Foxconn A88GA User Manual

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User’s Manual

A88GA Series Motherboard

Statement:

This manual is the intellectual property of Foxconn, Inc. Although the information

in this manual may be changed or modied at any time, Foxconn does not obligate

itself to inform the user of these changes.

Trademark:

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Version:

User’s Manual V1.0 for A88GA Series motherboard.

P/N: 3A222GC00-000-G

Symbol description:

Caution : refers to important information that can help you to use motherboard

better, and tells you how to avoid problems.

Warning : indicating a potential risk of hardware damage or physical injury

may exist.

WEEE:

The use of this symbol indicates that this product may not be treated as household

waste. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential

negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could other-

wise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. For more detailed

information about recycling of this product, please contact your local city ofce, your

household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased this product.

More information:

If you want more information about our products, please visit Foxconn’s

website: http://www.foxconnchannel.com

All trade names are registered trademarks of respective manufacturers listed.

All images are for reference only, please refer to the physical motherboard for specic features.

Declaration of conformity

HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY COMPANY LTD

66 , CHUNG SHAN RD., TU-CHENG INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT,

TAIPEI HSIEN, TAIWAN, R.O.C.

declares that the product

Motherboard A88GA / A88GA-S

is in conformity with

(reference to the specication under which conformity is declared in

accordance with 89/336 EEC-EMC Directive)

■ EN 55022:1998/A2: 2003 Limits and methods of measurements of radio

disturbance characteristics of information technology equipment

■ EN 61000-3-2/:2000 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

Part 3: Limits Section 2: Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current <= 16A per phase)

■ EN 61000-3-3/A1:2001 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

Part 3: Limits

Section 2: Limits of voltage uctuations and icker in low

voltage supply systems for equipment with rated current <= 16A

■ EN 55024/A2:2003 Information technology equipment-Immunity

characteristics limits and methods of measurement

Signature : Place / Date : TAIPEI/2010

Printed Name : James Liang

Declaration of conformity

Trade Name: FOXCONN

Model Name:

A88GA / A88GA-S

Responsible Party: PCE Industry Inc.

Address: 458 E. Lambert Rd.

Fullerton, CA 92835

Telephone: 714-738-8868

Facsimile: 714-738-8838

Equipment Classication: FCC Class B Subassembly

Type of Product: Motherboard

Manufacturer: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY

COMPANY LTD

Address: 66 , CHUNG SHAN RD., TU-CHENG

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, TAIPEI HSIEN,

TAIWAN, R.O.C.

Supplementary Information:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following

two conditions : (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device

must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired

operation.

Tested to comply with FCC standards.

Signature : Date : 2010

Installation Precautions

Please carefully read the following procedures to install your computer :

■ It is suggested to select high-quality, certied fans in order to avoid damage

to the motherboard and CPU due to high temperature. Never turn on the

computer if the CPU fan is not properly installed.

■ We cannot guarantee that your system can operate normally when your

CPU is overclocked. Normal operation depends on the overclocking capac-

ity of your device.

■ If there is any, when connecting USB, audio, or S/PDIF cables to the internal

connectors on the motherboard, make sure their pinouts are matching with

the connectors on the motherboard. Incorrect connections might damage

the motherboard.

■ When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connec-

tors.

■ If there is a PCI Express x16 graphics card installed in your system, we

recommend using a 24-pin ATX power supply to get the best performance.

■ Before turning on the power, please make sure the power supply AC input

voltage setting has been congured to the local standard.

■ To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact

with the motherboard circuit or its components. Also, make sure there are no

leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or within the

computer casing.

■ If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to

the use of the product, please consult a certied computer technician.

■ Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the sudden and momentary electric current

that ows between two objects at different electrical potentials. Normally it

comes out as a spark which will quickly damage your electronic equipment.

Please wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling

components such as a motherboard, CPU or memory.

■ Ensure that the DC power supply is turned off before installing or removing

CPU, memory, expansion cards or other peripherals. It is recommended to

unplug the AC power cord from the power supply outlet. Failure to unplug

the power supply cord may result in serious damage to your system.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Product Introduction

Product Specications ..............................................................................2

Layout.......................................................................................................4

Back Panel Connectors ............................................................................5

Chapter 2 Hardware Install

Install the CPU and CPU Cooler ..............................................................8

Install the Memory ..................................................................................10

Install an Expansion Card ......................................................................12

Install other Internal Connectors ............................................................13

Jumpers ..................................................................................................17

Install driver and utility ............................................................................18

Chapter 3 BIOS Setup

Enter BIOS Setup ...................................................................................21

Main Menu..............................................................................................21

System Information ................................................................................23

Advanced BIOS Features.......................................................................24

Core Releaser ........................................................................................25

Fox Central Control Unit .........................................................................26

Advanced Chipset Features ...................................................................31

Integrated Peripherals ............................................................................34

Power Management Setup .....................................................................37

PC Health Status ....................................................................................39

BIOS Security Features..........................................................................40

Load Optimal Defaults ............................................................................40

Save Changes and Exit ..........................................................................41

Discard Changes and Exit ......................................................................41

Chapter 4 RAID Conguration

RAID Introduction ...................................................................................43

Install SATA Hard Disks ..........................................................................44

RAID Conguration ................................................................................44

Create RAID Driver Disk ........................................................................46

Install Windows OS ................................................................................47

Technical Support :

Website :

http://www.foxconnchannel.com

Support Website :

http://www.foxconnsupport.com

Worldwide Online Contact Support :

http://www.foxconnsupport.com/inquiry.aspx

CPU Support List :

http://www.foxconnsupport.com/cpusupportlist.aspx

Memory, VGA Compatibility List :

http://www.foxconnsupport.com/complist.aspx

Support

Thank you for buying Foxconn A88GA Series motherboard. Foxconn

products are engineered to maximize computing power, providing

only what you need for break-through performance.

With advanced overclocking capability and a range of connectivity

features for today multi-media computing requirements, A88GA /

A88GA-S enables you to unleash more power from your compu-

ter.

This chapter includes the following information:

■ Product Specications

■ Layout

■ Back Panel Connectors

CPU

Support AM3 socket PhenomTM II processors, Max processor power up to

140W

For the latest CPU information,

please visit:

http://www.foxconnsupport.com/cpusupportlist.aspx

HyperTransport Up to 4400MT/s (HT3.0) for AM3 CPU

Chipset North Bridge: AMD 880G

South Bridge: AMD SB710

Memory 4 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMMs

Support up to 16GB of system memory

Dual channel DDR3 1800(oc*)/1600(oc*)/1333/1066 MHz architecture

(oc*:Overclocking )

Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot

2 x PCI Express x1 slots

3 x PCI slots

VGA

Integrated ATI RadeonTM HD4250 GPU

Support Hybrid Graphic Technology

Dual independent displays support with HDMI/DVI and D-Sub

Support DirectX 10.1, Shader Model 4.1, Universal Video Decoder (UVD) 2.0

Storage SB710 chipset:

- 5 x SATA connectors and 1 x eSATA connector

300MB/s data transfer rate

Support RAID 0, 1, 10

- 1 x IDE connector

LAN Realtek

8111E Gigabit LAN chip

Audio Realtek ALC887 audio chip:

- High Denition Audio

- 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel

- Support for S/PDIF Out

- Support Jack-Sensing function

USB Support hot plug

Support up to 10 x USB 2.0 ports (6 rear panel ports, 2 onboard USB

headers supporting 4 extra ports) and 2 x USB 3.0 ports (Only for

A88GA-S)

Support USB 2.0 protocol up to 480Mb/S

Support USB 3.0 protocol up to 4.8Gb/s

1-1 Product Specications

(Continued on the next page)

Internal Connectors 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector

1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector

5 x SATA connectors

2 x USB 2.0 connectors (supporting 4 x USB devices)

1 x CPU fan header (4-pin)

1 x System fan header (4-pin)

1 x NB fan header (4-pin)

1 x IDE connector

1 x Front panel connector

1 x CD_IN connector

1 x Front Audio connector

1 x SPDIF_OUT connector

1 x Chassis intrusion alarm header (INTR)

