Hsin Tech P51G User Manual

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Motherboard User’s Guide

This publication, including photographs, illustrations and software, is under the protection of international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this user’s guide, nor any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without the express written consent of the manufacturer. The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufacturer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Further, the manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of the manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or changes.

Trademarks

IBM, VGA, and PS/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines. Intel, Pentium/II/III, Pentium 4, Celeron and MMX are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. AMI is a trademark of American Megatrends Inc. It has been acknowledged that other brands or product names in this manual are trademarks or the properties of their respective owners.

Static Electricity Precautions

1. Don’t take this motherboard and components out of their original staticproof package until you are ready to install them.

2. While installing, please wear a grounded wrist strap if possible. If you don’t have a wrist strap, discharge static electricity by touching the bare metal of the system chassis.

3. Carefully hold this motherboard by its edges. Do not touch those components unless it is absolutely necessary. Put this motherboard on the top of static-protection package with component side facing up while installing.

Pre-Installation Inspection

1. Inspect this motherboard whether there are any damages to components and connectors on the board.

2. If you suspect this motherboard has been damaged, do not connect power to the system. Contact your motherboard vendor about those damages.

P51G Series, V1.0

December 2006

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Table of Contents

Trademark ............................................................................................................i

Static Electricity Precautions ......................................................................................... i

Pre-Installation Inspection ............................................................................................. i

Chapter 1: Introduction ..................................................................................... 1

Key Features .................................................................................................................... 1

Package Contents ........................................................................................................... 3

Chapter 2: Motherboard Installation .............................................................. 5

Motherboard Components ............................................................................................ 6

I/O Ports .......................................................................................................................... 7

Installing the Processor ................................................................................................. 8

Installing Memory Modules .......................................................................................... 9

Jumper Settings ............................................................................................................ 10

Install the Motherboard ............................................................................................... 11

Connecting Optional Devices .....................................................................................1 2

Install Other Devices .................................................................................................... 14

Expansion Slots ............................................................................................................ 16

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup Utility ....................................................................... 18

Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1 8

Running the Setup Utility ................................................... …………………………...18

Standard CMOS Setup Page ....................................................................................... 1 9

Advanced Setup Page .................................................................................................. 20

Advanced Chipset Setup Page .................................................................................... 21

Integrated Peripherals Page ....................................................................................... 22

Power Management Setup Page ................................................................................ 2 3

PCI/PnP Setup Page ....................................................................................................25

PCI Health Status Page ............................................................................................... 25

Frequency/Voltage Control Page ...............................................................................2 7

Load Default Settings ................................................................................................... 2 8

Supervisor Password Page ..........................................................................................2 8

User Password Page .................................................................................................... 29

Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................................... 2 9

Exit Without Saving ...................................................................................................... 2 9

Chapter 4: Software & Applications .............................................................. 30

Introduction .................................................................................................................. 3 0

Installing Support Software ........................................................................................3 0

Bundled Software Installation ....................................................................................3 2

Chapter 5:VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide ........................................ 33

VIA RAID Configuration .............................................................................................3 3

Installing RAID Software & Drives ............................................................................ 41

Using VIA RAID Tool ................................................................................................... 43

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Notice:

1 Owing to Microsoft’s certifying schedule is various to every supplier,

we might have some drivers not certified yet by Microsoft. Therefore, it might happen under Windows XP that a dialogue box (shown as below) pop out warning you this software has not passed Windows Logo testing to verify its compatibility with Windows XP. Please rest assured that our RD department has already tested and verified these drivers. Just click the “Continue Anyway” button and go ahead the installation.

iii

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Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 1 Introduction

This motherboard has a LGA775 socket for latest Intel® CoreTM2 Duo/ Pentium D/Pentium 4/Celeron D processors with Hyper-Threading

Technology and Front-Side Bus (FSB) speeds up to 1066 MHz. Hyper-

Threading Technology, designed to take advantage of the multitasking features in Windows XP, gives you the power to do more things at once.

It integrates the VIA P4M900 Northbridge and VT8237A/VT8237S Southbridge that supports theSerial ATA interface for high-performance and mainstream desktop PCs; the built-in USB 2.0 providing higher bandwidth, implementing

Universal Serial Bus Specification Revision 2.0 and is compliant with UHCI

1.1 and EHCI 1.0. It supports High Definition Audio Codec and provides Ultra DMA 133/100/66 function. It has one PCI ExpressX16, one PCI ExpressX1, one CNR and two 32-bit PCI slots. There is a full set of I/O ports

including two PS/2 ports for mouse and keyboard, οne serial port, one parallel port, one VGA port, one LAN port (optional), four back-panel USB 2.0 ports and Audio jacks for microphone, line-in and 6/8-channel (optional) line-out and onboard USB headers providing extra ports by connecting the Extended USB Module to the motherboard.

It is a Micro ATX motherboard and has power connectors for an ATX power supply.

Key Features

The key features of this motherboard include:

LGA775 Socket Processor

• Supports the latest Intel

Celeron D processors with Hyper-Threading Technology

• Supports up to 1066 MHz Front-Side Bus

Hyper-Threading technology enables the operating system into thinking it’s

hooked up to two processors, allowing two threads to be run in parallel, both on separate ‘logical’ processors within the same physical processor.

Chipset

There are VIA P4M900 Northbridge and VT8237A/VT8237S in the chipsets in accordance with an innovative and scalable architecture with proven reliability and performance.

