ECS NFORCE6M-A User Manual
Preface
Copyright
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 3.0B
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.
AMD, Athlon, Sempron and Duron are registered trademarks of AMD 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
ii
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
H
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page 7
page 27
page 49
page 55
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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
Connecting Case Components.....................................................10
Front Panel Header...........................................................12
Installing Hardware........................................................................13
Installing the Processor.....................................................13
Installing Memory Modules...............................................14
Installing a Hard Disk Drive/CD-ROM/SA T A Hard Drive...18
Installing a Floppy Diskette Drive....................................19
Installing Add-on Cards....................................................20
Connecting Optional Devices............................................22
Connecting I/O Devices................................................................26
1
7 7
7
7 7
Chapter 3 27
Using BIOS 27
Using BIOS......................................................................................29
About the Setup Utility ................................................................ 27
The Standard Configuration..............................................27
Entering the Setup Utility...................................................27
Updating the BIOS............................................................29
Standard CMOS Features.................................................30
Advanced BIOS Features..................................................32
Advanced Chipset Features...............................................36
iv
Integrated Peripherals.......................................................39
Power Management Setup.................................................43
PnP/PCI Configurations....................................................45
PC Health Status................................................................46
Load Fail-Safe Defaults.....................................................47
Load Optimized Default ...................................................47
Set Supervisor Password..................................................47
Set User Password............................................................47
Save & Exit Setup..............................................................48
Exit Without Saving............................................................48
Chapter 4
49 49
49
49 49
Using the Motherboard Software 49
About the Software CD-ROM......................................................49
Auto-installing under Windows 2000/XP/V ista.........................49
Running Setup....................................................................50
Manual Installation........................................................................54
Utility Software Reference............................................................54
Chapter 5
55 55
55
55 55
Setting Up NVIDIA RAID Configuration 55
Setting Up a Non-Bootable RAID Array ....................................55
Setting Up a Bootable RAID Array .............................................58
Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard
Introduction
1
Thank you for choosing this motherboard. This motherboard is a high performance,
enhanced function motherboard that supports socket for AMD Phenom
(socket AM2+)/AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core/Athlon™ 64/Sempron™ processors for
high-end business or personal desktop markets.
®
This motherboard is based on NVIDIA
sor (MCP) for best desktop platform solution. ΜCP61P is a single-chip, highly
integrated, high performance HyperTransport peripheral controller, unmatched by
any other single chip-device controller. This motherboard supports up to 32 GB of
system memory with DDR2 800/667/533/400. It supports high resolution graphics
via one PCI Express x16 slot, and it also integrates native Gigabit Ethernet LAN
controller, 8 USB 2.0 ports (4 USB ports and 2 USB headers support additional 4 USB
ports) and Serial ATA host controller with maximum transfer rate up to 3.0 Gb/s.
There is an advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel, including PS/2 mouse and
keyboard connectors, COM1, four USB ports, one optional LAN port, one optional
ESATA port and audio jacks for microphone, line-in, and 6/8-channel (optional)
line-out.
ΜCP61P media and communications proces-
™
processor
Introducing the Motherboard
2
Feature
Processor
This motherboard uses a socket AM2+/AM2 that carries the following features:
• Accommodates AMD Phenom™ processor (socket AM2+)
AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core/Athlon™ 64/Sempron™ processors
• Supports up to 2000 MT/s HyperTransport
HyperTransportTM Technology is a point-to-point link between two devices, it
enables integrated circuits to exchange information at much higher speeds than
currently available interconnect technologies.
TM
(HT) interface Speeds
This boar
d supports CPU up to 95W TDP only.
Chipset
The NVIDIA® MCP61P is a single-chip with proven reliability and performance.
• HyperTransport x16 up and down links at up to 1.0 GHz to the AM2+
CPUs
• PCI Express x16 for external graphics
• PCI 2.3 interface at 33 MHz
• Four SATA controllers,each with integrated dual PHYs that are capable of operating at 1.5Gb/s and 3.0Gb/s speeds
• Eight USB 2.0 ports
• Fast ATA-133 IDE controller
Memory
• DDR2 800/667/533/400 DDR SDRAM with Dual Channel supported
• Accommodates four unbuffered DIMMs
• Up to 8 GB per DIMM with maximum memory size up to 32 GB
Audio (Optional)
• High performance HD Audio CODEC
• 24-bit resolution with up to 192 KHz sample rates
• Supports Jack Retasking and Universal Jacks™
• +5V Analog Power Supply
• High performance HD Audio CODEC
• Eight Channel (4 DAC pairs a nd 2 stereo ADCs) with 24-bit resolustion
• Sample Rates Up to 192 KHz
• +5V Analog Power Supply
Introducing the Motherboard
Onboard LAN (Optional)
The onboard LAN provides the following features:
• Integrated Gigabit Ethernet Controller for PCI ExpressTM Applications
• Integrated 10/100/1000 transceiver
• Wake-on-LAN and remote wake-up support
Expansion Options
The motherboard comes with the following expansion options:
• One PCI Express x16 for Graphics Interface
• One PCI Express x1 slots
• Three 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 ESATA port (optional)
• Four USB ports
• One LAN port (optional)
• Audio jacks for microphone, line-in and 6/8-channel (optional) line-out
3
BIOS Firmware
The motherboard uses Award 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.
Some hardware specifications and software items are subject to change
without prior notice.
Introducing the Motherboard
4
Motherboard Components
Introducing the Motherboard
Table of Motherboard Components
T
T
V
5
LABEL COMPONENTS
1.CPU Socket
2.CPU_FAN
3.PWR_FAN*
4.DDR2_1~4
5.ATX_POWER
6.IDE
7.SATA1~4
8.SPK
9.LPT
10.USBPWR_F
11.F_PANEL
12.F_USB1~2
13.TPM*
14.IRDA*
15.FDD
16.COM2
17.SPDIFO
18.CD_IN
19.F_AUDIO
20.WOL*
21.PCI1~3
22.PCIE
23.CLR_CMOS
24.PCIEX16
25.W-USB*
26.SYS_FAN
27.USBPWR_R
28.ATX12
Socket for AMD Phenom
64 X2 Dual-Core/Althlon
CPU cooling fan connector
Power Fan connector
240-pin DDR2 SDRAM slots
Standard 24-pin ATX power connector
Primary IDE connector
Serial ATA connectors
Speaker header
Onboard Parallel Port header
Front USB Power Select jumper
Front panel switch/LED header
Front Panel USB headers
TPM Module header
Infrared header
Floppy disk drive connector
Onboard serial port header
SPDIF out header
Analog audio input connector
Front panel audio header
Wake On LAN Connector
32-bit add-on card slots
PCI Express x1 slot
Clear CMOS jumper
PCI Express x16 slot for graphics interface
USB Wireless Card header
System cooling fan connector
Rear USB Power Select jumper
Standard 4-Pin ATX Power connector
TM
processor (socket AM2+)/AMD Athlon
M
64/Sempron
M
processors
TM
* Stands for optional components
This concludes Chapter 1. The next chapter explains how to install the motherboard.
Introducing the Motherboard
6
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 ATX system case. First, 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 drives and
one enhanced IDE drives. 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 ATX form factor of 305 X 210 mm. Choose a case that
accommodates this form factor.
7
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
8
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 Setting (default)
1-2: NORMAL
CLR_CMOS
3-pin CLEAR CMOS
2-3: CLEAR
Before clearing the
CMOS, make sure to
turn the system off.
1
CLR_CMOS
9
USBPWR_R
USBPWR_F
To avoid the system instability after clearing CMOS, we recommend
1.
users to enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Optimized Defaults” and then “Save & Exit Setup”.
Make sure the power supply provides enough VCC5_DUAL voltage
2.
before selecting the VCC5_DUAL 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.
3-pin
3-pin
USB Power
Select Jumper
USB Power
Select Jumper
1-2: VCC5
2-3: VCC5_DUAL
1-2: VCC5
2-3: VCC5_DUAL
Installing the Motherboard
1
USBPWR_R
1
USBPWR_F
10
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 power cooling fan connector to PWR_FAN (optional).
3 Connect the system cooling fan connector to SYS_FAN.
4 Connect the case speaker cable to SPK.
5 Connect the standard power supply connector to ATX_POWER.
6 Connect the auxiliary case power supply connector to ATX12V.
7 Connect the case switches and indicator LEDs to the F_PANEL.
Connecting 20/24-pin power cable
Users please note that the 20-pin and 24-pin power cables can both be
connected to the ATX_POWER connector. With the 20-pin power cable,
just align the 20-pin power cable with the pin 1 of the ATX_POWER
connector. However, using 20-pin power cable may cause the system to
become unbootable or unstable because of insufficient electricity. A minimum power of 300W is recommended for a fully-configured system.
With ATX v1.x power supply, users please
note that when installing 20-pin power
cable, the latche of power cable clings to
the left side of the ATX_POWER connector latch, just as the picture shows.
20-pin power cable
With ATX v2.x power supply, users please
note that when installing 24-pin power
cable, the latches of power cable clings to
the right side of the ATX_POWER connector latch.
24-pin power cable
Installing the Motherboard
CPU_FAN: CPU Cooling F AN Power Connector
11
Pin Signal Name
1 Ground 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.
Function
PWR_FAN (optional)/SYS_F AN: Cooling FAN Power Connectors
Pin Signal Name Function
1 GND System Ground
2 +12V Power +12V
3 Sense Sensor
SPK: Internal speaker
Pin Signal Name
1 VCC
2 Key
3 GND
4 Signal
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 COM 15 COM
4 +5V 16 PS_ON
5 COM 17 COM
6 +5V 18 COM
7 COM 19 COM
8 PWR OK 20 -5V
9 5VSB 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V 23 +5V
12 +3.3V 24 COM
ATX12V : A TX 12V Power Connector
Pin Signal Name
1 Ground
2 Ground
3 +12V
4 +12V
Installing the Motherboard
12
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
Pin Signal Name Function Pin Signal Name Function
1 HD_LED_P Hard disk LED(+) 2 FP PWR/SLP *MSG 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)
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.
4 FP PWR/SLP *MSG LED(-)
6 PWR_SW_N Power Switch(-)
8 PWR_SW_P Power Switch(+)
10 Key No pin
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.
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.
Installing the Motherboard
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 these settings by changing
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: 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.
13
This motherboard has a socket AM2+/AM2 processor socket. When choosing a
processor, consider the performance requirements of the system. Performance is
based on the processor design, the clock speed and system bus frequency of the
processor, and the quantity of internal cache memory and external cache memory.
Installing the Motherboard
14
CPU Installation Procedure
The following illustration shows CPU installation components.
1 Install your CPU. Pull up the lever away from the
socket and lift up to 90-degree angle.
2 Locate the CPU cut edge (the corner with the
pin hold noticeably missing). Align and insert
the CPU correctly.
3 Press the lever down and apply thermal grease
on top of the CPU.
4 Put the CPU Fan down on the retention module
and snap the four retention legs of the cooling
fan into place.
5 Flip the levers over to lock the heat sink in place
and connect the CPU cooling Fan power cable
to the CPUFAN connector. This completes the
installation.
To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that you
use a high quality fan with 4800 rpm at least. CPU fan and heatsink
installation procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan/heatsink supplied. The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary.
Installing Memory Modules
This motherboard accommodates four 240-pin unbuffered DIMMs and supports
DDR2 800 /667/533/400 DDR2 SDRAM. You must install at least one module in any
of the four slots. Each module can be installed with 8 GB of memory; the total
memory capacity is 32 GB.
DDR2 SDRAM memory module table
Memory module Memory Bus
DDR2 400 200 MHz
DDR2 533 266 MHz
DDR2 667 333 MHz
DDR2 800 400 MHz
You must install at least one module in any of the two or four slots. Each module can
be installed with 8 GB of memory.
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.
Installing the Motherboard
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.
15
For best performance and compatibility, we recommend that users
install DIMMs in the sequence of DIMM3, DIMM4, DIMM1 and
DIMM2.
Recommend configuration for best performance and compatibility
Numb e r o f DIMMs DIM M 1 DIMM 2 DIMM 3 DIMM 4 AM2 AM2+ *
1
2
3
4
Single Channel
Dual Channel
Single Channel
Dual Channel
Unganged Mode
Ganged Mode
Unganged Mode
Ganged Mode
* When Unganged Mode is disabled
: operation with normal performance
: operation with the best performance
Installing the Motherboard
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