1 x Speaker connector

Back Panel 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port

Connectors 1 x VGA port

1 x DVI-D port

6 x USB 2.0 ports

2 x USB 3.0 ports (Only for A88GA-S)

1 x RJ-45 LAN port

1 x eSATA Port

8-channel Audio ports

Hardware Monitor System voltage detection

CPU/System temperature detection

CPU/System/NB fan speed detection

CPU overheating warning

CPU/System/NB fan speed control

PCI Express x1 Gen2.0 Support 500MB/s (1GB/s concurrent) bandwidth

Low power consumption and power management features

PCI Express x16 Gen2.0 Support 8GB/s (16GB/s concurrent) bandwidth

Low power consumption and power management features

Green Function Support ACPI (Advanced Conguration and Power Interface)

Support S0 (normal), S1 (power on suspend), S3 (suspend to RAM),

S4 (suspend to disk), S5 (soft - off)

Bundled Software FOX ONE, FOX LiveUpdate, FOX LOGO, FOX DMI

Operating System Support for Microsoft® Windows® 7/Vista/XP

Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 30.5cm x 23.6cm (12 inches x 9.3 inches)

1-2 Layout

1. 8-pin ATX 12V Power Connector

2. North Bridge: AMD 880G

3. NB_FAN Header

4. PCI Express x1 Slot

5. PCI Express x16 Slot

6. PCI Slots

7. CD_IN Connector

8. Front Audio Connector

9. SPDIF_OUT Connector

10. Speaker Connector

11. South Bridge: AMD SB710

12. Front USB 2.0 Connectors

13. Clear CMOS Jumper

14. Front Panel Connector

15. SYS_FAN Header

16. SATA Connectors

17. IDE Connector

18. Chassis intrusion alarm header (INTR)

19. 24-pin ATX Power Connector

20. DDR3 DIMM Slots

21. CPU Socket

22. CPU_FAN Header

Note : The above motherboard layout is for reference only, please refer to the physical mother

board for detail.

1615 17

425 6

1918

1-3 Back Panel Connectors

1. PS/2 Keyboard Port

Use the PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 keyboard.

2. USB 2.0 Ports

These USB ports support the USB 2.0/1.1 specication. Use these ports for USB devices such as an USB keyboard / mouse, USB printer, USB ash drive and etc.

3. USB 3.0 Ports (Only for A88GA-S)

To connect easily with next-generation components and peripherals, USB 3.0 is backward compatible with USB 2.0 components.

4. VGA Port

To connect with external display devices, such as monitor or LCD display.

5. DVI-D Port

The DVI-D port supports DVI-D specication. Connect a monitor that supports DVI-D connection

to this port.

6. eSATA Port

To connect external SATA device to your system by expanding the internal SATA port(s) to the

chassis back panel. External SATA device shall provide power by its own.

LAN PortVGA PortPS/2 Keyboard Port

Audio Ports

Line Out

Microphone

Subwoofer

Rear Speaker

Side Speaker

Line In

DVI-D Port

USB 2.0 Ports eSATA Port

USB 2.0 Ports

USB 3.0 Ports

USB 2.0 Ports

7. Audio Ports

For the denition of each audio port, please refer to the table below :

8. RJ-45 LAN Port

The Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 10/100/1000Mb/s data rate.

Active

LED

Link

LED

LAN Type

Left: Active Right: Link

Status Description Status Description

1000M

Off No Link Off No Link

Green

Blinking

Data Activity

Off 10 Mb/s Connection

Green 100 Mb/s Connection

Orange 1000 Mb/s Connection

Port 2-channel 4-channel 5.1-channel 7.1-channel

Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In

Green Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Microphone In Microphone In Microphone In Microphone In

Orange - - Center/Subwoofer Out Center/Subwoofer Out

Black - Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Grey - - - Side Speaker Out

This chapter introduces the hardware and software installation proc-

ess, including the installation of the CPU, memory, power supply,

slots, pin headers and the mounting of jumpers. Caution should be

exercised during the installation of these modules. Please refer to the

motherboard layout prior to any installation and read the contents in

this chapter carefully.

This chapter includes the following information :

■ Install the CPU and CPU Cooler

■ Install the Memory

■ Install an Expansion Card

■ Install other Internal Connectors

■ Jumpers

■ Install driver and utility

Please visit the following website for more supporting information about your motherboard.

CPU Support List:

http://www.foxconnsupport.com/cpusupportlist.aspx

Memory, VGA Compatibility List:

http://www.foxconnsupport.com/complist.aspx

2-1 Install the CPU and CPU Cooler

Install the CPU

Locate the Pin-1 CPU triangle mark and the Pin-1 of the CPU socket.

Pin-1 triangle marking of CPU

1. Release the CPU socket lever. 2. Align Pin-1 of the CPU with the CPU

socket, and gently put the CPU

onto the socket.

Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU:

■ Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.

■ Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power supply before

installing the CPU to prevent hardware damage.

■ Locate the Pin-1 of the CPU. The CPU cannot be inserted if oriented incorrectly.

■ Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the CPU.

■ Do not turn on the computer if the CPU cooler is not installed, otherwise overheating

and damage of the CPU may occur.

■ Set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the CPU specications. It is not

recommended that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specications

since it does not meet the standard requirements for the peripherals. If you want to

set the frequency beyond the standard specications, please do so according to your

hardware specications including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.

Pin-1 corner of the CPU socket

3. When CPU is properly seated,

push the CPU socket lever back

to its locked position.

Install the CPU Cooler

Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler. (The following procedures use Foxconn cooler as the example.)

1. Apply and spread an even thermal

grease on the surface of CPU.

2. Buckle the heatsink rmly at one side of the stand.

3. Buckle the heatsink at another

side, and press the fasten lever

down to tightly seat the cooler.

4. Attach the CPU cooler connector

to the CPU fan header on the

motherboard .

Use extreme care when removing the CPU cooler because the thermal grease may adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cooler may damage the CPU.

2-2 Install the Memory

Dual Channel Memory Conguration

This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology.

When memory is installed, the BIOS will automatically check the memory in your system.

Four DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels :

Channel 0 : DIMM1, DIMM3

Channel 1 : DIMM2, DIMM4

The combinations of DIMM modules are :

It is recommended that memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be

used and please select dual channel rst to achieve optimum performance.

Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory :

■ Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory

of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.

■ Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before

installing the memory to prevent hardware damage.

■ Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only

one direction. If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.

DIMM1 DIMM2 DIMM3 DIMM4

Single Channel DS/SS - - -

Single Channel DS/SS - DS/SS -

Single Channel - DS/SS - -

Single Channel - DS/SS - DS/SS

Dual Channel DS/SS DS/SS - -

Dual Channel - - DS/SS DS/SS

Dual Channel DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS

(DS : Double Side, SS : Single Side, - : No Memory)

Installing a Memory

If you take a look at front side of memory module, it has asymmetric pin counts on both sides separated

by a notch in the middle, so it can only t in one direction. Follow the steps below to correctly install

your memory modules into the sockets.

Step 1: Spread the clips at both ends of the memory socket. Place the memory module onto the socket, then put your

ngers on top edge of the module, and push it down rmly and seat it vertically into the memory socket.

Step 2: The clips at both ends of the socket will snap into place when the memory module is securely inserted.

Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the

power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module. Be sure

to install DDR3 DIMMs on this motherboard.

144-Pin

96-Pin

Notch

2-3 Install an Expansion Card

Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.

1. Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis

back panel.

2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.

3. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.

4. Secure the card's metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.

5. After installing all expansion cards, replace the chassis cover.

6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for

your expansion card(s).

7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.

Installing and Removing a PCI Express x16 Graphics Card :

• Installing a Graphics Card:

Gently insert the graphics card into the PCI Express x16 slot. Make sure

the graphics card is locked by the latch at the end of the PCI Express

x16 slot.

• Removing the Card:

Push the latch at the end of the PCI Express x16 slot to release the card and then pull the card straight up from the slot.

■ Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual

that came with your expansion card.

■ Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before

installing an expansion card to prevent hardware damage.

PCI Express x16

PCI Express x1

PCI

2-4 Install other Internal Connectors

Power Connectors

This motherboard uses an ATX power supply. In order not to damage any device, make sure all the devices have been installed properly before applying the power supply.