• High Performance Host Interface: Supports Intel Pentium 4 processor

CoreTM2 Duo/Pentium D/Pentium 4/

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Motherboard User’s Guide

family with FSB 1066 MHz

• Hyper-Threading Technology

• System Memory Controller Support: DDR2 and DDR SDRAMs with

up to maximum memory of 4 GB.

• PCI Express Graphics Interface Support: One PCI Express X16 port

• PCI Bus Interface Support: PCI Revision 2.3 Specification at 33MHz

• Integrade Serial ATA Host Controller: Independent DMA operation on

two ports with Data transfer rates up to 1.5/3.0 Gb/s

• Intgrated IDE Controller: Ultra DMA-133/100/66/33 Bus Master EIDE

Controller

• USB 2.0: Integrated USB 2.0 interface, supporting up to eight functional

ports

Memory Support

• Two 240-pin DIMM sockets for DDR SDRAM memory modules

• Supports DDR2 667/533/400 memory bus

• Maximum installed memory is 4 GB

Expansion Slots

• Two 32-bit PCI slots

• One PCI ExpressX16 slot

• One PCI ExpressX1 slot

• One CNR slot

Onboard IDE channels

• Two IDE Connectors

• Supports PIO (Programmable Input/Output) and DMA (Direct Memory

Access) modes

• Supports IDE Ultra DMA bus mastering with transfer rates of 133/100/

66/33 MB/sec

Serial ATA

•

Two Serial ATA Connectors

• Transfer rate exceeding best ATA (1.5/3.0 Gb/s) with scalability to

higher rates

• Low pin count for both host and devices

High Definition Audio Codec

• All ADCs support 48k/192kHz Independent Sample Rate

• Exceeds Microsoft PC2001 Requirements

• High Quality Differential CD input

• Power Support: Digital:3.3V; Analog:3.3V/5.0V

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Chapter 1: Introduction

Onboard I/O Ports

• Two PS/2 ports for mouse and keyboard

• One serial port

• One parallel port

• One VGA port

• One LAN port (optional)

• Four back-panel USB2.0 ports

• Audio jacks for microphone, line-in and 6/8-channel (optional) line-out

Fast Ethernet LAN (optional)

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

• Single Chip 100Base-TX/10Base-T Physical Layer Solution

• Half/Full Duplex capability

USB 2.0

• Compliant with Universal Serial Bus Specification Revision 2.0

• Compliant with Intel’s Enhanced Host Controller Interface Specification

Revision 1.0

• Compliant with Universal Host Controller Interface Specification

Revision 1.1

BIOS Firmware

This motherboard uses AMI BIOS that enables users to configure many system features including the following:

• Power management

• Wake-up alarms

• CPU parameters and memory timing

• CPU and memory timing

The firmware can also be used to set parameters for different processor clock speeds.

Dimensions

• Micro ATX form factor of 244 x 220 mm

Note: Hardware specifications and software items are subject to change

without notification.

Package Contents

Your motherboard package ships with the following items:

 The motherboard  The User’s Guide  One diskette drive ribbon cable (optional)  One IDE drive ribbon cable  The Software support CD

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Optional Accessories

You can purchase the following optional accessories for this motherboard.

 The Extended USB module  The CNR v.90 56K Fax/Modem card  The Serial ATA cable  The Serial ATA power cable

Note: You can purchase your own optional accessories from the third party,

but please contact your local vendor on any issues of the specification and compatibility.

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Chapter 2: Motherboard Installation

Chapter 2 Motherboard Installation

To install this motherboard in a system, please follow these instructions in this chapter:

 Identify the motherboard components  Install a CPU  Install one or more system memory modules  Make sure all jumpers and switches are set correctly  Install this motherboard in a system chassis (case)  Connect any extension brackets or cables to headers/connectors on the

motherboard

 Install peripheral devices and make the appropriate connections to

headers/connectors on the motherboard

Note:

1. Before installing this motherboard, make sure jumper CLR_CMOS1

is under Normal setting. See this chapter for information about locating CLR_CMOS1 and the setting options.

2. Never connect power to the system during installation; otherwise, it

may damage the motherboard.

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Motherboard Components

LABEL COMPONENTS

1. CPU Socket

2. CPU_FAN1

3. DDRII1~2

4. PWR1

5. IDE1

6. IDE2

7. CLR_CMOS1

8. SATA1~2

9. SPK1

10. PANEL1

11. F_USB1~2

12. FDD1

13. IR1

14. CNR1

15. PCI1~2

16. CD_IN1

17. F_AUDIO1

18. PCIEX1

19. PCIEX2

20. USB_PWR1

21. SYS_FAN1

22. PWR2

LGA775 socket for Intel D/Pentium 4/Celeron D CPUs CPU cooling fan connector 240-pin DDR2 SDRAM slots

Standard 24-pin ATX power connector Primary IDE channel Secondary IDE channel Clear CMOS jumper Serial ATA connectors Speaker header Front panel switch/LED header Front Panel USB headers Floppy disk drive connector Onboard infrared header CNR slot 32-bit add-on card slots Analog audio input connector Front panel audi o header PCI Express x1 slot PCI Express x16 slot for graphics interface USB power select jumper System cooling fan connector Auxiliary 4-pin power connector

CoreTM2 Duo/Pentium

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Chapter 2: Motherboard Installation

I/O Ports (Optional)

The illustration below shows a side view of the built-in I/O ports on the motherboard.

