ECS P4M800PRO-M2 Manual (V2.0)

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 1.0

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.

MMX, Pentium, Pentium-II, Pentium-III, Pentium-4, Celeron are registered trademarks of
Intel 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 Interference-causing
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

Describes features of the motherboard.

Go to

H

page 1

Chapter 2

Installing the Motherboard

Chapter 3

Using BIOS

Chapter 4

Using the Motherboard Software

Chapter 5

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID

Setup Guide

Describes installation of motherboard
components.

Go to

Provides information on using the BIOS
Setup Utility.

Go to

Describes the motherboard software

Go to

Describes the information about SATA
RAID Setup

Go to

H

H

H

H

page 7

page 27

page 39

page 43

Preface

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Preface i

iii

Chapter 1

Introducing the Motherboard 1

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

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

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

1

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 Connector.................................................................12

Installing Hardware...................................................................................13

Installing the Processor...............................................................13

Installing Memory Modules.........................................................15

Installing a Hard Disk Drive/CD-ROM/SATA Hard Drive........17

Installing a Floppy Diskette Drive...............................................19

Installing Add-on Cards..............................................................20

Connecting Optional Devices......................................................22

Connecting I/O Devices..........................................................................25

7 7

7

7 7

Chapter 3

Using BIOS 27

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

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

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

Updating the BIOS.......................................................................29

Using BIOS................................................................................................29

Standard CMOS Setup.................................................................30

Advanced Setup............................................................................30

Features Setup.............................................................................32

27 27

27

27 27

iv

Power Management Setup...........................................................33

PCI/Plug and Play Setup.............................................................34

BIOS Security Features................................................................35

CPU PnP Setup............................................................................36

Hardware Monitor.......................................................................37

Load Optimal Defaults................................................................38

Save Changes and Exit................................................................38

Discard Changes and Exit...........................................................38

Chapter 4

39 39

39

39 39

Using the Motherboard Software 39

About the Software CD-ROM................................................................39

Auto-installing under Windows 98/ME/2000/XP................................39

Running Setup..............................................................................40

Manual Installation..................................................................................42

Utility Software Reference.......................................................................42

Chapter 5

43 43

43

43 43

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide 43

VIA RAID Configurations.......................................................................43

Installing RAID Software & Drives.......................................................50

Using VIA RAID Tool.............................................................................52

Multi-Language Translation

Chapter 1

Introducing the Motherboard

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the P4M800PRO-M2 motherboard. This motherboard is a high
performance, enhanced function motherboard that supports LGA775 Pentium 4/Celeron
D/Pentium D processors for high-end business or personal desktop markets.

The motherboard incorporates the P4M800PRO Northbridge (NB) and VT8237 Southbridge
(SB) chipsets. The Northbridge supports a Front Side Bus (FSB) frequency of 1066/800/533
MHz FSB and Hyper-Threading technology. The memory controller supports DDR2 memory
DIMM frequencies of 533/400 MHz. It supports two DDR2 Sockets with up to maximum
memory of 2 GB. Aside from the integrated UniChrome Pro 3D/2D Graphics & Video
Controller, one AGP 8X/4X slot provides users with high-performance along with superior
image and video quality.

The VT8237 Southbridge is a highly integrated peripheral controller, it includes an inte­grated keyboard controller with PS2 mouse support, two-channel Serial ATA/RAID hard
disk controller, master mode enhanced Parallel IDE controller with full scatter/gather
capability and extension to UltraDMA-133/100/66 for 133/100/66 MB/sec transfer rate,
integrated USB 2.0 interface, supporting up to eight functional ports, and OnNow/ACPI
compliant advanced configuration and power management interface. The VT8237 inte­grated networking MAC controller with standard MII interface to an external PHY for 100/
10/1Mb Base-T Ethernet.

This motherboard is equipped with advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel, including
PS/2 mouse and keyboard connectors, COM1, LPT1, one VGA port, four USB ports, one
optional LAN port, and audio jacks for microphone, line-in and line out.

1

Introducing the Motherboard

2

Feature

Processor

This motherboard uses an LGA775 type of Pentium 4 that carries the following fea­tures:

• Accommodates Intel Pentium 4/Celeron D/Pentium D processors

• Supports a system bus (FSB) of 1066/ 800/533 MHz

• Supports “Hyper-Threading” technology CPU

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

Chipset

The P4M800PRO Northbridge (NB) and VT8237 Southbridge (SB) chipset is based on
an innovative and scalable architecture with proven reliability and performance.