24-pin ATX power connector : PWR1

PWR1 is the ATX power supply connector. Make sure that the power supply cable and pins are properly aligned with the connector on the motherboard. Firmly plug the power supply cable into the connector and make sure it is secure.

8-pin ATX 12 V Power Connector : PWR2

Connect the 8-pin ATX 12V power supply to PWR2 and provides power to the CPU.

We recommend you using a 24-pin power supply.

If you are using a 20-pin power supply, you need to align the ATX power connector according to the picture.

20-Pin Power

Pin No. 24

Pin # Denition Pin # Denition

1 3.3V 13 3.3V

2 3.3V 14 -12V

3 GND 15 GND

4 +5V 16 PS_ON(Soft On/Off)

5 GND 17 GND

6 +5V 18 GND

7 GND 19 GND

8 Power Good 20 NC

9 +5V SB(Stand by +5V) 21 +5V

10 +12V 22 +5V

11 +12V 23 +5V

12 3.3V 24 GND

145

PWR2

GND+12V

Pin # Denition Pin # Denition

1 GND 5 +12V

2 GND 6 +12V

3 GND 7 +12V

4 GND 8 +12V

PWR1

12 1

Front Panel Connector : FP1

This motherboard includes one connector for connecting the front panel switch and LED Indicators.

Hard Disk LED Connector (HDD-LED)

Connect to the chassis front panel IDE indicator LED. It indicates the active status of the hard disks. This 2-pin connector is directional with +/- sign.

Reset Switch (RESET-SW)

Attach the connector to the Reset switch on the front panel of the case; the system will restart when the switch is pressed.

Power LED Connector (PWR-LED)

Connect to the power LED indicator on the front panel of the chassis. The Power LED indicates the system’s status. When the system is in operation (S0 status), the LED is on. When the system gets into sleep mode

(S1) , the LED is blinking; When the system is in S3/S4 sleep state or power off mode (S5), the LED is off. This

2-pin connector is directional with +/- sign.

Power Switch Connector (PWR-SW)

Connect to the power button on the front panel of the chassis. Push this switch allows the system to be turned on and off rather than using the power supply button.

Serial ATA Connectors : SATA_1/2/3/4/5

The Serial ATA connector is used to connect with SATA Hard Disk or CD devices which support this feature. The current Serial ATA II interface allows up to 300MB/s data transfer rate.

SATA_1/2/3/4/5

GND TX+ TXGND RXRX+

GND

HDD-LED

RESET-SW

PWR-SW

PWR-LED

EMPTY

FP1

We recommend you using an 8-pin ATX 12V power supply. If

you are using a 4-pin power supply, you need to align the ATX

power connector according to the picture on the right.

Connect a 4-pin

power plug

Audio Connector : CD_IN

CD_IN is a Sony standard audio connector, it can be connected to a CD/DVD-ROM drive through a CD/DVD audio cable.

Audio Connector : F_AUDIO

The audio connector supports HD Audio standard. It provides the Front Audio output choice.

Speaker Connector : SPEAKER

The speaker connector is used to connect speaker of the chassis.

USB 2.0 Connectors : F_USB 1/2

In addition to the USB 2.0 ports on the rear panel, this product also provides two10-pin USB 2.0 headers on its motherboard. By connecting through USB cables with them, user can quickly expand another four USB

2.0 ports on the front panel.

IDE Connector : PIDE

With the provided Ultra DMA IDE ribbon cable, you can connect to any IDE type of hard disk and CD/DVD ROM/RW drive.

PORT1_L

PORT1_R

PORT2_L

SENSE_SEND

SENSE1_RETURN

PRESENCE_J

EMPTY SENSE2_RETURN

AUD_GND

1 2

109

F_AUDIO

PORT2_R

CD_IN

CD_L GND CD_R

GND

VCC

D+

D-

D+

GND

D-

VCC

EMPTY

F_USB 1/2

SPKJ

EMPTY

SPEAKER

SPKJ

Fan Connectors : CPU_FAN, SYS_FAN,

NB_FAN

There are three main fan headers on this motherboard. The fan speed can be controlled and monitored in “PC Health Status” section of the BIOS Setup. These fans can be automatically turned off after the system enters

S3, S4 and S5 sleeping states.

S/PDIF OUT Connector : SPDIF_OUT

The connector is used for S/PDIF output.

Chassis Intruder Alarm Connector : INTR

The connector can be connected to a security switch on the chassis. The system can detect the chassis intrusion through the function of this connector. If eventually the chassis is closed, the system will send a message out.

CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN/

NB_FAN

GND POWER SENSE CONTROL

INTR

GND

INTRUDERJ

SPDIF_OUT

+5V

EMPTY

SPDIF_OUT

GND

2-5 Jumpers

For some features needed, users can change the jumper settings on this motherboard to modify them. This section explains how to use the various functions of this motherboard by changing the jumper settings. Users should read the following content carefully prior to modifying any jumper setting.

Description of Jumpers

1. For any jumper on this motherboard, pin 1 can be identied by the bold silkscreen next to it.

However, in this manual, pin 1 is simply labeled as “1”.

2. The following table explains different types of the jumper settings. "Closed" means placing a jumper

cap on the two pins to temporarily short them. The shorting can also be done by touching two

pins by a screwdriver for a few seconds, but using jumper cap is recommended. It can prevent

hazardous ESD (Electrical Static Discharge) problem.

Clear CMOS Jumper: CLR_CMOS

The motherboard uses CMOS RAM to store the basic hardware information (such as BIOS data, date, time information, hardware password...etc.). Clear CMOS data is the fast way to go back to

factory default when the BIOS settings were mistakenly modied.

The steps to clear CMOS data are :

1. Turn off the computer, unplug the power cord from the power outlet.

2. Remove jumper cap from pins 2-3, put it onto pins 1-2 to short them. This will clear CMOS data.

3. Return the setting to its original with pins 2-3 closed.

4. Plug in the power cord to your computer and turn it on.

5. Go to BIOS Setup to congure new system as described in next chapter.

Jumper Diagram Denition Description

1-2 Set Pin 1 and Pin 2 closed

2-3 Set Pin 2 and Pin 3 closed

Clear

Normal (Default)

CLR_CMOS

■ Disconnect the power cable before adjusting the jumper settings.

■ Do not clear the CMOS while the system is turned on.

2-6 Install driver and utility

This motherboard comes with one DVD, after installing the Operating System, you can simply put it into your DVD-ROM drive, and the main menu will be displayed on your PC screen to guide you how to install.

1. Driver

Use these options to install all the drivers for your system. You must click "AMD Chipset Driver"

to install it rst. After that, you can click ”One Click Setup” and then choose the items you want to

install, or you can click on each individual driver to install it manually.

Visit Foxconn's

Website

Show Utilities Show Drivers Browse CD View the Utility

Help les

Manual Installation

Step by Step

Automatic Installation

by One Click Setup

Drop to System Tray

Exit the program

Choose the items you want to Install

2. Utility

Use these options to install additional software programs. And click “Utility Help” button to view the utility (FOX ONE, FOX LiveUpdate, FOX LOGO, FOX DMI) help manual.

Click here

Since BIOS could be updated some other times, the BIOS information described

in this manual is for reference only. We do not guarantee the content of this

manual will remain consistent with the newly released BIOS at any given time in

the future. Please visit our website for updated manual if it is available.

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS

Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are

also provided.

You have to run the Setup Program when the following cases oc-

cur:

1. An error message appears on the screen during the system

Power On Self Test (POST) process.

2. You want to change the default CMOS settings.

This chapter includes the following information :

■ Enter BIOS Setup

■ Main Menu

■ System Information

■ Advanced BIOS Features

■ Core Releaser

■ Fox Central Control Unit

■ Advanced Chipset Features

■ Integrated Peripherals

■ Power Management Setup

■ PC Health Status

■ BIOS Security Features

■ Load Optimal Defaults

■ Save Changes and Exit

■ Discard Changes and Exit

Enter BIOS Setup

The BIOS is the communication bridge between hardware and software, correctly setting up the BIOS parameters is critical to maintain optimal system performance. Power on the computer, when the message "Press <DEL> To Enter Setup, <ESC> To Show Boot Menu". appears at the bottom of the screen, you can press <DEL> key to enter SETUP.