PS/2 Mous e

PS/2 Ke yboard

Parallel Por t (LPT1)

COM1

VGA

LAN Port (optional)

USB Po rt s

Audio Ports

Use the upper PS/2 port to connec t a PS/2 pointing device.

Use the lower PS/2 port to connec t a PS/2 keyboard.

Use the Parallel port to connect printers or other parallel communications devices.

Use the COM port to connect serial devices such as mice or fax/modems. COM1 is identif ied by the system as COM1.

Use the VGA port to connect VGA devices .

Connect an RJ-45 jack to the LAN port to connect your c omputer to the Netw or k.

Use the USB ports to c onnect USB devices.

Use these three audio jacks to connect audio devices. The f irst jack is f or stereo Line-In signal, the second jack f or stereo Line-Out signal, and the third jack for Microphone.

Use these audio jacks to connect audio devices. The Aport is for stereo Line-In signal, w hlie the C port is f or microphone in signal. The motherboard supports 8-channel audio devices that correspond to A, B, D and E port res pectively. In addition, all of the three ports, A , B and D prov ide users w ith both right & left c hannels indiv idually.

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Installing the Processor

This motherboard has a LGA775 socket for the latest Intel® CoreTM2 Duo/ Pentium D/Pentium 4/ Celeron D processors. When choosing a processor,

consider the performance requirements of the system. Performance is based on the processor design, the clock speed and system bus frequency of the processor, and the quantity of internal cache memory and external cache memory.

CPU Installation Procedure

Follow these instructions to install the CPU:

A. Read and follow the instructions shown on the sticker on the CPU cap.

B. Unload the cap

• Use thumb & forefinger to hold the

lifting tab of the cap.

• Lift the cap up and remove the cap

completely from the socket.

C. Open the load plate

• Use thumb & forefinger to hold the

hook of the lever, pushing down and pulling aside unlock it.

• Lift up the lever.

• Use thumb to open the load plate.

Be careful not to touch the contacts.

D. Install the CPU on the socket

• Orientate CPU package to the socket.

Make sure you match triangle marker to pin 1 location.

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Chapter 2: Motherboard Installation

E. Close the load plate

• Slightly push down the load plate onto

the tongue side, and hook the lever.

• CPU is locked completely.

F. Apply thermal grease on top of the CPU. G. Fasten the cooling fan supporting base

onto the CPU socket on the motherboard. H. Make sure the CPU fan is plugged to the CPU

fan connector. Please refer to the CPU cooling fan user’s manual for mor detail installation procedure.

Note 1: To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that you use a high quality fan with 3800 rpm at least. CPU fan and heatsink installation procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan/ heatsink supplied. The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary. Note 2: The fan connector supports the CPU cooling fan of 1.1A~2.2A (26.4W max.) at +12V.

Note 3: Do Not remove the CPU cap from the socket before installing a CPU. Note 4: Return Material Authorization (RMA) requests will be accepted only if

the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA775 socket.

Installing Memory Modules

This motherboard accommodates two 240-pin DIMM sockets (Dual Inline Memory Module) for unbuffered DDR2 667/533/400 memory modules (Double Data Rate SDRAM), and maximum 4 GB installed memory.

Over its predecessor, DDR-SDRAM, DDR2-SDRAM offers greater bandwith and density in a smaller packahe along with a reduction in power consumption. In addition, DDR2-SDRAM offers new features and functions that enable a higher clock rate and data rate operations of 400 MHz, 533 MHz and 667 MHz. DDR2 transfer 64 bits of data twice every clock cycle.

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Memory Module Installation Procedure

These modules can be installed with up to 4 GB system memory. Refer to the following to install the memory module.

1. Push down the latches on both sides of the DIMM socket.

2. Align the memory module with the socket. There is a notch on the DIMM socket that you can install the DIMM module in the correct direction. Match the cutout on the DIMM module with the notch on the DIMM socket.

3. Install the DIMM module into the socket and press it firmly down until it is seated correctly. The socket latches are levered upwards and latch on to the edges of the DIMM.

4. Install any remaining DIMM modules.

Jumper Settings

Connecting two pins with a jumper cap is SHORT; removing a jumper cap from these pins, OPEN.

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Chapter 2: Motherboard Installation

CLR_CMOS1: Clear CMOS Jumper

Use this jumper to clear the contents of the CMOS memory. You may need to clear the CMOS memory if the settings in the Setup Utility are incorrect and prevent your motherboard from operating. To clear the CMOS memory, disconnect all the power cables from the motherboard and then move the jumper cap into the CLEAR setting for a few seconds.

CLR_CMOS1

Note: To avoid the system unstability after clearing CMOS, we recommend

users to enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Optimal De-faults” and then “Save Changes and Exit”.

USB_PWR1: USB Power Select Jumper

Use these jumpers to select the voltage for USB port.

Function Jumper

Normal Short Pins 1-2

Clear CMOS Shor t Pins 2-3

USB_PWR1

Note: Make sure the power supply provides enough SB5V voltage before

selecting the SB5V function.

