Elitegroup H81H3-A3 User Manual V1.0
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, 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.
H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
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.
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
This device is in conformity with the following EC/EMC directives:
EN 55022
EN 61000-3-2
EN 61000-3-3
EN 55024
EN 60950
CE marking
Limits and methods of mesurement of radio disturbance characteristics of information technology equipment
Disturbances in supply systems caused
Disturbances in supply systems caused by household appliances and similar electrical equipment “ Voltage fluctuations”
Information technology equipment-Immunity characteristicsLimits and methods of measurement
Safety for information technology equipment including electrical business equipment
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
AMD CrossFireXTM Technology
Support
Chapter 6
Trouble Shooting
Describes features of the
motherboard.
Describes installation of
motherboard components.
Provides information on using the BIOS Setup Utility.
Describes the motherboard
software.
Describes the AMD
Crossfire
Provides basic trouble
shooting tips.
TM
Technology
H
H
H
H
H
H
page 1
page 7
page 27
page 67
page 71
page 73
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H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface i
Chapter 1 1
Introducing the Motherboard 1
Introduction...................................................................................1
Pakage Contents............................................................................1
Specifications................................................................................2
Motherboard Components..........................................................4
I/O Ports..............................................................................................6
Chapter 2 7
Installing the Motherboard 7
Safety Precautions.............................................................................7
Installing the Motherboard in a Chassis......................................7
Checking Jumper Settings.................................................................8
Installing Hardware..................................................................9
Installing the Processor.............................................................9
Installing the CPU Cooler.........................................................11
Installing Memory Modules....................................................12
Installing Add-on Cards...........................................................13
Connecting Optional Devices..................................................15
Installing a SATA Hard Drive...................................................21
Connecting Case Components.......................................................22
Front Panel Header.................................................................25
Chapter 3 27
Using BIOS 27
About the Setup Utility................................................................27
The Standard Configuration....................................................27
Entering the Setup Utility........................................................27
Resetting the Default CMOS Values.....................................28
Using BIOS.......................................................................................28
BIOS Navigation Keys..............................................................29
Main Menu.............................................................................30
Advanced Menu......................................................................31
Chipset Menu..........................................................................45
M.I.B. III(MB Intelligent BIOS III) Menu..................................53
Boot Menu...............................................................................62
Security Menu..........................................................................63
Exit Menu................................................................................64
Updating the BIOS..........................................................................65
H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
iii
Chapter 4 67
Using the Motherboard Software 67
Auto-installing under Windows XP/7/8......................................67
Running Setup.........................................................................67
Manual Installation..........................................................................69
ECS Utility Software (Intelligent EZ Utility).....................................69
Chapter 5 71
AMD CrossFireXTM Technology Support 71
Requirements....................................................................................71
TM
Installing CrossFireX
The Catalyst
TM
Control Center Dialog Box...................................72
graphics cards......................................71
Chapter 6 73
Trouble Shooting 73
Start up problems during assembly..............................................73
Start up problems after prolong use............................................74
Maintenance and care tips..............................................................74
Basic Troubleshooting Flowchart...................................................75
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H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the H81H3-A3 motherboard. This motherboard is a high performance, enhanced function motherboard designed to support the LGA1150 socket
® 4th
for Intel
This motherboard is based on Intel
solution. It supports up to 16 GB of system memory with dual channel DDR3 1600/
1333 MHz. One PCI Express x16 slot (Gray slot) and one PCI Express x16 Gen2 slot
(Black slot runs at x1 mode) are supported, intended for Graphics Interface. In addition, two PCI Express x1 Gen2 slots and two PCI v2.3 slots are for extending usage.
It integrates USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 interface, supporting up to eight USB 2.0 ports (four
USB 2.0 ports at rear panel and two USB 2.0 headers support additional four USB 2.0
ports) and two USB 3.0 ports (two USB 3.0 ports at the rear panel).
The motherboard is equipped with advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel,
including PS/2 Keyboard & PS/2 Mouse connectors, one VGA port, one DVI port, one
HDMI (or DP) port, four USB 2.0 ports, one RJ45 LAN connector, two USB 3.0 ports and
audio jacks for line-in, line-out and microphone.
In addition, this motherboard supports two SATA 6Gb/s and two SATA 3Gb/s connectors for expansion.
Generation CoreTM Family processors.
®
H81 Express Chipset for best desktop platform
Package Contents
Your motherboard package ships with the following items:
H81H3-A3 Motherboard
Quick Installation Guide
User Manual
DVD
I/O Shield
2 SATA 6G with latch Cables
Chapter 1
The package contents above are for reference only, please take the actual package items as
standard.
H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
1
Chapter 1
Specifications
CPU
Memory
Expansion
Slots
AMD
CrossFireX
Technology
Storage
Audio
Rear Panel I/O
Internal I/O
Connectors &
Headers
• LGA1150 socket for Intel
processors
• Supports CPU up to 95W TDP
Note: Please go to ECS website for the latest CPU support list.
• Intel® H81 ChipsetChipset
• Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture
• 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets support up to 16 GB
• Supports DDR3 1600/1333 MHz SDRAM
Note: Please go to ECS website for the latest Memory support list.
• 1 x PCI Express x16 slot (Gray)
• 1 x PCI Express x16 Gen2 slot (Run x1 mode- Black, PCIEX16_S)
• 2 x PCI Express x1 Gen2 slots
• 2 x PCI v2.3 slots
*Support AMD CrossFireX (PCIEX16_S slot running PCIE
Note:
Gen2 x1 Mode).
• Supports AMD CrossFireX
TM
The PCIEX16_S (black color of PCIE x16 slot) supports PCI
Express Gen2 running at X1 mode
• Supported by Intel® H81 Express Chipset
- 2 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s devices
- 2 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s devices
• Realtek ALC662 6-Ch High Definition audio CODEC
Compliant with HD audio specification
-
• Realtek RTL8111G Gigabit LanLAN
• 1 x PS/2 Keyboard & Mouse connectors
• 1 x VGA port
• 1 x DVI port
• 1 x HDMI (or DP) port
• 4 x USB 2.0 ports
• 1 x RJ45 LAN connector
• 2 x USB 3.0 ports
• 1 x Audio port (1 x line-in, 1 x line-out, 1 x microphone)
• 1 x 24-pin ATX Power Supply connector
• 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector
• 1 x 4-pin PWR_FAN connector
• 1 x 4-pin CPU_FAN connector
• 1 x 4-pin SYS_FAN connector
• 1 x 4-pin NB_FAN connector
• 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional four USB 2.0 ports
• 2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors, 2 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
• 1 x SPDIF out header
• 1 x Front Panel audio header
• 1 x COM header
• 1 x USBPWR_R1 jumper
• 1 x USBPWR_R jumper
• 1 x CLR_CMOS jumper
® 4th
Generation CoreTM Family
TM
Technology
*
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H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
System BIOS
AP/Bundled
Software
Support
• 1 x USBPWR_F jumper
• 1 x Parallel port header (LPT)
• 1 x Speaker header
• 1 x Case open header
• AMI BIOS with 64Mb SPI Flash ROM
• Supports Plug and Play, STR (S3)/ STD(S4), Hardware Monitor
• Supports ACPI & DMI
• Audio, LAN, can be disabled in BIOS
• F7 hot key for boot up devices option
• Supports PgUp clear CMOS Hotkey (Has PS2 KB Model only)
• Supports Dual Dispaly (depends on display output)
• Supports EZ BIOS (1024X768 resolution, GUI UEFI)
• Supports Multi-Language
• Supports AC’97/HD Audio auto detect (default)
• ECS Exclusive AP: Supports eBLU*1/eDLU/eSF*
• 3rd Party Bundled software: Cyberlink MediaSuite*2/Norton*2/
Note:
*2Free bundle software including ECS DVD: Cyberlink
• ATX Size, 305mm x 190mmForm Factor
2
/Sound Blaster Cinema*
*
Muzee
*1Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is required.
MediaSuite/Norton/Muzee/Sound Blaster Cinema.
2
1
Chapter 1
H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
3
Chapter 1
Motherboard Components
4
H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
Table of Motherboard Components
Generation Core
LABEL COMPONENTS
1. CPU Socket
2. PWR_FAN 4-pin Power cooling fan connector
3. CPU_FAN 4-pin CPU cooling fan connector
4. DDR3_1~2 240-pin DDR3 Module slots
5. ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX power connector
6. NB_FAN 4-pin Northbridge cooling fan connector
7. PCIEX16 PCI Express x16 slot for graphics interface
8. CLR_CMOS Clear CMOS jumper
9. PCIEX16_S PCI Express Gen2 x1 slot
10. SATA5~6 Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors
11. F_PANEL Front panel switch/LED header
12. SATA1~2 Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors
13. CASE CASE open header
14. F_USB1~2 Front panel USB 2.0 headers
15. USBPWR_F Front panel USB power select jumper
16. COM Onboard serial port header
17. LPT Parallel port header
18. SPDIFO SPDIF out header
19. F_AUDIO Front panel audio header
20. PCI1~2 32-bit PCI add-on card slots
21. SPK Speaker header
22. PCIE1~2 PCI Express Gen2 x1 slots
23. SYS_FAN 4-pi n system cooling fan connector
24. USBPWR_R1 Rear USB3LAN power select jumper
25. USBPWR_R Rear USB/PS2 power select jumper
26. ATX12V 4-pin +12V power connector
LGA1150 socket for Intel
®
th
4
TM
Family processors
Chapter 1
H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
5
Chapter 1
I/O Ports
1. PS/2 Mouse (green)
Use the upper PS/2 port to connect the PS/2 Mouse.
2. PS/2 Keyboard (purple)
Use the lower PS/2 port to connect the PS/2 Keyboard.
3. VGA Port
Connect your monitor to the VGA port.
4. DVI Port
Connect your monitor to the DVI port.
5. HDMI (or DP)
You can connect the display device to the HDMI (or DP) port.
6. USB 2.0 Ports
Use the USB 2.0 ports to connect USB 2.0 devices.
7. LAN Port
Connect an RJ-45 jack to the LAN port to connect your computer to the Network.
LAN LED Status Desc ription
Activity LED
Link LED
8. USB 3.0 Ports
Use the USB 3.0 ports to connect USB 3.0 devices.
9. Line-in(blue)
It can be connected to an external CD/DVD player, Tape player or other audio
devices for audio input.
10. Line-out(lime)
It is used to connect to speakers or headphones.
11. Microphone(pink)
It is used to connect to a microphone.
OFF No d ata
Orange blinking Active
OFF No link
Green Link
Link LED
LAN Port
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H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard
2-1. 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.
• Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power
outlet before installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware
components.
2-2. Installing the motherboard in a Chassis
This motherboard carries an ATX form factor of 305 x 190 mm. Choose a chassis that
accommodates this form factor. Make sure that the I/O template in the chassis
matches the I/O ports installed on the rear edge of the motherboard. Most system
chassis have mounting brackets installed in the chassis, which corresponds to the
holes in the motherboard. Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets and
secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with screws.
Chapter 2
Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard.
H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
7
2-3. Checking Jumper Settings
The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is
labeled.
Chapter 2
1. To avoid the system instability after clearing CMOS, we recommend users to
enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Default Settings” and then “Save
and Exit Setup”.
2. Make sure the power supply provides enough 5VSB voltage before selecting
the 5VSB function.
3. It is required that users place the USBPWR_F & USBPWR_R1 & 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.
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H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
2-4. Installing Hardware
2-4-1. Installing the Processor
• This motherboard has an LGA1150 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.
• You may be able to change the settings in the system Setup Utility. We
strongly recommend you do not over-clock processor or other components to run faster than their rated speed.
• The following illustration shows CPU installation components.
A. Press the hook of lever down with your thumb and pull it to the right
side to release it from retention tab.
B. Lift the tail of the load lever and rotate the load plate to fully open
position.
Chapter 2
C. Grasp the edge of the package substrate. Make sure pin 1 indicator
is on your bottom-left side. Aim at the socket and place the package
carefully into the socket by purely vertical motion.
H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
9
Chapter 2
D. Rotate the load plate onto the package IHS (Intergraded Heat
Spreader). Engage the load lever while pressing down lightly onto the
load plate. Secure the load lever with the hook under retention tab. Then
the cover will flick automatically.
Please save and replace the cover onto the CPU socket if processor is removed.
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H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
2-4-2. Installing the CPU Cooler
• Install the cooling fan in a well-lit work area so that you can clearly see the
motherboard and processor socket.
• Avoid using cooling fans with sharp edges in case the fan casing and the
clips cause serious damage to the motherboard or its components.
• 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 heat sink installation procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan/heatsink supplied.
The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary.
• DO NOT remove the CPU cap from the socket before installing a CPU.
• Return Material Authorization (RMA) requests will be accepted only if the
motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA1150 socket.
• The following illustration shows how to install CPU fan.
A. Apply some thermal grease onto the contacted area between the
heatsink and the CPU, and make it to be a thin layer.
B. Fasten the cooling fan supporting base onto the CPU socket on the
motherboard. And make sure the CPU fan is plugged to the CPU fan
connector.
Chapter 2
C. Connect the CPU cooler power connector to the CPU_FAN connector.
H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
11
2-4-3. Installing Memory Modules
Chapter 2
• This motherboard accommodates two memory modules. It can support
two 240-pin DDR3 1600/1333 MHz.
• 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.
• You must install at least one module in any of the two slots. Total memory
capacity is 16 GB.
• Refer to the following to install the memory modules.
A. Push the latches on each side of the DIMM slot down.
B. Install the DIMM module into the slot and press it firmly down until it
seats correctly. Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge
connector match the notches in the DIMM slot.
C. The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to the edges of the
DIMM.
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H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
2-4-4. 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.
Chapter 2
PCIE1~2 Slots
PCIEX16 Slot
PCIEX16_S Slot
PCI1~2 Slots
The PCI Express x1 slots are fully compliant to the PCI Express
Base Specification revision 2.0.
The PCI Express x16 slot is used to install an external PCI Express graphics card that is fully compliant to the PCI Express
Base Specification revision 2.0.
This slot is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Specification
revision 2.0 which runs at x1 mode.
This motherboard is equipped with two standard PCI slots. PCI
stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect and is a bus
standard for expansion cards, which for the most part, is a
supplement of the older ISA bus standard. The PCI slots on this
board are PCI v2.3 compliant.
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.
H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
13
Recommend add_on card configuration
Chapter 2
Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:
Please refer the following illustrations to install the add-on card:
Model
SPEC PCI-E Running x16 mode PCI-E Running x1 mode
Color
1 Graphic Card (VGA card) Populated ~
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.
1. 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.
2. The onboard PCI interface does not support 64-bit SCSI cards.
PCIEX16 PCIEX16_S
Gray Black
PCIEX16 Slots
Install the VGA Card in the PCI slot
Install the VGA Card in the PCIE X16 slot
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H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
Install the LAN Card in the PCIE X1 slot
2-4-5. Connecting Optional Devices
Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional
devices:
No. Components No. Components
1SATA1~2 & SATA5~6 5 LPT
2CASE6SPDIFO
3 F_USB1~2 7 F_AUDIO
4 COM —— ——
Chapter 2
H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
15
1. SATA1~2 & 5~6: Serial ATA connectors
SATA1~2 connectors are used to support the Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s device, and SATA5~6
connectors are used to support the Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s device, 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
Chapter 2
Parallel ATA.
2. CASE: Chassis Intrusion Detect Header
This detects if the chassis cover has been removed. This function needs a chassis
equipped with instrusion detection switch and needs to be enabled in BIOS.
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H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
3. F_USB1~2: Front Panel USB 2.0 headers
The motherboard has two USB 2.0 headers supporting four USB 2.0 ports. 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.
Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as indicated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system hangup.
4. COM: Onboard serial port header
Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a serial port to your
system.
Chapter 2
H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
17
5. LPT: Onboard parallel port header
This is a header that can be used to connect to the printer, scanner or other devices.
Chapter 2
6. SPDIFO: SPDIF out header
This is an optional header that provides an SPDIFO (Sony/Philips Digital Interface)
output to digital multimedia device through optical fiber or coaxial connector.
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H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
7. F_AUDIO: Front Panel Audio Header
The front panel audio header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented microphone and line-out ports for easier access. This header supports HD audio by
default. If you want connect an AC
please set as below picture.
’ 97 front panel audio to HD onboard headers,
AC’ 97 Audio Configuration: To enable the front panel audio connector to
support AC97 Audio mode.
If you use AC’ 97 Front Panel, please tick off the option of “ Disabled Front Panel
Detect
”. If you use HD Audio Front Panel, please don’ t tick off “Disabled Front Panel
” .
Detect
Chapter 2
* For reference only
H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
19
If you use AC’ 97 Front Panel, please don’ t tick off “ Using Front Jack Detect ” . If you
use HD Audio Front Panel, please
Chapter 2
tick off the option of “ Using Front Jack Detect ” .
* For reference only
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H81H3-A3 USER MANUAL
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