Main Menu

The main menu allows you to select from a list of setup functions together with two exit choices.

Use the arrow keys to select a specic item and press <Enter> to go to the submenu.

Each item in the main menu is explained below:

► System Information

It displays the basic system conguration, such as BIOS ID, CPU Name, memory size plus

system date, time and so on. They all can be viewed or set up through this menu.

► Advanced BIOS Features

The advanced system features can be set up through this menu. There are boot up settings.

► Core Releaser (Enabled only if CPU supports)

The Core Releaser function can be set up through this menu.

[Auto]: some CPU hidden Cores may be activated.

[Disabled]: the system will load default CPU cores.

When the message "Press <F3> to activate Core-Releaser, " appears at the bottom of the screen, you can press <F3> key to set the Core Releaser to be enabled.

We do not suggest that you change the default values in the BIOS Setup, and we shall not be responsible for any damage which resulted from the change you made.

► System Information ► Power Management Setup

► Advanced BIOS Features ► PC Health Status

► Core Releaser ► BIOS Security Features

► Fox Central Control Unit Load Optimal Defaults

► Advanced Chipset Features Save Changes and Exit

► Integrated Peripherals Discard Changes and Exit

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

Configure Time and Date. Display System Information...

► System Information

► Fox Central Control Unit

Some special proprietary features (such as overclocking) can be set up through this menu.

► Advanced Chipset Features

The values for the chipset can be changed through this menu, and the system performance

can be optimized.

► Integrated Peripherals

All onboard peripherals can be set up through this menu. There are IDE devices and other

USB devices... etc.

► Power Management Setup

All the items related with Green function features can be set up through this menu.

► PC Health Status

This setup enables you to read/change Fan speeds, and displays temperatures and voltages

of your CPU/System/NB.

► BIOS Security Features

The Supervisor/User password can be set up through this menu to prevent unauthorized use

of your computer. If you set a password, the system will ask you to key in correct password

before boot or access to Setup.

► Load Optimal Defaults

The optimal performance settings can be loaded through this menu.

► Save Changes and Exit

Save setting values to CMOS and exit.

► Discard Changes and Exit

Don’t save any modications and exit.

We do not guarantee all CPU hidden Cores may be activated. If system halt or PC can not enter the Operating System, Please press and hold the Power Button until the PC powers off and restart your PC. If PC still does not work at all, it mean that this function can not be enabled. You need clear CMOS or enter BIOS to load default.

System Information

This sub-menu is used to set up the standard BIOS features, such as the date, time and so on.

Use the arrow up/down keys to select an item, then use the <+> or <-> key to change the setting.

► Date (mm:dd:yy)

<weekday><month><date> <year> format.

Day—weekday from Sun. to Sat., this message is automatically displayed by BIOS (Read

Only).

Month—month from 1 to 12.

Date—date from 1 to 31.

Year—year, set up by users.

Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a eld. Use [+] or [-] to input the value.

► Time (hh:mm:ss)

This item allows you to congure the desired time. Use [ENTER] to enter the setting, then use

[TAB] to move forward a eld. Use [+] or [-] to input the value.

The three elds of the setting are <hour> : <minute> : <second> respectively.

► IDE Master/Slave, SATA Port1/2/3/4/5, eSATA Port

While entering setup, BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. This item

displays the drive information of IDE devices.

► Halt On

This category determines whether or not the computer will stop if an error is detected during

powering up.

[All Errors] : All errors can result in system halt.

[All Errors But...] : All errors but keyboard or mouse can result in system halt. The halt condi-

tion can be enabled/disabled in the next two settings.

► Keyboard

The system boot will not stop for a keyboard error if you enabled this item.

► Mouse

The system boot will not stop for a mouse error if you enabled this item.

► Model Name

Model name of this product.

System Information

Date (mm:dd:yy) [Fri , 07/16/2010] Help Item

Time (hh:mm:ss) [11 : 59 : 49] ► IDE Master [Not Detected]

Use [Enter], [TAB]

► IDE Slave [Not Detected]

or [SHIFT-TAB] to

► SATA Port 1

[Not Detected] select a eld.

► SATA Port 2

[Not Detected]

► SATA Port 3

[Not Detected] Use [+] or [-] to

► SATA Port 4

[Not Detected] congure the system Date.

► SATA Port 5

[Not Detected]

► eSATA Port

[Not Detected]

Halt On [All Errors, But ...] Keyboard [Disabled] Mouse [Disabled]

Model Name :A88GA-S BIOS ID :

A35F1D07

BIOS Version :08.00.16

Memory Size :1024MB

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

► BIOS ID / BIOS Version

It displays the current BIOS ID/version. User can check this information and discuss with the field service people if a BIOS upgrade is needed.

► Memory Size

This item displays the current memory size. The size is depending on how many memory mod-

ules were installed in your system before powering on.

► MAC Address

This item shows the onboard LAN MAC address.

► CPU Name

It displays the current CPU name.

Advanced BIOS Features

► MPS Revision

This feature is only applicable to multiprocessor motherboards as it species the version of the

MPS that the motherboard will use. The MPS is a specication by which PC manufacturers

design and build CPU architecture systems with two or more processors. MPS 1.1 was the

original specication. MPS version 1.4 adds extended conguration tables for improved

support of multiple PCI bus congurations and greater expandability in the future. In addition,

MPS 1.4 introduces support for a secondary PCI bus without requiring a PCI bridge. If your

operating system comes with support for MPS 1.4, you should keep the setting as the default

1.4. You also need to enable MPS 1.4 support if you need to make use of the secondary PCI

bus on a motherboard that doesn't come with a PCI bridge. You should only leave it as 1.1

only if you are running an older operating system that only supports MPS 1.1.

► PCI Latency Timer

This item is used to set the PCI latency timer. The value is in unit of PCI cycle for PCI device

latency timer register. Setting values are 32, 64, 96, 128, 160, 192, 224, 248.

This feature controls how long each PCI device can hold the bus before another takes over.

The larger the value, the longer the PCI device can retain control of the bus. Low values for

the PCI Latency Timer will reduce the effective PCI bandwidth while higher values means

Advanced BIOS Features

MPS Revision [1.4] Help Item PCI Latency Timer [64]

Quiet Boot [Enabled] Select MPS Revision Quick Boot [Enabled] Bootup Num-Lock [On]

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

1.4

every PCI device will have to wait longer before they can get access to the bus, but when they

do get access, they can conduct their transactions for a longer time. Normally, a default value

of 64 cycles is set. Some PCI devices may not agree with longer latency times so if you start

facing problems like stuttering sound or a less responsive system, reduce the latency. Higher

values will actually reduce performance as too much time may be allocated to each PCI device

to the disadvantage of other devices on the bus.

► Quiet Boot

This item is used to enable/disable the quiet boot.

[Disabled] : Displays the normal POST messages.

[Enabled] : Displays OEM customer logo instead of POST messages.

► Quick Boot

While Enabled, this option allows BIOS to skip certain tests while booting, this will shorten the

time needed to boot the system.

► Bootup Num-Lock

This item denes if the keyboard Num Lock key is active when your system is started. The

available settings are: On (default) and Off.

Core Releaser

► Advanced Clock Calibration

This option is used to enable or disable the Core Releaser. The default value: [Disabled].

Core Releaser

Advanced Clock Calibration

Help Item

AGESA Version : 3.7.0.1 Physical Count : 1

Logical Count : 4

AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 945 Processor

Cache L1 : 512KB Cache L2 : 2048KB

Cache L3 : 6MB Current CPU Speed : 3000MHz

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

[Disabled]

Disabled Auto All Cores Per Core

Options

Fox Central Control Unit

► Super BIOS Protect

To protect the system BIOS from virus attack, there is a BIOS write-protection mechanism

provided. Super BIOS Protect function protects your BIOS from being affected by viruses, e.g.

CIH.

► Auto Detect PCI Clock

This option is used to auto detect PCI slot. When enabled, the system will turn off clock of the

empty PCI slot to reduce EMI (Electromagnetic Interference).

► Smart BIOS / Fox Intelligent Stepping / Voltage Options / CPU Configuration

Press <Enter> to go to the submenu.

Fox Central Control Unit

Super BIOS Protect [Disabled] Help Item Auto Detect PCI Clock [Disabled]

► Smart BIOS [Press Enter]

► Fox Intelligent Stepping

[Press Enter]

► Voltage Options

[Press Enter] Disabled

► CPU Conguration

[Press Enter] Enabled

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

[Disabled]

Options

Smart BIOS

► Smart Power LED

Smart Power LED is a feature built on your motherboard to indicate different states during

Power On Self Test (POST). The LED is located at the front panel, and it displays POST state

by different long-short blinking intervals. You can always leave this state enabled.

► Smart Boot Menu

When PC starts, it will ask you to press [Del] key to enter setup or press [Esc] key to enter

smart boot menu. If [Disabled] is selected, then pressing [Esc] has no function. This also pre-

vents user without password trying to get into your computer through smart boot menu.

System Status Power LED Status Stop Blinking Condition

Normal Always On Always On

No Memory Continue blinking On (1sec.), Off (1sec.) Reboot & Memory OK

No Display Continue blinking On (2sec.), Off (2sec.) Reboot & Display OK

Post Error Message

Quick blinking twice (1/3sec. On, 1/3sec. Off), one long On (1sec.), continuously.

Enter Setup or Skip

No CPU Fan Continue blinking On (1/2sec.), Off (1/2sec.) Reboot & Fan OK

Smart BIOS

Smart Power LED [Enabled] Help Item Smart Boot Menu [Enabled]

Disabled

Enabled

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

[Enabled]

Options

Fox Intelligent Stepping

► CPU Clock

This option is used to adjust the CPU clock.

► Current CPU Speed

This item displays the current CPU speed.

► CPU Multiplier Adjust

This option is used to adjust the CPU Clock Ratio. Multiply CPU clock with this ratio, you can

get the CPU speed. Increase this ratio may overclock your CPU. This option will be valid if

your CPU ratio is unlocked and will be displayed only if your CPU is supporting this feature.

► CPU-NB HT Link Speed

HT stands for HyperTransport bus. The CPU<->NB HT Speed option controls the physical

speed of the CPU to Northbridge HT link.

► CPU-NB Multiplier Control

This item is used to select CPU-NB Multiplier run as Auto or Manual mode.

Select [Auto] for CPU-NB default speed.

Select [Manual], then CPU-NB speed is manually selected according to the setting of “CPU-

NB Multiplier Adjust”.

► CPU-NB Multiplier Adjust

This item is used to set CPU-NB Multiplier. It is displayed only when “CPU-NB Multiplier Con

trol” is set as manual mode.

► Current CPU-NB Speed

This item displays the current CPU-NB speed.

► Memory Speed Mode

This item is used to enable/disable provision of DRAM timing by SPD device. The Serial

Presence Detect (SPD) device is a small EEPROM chip, mounted on a memory

module. It contains important information about the module's speed, size, addressing mode

and various other parameters, so that the motherboard memory controller (chipset) can better

access the memory device.

Select [Auto] for SPD enable mode.

Select [Limit], the DRAM speed will not exceed the specied value listed in the "Memory

Fox Intelligent Stepping

CPU Clock [200] Help Item Current CPU Speed :3000MHz

CPU Multiplier Adjust [Auto]

CPU-NB HT Link Speed [Auto]

Current FSB

/HTT Speed :2000MHz

CPU-NB Multiplier Control [Auto] Current CPU-NB Speed :2000MHz

Memory Speed Mode [Auto] Current DRAM Speed : 1067MHz, N/A

GFX Engine Clock Override [Disabled] PCI Express Clock [100] Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

200

Speed Adjust" item. If SPD value is faster than "Memory Speed Adjust" value, it will run at the

specied "Memory Speed Adjust" speed. Otherwise, SPD value is selected.

Select [Manual], then DRAM speed is manually selected according to the set value of

"Memory Speed Adjust".

► Memory Speed Adjust

This item will appear only when the "Memory Speed Mode" is set to [Limit] or [Manual].

The available settings are: [800MHz], [1067MHz], [1333MHz], [1600MHz], [Auto].

► Current DRAM Speed

This item displays the current DRAM speed.

► GFX Engine Clock Override

This item allows you to enable/disable GFX Engine Clock Override support.

► PCI Express Clock

This option is used to adjust the speed of PCI Express slot. It may enhance the graphics card

speed.

► Spread Spectrum

If you enabled this function, it can signicantly reduce the EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)

generated by the system, so to comply with FCC regulation. But if overclocking is activated,

you had better disable it.

Voltage Options

► Memory Voltage Control

This option is used to change the DRAM voltage in a step of 25mV. The voltage can be incre-

mented from +25mV to +400mV.

► CPU Voltage Control

This option is used to change the CPU voltage in a step of 25mV. The voltage can be incre-

mented from +25mV to +600mV.

Voltage Options

Memory Voltage Control [Disabled] Help Item Current DRAM Voltage :1.596V

CPU Voltage Control [Disabled]

Current CPU Voltage :1.356V Disabled

+25mV

HT Voltage Control [Disabled] +50mV

Current HT Voltage :1.200V +75mV +100mV

NB Voltage Control [Disabled] +125mV +150mV +175mV

+200mV

+225mV +250mV +275mV

+300mV

+325mV +350mV

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

[Disabled]

Options

► HT Voltage Control

This option is used to change the HT voltage in a step of 25mV. The voltage can be increment-

ed from +25mV to +400mV.

► NB Voltage Control

This item is used to adjust North Bridge(NB) voltage.

Adjusting the voltage beyond the NB

default voltage could result in damage to NB.

The default option is “Disabled”.

CPU Conguration

This menu shows most of the CPU specications.

► Cool ‘N‘ Quiet (Appear only when CPU supports)

This option helps lowering down the CPU frequency and voltage when system is idling. When

the CPU speed is slowing down, the temperature will drop as well.

► C1E Support

C1E represents Enhanced HALT State. It is a feature which CPU uses to reduce power

consumption when in halt state. C1E drops the CPU’s multiplier and voltage to lower levels

when a HLT (halt) command is issued. This item is used to enable/disable the C1E support.

CPU Conguration

Help Item

Module Version : 13.69

AGESA Version : 3.7.0.1

Enable/disable the Physical Count : 1 generation of ACPI Logical Count : 4 _PPC, _PSS, and _PCT objects.

AMD Athlon(tm) II X4 945 Processor

Revision: C2

Cache L1 : 512KB Cache L2 : 2048KB

Cache L3 : 6MB Current CPU Speed :300MHz Cool ‘N’ Quiet C1E Support [Disabled]

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

[Enabled]

Advanced Chipset Features

► Memory Conguration / DRAM Timing Conguration

Press <Enter> to go to its submenu.

The following six items display the values configured at the settings of "DRAM Timing Mode".

► CAS Latency

This item shows the CAS latency. The CAS Latency is the number of clock cycles that elapse

from the time the request for data is sent to the actual memory location until the data is trans-

mitted from the module.

► RAS / CAS Delay

This item displays a delay time (in clock cycles) between the CAS and RAS strobe signals.

► Row Precharge Time

This item shows the number of clock cycles taken between issuing of the precharge command

and the active command. The DRAM row precharge time is in unit of clock cycle.

► Min Active RAS

Displays the number of clock cycles taken between a bank active command and issuing of the

precharge command.

► RAS / RAS Delay

This item displays a delay time (in clock cycles) between the RAS and RAS strobe signals.

► Row Cycle

This item shows the minimum timing interval between successive active commands to the

same bank. The row cycle time is in unit of clock cycle.

► Internal Graphics Mode

It allows you to determine whether to allocate memory for the integrated graphics controller

from the system memory or SidePort memory. Options: [Disabled], [UMA].

[Disabled]- Disables the integrated graphics controller.