P4M800PRO
(NB)

• High performance Northbridge with 1066 /800/533 MHz FSB
for Pentium 4/Celeron D/Pentium D processors

• V-Link 533 MB/s high bandwidth North/South Bridge inter­connect

• Integrated UniChrome Pro 3D/2D Graphics & Video Control­ler, Microsoft DirectX 9.0 compatible, OpenGL supported

• Supports for AGP 8X/4X, AGP v3.0 compliant with 1.5V

• Advanced 64-bit DDR2 SDRAM controller

P4M800PRO chipset can only support mixed 1024/512/256/
128/64Mb x8/16 DDR2 SDRAMs

VT8237(SB)

• Supports 16-bit 66 MHz V-Link Host interface with total
bandwidth of 1066 MB/s

• Compliant with PCI 2.2 specification at 33 MHz, supporting
up to 6 PCI masters

• Integrated Serial ATA Host Controllers, supporting data trans­fer rates up to 1.5Gb/s

• Integrated Dual channel UltraDMA 133/100/66 Master Mode
EIDE Controller

• USB 2.0 Controller, supporting up to 8 USB 2.0 ports

• Integrated keyboard Controller with PS2 mouse support

Memory

• Supports DDR2 533/400 DDR SDRAM DIMMs

• Accommodates two unbuffered DIMMs

• Up to 1 GB per DIMM with maximum memory size up to 2 GB

Audio

• Compliant with AC’97 2.3 specification

• 16-bit Stereo full-duplex CODEC with 48KHz sampling rate

• Supports double sampling rate (96KHz) of DVD audio playback

• Direct Sound 3DTM compatible

Introducing the Motherboard

Onboard LAN (Optional)

The onboard LAN controller provides the following features:

• Supports 10 Mb/s and 100 Mb/s N-way Auto-negotiation operation

• Supports Wake-on-LAN function and remote wake-up

• Half/Full Duplex capability

Expansion Options

The motherboard comes with the following expansion options:

• One AGP slot

• Three 32-bit PCI v2.2 compliant slots

• Two 40-pin IDE connectors supporting up to 4 IDE devices

• One floppy disk drive interface

• Two 7-pin SATA connectors

• One Communications Networking Riser(CNR) slot (optional)

This motherboard supports UltraDMA bus mastering with transfer rates of 133/100/66
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 parallel port

• One VGA port

• Four USB ports

• One LAN port (optional)

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

BIOS Firmware

This motherboard uses AMI BIOS that enables users to configure 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.

3

Introducing the Motherboard

4

Motherboard Components

Introducing the Motherboard

Table of Motherboard Components

5

LABEL COMPONENT

1 CPU Socket

2 CPU_FAN CPU cooling fan connector

3 DDRII1~2 240-pin DDR2 SDRAM slots
4 ATX1 Standard 24-pin ATX power connector
5 IDE1 Primary IDE channel

6 IDE2 Secondary IDE channel
7 CLR_CMOS Clear CMOS jumper

8 SATA1~2 Serial ATA connectors

9 PANEL1 Front Panel switch/LED header

LGA775 socket for Pentium 4/Celeron D/

Pentium D processors

10 COM2 * Onboard serial port header

11 IRDA * Infrared header

12 USB3~4 Front Panel USB headers

13 FDD Floppy diskette drive connector

14 CNR1 Communcations Networking Riser slot

15 PCI1~3 32-bit add-on card slots
16 SPDIFO1* SPDIF out header

17 AUX_IN Auxiliary audio input header

18 CD_IN1 Anolog audio input connector

19 AGP1 Accelerated Graphics Port slot

20 AUDIO1 Front panel audio header

21 ATX_12V 4-pin + 12V power connector

22 SYS_FAN System cooling fan connector

* 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 Micro ATX system case. Firstly, some features on the motherboard
are implemented by cabling connectors on the motherboard to indicators and switches on
the system case. Make sure that your case supports all the features required. Secondly, this
motherboard supports one or two floppy diskette drives and four 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 a Micro ATX form factor of 244 x 220 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 overtighten 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

9

Jumper

CLR_CMOS

Type

3-pin

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

Description

Clear CMOS

Setting (default)

1-2: NORMAL

2-3: CMOS CLEAR

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

CLR_CMOS

Installing the Motherboard

1

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 system cooling fan connector to SYS_FAN.
3 Connect the case switches and indicator LEDs to the PANEL1.
4 Connect the standard power supply connector to ATX1.
5 Connect the auxiliary case power supply connector to ATX_12V.

Connecting 20/24-pin power cable

Users please note that the 20-pin and 24-pin power cables can both be con­nected to the ATX1 connector. With the 20-pin power cable, just align the 20­pin power cable with the pin 1 of the ATX1 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 fully­configured system.

With ATX v1.x power supply, users please
note that when installing 20-pin power cable,
the latch of power cable clings to the left

20-pin power cable

24-pin power cable

side of the ATX1 connector latch, just as the
picture shows.

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 ATX1 connector latch.

Installing the Motherboard

CPU_FAN: CPU FAN Power Connector

Pin Signal Name Function

1 GND System Ground
2 +12V Power +12V

3 Sense Sensor

4 PWM CPU FAN control

Users please note that the fan connector supports the CPU cooling
fan of 1.1A~2.2A (26.4W max.) at +12V.

SYS_FAN: System cooling FAN Power Connector

Pin Signal Name Function

1 GND System Ground
2 +12V Power +12V

3 Sense Sensor

ATX_12V: ATX 12V Power Connector

Pin Signal Name

1 Ground

2 Ground
3 +12V

4 +12V

11

ATX1: ATX 24-pin Power Connector

Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name

1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V
2 +3.3V 14 -12V

3 Ground 15 Ground

4 +5V 16 PS_ON

5 Ground 17 Ground

6 +5V 18 Ground
7 Ground 19 Ground

8 PWRGD 20 -5V
9 +5VSB 21 +5V

10 +12V 22 +5V

11 +12V 23 +5V
12 +3.3V 24 Ground

Installing the Motherboard

12

Front Panel Header

The front panel header (PANEL1) provides a standard set of switch and LED header
commonly found on ATX or micro-ATX cases. Refer to the table below for information:

P ANEL1

Pin Signal Function Pin Signal Function

1 HD_LED_P Hard disk LED(+)

3 HD_LED_N Hard disk LED(-)

5 RST_SW_N Reset Switch(-)

7 RST_SW_P Reset Switch(+)

9 RSVD Reserved

* MSG LED (dual color or single color)

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.

2 FP PWR/SLP *MSG LED(+)

4 FP PWR/SLP *MSG LED(-)

6 PWR_SW_P Power Switch(+)

8 PWR_SW_N Power Switch(-)

10 Key No pin

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 momentary-contact
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 momentary­contact 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 de­bounce 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 making changes to
jumpers on the motherboard, or 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 an LGA775 socket. When choosing a processor, consider the perfor­mance requirements of the system. Performance is based on the processor design, the clock
speed and system bus frequency of the processor, and the quantity of internal cache memory
and external cache memory.

Installing the Motherboard

14

CPU Installation Procedure

The following illustration shows CPU installation components.

A Read and follow the instructions shown

on the stricker on the CPU cap.

B. Unload the cap

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

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

C. Open the load plate

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

· Lift up the lever.

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

D. Install the CPU on the socket

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

E. Close the load plate

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

· CPU is locked completely.

F. Apply thermal grease on top of the CPU.

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

H. Make sure the CPU fan is plugged to the
CPU fan connector. Please refer to the CPU
cooling fan user’s manual for more detail
installation procedure.

1. To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that you
use a high quality fan with 3800 rpm at least. CPU fan and heatsink
installation procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan/heatsink sup­plied. The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary.

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

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

Installing the Motherboard

Installing Memory Modules

This motherboard accommodates two memory modules. It can support two 240-pin DDR2
533/400. The total memory support capacity is 2 GB.

DDR2 SDRAM memory module table

Memory module Memory Bus

DDR2 400 200MHz
DDR2 533 266MHz

You must install at least one module in any of the two slots. Each module can be installed
with 256 MB to 1 GB of memory; total support memory capacity is 2 GB.

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

Installation Procedure

Refer to the following to install the memory modules.

