <Esc> to return to the Standard CMOS Setup page.

IDE BusMaster (Enabled)

This item enables or disables the DMA under DOS mode. We recommend you to leave this item at the default value.

Drive A (1..44 MB 31/2”)

This item defines the characteristics of any diskette drive attached to the system. You can connect one or two diskette drives.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Introducing the Motherboard

Advanced Setup

This page sets up more advanced information about your system. Handle this page with caution. Any changes can affect the operation of your computer.

Thermal Management Enabled

TM Status TM1/TM2

Limit CPUID MaxVal Disabled Enhanced Halt (C1E) Enabled Intel XD Bit Disabled Intel EIST Enabled Quick Power on Self T est Enabled Boot Up Numlock Status On APIC Mode Enabled 1st Boot Device Hard Drive 2nd Boot Device CD/DVD 3rd Boot Device 1st FLOPPY DRIVE

Removable Drives Press Enter Boot Other Device Y es BIOS Protect Disabled

Thermal Management (Enabled)

This item displays CPU’s temperature and enables you to set a safe temperature to Prescott CPU.

TM Status (TM1/TM2)

This item displays CPU Monitor status.

Limit CPUID MaxVal (Disabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the Max CPU ID value limit. When supports Prescott and LGA775 CPUs, enables this to prevent the system from “rebooting” when trying to install Windows NT 4.0.

Enhanced Halt (C1E) (Enabled)

This item enables or disables enhanced halt.

Intel XD Bit (Disabled)

This item allows users to enable or disable the Intel XD bit.

Advanced Setup

: Move

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F1:General Help

Enter : Select

F10: Save ESC: Exit+/-/: Value

F9: Optimized Defaults

Help Item

For the processorites CPUID belows 0F41h. TM2 only can be enable under below setting.

1. Freq.>=3.6GHz FSB800

2. Freq.>=2.8GHz FSB533

Intel EIST (Enabled)

This item allows users to enbale or disable the EIST(Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology) function. This item shows only if the CPU supports EIST.

Quick Power on Self Test (Enabled)

Enable this item to shorten the power on testing (POST) and have your system start up faster. You might like to enable this item after you are confident that your system hardware is operating smoothly.

Introducing the Motherboard

Boot Up Numlock Status (On)

This item defines if the keyboard Num Lock key is active when your system is started.

APIC Mode (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the APCI (Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller) mode. APIC provides symmetric multi-processing (SMP) for systems, allowing support for up to 60 processors.

1st/2nd/3rd Boot Device (Hard Drive/CD/DVD/1st FLOPPY DRIVE)

Use this item to determine the device order the computer used to look for an operating system to load at start-up time. The devices showed here will be different depending on the exact devices installed on your motherboard.

f Removable Drives (Press Enter)

Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen:

Removable Drives

1st Drive 1st FLOPPY DRIVE

Enter : Select

: Move

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F1:General Help

F9: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit+/-/: Value

Help Item

Specifies the boot sequence from the available devices.

Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced setup page.

Boot Other Device (Yes)

When enabled, the system searches all other possible locations for an operating system if it fails to find one in the devices specified under the First, Second, and Third boot devices.

BIOS Protect (Disabled)

This item enables or disables BIOS protect.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Introducing the Motherboard

Advanced Chipset Setup

This page sets up more advanced information about your system. Handle this page with caution. Any changes can affect the operation of your computer.

Memory Timings Auto Top of Memory under 4GB 3.25 GB Memory Remap Feature Enabled

Dual Monitor Function Disabled VGA Share Memory Auto Detect Auto

Share Memory size 128MB

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Memory Timings (Auto)

This item shows the current and target memory performance rates when the system is undertaking the best performance.

Advanced Chipset Setup

Enter : Select

: Move

F1:General Help

F9: Optimized Defaults

Help Item

Options

Auto Manual

F10: Save ESC: Exit+/-/: Value

Top of Memory under4GB (3.25GB)

This item shows the top of memory under 4GB.

Memory Remap Feature (Enabled)

This item allows you to remap the overlapped PCI memory above the total physical memory if you have a 64 bit OS and 4GB of RAM.

Dual Monitor Function (Disabled)

This item is a switch to turn on/off the Dual Monitor function. If it is enabled, please connect the system to two monitors for performing the Dual Monitor function; if disabled, this function will be turn off.

VGA Share Memory Auto Detect (Auto)

This item lets you allocate a portion of the main memory for the onboard VGA display application.

Share Memory size (128MB)

This item displays the VGA Share Memory Value.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Introducing the Motherboard

Integrated Peripherals

This page sets up some parameters for peripheral devices connected to the system.

Onboard IDE Controller Enabled OnChip S-ATA Controller Enabled SAT A Mode Select SAT A Mode Onboard Audio Function Enabled Onboard LAN Function Enabled Onboard LAN Boot ROM Disabled USB Controller Enabled Legacy USB Support Enabled Parallel Port Address 378 Parallel Port Mode ECP ECP Mode DMA Channel DMA3 Parallel Port IRQ IRQ7

Onboard IDE Controller (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the onboard IDE interface.

OnChip S-ATA Controller (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the onboard SATA controller.

SATA Mode select (SATA Mode)

Use this item to select the mode of the Serial ATA.

Onboard AUDIO Function (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the onboard audio device.

Onboard LAN Function (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the onboard LAN function.

Onboard LAN Boot ROM (Disabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the booting from the onboard LAN or a network add-in card with a remote boot ROM installed.

USB Controller (Enabled)

This item enables the USB controller. Leave this at the default “Enabled” if you want to connect USB devices to your computer.

Legacy USB Support (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices. Setting to Auto allows the system to detect the presence of USB device at startup. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.

Integrated Peripherals

Enter : Select

: Move

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F1:General Help

F9: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit+/-/: Value

Help Item

DISABLED: disables the integrated IDE Controller. Enabled: enables the integrated IDE Controller.

Introducing the Motherboard

Parallel Port Address (378)

Use this item to enable or disable the onboard Parallel port, and to assign a port address.

Parallel Port Mode (ECP)

Use this item to set the parallel port mode. You can select Normal (Standard Parallel Port), ECP (Extended Capabilities Port), EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port), or EPP & ECP.

ECP Mode DMA Channel (DMA3)

Use this item to assign the DMA Channel under ECP Mode function.

Parallel Port IRQ (IRQ7)

Use this item to assign IRQ to the parallel port.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Power Management Setup

This page sets up some parameters for system power management operation.

ACPI Suspend Type S3 (STR) Soft-off by PWR-BTTN Instant Off PWRON After PWR-Fail Power Off Resume By PCI/PCI-E/Lan PME Disabled Resume By USB (S3) Disabled Resume By PS2 KB (S3) Disabled Resume By PS2 MS (S3) Disabled Resume On Ring Disabled Resume on RTC Alarm Disabled

Power Management Setup

Enter : Select

: Move

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F1:General Help

F9: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit+/-/: Value

Help Item

Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend.

ACPI Suspend Type (S3(STR))

Use this item to define how your system suspends. In the default, S3, the suspend mode is a suspend to RAM, i.e, the system shuts down with the exception of a refresh current to the system memory.

Introducing the Motherboard

Soft-Off By PWR-BTTN (Instant Off)

Under ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power management Interface) you can create a software power down. In a software power down, the system can be resumed by Wake Up Alarms. This item lets you install a software power down that is controlled by the power button on your system. If the item is set to Instant-Off, then the power button causes a software power down. If the item is set to Delay 4 Sec, then you have to hold the power button down for four seconds to cause a software power down.

PWRON After PWR-Fail (Power Off)

This item enables your computer to automatically restart or return to its last operating status.

Resume by PCI/PCI-E/Lan PME (Disabled)

These items specify whether the system will be awakened from power saving modes when activity or input signal of the specified hardware peripheral or component is detected.