[UMA]-In UMA mode, the only memory to which the integrated graphics has access is a

dynamically allocated partition of system memory. The size of the parition is selectable from

within the BIOS.

Advanced Chipset Features

Northbridge Chipset Conguration

Help Item

► Memory Configuration

[Press Enter]

► DRAM Timing Configuration [Press Enter]

CAS Latency : 7 CLK, N/A RAS/CAS Delay : 7 CLK, N/A

Row Precharge Time : 7 CLK, N/A Min Active RAS : 20 CLK,N/A

RAS/RAS Delay : 4 CLK, N/A

Row Cycle : 27 CLK,N/A

Internal Graphics Configuration

Internal Graphics Mode [UMA] UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto] Primary Video Controller [PCI-GFX0-IGFX] Surround View [Auto]

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

[Press Enter]

► UMA Frame Buffer Size

Allocates system memory for use as video memory to ensure the most efcient use of

available resources for maximum 2D/3D graphics performance.

This is a memory allocation method addition to the Unied Memory Architecture (UMA)

concept, wherein a static amount of page-locked graphics memory is allocated during driver

initialization. This xed amount of memory will provide the user with a guaranteed graphics

memory at all times, and will no longer be available to the OS.

► Primary Video Controller

This item allows you to select the priority of boot sequence from different display devices. Set-

ting values are: [GFX0-IGFX-PCI], [PCI-GFX0-IGFX], [IGFX-GFX0-PCI]. (GFX0-PCI Express

x16 graphics card; IGFX-onboard VGA; PCI-PCI graphics card.)

► Surround View

SurroundView is the ATI technology that provides multi-graphics controller display capability

for both the ATI PCIe-based graphics card and the ATI integrated graphics processor (IGP).

Enabling SurroundView does not impact display modes (resolution and color depth) or perfor-

mance. The display mode of each output is controlled independently by the graphics controller

connected to it.

1. When using a non-ATI PCI Express (PCIe) graphics card, SurroundView is not supported.

The integrated graphics processor (IGP) is automatically disabled, and the system memory

allocated to the IGP is freed for other use.

2. When installing an ATI PCIe graphics card, SurroundView is disabled by default. Enabling

SurroundView in the BIOS enables the integrated UMA graphics controller, which in turn

makes available up to two additional graphics outputs. When enabling the integrated UMA

graphics controller, system memory will be reallocated.

Memory Conguration

► DCT Unganged Mode

DCT stands for DRAM Controller.

Ganged refers to the use of both DRAM controllers within a memory controller acting in con-

cert to access memory. For a description of ganged (128-bit DRAM data width) and unganged

(64-bit DRAM data width) DRAM modes :

Ganged channels (DDR3) :

■ DCT channels A and B can be ganged as a single logical 128-bit DIMM.

■ Offers highest DDR3 bandwidth.

■ Requires both DIMMs in a logical pair to have identical size and timing parameters, both

DCTs programmed identically.

Unganged channels

■ DCT channels A and B operate as two completely independent 64-bit channels (both chan-

nels operate at the same frequency).

■ Reduce DRAM page conicts – more concurrent open dram pages .

■ Better bus efciency.

Burst lengths supported

When both DCTs are enabled in unganged mode, BIOS must initialize the frequency of each

DCT in order.

Memory Conguration

Help Item

DCT Unganged Mode This allows selection of unganged DRAM mode

(64-bit width).

Auto= Ganged mode Always=Unganged mode

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

[Always]

DRAM Timing Conguration

► DRAM Timing Mode

When both DCTs (DRAM controller) are enabled in unganged mode, BIOS must initialize

the frequency of each DCT in order, you also can congure the timings manually.

Settings are : [Auto], [DCT 0], [DCT 1], [Both].

Integrated Peripherals

► IDE Configuration / USB Configuration

Press <Enter> to go to relative submenu.

► OnBoard LAN

This item is used to enable or disable the onboard LAN controller.

DRAM Timing Conguration

Help Item

DRAM Timing Mode Auto DCT 0

DCT 1

Both

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

[Auto]

Options

[Auto]

Integrated Peripherals

► IDE Conguration

[Press Enter] Help Item

► USB Conguration

[Press Enter]

OnBoard LAN [Enabled] Congure the IDE

OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] device(s). HD Audio Controller [Enabled]

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

[Press Enter]

► OnBoard LAN Boot ROM

This item is used to enable or disable the onboard LAN boot optional ROM. A LAN boot ROM

lets you set up a diskless workstation on the network. By installing a boot ROM in the network

board, you can enable a client PC system on the network to be booted remotely.

► HD Audio Controller

This item is used to enable or disable the HD Audio Controller.

IDE Conguration

► OnChip SATA Channel

[Disabled] : Disable SATA ports 1, 2, 3, 4.

[Enabled] : Enable SATA ports 1, 2, 3, 4.

► OnChip SATA Type

This item is used to set the operating mode of your SATA ports.

Options : [Native IDE]; [RAID]; [AHCI]; [Legacy IDE].

[Native IDE] - This congures the SATA ports to support native IDE mode.

[RAID] - When you enable RAID, it means all your SATA drives must also support AHCI.

[AHCI] - The Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) specication describes the register

level interface for a Host Controller for Serial ATA. The specication includes a description of

the hardware/software interface between system software and the host controller hardware.

AHCI provides more advanced features including SATA features, but some SATA drives may

not support AHCI, unless they are labeled with AHCI support in its specication.

If your motherboard supporting AHCI, and you have a SATA device, which also supports AHCI,

then you can select IDE option to have fair performance (only PATA, SATA level), or you can

select AHCI to get its best performance.

[Legacy IDE] - This congures the SATA ports to support legacy IDE mode which is running

for old Windows system.

► SATA IDE Combined Mode

[Disabled] : Disable SATA 5 and ESATA.

[Enabled] : SATA 5 and ESATA are used to simulate two additional IDE ports.

IDE Conguration

Help Item

OnChip SATA Channel

Disabled

OnChip SATA Type [Native IDE] I Enabled SATA IDE Combined Mode [Enabled]

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

[Enabled]

USB Conguration

► Legacy USB Support

This item is used to enable the support for USB devices on legacy OS. If you have a USB

keyboard or mouse, set to auto or enabled.

► USB Keyboard Legacy Support

This item is used to enable Legacy Support for USB Keyboard.

► USB Mouse Legacy Support

This item is used to enable Legacy Support for USB Mouse.

► USB 2.0 Controller Mode

This item is used to set the transmission rate mode of USB 2.0. The available settings are :

[High Speed] in 480Mbps; [Full Speed] in 12Mbps.

►BIOS EHCI Hand-Off

This is a workround for OSes without EHCI hand-off support.The EHCI ownership

change should claim by EHCI driver.

► USB 3.0 Controller

This item is used to enable or disable USB 3.0 legacy support.

USB Conguration

Help Item

Module Version - 2.24.5-13.4 Enable support for legacy USB. USB Devices Enabled :

Auto option disables

None legacy support if no USB devices are Legacy USB Support [Enabled] connected. USB Keyboard Legacy Support [Enabled]

USB Mouse Legacy Support

[Enabled]

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [High Speed] BIOS EHCI Hand-Off [Enabled] USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled]

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

[Enabled]

Power Management Setup

ACPI (Advanced Conguration and Power Interface) is an open industry standard interfaces

enabling OS-directed conguration, power management, and thermal management of mobile,

desktop, and server platforms. It denes ve sleeping states, they are :

S1 - The S1 sleeping state is a low wake latency sleeping state. In this state, no system

context is lost (CPU or chip set) and hardware maintains all system context. (also called

Power On Suspend)

S2 - The S2 sleeping state is a low wake latency sleeping state. This state is similar to the S1

sleeping state except that the CPU and system cache context is lost (the OS is respon-

sible for maintaining the caches and CPU context). Control starts from the processor’s

reset vector after the wake event.

S3 - The S3 sleeping state is a low wake latency sleeping state where all system context is lost

except system memory. CPU, cache, and chip set context are lost in this state. Hardware

maintains memory context and restores some CPU and L2 conguration context. Control

starts from the processor’s reset vector after the wake event. (also called Suspend to

RAM)

S4 - The S4 sleeping state is the lowest power, longest wake latency sleeping state supported

by ACPI. In order to reduce power to a minimum, it is assumed that the hardware platform

has powered off all devices. Platform context is maintained. (also called Suspend to

Disk)

S5 - The S5 state is similar to the S4 state except that the OS does not save any context. The

system is in the “soft” off state and requires a complete boot when it wakes. Software

uses a different state value to distinguish between the S5 state and the S4 state to allow

for initial boot operations within the BIOS to distinguish whether or not the boot is going to

wake from a saved memory image.

► ACPI Suspend Type

This item is used to set the energy saving mode of the ACPI function. When you select “S1

(POS)” mode, the power is always on and computer can be resumed at any time. When

you select “S3 (STR)” mode, the power will be down after a period of time. The status of the-

Power Management Setup

ACPI Suspend Type Help Item Energy-using Products [Enabled] Resume by LAN [Disabled] Select the ACPI Resume by PCI Card [Disabled] state used for Resume by PCIE Card [Disabled] System Suspend. Resume by USB Devices [Disabled] Resume by PS2 Keyboard [Disabled] Resume by RTC [Disabled]

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

[S3(STR)]

computer before it entering STR will be saved in memory, and the computer can quickly return

to previous state when the STR function wakes.

► Energy-using Products

This item is used to enable/disable the EuP(Energy-using Products) feature. When enable, the

suspend power of the chipset will be cut off in S5 suspend mode in order to reduce the power

consumption of motherboard.

Enabled: S1/S3/S4 is normal, S5 wake up only by pressing the power button.

Disabled: Normal ACPI function.

► Resume by LAN

This item is used to enable/disable LAN to generate a wake up.

► Resume by PCI Card

This item is used to enable/disable the PCI Card to generate a wake up.

► Resume by PCIE Card

This item is used to enable/disable the PCIe Card to generate a wake up.

► Resume by USB Devices

This item is used to enable/disable the USB Devices to generate a wake up.

► Resume by PS2 Keyboard

This item is used to enable/disable the PS2 keyboard to generate a wake up.

► Resume by RTC

This item is used to enable/disable RTC alarm event to generate a wake up.

RTC is system real time clock.

PC Health Status

► Warning Temperature

This option is used to set the warning temperature for the system. When the temperature of

CPU is higher than the set value, the motherboard will send out warning beep.

► Shut Down Temperature

This item is used to set the system temperature upper limit. When the temperature exceeds

the set value, the system will shut down automatically.

This function works only when your operating system is supporting ACPI.

► Case Open Warning

This item is used to enable or disable case open warning function.

► CPU/System/NB Temperature

The CPU/System/NorthBridge temperature are automatically detected and displayed by the

system.

► CPU Fan/System Fan/NB Fan Speed

The CPU fan/System fan/NB fan speed are automatically detected and displayed by the

system.

► CPU Voltage / DRAM Voltage / HT Voltage / +5.0V / +12V

The current voltages are automatically detected and displayed by the system.

► CPU Smart Fan Function / System Smart Fan Function / NB Smart Fan Function

These options are used to enable or disable smart fan function.

Set “CPU Smart Fan Function”/“System Smart Fan Function”/ “NB Smart Fan Function” to

[Enabled], the following items will appear: ► Off PWM Temperature

This item is used to set a off limit of temperature. The fan will stop when the temperature is

lower than the off limit. You can input a value from 0 to 127, or change it by pressing <+>/<->

key.

► Start PWM Temperature

This item is used to set a start limit of temperature. The fan will start to spin when the

temperature exceeds the start limit. The default value is [035].

PC Health Status

Warning Temperature [Disabled] Help Item Shut Down Temperature [Disabled] Case Open Warning [Disabled] CPU Temperature :47 oC/116 oF

System Temperature :30

C/86 oF Disabled

NB Temperature :45 oC/113 oF 50 oC/122 oF CPU Fan Speed :2213 RPM 55 oC/131 oF System Fan Speed :N/A 60 oC/140 oF NB Fan Speed :N/A 65 oC/149 oF CPU Voltage :1.344 V 70 oC/158 oF DRAM Voltage :1.596V 75 oC/167 oF

HT Voltage :1.200V

80 oC/176 oF +5.0V :4.919 V 85 oC/185 oF +12V :11.713V 90 oC/194 oF CPU Smart Fan Function [Enabled] Off PWM Temperature [000]

Start PWM Temperature [035] Start PWM Value [064]

Slope PWM Value [2 PWM]

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

[Disabled]

Options

► Start PWM Value

It allows you to set an initial PWM value to drive the fan when the temperature reaches “Start

PWM Temperature” value.

► Slope PWM Value

It is used to set a slope value in PWM/Temperature diagram. The PWM value is subject to the

temperature input value by linear changing.

BIOS Security Features

► Change Supervisor Password

This item is used to install or change supervisor password.

After you input Supervisor password, it then will ask you to

input user password optionally.

Load Optimal Defaults

Optimal defaults are the best settings of this motherboard. Always load the Optimal defaults after updating the BIOS or after clearing the CMOS values. Select this option and press Enter, it will pop out a dialogue box to let you load the defaults. Select <OK> and then press <Enter> to load the defaults. Select <Cancel> and press <Enter>, it will not load. By this default, BIOS have set the optimal performance parameters of system to improve the performances of system components. But if the optimal performance parameters to be set cannot be supported by your hardware devices (for example, too many expansion cards were installed), the system might fail to work.

BIOS Security Features

Scurity Settings

Help Item

Supervisor Password : Not Installed Enter or change the User Password : Not Installed password.

Change Supervisor Password [Press Enter]

↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F9:Optimized Defaults

[Press Enter]

Enter New Password :

Load Optimal Defaults?

[OK] [Cancel]

[OK]

Save Changes and Exit

When you select this option and press <Enter>, a message will be displayed in the center of the screen: Select [OK] to save your changes to CMOS and exit the program, select [Cancel] or <ESC> to return to the main menu.

Discard Changes and Exit

If you select this option and press <Enter>, the following message will be displayed in the center of the screen:

Select [OK] to exit CMOS without saving your modications,

select [Cancel] or <ESC> to return to the main menu.

Save configuration changes and exit setup?

[OK] [Cancel]

[OK]

Discard changes and exit setup?

[OK] [Cancel]

[OK]

This chapter will cover two topics :

■ Creating a Bootable Array - Installing a new Windows XP

(or Vista) in a brand new RAID system.

■ Creating a Non-Bootable Array - Existing Windows XP

(or Vista) system with new RAID built as data storage.

It includes the following information :

■ RAID Introduction

■ Install SATA Hard Disks

■ RAID Conguration

■ Create RAID Driver Disk

■ Install Windows OS

The RAID BIOS Setup pictures shown in this chapter are for reference only, please refer to the practical screen.

4-1 RAID Introduction

RAID 0 (Striped)

RAID 0 reads and writes sectors of data interleaved among multiple drives. If any disk member

fails, it affects the entire array. The disk array data capacity is equal to the number of drive mem-

bers times the capacity of the smallest member. RAID 0 does not support fault tolerance.

RAID 1 (Mirror)

RAID 1 writes duplicate data onto a pair of drives and reads both sets of data in parallel. If one

of the mirrored drives suffers a mechanical failure or does not respond, the remaining drive will

continue to function. Due to redundancy, the drive capacity of the array is the capacity of the

smallest drive.

RAID 10 (Striped Mirror)

RAID 10 is a combination of striping and mirroring. This conguration provides optimal speed and

reliability, but you need four SATA hard disks.

RAID 5 (Parity)

RAID 5 provides data striping at the byte level and also stripes error correction information. This

results in excellent performance and good fault tolerance. Level 5 is one of the most popular

implementations of RAID.

RAID Ready

A "RAID Ready" system is a specic system conguration that, with the addition of a second Se-

rial ATA hard drive, can be seamlessly migrated to a conguration that provides either improved

storage performance or data protection from a single hard drive failure.

JBOD (Span)

JBOD stands for “Just a Bunch of Disks”. Each drive is accessed as if it were on a standard SCSI

host bus adapter. This is useful when a single drive conguration is needed, but it offers no speed

improvement or fault tolerance. A spanned volume is a formatted partition which data is stored

on more than one hard disk, yet appears as one volume. Unlike RAID, spanned volumes have

no fault-tolerance, so if any disk fails, the data on the whole volume could be lost. Additionally,

the system or boot partitions cannot be included in a spanned volume. FAT16/32 and NTFS le

systems may be used, and the volume can span up to 32 hard disks.

The nember of hard disks needed in different RAID level:

RAID Level RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 10 RAID 5 RAID Ready JBOD

Disk NO. >=2 2 >=4 >=3 >=1 >=1

4-2 Install SATA Hard Disks

1. Shut down your computer.

2. Install SATA hard disks into the drive bays.

3. Connect all the SATA power and SATA data cables.

4-3 RAID Conguration

This motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID10 functions.

Hardware and software you may need here :

■ A oppy drive ■ A DVD-ROM drive

■ A oppy disk(Or USB disk for Vista) ■ A motherboard driver CD

■ Several SATA hard disks ■ Windows XP or Vista Install CD

RAID Enable in BIOS

1. Boot up your computer, enter the BIOS setup by pressing [Del] key during POST.

2. Set the “OnChip SATA Type” to "RAID".

3. Press [F10] to save the setting, then PC will reboot itself.

Option ROM Utility

When PC is rebooting, press [Ctrl-F] key during POST to enter the main menu of the Option ROM

Utility.

View Drive Assignment: To view the disk drive assignment status by pressing [1].

Dene LD: To Create RAID by pressing [2].

Delete LD: To Delete RAID by pressing [3].

Controller Conguration: To view the SATA controller conguration by pressing [4].

Exit: Press [Esc] to exit AMD Option ROM Utility.

View Drive Assignment. . . . . . . [ 1 ]

Define LD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [ 2 ]

Delete LD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [ 3 ]

Controller Configuration . . . . . . [ 4 ]

[ Main Menu ]

Press 1..4 to Select Option [ESC] Exit

[ Keys Available ]

Create RAID array

Here we create RAID 0 as an example:

1. Press [2] in the main menu, "Dene LD Menu" appears and the "LD 1" row is highlight, press

[Enter], the scree is shown as below:

2. Press [Space] to select RAID 0.

3. Use [↓] key to highlight the hard disks, change any two of the drives’ "Assignment" status to "Y"

by pressing [Space] or [Y].

4. Press [Ctrl-Y] to save the setting, a message prompts:

5. Press [Ctrl-Y] to clear the RAID array or press any other key to continue, another prompt ap-

pears:

6. Press [Ctrl-Y] to key in the capacity of the RAID array or press any other key to set the array to

its maximum. Then you will see the created array:

[ Dene LD Menu ]

LD No RAID Mode Total Drv

LD 1 RAID 0 2

Stripe Block: 64 KB Fast Init: ON Gigabyte Boundary: ON Cache Mode: WriteThru

Channel :ID Drive Model Compatibilities Capacity(GB) Assignment

1 :Mas XXXXXXXXXXX SATA XG XX.XX Y 2 :Mas XXXXXXXXXXX SATA XG XX.XX Y 3 :Mas XXXXXXXXXXX SATA XG XX.XX N

4 :Mas XXXXXXXXXXX SATA XG XX.XX N

[↑] Up [↓] Down [ESC] Exit [Space] Change [Crtl-Y] SAVE [PgUp/Dn] Page Change

[ Keys Available ]

[ Dene LD Menu ]

[ Drives Assignment ]

RAID 0

Fast Initialization Option has been selected It will erase the MBR data of the disks, <Press Ctrl-Y Key if you are sure to erase it> <Press any other key to ignore this option>

Press Ctrl-Y to Modify Array Capacity or press any other key to use maximum capacity...

[ Dene LD Menu ]

LD No RAID Mode Total Drv Capacity(GB) Status

LD 1 RAID 0

2 163.99 Functional

LD 2 −−−− −−−− −−−−−−−− −−−− LD 3 −−−− −−−− −−−−−−−− −−−− LD 4 −−−− −−−− −−−−−−−− −−−− LD 5 −−−− −−−− −−−−−−−− −−−− LD 6 −−−− −−−− −−−−−−−− −−−− LD 7 −−−− −−−− −−−−−−−− −−−− LD 8 −−−− −−−− −−−−−−−− −−−−

LD 9 −−−− −−−− −−−−−−−− −−−− LD10 −−−− −−−− −−−−−−−− −−−−

[↑] Up [↓] Down [ESC] Exit [Enter] Select

[ Keys Available ]

LD 1 RAID 0 2 XX.XX Functional

[ Dene LD Menu ]

Delete RAID array

1. Press [3] in the Main Menu to enter the “Delete LD Menu”.

2. Highlight the array you want to delete and press [Del] or [Alt-D] keys.

3. Press [Ctrl-Y] if you are sure to delete the array or other keys to abort.

4-4 Create RAID Driver Disk

If you want to install Windows XP on a hard disk that is congured to RAID mode, a oppy disk with

RAID driver is required during the installation. For Windows Vista, you can also use a USB ash

disk with RAID driver.

Create a RAID Driver Disk in Windows:

1. Boot your computer and start Windows, put the driver CD into DVD-ROM drive.

2. Insert a oppy disk/USB disk into the oppy disk drive/USB port.

3. Depending on which platform your will install, go to CD:\Driver\AMD\RAID\Floppy\WinXP

or WinVista, click on RaidTool icon to start the oppy creation or copy all the les in WinXP or

WinVista folder to the USB disk.

4. Follow the succeeding screen prompt to complete the process.

Create a RAID Driver Disk without entering OS:

1. Boot your computer, press [Del] during POST to enter BIOS.

2. Insert the driver CD into the optical drive.

3. Set the “1st Boot Device” to “CD/DVD-ROM”, save changes and exit.

4. Press any key when the screen prompts “Press any key to boot from the optical drive.”.

5. Press [1] to create a RAID driver disk when the prompt menu appears.

6. Insert a formatted oppy disk into the oppy disk drive, press [Enter] to continue.

7. Follow the instructions to complete the process.

[ Dene LD Menu ]

LD No RAID Mode Total Drv Capacity(MB) Status

LD 1 RAID 0 2 XXXXX Functional

Stripe Block: 64 KB Cache Mode: WriteThru

Channel :ID Drive Model Compatibilities Capacity(GB)

1 :Mas XXXXXXXXXXX SATA XG XX.XX 2 :Mas XXXXXXXXXXX SATA XG XX.XX

[ View LD Denition Menu ]

[ Drives Assignment ]

Press Ctrl-Y to delete the data in the disk! or press any other key to abort...

4-5 Install Windows OS

Install Windows XP

1. Press [Del] during POST to enter BIOS.

2. Insert the Windows XP installation CD into the optical drive.

3. Set the “1st Boot Device” to “CD/DVD-ROM”, save changes and exit BIOS.

4. Press [F6] as soon as you see the message “Press F6 if you need to install a 3rd party SCSI

or RAID driver”.

5. Insert the RAID driver oppy disk into the oppy disk drive, and press [S] to continue.

6. There will be two drivers, select "AMD AHCI Compatible RAID Controller-x86 platform" for 32bit

XP or "AMD AHCI Compatible RAID Controller-x64 platform" for 64bit XP, press [Enter].

7. A conrmation message appears to double check if the driver is really what we wanted, press

[Enter] to continue. Then follow the screen prompt to complete the Windows XP installation.

Install Windows Vista

1. Press [Del] during POST to enter BIOS.

2. Insert the Windows Vista installation CD into the optical drive.

3. Set the “1st Boot Device” to “CD/DVD-ROM”, save changes and exit BIOS.

4. When the screen shows “No driver were founded...”, select “Load Driver”.

5. Insert the oppy disk/USB disk into the oppy drive/USB port, then specify the location of the

driver.

6. Select "AMD AHCI Compatible RAID Controller" and press "Next".

7. After the driver is loaded, the RAID hard disk will appear. Select it and press "Next" to continue

the OS installation.

Foxconn A88GA User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual