EPOX nVIDIA nForce3 250Gb User Manual
TRADEMARK
All products and company names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.
These specifications are subject to change without notice.
Manual Revision 1.1
April 26, 2004
nVIDIA nVIDIA
nVIDIA nVIDIA
nVIDIA
nForce3 250GbnForce3 250Gb
nForce3 250GbnForce3 250Gb
nForce3 250Gb
mainboard for AMD mainboard for AMD
mainboard for AMD mainboard for AMD
mainboard for AMD
Socket 754 based Athlon 64 processorSocket 754 based Athlon 64 processor
Socket 754 based Athlon 64 processorSocket 754 based Athlon 64 processor
Socket 754 based Athlon 64 processor
User’User’
User’User’
User’
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ss
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ManualManual
ManualManual
Manual
60000028KDA1 1
ii
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES:
THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE
DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE OF THE MANUFACTURER LIMITED
WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER EXPRESSLY EXCLUDES ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING ITS
PRODUCTS; INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR
NONINFRINGEMENT. THIS DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES SHALL
APPLY TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED UNDER LOCAL LAWS IN THE
COUNTRY PURCHASED IN WHICH LOCAL LAWS DO NOT ALLOW OR
LIMIT THE EXCLUSION OF THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES.
iii
80 Port Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of some basic POST Codes, possible problems and solutions. For
more detailed information about POST Codes, refer to Appendix D in this manual.
POST CODE Problem Solution
FFh or CFh 1.BIOS chip inserted
incorrectly
2. Incorrect BIOS update
version
3. Mainboard problem
4. Add-on card inserted
incorrectly.
1. Reinsert the BIOS
chip
2. Download the correct
BIOS version update
from the manufacturer's
Web site.
3. Replace mainboard
4. Remove and replace the
add-on card
C1h - C5h 1. Memory module
inserted incorrectly
2. Memory compatibility
problem
3. Memory module
damaged
1. Reinsert memory
mo dule
2. Replace memory
with correct type
3. Replace memory
mo dule
2Dh 1. Error occured in VGA
BIOS
2. VGA card inserted
incorrectly
1. Replace VGA card
2. Reinsert the VGA
card
26 h Overclock error Clear CMOS or press the insert
key to power on the system
07h - 1 2h 1. Init keybo ard
controller error
2. RTC error
1. Ensure that the keyboard and
mouse are connected
correctly.
2. Replace the RTC battery.
Initial Keyboard
iv
Table of Contents
Section 1 Introduction
Package Contents ...................................................... 1- 1
Mainboard Features ................................................... 1- 2
System Block Diagram ............................................... 1- 5
Section 2 Specification
Mainboard Specification ............................................ 2- 1
Section 3 Installation
Mainboard Layout ..................................................... 3- 2
Easy Installation Procedure ....................................... 3- 3
CPU Insertion ............................................................. 3- 3
Jumper Settings .......................................................... 3- 6
System Memory Configuration .................................. 3- 7
Expansion Slots .......................................................... 3- 9
Device Connectors..................................................... 3- 11
Power-On/Off (Remote) .............................................. 3- 18
External Modem Ring-in Power ON and
Keyboard Power ON Function (KBPO) ..................... 3- 18
STR (Suspend To RAM) Function ............................ 3- 19
CPU Overheating Protection...................................... 3- 20
Section 4 BIOS Setup
Main Menu ................................................................ 4- 1
Standard CMOS Setup ............................................... 4- 2
Advanced BIOS Features .......................................... 4- 3
Advanced Chipset Features ...................................... 4- 5
Integrated Peripherals ................................................ 4- 7
Power Management Setup ......................................... 4- 13
Page
v
PNP/PCI Configuration .............................................. 4- 15
PC Health Status ........................................................ 4- 17
Power BIOS Features ................................................. 4- 19
Defaults Menu ........................................................... 4- 21
Supervisor/User Password Setting ............................ 4- 22
Exit Selecting .............................................................. 4- 23
Section 5 S-ATA RAID Configuration
Introduction ............................................................... 5- 1
NVidia SATA RAID Features ....................................... 5- 3
Silicon Image SiI3114 SATA RAID Features (Optional) . 5- 4
Enable RAID Function ............................................... 5- 5
Section 6 Driver Installation
Easy Driver Installation .............................................. 6- 1
Realtek Sound Manager Quick User guide ................ 6- 2
Appendix Appendix A
Realtek Media Player User’s Guide ............................ A-1
Appendix B
Update Your System BIOS ......................................... B- 1
Appendix C
NVidia RAID BIOS Utility ............................................ C- 1
Silicon Image SiI3114 RAID BIOS Utility (Optional) ... C- 4
Appendix D
POST Codes ............................................................... D- 1
vi
Page Left Blank
Introduction
Page 1-1
Section 1
INTRODUCTION
1-1 Package Contents
Contents
A. Mainboard
B. User’s manual
C. Floppy drive cable
D. HDD drive cable
E. CD (drivers and utilities)
F. I/O Shield
G. Game & COM bracket cable
H. S-ATA data and power cable
Powerpack items (Optional)
I. Mini heatsink
J. Tool Pen
K. Extra USB2.0 port cable
Optional Items
L. S/PDIF Module
B
A
C
D
USER’S
MANUAL
E
F
G
K
H
L
If you need the optional item, please
contact your dealer for assistance.
I
J
Introduction
Page 1-2
1-2 Mainboard Features
Brief Introduction
2 Athlon
TM
64 Processor
The AMD AthlonTM 64 processor family is designed to support performance
desktop. It provides a high performance HyperTransportTM link to I/O, as well
as a single 64-bit high-performance DDR memory controller.
For more information about all the new features AthlonTM 64 Processor deliver, check out
the AMD website at http://www.amd.com
2 Chipset
The board is designed with NVIDIA nForce3 250Gb MCP (Media Communica-
tions Processor) chipset, the single-chip 64-bit NVIDIA nForce3 architecture
provides an inherent performance advantage over dual-chip implementations of
the same functionality. Besides reducing overall latency, the NVIDIA nForce3
MCPs significantly boost device throughput. An extremely fast dedicated
HyperTransport link lets the NVIDIA nForce3 MCPs communicate with the CPU
at up to 6.4GB/sec., a speed that ensures ample bandwidth for future integrated
support for AGP, PCI, and other devices. This is especially beneficial for
avoiding bottlenecks when multiple devices are active, or for supporting high-
bandwidth devices.
For more details about the NVIDIA nForce3 MCPs, please visit the NVIDIA Web
site at
http://www.nvidia.com.
2 Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
The AGP slot on the board is compliant with the new AGP 3.0 specification. This
new specification enhances the functionality of the original AGP specification
by allowing 8X data transfers ( 8 data samples per clock) resulting in maximum
bandwidth of 2.1GB/s. Only 1.5V AGP cards are supported.
2 Ultra ATA100/133
The mainboard provides an Ultra ATA100/133 Bus Master IDE controller. This
controller supports Ultra ATA100/133 protocols which are ideal to support
demanding applications such as real-time video, multimedia, and a high perfor-
mance operating system. A new IDE cable is required for Ultra ATA100/133.
Introduction
Page 1-3
2 Hardware Monitoring
Hardware monitoring enables you to monitor various aspects of the system
operation and status. This includes CPU temperature, voltage and fan speed in
RPMs.
2 GbE LAN
This mainboard is optionally mounted with a Gigabit ethernet LAN chipset. The
new Gigabit Ethernet LAN allows data transmission at 1,000 megabits per second
(Mbps), which runs 10 times faster than conventional 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
LANs.
2 Serial ATA
Support Serial ATA, an evolutionary replacement for Parallel ATA IDE storage
interface .Increases the peak data transfer speed up to 150MB/sec and allows
future enhancements to the computing platform.
2 More S-ATA (Optional)
Extra Silicon Image SiI3114 S-ATA controller onboard for more S-ATA ports,
complete with RAID function, 4 S-ATA ports with 150MB/sec supporting RAID
0, 1 , 10, 5.
2 USB2.0
A popular USB standard for plugging in peripherals with up to 480Mbps transfer
speed while maintaining backward compatibility with older USB1.1 device.
2 8ch
Delivers 8 channel audio to bring you the latest in audio realism from DVD
movies and games. Perfect for your home theatre system.
Introduction
Page 1-4
Special Features
&
Cool ‘n’Quiet Technology
Reduce the noise and heat from your PC when AMD Cool’n’QuietTM Technology
is enabled.
&
NVIDIA Firewall
The NVIDIA Firewall is a high performance, “hardware-optimized” firewall
offering enhanced reliability and protection at the end-point.
&
80 Port
An onboard LED-display trouble-shooting device, facilitating user to detect
boot-up problems.
&
QuickSPDIF
On board SPDIF-out connector for quick connection to multi-channel speakers.
Not only removes cable cluttering but also delivers loss-free digital audio to let
you enjoy DVD movies and games with crystal clear sound.
&
Magic Health
Reports your system hardware status for every boot-up to help detect faults
early. Monitor hardware status including CPU temperature, CPU, Memory, AGP
voltage, fan RPM speed for chassis fan, CPU fan & Power supply fan.
&
EZ-Boot
Simply press “ESC” to select your bootable device. No more hassle to search the
BIOS menu, change and re-start.
&
PowerBIOS
Supporting a full range of overclocking setting via BIOS. Various adjustable
feature include FSB/AGP/Memory voltage tweaking.
Introduction
Page 1-5
Figure 5: System Block Diagram
1-3 System Block Diagram
Introduction
Page 1-6
Specification
Page 2-1
Section 2
SPECIFICATION
Mainboard Specification
Processor
Supports 754-pin Socket for AMD Athlon 64 processors with 1.6GTs Hyper
Transport FSB up to 3700+
Chipset
nVidia nForce3 250Gb Chipset
Main Memory
Three 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets for 64-bit, Unbuffered, Single/Double-
side and DDR-266/333/400 DIMMs
Supports up to 3GB memory size
BIOS
Flash EEPROM with Award BIOS
- ACPI v2.0 compliant
- S3 (Suspend to DRAM) sleep-state support
- SMBIOS (System Management BIOS) v2.2 compliant
- Supports Power failure recovery
- Able to wake the computer from specific states by LAN, Power switch,
PME#, RTC alarm, USB, PS2 K/B, PS2 Mouse, Modem Ring-in COM#1…
Onboard PCI Devices
LAN --> Embedded 1Gbps Fast Ethernet controller with onboard
Cicada CIS8201 PHY
S-ATA --> Integrated Serial ATA controller from Silicon Image SiI3114
for 4 ports solution with RAID 0, 1 ,10, 5 and support up to
150MB/sec transfer rate
For more detailed information about SiI3114, refer to
user’s manual in the bundled CD.
(Optional)
Specification
Page 2-2
Legacy IO Controller
Winbond W83627THF LPC IO controller with floppy, printer, game, serial
and SIR interface
Supports Hardware Monitoring function
Intelligent CPU fan speed control to lower system noise
Audio
Eight channel audio with analog and digital output using Realtek ALC850
AC’97 CODEC
- AC’97 v2.3 compliant
- Supports CD-In, Aux-In and S/PDIF-in/out interface
- Supports Line-out and Mic-In for front panel
- Supports automatic “jack-sensing”
- Rear panel audio jacks configuration:
Peripheral Interfaces
))
))
) At Rear Panel
PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports
One Parallel (printer) port
One S/PDIF-Out Coaxial jack
One S/PDIF-Out Optical (Optional)
One Serial port
One RJ45 LAN connector
Four USB2.0 ports
Six Audio jacks
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Specification
Page 2-3
))
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) Onboard connector and pin-header
One floppy drive connector
Two ATA-133 IDE connectors
Four extra USB2.0 ports
One CD-IN and One AUX-IN connector
One Front Panel Audio connector
One S/PDIF in/out connector
One IR connector
One Game port connector
One Serial Port (COM2) connector
Six S-ATA connectors ( 4 optional from Silicon Image SiI3114 chip)
Three Fan connectors
Front Panel Controller
Supports Reset & Soft-Off switches
Supports HDD & Power LEDs
Supports PC speaker
Expansion Slots
One AGP slot supporting 1.5v 4X/8X AGP card
- AGP v3.0 compliant
Six PCI slots with Bus Master support
- PCI v2.2 compliant
Other Features
Magic Health – a H/W monitoring software utility, for voltages, tempera-
tures and fan-speeds sensing
EZ Boot – An easy way let end-user can choose to boot from hard drive,
CD-ROM, floppy, …
KBPO – Keyboard power on, turn on the computer from keyboard
Supports “Cool’n’ Quiet” power saving technology
Specification
Page 2-4
Supports NVIDIA Personal Firwall Function under Windows 2000/XP
PowerBIOS for excellent Overclocking capabilities through
- subtle voltage tuning for CPU, Memory, AGP
- subtle frequency tuning on FSB with 1MHz increment
- Supports complete Asynchronous FSB/Memory and Asynchronous FSB/
AGP, PCI scheme for overclocking
CPU Overheating Protection
P80P for system debugging
Form Factor
305mm x 245 mm ATX size
For more detailed information about NVIDIA Firewall,
refer to user’s manual in the bundled CD.
Installation
Page 3-1
Section 3
INSTALLATION
Note: Depending on the model you purchased, some components
are optional and may not be available.
Installation
Page 3-2
Mainboard Layout
Note: Depending on the model you purchased, some components
are optional and may not be available.
Installation
Page 3-3
Easy Installation Procedure
The following must be completed before powering on your new system:
3-1. CPU Installation
3-2. Jumper Settings
3-3. System Memory Configuration
3-4. Expansion Slots
3-5. Device Connectors
3-1 CPU Installation
<Figure 1> <Figure 2>
Step 4
Open the socket by raising the actuation
lever.
Step 1
Place the back plate into the two holes
around the CPU area behind the mainboard.
Step 2
Place the retention mechanism on the
mainboard as shown.
Step 3
Screw in the two pan head screws.
<Figure 3>
<Figure 4>
Installation
Page 3-4
Step 5
Align pin 1 on the CPU with pin 1 on
the CPU socket as shown in the
illustration above. The CPU is keyed to
prevent incorrect insertion. Do not force
the processor into the socket. If it does
not go in easily, check for mis-orienta-
tion and reinsert the CPU.
Make sure the processor is fully
inserted into the socket.
<Figure 5>
<Figure 6>
Step 6
Close the socket by lowering and
locking the actuation lever.
Step 7
Apply thermal compound to the top of
the CPU and install the heatsink as
shown.
<Figure 7>
<Figure 8>
Step 8
Press the clips in the direction of the
arrows shown in Figure 8 to secure the
assembly to the CPU socket.
Installation
Page 3-5
Step 9
Plug the CPU fan power into the mainboard’s
CPU fan connector.
The installation is complete.
<Figure 9>
Note: Thermal compound and qualified heatsink recommended by AMD are
a must to avoid CPU overheat damage.
Installation
Page 3-6
3-2 Jumper Settings
1
JCMOS:
Settings:
1-2: Normal (Default)
2-3: Clear CMOS
Clear CMOS data Jumper
If the CMOS data becomes corrupted or
you forgot the supervisor or user
password, clear the CMOS data to
reconfigure the system back to the
default values stored in the ROM BIOS.
To CMOS Clear data, please follow the steps below.
1. Turn off the system.
2. Change the jumper from “1-2” to “2-3” position for
a few seconds.
3. Replace the jumper on to the “1-2” position.
4. Turn on the system and hold down the <Del> key
to enter BIOS setup.
Installation
Page 3-7
NOTES:
• Using non-compliant memory with higher bus speeds (overclocking)
may severely compromise the integrity of the system.
3-3 System Memory Configuration
Memory Layout
The mainboard accommodates three PC2100/PC2700/PC3200 184-pin DIMMs (Dual
In-line Memory Modules):
• Supports up to 3.0GB of 266/333/400MHz DDR SDRAM.
• Supports unbuffered DIMM configurations defined in JEDEC DDR DIMM
specification.
<Figure 10>
DDR DIMM 1
DDR DIMM 2
DDR DIMM 3
oNtolS
004RDD
sMMID3sMMID2MMID1
1#MMIDSSSSSSSDSDSS/SD
2#MMIDSSSDSSSS/SD
3#MMIDSSSDSSSS/SD
Follow the recommendation below for maximum memory performance :
* DS - Double-sided DIMM type
* SS - Single-sided DIMM type
For 1 DIMM:
- Mount on any slot to obtain DDR400 speed.
For 2 DIMM:
- Mount DS DIMM on Slot 1 and the remaining DIMM on Slot 2 or 3
with SS DIMM.
- Mount SS DIMM on Slot 1 and the remaining DIMM on Slot 2 or 3
with DS DIMM.
For 3 DIMM:
- Use SS DIMM on all 3 three slots for DDR400 speed.
Installation
Page 3-8
DIMM Module Installation
Figure 11 displays the notch on the DDR DIMM memory module.
DIMMs have 184 pins and one notch that matches with the DDR DIMM socket.
DIMM modules are installed by placing the chip firmly into the socket and
pressing straight down as shown in figure 12 until the white clips close and the
module fits tightly into the DIMM socket (figure 13).
Figure 11 - DIMM notch
Figure 13 - DIMM module clip after installation
To remove the DIMM module press down the white clips and the module is ejected
from the socket.
Figure 12 - DIMM module clips before installation
CENTER KEY ZONE
(2.5 V DRAM)
Installation
Page 3-9
3-4 Expansion Slots
Installing an Expansion Card
The steps below assume that the mainboard is already installed in the system chassis.
1. Make sure the PC and all other peripheral devices connected to its has been
powered down.
2. Disconnect all power cords and cables.
3. Remove the system unit cover.
4. Remove the bracket of the slot that you intend to use. (You need to remove the
screw in order to remove the bracket.)
5. Align the card above the slot then press it down firmly until it is completely
seated in the slot.
6. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed in step 4.
7. Replace the system unit cover.
8. Power on the PC.
9. Enter the BIOS step program to make the necessary settings.
10. Save the settings and restart the PC.
11. Install the software drivers of the expansion cards, if necessary.
AGP Slot
The mainboard is equipped with an AGP
slot. Make sure you install a card that
supports the 1.5V specification.
PCI Slots
The mainboard is equipped with 6 PCI
slots.
PCI Slots
AGP Slot
Installation
Page 3-10
AGP Card Installation Caution
1. AGP card component is blocked
by DIMM socket lock.
2. AGP slot clicker is not locked.
3. AGP card edge connector is not
inserted properly.
1. AGP card component is not
blocked by DIMM socket lock.
2. AGP slot clicker is locked.
3. AGP card edge connector is
inserted properly.
1. AGP slot clicker is not locked.
2. AGP card edge connector is not
inserted properly.
1. AGP slot clicker is locked.
2. AGP card edge connector is
inserted properly.
Installation
Page 3-11
JCPU_FAN / JPWR_FAN / JSYS_FAN:
CPU/Power/Chassis Fan Power Connectors
JCPU_FAN: The CPU must be kept cool by using a
heatsink with fan assembly.
JPWR_FAN: If you are installing an additional fan
in the unit, connect to this fan
connector.
JSYS_FAN: The chassis fan will provide adequate
airflow throughout the chassis to
prevent overheating the CPU.
Figure 14 - I/O Ports
JCPU_FAN
JSYS_FAN
JCPU_FAN
JSYS_FAN
JPWR_FAN
JPWR_FAN
3-5 Device Connectors
The I/O back panel for this mainboard is shown below. When installing the
mainboard into the computer case, use the bundled I/O shield to protect this back
panel.
Ground
+12V
Sense
This mainboard is equipped with intelligent fan
speed control. Refer to the PC Health Status
submenu of the BIOS.
USB2.0 x 4 ports
Parallel Port
PS/2
Mouse
PS/2
Keyboard
RJ45
LAN
COM1S/PDIF-out
Coaxial Jack
S/PDIF-out
Optical
(Optional))
7.1 Audio Channel
Ground
+12V
Sense
Ground
+12V
Sense
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