Resume By USB (S3) (Disabled)

This item allows you to enable/disable the USB device wakeup function from S3/S4 mode.

Resume By PS2 KB (S3) (Disabled)

This item enable or disable you to allow keyboard activity to awaken the system from power saving mode.

Resume By PS2 MS (S3) (Disabled)

This item enable or disable you to allow mouse activity to awaken the system from power saving mode.

Resume On Ring (Disabled)

The system can be turned off with a software command. If you enable this item, the system can automatically resume if there is an incoming call on the Modem/Ring, or traffic on the netwwork adapter. You must use an ATX power supply in order to use this feature.

Resume By RTC Alarm (Disabled)

The system can be turned off with a software command. If you enable this item, the system can automatically resume at a fixed time based on the system’s RTC (realtime clock). Use the items below this one to set the date and time of the wake-up alarm. You must use an ATX power supply in order to use this feature.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Introducing the Motherboard

PCI / PnP Configuration

This page sets up some parameters for devices installed on the PCI bus and those utilizing the system plug and play capability.

Init Display First PCI

Init Display First (PCI)

Use this item to select which graphics controller to use as the primary boot devices.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

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PCI / PnP Setup

Enter : Select

: Move

F1:General Help

F10: Save ESC: Exit+/-/: Value

F9: Optimized Defaults

PCI-E PCI

Help Item

Options

PC Health Status

On motherboards support hardware monitoring, this item lets you monitor the parameters for critical voltages, temperatures and fan speeds.

-=- System Hardware Monitor-= Smart Fan Function Press Enter

Shutdown Temperature Disabled

CPU Temperature :42°C/107°F System Temperature :31°C/87°F

CPU Fan Speed :4000 RPM CPU Vcore :1.216V

VDIMM :1.905V

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PC Health Status

Enter : Select

: Move

F1:General Help

Help Item

F10: Save ESC: Exit+/-/: Value

F9: Optimized Defaults

Introducing the Motherboard

Smart Fan Function

Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen:

SMART Fan Control Disabled

Enter : Select

: Move

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F1:General Help

F9: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit+/-/: Value

Help Item

Options

Disabled Enabled

SMART Fan Control (Disabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the control of the system fan speed by changing the fan voltage.

Press <Esc> to return to the PC Health Status page.

Shutdown Temperature (Disabled)

This item nables you to set the maximum temperature the system can reach before powering down.

System Component Characteristics

These items display the monitoring of the overall inboard hardware health events, such as System & CPU temperature, CPU & DIMM voltage, CPU & system fan speed,...etc.

• CPU Temperature

• System Temperature

• CPU Fan Speed

• CPU Vcore

• VDIMM

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Introducing the Motherboard

Frequency/Voltage Control

This page enables you to set the clock speed and system bus for your system. The clock speed and system bus are determined by the kind of processor you have installed in your system.

Frequency/Voltage Control

Manufacturer: Intel Ratio Status: Unlocked (Min:06, Max:12) Ratio Autual Value: 12

Auto Detect DIMM/PCI CIK Enabled CPU BSEL Select Auto PCIE Spread Spectrum Disabled CPU Spread Spectrum Disabled System Clock Mode Auto Memory Voltage +1.90V NB Voltage 1.349V

Enter : Select

: Move

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F1:General Help

F9: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit+/-/: Value

Help Item

[Auto] Set FSB & Memory clock automatically.

[Linked] Allows Memory and FSB to overclock proportionally.

[Manual] Enter FSB and Memory clock manually.

Manufacturer (Intel)

These items show the brand of the CPU installed in your system.

Ratio Status/Ratio Actual Value

These items show the Locked ratio status and the actual ratio of the CPU installed in your system.

Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk (Enabled)

When this item is enabled, BIOS will disable the clock signal of free DIMM/PCI slots.

CPU BSEL Select (Auto)

These items is used to select the CPU/LDT BSEL.

PCIE Spread Spectrum (Disabled)

This item, when enabled, can significantly reduce the EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) generated by the PCIE.

CPU Spread Spectrum (Disabled)

If you enable spread spectrum, it can significantly reduce the EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference) generated by the system.

System Clock Mode (Auto)

This item determines the current and target FSB and memory speed when the system is undertaking the best performance.

Memory Voltage (+1.90V)

This item allows users to adjust the DDR memory voltage.

Introducing the Motherboard

NB Voltage (1.349V)

This item allows users to adjust the Northbridge voltage.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Load Default Settings

This option opens a dialog box to ask if you are sure to install optimized defaults or not. You select [OK], and then <Enter>, the Setup Utility loads all default values; or select [Cancel], and then <Enter>, the Setup Utility does not load default values.

Supervisor Password

This page helps you install or change a password.

Supervisor Password

Supervisor Password :Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password Press Enter

Enter : Select

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: Move

F1:General Help

F10: Save ESC: Exit+/-/: Value

F9: Optimized Defaults

Help Item

Install or Change the password.

Supervisor Password (Not Installed)

This item indicates whether a supervisor password has been set. If the password has been installed, Installed displays. If not, Not Installed displays.

Change Supervisor Password (Press Enter)

You can select this option and press <Enter> to access the sub menu. You can use the sub menu to change the supervisor password.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Introducing the Motherboard

User Password

This page helps you install or change a password.

User Password

User Password : Not Installed

Enter : Select

: Move

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F1:General Help

F10: Save ESC: Exit+/-/: Value

F9: Optimized Defaults

Help Item

User Password (Not Installed)

This item indicates whether a user password has been set. If the password has been installed , Installed displays. If not, Not Installed dispalys.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Save & Exit Setup

Highlight this item and press <Enter> to save the changes that you have made in the Setup Utility and exit the Setup Utility. When the Save and Exit dialog box appears, select [OK] to save and exit, or select [Cancel] to return to the main menu.

Exit Without Saving

Highlight this item and press <Enter> to discard any changes that you have made in the Setup Utility and exit the Setup Utility. When the Exit Without Saving dialog box appears, select [OK] to discard changes and exit, or select [Cancel] to return to the main menu.

If you have made settings that you do not want to save, use the “Discard Changes and Exit” item and select [OK] to discard any changes you have made.

Introducing the Motherboard

Updating the BIOS

You can download and install updated BIOS for this motherboard from the manufacturer’s Web site. New BIOS provides support for new peripherals, improvements in performance, or fixes for known bugs. Install new BIOS as follows:

1 If your motherboard has a BIOS protection jumper, change the setting to

allow BIOS flashing.

2 If your motherboard has an item called Firmware Write Protect in Ad-

vanced BIOS features, disable it. (Firmware Write Protect prevents BIOS from being overwritten.)

3 Create a bootable system disk. (Refer to Windows online help for

information on creating a bootable system disk.)

4 Download the Flash Utility and new BIOS file from the manufacturer’s

Web site. Copy these files to the system diskette you created in Step 3.

5 Turn off your computer and insert the system diskette in your computer’s

diskette drive. (You might need to run the Setup Utility and change the boot priority items on the Advanced BIOS Features Setup page, to force your computer to boot from the floppy diskette drive first.)

6 At the A:\ prompt, type the Flash Utility program name and the file name

of the new bios and then press <Enter>. Example: AMINF340.EXE

040706.ROM

7 When the installation is complete, remove the floppy diskette from the

diskette drive and restart your computer. If your motherboard has a Flash BIOS jumper, reset the jumper to protect the newly installed BIOS from being overwritten. The computer will restart automatically.

This concludes Chapter 3. Refer to the next chapter for information on the software supplied with the motherboard.

Introducing the Motherboard

Chapter 4

Using the Motherboard Software

About the Software CD-ROM

The support software CD-ROM that is included in the motherboard package contains all the drivers and utility programs needed to properly run the bundled products. Below you can find a brief description of each software program, and the location for your motherboard version. More information on some programs is available in a README file, located in the same directory as the software. Before installing any software, always inspect the folder for files named README.TXT, INSTALL.TXT, or something similar. These files may contain important information that is not included in this manual.

Never try to install all software from folder that is not specified for use with

1. your motherboard.

The notice of Intel HD audio installation (optional): The Intel High Defi-

2. nition audio functionality unexpectedly quits working in Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. Users need to download and install the update packages from the Microsoft Download Center “before” installing HD audio driver bundled in the Driver CD. Please log on to http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;enus;901105#appliesto for more information.

Auto-installing under Windows XP/V ista

The Auto-install CD-ROM makes it easy for you to install the drivers and software for your motherboard.

If the Auto-install CD-ROM does not work on your system, you can still install drivers through the file manager for your OS (for example, Windows Explorer). Refer to the Utility Folder Installation Notes later in this chapter.

The support software CD-ROM disc loads automatically under Windows XP/Vista. When you insert the CD-ROM disc in the CD-ROM drive, the autorun feature will automatically bring up the install screen. The screen has three buttons on it, Setup, Browse CD and Exit.

If the opening screen does not appear; double-click the file “setup.exe” in the root directory.

Using the Motherboard Software

Setup Tab

Setup

Browse CD

Exit The EXIT button closes the Auto Setup window.

Application Tab

Lists the software utilities that are available on the CD.

Read Me Tab

Displays the path for all software and drivers available on the CD.

Click the Setup button to run the software installation program. Select from the menu which software you want to install.

The Browse CD button is the standard Windows command that allows you to open Windows Explorer and show the contents of the support CD.

Before installing the software from Windows Explorer, look for a file named README.TXT, INSTALL.TXT or something similar. This file may contain important information to help you install the software correctly.

Some software is installed in separate folders for different operating systems, such as Windows XP/Vista. Always go to the correct folder for the kind of OS you are using.

In install the software, execute a file named SETUP.EXE or INSTALL.EXE by double-clicking the file and then following the instructions on the screen.

Running Setup

Follow these instructions to install device drivers and software for the motherboard:

1. Click Setup. The installation program begins:

The following screens are examples only. The screens and driver lists will be different according to the motherboard you are installing.

The motherboard identification is located in the upper left-hand corner.

Using the Motherboard Software

2. Click Next. The following screen appears:

3. Check the box next to the items you want to install. The default options are recom-

mended.

4. Click Next run the Installation Wizard. An item installation screen appears:

5. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the items.

1. Drivers and software are automatically installed in sequence. Follow the onscreen instructions, confirm commands and allow the computer to restart a few times to complete the installation.

2. During the Windows Vista Driver Auto Setup Procedure, users should use one of the following two methods to install the driver after the system restart.

Using the Motherboard Software

Method 1. Run Reboot Setup

Windows Vista will block startup programs by default when installing drivers after the system restart. You must select taskbar icon Run Blocked Program and run Reboot Setup to install the next driver, until you finish all drivers installation.

Method 2. Disable UAC (User Account Control)

* For administrator account only. Standard user account can only use Method 1.

Disable Vista UAC function before installing drivers, then use CD driver to install drivers, it will continue to install drivers after system restart without running blocked

programs.

Follow these instructions to Disable Vista UAC function:

1. Go to Control Panel.

Using the Motherboard Software

2. Select Classic View.

3. Set User Account.

4. Select Turn User Account Control on or off and press Continue.

Using the Motherboard Software

5. Disable User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer item and press OK, then press Restart Now. Then you can restart your computer and continue to drivers without running blocked programs.

install

Manual Installation

Insert the CD in the CD-ROM drive and locate the PATH.DOC file in the root directory. This file contains the information needed to locate the drivers for your motherboard.

Look for the chipset and motherboard model; then browse to the directory and path to begin installing the drivers. Most drivers have a setup program (SETUP.EXE) that automatically detects your operating system before installation. Other drivers have the setup program located in the operating system subfolder.

If the driver you want to install does not have a setup program, browse to the operating system subfolder and locate the readme text file (README.TXT or README.DOC) for information on installing the driver or software for your operating system.

Utility Software Reference

All the utility software available from this page is Windows compliant. They are provided only for the convenience of the customer. The following software is furnished under license and may only be used or copied in accordance with the terms of the license.

These software(s) are subject to change at anytime without prior notice. Please refer to the support CD for available software.

This concludes Chapter 4.

Using the Motherboard Software

Chapter 5

Setting Up NVIDIA RAID Configuration

There are two ways to setup NVIDIA RAID Configuration: one is to create a RAID 1 Array for backup or a RAID 0 Array for increased performance just by adding additional disk array without changing the original OS (Non-Bootable RAID Array); while the other is to configure the RAID Array disks when reinstalling the OS

(Bootable RAID Array).

Setting Up a Non-Bootable RAID Array

RAID arrays can be created/deleted using both MediaShield RAID BIOS and the MediaShield RAID Manager from Windows. This section only covers basic BIOS setup required for non-bootable array. See the section "Setting Up a Bootable RAID Array” for instructions on configuring the RAID array in BIOS. See sections on using the MediaShield RAID Manager for details on configuring non-bootable RAID from Windows.

Setting Up the BIOS

Start your computer, then press Delete to enter the BIOS setup. The BIOS CMOS Setup Utility window appears.

Figure 1.1 BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Window

Use the arrow keys to select Integrated Peripherals (see Figure 1.1), then press Enter.

The Integrated Peripherals window appears.

Figure 1.2 Integrated Peripherals Window

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

From the Integrated Peripherals Window, globally set SATA Mode select to

RAID Mode (see Figure 1.2).

Press F10 to save the configuration and exit (F10 is the navigation key to

save the current configuration and exit setup in BIOS setting).

The PC reboots.

Installing the NVIDIA RAID Software Under Windows

This section describes how to run the setup application and install the RAID software.

Start the nForce Setup program to open the NVIDIA Windows nForce

Drivers page.

Figure 1.3 nForce Driver Installation Window

2 Select the modules that you want to install.

Make sure that the “NVIDIA IDE Driver” is selected. You must install the NVIDIA IDE driver in order to enable NVIDIA RAID.

If you do not install the NVIDIA IDE driver, NVIDIA RAID will not be enabled.

Click Next and then follow the instructions.After the installation is com-

pleted, be sure to reboot the PC.

After the reboot, initialize the newly created array.

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

Setting Up a Bootable RAID Array

This section explains how to configure a bootable NVIDIA RAID array.

Setting Up the BIOS

Start your computer, then press Delete to enter the BIOS setup.

The BIOS CMOS Setup Utility screen appears.

Figure 1.4 BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Screen

Use the arrow keys to select Integrated Peripherals (see Figure 1.4), then press Enter.

The Integrated Peripherals screen (or a screen similar to it) appears.

Figure 1.5 Integrated Peripherals Screen

From the Integrated Peripherals Window, globally set SATA Mode select to RAID Mode (see Figure 1.5).

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

Press F10 to save the configuration and exit.4 The PC reboots.

Enter the RAID BIOS Setup by pressing F10 when prompted, and pro-

ceed to set up the NVIDIA RAID BIOS as described in the next section.

Configuring the NVIDIA RAID BIOS

The NVIDIA RAID BIOS set up lets you choose the RAID type and which hard drives you want to make part of the array.

Entering the RAID BIOS Setup:

Wait until you see the RAID software prompting you to press F10.

The RAID prompt appears as part of the system POST and boot process prior to loading of the OS. You have a few seconds to press F10 before the screen disappears (see Figure 1.6).

Figure 1.6

Press F10 to enter Define a New Array page.

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

The NVIDIA RAID Utility—Define a New Array screen appears (Figure

1.7).

Figure 1.7 MediaShield BIOS

By default, RAID Mode is set to Mirroring and Striping Block is set to Optimal.

Using the Define a New Array Screen

If necessary, press the tab key to move from field to field until the appropriate field is highlighted.

• Selecting the RAID Mode

By default, this is set to Mirroring. To change to a different RAID mode, press the down arrow key until the mode that you want appears in the RAID Mode box—either Mirroring, Striping, Spanning, Stripe Mirroring or RAID

5. Note: Not all RAID levels are supported on all platforms. And enough Hard

disks are required to complete the RAID configuration.

• Selecting the Striping Block Size

Striping block size is given in kilobytes, and affects how data is arranged on the disk. It is recommended to leave this value at the default Optimal, which is 64KB, but the values can be between 4 KB and 128 KB (4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 KB)

Assigning the Disks

The disks that you enabled from the RAID Config BIOS setup page appear in the Free Disks block. These are the drives that are available for use as RAID array disks.

To designate a free disk to be used as a RAID array disk,

Tab to the Free Disks section.

The first disk in the list is selected Move it from the Free Disks block to the Array Disks block by pressing the

right-arrow key (—>). The first disk in the list is moved, and the next disk in the list is selected and

ready to be moved. Continue pressing the right-arrow key (—>) until all the disks that you want

to use as RAID array disks appear in the Array Disks block.

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

Figure 1.8 illustrates the Define a New Array screen after one disk have been assigned as RAID 0 array disk.

Figure 1.8 MediaShield BIOS—Array Disks Assigned

Completing the RAID BIOS Setup

After assigning your RAID array disk, press F7.

The Clear disk array prompt appears.

Figure 1.9 Clear Disk Data Prompt

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

Press Y to clear the disk data.

The Array List screen appears, where you can review the RAID arrays that you have set up.

Figure 1.10 Array List Window

Use the arrow keys to select the array that you want to set up, then press B

to specify the array as bootable. Press Enter to view and verify details.

The Array Detail screen shows various information about the array that you selected, such as Striping Block used, RAID Mode, Striping Width, Disk Model Name, and disk capacity.

If you want to mark this disk as empty and wipe out all its contents, press C.

At the prompt, press Y to wipe out all the data, otherwise press N.

Press Enter again to go back to the previous screen and then press F10 to exit

the RAID setup.

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

Installing the RAID Drivers

Your system may come with a Windows install CD that already includes NVIDIA RAID drivers. If so, then this section is not relevant.

If that is not the case (or you are trying to install a new version of Windows), then you will need an NVIDIA RAID driver F6 install floppy. Check to see if one came with your system. If not, you can create one by downloading the appropriate driver package and following the steps in this section.

Copy all files in "…\IDE\WinXP\sataraid" to a floppy disk. (For Windows

2000, substitute "Win2K" in the path.) After you complete the RAID BIOS setup, boot from the Windows CD.

The Windows Setup program starts. Press F6 and wait a few moments for the Windows Setup screen to

appear.

Figure 1.11 Windows Setup—Specify Devices

Specify the NVIDIA drivers.

a Insert the floppy that has the RAID driver, press S, then press Enter.

The following Windows Setup screen appears:

Figure 1.12 Windows Setup—Selected SCSI Adapter

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

b Select “NVIDIA RAID CLASS DRIVER (required)” and then press Enter.

c Press S again at the Specify Devices screen, then press Enter.

d Select “NVIDIA NForce Storage Controller (required)” and then press Enter.

The following Windows Setup screen appears listing both drivers:.

Figure 1.13 Windows Setup—NVIDIA drives listed

Press Enter to continue with Windows XP Installation.

Be sure to leave the floppy disk inserted in the floppy drive until the blue screen portion of Windows XP installation is completed, then take out the floppy.

Follow the instructions on how to install Windows XP. After Windows XP is completely installed, it is recommended that you

install the ForceWare software in order to access the MediaShield RAID Management tool.

Note:

This concludes chapter 5.

Each time you add a new hard drive to a RAID array, the RAID driver will have to be installed under Windows once for that hard drive. After that, the driver will not have to be installed.

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

Memo

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

ECS GF7050VT-M5 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual