ECS KV2 Lite User Manual

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1

Introduction..............................................................................................1-1

Package Check List..................................................................................1-1

Feature Summary......................................................................................1-2

Special Features........................................................................................1-3

Major Components...................................................................................1-4

Headers and Connectors...........................................................................1-6

Jumpers.....................................................................................................1-9

Rear Panel................................................................................................1-10

CHAPTER 2

Installing the CPU...................................................................................2-1

Installing the CPU cooling FAN...............................................................2-1

Installing Memory Module.......................................................................2-1

Connecting IDE, Floppy and SATA cable..................................................2-3

Installing Motherboard in a case...............................................................2-3

Connecting IDE, Floppy & SATA Device..................................................2-4

Installing Expansion cards........................................................................2-4

Connecting the Power supply cable...........................................................2-5

Powering up..............................................................................................2-5

CHAPTER 3

Entering the BIOS Setup Menu.................................................................3-1

Updating and Recovering the BIOS...........................................................3-1

Using AWARD Flash to update your BIOS..........................................3-1

Using ECS EZ Flash to update your BIOS.........

Using ECS Top-Hat Flash to recover your BIOS.

.................................3-2

.................................3-3

The Main Menu.......................................................................................3-3

Standard CMOS Features............................................................3-3

Advanced BIOS Features............................................................3-5

Advanced Chipset Features.........................................................3-7

Integrated Peripherals.................................................................3-10

Power Management Setup.................................................................3-14

PNP/PCI Configurations..................................................................3-16

PC Health Status............................................................................3-17

Frequency/Voltage Control................................................................3-18

Load Performance Defaults...............................................................3-19

Load Optimized Defaults..................................................................3-19

Set Supervisor/User Password...........................................................3-19

Save & Exit Setup...........................................................................3-20

Exit Without Saving.........................................................................3-20

CHAPTER 4

Software CD Information.........................................................................4-1

Running the Software CD.........................................................................4-1

Setup Tab..................................................................................................4-1

Application Tab........................................................................................4-2

Read Me Tab............................................................................................4-2

Software Utilities Introduction.................................................................4-2

CHAPTER 5

VIA RAID Configurations........................................................................5-1

Install the Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks.............................................5-1

Entering VIA Tech RAID BIOS Utility.................................................5-2

Create Array..................................................................................5-3

RAID 0 for performance...................................................................5-3

RAID 1 for data protection...............................................................5-4

Delete Array...................................................................................5-5

Select Boot Array............................................................................5-5

Serial Number View.........................................................................5-6

Duplicate Critical RAID 1 Array.......................................................5-6

Rebuild Broken RAID 1 Array...........................................................5-7

Installing RAID Software & Drivers........................................................5-8

Install Driver in Windows OS..........................................................5-8

Using VIA RAID Tool...........................................................................5-10

What is RAID.......................................................................................5-13

Multi-Language Translation

Legal Notices

This chapter entails the newest technology and rich
features on the Photon Extreme motherboard.

Chapter 1

Reference

1.1 Introduction....................................................1-1

1.2 Package Check List...........................................1-1

1.3 Feature Summary...........................................1-2

1.4 Special Features.............................................1-3

1.5 Major Components........................................1-4

1.6 Headers and Connectors................................1-6

1.7 Jumpers........................................................1-9

1.8 Rear Panel...................................................1-10

1.1 Introduction

Thank you for choosing the ECS KV2 Lite motherboard.

The KV2 Lite is the next generation of high performance motherboard
designed to support the AMD K8 processors.

1.2 Package Check List

Motherboard User’s Guide Installation CD

This motherboard has an ATX form factor that uses a 6-layer printed circuit
board and measures 305 mm x 244 mm.

The KV2 Lite motherboard is based on the VIA K8T800 PRO Northbridge
and VT8237 chipset to set a new benchmark for the best desktop platform
solution. Supporting up to 4 GB of system memory with PC3200/2700/
2100/1600 DDR DIMMs, high resolution graphics via an AGP8X slot,
10/100 LAN, USB 2.0, 6-channel audio, and SATA support and RAID
function.

Two SATA Cable

I/O ShieldSATA Power Cable

USB+1394 PCI

Bracket & housing

HDD, CD-ROM, and

FDD Cables

All pictures are for reference only.

1-1

1.3 Feature Summary

CPU

Chipset

Memory

Expansion
Slots

Storage

Audio

LAN

1-2

• Socket 939 for AMD Athlon 64 FX processor

• High-performance Hyper Transport CPU Interface

• Transfer rate of 2000/1600/1200/800/400 MT/s

• VIA K8T800 PRO & 8237

• North Bridge: VIA K8T800 PRO

• South Bridge: VIA 8237

• Dual-channel DDR memory architecture

• 4 x 184-pin DDR DIMM socket support up to 4 GB

• Support DDR400/333/266/200 unbuffered DDR
SDRAM

• 1 x AGP 8X/4X slot

• 5 x PCI slots

• Supported by VIA8237

- 4 x Ultra DMA133/100/66 devices

- 2 x SATA devices

- RAID 0 and RAID 1 configuration

• Realtek ALC655 6-channel audio CODEC

• Compliant with AC’97 2.3 specification

• VIA VT6103L 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet PHY

Rear panel
I/O

BIOS features

Internal I/O

Form Factor

• 1 x PS/2 keyboard

• 1 x PS/2 mouse connector

• 4 x USB ports

• 1 x RJ45 LAN connector

• 1 x Parallel port (LPT1)

• 1 x Serial port (COM1)

• 1 x Audio port (Line-in, Line-out, Mic-in)

• Award BIOS with 4Mb Flash ROM

• Supports Plug and Play 1.0A, APM 1.2, Multi Boot, DMI

• Supports ACPI revision 1.0B specificaion

• 1 x 20-pin ATX Power Supply Connector & 4-pin
12 V Connector

• 1 x Floppy connector- supports 360K ~ 2.88M
Bytes, 3 Mode FDDs or LS120

• 2 x IDE connectors

• 2 x Serial ATA connectors

• 2 x USB 2.0 header support additional 4 USB ports

• 1 x Front panel switch/LED header

• 1 x Front panel audio header

• CD in/AUX in header

• CPUFAN/CASFAN connectors

• ATX size, 305mm x 244mm

1.4 Special Features

Extreme PowerExtreme Power

Extreme Power

Extreme PowerExtreme Power

Device plug with USB-like
ease!

Slash memory access time!

Play complex 3D games

without compromise!

One-key boot device

selection!

Uncompromising DVD
audio quality!

6-layer PCB!

Extreme GuardianExtreme Guardian

Extreme Guardian

Extreme GuardianExtreme Guardian

Auto restart after power
loss!

PC protection toolkit!

A ‘time machine’ to
protect and restore files!

Extreme LinkExtreme Link

Extreme Link

Extreme LinkExtreme Link

PCI 2.3 support!

All the USB 2.0
connectivity you’ll ever

need!

More port options!

Auto-negotiate your 10/

100M LAN!

SATA RAID!

Color-coding for easy

connections!

Flash BIOS from

Windows!

Rounded corners for

strength and safety!

Eliminate data highway

roadblocks!

Clear & Clean!

The best aluminum
capacitors empowering!

Memory module alert!

Extreme GeniusExtreme Genius

Extreme Genius

Extreme GeniusExtreme Genius

1-3

1.5 Major Components

1-4

1. CPU socket

Socket 939 surface mount, Zero Insertion Force socket for AMD K8
Athlon 64 FX Processor support FSB 1000/800/600/400/200 MHz
that allows up to 8 GB/s data transfer rates.

2. Dual channel DDR DIMM sockets

These four 184-pin DIMM sockets support up to 4GB system
memory using unbuffered PC3200/2700/2100/1600 DDR DIMMs.

3. Northbridge controller

The VIA K8T800 PRO links with AMD 64 processor through a 16-bit/
1 GHz data transfer rate for a total bandwidth of 8 GB/s Hyper-Trans­port interface. It also supports AGP 3.0 specification.

4. Southbridge controller

The VIA VT8237 integrated peripheral controller supports various I/O
functions including two Serial ATA ports, dual channel UltraDMA­133/100/66/33 master mode EIDE controller, up to eight USB 2.0
ports, AC’97 2.2 interface, and PCI 2.2 interface.

5. Flash ROM

This 4Mb ROM contains the programmable BIOS program.

6. Super I/O (ITE 8705F) controller

This Super I/O provides the commonly used functionality. The chipset
supports a high performance floppy disk controller, a multimode parallel
port, one serial port, a game port, the mouse and keyboard interface.

7. Audio CODEC

The audio CODEC is compliant with AC’97 v2.3 spec and supports
6-channel audio.

8. PCI slots

These five 32-bit PCI 2.2 expansion slots support bus master PCI
cards like SCSI or LAN cards with 133MB/s maximum throughput.

9. AGP Slot

This Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot supports AGP 8X
and 4X mode graphic cards for 3D graphical applications.

10. 10/100Mbps LAN PHY

The 10/100Mbps LAN PHY delivers a transfer rates up to 10/100
Mbps.

A. Anti-Burn LED indicator

When this LED is light up, do not remove the memory module from
your DIMM slot or else your memory module will be damaged.

1-5

1.6 Headers and Connectors

1-6

1. ATX12V

This connector supplies the CPU operation voltage (Vcore). Don’t
forget to connect the 4-pin ATX 12V connector, otherwise the
system cannot boot up.

2. ATX 1 (ATXPWR, 20 pin)

AC power cord should only be connected to your power supply until
after ATX power cable and other related devices are firmly connected to
the motherboard. Make sure that your ATX12V power supply could
provide 8A of 12V and at least 1A on the +5V standby. The minimum
recommended voltage is 230W or 300W. If not, the system may become
unstable or may not even boot up.

3. IDE 1/2 (IDE1/IDE2 Connectors, 40-1 pin, Green and White)

These are supported by VIA8237 South Bridge. Please connect the first
hard disk to IDE 1 and connect the CD-ROM to IDE 2. The streamline
IDE cable must be the same side with the Pin 1.

4. CASFAN1 (Case Fan Connector, 3 pin)

This connector allows you to link with the cooling fan on the system case
to lower the system temperature.

5. Panel1 (Front Panel Header, 10-1 pin)

The front panel connector provides a standard set of switch and LED
connectors commonly found on ATX or micro-ATX cases.

6. Battery

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with
the same of equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.

7. SATA 1/2 (Serial ATA Connectors, 7 pin, Orange)

These next generation connectors are delivered by VIA 8237 South
Bridge support the thin Serial ATA cables for Serial ATA hard disks. The
current Serial ATA interface allows up to 150MB/s data transfer rate,
faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133MB/s (UltraATA 133)

8. USB 3/4 (Front USB Headers, 10-1 pin, Yellow)

If the USB ports on the rear panel are inadequate, two USB headers are

1-7

available for additional USB ports. The USB header complies with USB

2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed. This
speed advantage over the conventional 12 Mbps on USB 1.1.

9. FDD1 (Floppy Connector, 34-1 pin, Black)

Please connect the floppy drive ribbon cables to FDD. It supports
360K, 12M, 720K, 1.44M and 2.88M bytes floppy disk types.

10. CDIN1 (CD In Connector, 4 pin)

12. Audio1 (Front Panel Audio Header, 10-1 pin)

This is an interface for the Intel front panel audio cable that allows
convenient connection and control of audio devices. By default, the
pins labeled LINE OUT_R/BLINE_OUT_R and the pins LINE
OUT_L/BLINE_OUT_L are shorted with jumper caps. Remove the
caps only when you are connecting the front audio cable.

13. CPUFAN1 (CPU Fan Connector, 3 pin)

Connect CD-ROM or DVD-ROM audio out to the connector.

11. AUXIN1 (AUX In Connector, 4 pin)

Connect other device (such as PCI TV Tuner audio out) to the connec­tor.

1-8

Please note, a proper installation of the CPU cooler is essential to pre­vent the CPU from running under abnormal condition or damaged by
overheating. The CPU fan connector supports maximum current up to
600 mA.

1.7 Jumpers

1. JP1 (Clear CMOS)

This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in
CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system
setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. Before
clearing the CMOS data, make sure to turn the system off.

1-9

1.8 Rear Panel

1. PS/2 mouse port

This 6-pin connector is for connecting PS/2 mouse.

2. Parallel port

This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other
devices.

3. RJ-45 port

This port allows connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)
through a network hub. It supports up to 10/100Mbps transfer rate.

4. Line in jack

This jack connects a tape player or other audio sources. In 6-channel
mode, the function of this jack becomes Rear Speaker Out.

1-10

5. Line out jack

This jack connects a headphone or a speaker. In 6-channel mode, the
function of this jack becomes Front Speaker Out.

6. Microphone jack

This jack connects a microphone. In 6-channel mode, the function of
this jack becomes Basss/Center Speaker Out.

7. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4

These Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting
USB 2.0 devices.

8. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2

These Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting
USB 2.0.

9. Serial port

This 9-pin COM1 port is for serial devices.

10. PS/2 keyboard port

This 6-pin connector is for connecting PS/2 keyboard.

This chapter explains the hardware setup procedure
for this motherboard, such as installing the CPU,
memory modules, expansion cards, as well as the
jumpers

Chapter 2

Reference

2.1 Installing the CPU..............................................2-1

2.2 Installing the CPU cooling FAN.........................2-1

2.3 Installing Memory Module.................................2-1

2.4 Connecting IDE, Floppy and SATA cable...........2-3

2.5 Installing Motherboard in a case.........................2-3

2.6 Connecting IDE, Floppy & SATA Device...........2-4

2.7 Installing Expansion cards...................................2-4

2.8 Connecting the Power supply cable...................2-5

2.9 Powering up.......................................................2-5

2.1 Installing the CPU

1. Angling the rod to 65-degree may feel
tight, continue to pull the rod to 90­degree angle.

2. Position the CPU above the socket
such that its notched or marked corner
matches the socket corner near the base
of the lever, while making sure that the
CPU is parallel to the socket. Then in­sert the CPU into the socket.

Warning: If the CPU does not fit, please change the insert orientation. Do not force the

CPU into the socket.

3. Close the socket by lowering and locking the lever.

Actual angle

2.2 Installing the CPU cooling FAN

1. Fasten the cooling fan supporting
base onto the CPU socket on the
motherboard.

2. 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.

Warning: We recommend you to apply the thermal tape to

provide better heat conduction between your
CPU and cooling fan.

2.3 Installing Memory Module

1. Push the latches on each side of the DIMM
slot down.

2. Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module
edge connector match the notches in the
DIMM slot.

3. 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.

2-1

Table A: DDR (memory module) QVL (Qualified Vendor List)

The following DDR400 memory modules have been tested and qualified
for use with this motherboard.

Size Vendor Module Name

128MB

256MB

512MB

2-2

SAMSUNG M368L1713DTM-CC4

Micron MT8VDDT1664AG-403B2
NANYA NT128D64SH4B1G-5
Infineon

HYS64D16301GU-5-B

NANYA NT128D64SH4B1G-5T

SAMSUNG M368L3223DTM-CC4

NANYA NT256D64S88B1G-5

Micron MT16VDDT3264AG-403B2

Infineon

HYS64D32300GU-5-B

Micron MT8VDDT3264AG-40BC4
NANYA NT256D64S88B1G-5T
Infineon

HYS64D32300HU-5-C

SAMSUNG M368L6423DTM-CC4

NANYA NT512D64S8HB1G-5

Micron MT16VDDT6464AG-40BC4
NANYA NT512D64S8HB1G-5T

SAMSUNG M368L6423ETM-CC4

Infineon HYS64D64320HU-5-C

Table B: Unbuffered DIMM Support for 939-pin

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Maximum
DRAM Speed

1T 2T

DDR400 DDR400

DDR400 DDR400

DDR400 DDR400

DDR400 DDR400

DDR333 DDR400

DDR200 DDR400

DDR200 DDR400

DDR200 DDR333

DDR400 DDR400

DDR400 DDR400

DDR400 DDR400

DDR400 DDR400

DDR333 DDR400

DDR200 DDR400

DDR200 DDR400

DDR200 DDR333

Data

Chip Selects

Bus

MEMCS_1L_L* MEMCS_2H_L* MEMCS_2L_L* MEMCS_2H_L*

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Single rank

Double rank

N/A

N/A

Single rank

Single rank

Double rank

Double rank

64­bits

128­bits

Single rank

Double rank

N/A

N/A

Single rank

Single rank

Double rank

Double rank

Single rank

Double rank

N/A

N/A

Single rank

Single rank

Double rank

Double rank

Note for “*”: Memory types must be set to values consistent with system hardware.

N/A

N/A

Single rank

Double rank

Single rank

Double rank

Single rank

Double rank

N/A

N/A

Single rank

Double rank

Single rank

Double rank

Single rank

Double rank

Single rank

Double rank

Single rank

Double rank

Single rank

Double rank

Table C: Recommended dual-channel DDR configurations

DDR1 DDR2 DDR3 DDR4 Dual Channel

√

√√

Notes: 1. When using dual channel mode, install only same (same density, DRAM

technology and DRAM bus width) module for each deal channel.

2. Please note that those types not in the Table B will not boot up.

3. The KV2 Lite doesn’t support three memory modules. If three memory modules
are inserted, the system will not boot.

√

√

√

√√

√
√
√

2.4 Connecting IDE, Floppy and SATA cable

1. Connect the IDE/Floppy disk ribbon cable. Make sure the side of
the cable with the red stripe on it is plugged into pin 1 side of the
disk connector.

2. Connect the SATA cable to the SATA hard drive or the connector
on the motherboard.

2.5 Installing Motherboard in a case

1. Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets.

2. Secure the motherboard with screws where appropriate.

3. Double check to make sure that the underside of the motherboard is
not touching the case or else shorting may occur and make sure that
the slots and I/O connectors line up with the holes on the back of
the case.

4. Case LED leads are labeled, connect the leads to the panel header on
the motherboard.

IDE connector FDD connector SATA connector

2-3

2.6 Connecting IDE, Floppy & SATA Device

1. If installing two IDE devices on the same
ribbon cable, one device must be set to
“master” and the other to “slave.” Check
the accompanying documents for the
master/slave settings of IDE Devices, ie.:
the hard disk and CD-ROM drives and then
set their jumper caps accordingly.

2. Mount the drives in the case.

3. Connect the floppy disk ribbon cable and
power cable.

4. Connect the IDE ribbon cable and power
cable.

IDE Hard Disk

Floppy Disk Device

2.7 Installing Expansion cards

1. Remove the slot covers from the case where you will be installing
the expansion cards.

2. Install your graphics card in the proper slot if your motherboard does
not have integrated graphics.

3. Press the card firmly into the slot

4. Secure the card with the screw from step 1.

5. Install other expansion cards using the same procedure.

SATA Hard Disk

2-4

Graphics card

PCI card

2.8 Connecting the Power supply cable

The ATX power connector is keyed for proper insertion. There are two
connectors 4-pin and 20-pin ATX power cable. The plastic clip on the
power connector should lock over the plastic tab on the motherboard
power connector.

20-pin ATX

power connector

4-pin ATX

power connector

2.9 Powering up

Turn on the power to the monitor and the computer. If necessary,
format your hard disk drive and install an operating system.

2-5

In this chapter, you will learn how to adjust the BIOS
(Basic Input and Output System) setup menus. It
provides information on the system’s configuration
status and options to setup system parameters.

Chapter 3

Reference

3.1 Entering the BIOS Setup Menu..........................3-1

3.2 Updating and Recovering the BIOS....................3-1

3.2-1 Using AWARD Flash to update your BIOS............3-1

3.2-2 Using ECS EZ Flash to update your BIOS...........3-2

3.2-3 Using ECS Top-Hat Flash to recover your BIOS..3-3

3.3 The Main Menu.................................................3-3

3.3-1 Standard CMOS Features........................................3-3

3.3-2 Advanced BIOS Features.........................................3-5

3.3-3 Advanced Chipset Features.....................................3-7

3.3-4 Integrated Peripherals..............................................3-10

3.3-5 Power Management Setup..................................3-14

3.3-6 PNP/PCI Configurations..........................................3-16

3.3-7 PC Health Status.......................................................3-17

3.3-8 Frequency/Voltage Control....................................3-18

3.3-9 Load Performance Defaults.....................................3-19

3.3-10 Load Optimized Defaults........................................3-19

3.3-11 Set Supervisor/User Password...............................3-19

3.3-12 Save & Exit Setup....................................................3-20

3.3-13 Exit Without Saving.................................................3-20

3.1 Entering the BIOS Setup Menu

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

Pressing the delete key accesses the BIOS Setup Utility:

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility:



Standard CMOS Features



Advanced BIOS Features



Advanced Chipset Features



Integrated Peripherals



Power Mangement Setup



PnP/PCI Configurations

PC Health Status



Esc: Quit F9: Menu in BIOS

F10: Save & Exit Setup

Time, Date , Hard Disk Type...



Frequency/Voltage Control

Load Performance Defaults

Load Optimized Defaults

Set Supervisor Password

Set User Password

Save & Exit Setup

Exit Without Saving

: Select Item



3.2 Updating and Recovering the BIOS

A standard configuration has already been set in the Setup Utility. However,
if you encounter a configuration error or you need a better performance.
You could attempt to update or recover your system BIOS.

3.2-1 Using AWARD Flash to update your BIOS

1. If your motherboard has an item called Firmware Write Protect in
Advanced BIOS features, disable it. (Firmware Write Protect prevents
BIOS from being overwritten).

2. Create a bootable system disk. (Refer to Windows online help for
information on creating a bootable system disk.)

3. Use the Award Flash Utility from the ECS support CD and download
the last BIOS file for this motherboard from ECS web site
(www.ecs.com.tw). Copy these files to the system diskette you created
in step 2.

4. 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.)

5. At the A:\ prompt, type the Flash Utility program name and press
<Enter>. You see a screen similar to the following:

3-1

6. Type the filename of the new BIOS in the “File Name to Program” text
box. Follow the onscreen directions to update the motherboard BIOS.

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.

3.2-2 Using ECS EZ Flash to update your BIOS

The ECS EZ Flash feature allows you to easily update the BIOS without
having to go through the long process of booting from a diskette and using
a DOS-based utility.

Note: EZ Flash only supports Windows 2000/XP.

1. Download the last BIOS file for this motherboard from ECS web site
(www.ecs.com.tw). Copy these files to any storage device that you
have.

2. Enable the utility from ECS support CD, then click the “Load” button
and select the BIOS that you have downloaded in advance.

3-2

3. Select the “Flash” button.

4. The Utility will update the new BIOS into the motherboard Flash
ROM.

5. Click the “Reboot” button if you want to adopt the new BIOS or
choose the “Cancel” button if you still want to use the previous BIOS.

3.2-3 Using ECS Top-Hat Flash to recover your BIOS

The ECS Top-Hat Flash kit allow you to restore BIOS from ECS website
(www.ecs.com.tw) or ECS support CD, in case you current BIOS on the
motherboard or get corrupted, please follow the procedures below to recover
your BIOS.

1. Please find the BIOS ROM located on your motherboard. (Figure A)

2. Find the cut edge corner on the Flash ROM. (Figure B)

3. Find the cute edge corner on the Top Hat Flash. (Figure C)

4. Orient the cut edge Top Hat Flash to BIOS ROM’s and press the flash
ROM into the lower socket of Top Hat Flash. (Figure D & E)

5. Then, power on your computer.

Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E

6. After the computer boots up, remove the Top Hat Flash.

7. Download the BIOS file from ECS web site (www.ecs.com.tw) or
ECS support CD and use Flash Utility to reflash the original Flash
ROM.

8. You can choose either AWARD Flash utility in DOS mode or ECS “EZ
Flash Utility” in windows to reflash the BIOS.

3.3 The Main Menu

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>.

3.3-1 Standard CMOS Features

This option displays basic information about your system.

Date (mm:dd:yy) Wed, Feb 25 2004
Time (hh:mm:ss) 9 : 33 : 26



IDE Channel 0 Master



IDE Channel 0 Slave



IDE Channel 1 Master



IDE Channel 1 Slave
IDE Channel 2 Master
IDE Channel 3 Master
Drive A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Drive B [None]
Video [EGA/VGA]
Halt On [All, But Keyboard]

Base Memory 640K
Extended Memory 65535K
Total Memory 1024K

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Standard CMOS Features

Menu Level

Change the day, month,
year and century

Item Help



3-3

Date and 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.

 IDE Devices [None]

Your computer has two IDE channels (Primary and Secondary) and each channel
can be installed with one or two devices (Master and Slave). Use these items to
configure each device on the IDE channel.

Press <Enter> to display the IDE submenu:

IDE HDD Auto-Detection [Press Enter]

IDE Channel 0 Slave [Auto]
Access Mode [Auto]

Capacity 0MB

Cylinder 0
Head 0
Precomp 0
Landing Zone 0
Sector 0

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

3-4

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

IDE Channel 0 Slave

Menu Level

To auto-detect the
HDD’s size, head... on
this channel

Item Help



IDE HDD Auto-Detection

Press <Enter> while this item is highlighted to prompt the Setup Utility to automatically
detect and configure an IDE device on the IDE channel.

Note: If you are setting up a new hard disk drive that supports LBA mode, more than one

line will appear in the parameter box. Choose that lists LBA for an LBA drive.

IDE Channel 0/1/2/3 Master/Slave/Extended IDE Drive (Auto)

Leave this item at Auto to enable the system to automatically detect and
configure IDE devices on the channel. If it fails to find a device, change the
value to Manual and then manually configure the drive by entering the
characteristics of the drive in the items described below. Please noted that if
you choose IDE Channel 2/3 Master, the item may change to Extended IDE
Drive.

Refer to your driver’s documentation or look on the drive casing if you need to
obtain this information. If no device is installed, change the value to None.

Note: Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, ensure that you have the

configuration information supplied by the manufacturer of your hard drive.
Incorrect settings can result in your system not recognizing the installed hard
disk.

Access Mode

This item defines ways that can be used to access IDE hard disks such as LBA
(Large Block Addressing). Leave this value at Auto and the system will automatically
decide the fastest way to access the hard disk drive.

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

Drive A/Drive B [1.44M, 3.5in./None]

These items define the characteristics of any diskette drive attached to the system.
You can connect one or two diskette drives.

Video [EGA/VGA]

Thsi item defines the video mode of the system. This motherboard has a built-in
VGA graphics system; you must leave this item at the default value.

Halt On [All, But Keyboard]

This item defines the operation of the system POST (Power On Self Test) routine.
You can use this item to select which types of errors in the POST are sufficient to
halt the system.

Base Memory, Extended Memory and Total Memory

These items are automatically detected by the system at start up time. These are
display-only fields. You cannot make chanages to these fields.

3.3-2 Advanced BIOS Features

This option defines advanced information about your system.

ATA 66/100 IDE Cable Msg. [Enabled]
Hard Disk Boot Priority [Press Enter]



Quick Power On Self Test [Enabled]
First Boot Device [Floppy]
Second Boot Device [Hard Disk]
Third Boot Device [CDROM]
Boot Other Device [Enabled]
Swap Floppy Drive [Dis able d]
Boot Up Floppy Seek [D isab led ]
Boot Up NumLock Status [On]
Typematic Rate Setting [Disabl ed]

Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec0 6

X

Typematic Delay (Msec) 25 0

X

Security Option [Setup]
APIC Mode [Enabled]
HDD S.M.A.R.T. Capability [Disa bled]
VIdeo BIOS Shadow [Enabled]
Small Logo(EPA) Show [Di sabled]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

ATA 66/100 IDE Cable Msg (Enabled)

Enables or disables the ATA 66/100 IDE Cable Msg. This message will appear during
reboot when you use 40-pin cable on your 66/100 hard disks.

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced BIOS Features

Item Help

Menu Level



3-5

 Hard Disk Boot Priority

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

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Hard Disk Boot Priority

1. Pri.Master:

2. Pri.Slave:

3. Sec. Master:

4. Sec. Slave:

5. USBHDD0:

6. USBHDD1:

7. USBHDD2:

8. Bootable Add-in Cards

: Move PU/PD+/-/:Change Priority F10:Save ESC:Exit



Item Help

Menu Level

Use < > or < > to

select a device, then press
<+> to move it up, or <-> to
move it down the list. Press
<ESC> to exit this menu.



 

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.

First/Second/Third Boot Device (Floppy/Hard Disk/CDROM)

Use these three items to select the priority and order of the devices that your system

searches for an operating system at start-up time.

Boot Other Device [Enabled]

When enabled, the system searches all other possible locations for an operating

3-6

system if it fails to find one in the devices specified under the First, Second, and
Third boot devices.

Swap Floppy Drive [Disabled]

If you have two floppy diskette drives in your system, this item allows you to swap
the assigned drive letters so that drive A becomes drive B, and drive B becomes
drive A.

Boot Up Floppy Seek [Disabled]

If this item is enabled, it checks the size of the floppy disk drives at start-up time.
You don’t need to enable this item unless you have a legacy diskete drive with 360K
capacity.

Boot Up NumLock Status [On]

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

Typematic Rate Setting [Disabled]

If this item is enabled, you can use the following two items to set the typematic rate
and the typematic delay settings for your keyboard.

♦ Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec): Use this item to define how many characters

per second are generated by a held-down key.

♦ Typematic Delay (Msec): Use this item to define how many milliseconds

must elapse before a held-down key begins generating repeat characters

Security Option [Setup]

If you have installed password protection, this item defines if the password is
required at system start up, or if it is only required when a user tries to enter the
Setup Utility.

APIC Mode [Enabled]

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

HDD S.M.A.R.T Capability [Disabled]

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.

The disk drive software monitors the internal performance of the motors, media,
heads and electronics of the drive. The host software monitors the overall reliability
status of the drive. If a device failure is predicted, the host software, through the

Client WORKS S.M.A.R.T applet, warns the user of the impending condition and
advises appropriate action to protect the data.

Video BIOS Shadow (Enabled)

This item determines whether the BIOS will be copied to RAM for faster execution.

Small Logo (EPA) Show [Disabled]

.

Enables or disables the display of the EPA logo during boot.

3.3-3 Advanced Chipset Features

These items define critical timing parameters of the mainboard. You
should leave the items on this page at their default values unless you are
very familiar with the technical specifications of your system hardware.
If you change the values incorrectly, this may cause fatal errors or
instability into your system.

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced Chipset Features

AGP & P2P Bridge Control [Press Enter]



DRAM Clock/Drive Control [Press Enter]



LDT & PCI Bus Control [Press Enter]



VLink Data Rate [8X]
Init Display First [PCI Slot]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Item Help

Menu Level



3-7



AGP & P2P Bridge Control (Press Enter)

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

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced Chipset Features

AGP Aperture Size [128M]
AGP 2.0 Mode [4X]
AGP Driving Control [Auto]

X

AGP Driving Value D A

AGP Fast Write [Disabled]
AGP Master 1 WS Write [Disabled]
AGP Master 1 WS Read [Disabled]
AGP 3.0 Calibration Cycle [Enabled]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



AGP Aperture Size [128M]

F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Item Help

Menu Level



This item defines the size of aperture if you use an AGP graphics adapter. The AGP
aperture refers to a section of the PCI memory address range used for graphics
memory. We recommend that you leave this item at the default value.

AGP 2.0 Mode (4X)

This item allows you to enable or disable the caching of display data for the
processor video memory. Enabling AGP-8X Mode can greatly improve the display
speed. Users please note that the default speed depends on the AGP cards. With
8x/4x/2x AGP cards inserted, the default speed will be 8x/4x/2x. If you use the
onboard VGA, the default setting will be 8x. When AGP card is AGP 3.9 compliant,
this item will become “AGP 3.0 mode” with show only item.

3-8

AGP Driving Control (Auto)

This item is used to signal driving current on AGP cards to auto or manual. Some
AGP cards need stronger than normal driving current in order to operate. We
recommend that you set this item to the default.

• AGP Driving Value: When AGP Driving Control is to set Manual, use
this item to set the AGP current driving value.

AGP Fast Write (Disabled)

This item lets you enable or disable the caching of display data for the video
memory of the processor. Enabling this item can greatly improve the display speed.
Disable this item if your graphics display card does not support this feature.

AGP Master 1 WS Write (Disabled)

This implements a single delay when writing to the AGP Bus. By default, two-wait
states are used by the system, providing greater stability.

AGP Master 1 WS Read (Disabled)

This implements a single delay when reading to the AGP Bus. By default, two-wait
states are used by the system, allowing for greater stability

AGP 3.0 Calibration cycle(Enabled)

This item is used to implement dynamic compensation to recalibrate the AGP bus
over time for AGP 3.0 compatible chipset.

Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Chipset Features page.



DRAM Clock/Timing Control

(Press Enter)

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

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

DRAM Clock/Drive Control

Current CPU Frequency
Current DRAM Frequency

Max Memclock (Mhz) [Auto]
1T/2T Memory Timing [Auto]
CAS# latency (Tcl) [Auto]
RAS# to CAS# delay(Trcd) [Auto]
Min RAS# active time (Tras) [Auto]
Row precharge Time (Trp) [Auto]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Item Help

Menu Level

Places an artificial memory
clock limit on the system.
Memory is prevented from
running faster than this
frequency



Current CPU Frequency/Current DRAM Frequency

These two items show the CPU and DRAM frequency.

Max Memclock (Mhz)(Auto)

When DDR Timing Setting by is set to Manual, use this item to set the DRAM
frequency.

1T/2T Memory Timing (Auto)

This item enables you to specify the waiting time for the CPU to issue the next
command after issuing the command to the DDR memory. We recommend that you
leave this item at the default value.

CAS# latency (Tcl) (Auto)

This item determines the operation of SDRAM memory CAS (column address

strobe). It is recommended that you leave this item at the default value. The
2T setting requires faster memory that specifically supports this mode.

RAS# to CAS# delay (Trcd)(Auto)

This item specifies the RAS# to CAS# delay to Rd/Wr command to the same
bank.

Min RAS# active time (Tras)(Auto)

This item specifies the minimus RAS# active time.

Row Precharge Time (Trp)(Auto)

This item specifies the Row precharge to Active or Auto-Refresh of the same
bank.

Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Chipset Features page.

LDT & PCI Bus Control (Press Enter)



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

Upstream LDT Bus Width [16bit]
Downstream LDT Bus Width [16bit]
LDT Bus Frequency [1 GHz]
PCI Master 0 WS Write [Enabled]
PCI2 Master 0 WS Write [Enabled]
PCI Post Write [Enabled]
PCI2 Post Write [Enabled]
PCI Delay Transaction [ Disabled ]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

LDT & PCI Bus Control

Item Help

Menu Level



3-9

Upstream/Downstream LDT Bus Width (16 bit)

The LDT bus (Lighting Data Transport) is the bus between the North and South
Bridge, and boosts no less that 6.4 GB/sec on a 16 bit upstream and a 16 bit
downstream dataflow.

LDT Bus Frequency (1 GHz)

This option allows you to specify the maximum operating frequency for the LDT
transmitter clock.

PCI/2 Master 0 WS Write (Enabled)

When enabled, writes to the PCI bus are executed with zero wait states, providing
faster data transfer.

PCI/2 Post Write (Enabled)

When enabled, writes from the CPU to PCU bus are buffered, to compensate for
the speed differences between the CPU and PCI bus. When disabled, the writes are
not buffered and the CPU must wait until the write is complete before starting
another write cycle.

PCI Delay Transaction (Disabled)

The motherboard’s chipset has an embedded 32-bit post write buffer to support
delay transactions cycles. Select Enabled to support compliance with PCI
specification version 2.1.

Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Chipset Features page.

VLink Data Rate (8X)

This option allows you to select the data transfer rate between the Northbridge and
Southbridge chipsets.

3-10

Init Display First (PCI Slot)

Use this item to specify whether your graphics adapter is installed in one of the PCI
slots or is integrated on the motherboard

3.3-4 Integrated Peripherals

These options display items that define the operation of peripheral
components on the system’s input/output ports.

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Integrated Peripherals



VIA OnChip IDE Device [Press Enter]
VIA OnChip PCI Device [Press Enter]



SuperIO Device [Press Enter]



: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Item Help

Menu Level



VIA OnChip IDE Device (Press Enter)



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

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

VIA OnChip IDE Device

OnChip VIA SATA [Enabled]
SATA Mode [IDE]
IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled]
OnChip IDE Channel0 [Enabled]
OnChip IDE Channel1 [Enabled]
IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled]
Primary Master PIO [Auto]
Primary Slave PIO [Auto]
Secondary Master PIO [Auto]
Secondary Slave PIO [Auto]
Primary Master UDMA [Auto]
Primary Slave UDMA [Auto]
Secondary Master UDMA [Auto]
Secondary Slave UDMA [Auto]
IDE HDD Block Mode [Enabled]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Item Help

Menu Level



OnChip VIA SATA (Enabled)

This option allows you to enable or disable the onboard Serial ATA device.

SATA Mode (IDE)

Use this item to select the mode of Serial ATA

IDE DMA transfer access (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable the transfer access of the IDE DMA then burst onto
the PCI bus and nonburstable transactions do not.

On-Chip IDE Channel 0/1 (Enabled)

Use these items to enable or disable the PCI IDE channels that are integrated on the
motherboard.

IDE Prefetch Mode (Enabled)

The onboard IDE drive interface supports IDE prefetching, for faster drive access.
If you install a primary and secondary add-in IDE interface, set this field to
Disabled if the interface does not support prefetching.

Primary/Secondary Master/Slave PIO (Auto)

Each IDE channel supports a master device and a slave device. These four items
let you assign the kind of PIO (Programmed Input/Output) was used by the IDE
devices. Choose Auto to let the system auto detect which PIO mode is best, or
select a PIO mode from 0-4.

Primary/Secondary Master/Slave UltraDMA (Auto)

Each IDE channel supports a master device and a slave device. This motherboard
supports UltraDMA technology, which provides faster access to IDE devices.

If you install a device that supports UltraDMA, change the appropriate item on this
list to Auto. You may have to install the UltraDMA driver supplied with this motherboard
in order to use an UltraDMA device.

IDE HDD Block Mode (Enabled)

Enable this field if your IDE hard drive supports block mode. Block mode enables
BIOS to automatically detect the optimal number of block read and writes per sector
that the drive can support and improves the speed of access to IDE devices.

Press <Esc> to return to the Integrated Peripherals page.

3-11

 OnChip USB Controller (All Enabled)

VIA OnChip PCI Device (Press Enter)

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

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

VIA OnChip PCI Device

AC97 Audio [Auto]
Onchip VIA LAN Device [Enabled]
Onchip VIA LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
OnChip USB Controller [All Enabled]
USB 2.0 Support [Enabled]
USB Legacy Support [Enabled]
USB Mouse Support [Enabled]

Item Help

Menu Level



Enable this item if you plan to use the Universal Serial Bus ports on this motherboard.

USB 2.0 Support (Enabled)

Enable this item if your system supports USB 2.0.

USB Legacy Support (Enabled)

This item allows the BIOS to interact with a USB keyboard or mouse to work with MS­DOS based utilities and non-Windows modes.

USB Mouse Support (Enabled)

Enables this item if you plan to use a mouse connected through the USB port in a
legacy operating system (such as DOS) that does not support Plug and Play.

Press <Esc> to return to the Integrated Peripherals page.

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

AC97 Audio (Auto)

Enables and disables the onboard audio chip. Disable this item if you are going to
install a PCI audio add-in card.

OnChip VIA LAN Device (Enabled)

Enables and disables the onboard LAN.

OnChip VIA LAN Boot ROM (Disabled)

Enables and disables the booting from the onboard LAN or a network add-in card with
a remote boot ROM installed.

3-12

 SuperIO Device (Press Enter)

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

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

SuperIO Device

Onboard FDC Controller [Enabled]
Onboard Serial Port 1 [3F8/IRQ4]
Onboard Parallel Port [378/IRQ7]
Parallel Port Mode [ECP]
ECP Mode Use DMA [3]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Item Help

Menu Level



Onboard FDC Controller (Enabled)

This option enables the onboard floppy disk drive controller.

Onboard Serial Port 1 (3F8/IRQ4)

This option is used to assign the I/O address and interrupt request (IRQ) for onboard
serial port 1 (COM1).

Onboard Parallel Port (378/IRQ7)

This option is used to assign the I/O address and interrupt request (IRQ) for the
onboard parallel port.

Parallel Port Mode (ECP)

Enables you to set the data transfer protocol for your parallel port. There are four
options: SPP (Standard Parallel Port), EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port), ECP (Extended
Capabilities Port) and ECP+EPP.

SPP allows data output only. Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) and Enhanced Parallel
Port (EPP) are bi-directional modes, allowing both data input and output. ECP and EPP
modes are only supported with EPP- and ECP-aware peripherals.

ECP Mode Use DMA (3)

When the onboard parallel port is set to ECP mode, the parallel port can use DMA 3 or
DMA 1.

Press <Esc> to return to the Integrated Peripherals page.

3-13

3.3-5 Power Management Setup

This option lets you control system power management. The system has
various power-saving modes including powering down the hard disk, turning
off the video, suspending to RAM, and software power down that allows
the system to be automatically resumed by certain events.

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Power Management Setup

HDD Power Down [Disable]
Suspend Mode [Disable]
Video Off Option [Suspend -> Off]
Video Off Method [V/H SYNC+Blank]
MODEM Use IRQ [3 ]
Soft-Off by PWRBTN [Instant-Off]
Power on After Power fail [Off]
AMD K8 Cool’n’Quiet control [Auto]
IRQ/Event Activity Detect [Press Enter]



: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

HDD Power Down [Disabled]

The IDE hard drive will spin down if it is not accessed within a specified length of
time.

3-14

Item Help

Menu Level



Suspend Mode [Disabled]

The CPU clock will be stopped and the video signal will be suspended if no Power
Management events occur for a specified length of time. Full power function will
return when a Power Management event is detected.

Video Off Option (Suspend —> Off)

This option defines if the video is powered down when the system is put into suspend
mode.

Video Off Method (V/H SYNC+Blank)

This selection will cause the system to turn off the vertical and horizontal synchroni­zation ports and write blanks to the video buffer.

MODEM Use IRQ (3)

If you want an incoming call on a modem to automatically resume the system from a
power-saving mode, use this item to specify the interrupt request line (IRQ) that is
used by the modem. You might have to connect the fax/modem to the motherboard
Wake On Modem connector for this feature to work.

Soft-Off by PWRBTN (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.

Power on After Power-fail (Off)

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

AMD K8 Cool’n’Quiet control (Auto)

This item helps the system to lower the frequency when CPU idles. When the
frequency decreases, the temperature will drop automatically as well.

 IRQ/Event Activity Detect (Press Enter)

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

VG A [OFF]
LPT & COM [LPT/COM]
HDD & FDD [ON]
PCI Master [OFF]
PowerOn by PCI Card [Enabled]
Modem Ring Resume [Disabled]
RTC Alarm Resume [Disabled]

Date (of Month) 0

X

Resume Time (hh: mm: ss) 0: 0: 0

X

IRQs Activity Monitoring [Press Enter]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

IRQ/Event Activity Detect

Item Help

Menu Level

When Select Password,
Please press ENTER key to
change Password Max 8
numbers.



VGA (Off)

When set to On, the system power will resume the system from a power saving
mode if there is any VGA activity.

LPT & COM (LPT/COM )

When this item is enabled, the system will restart the power-saving timeout counters
when any activity is detected on the serial ports, or the parallel port.

HDD & FDD (ON)

When this item is enabled, the system will restart the power-saving timeout counters
when any activity is detected on the hard disk drive or the floppy diskette drive.

PCI Master (OFF)

When set to Off, any PCI device set as the Master will not power on the system.

PowerOn by PCI Card (Enabled)

Use this item to enable PCI activity to wakeup the system from a power saving
mode.

Modem Ring Resume (Disabled)

Use this item to enable modem activity to wakeup the system from a power saving
mode.

RTC Alarm Resume (Disabled)

When set to Enabled, additional fields become available and you can set the date
(day of the month), hour, minute and second to turn on your system. When set to
0 (zero) for the day of the month, the alarm will power on your system every day at
the specified time.

Press <Esc> to return to the Integrated Peripherals page.

3-15

 IRQs Activity Monitoring (Press Enter)

This screen enables you to set IRQs that will resume the system from a power saving
mode.

Primary INTR [ON]
IRQ4 (COM1) [Enabled]
IRQ5 (LPT2) [Enabled]
IRQ6 (Floppy Disk) [Enabled]
IRQ7 (LPT1) [Enabled]
IRQ8 (RTC Alarm) [Disabled]
IRQ9 (IRQ2 Redir) [Disabled]
IRQ10 (Reserved) [Disabled]
IRQ11 (Reserved) [Disabled]
IRQ12 (PS/2 Mouse) [Enabled]
IRQ13 (Coprocessor) [Enabled]
IRQ14 (Hard Disk) [Enabled]
IRQ15 (Reserved) [Disabled]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Set any IRQ to Enabled to allow activity at the IRQ to wake up the system from a
power saving mode.

Press <Esc> to return to the IRQ/Event Activity Detect pages

3-16

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

IRQs Activity Monitoring

Menu Level

Item Help



3.3-6 PNP/PCI Configurations

These options configure how PnP (Plug and Play) and PCI expansion cards
operate in your system. Both the the ISA and PCI buses on the motherboard
use system IRQs (Interrup ReQuests) and DMAs (Direct Memory Access).
You must set up the IRQ and DMA assignments correctly through the
PnP/PCI Configurations Setup utility for the motherboard to work properly.
Selecting PnP/PCI Configurations on the main program screen displays this
menu:

Reset Configuration Data [Disa bled]

Resources Controlled By
[Auto(ESCD)]

IRQ Resources Press Enter

X

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Dis abled]
Assign IRQ For USB [Enabled]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Reset Configuration Data [Disabled]

If you enable this item and restart the system, any Plug and Play configuration data
stored in the BIOS Setup is cleared from memory.

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

PnP/PCI Configurations

Menu Level

Default is Disabled. Select
Enabled to reset Extended
System Configuration Data
ESCD) when you exit Setup if
you have installed a new add­on and the system
reconfiguration has caused
such a serious conflict that
the OS cannot boot

Item Help



Resources Controlled By [Auto(ESCD)]

You should leave this item at the default Auto (ESCD). Under this setting, the
system dynamically allocates resources to Plug and Play devices as they are
required.

If you cannot get a legacy ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) expansion card to
work properly, you might be able to solve the problem by changing this item to
Manual, and then opening up the IRQ Resources submenu.

• IRQ Resources [Press Enter]: In the IRQ Resources submenu, if you
assign an IRQ to Legacy ISA, then that Interrupt Request Line is reserved
for a legacy ISA expansion card. Press <Esc> to close the IRQ Resources
submenu.

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled]

This item is designed to overcome problems that can be caused by some non­standard VGA cards. This board includes a built-in VGA system that does not require
palette snooping so you must leave this item disabled.

Assign IRQ For USB [Enabled]

Names the interrupt request (IRQ) line assigned to the USB on your system.
Activity of the selected IRQ always awakens the system.

3.3-7 PC Health Status

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

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

PC Health Status

Shutdown Temperature [Disa bled]

CPU Vcore

3.30 V

5.00 V
+12 V
Voltage Battery
Current System Temp
Current CPU Temp
CPUFAN1 Speed
CASFAN1 Speed

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Shutdown Temperature [Disabled]

Enables you to set the maximum temperature the system can reach before powering
down.

System Component Characteristics

These fields provide you with information about the systems current operating
status. You cannot make changes to these fields.

Item Help

Menu Level



3-17

3.3-8 Frequency/Voltage Control

This item 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.

DIMM Voltage Adjust [2.60V]
AGP Voltage Regulator [1.53V]
Auto Detect PCI Clk [Enabled]
Spread Spectrum [Enabled]
Async AGP clock control [Disabled]
Hammer Fid control [StartUp]
Hammer Vid control [StartUp]
CPU Clock [200MHz]
Turbo Performance [Disabled]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1: General Help



DIMM Voltage Adjust (2.60V)

This item adjusts the voltage delivered to the DIMM memory.

AGP Voltage Regulator (1.53V)

This item regulates the voltage delivered to the AGP.

Auto Detect PCI/DIMM Clk (Enabled)

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

3-18

F5:Previous Values F6:Performance Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Frequency/Voltage Control

Menu Level

Item Help



Spread Spectrum (Enabled)

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

Async AGP clock control (Disabled)

This item allows you to set the AGP clock in asynchronous status.

Hammer Fid control (StartUp)

This item allows you to adjust CPU frequency ID.

Hammer Vid control (StartUp)

This item allows you to adjust CPU voltage ID.

CPU Clock(200MHz)

This item allows you to adjust the CPU clock to 200Mhz to 511MHz. You can key-in the
numbers within the range to make a precise and ideal adjustment.

Turbo Performance (Disabled)

This function only works when loading performance Defaults setting.

3.3-9 Load Performance Defaults

This option opens a dialog box that lets you install performance defaults for
all appropriate items in the Setup Utility: Press <Y> and the <Enter> to
install the defaults. Press <N> and then <Enter> to not install the defaults.
If you want to make your system for greater effectiveness, then install the
performance defaults. If you only want to install performance defaults for
a specific option, select and display that option, and then press <F6>.

Notes: To load performance defaults may make system unstable or unbootable.

3.3-10 Load Optimized Defaults

This option opens a dialog box that lets you install optimized defaults for all
appropriate items in the Setup Utility. Press <Y> and then <Enter> to
install the defaults. Press <N> and then <Enter> to not install the de­faults. The optimized defaults place demands on the system that may be
greater than the performance level of the components, such as the CPU
and the memory. You can cause fatal errors or instability if you install the
optimized defaults when your hardware does not support them. If you only

want to install setup defaults for a specific option, select and display that
option, and then press <F7>.

3.3-11 Set Supervisor/User Password

When this function is selected, the following message appears at the center
of the screen to assist you in creating a password.

ENTER PASSWORD

Type the password, up to eight characters, and press <Enter>. The password
typed now will clear any previously entered password from CMOS memory.
You will be asked to confirm the password. Type the password again and
press <Enter>. You may also press <Esc> to abort the selection.
To disable password, just press <Enter> when you are prompted to enter
password. A message will confirm the password being disabled. Once the
password is disabled, the system will boot and you can enter BIOS Setup
freely.

PASSWORD DISABLED

If you have selected “System” in “Security Option” of “BIOS Features
Setup” menu, you will be prompted for the password every time the system
reboots or any time you try to enter BIOS Setup.
If you have selected “Setup” at “Security Option” from “BIOS Features
Setup” menu, you will be prompted for the password only when you enter
BIOS Setup.

3-19

Supervisor Password has higher priority than User Password. You can use
Supervisor Password when booting the system or entering BIOS Setup to
modify all settings. Also you can use User Password when booting the
system or entering BIOS Setup but can not modify any setting if
Supervisor Password is enabled.

3.3-12 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, press <Y> to save and exit, or press <N> to
return to the main menu.

3.3-13 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, press <Y> to discard changes and exit, or press
<N> to return to the main menu.

Note: If you have made settings that you do not want to save, use the “Exit Without Saving”

item and press <Y> to discard any changes you have made.

3-20

This chapter delivers contents of the ECS support CD.

Chapter 4

Reference

4.1 Software CD Information...................................4-1

4.2 Running the Software CD..................................4-1

4.3 Setup Tab..........................................................4-1

4.4 Application Tab..................................................4-2

4.5 Read Me Tab....................................................4-2

4.6 Software Utilities Introduction............................4-2

4.1 Software CD Information

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.

Note: Never try to install software from a folder that is not specified for use with your

motherboard.

4.2 Running the Software CD

To begin using the software CD, simply insert the CD into your CD-ROM
drive. The CD automatically display the multimedia if auto run is enable in
your computer.

4.3 Setup Tab

The setup tab shows three buttons - Setup, Browse CD, Exit.

Setup button: Click the Setup button to run the software installation

program. Select from the menu which software you want
to install.

Setup

1. Click

Note: 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.

. The installation program begins:

4-1

2. Click

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

4-2

Next

recommended.

. The following screen appears:

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

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.

Browse CD button: The Browse CD button is the standard Windows

command that allows you to open Windows
Explorer and show the contents of the support

CD.

Exit button: The Exit button closes the Auto Setup window.

4.4 Application Tab

Lists the software utilities that are available on the CD.

4.5 Read Me Tab

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

4.6 Software Utilities Introduction

AWARD Flash Memory Utility

This utility lets you erase the system BIOS stored on a Flash Memory
chip on the motherboard, and lets you copy an updated version of the
BIOS to the chip. Proceed with caution when using this program. If you

erase the current BIOS and fail to write a new BIOS, or write a new

BIOS that is incorrect, your system will malfunction. Refer to Chapter 3
“Using BIOS” for more information.

WinFlash Utility

The AWARD WinFlash utility is a Windows version of the DOS Award
BIOS flash writer utility. The utility enables you to flash the system BIOS
stored on a Flash Memory chip on the motherboard while in a Windows
environment. This utility is currently available for WINXP\ME\2000\
98SE. To install the WinFlash utility, rin WINFLASH.EXE from the
following directory: \UTILITY\WINFLASH

I’m InTouch

I’m InTouch remote access software allows you to login and work on
your far-away computer, just as if you were sitting behind it! Run
programs, transfer files, manage e-mails, contacts and calendar events.
With I’m InTouch, you always have access to your PC and the important
information and programs that you need.

WinCinema



 WinDVD Creator Plus



WinDVD Creator Plus is designed for people who want to make their own
DVDs but who don’t want to learn complicated programs. By taking you

through 4 DVD-making steps, WinDVD Creator Plus walks you through

capturing video, editing it, adding titles, transitions, effects, music, DVD
menus and finally burning the finished product. User also can direct-burn
to DVD when DVD burner is available.



 WinDVD



WinDVD is the world’s most popular DVD player and supports over 30 new
features and enhancements such as improved picture quality, easier-to-use
Time-Stretching, MP3 playback, and Video Desktop - which lets you watch
movies under your desktop icons while you work or check email.



 WinRIP



WinRIP lets you record, store, organize, and enjoy you music collection ­on your PC, CD player, and portable player. Organize your Music Galleryand
create your own playlists. You can switch between simple Player mode or
full-featured Jukebox mode.

Pro Magic Plus

This amazing software not only provides users with convenient and instant
restoration of your computer, but also restores within seconds important
data back to the preferred state at a specific point in time. Pro Magic also
combines several other functions including anti-virus, backup, uninstall

software and multi-booting to satisfy all your system protection needs.

4-3

DPU (Data Process Utility)

Specially designed for file protection, security and management this DPU
or data processing utility insures the safety of important data through
complete file restoration, eliminating file damage even in case of improper
operation. User can freely edit original files after a set restore time point.
The DPU can even restore even deleted files.

Adobe Reader

This item install the Adobe Acrobat Reader. The Acrobat Reader software
is for viewing files saved in Portable Document Format (PDF).

Show Shifter

ShowShifter, the award winning software, combines viewing TV, video,
CD, MP3 and digital pictures into one easy to use application. With a little
help from Showshifter your PC will be the ultimate home media center.

4-4

In this chapter, you will learn how to create Serial
ATA/Ultra RAID and the type of RAID we support.

Chapter 5

Reference

5.1 VIA RAID Configurations.................................5-1

5.1-1 Install the Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks.............5-1

5.1-2 Entering VIA Tech RAID BIOS Utility...................5-2

5.1-3 Create Array..............................................................5-3

5.1-4 RAID 0 for performance...........................................5-3

5.1-5 RAID 1 for data protection.....................................5-4

5.1-6 Delete Array...............................................................5-5

5.1-7 Select Boot Array......................................................5-5

5.1-8 Serial Number View..................................................5-6

5.1-9 Duplicate Critical RAID 1 Array...........................5-6

5.1-10 Rebuild Broken RAID 1 Array................................5-7

5.2 Installing RAID Software & Drivers..................5-8

5.2-1 Install Driver in Windows OS.................................5-8

5.3 Using VIA RAID Tool................................5-10

5.4 What is RAID.................................................5-13

5.1 VIA RAID Configurations

The motherboard includes a high performance Serial ATA RAID controller
integrated in the VIA VT8237 Southbridge chipset. It supports RAID 0,
RAID 1 and JBOD with two independent Serial ATA channels.

RAID: (Redundant Array of Independent Disk Drives) use jointly several
hard drives to increase data transfer rates and data security. It depends on the
number of drives present and RAID function you select to fulfill the seurity
or performance purposes or both.

RAID 0: (called data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to
read and write data in parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform
the same work as a single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate, double
that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access and storage.
RAID 1: (called data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of
data from one drive to a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array
management software directs all applications to the surviving drive as it
contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID
configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the
entire system.
JBOD: (Just a Bunch of Drives) Also known as “Spanning”. Two or more
hard drives are requried. Several hard disk types configured as a single hard
disk. The hard drives are simply hooked up in series. This expands the
capacity of your drive and results in a useable total capacity. However,

JBOD will not increase any performance or data security.

5.1-1 Install the Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks

The VIA VT8237 Southbridge chipset supports Serial ATA hard disk drives.
For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and
capacity when creating a RAID set.

♦ If you are creating a RAID 0 (striping) array of performance, use two
new drives.

If you are creating a RAID 1 (mirroring) array for protection, you can

♦

use two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive (the new
drive must be of the same size or larger than the existing drive). If you
use two drives of different sizes, the smaller capacity hard disk will be
the base storage size. For example, one hard disk has an 80GB storage
capacity and the other hard disk has 60GB storage capacity, the maxi­mum storage capacity for the RAID 1 set is 60GB. The SATA hard disks
only support data backup, not support boot device.

Follow these steps to install the SATA hard disks for RAID configuration.

i

Before setting up your new RAID array, verify the status of your hard
disks. Make sure the Master/Slave jumpers are configured properly.

Both the data and power SATA cables are new cables. You cannot use

ii

older 40-pin 80-conductor IDE or regular IDE power cables with Serial
ATA drives. Installing Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks require the use of

5-1

new Serial ATA cable (4-conductor) which supports the Serial ATA
protocol and a Serial ATA power cable.

Either end of the Serial ATA data cable can be connected to the SATA

iii

hard disk or the SATA connector on the motherboard.

1 Install the Serial ATA hard disks into the drive bays.
2 Connect one end of the Serial ATA cable to the motherboard’s

primary Serial ATA connector (SATA1).

3 Connect the other end of Serial ATA cable to the master Serial ATA

hard disk.

4 Connect one end of the second Serial ATA cable to the motherboard’s

secondary Serial ATA connector (SATA2)

5 Connect the other end of Serial ATA cable to the secondary Serial

ATA hard disk.

6 Connect the Serial ATA power cable to the power connector on

each drive.

7 Proceed to section “Entering VIA Tech RAID BIOS Utility” for the

next procedure.

Note: Please note that SiS180 does not support hot plug function.

5-2

5.1-2 Entering VIA Tech RAID BIOS Utility

1 Boot-up your computer
2 During POST, press <TAB> to enter VIA RAID configuration util-

ity. The following menu options will appear.

Note: The RAID BIOS information on the setup screen shown is for reference only. What
you see on your screen may not by exactly the same as shown.

On the upper-right side of the screen is the message and legend box. The
keys on the legend box allow you to navigate through the setup menu op­tions. The message describes the function of each menu item. The following
lists the keys found in the legend box with their corresponding functions.

F1 View Array

Move to the next item

↑↓

Enter Confirm the selection

ESC Exit

5.1-3 Create Array

1 In the VIA RAID BIOS utility main menu, select Create Array

then press the <Enter> key. The main menu items on the upper­left corner of the screen are replaced with create array menu op­tions.

5.1-4 RAID 0 for performance

1 Select the second option item Array Mode, then press the <Enter>

key. The RAID system setting pop-up menu appears.

2 Select RAID 0 for performance from the menu and press <En-

ter>. From this point, you may choose to auto-configure the RAID
array by selecting Auto Setup for Performance or manually config­ure the RAID array for stripped sets. If you want to manually
configure the RAID array continue with next step, otherwise, pro­ceed to step #5.

3 Select Select Disk Drives, then press <Enter>. Use arrow keys to

select disk drives, then press <Enter> to mark selected drive. An
asterisk is placed before the selected drive.

4 Select Block Size, then press <Enter> to set array block size. Lists

of valid array block sizes are displayed on a pop-up menu.

Tip For server system, it is recommended to use a lower

array block size. For multimedia computer system
used mainly for audio and video editing, a higher array
block size is recommended for optimum performance.

5-3

Use arrao keys to move selection bar on items and press <Enter> to select.

5 Select Start Create Process and press <Enter> to setup hard disk for

RAID system. The following confirmation appears:

The same confirmation message appears when
the Auto Setup for Performance option is se­lected.

Press “Y” to confirm or “N” to return to the configuration options.

5.1-5 RAID 1 for data protection

1 Select the second option item Array Mode, then press the <Enter>

key. The RAID system setting pop-up menu appears.

5-4

2 Select RAID 1 for data protection from the menu and press <En-

ter>. Select next task from pop-up menu. The task Create only
creates the mirrored set without creating a backup. Create and
duplicate creates both mirrored set and backup.

3 Select task and press <Enter>. The screen returns to Create Array

menu items. From this point, you may choose to auto-configure
the RAID array by selecting Auto Setup for Data Security or manu­ally configure the RAID array for mirrored sets. If you want to
manually configure the RAID array continue with next step, other­wise, proceed to step #5.

4 Select Disk Drives, then press <Enter>. Use arrow keys to select

disk drive/s, then press <Enter> to mark selected drive. (An aster­isk is placed before a selected drive.)

5 Select Start Create Process and press <Enter> to setup hard disk for

RAID system. The following confirmation message appears:

The same confirmation message appears when
the Auto Setup for Performance option is se­lected.

Press “Y” to confirm or “N” to return to the configuration options.

5.1-6 Delete Array

1 In the VIA RAID BIOS utility main menu, select Delete Array

then press the <Enter> key. The focus is directed to the list of
channel used for IDE RAID arrays.

2 Press the <Enter> key to select a RAID array to delete. The

following confirmation message appears.

Press “Y” to confirm or “N” to return to the configuration options.

5.1-7 Select Boot Array

1 In the VIA RAID BIOS utility main menu, select Boot Array then

press the <Enter> key. The focus is directed to the list of channel
used for IDE RAID arrays.

2 Press the <Enter> key to select a RAID array for boot. The Status

of the selected array will change to Boot. Press <ESC> key to go
return to menu items. Follow the same procedure to deselect the
boot array.

5-5

.

5.1-8 Serial Number View

1 In the VIA RAID BIOS utility main menu, select Serial Number View

then press the <Enter> key. The focus is directed to the list of
channel used for IDE RAID arrays. Move the selection bar on each
item and the serial number is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
This option is useful for identifying same model disks.

5-6

5.1-9 Duplicate Critical RAID 1 Array

When booting up the system, BIOS will detect if the RAID 1 array has any
inconsistencies between user data and backup data. If BIOS detects any
inconsistencies, the status of the disk array will be marked as critical, and
BIOS will prompt the user to duplicate the RAID 1 in order to ensure the
backup data consistency with the user data.

If user selects Continue to boot, it will enable duplicating the array after
booting into OS.

5.1-10 Rebuild Broken RAID 1 Array

When booting up the system, BIOS will detect if any member disk drives of
RAID has failed or is absent. If BIOS detects any disk drive failures or
missing disk drives, the status of the array will be marked as broken.

If BIOS detects a broken RAID 1 array but there is a spare hard drive
available for rebuilding the broken array, the spare hard drive will automati­cally become the mirroring drive. BIOS will show a main interface just like
a duplicated RAID 1. Selecting Continue to boot enables the user to
duplicate the array after booting into operating system.

If BIOS detects a broken RAID 1 array but there is no spare hard drive
available for rebuilding the array, BIOS will provide several operations to
solve such problems.

1. Power off and Check the Failed Drive:

This item turns off the computer and replaces the failed hard drive with a
good one. If your computer does not support APM, you must turn off your
computer manually. After replacing the hard drive, boot into BIOS and
select Choose replacement drive and rebuild to rebuild the broken
array.

5-7

2. Destroy the Mirroring Relationship:

This item cancels the data mirroring relationship of the broken array. For
broken RAID 1 arrays, the data on the surviving disk will remain after the
destroy operation. However, Destroy the Mirroring Relationship is not
recommended because the data on the remaining disk will be lost when the
hard drive is used to create another RAID 1 array.

Highlight the target hard drive and press <Enter>, a warning message will
appear. Press Y to use that hard drive to rebuild, or press N to cancel. Please
note selecting option Y will destroy all the data on the selected hard drive.

4. Continue to boot:

This item enables BIOS to skip the problem and continue booting into OS.

5.2 Installing RAID Software & Drivers

3. Choose Replacement Drive and Rebuild:

This item enables users to select an already-connected hard drive to rebuild
the broken array. After choosing a hard drive, the channel column will be
activated.

5-8

5.2-1 Install Driver in Windows OS

New Windows OS (2000/XP/NT4) Installation

The following details the installation of the drivers while installing Win­dows XP.

1 Start the installation:

Boot from the CD-ROM. Press F6 when the message “Press F6 if

you need to install third party SCSI or RAID driver’ appears.

2 When the Windows Setup window is generated, press S to specify

an Additional Device(s).

3 Insert the driver diskette VIA VT8237 Disk Driver into drive A: and

press <Enter>.

4 Depending on your operation system, choose VIA Serial ATA RAID

Controller (Windows XP), VIA Serial ATA RAID Controller
(Windows 2000) or VIA Serial ATA RAID Controller (Win­dows NT4)

from the list that appears on Windows XP Setup screen, press the

<Enter> key.

5 Press <Enter> to continue with installation or if you need to specify

any additional devices to be installed, do so at this time. Once all
devices are specified, press <Enter> to continue with installation.

6 From the Windows XP Setup screen press the <Enter> key. Setup

will now load all device files and the continue the Windows XP
installation.

Existing Windows XP Driver Installation

1 Insert the ECS CD into the CD-ROM drive.
2 The CD will auto-run and the setup screen will appear.
3 Under the Driver tab, click on VIA SATA RAID Utility.
4 The drivers will be automatically installed.

Confirming Windows XP Driver Installation

1 From Windows XP, open the Control Panel from My Computer

followed by the System icon.
2 Choose the Hardware tab, then click the Device manager tab.
3 Click the “+” in front of the SCSI and RAID Controllers hard-

ware type. The driver VIA IDE RAID Host Controller should

appear.

Installation of VIA SATA RAID Utility

The VIA SATA RAID Utility is the software package that enables high-perfor­mance RAID 0 arrays in the Windows*XP operating system. This version of
VIA SATA RAID Utility contains the following key features:

• Serial ATA RAID driver for Windows XP

• VIA SATA RAID utility

• RAID0 and RAID1 functions
Insert the ECS CD and click on the Setup to install the software.

5-9

The InstallShield Wizard will begin automatically for installation. Click
on the Next button to proceed the installation in the welcoming window.

Put a check mark in the check box to install the feature you want. Then click
Next button to proceed the installation.

5-10

5.3 Using VIA RAID Tool

Once the installation is complete, go to Start---> Programs---> VIA--->
raid_tool.exe to enable VIA RAID Tool.

After the software is finished installation, it
will automatically started every time Windows
is initiated. You may double-click on the
icon shown in the system tray of the tool
bar to launch the VIA RAID Tool utility.

The main interface is divided into two windows and the toolbar above
contain the main functions. Click on these toolbar buttons to execute their
specific functions. The left windowpane displays the controller and disk
drives and the right windowpane displays the details of the controller or disk
drives. The available features are as following:

View by Controller

View by Devices

Click on or button to determine the viewing type of left
windowpane. There are two viewing types: By controllers and by device.
Click on the object in the left windowpane to display the status of the object
in the right windowpane. The following screen shows the status of Array 0­RAID 0.

View Event log

Help Topics

It means that VT8237 SATA RAID only has the feature of monitoring
the statuses of RAID 0 and RAID 1.

Click on the plus (+) symbol next to Array 0--RAID 0 to see the details of
each disk.

5-11

You may also use the same or button to view the statuses of
Array 0--RAID 1.

5-12

Click on the plus (+) symbol next to Array 0; RAID 1 to see the details of
each disk.

5.4 What is RAID?

This section will give you an overview about the RAID system and introduce
the basic background and glossary which you need to know before using
“SiS RAID Controller Application”.

1. RAID: (Redundant Array of Independent Disk Drives) use jointly
several hard drives to increase data transfer rates and data security. It
depends on the number of drives present and RAID function you
select to fulfill the security or performance purposes or both.

2. RAID 0: Also known as “Stripping”. All of the data are distributed
evenly to all of the existing drives. You gain benefits on performance
because the data transfer rate is multiplied by the number of drives.
However, RAID 0 has high risks of data security. All of the stored
data will be lost if even any one drive in the RAID set crashes.

3. RAID 1: Also known as “Mirroring”. Two hard drives are required.
The goal of RAID 0 is to ensure data security. Data is written to two
or more drives synchronously. That is, 100% duplication of data
from one drive to another.

4. RAID 0+1: Also known as “StripeMirror”. At least four hard drives
are required. RAID 0+1 is a combination of RAID 0 and RAID 1.
Data is striped into two drives then mirrored. It provides high
performance and high data protection. This is a costly solution as
RAID 1 because the two mirrored drives represent an expensive

insurance.

5. JBOD: (Just a Bunch of Drives). Also known as “Spanning”. Two or
more hard drives are required. Several hard disk types configured as a
single hard disk. The hard drives are simply hooked up in series. This
expands the capacity of your drive and results in a useable total
capacity. However, JBOD will not increase any performance or data
security.

5-13