ECS NFORCE6M-A User Manual

Preface

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

Version 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

Declaration of Conformity

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

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

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

Canadian Department of Communications

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

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

About the Manual

The manual consists of the following:

Chapter 1 Introducing the Motherboard

Chapter 2 Installing the Motherboard

Chapter 3 Using BIOS

Chapter 4 Using the Motherboard Software

Chapter 5 Setting Up NVIDIA RAID Configuration

Describes features of the motherboard.

Go to

Describes installation of motherboard components.

Go to

Provides information on using the BIOS Setup Utility.

Go to

Describes the motherboard software

Go to

Provides information about SAT A RAID Setup

Go to

page 1

page 7

page 27

page 49

page 55

Preface

ABLE OF CONTENTSABLE OF CONTENTS

ABLE OF CONTENTS

ABLE OF CONTENTSABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface i

iii

Chapter 1

Introducing the Motherboard 1

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

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

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

Chapter 2

Installing the Motherboard 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

(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

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

Motherboard Components

Introducing the Motherboard

Table of Motherboard Components

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

processor (socket AM2+)/AMD Athlon

64/Sempron

processors

* Stands for optional components

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

Introducing the Motherboard

Memo

Introducing the Motherboard

Chapter 2

Installing the Motherboard

Safety Precautions

• Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard

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

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

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

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

Choosing a Computer Case

There are many types of computer cases on the market. The motherboard complies with the specifications for the 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.

Installing the Motherboard in a Case

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

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

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

Installing the Motherboard

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

Checking Jumper Settings

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

Setting Jumpers

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

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

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

SHORT OPEN

Installing the Motherboard

Checking Jumper Settings

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

Jumper Settings

Jumper Type Description 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.

CLR_CMOS

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.

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

USB Power Select Jumper

1-2: VCC5 2-3: VCC5_DUAL

Installing the Motherboard

USBPWR_R

USBPWR_F

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Typ e Size Vendor Module Name

DDR 2 40 0 512 MB

DDR 2 53 3

DDR 2 66 7

SAMSUNG K4T51083QB-GCC C

TwinMos K4T51083QB-GCCC A-DATA M2GXX2F3H4140A1B0E AENEON AET93F370A98Z

AENEON AET94F370A98U CORSAIR K4T510830B-GCD5 CORSAIR 4PB11D9CHM

512MB

512 MB

1 GB

ELPIDA E2508AA-DF-E Kingmax HY5PS121621FP-C4 Kingston HYB18T512800AF37 Kingston HY5PS12821 Kingston NT5TU64M8AE-37B

PQI PQB2648D38R

PQI PQC2648S3 SAMSUNG K4T51083QB-GCD5 SAMSUNG K4T56083QF

TwinMOS 8D22JB-HX

APACER E5108AB-5C-E

1GB

GEIL A016E2864T2AG8AKT5H120001 Hynix HY5P512821 F-C4

Infineon HY818T512800AF3733344539 Kingmax KKEA88E4AAKKG-37 Kingston NANYA NT5TU64MBAE-

PQI PQB2648D38R

SAMSUNG K4T51083QC

A-DATA AD29608A88-3EG A-DATA Eipida E5108AE-6E-E

CORSAIR VALUESELECT 32M8CEC CORSAIR 64M8CFEPS1000545

GEIL GL2L64MO88BA19W GEIL GL2L64M088BA30AW

PQI E5108AE-6E-E SAMSUNG K4T51083QC SAMSUNG K4T56083QF-ZCE6 Transcend HYB18T512 800AF3S Transcend K4T5108AE-6E-E Transcend K4T51083QC

APACER AM4B5708GEWS7E-0637F APACER AM4B5708GQJS7E0631F

Infineon HYB18T512800AF3S

Kingston D6408TE8EWL3 SAMSUNG K4T51083QC Transcend D6408TE8EWL3

TwinMOS TMM6208G8M30A

Installing the Motherboard

Type Size Vendor Mo dule Name

DD R2 800

A-DATA E2508AB-GE-E 512M B Kingmax NT5TU64M8BE-25C

APACER AM4B5708BPJS8E0634E

CORSAIR CM2X1024-6400

Kingbox EPD264082200-3P

1GB

Kingston K4T510830C

Kintell KTL5PS12821B FP-S5

Transcend HY5PS12821AFP-S5

Installing the Motherboard

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

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

About IDE Devices

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

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

IDE: IDE Connector

This motherboard supports two or four high data transfer SATA ports with each runs up to 1.5/3.0 Gb/s. To get better system performance, we recommend users connect the CD-ROM to the IDE channel, and set up the hard drives on the SATA ports.

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

About SAT A Connectors

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

Installing Serial A T A Hard Drives

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

SATA cable (optional)

SATA power cable (optional)

Installing the Motherboard

Refer to the illustration below for proper installation:

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

other end to the power supply.

This motherboard supports the

“Hot-Plug“ function.

Installing a Floppy Diskette Drive

The motherboard has a floppy diskette drive (FDD) interface and ships with a diskette drive ribbon cable that supports one or two floppy diskette drives. You can install a 5.25-inch drive and a 3.5-inch drive with various capacities. The floppy diskette drive cable has one type of connector for a 5.25-inch drive and another type of connector for a 3.5-inch drive.

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

FDD: Floppy Disk Connector

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

Installing the Motherboard

Installing Add-on Cards

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

PCIEX16 Slot The PCI Express x16 slot is used to install an external PCI Express

PCIE Slot The PCI Express x1 slot is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base

PCI1~3 Slots

graphics card that is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Specification revision 1.1.

Specification revision 1.1 as well.

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

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

Installing the Motherboard

Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:

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

slot you are going to use.

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

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

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

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

Installing the Motherboard

Connecting Optional Devices

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

F_AUDIO: Front Panel Audio header (Optional)

This header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented microphone and 6/8channel (optional) line-out ports for easier access.

Pin Signal Name

Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name

1 PORT 1L 2 AUD_GND

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

7 SENSE_SEND 8 KEY

9 PORT 2L 10 SENSE2_RETURN

SAT A1~4: Serial A T A connectors

These connectors are used to support the new Serial ATA devices for the highest date transfer rates (1.5/3.0 Gb/s), simpler disk drive cabling and easier PC assembly. It eliminates limitations of the current Parallel ATA interface. But maintains register compatibility and software compatibility with Parallel ATA.

Pin Signal Name

1 Ground 2 TX+

3 TX- 4 Ground

5 RX- 6 RX+ 7 Ground - -

Pin Signal Name

Installing the Motherboard

F_USB1~2: Front Panel USB headers

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

Pin Signal Name

Function

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

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

8 GND Ground 9 Key No pin 10 NC Not connected

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

IRDA: Infrared port (Optional)

The motherboard supports an Infrared (IRDA) data port. Infrared ports allow the wireless exchange of information between your computer and similarly equipped devices such as printers, laptops, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and other computers.

Pin Signal Name

Pin Signal Name Function

1 Not assigned Not assigned 2 KEY No pin

3 +5V IR Power

4 GND Ground

5 IRTX IrDA serial output

6 IRRX IrDA serial input

Function

CD_IN: Analog Audio Input header

Pin Signal Name

1 CD_Right CD In right channel

2 CD_GND Ground

3 CD_GND Ground 4 CD _Left CD In left channel

Function

Installing the Motherboard

TPM: TPM Module Header (Optional)

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a published specification detailing a microcontroller that can store secured information, and implementations of that specification.

Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name

1 TPM_CLK 11 LAD0

2 GND 12 GND 3 LFRAME# 13 RESERVE0

4 KEY 14 RESERVE1

5 LREST# 15 VCC3_DUAL 6 VCC5 16 SERIRQ

7 LAD3 17 GND

8 LAD2 18 CLKRUN#

9 VCC3 19 LPCPD#

10 LAD1 20 RESERVE2

W-USB: USB Wireless Card Header (Optional)

This is a header that will preserve the functionality of wired USB while also unwiring the cable connection and providing enhanced support for streaming media CE devices and peripherals.

Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name

1 USB Power 7 GND

2 USB Power 8 GND 3 USBPA- 9 KEY

4 USBPB- 10 USBOC#

5 USBPA+ 11 PME#

6 USBPB+ 12 VCC3_DUAL

SPDIFO: SPDIF out header

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

Pin Signal Name Function

1 SPDIF SPDIF digital output

2 +5VA 5V analog Power

3 Key No pin

4 GND Ground

Installing the Motherboard

LPT : Onboard p arallel port header

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

Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name

1 STROBE 14 ALF

2 PD0 15 ERROR 3 PD1 16 INIT

4 PD2 17 SLCTIN

5 PD3 18 Ground

6 PD4 19 Ground 7 PD5 20 Ground

8 PD6 21 Ground 9 PD7 22 Ground

10 ACK 23 Ground 11 BUSK 24 Ground

12 PE 25 Ground 13 SLCT 26 Key

COM2: Onboard serial port header

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

Pin Signal Name Function

1 DCDB Data carry detect

2 NSINB Serial Data In 3 NSOUTB Serial Data Out

4 DTRB Data terminal ready

5 GND Ground 6 DSRB Date set ready 7 RTSB Request to send

8 CTSB Clear to send 9 RI Ring Indicator 10 Key No pin

WOL: Wake On LAN connector (Optional)

If you have installed a LAN card, use the cable provided with the card to plug into the WOL1 connector onboard. This enables the Wake On LAN (WOL) feature. When your system is in a power-saving mode, any LAN signal automatically resumes the system. You must enable this item using the Power Management page of the Setup Utility in the BIOS. See Chapter 3 for more information.

Pin Signal Name Function

1 5VSB +5V stand by power

2 GND Ground

3 Wake_up Wake up signal (low active)

Installing the Motherboard

Connecting I/O Devices

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

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

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

ESATA Port Use this port to connect to an external SATA box or a (Optional) Serial ATA portmultiplier.

Serial Port Use the COM port to connect serial devices such as mice or (COM1) fax/modems. COM1 is identified by the system as COM1.

LAN Port Connect an RJ-45 jack to the LAN port to connect your (Optional) computer to the Network.

USB Ports Use the USB ports to connect USB devices.

Audio Ports (Optional)

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

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

This motherboard may adopt 8-channel audio ports that correspond to the A,B, C, and E port respectively. In addition, all of the 3 ports, B, C, and E provide users with both right & left channels individually. Users please refer to the following note for specific port function definition.

A: Center & Woofer D: Line-in B: Back Surround E: Front Out C: Side Surround F: Mic_in Rear

The above port definition can be changed to audio input or audio output by changing the driver utility setting.

Installing the Motherboard

Chapter 3

Using BIOS

About the Setup Utility

The computer uses the latest Award BIOS with support for Windows Plug and Play. The CMOS chip on the motherboard contains the ROM setup instructions for configuring the motherboard BIOS.

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

The BIOS Setup Utility enables you to configure:

• Hard drives, diskette drives and peripherals

• Video display type and display options

• Password protection from unauthorized use

• Power Management features

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

This chapter provides explanations for Setup Utility options.

The Standard Configuration

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

This Setup Utility should be used:

• when changing the system configuration

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

• when trying to resolve IRQ conflicts

• when making changes to the Power Management configuration

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

Entering the Setup Utility

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

Using BIOS

Press DEL to enter SETUP

Pressing the delete key accesses the BIOS Setup Utility:

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility:

Standard CMOS Features



Advanced BIOS Features



Advanced Chipset Features



Integrated Peripherals



Power Management Setup



PnP/PCI Configurations



PC Health Status



Esc: Quit F10: Save & Exit Setup

Time, Date, Hard Disk Type...

Load Fail-Safe Defaults Load optimized Defaults Set Supervisor Password Set User Password Save & Exit Setup

Exit Without Saving



: Select Item

BIOS Navigation Keys

The BIOS navigation keys are listed below:

KEY FUNCTION







Enter

+/-/PU/PD

ESC

F1 F5

F7 F6

F10

Move Select Value Exits the current menu General Help Previous Values Optimized Defaults Fail-Safe Defaults Save

Using BIOS

Updating the BIOS

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

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

allow BIOS flashing.

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

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

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

information on creating a bootable system disk.)

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

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

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

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

6 At the A:\ prompt, type the Flash Utility program name and press <En-

ter>.

7 Type the filename of the new BIOS in the “File Name to Program” text

box. Follow the onscreen directions to update the motherboard BIOS.

8 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.

Using BIOS

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

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

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

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



.



) lead to submenus that enable you to change



Using BIOS

Standard CMOS Features

This option displays basic information about your system.

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Date (mm:dd:yy) Wed, Jan.1 2006 Time (hh:mm:ss) 0 : 54 : 28



IDE Channel 0 Master [PIONEER DVD-ROM DVD]



IDE Channel 0 Slave [None]



IDE Channel 2 Master [WDC WD1600JS-22MHB0]



IDE Channel 3 Master [None]



IDE Channel 4 Master [None]



IDE Channel 5 Master [None] Drive A [1.44M, 3.5 in.] Video [EGA/VGA]

Halt On Setting [All, But Keyboard]

Base Memory 640K Extended Memory 523264K Tot al Memory 524288K

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



F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

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.

Standard CMOS Features

Item Help

Menu Level

Change the day, month, year and century



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:

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

IDE HDD Auto-Detection [Press Enter] IDE Channel 0 Master [Auto]

Access Mode [Auto]

Capacity 80 GB Cylinder 38309

Head 16 Precomp 0 Landing Zone 38308 Sector 255

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



F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

IDE Channel 0 Master

Item Help

Menu Level

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



Using BIOS

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.

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 the line that lists LBA for an LBA drive.

IDE Channel 0/2/3/4/5 Master & IDE Channel 0 Slave

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.

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 (Auto)

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 (1.44M, 3.5 in.)

This item defines the characteristics of any diskette drive attached to the system.

Video (EGA/VGA)

This item defines the video mode of the system. The 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 changes to these fields.

Using BIOS

Advanced BIOS Features

This option defines advanced information about your system.

CPU Feature [Press Enter]

  Removable Device Priority

Hard Disk Boot Priority



Network Boot Priority



CPU Internal Cache [Enabled] External Cache [Enabled] Quick Power On Self Test [Enabled] First Boot Device [Removable] Second Boot Device [Hard Disk] Third Boo t De vice [CDROM] Boot Other Device [Enabled] Boot Up Floppy Seek [Disabled] Boot Up NumLock Status [On] Gate A20 Option [Fast] Typematic Rate Setting [Disabled]

Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) 6

Typematic Delay (Msec) 250

Security Option [Setup]



 CPU Feature (Press Enter)

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

Virtualization [Enabled\Disbled] AMD K8 Cool&Quiet control [Auto]

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced BIOS Features

[Press Enter]

[Press Enter]  CD-ROM Boot Priority

[Press

Enter]

Item Help



Menu Level

Select Removable Boot Device Priority



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

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

CPU Feature

Item Help

Menu Level







Virtualization (Enabled\Disabled)

Hardware Virtualization Technology enables processor feature for running multiplesimultaneous Virtual Machines allowing specialized software applications to run in fullisolation of each other.

AMD K8 Cool&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.

Press <Esc> to return to Advanced BIOS Features page.

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

F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Using BIOS

Removable Device Priority (Press Enter)



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

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Removable Device Priority

1. Floppy Disks

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



F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Item Help

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.

Press <Esc> to return to Advanced BIOS Features page.

 Hard Disk Boot Priority (Press Enter)

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

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

1. Ch2 M : WDC WD1600JS-22MHB0

2. Bootable Add-in Cards

Hard Disk Boot Priority

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.

Menu Level





Press <Esc> to return to Advanced BIOS Features page.

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

F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Using BIOS

 CD-ROM Boot Priority (Press Enter)

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

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

CD-ROM Boot Priority

1. Ch0 M. : PIONEER DVD-ROM DVD-126P

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



F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

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.



Press <Esc> to return to Advanced BIOS Features page.

 Network Boot Prioritiy (Press Enter)

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

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

1. Network 0: NVIDIA Boot Agent 227.0524

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



F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Network Boot Priority

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.



CPU Internal Cache (Enabled)

All processors that can be installed in this motherboard use internal level 1 (L1) cache memory to improve performance. Leave this item at the default value for better performance.

External Cache (Enabled)

Most processors that can be installed in this system use external level 2 (L2) cache memory to improve performance. Leave this item at the default value for better performance.

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.

Using BIOS

Boot Other Device (Enabled)

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

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 diskette 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.

Gate A20 Option (Fast)

This item defines how the sytem handles legacy software that was written for an earlier generation of processors. Leave this item at the default value.

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.

MPS Version Control For OS (1.4)

This item displays MPS version control for OS.

OS Select For DRAM > 64 MB (Non-OS2)

This item is only required if you have installed more than 64 MB of memory and you are running the OS/2 operating system. Otherwise, leave this item at the default.

Small Logo (EPA) Show (Disabled)

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

ATA 66/100 IDE Cable Msg. (Enabled)

This item enables or disables the display of the ATA 66/100 Cable MSG.

Using BIOS

Advanced Chipset Features

These items define critical timing parameters of the motherboard. 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, you may introduce fatal errors or recurring instability into your system.

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced Chipset Features

CPU Frequency [200 .0 ] K8<->NB HT Speed [Auto] K8<->NB HT Width [Auto] DRAM Configuration [Press Enter]



PCIE Spread Spectrum [Disabled] SAT A Spread S pectrum [Disabled] HT Spread Spectrum [Disabled] PCIE Clock [100Mhz] SSE/SSE2 Instructions [Enabled] System BIOS Cacheable [Disabled]

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



F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Item Help

Menu Level



CPU Frequency (200.0)

This item enables users to manually over-clock the CPU frequency, ranging from

200.0 to 300.0.

K8 <-> NB HT Speed (Auto)

This item enables users to set the speed of HyperTransport between the CPU and Northbridge.

K8 <-> NB HT Width (Auto )

This item enables users to set the HyperTransport width between CPU and the Northbridge.

Using BIOS

DRAM Configuration

 (Press Enter)

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

Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

DRAM Configuration

Timing Mode [Auto]

Memclock index value or Limi DDR2 400

SPD Checksum Restart [Ignore] DCTs mode [Ganged] CKE base power down mode [Disabled] CKE based powerdown [Per channel] Memclock tri-string [Disabled] Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled] Auto Optimize Bottom IO [Enabled]

Bottom of [31:24] IO space E0

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



F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Item Help

Menu Level



Timing Mode (Auto)

This item allows you to set up the DRAM timing nanually or automatically.

Memory Clock value or Limi (DDR2 400)

When DDR2 Timing Setting by is set to Manual, use this item to set the DRAM frequency.

SPD Checksum Restart (Ignore)

This item enables or disables SPD Checksum Restart function. when set to exit, it will exit current node initialization if there is any DIMM SPD checksum error; when set to ignore, it will ignore the faulty SPD checksums.

DCTs mode (Ganged)

This item is used to select the DCTs mode (DRAM Controllers mode). when set to Ganged, it will behave as a single dual channel DCT; when set to Unganged, it will

behave as two single channel DCTs.

CKE base power down mode (Enabled)

When in power down mode, if all pages of the DRAMs associated with a CKE pin are closed, then these parts are placed in power down mode. Only pre-charge power down mode is supported, not active power down mode.

CKE based powerdown (Per Channel)

The DRAM channel is placed in power down when all chip selects associated with the channel are idle.

Memclock tri-stating (Disabled)

This item enables or disables memclock tri-stating function.

Using BIOS

Memory Hole Remapping (Enabled)

This item allows users to enable or disable memory hole remapping.

Auto Optimize Bottom IO (Enabled)

This item is used to set the Auto Optimized Bottom IO.

Bottom of [31:24] IO space (E0)

This item is used to select the memory that will be remapped higher than 00E0.

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

PCIE Spread Spectrum (Disabled)

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

SATA Spread Spectrum (Disabled)

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

HT Spread Spectrum (Disabled)

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

PCIE Clock (100Mhz)

This item is used to set the frequency of PCIE clock.

SSE/SSE2 Instructions (Enabled)

This item enables or disables SSE/SSE2 instructions.

System BIOS Cacheable (Disabled)

This item enables users to enable or disable the system BIOS cache.

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

Using BIOS

Integrated Peripherals

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

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility



IDE Function Setup [Press Enter]



RAID Config [Press Enter] Onboard Device Setup [Press Enter]



Super IO Device [Press Enter]



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



F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults



IDE Function Setup (Press Enter)

Integrated Peripherals

Menu Level

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

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

OnChip IDE Channel 0 [Enabled] Primary Master PIO [Auto] Primary Slave PIO [Auto] Primary Master UDMA [Auto] Primary Slave UDMA [Auto] Secondary Master UDMA [Auto] Secondary Slave UDMA [Auto] IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled] Serial-AT A Controller [All Enabled] IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled] IDE HDD Block Mode [Enabled]

IDE Function Setup

Menu Level

Item Help



Item Help



On-Chip IDE Channel 0 (Enabled)

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

Primary 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.

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



F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Using BIOS

Primary /Secondary Master/Slave UDMA (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 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.

Serial-ATA Controller (All Enabled)

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

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.

IDE HDD Block Mode (Enabled)

Enables 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.



RAID Config (Press Enter)

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

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

RAID Enable [Disabled]

SAT A 1 Primary RAID Disabled

SAT A 1 Secondary RAID Disabled

SAT A 2 Primary RAID Disabled

SAT A 2 Secondary RAID Disabled

RAID Configuration

Item Help

Menu Level





RAID Enable (Disabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the onboard RAID function of RAID function of RAID supporting devices.

•SATA 1/2 Primary/Secondary RAID (Disabled)

These four items enable or disable SATA 1/2 Primary/ Secondary RAID.

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

F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Using BIOS

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



Onboard Device Setup (Press Enter)

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

Onchip USB [V1.1 + V2.0] USB Keyboard Support [Enabled] USB Mouse Support [Enabled] HD Audio [Auto] Onboard PCIE Lan device [Enabled] Onboard PCIE Lan Boot ROM [Disabled]



Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

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

F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Onboard Device Setup

Item Help

Menu Level



Onchip USB (V1.1+V2.0)

This item enables users to enable or disable the onchip USB function, setting it to be USB1.1 or USB2.0 compatible.

USB Keyboard Support (Enabled)

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

USB Mouse Support (Enabled)

Enable 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.

HD Audio(Auto)

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

Onboard PCIE Lan device (Enabled)

Enables or disables the Onboard PCIE Lan device.

Onboard PCIE Lan Boot ROM (Disabled)

This item enables or disables onboard PCIE LAN Boot ROM. Press <Esc> to return to the Integrated Peripherals page.

Using BIOS



SuperIO Device (Press Enter)

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

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Super IO Device

Onboard FDC Controller [Enabled] Onboard Serial Port 1 [3F8/IRQ4] Onboard Serial Port 2 [2F8/IRQ3] Onboard Parellel Port [378/IRQ7] Parallel Port Mode [ECP+EPP] EPP Mode Select [EPP1.7]

ECP Mode Use DMA [3 ]

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



F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Item Help

Menu Level



Onboard FDC Controller (Enabled)

This option enables the onboard floppy disk drive controller.

Onboard Serial Port 1/2 (3F8/IRQ4/2F8/IRQ3)

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

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+EPP)

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.

EPP Mode Select (EPP1.7)

This field allows the user to select the EPP mode for parallel port mode. Options: EPP 1.9, EPP 1.7

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.

Using BIOS

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-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

ACPI Suspend Type [S1&S3] Soft-Off by PBTN [Instant-Off] HPET Support [Enabled] HPET Mode [32-bit mode] Resume By PCI PME [Enabled] Resume By PCI-E PME [Enabled] Resume By WOM/RING [Disabled] Resume By USB (S3) [Disabled] Resume By PS2 Device [Disabled]

Hot Key Power ON Ctrl-F1

Power-On by Alarm [Disabled]

X Day of Month Alarm 0

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

Power on After Power Fial [Off]

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



F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

ACPI Suspend Type (S1&S3)

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

Soft-Off by PBTN (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.

HPET Support (Disabled)

This item enables or disables HPET support.

HPET Mode (32-bit mode)

Use this item to set the HPET (Hign Precision Event Timer) mode. There are two options: 32-bit mode or 64-bit mode.

Power Management Setup

Item Help

Menu Level



Using BIOS

Resume by PCI PME (Disabled)

This system can be turned off with a software command. If you enable this item, the system can automatically resume if there is an incoming call on the PCI Modem card or PCI LAN card. You must use an ATX power supply inorder to use this feature. Use this item to do wake-up action if inserting the PCI card.

Resume by PCI-E PME (Disabled)

This system can be turned off with a software command. If you enable this item, the system can automatically resume if there is an incoming call on the PCI Express card. You must use an ATX power supply inorder to use this feature. Use this item to do wake-up action if inserting the PCI Express card.

Resume by WOM/Ring (Disabled)

An input signal on the serial Ring indicator (RI) line (in other words, and incoming call on the modem)/LAN awakens the system from a soft off state.

Resume By USB (S3)(Disabled)

This item allows users to enable or disable the USB device Walk-up from S3 mode.

Resume By PS2 Device (S3) (Disabled)

These items enable or disable you to allow mouse or keyboard activity to awaken the system from power saving mode.

Hot Key Power ON (Ctrl+F1)

Use this item to allocate the hot key to wake up the system.

Power-On by Alarm (Disabled)

This item allows users to enable or disable the alarm to wake up the system. If set to Enabled, users can specify the specific day of month and the exact time to power up the system.

Power On After Power Fail (Off)

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

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

Using BIOS

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:

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

PnP/PCI Configurations

Init Display First [PCI Slot]



IRQ Resources [Press Enter] PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled]

** PCI Express relative items**

Maximum Payload Size [4096]

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



F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Item Help

Menu Level



Init Display First (PCI Slot)

This item allows you to choose the primary display card.

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.

Maximum Payload Size (4096)

This item specifies the maximum payload size for the PCI Express function.

Using BIOS

PC Health Status

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

Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Shutdown T emperature [Disabled] Warning T emperature [Disabled]

System Temperature 29°C CPU Tcontrol 24°C System Fan Speed 0 RPM

CPU Fan Speed 2518 RPM CPU Vcore 1.36V VDIMM 1.79V Vcc 5V 4.72V

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



F5:Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Shutdown Temperature

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

Warning Temperature

Enables you to set the warning temperature 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.

PC Health Status

Item Help

Menu Level



• System Temperature

• CPU Tcontrol

• System Fan Speed

• CPU Fan Speed

• CPU Vcore

• Vdimm

• Vcc 5V

Using BIOS

Load Fail-Safe Defaults

This option opens a dialog box that lets you install fail-safe 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 fail-safe defaults place no great demands on the system and are generally stable. If your system is not functioning correctly, try installing the fail-safe defaults as a first step in getting your system working properly again. If you only want to install fail-safe defaults for a specific option, select and display that option, and then press <F6>.

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>.

User please remain the factory BIOS default setting of “Load Optimized Defaults” When install Operation System onto your system.

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.

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.

Using BIOS

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.

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.

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.

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

Using BIOS

Chapter 4

Using the Motherboard Software

About the Software CD-ROM

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

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

1. your motherboard.

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

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

Auto-installing under Windows 2000/XP/V ista

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

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

The support software CD-ROM disc loads automatically under Windows 2000/XP/ Vista. When you insert the CD-ROM disc in the CD-ROM drive, the autorun feature will automatically bring up the install screen. The screen has three buttons on it, Setup, Browse CD and Exit.

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

Using the Motherboard Software

Setup Tab

Setup

Browse CD

Exit The EXIT button closes the Auto Setup window.

Application Tab

Lists the software utilities that are available on the CD.

Read Me Tab

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

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

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

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

Some software is installed in separate folders for different operating systems, such as Windows 2000/XP/Vista. Always go to the correct folder for the kind of OS you are using.

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

Running Setup

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

1. Click Setup. The installation program begins:

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

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

Using the Motherboard Software

2. Click Next. The following screen appears:

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

mended.

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

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

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

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

Using the Motherboard Software

Method 1. Run Reboot Setup

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

Method 2. Disable UAC (User Account Control)

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

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

programs.

Follow these instructions to Disable Vista UAC function:

1. Go to Control Panel.

Using the Motherboard Software

2. Select Classic View.

3. Set User Account.

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

Using the Motherboard Software

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

install

Manual Installation

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

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

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

Utility Software Reference

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

These software(s) are subject to change at anytime without prior notice.

Please refer to the support CD for available software.

Please go to ECS website to download AMD Cool‘n’QuietTM technology.

This concludes Chapter 4.

Using the Motherboard Software

Chapter 5

Setting Up NVIDIA RAID Configuration

Setting Up a Non-Bootable RAID Array

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

Setting Up the BIOS

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

Figure 2.1 BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Window

Use the arrow keys to select Integrated Peripherals (see Figure 2.1), then press Enter.

The Integrated Peripherals window appears.

Figure 2.2 Integrated Peripherals Window

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

Use the arrow keys to select the RAID Config (see Figure 2.2), then press

Enter. The RAID Config window appears.

Figure 2.3 RAID Config Window

From the RAID Config window, globally enable RAID, then enable the

SATA ports with disks that you want to use for RAID. If RAID is enabled globally but not enabled on the individual SATA port,

disks on that port can only be used for non-RAID applications. In the example in Figure 2.3, three SATA ports are enabled, so the non-

bootable RAID array can include up to 3 SATA disks. If there is a disk Connected to "SATA 2 Secondary", it can not be used for RAID.

Press F10 to save the configuration and exit.

The PC reboots.

Installing the NVIDIA RAID Software Under Windows

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

Start the nForce Setup program to open the NVIDIA Windows nForce

Drivers page.

Figure 2.4 nForce Driver Installation Window

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

2 Select the modules that you want to install.

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

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

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

pleted, be sure to reboot the PC.

After the reboot, initialize the newly created array.

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

Setting Up a Bootable RAID Array

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

Setting Up the BIOS

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

Figure 2.5 BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Screen

Use the arrow keys to select Integrated Peripherals (see Figure 2.5), then press Enter.

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

Use the arrow keys to select the RAID Config (see Figure 2.6).

Press Enter.

Figure 2.6 Integrated Peripherals Screen

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

The RAID Config window appears.

Figure 2.7 RAID Config Screen

From the RAID Config window, globally enable RAID, then enable the SATA

ports with disks that you want to use for RAID. If RAID is enabled globally but not enabled on the individual SATA port,

disks on that port can only be used for non-RAID applications. In the example in Figure 2.7, three SATA ports are enabled, so the non-

bootable RAID array can include up to 3 SATA disks. If there is a disk Connected to "SATA 2 Secondary", it can not be used for RAID.

Press F10 to save the configuration and exit.

The PC reboots.

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

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

Configuring the NVIDIA RAID BIOS

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

Entering the RAID BIOS Setup:

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

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

Press F10.

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

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

2.8).

Figure 2.8 NVIDIA RAID Utility

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

Using the Define a New Array Screen

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

• Selecting the RAID Mode

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

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

• Selecting the Strping Block Size

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

Assigning the Disks

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

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

Tab to the Free Disks section.

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

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

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

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

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

Figure 2.9 illustrates the Define a New Array screen after two disks have been assigned as RAID1 array disks.

Figure 2.9 MediaShield Utility—Array Disks Assigned

Completing the RAID BIOS Setup

After assigning your RAID array disks, press F7.

The Clear disk array prompt appears.

Figure 2.10 Clear Disk Data Prompt

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

Press Y to clear the disk data.

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

Figure 2.11 Array List Window

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

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

The Array Detail screen appears.

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

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

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

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

the RAID setup.

Figure 2.12 Array Detail Screen

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

Installing the RAID Drivers

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

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

Create an F6 install floppy by using the "-x" option, then copy all files in

"…\IDE\WinXP\sataraid" to a floppy disk. (For Windows 2000, substitute "Win2K" in the path.)

After you complete the RAID BIOS setup, boot from the Windows CD.

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

appear.

Figure 2.13 Windows Setup—Specify Devices

Specify the NVIDIA drivers.

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

The following Windows Setup screen appears:

Figure 2.14 Windows Setup—Selected SCSI Adapter

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

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

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

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

The following Windows Setup screen appears listing both drivers:.

Figure 2.15 Windows Setup—NVIDIA drives listed

Press Enter to continue with Windows XP Installation.

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

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

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

Note:

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

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

ECS NFORCE6M-A User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual