AMI is a registered trademark of American Megatrends Inc.
PS/2 is a trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation.
Intel and Intel® Sandy Bridge DC Mobile Processor are
registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft
Corporation.
Fintek is a registered trademark of Fintek Electronics
Corporation.
All other product names or trademarks are properties of their
respective owners.
A. I/O Port Address Map .................................................. 67
B. Interrupt Request Lines (IRQ) ...................................... 68
C. Watchdog Timer Configuration ................................... 69
MI956 User’s Manualiii
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iv
MI956 User’s Manual
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Product Description
The MI956F Mini ITX motherboard is based on the latest Intel® QM67
chipset. The platform supports 2nd generation Intel® Core processor
family with rPGA988B packing and features an integrated dual-channel
DDR3 memory controller as well as a graphics core.
The latest Intel® processors provide advanced performance in both
computing and graphics quality. This meets the requirement of customers
in the gaming, POS, digital signage and server market segment.
The Intel® QM67 is made with 32 nanometer technology that supports
Intel’s first processor architecture to unite the CPU and the graphics core
on the transistor level. The MI956F Mini ITX board utilizes the dramatic
increase in performance provided by this Intel’s latest cutting-edge
technology. Measuring 170mm x 170mm, MI956F offers fast 6Gbps
SATA support (2 ports), USB3.0 (2 ports) and interfaces for DVI-D,
DVI-I, LVDS and HDMI displays. MI956AF features Intel Active
Management Technology 7.0.
MI956F FEATURES:
Supports Intel® 2nd Generation Core i7/i5/i3 QC/DC mobile
processors
Two DDR3 SoDIMM, 1066/1333MHz, Max. 8GB memory
Dual Intel
Integrated Graphics for DVI-I, DVI-D/HDMI/LVDS displays
4x SATA 2.0, 2x SATA 3.0, 8x USB 2.0, USB 3.0 (2 ports),
4x COM, Watchdog timer
1x PCI-E (x16), 1x Mini PCI-E
Optional AMT (MI956AF only)
®
PCI-Express Gigabit LAN
MI956 User’s Manual1
INTRODUCTION
Checklist
Your MI956 package should include the items listed below.
The MI956 Mini-ITX motherboard
This User’s Manual
1 CD containing chipset drivers and flash memory utility
Serial ATA cable
2
MI956 User’s Manual
Product Name
MI956AF/MI956F
Form Factor
Mini-ITX
CPU Type
- Intel® 2nd generation CoreTM i7/i5/i3 QC/DC mobile processor
- rPGA package, 37.5 x 37.5 mm
- TDP: QC = 45W~ 55W/ DC = 35W
**Sandy Bridge CPU is NOT socket compatible with Arrandale
Fintek F81865-I (Ver. C)
COM1 (RS232/422/485), COM2/COM3/COM4 (RS232), Hardware
Monitor (2 thermal inputs,4 voltage monitor inputs & 2 fan headers) [CPU FAN
controllabl, but not the system fan]
COM1/2 with pin-9 with power for 2 ports (500 mA for each port)
Digital IO
4 in & 4 out
IAMT(7.0)
Intel® QM67 PCH built-in (MI956AF only)
- Intel® Active Management Technology ver. 7.0
Expansion
Slots
- PCI-Express (16x) *1 [PEG]
- Mini PCI-Express (1x) *1 @ Solder side
[Reserved mounting holes for Half-sized also]
Edge
Connector:
DVI-D + DVI-I stack connector; Dual DB9 stack connector for COM #1, #2
Dual USB(3.0) dual stack connector; HDMI stack connector
Gbit LAN RJ-45 + dual USB(2.0) stack connector x2
RCA Jack 3x1 for HD Audio
Onboard
Header/
Connector
2 ports x SATA III [Blue color]; 4 ports x SATA II
2x5 pin-header x2 for 4 ports USB; 2x5 pin-header for front panel audio
2x10 pin-header for COM3 (RS232) & COM4 (RS232)
2x5 pin-header for Digital IO; 4-pin box header for LCD backlight control
Watchdog Timer
Yes (256 segments, 0, 1, 2…255 sec/min)
System Voltage
ATX
Others
LAN Wakeup, EuP/ErP feature (Fintek F75160), UL 60950-1 2nd Edition
compatible
Board Size
170mm x 170mm
MI956 Specifications
INTRODUCTION
MI956 User’s Manual3
INTRODUCTION
[
Board Dimensions
4
MI956 User’s Manual
INSTALLATIONS
Installations
This section provides information on how to use the jumpers and
connectors on the MI956 in order to set up a workable system. The topics
covered are:
Installing the CPU ................................................................................ 6
Installing the Memory .......................................................................... 7
Setting the Jumpers .............................................................................. 8
Connectors on MI956 ........................................................................ 12
MI956 User’s Manual5
INSTALLATIONS
NOTE:
Ensure that the CPU heat sink and the CPU top surface are in
total contact to avoid CPU overheating problem that would
cause your system to hang or be unstable.
Installing the CPU
The MI956 board supports rPGA988B socket for Intel® Sandy Bridge
Dual Core mobile processors.
The processor socket comes with a screw to secure the processor. As
shown in the left picture below, loosen the screw first before inserting the
processor. Place the processor into the socket by making sure the notch
on the corner of the CPU corresponds with the notch on the inside of the
socket. Once the processor has slide into the socket, fasten the screw.
Refer to the figures below.
6
MI956 User’s Manual
INSTALLATIONS
DDR3 Module
Lock
Lock
Lock
Lock
Installing the Memory
The MI956 board supports two DDR3 memory socket for a maximum
total memory of 8GB in DDR3 SO-DIMM memory type.
Installing and Removing Memory Modules
To install the DDR3 modules, locate the memory slot on the board and
perform the following steps:
1. Hold the DDR3 module so that the key of the DDR3 module aligned
with that on the memory slot.
2. Gently push the DDR3 module in an upright position until the clips of
the slot close to hold the DDR3 module in place when the DDR3
module touches the bottom of the slot.
3. To remove the DDR3 module, press the clips with both hands.
MI956 User’s Manual7
INSTALLATIONS
Setting the Jumpers
Jumpers are used on MI956 to select various settings and features
according to your needs and applications. Contact your supplier if you
have doubts about the best configuration for your needs. The following
lists the connectors on MI956 and their respective functions.
Jumper Locations on MI956 ................................................................ 9