Function Jumper Setting

VCC5V Short Pins 1-2 SB5V Short Pins 2-3

Install the Motherboard

Install the motherboard in a system chassis (case). The board is a Micro ATX size motherboard. You can install this motherboard in an ATX case. Make sure your case has an I/O cover plate matching the ports on this motherboard.

Install the motherboard in a case. Follow the case manufacturer’s instructions to use the hardware and internal mounting points on the chassis.

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Connect the power connector from the power supply to the PWR1 connector on the motherboard. The PWR2 is a +12V connector for CPU Vcore power.

If there is a cooling fan installed in the system chassis, connect the cable from the cooling fan to the SYSFAN1 fan power connector on the motherboard.

Connect the case switches and indicator LEDs to the PANEL1 header.

Here is a list of the PANEL1 pin assignments.

Pin Signal Pin Signal

1 HD_L ED_P(+ ) 2 FP PW R/SLP(+ ) 3 HD_L ED_N( -) 4 FP PWR/S LP( -)

5 RES ET_ SW _N( - ) 6 POW ER_ SW _P( + )

7 R ESET _ SW _ P( + ) 8 POW ER_ S W _N ( - ) 9 RSV D_DNU 10 KEY

Connecting Optional Devices

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

SPK1: Speaker Header

Connect the cable from the PC speaker to the SPK1 header on the motherboard.

Pin Signal Pin Signal

1SPKR2 NC 3GND4+5V

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Chapter 2: Motherboard Installation

F_AUDIO1: Front Panel Audio Header

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

Pin Signal Pin Signal

1AUD_MIC 2AUD_GND 3 AUD_MIC_BIAS 4 AUD_VCC

5 AUD_FPOUT_R 6 A UD_RET_R

7HP_ON 8KEY 9 AUD_FPOUT_L 10 AUD_RET_L

F_USB1/F_USB 2: Front panel USB Headers

The motherboard has USB ports installed on the rear edge I/O port array. Additionally, some computer cases have USB ports at the front of the case. If you have this kind of case, use auxiliary USB headers F_USB1/F_USB2 to connect the front-mounted ports to the motherboard.

Pin Signal Pin Signal

1 V ERG _ FP_ US BPW R0 2 V ER G_ FP_ US B PWR0 3 USB_FP_P0( -) 4 USB_FP_P1( -)

5 USB_FP_P0(+) 6 USB_FP_P1(+)

7 GROUND 8 GROUND 9 KEY 10 USB_FP_OC0

1. Locate the F_USB1/F_USB2 header on the motherboard.

2. Plug the bracket cable onto the F_USB1/F_USB2 header.

3. Remove a slot cover from one of the expansion slots on the system chassis. Install an extension bracket in the opening. Secure the extension bracket to the chassis with a screw.

IR1: Infrared Header

The infrared port allows the wireless exchange of information between your computer and similarly equipped devices such as printers, laptops, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and other computers.

Pin Signal Pin Signal

1NC2KEY 3+5V 4GND

5 IRTX 6 IRRX

1. Locate the infrared port-IR1 header on the motherboard.

2. If you are adding an infrared port, connect the ribbon cable from the port to the IR1 header and then secure the port to an appropriate place in your system chassis.

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Install Other Devices

Install and connect any other devices in the system following the steps below.

Floppy Disk Drive

The motherboard ships with a floppy disk drive cable that can support one or two drives. Drives can be 3.5" or 5.25" wide, with capacities of 360 K, 720 K,

1.2 MB, 1.44 MB, or 2.88 MB. Install your drives and connect power from the system power supply. Use the

cable provided to connect the drives to the floppy disk drive connector FDD1.

IDE Devices

IDE devices include hard disk drives, high-density diskette drives, and CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drives, among others.

The motherboard ships with an IDE cable that can support one or two IDE devices. If you connect two devices to a single cable, you must configure one of the drives as Master and one of the drives as Slave. The documentation of the IDE device will tell you how to configure the device as a Master or Slave device. The Master device connects to the end of the cable.

Install the device(s) and connect power from the system power supply. Use the cable provided to connect the device(s) to the Primary IDE channel connector IDE1 on the motherboard.

If you want to install more IDE devices, you can purchase a second IDE cable and connect one or two devices to the Secondary IDE channel connector IDE2 on the motherboard. If you have two devices on the cable, one must be Master and one must be Slave.

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Chapter 2: Motherboard Installation

Serial ATA Devices

The Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is the standard interface for the IDE hard drives, which is designed to overcome the design limitations while enabling the storage interface to scale with the growing media rate demands of PC platforms. It provides you a faster transfer rate of 1.5 Gb/s. If you have installed a Serial ATA hard drive, you can connect the Serial ATA cables to the Serial ATA hard drive or the connector on the motherboard.

On the motherboard, locate the Serial ATA connectors SATA1/2, which support new Serial ATA devices for the highest data transfer rates, simpler disk drive cabling and easier PC assembly.

It eliminates limitations of the current Parallel ATA interface, but maintains register compatibility and software compatibility with Parallel ATA.

Analog Audio Input Header

If you have installed a CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive, you can connect the drive audio cable to the onboard sound system.

When you first start up your system, the BIOS should automatically detect your CD-ROM/DVD drive. If it doesn’t, enter the Setup Utility and configure

the CD-ROM/DVD drive that you have installed. On the motherboard, locate the 4-pin header CD_IN1.

Pin Sig nal

1 CD IN L

2GND 3GND

4 CD IN R

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Expansion Slots

This motherboard has one PCI Ex16, one PCI Ex1, one CNR and two 32-bit PCI slots.

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Chapter 2: Motherboard Installation

Follow the steps below to install an PCI Express/CNR/PCI expansion card.

1 Locate the PCI Express, CNR or PCI slots on the motherboard. 2 Remove the blanking plate of the slot from the system chassis. 3 Install the edge connector of the expansion card into the slot. Ensure

the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot.

4 Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system chassis with a

screw.

PCI Express Slot

You can install an external PCI Express graphics card that is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Specification revsion 1.0a.

CNR Slot

You can install the CNR (Communications and Networking Riser) cards in this slot, including LAN, Modem, and Audio functions.

PCI Slots

You can install the 32-bit PCI interface expansion cards in the slots.

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Chapter 3 BIOS Setup Utility

Introduction

The BIOS Setup Utility records settings and information of your computer, such as date and time, the type of hardware installed, and various configuration settings. Your computer applies the information to initialize all the components when booting up and basic functions of coordination between system components.

If the Setup Utility configuration is incorrect, it may cause the system to malfunction. It can even stop your computer booting properly. If it happens, you can use the clear CMOS jumper to clear the CMOS memory which has stored the configuration information; or you can hold down the Page Up key while rebooting your computer. Holding down the Page Up key also clears the setup information.

You can run the setup utility and manually change the configuration. You might need to do this to configure some hardware installed in or connected to the motherboard, such as the CPU, system memory, disk drives, etc.

Running the Setup Utility

Every time you start your computer, a message appears on the screen before the operating system loading that prompts you to “Hit <DEL>if you want to run SETUP”. Whenever you see this message, press the Delete key, and the Main menu page of the Setup Utility appears on your monitor.

Standard CMOS Setup Advanced Setup Advanced Chipset Setup Integrated Peripherals Power Management Setup PCI / PnP Setup PC Health Status

: Move Enter: Select +/-/: Value F10: Save Esc: Exit F1: General Help F9: Optimized Defaults

Frequency/Voltage Control Load Default Settings Supervisor Password User Password Save & Exit Setup Exit Without Saving

You can use cursor arrow keys to highlight anyone of options on the main menu page. Press Enter to select the highlighted option. Press the Escape key to leave the setup utility. Press +/-/ to modify the selected field’s values.

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Chapter 3: BIOS Setup Utility

Some options on the main menu page lead to tables of items with installed values that you can use cursor arrow keys to highlight one item, and press PgUp and PgDn keys to cycle through alternative values of that item. The other options on the main menu page lead to dialog boxes requiring your answer OK or Cancel by selecting the [OK] or [Cancel] key. If you have already changed the setup utility, press F10 to save those changes and exit the utility. Press F1 to display a screen describing all key functions. Press F9 to load optimtimal settings.

Standard CMOS Setup Page

This page displays a table of items defining basic information of your system.

Date Sat 11/05/2005 Time 02:50:45

Primary IDE Master Not Detected

Primary IDE Slave Not Detected Secondary IDE Master Not Detected Secondary IDE Slave Not Detected S-ATA1 Not Detected S-ATA2 Not Detected

IDE BusMaster Enabled

Drive A 1.44 MB 31/

: Move Enter: Select +/-/: Value F10: Save Esc: Exit F1: General Help F9: Optimized Defaults

Standard CMOS Setup

Help Item

User [Enter], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field.

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

Date & Time

These items set up system date and time.

IDE Primary Master/Primary Slave/Secondary Master/Secondary Slave

Use these items to configure devices connected to the Primary/Secondary IDE channels. To configure an IDE hard disk drive, choose Auto. If the Auto setting fails to find a hard disk drive, set it to User, and then fill in the hard disk characteristics (Size, Cyls, etc.) manually. If you have a CD-ROM drive, select the setting CDROM. If you have an ATAPI device with removable media (e.g. a ZIP drive or an LS-120), select Floptical.

S-ATA1/2

These items display the status of auto detection of saa devices when “Onboard SATA-IDE” sets to “IDE”.

IDE BusMaster

This item enables or disables the DMA under DOS mode. We recommend you to leave this item at the default value.

Drive A

The item defines the characteristics of any diskette drive attached to the system. You can connect one or two diskette drives.

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Motherboard User’s Guide

Advanced Setup Page

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

Thermal Management

TM Status

Limit CPUID MaxVal Intel XD Bit Quick Power on Self Test Bootup NumLock Status APIC Mode 1st Boot Device 2nd Boot Device 3rd Boot Device Removable Drives Try Other Boot Device

: Move Enter: Select +/-/: Value F10: Save Esc: Exit F1: General Help F9: Optimized Defaults

Advanced Setup

Enabled

TM1

Disabled Disabled Enabled On Enabled Hard Drive Removable Dev. CD/DVD

Press Enter

Yes

Help Item

For the processor its CPUID belows 0F41h. TM2 only can be enable under below setting.

1. Freq. >=3.6GHz FSB800

2. Freq. >=2.8GHz FSB533

Thermal Management

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

• TM Status (TM1): This item displays CPU Monitor status.

Limit CPUID MaxVal

This item can support Prescott CPUs for old OS. Users please note that under NT 4.0, it must be set “Enabled”, while under WinXP, it must be set “Disabled”

Intel XD Bit

This item allows users to enable or disable the Intel XD bit.

Quick Power on Self Test

Enable this item to shorten the power on testing (POST) and have your system start up faster. You might like to enable this item after you are confident that your system hardware is operating smoothly.

Boot Up NumLock Status

This item set the Num-Lock key to be on or off after bootup.

APIC Mode

This item allows you to enable or disable the APIC (Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller) mode. APCI provides symmetric multi-procesing (SMP) for systems, allowing support for up to 60 processors.

1st Boot Device/2nd Boot Device/3rd Boot Device

Use these items to determine the device order the computer uses to look for an operating system to load at start-up time.

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Chapter 3: BIOS Setup Utility

Removable Drives (Press Enter)

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

Removable Drives

1st Drive

: Move Enter: Select +/-/: Value F10: Save Esc: Exit F1: General Help F9: Optimized Defaults

Removable Drives

1st FLOPPY DRIVE

Help Item

Specifies the boot sequence from the available devices.

Press <Esc> to return to Advanced Setup screen.

Try Other Boot Device

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

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

Advanced Chipset Setup Page

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

Aperture Size Select DRAM Timing Share Memory Size DRAM Driving

Advanced Chipset Setup

128MB

Auto 64MB Normal

32MB 64MB 128MB 256MB 512MB 1GB

Help Item

Options

: Move Enter: Select +/-/: Value F10: Save Esc: Exit F1: General Help F9: Optimized Defaults

Aperture Size Select

This item enables you to select the size of the aperture if you use an AGP graphics adapter. The AGP aperture refers to a section of the PCI memory address range used for graphics memory. We recommend that you leave this item at the default value.

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DRAM Timing

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

Share Memory Size

This item shows the VGA memory size borrowed from main memory capability. In this case, 64MB is borrowed, which in the meanwhile the same the main memory loses.

DRAM Driving

When this item is defaulted at “Normal”, some DDRs might cause the problem of booting or system stability; in that case, please set it at “High”.

Integrated Peripherals Page

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

OnBoard Floppy Controller Serial Port1 Address Onboard IR Port Onboard IR Mode Parallel Port Address Parallel Port Mode ECP Mode DMA Channel Parallel Port IRQ Parallel ATA IDE Controller OnBoard SATA-IDE HDAC Audio Controller Ethernet Device LAN Boot ROM OnBoard USB Function USB Function For DOS

Integrated Peripherals

Enabled 3F8/IRQ4 3FB/IRQ3 Full Duplex 378 ECP DMA3 IRQ7 Both IDE Auto Enabled Disabled Enabled Enabled

Help Item

Allows BIOS to Enable or Disable Floppy Controller.

: Move Enter: Select +/-/: Value F10: Save Esc: Exit F1: General Help F9: Optimized Defaults

OnBoard Floppy Controller

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

Serial Port1 Address

Use this item to enable or disable the onboard COM1/2 serial port, and to assign a port address.

OnBoard IR Port

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

OnBoard IR Mode

Use this item to set the onboard IR mode.

Parallel Port Address

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

Parallel Port Mode

Use this item to set the parallel port mode. You can select ECP (Extended Capabilities Port) & EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port).

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ECP Mode DMA Channel

This item assigns a DMA channel to the parallel port.

Parallel Port IRQ

Use this item to assign IRQ to the parallel port.

Parallel ATA IDE Controller

Use this item to assign IRQ to the parallel port.

OnBoard SATA-IDE

Use this item to enable the onboard SATA-IDE channel.

HDAC Audio Controller

This option allows you to control the onboard HDAC Audio. Disable this item if you are going to install a PCI audio add-on card.

Ethernet Device

This item enables or disables the onboard Ethernet LAN.

LAN Boot ROM

Enable this item if you want to execute the Boot ROM function of onboard LAN while starting the system.

Onboard USB Function

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

USB Function For DOS

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

Power Management Setup Page

This page sets some parameters for system power management operation.

ACPI Suspend Type Suspend Time Out Resume on RTC Alarm Resume on Ring Resume on PME# Resume on PS/2 Mouse Resume on PCI-E PME PWRON After PWR-Fail Soft-off by PWR-BTTN USB resume from S3 Resume from PS2 KB Wake-up Key

: Move Enter: Select +/-/: Value F10: Save Esc: Exit F1: General Help F9: Optimized Defaults

Power Management Setup

S3 Disabled Disabled Disabled Disabled Disabled Disabled Power Off Delay 4 Sec Disabled Disabled

Any Key

Help Item

Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend.

ACPI Suspend Type

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

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Suspend Time Out

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

Resume On RTC Alarm

The system can be turned off with a software command. If you enable this item, the system can automatically resume at a fixed time based on the system’s RTC

(realtime clock). Use the items below this one to set the date and time of the

wake-up alarm. You must use an ATX power supply in order to use this feature.

Resume On Ring

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

Resume On PME

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

Resume On PS/2 Mouse

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

Resume by PCI-E PME

This item specifies whether the system will be awakened from power saving modes when activity or input signal of the specified hardware peripheral or component is detected.

PWRON After PWR-Fail

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

Soft-off by PWR-BTTN

This item lets you install a software power down that is controlled by the power buttonon your system. If the item is set to Instant-Off, then the power button cause a software power down. If the item is set to Delay 4 Sec. Then you have to hold the power button down for four seconds to cause a software power down.

USB Resume from S3

This option allows the activity of the USB devices (keyboard and mouse) to wake-up the system from S3 sleep state.

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Resume from PS2 KB

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

• Wake-Up Key: When Keyboard Power On is set to Enabled, this item is available and users can enter any key, or hot key on the keyboard or type in the password.

PCI / PnP Setup Page

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

Init Display First PCI Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA Yes

: Move Enter: Select +/-/: Value F10: Save Esc: Exit F1: General Help F9: Optimized Defaults

Init Dispaly First

This item allows you to choose the primary display card.

Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA

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

PCI / PnP Setup

Help Item

Options

PCI PCI Express Card

PC Health Status Page

This page helps you monitor the parameters for critical voltages, temperatures and fan speeds.

-=- System Hardware Monitor -=Smart Fan Function

CPU Vcore : 1.264 V VDIMM : 1.904 V CPU FAN Speed : 2596 RPM SYSTEM FAN Speed : N/A CPU Temperature : 38°C/ 100°F SYSTEM Temperature : 34°C/ 93°F

Shutdown Temperature Disabled Warning Temperature Dsiabled

: Move Enter: Select +/-/: Value F10: Save Esc: Exit F1: General Help F9: Optimized Defaults

PC Health Status

Press Enter

Help Item

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f Smart Fan Function (Press Enter)

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

SMART Fan Control

: Move Enter: Select +/-/: Value F10: Save Esc: Exit F1: General Help F9: Optimized Defaults

Press <Esc> to return to PC Health Status screen.

System Component Characteristics

These fields provide you with information about the system current operating status.

• CPU Vorce

• VDIMM

• CPU FAN Speed

• SYSTEM FAN Speed

• CPU Temperature

• SYSTEM Temperature

Smart Fan Function

Dsiabled

Disabled Enabled

Help Item

Options

Shutdown Temperature

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

Warning Temperature

This item enables you to set the system warning temperature.

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Frequency/Voltage Control Page

This page helps you to set the clock speed and system bus for your system. The clock speed and system bus are determined by the kind of processor you have installed in your system.

Manufacturer: Intel Ratio Status: Unlocked (Max:27, Min:12) Ratio Actual Value: 27

Ratio CMOS Setting

DRAM Frequency Auto

CPU Over-clocking Func. : Disabled

CPU Fequency : 133 MHz

Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk Enabled Spread Spectrum Disabled

: Move Enter: Select +/-/: Value F10: Save Esc: Exit F1: General Help F9: Optimized Defaults

Frequncey/Voltage Control

Help Item

Sets the ratio between CPU Core Clock and the FSB Frequency. Note: Only available when SpeedStep technology is disabled.

Manufacturer (Intel)

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

Ratio Status/Ratio Actual Value

These items show the Locked ratio status and the actual ratio of the CPU installed in your system.

Ratio CMOS Setting

This item allows you to set the ratio between CPU Core Clock and FSB Frequency.

DRAM Frequency

This item shows the frequency of the DRAM in your system.

CPU Over-clocking Func.

This item decides the CPU over-clocking function installed in your system. If the over-clocking fails, please turn off the system power. And then, hold the PageUp key (similar to the Clear CMOS function) and turn on the power, the BIOS will recover the safe default.

• CPU Frequency: This item shows the frequency of the CPU installed in your system.

Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk

This item allows you to enable or disable you to detect DIMM/PCI clock automatically.

Spread Spectrum

If you enable spread spectrum, it can sighificantly reduce the EMI (ElectroMagnetic Interference) generated by the system.

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Load Default Settings

This option opens a dialog box to ask if you are sure to install optimized defaults or not. You select [OK], and then <Enter>, the Setup Utility loads all default values; or select [Cancel], and then <Enter>, the Setup Utility does not load default values.

Note: It is highly recommend that users enter this option to load optimal default

values for accessing the best performance.

Supervisor Password Page

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

Supervisor Password : Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password

: Move Enter: Select +/-/: Value F10: Save Esc: Exit F1: General Help F9: Optimized Defaults

Supervisor Password

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

Change Supervisor Password

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

Supervisor Password

Press Enter

Help Item

Installed or Change the password

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User Password Page

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

User Password : Not Installed

Change User Password

: Move Enter: Select +/-/: Value F10: Save Esc: Exit F1: General Help F9: Optimized Defaults

User Password

Press Enter

Help Item

Installed or Change the password

User Password

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

Change User Password

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

Save & Exit Setup

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

Exit Without Saving

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

Note: If you have made settings that you do not want to save, use the “Exit

Without Saving” item and presst [Y] to discard any changes you have made.

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Chapter 4 Software & Applications

Introduction

This chapter describes the contents of the support CD-ROM that comes with the motherboard package.

The support CD-ROM contains all useful software, necessary drivers and utility programs to properly run our products. More program information is available in a README file, located in the same directory as the software.

To run the support CD, simply insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive. An Auto Setup screen automatically pops out, and then you can go on the auto-installing or manual installation depending on your operating system.

If your operating system is Windows 2000/XP, it will automatically install all the drivers and utilities for your motherboard.

Installing Support Software

1 Insert the support CD-ROM disc in the CD-ROM drive. 2 When you insert the CD-ROM disc in the system CD-ROM drive,

the CD automatically displays an Auto Setup screen.

3 The screen displays three buttons of Setup, Browse CD and Exit on

the right side, and three others Setup, Application and ReadMe at the bottom. Please see the following illustration.

The Setup button runs the software auto-installing program as explained in next section.

The Browse CD button is a standard Windows command that you can check the

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contents of the disc with the Windows file browsing interface.

The Exit button closes the Auto Setup window. To run the program again, reinsert the CD-ROM disc in the drive; or click the CD-ROM driver from the Windows Explorer, and click the Setup icon.

The Application button brings up a software menu. It shows the bundled software that this mainboard supports.

The ReadMe brings you to the Install Path where you can find out path names of software driver.

Auto-Installing under Windows 2000/XP

If you are under Windows 2000/XP, please click the Setup button to run the software auto-installing program while the Auto Setup screen pops out after inserting the support CD-ROM:

1 The installation program loads and displays the following screen.

Click the Next button.

2 Select the items that you want to setup by clicking on it (the default

options are recommended). Click the Next button to proceed.

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3 The support software will automatically install.

Once any of the installation procedures start, software is automatically installed in sequence. You need to follow the onscreen instructions, confirm commands and allow the computer to restart as few times as needed to complete installing whatever software you selected. When the process is finished, all the support software will be installed and start working.

Bundled Software Installation

All bundled software available on the CD-ROM is for users’ convenience. You can install bundled software as follows:

1 Click the Application button while the Auto Setup screen pops out

after inserting the support CD-ROM. 2 A software menu appears. Click the software you want to install. 3 Follow onscreen instructions to install the software program step by

step until finished.

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Chapter 5 VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

VIA RAID Configurations

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

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

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

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

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

Install the Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks

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

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

new drives.

• If you are creating a RAID 1 (mirroring) array for protection, you can

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

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

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

disks. Make sure the Master/Slave jumpers are configured properly.

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

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

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

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

Serial ATA connector (SATA1). 3 Connect the other end of Serial ATA cable to the master Serial ATA hard

disk. 4 Connect one end of the second Serial ATA cable to the motherboard’s

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

hard disk. 6 Connect the Serial ATA power cable to the power connector on each

drive. 7 Proceed to section “Entering VIA Tech RAID BIOS Utility” for the next

procedure.

Entering VIA Tech RAID BIOS Utility

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

The following menu options will appear.

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

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Chapter 5: VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

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

F1 View Array

Enter Confirm the selection

ESC Exit

Create Array

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

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

Move to the next item

RAID 0 for performance

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

The RAID system setting pop-up menu appears.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For server systems, it is recommended to use a

Tip

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

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

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

RAID system. The following confirmation appears:

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

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

RAID 1 for data protection

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

The RAID system setting pop-up menu appears.

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

Select next task from pop-up menu. The task Create only creates the mirrored set without creating a backup. Create and duplicate creates both mirrored set and backup.

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

items. From this point, you may choose to auto-configure the RAID array by selecting Auto Setup for Data Security or manually configure the RAID array for mirrored sets. If you want to manually configure the RAID array continue with next step, otherwise, proceed to step #5.

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

disk drive/s, then press <Enter> to mark selected drive. (An asterisk is placed before a selected drve.)

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

RAID system. The following confirmation message appears:

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

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

Delete Array

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

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

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

confirmation message appears.

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

Select Boot Array

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

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

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

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

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Serial Number View

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

then press the <Enter> key. The focus is directed to the list of channel

used for IDE RAID arrays. Move the selection bar on each item and the

serial number is displayed at the bottom of the screen. This option is

useful for identifying same model disks.

Duplicate Critical RAID 1 Array

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

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

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Rebuild Broken RAID 1 Array

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

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

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

1. Power off and Check the Failed Drive:

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

Choose replacement drive and rebuild to rebuild the broken array.

2. Destroy the Mirroring Relationship:

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

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3. Choose Replacement Drive and Rebuild:

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

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

4. Continue to boot:

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

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Installing RAID Software & Drivers

Install Driver in Windows OS

New Windows OS (2000/XP/NT4) Installation

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

1 Start the installation:

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

need to install third party SCSI or RAID driver’ appears.

2 When the Windows Setup window is generated, press S to specify an

Additional Device(s).

3 Insert the driver diskette VIA VT8237 Disk Driver into drive A: and

press <Enter>.

4 Depending on your operation system, choose VIA Serial ATA RAID

Controller (Windows XP), VIA Serial ATA RAID Controller (Windows 2000) or VIA Serial ATA RAID Controller (Windows NT4) from the list that appears on Windows XP Setup screen, press the

<Enter> key.

5 Press <Enter> to continue with installation or if you need to specify any

additional devices to be installed, do so at this time. Once all devices are specified, press <Enter> to continue with installation.

6 From the Windows XP Setup screen press the <Enter> key. Setup will

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

Existing Windows XP Driver Installation

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

Confirming Windows XP Driver Installation

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

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

type. The driver VIA IDE RAID Host Controller should appear.

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Installation of VIA SATA RAID Utility

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

• Serial ATA RAID driver for Windows XP

• VIA SATA RAID utility

• RAID0 and RAID1 functions

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

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

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Chapter 5: VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

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

Using VIA RAID Tool

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

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

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

View by Controller

View by Devices

View Event log

Help Topics

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

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

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Chapter 5: VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide

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

You may also use the same or button to view the statuses of Array 0--RAID 1.

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