1 This motherboard supports unbuffered DDR2 SDRAM .
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

Installing the Motherboard

16

Table B: Supported DDR2 QVL (Qualified Vendor List)

Typ e Size Vendor Module Name

DDR2 400

DDR2 533

256 MB

512 MB

256 MB

512 MB

1 GB

Hynix HYMP532U646-E3 AA

NANYA NT256T64UH4A0F-5A

Samsung M378T3253FG0-CCC

Hynix HYMP564U648-E3 AA

NANYA NT512T64U88A0F-5A

A-DATA M2OHY2F3G3110A1B0Z

Elixir M2U25664TUH4A0F-37B

Infineon HYS64T32000HU-3.7-A

Ramaxel RML1040M28D5F-533

SAMSUNG M378T3253FGO-CD5

AENEON AET660UD00-370A98X

Kingston KVR533D2N4

Samsung M378T6553BGO-CD5

Apacer ELPIDA E5108AB-5C-E

Installing the Motherboard

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

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

About IDE Devices

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

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

IDE1: IDE Connector

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

17

IDE2: Secondary IDE Connector

The second drive on this controller must be set to slave mode. The configuration is the same
as IDE1.

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.

Installing the Motherboard

18

About SATA Connectors

Your motherboard features two SATA connectors supporting a total of two drives. SATA , or
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 ATA 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)

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 does not support the “Hot-Plug” function.

SATA power cable (optional)

Installing the Motherboard

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.

19

Installing the Motherboard

20

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.

AGP1
Slot

PCI 1~3
Slots

CNR1 Slot
(Optional)

The AGP1 slot is used to install a graphics adapter that supports the 8X/4X
AGP specification. It is AGP 3.0 compliant.

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 v2.2 compliant.

This slot is used to insert CNR cards with Modem and Audio functionality.

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.

21

Installing the Motherboard

22

Connecting Optional Devices

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

USB3/4: Front Panel USB header

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 USB_FP_OC0 Overcurrent signal

Installing the Motherboard

AUDIO1: Front Panel Audio header

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

Pin Signal Name Function

1 AUD_MIC Front Panel Microphone input signal
2 AUD_GND Ground used by Analog Audio Circuits
3 AUD_MIC_BIAS Microphone Power

4 AUD_VCC Filtered +5V used by Analog Audio Circuits
5 AUD_F_R Right Channel audio signal to Front Panel
6 AUD_RET_R Right Channel Audio signal to Return from Front Panel
7 REVD Reserved

8 Key No Pin
9 AUD_F_L Left Channel Audio signal to Front Panel
10 AUD_RET_L Left Channel Audio signal to Return from Front Panel

If your front panel cable is separated, please connect it to pin1 and pin3 or
pin5 and pin7 to activate the MIC function.

CD_IN1: Analog Audio Input connector

Pin Signal Name Function

1 CD in_L CD In left channel
2 GND Ground
3 GND Ground
4 CD in_R CD In right channel

23

SPDIFO1: SPDIF out header (Optional)

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

Pin Signal Name

Pin Signal Name Function

1 SPDIF SPDIF digital output

2 +5VA 5V analog power
3 Key No pin

4 GND Ground

Function

AUX_IN: Auxiliary Audio Input header

This connector is an additional line-in audio connector. It allows you to attach a line-in
cable when your rear line-in jack is set as line out port for 4-channel function.

Pin Signal Name Function

1 AUXIN_L AUX In left channel
2 AGND Ground
3 AGND Ground
4 AUXIN_R AUX In right channel

Installing the Motherboard

24

IRDA: Infrared header (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

1 NC

Pin Description

2 Key
3 VCC

4 GND

5 IRTX

6 IRRX

COM2: Onboard serial port header (Optional)

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

Pin Signal Name Function

1 NDCDB Data carry detect
2 NSINB Serial Data In
3 NSOUTB Serial Date Out

4 NDTRB Data terminal ready
5 GND Ground
6 NDSRB Date set ready

7 NRTSB Request to send

8 NCTSB Clear to send
9 NRIB Ring Indicator

10 Key No pin

SATA1~2: Serial ATA connectors

These connectors are use to support the new Serial ATA devices for the highest date transfer
rates (1.5 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

Pin Signal Name Function

1 Ground 2 TX+

3 TX- 4 Ground
5 RX- 6 RX+

7 Ground - -

Pin Signal Name

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.

25

Parallel Port (LPT1) Use LPT1 to connect printers or other parallel communications

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

LAN Port

(optional)

VGA1 Port Connect the monitor cable to the VGA port.

USB Ports Use the USB ports to connect USB devices.

Audio Ports

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

devices.

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

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.

Installing the Motherboard

26

Memo

Installing the Motherboard

Chapter 3

Using BIOS

About the Setup Utility

The computer uses the latest American Megatrends 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.

27

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

28

↔

Press DEL/F1 to enter SETUP

Press the delete key or F1 to access the BIOS Setup Utility.

CMOS Setup Utility -- Copyright (C) 1985-2003, American Megatrends, Inc.

Standard CMOS Setup



Advanced Setup Hardware monitor



Features Setup Load Optimal Defaults



Power Management Setup Save Changes and Exit



PCI / Plug and Play Setup Discard Changes and Exit



BIOS Security Features



: Move

Enter : Select

↔



F1:General Help

Standard CMOS setup for changing time, date, hard disk type, etc.

v02.54 (C)Copyright 1985-2003, American Mega trends, Inc.

+/-/: Value

F9: Optimized Defaults

BIOS Navigation Keys

The BIOS navigation keys are listed below:

KEY FUNCTION

ESC Exits the current menu

< >



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

F1 Displays a screen that describes all key functions

F9 Loads an optimized setting for better performance

F10 Saves the current configuration and exits setup

ESC Exits the current menu

Scrolls through the items on a menu

CPU PnP Setup





F10: Save

ESC: Exit

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 Advanced

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

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

on creating a bootable system disk.)

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

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

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

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

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

new bios and then press <Enter>. Example: AMINF340.EXE 040706.ROM

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

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

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>.

29

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
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 the



Using BIOS

30

Standard CMOS Setup

This option displays basic information about your system.



CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2003, American Megatrends, Inc.

System Time 00: 01: 16

System Date Fri 09/02/2005

Primary IDE Master Not Detected



Primary IDE Slave Not Detected



Secondary IDE Master Not Detected



Secondary IDE Slave CD/DVD ROM



SATA-1 Not Detected
SATA-2 Not Detected



Floppy A 1..44 MB 31/2”
Floppy B Disabled

Standard CMOS Setup

Help Item

Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] TO
select a field.

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

: Move

< >



F1:General Help

Enter : Select

+/-/: Value

F9: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save

ESC: Exit

System 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.

Primary/Secondary IDE Master/Slave, SATA-1~2

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

Floppy A/Floppy B

These items set up size and capacity of the floppy diskette drive(s) installed in the
system.

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

Advanced Setup

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

CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2003, American Megatrends, Inc.

Quick Boot Enabled
1st Boot Device Disabled
2nd Boot Device LITE-ON DVD SOHD­Try Other Boot Device Yes
Bootup num-Luck On
Aperture Size Select 64MB
DRAM timing Auto
Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk Enabled
Spread Spectrum Enabled
Max CPUID Value Limit Disabled

BIOS Protect Disabled

CPU TM function Disabled

Advanced Setup

Help Item

Allows BIOS to skip
certain tests while
booting. This will
decrease the time
needed to boot the
system.

Enter : Select

: Move

< >



+/-/: Value

F9: Optimized DefaultsF1:General Help

F10: Save

ESC: Exit

Using BIOS

Quick Boot (Enabled)

If you enable this item, the system starts up more quickly because of the elimination of
some of the power on test rutines.

1st/2nd Boot Device

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

Try Other Boot Device (Yes)

If you enable this item, the system will also search for other boot devices if it fails to find
an operating system from the first boot device.

BootUp Num-Lock (On)

This item determines if the Num Lock key is active or inactive at system start-up time.

Aperture Size Select (128MB)

This item defines the size of aperture if you use a graphic adapter.

DRAM Timing (Auto)

This item allows you to enable or disable the DRAM timing defined by the Serial Presence
Detect electrical. Users please note that if setting this item to auto, the following two items
are not available.

Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk (Enabled)

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

Spread Spectrum (Enabled)

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

Max CPUID Value Limit (Disabled)

This item enables or disables the Max CPU ID value limit. When Prescott with LGA775
CPU is installed, enable this item to prevent the system from “rebooting” when trying to
install Windows NT4.0.

CPU TM function (Disabled)

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

31

BIOS Protect (Disabled)

This item enables or disables the BIOS protection function.

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

Using BIOS

32

Features Setup

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

CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2003, American Megatrends, Inc.

ACPI Aware O/S Yes
Power Management Enabled
Suspend mode S1
Suspend Time Out Disabled
Resume on RTC Alarm Disabled
Resume on Ring Disabled
Resume on PME# Disabled
Resume on PS/2 Mouse Disabled
Restore on AC/Power Loss Power Off
USB resume from S3 Disabled
PS2 KB resume from S3 Disabled
Wake-Up Key Any Key

< >



F1:General Help

Features Setup

Enter : Select

: Move

+/-/: Value

F9: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save

Help Item

Allow BIOS to Enable or
Disable Floppy Controller.

ESC: Exit

OnBoard Floppy Controller (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the onboard floppy disk drive interface.

Serial Port1/2 Address (3F8/IRQ4/Disabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the onboard COM1 serial port, and to assign a port address.

Parallel Port Address (378)

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

Parallel Port Mode (ECP)

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

ECP Mode DMA Channel (DMA3)

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

Parallel Port IRQ (IRQ7)

Use this item to assign IRQ to the parallel port.

OnBoard PCI IDE Controller (Both)

Use this item to enable or disable either or both of the onboard Primary and Secondary IDE
channels.

OnBoard SATA-IDE (IDE)

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

Using BIOS

Audio Device (Enabled)

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

Modem Device (Auto)

Use this item to enable or disalbe the onboard MC’97 modem device.

Onboard LAN (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the onboard LAN.

Onboard LAN Boot ROM (Disabled)

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

Onboard USB Function (Enabled)

Enable this item if you plan to use the USB ports on this motherboard.

USB Function For DOS (Enabled)

Enable this item if you plan to use the USB ports on this motherboard in a DOS environ­ment.

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

Power Mangement Setup

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

CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2003, American Megatrends, Inc.

OnBoard Floppy Controller Enabled
Serial Port1 Address 3F8/IRQ4
Serial Port2 Address Disabled
Parallel Port Address 378
Parallel Port Mode ECP
ECP Mode DMA Channel DMA3
Parallel Port IRQ IRQ7
OnBoard PCI IDE Controller Both
OnBoard SATA-IDE IDE
Audio Device Enabled
Modem Device Auto
Onboard LAN Enabled
Onboard LAN Boot ROM Disabled
Onboard USB Function Enabled
USB Function For DOS Enabled

Power Management Setup

Help Item

Enable/Disable
ACPI support for
Operating System.

ENABLE: If OS
supports ACPI.

DISABLE: If OS
does not support
ACPI.

33

< >



: Move

F1:General Help

Enter : Select

+/-/: Value

F9: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save

ESC: Exit

ACPI Aware O/S (Yes)

This itme supports ACPI (Advanced Configuraion and Power Management Interface). Use
this item to enable or disable the ACPI feature.

Power Management (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable a power management scheme. If you enable power
management, you can use this item below to set the power management operation. Both
APM and ACPI are supported.

Suspend Time Out (Disabled)

This item sets up the timeout for Suspend mode in minutes. If the time selected passes
without any system activity, the computer will enter power-saving Suspend mode.

Using BIOS

34

Resume on RTC Alarm (Disabled)

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

Resume On Ring (Disabled)

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

Resume On PME# (Disabled)

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

Resume On PS/2 Mouse (Disabled)

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

Restore on AC/Power Loss (Power Off)

This item defines how the system will act after AC power loss during system operation.
When you set to Off, it will keep the system in Off state until the power button is pressed.

USB resume from S3 (Disabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the USB device Wakeup function from S3 mode.

PS2 KB resume from S3 (Disabled)

This item enable or disable you to allow keyboard activity to awaken the system from S3
mode.

Wake-Up Key (Any Key)

When Keyboard Power On is set to Enable, this item is available and users can enter any key,
or hot key on the keyboard or type in the password.

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

PCI / Plug and Play Setup

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

CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2003, American Megatrends, Inc.

CMOS SETUP UTILITY – Copyright (C) 1985-2003, American Megatrends, Inc.

Primary Graphics Adapter PCI
Share Memory Size 32 MB
Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA Yes
PCI IDE BusMaster Enabled

< >



F1:General Help

PCI / Plug and Play Setup

Enter : Select

: Move

PCI / Plug and Play Setup

+/-/: Value

F9: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save

Help Item

Options

PCI
AGP

ESC: Exit

Using BIOS

Primary Graphics Adapter (PCI)

This itme indicates if the primary graphics adapter uses the PCI-E Lite VGA, PCI VGA, or
AGP.

Share Memory Size (32MB)

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

Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA (Yes)

If this item is enabled, an IRQ will be assigned to the PCI VGA graphics system. You set this
value to No to free up an IRQ.

PCI IDE BusMaster (Enabled)

This item enables or disabled the DMA under DOS mode. We recommend you to leave this

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

BIOS Security Features

This page helps you install or change a password.

CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2003, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS Security Features

35

Security Settings
_____________________________________________________

Supervisor Password : Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password Press Enter

: Move

< >



F1:General Help

Enter : Select

+/-/: Value

F9: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save

Help item

Install or Change the
password.

ESC: Exit

Supervisor Password (Not Installed)

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

Change Supervisor Password (Press Enter)

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

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

Using BIOS

36

CPU PnP Setup

This page helps you manually configure the CPU of this motherborad. The system will
automatically detect the type of installed CPU and make the appropriate adjustments to
these items on this page.

CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2003, American Megatrends, Inc.

CPU PnP Setup

Manufacturer: Intel

CPU Over-clocking Func. Disabled

CPU Frequency: 200MHz

DRAM Frequency Auto
Memory Voltage 1.8V
CPU Voltage Nomal

< >



F1:General Help

: Move

Enter : Select

+/-/: Value

F9: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save

Help Item

Options

Disabled

Enabled

ESC: Exit

Manufacturer (Intel)

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

CPU Over-clocking Func. (Disabled)

This item decides the CPU over-clocking function/frequencyinstalled in your system. If the
over-clocking fails, please turn offthe system power. And then, hold the PageUp key
(similar to theClear CMOS function) and turn on the power, the BIOS willrecover the safe
default.

CPU Frequency

This item indicates the current CPU frequency. Users can not make any change to this item.
Please noted that the frequency will be varied with different CPU.

DRAM Frequency (Auto)

This item enables users to adjust the DRAM frequency. The default setting is auto and we
recommend users leave the setting unchanged. Modify it at will may cause the system to be
unstable.

Memory Voltage (1.8V)

This item determines the DDR voltage adjustment.

CPU Voltage (Nomal)

This item enables users to adjust the CPU voltage.

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

Using BIOS

Hardware Monitor

This page helps you set up some parameters for the hardware monitoring function of this
motherboard.

37

CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2003, American Megatrends, Inc.

-=- System Hardware Monitor -=-

SYSTEM Temperature : 39oC/102oF
CPU Temperature : 40oC/104oF
SYSTEM FAN Speed : N/ A
CPU FAN Speed : 2481 RPM
Vcore : 1.312 V
Vdimm : 1.776 V
Vcc3V : 3.216 V
Vcc5V : 4.892 V
SB3V : 3.248 V
VBAT : 3.200 V

Smart Fan Control Disabled
Shutdown Temp. Disabled

< >



F1:General Help

Hardware Monitor

Enter : Select

: Move

+/-/: Value

F9: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save

Help Item

Options

Disabled
Enabled

ESC: Exit

System Hardware Monitor

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

Smart Fan Control (Disabled)

This item enables users to enable or disable smart fan function.

Shutdown Temperature( Disabled)

This item enables users to set the maximum temperature the system can reach before
powering down.

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

Using BIOS

38

Load Optimal Defaults

This option opens a dialog box that lets you install stability-oriendted defaults for all
appropriate items in the Setup Utility. Select [OK] and then press <Enter> to install the
defaults. Select [Cancel] and then press <Enter> to not install the defaults.

Save Changes and Exit

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

Discard Changes and Exit

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

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

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.

Never try to install all software from folfer that is not specified for use with your
motherboard.

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.

Auto-installing under Windows 98/ME/2000/XP

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.

39

The support software CD-ROM disc loads automatically under Windows 98/ME/2000/XP.
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

40

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 98/ME/2000/XP. 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 recommended.

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

41

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

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

Using the Motherboard Software

42

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.

AMI/AWARD Flash Utility

This utility lets you erase the system BIOS stored on a Flash Memory chip on the motherboard,
and lets you copy an updated version of the BIOS to the chip. Proceed with caution when
using this program. If you erase the current BIOS and fail to write a new BIOS, or write a new
BIOS that is incorrect, your system will malfunction. Refer to Chapter 3, Using BIOS for
more information.

WinFlash Utility

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

This concludes Chapter 4.

Using the Motherboard Software

Chapter 5

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

VIA RAID Configurations

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

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

RAID 0 (called data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data
in parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at
a sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access
and storage.

RAID 1 (called data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one
drive to a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software directs all
applications to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other
drive. This RAID configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to
the entire system.

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

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Install the Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks

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

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

• If you are creating a RAID 1 (mirroring) array for protection, you can use two
new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive (the new drive must be
of the same size or larger than the existing drive). If you use two drives of
different sizes, the smaller capacity hard disk will be the base storage size.
For example, one hard disk has an 80 GB storage capacity and the other hard
disk has 60 GB storage capacity, the maximum storage capacity for the RAID

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

1 set is 60 GB.

i Before setting up your new RAID array, verify the status of your hard disks.

Make sure the Master/Slave jumpers are configured properly.

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

40-pin 80-conductor IDE or regular IDE power cables with Serial ATA drives.
Installing Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks require the use of new Serial ATA
cable (4-conductor) which supports the Serial ATA protocol and a Serial ATA
power cable.

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

44

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

or the SATA connector on the motherboard.

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

ATA connector (SATA1).
3 Connect the other end of Serial ATA cable to the master Serial ATA hard disk.
4 Connect one end of the second Serial ATA cable to the motherboard’s sec-

ondary Serial ATA connector (SATA2).
5 Connect the other end of Serial ATA cable to the secondary Serial ATA hard

disk.
6 Connect the Serial ATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.
7 Proceed to section “Entering VIA Tech RAID BIOS Utility” for the next proce-

dure.

Entering VIA Tech RAID BIOS Utility

1 Boot-up your computer.
2 During POST, press <TAB> to enter VIA RAID configuration utility. The follow-

ing menu options will appear.

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

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

F1 View Array

mn

Move to the next item

Enter Confirm the selection

ESC Exit

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

Create Array

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

<Enter> key. The main menu items on the upper-left corner of the screen are
replaced with create array menu options.

RAID 0 for performance

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

RAID system setting pop-up menu appears.

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2 Select RAID 0 for performance from the menu and press <Enter>. From this

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

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

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

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

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

Tip

For server systems, it is recommended to use a lower
array block size. For multimedia computer systems used
mainly for audio and video editing, a higher array block
size is recommended for optimum performance.

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

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

46

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

system. The following confirmation appears:

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

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

RAID 1 for data protection

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

RAID system setting pop-up menu appears.

2 Select RAID 1 for data protection from the menu and press <Enter>. Select

next task from pop-up menu. The task Create only creates the mirrored set

without creating a backup. Create and duplicate creates both mirrored set

and backup.

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

items. From this point, you may choose to auto-configure the RAID array by

selecting Auto Setup for Data Security or manually configure the RAID array

for mirrored sets. If you want to manually configure the RAID array continue

with next step, otherwise, proceed to step #5.
4 Select Select Disk Drives, then press <Enter>. Use arrow keys to select disk

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

before a selected drve.)
5 Select Start Create Process and press <Enter> to setup hard disk for RAID

system. The following confirmation message appears:

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

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

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

Delete Array

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

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

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

mation message appears.

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

Select Boot Array

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

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

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

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

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Serial Number View

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

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

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

48

Duplicate Critical RAID 1 Array

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

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

Rebuild Broken RAID 1 Array

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

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

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

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

1. Power off and Check the Failed Drive:

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

rebuild to rebuild the broken array.

2. Destroy the Mirroring Relationship:

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

3. Choose Replacement Drive and Rebuild:

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

49

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

4. Continue to boot:

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

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

50

Installing RAID Software & Drivers

Install Driver in Windows OS

New Windows OS (2000/XP/NT4) Installation

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

1 Start the installation:

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

install third party SCSI or RAID driver’ appears.
2 When the Windows Setup window is generated, press S to specify an

Additional Device(s).
3 Insert the driver diskette VIA VT8237 Disk Driver into drive A: and press

<Enter>.
4 Depending on your operation system, choose VIA Serial ATA RAID Con-

troller (Windows XP), VIA Serial ATA RAID Controller (Windows 2000)

or VIA Serial ATA RAID Controller (Windows NT4) from the list that

appears on Windows XP Setup screen, press the <Enter> key.
5 Press <Enter> to continue with installation or if you need to specify any

additional devices to be installed, do so at this time. Once all devices are

specified, press <Enter> to continue with installation.
6 From the Windows XP Setup screen press the <Enter> key. Setup will now

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

Existing Windows XP Driver Installation

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

Confirming Windows XP Driver Installation

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

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

driver VIA IDE RAID Host Controller should appear.

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

Installation of VIA SATA RAID Utility

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

• Serial ATA RAID driver for Windows XP

• VIA SATA RAID utility

• RAID0 and RAID1 functions

Insert the ECS CD and click on the Setup to install the software.

51

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

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

52

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

Using VIA RAID Tool

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

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

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

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

View by Controller

View by Devices

View Event log

Help Topics

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

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

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VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

54

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

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

RAID 1.

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

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

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VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide