MSI 865PE Neo3 User Manual

865PE/G Neo3

MS-6728 (v3.X) A TX Mainboard

G52-M6728XV

i

Manual Rev: 3.0
Release Date: August 2004

FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Opera­tion of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Notice 1

The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Notice 2

Shielded interface cables and A.C. power cord, if any, must be used in order to
comply with the emission limits.

VOIR LA NOTICE D’INSTALLATION A VANT DE RACCORDER AU RESEAU.

Micro-Star International
MS-6728

ii

Copyright Notice

The material in this document is the intellectual property of MICRO-STAR
INTERNATIONAL. We take every care in the preparation of this document, but no

guarantee is given as to the correctness of its contents. Our products are under
continual improvement and we reserve the right to make changes without notice.

Trademarks

All trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
AMD, Athlon™, Athlon™ XP, Thoroughbred™, and Duron™ are registered trademarks

of AMD Corporation.
Intel® and Pentium® are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
PS/2 and OS®/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Windows® 98/2000/NT/
XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, DualNet, and nForce are registered trademarks or trademarks
of NVIDIA Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Netware® is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.
Award® is a registered trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
AMI® is a registered trademark of American Megatrends Inc.
Kensington and MicroSaver are registered trademarks of the Kensington Technology
Group.
PCMCIA and CardBus are registered trademarks of the Personal Computer Memory
Card International Association.

Revision History

Revision Revision History Date

V3.0 First release of PCB 3.0 with chipsets August 2004

Intel® 865PE/G & Intel® ICH5/ICH5R

iii

Technical Support

If a problem arises with your system and no solution can be obtained from the user’s
manual, please contact your place of purchase or local distributor. Alternatively,
please try the following help resources for further guidance.
h Visit the MSI homepage & FAQ site for technical guide, BIOS updates, driver

updates, and other information: http://www.msi.com.tw & http://www.msi.

com.tw/program/service/faq/faq/esc_faq_list.php

h Contact our technical staff at: [e-mail]

Safety Instructions

1. Always read the safety instructions carefully.

2. Keep this User’s Manual for future reference.

3. Keep this equipment away from humidity.

4. Lay this equipment on a reliable flat surface before setting it up.

5. The openings on the enclosure are for air convection hence protects the equip­ment from overheating. Do not cover the openings.

6. Make sure the voltage of the power source and adjust properly 110/220V before
connecting the equipment to the power inlet.

7. Place the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not place
anything over the power cord.

8. Always Unplug the Power Cord before inserting any add-on card or module.

9. All cautions and warnings on the equipment should be noted.

10. Never pour any liquid into the opening that could damage or cause electrical
shock.

11. If any of the following situations arises, get the equipment checked by a service
personnel:

h The power cord or plug is damaged.
h Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.
h The equipment has been exposed to moisture.
h The equipment has not work well or you can not get it work according to

User’s Manual.

h The equipment has dropped and damaged.
h The equipment has obvious sign of breakage.

12. Do not leave this equipment in an environment unconditioned, storage
temperature above 600 C (1400F), it may damage the equipment.

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace

only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.

iv

CONTENTS

FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement .......................................................... ii

Copyright Notice ............................................................................................................ iii

Trademarks.................................................................................................................... iii

Revision History ............................................................................................................ ii i

Safety Instructions ....................................................................................................... iv

Technical Support ......................................................................................................... iv

Chapter 1. Getting Started .................................................................................... 1-1

Mainboard Specifications ....................................................................................1-2

Mainboard Layout ................................................................................................1-4

Packing Contents .................................................................................................1-5

Chapter 2. Hardware Setup ..................................................................................2-1

Quick Components Guide ....................................................................................2-2

Central Processing Unit: CPU............................................................................... 2-3

Introduction to LGA 775 CPU ...................................................................... 2-3

CPU & Cooler Installation.............................................................................2-4

Memory................................................................................................................. 2-7

Introduction to DDR SDRAM........................................................................ 2-7

DDR Population Rules ................................................................................. 2-7

Installing DDR Modules ................................................................................2-8

Power Supply ..................................................................................................... 2-9

ATX 20-Pin Power Connector: ATX1 .......................................................... 2-9

ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW1 ............................................................. 2-9

Back Panel ........................................................................................................2-10

Mouse/Keyboard Connector.....................................................................2-10

VGA Connector (Optional)........................................................................ 2-11

USB Connectors ....................................................................................... 2-11

Serial Port Connector ................................................................................2-12

Audio Port Connectors .............................................................................2-12

RJ-45 LAN Jack ........................................................................................2-13

Parallel Port Connector: LPT1 ................................................................... 2-14

Connectors ....................................................................................................... 2-15

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1 .........................................................2-15

Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN1/SF AN1/SFAN2/NBFAN1 ...................2-15

ATA100 Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1, IDE2 .............................................. 2-16

Serial ATA/Serial A TA RAID Connectors controlled by

Intel ICH5/ICH5R: SATA1 & SATA2 ................................................. 2-17

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1 & JFP2 ......................................................2-18

D-BracketTM 2 Connector: JDB1 ............................................................... 2-19

v

IEEE 1394 Connectors: J1394_1, J1394_2 (Optional) .............................2-22

IrDA Infrared Module Header: JIR1 ...........................................................2-23

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1....................................................... 2-23

CD-IN Connector: JCD1.............................................................................2-24

Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JCI1............................................... 2-24

Front USB Connectors: JUSB1 & JUSB2 ................................................. 2-24

Jumpers ............................................................................................................2-25

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1 .....................................................................2-25

Slots ..................................................................................................................2-26

AGP (Accerlated Graphics Port) Slot.......................................................2-26

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots ....................................... 2-26

PCI Interrupt Request Routing ...................................................................2-26

Chapter 3. BIOS Setup ........................................................................................... 3-1

Entering Setup .................................................................................................... 3-2

Selecting the First Boot Device .................................................................. 3-2

Control Keys ............................................................................................... 3-3

Getting Help .................................................................................................3-3

Main Menu ................................................................................................... 3-3

Default Settings........................................................................................... 3-3

The Main Menu.................................................................................................... 3-4

Standard CMOS Features .................................................................................. 3-6

Advanced BIOS Features .................................................................................. 3-8

Advanced Chipset Features ............................................................................ 3-12

Power Management Features ..........................................................................3-14

PNP/PCI Configurations .....................................................................................3-17

Integrated Peripherals.......................................................................................3-20

PC Health Status ...............................................................................................3-25

Frequency/Voltage Control...............................................................................3-26

Set Supervisor/User Password.......................................................................3-29

Load High Performance/BIOS Setup Defaults .................................................3-25

Chapter 4. Introduction to DigiCell ..................................................................... 4-1

Main .....................................................................................................................4-2

Introduction: ................................................................................................ 4-2

H/W Diagnostic ................................................................................................... 4-4

Communication ....................................................................................................4-5

Software Access Point ...................................................................................... 4-6

Terminology ................................................................................................. 4-6

Access Point Mode .....................................................................................4-7

vi

WLAN Card Mode .......................................................................................4-8

Live Update .........................................................................................................4-9

MEGA STICK...................................................................................................... 4-10

Basic Function ..........................................................................................4-10

Non-Unicode programs supported ...........................................................4-12

Core Center (for Pentium 4 CPU) ..................................................................... 4-14

Left-wing: Current system status ............................................................4-15

Right-wing: PC hardware status during real time operation ................... 4-15

Audio Speaker Setting......................................................................................4-16

Power on Agent................................................................................................ 4-18

Power On..................................................................................................4-18

Power Off / Restart ..................................................................................4-19

Start With...................................................................................................4-19

Auto Login .................................................................................................4-20

Chapter 5. Introdction to Intel ICH65 Serial ATA RAID ..................................... 5-1

Introduction ......................................................................................................... 5-2

BIOS Configuration .............................................................................................5-5

Installing Software............................................................................................ 5-13

Install Driver in Windows XP / 2000 .........................................................5-13

Installation of Intel Application Accelerator RAID Edition ..........................5-14

RAID Migration Instructions ..............................................................................5-19

Create RAID Volume from Existing Disk.................................................... 5-20

Chapter 6. Introduction to Realtek ALC850 ...................................................... 6-1

Installing the Audio Codec Driver ....................................................................... 6-2

Software Configuration......................................................................................6-4

Sound Effect ............................................................................................... 6-5

Speaker Configuration ................................................................................ 6-7

HRTF Demo ................................................................................................. 6-9

General...................................................................................................... 6-10

SPDIF ......................................................................................................... 6-11

Using 2-, 4-, 6- & 8- Channel Audio Function ..................................................6-12

vii

Getting Started

Chapter 1. Getting Started

Getting Started

Thank you for choosing the 865PE/G Neo3 (MS-6728) v3.X ATX
mainboard. The 865PE/G Neo3 is based on Intel® 865PE/G &
ICH5/5R chipsets for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit
the advanced Intel® Pentium 4 Prescott LGA775 processor,
the 865PE/G Neo3 delivers a high performance and professional
desktop platform solution.

1-1

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Specifications

CPU

h Supports Intel® Pentium 4 Prescott LGA775 processors in LGA775 package.
h Supports up to Pentium 4 3XX, 5XX, 6XX & P4EE (Intel Pentium 4 Processor with

HT Technology Extreme Edition) sequence processor or higher speed.
(For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/program/
products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_cpu_support.php)

Chipset

h Intel® 865PE/G chipset

- Supports FSB 800/533MHz.

- Supports AGP 8X interface.

- Supports DDR 400/333/266 memory interface.

- Integrated graphics controller (for 865G only).

h Intel® ICH5/ICH5R chipset

- Hi-Speed USB (USB2.0) controller, 480Mb/sec, 8 ports.

- 2 Serial ATA/150 ports.

- 2 channel Ultra ATA 100 bus Master IDE controller.

- PCI Master v2.3, I/O APIC.

- Supports both ACPI and legacy APM power management.

- Serial ATA/150 RAID 0 and RAID 1 (Optional).

Main Memory

h Supports four unbuffered DIMM of 2.5 Volt DDR SDRAM.

hh

h Supports up to 4GB memory size without ECC.

hh
hh

h Supports Dual channel DDR266/333/400 MHz.

hh

Slots

h One AGP slot supports 8x/4x.
h Five 32-bit v2.3 Master PCI bus slots (support 3.3v/5v PCI bus interface).

On-Board IDE

h Dual Ultra DMA 66/100 IDE controllers integrated in ICH5/ICH5R.

- Supports PIO, Bus Master operation modes.

- Can connect up to four Ultra ATA drives.

h Serial ATA/150 controller integrated in ICH5/ICH5R.

- Up to 150MB/sec transfer speeds.

- Can connect up to two Serial ATA drives.

- Supports SATA RAID 0/RAID 1 (Optional).

1-2

Getting Started

On-Board Peripherals

h On-Board Peripherals include:

- 1 floppy port supports 1 FDD with 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88Mbytes

- 1 serial port COMA

- 1 VGA port (for 865G only)

- 1 parallel port supports SPP/EPP/ECP mode

- 8 USB 2.0 ports (Rear * 4/ Front * 4)

- 1 Line-In / Line-Out / Mic-In / Real Speaker Out / Center-Subwoofer Speaker Out
/ SPDIF Out-Optical audio port

- 1 RJ45 LAN jack (Optional)

- 2 IEEE 1394 pinheaders (Optional)

Audio

h AC97 link controller integrated in Intel® ICH5/ICH5R chipset.
h 8-channel audio codec Realtek ALC850.

- Compliance with AC97 v2.3 Spec.

- Meet PC2001 audio performance requirement.

LAN

h Realtek® 8100C / 8110S (Optional)

- Integrated Fast Ethernet MAC and PHY in one chip.

- Supports 10Mb/s, 100Mb/s and 1000Mb/s (1000Mb/s for 8110S only).

- Compliance with PCI 2.2.

- Supports ACPI Power Management.

BIOS

h The mainboard BIOS provides “Plug & Play” BIOS which detects the peripheral

devices and expansion cards of the board automatically.

h The mainboard provides a Desktop Management Interface (DMI) function which

records your mainboard specifications.

Dimension

h ATX Form Factor: 30.5 cm (L) x 24.5 cm (W).

Mounting

h 9 mounting holes.

1-3

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Top : mouse
Bottom: keyboard

Top : Parallel Port
Bottom:

COM A
VGA Port (Optional)

T: SP DI F O ut
B: USB ports

T: LAN jack
(Opt ional )
B: USB ports

Line-In

T:

Line-Out

M:

Mic

B:
T:R S- Out
M:CS-Out
B:SPDIF Out
(All optional)

Realtek

8100C/8110S

(Optional)

BATT

+

JCD1

Codec

JPW1

JAUD1

Mainboard Layout

Intel

865PE/G

NBFAN1

AGP Slot

PCI Slot 1

PCI Slot 2

PCI Slot 3

PCI Slot 4

PCI Slot 5

JUSB1

JBAT1

JUSB2

CPUFAN1

ICH5/

ICH5R

VIA

VT6307

J1394_1 J1394_2

1
M
M

I
D

CoreCell

3

4

2

JCI1

M

M

M

M

M

M

I

I

I

D

D

D

SATA2

SATA1

y

l
p
p
u

X

S

T

r

A

e
w
o
P

Winbond

W83627HF

2
E
D

I

JDB1

1
D
D

F

1
E
D

I

BIOS

1

2

N

N

A

A

F

F

S

S

JFP1JFP2

JIR1

1-4

865PE/G Neo3 (MS-6728) v3.X A TX Mainboard

Packing Contents

Getting Started

MSI motherboard

Power Cable

User’s Guide

MSI Driver/Utility CD

D-Bracket 2

(Optional)

Back IO Shield

SATA Cable *2

Standard Cable for

IDE Devices

Standard Cable for

Floppy Disk

1-5

Hardware Setup

Chapter 2. Hardware Setup

Hardware Setup

This chapter tells you how to install the CPU, memory modules,
and expansion cards, as well as how to setup the jumpers on the
mainboard. Also, it provides the instructions on connecting the
peripheral devices, such as the mouse, keyboard, etc.
While doing the installation, be careful in holding the components
and follow the installation procedures.

2-1

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Quick Components Guide

CPUFAN1, p.2-15

CPU, p.2-3

DDR DIMMs, p.2-7

JCI1, p.2-23

Back Panel
I/O, p.2-10

JPW1,

p.2-9

NBFAN1,p.2-15

AGP Slot,

p.2-26

JCD1, p.2-24

PCI Slots,

p.2-26

JAUD1, p.2-23

JBAT1, p.2-25

BATT

+

JUSB1, JUSB2,

p.2-24

J1394_1, J1394_2,

p.2-22

BIOS

ATX1, p.2-9

FDD1, p.2-14

IDE1, IDE2,

p.2-16

JDB1, p.2-19

SATA1, SATA2,

p.2-17

JIR1, p.2-23
JFP1, p.2-18
JFP2, p.2-18
SFAN2, p.2-15

SFAN1, p.2-15

2-2

Hardware Setup

Central Processing Unit: CPU

The mainboard supports Intel® Pentium 4 Prescott processor. The mainboard
uses a CPU socket called LGA775. When you are installing the CPU, make sure to
install the cooler to prevent overheating. If you do not have the CPU cooler,
contact your dealer to purchase and install them before turning on the computer.

For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/

program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_cpu_support.php.

MSI Reminds You...

Overheating

Overheating will seriously damage the CPU and system, always make
sure the cooling fan can work properly to protect the CPU from
overheating.

Replacing the CPU

While replacing the CPU, always turn off the ATX power supply or
unplug the power supply’s power cord from grounded outlet first to
ensure the safety of CPU.

Overclocking

This motherboard is designed to support overclocking. However, please
make sure your components are able to tolerate such abnormal setting,
while doing overclocking. Any attempt to operate beyond product speci­fications is not recommended. We do not guarantee the damages

or risks caused by inadequate operation or beyond product
specifications.

Introduction to LGA 775 CPU

The pin-pad side of LGA 775
CPU.

Alignment Key Alignment Key

Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

The surface of LGA 775 CPU.
Remember to apply some sili­cone heat transfer compound on
it for better heat dispersion.

Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

2-3

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

CPU & Cooler Installation

When you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a cooler at-

tached on the top to prevent overheating. If you do not have the cooler, contact

your dealer to purchase and install them before turning on the computer. Meanwhile,
do not forget to apply some silicon heat transfer compound on CPU before installing
the heat sink/cooler fan for better heat dispersion.

Follow the steps below to install the CPU & cooler correctly. Wrong installation

will cause the damage of your CPU & mainboard.

1. The CPU has a land side cover on the
bottom to protect the CPU contact from
damage. Rotate it to make the pin 1
indicator (yellow triangle) in the right­bottom corner.

land side cover

3. Align the 3 points (the Pin 1 indicator

and the two alignment keys) of both
the CPU and the CPU Clip, and use your
4 fingers to push the CPU Clip down to
clip them (the CPU clip is up and the
CPU is down) together.

2. Take out the accompanying CPU Clip
and rotate it for the same direction
as the CPU (Pin 1 indicator, the red
triangle is in the left-bottom corner).

4. The land side cover now is
removed.

2-4

MSI Reminds You...

1. Confirm if your CPU cooler is firmly installed before turning on your
system.

2. Do not touch the CPU socket pins to avoid damaging.

3. The availability of the CPU land side cover depends on your CPU
packing.

Hardware Setup

5. The CPU has a plastic cap on it to
protect the contact from damage.
Before you have installed the CPU,
always cover it to protect the socket
pin.

7. The pins of socket reveal. Then lift
up the load lever.

6. Remove the cap from lever hinge side
(as the arrow shows).

8. Lift the load lever up and open the
load plate.

9. Correctly align the red triangle of
CPU clip with the CPU chamfer, the
red arrow with the left-side socket
edge, and the red spot to the hook
of the socket.

10.Put the whole module onto the CPU
socket.

2-5

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

11. Push down the CPU hard to install
the CPU into the socket housing
frame.

13. Press down the load lever lightly

onto the load plate, and then se­cure the lever with the hook under
retention tab.

15. Press the four hooks down to fas­ten the cooler. Then rotate the lock­ing switch (refer to the correct di­rection marked on it) to lock the
hooks.

12.Visually inspect if the CPU is seated
well into the socket, then remove the
CPU Clip with 2 fingers. Then cover
the load plate onto the package.

14. Align the holes on the mainboard with

the cooler. Push down the cooler until
its four clips get wedged into the holes
of the mainboard.

16. Turn over the mainboard to confirm
that the clip-ends are correctly
inserted.

2-6

locking

switch

MSI Reminds You...

1.Check the information in PC Health Status in BIOS (refer to p.3-25 for
details) for the CPU temperature.

2. Whenever CPU is not installed, always protect your CPU socket pin
with the plastic cap covered (shown in Figure 1) to avoid damaging.

3. Please note that the mating/unmating durability of the CPU is 20 cycles.
Therefore we suggest you do not plug/unplug the CPU too often.

Hardware Setup

Memory

The mainboard provides 4 slots for 184-pin, 2.5V DDR DIMM with 8 memory
banks. You can install DDR266 / DDR333 / DDR400 / DDR433 / DDR466 / DDR500 /
DDR533 SDRAM modules on the DDR DIMM slots (DIMM 1~4). T o operate properly, at
least one DIMM module must be installed. Please note that DDR433 / DDR466 /

DDR500 / DDR533 are for overclocking spec.

DDR DIMM Slots

(DIMM 1~4, from left to right)
Channel A: DIMM1 & DIMM2 (green)
Channel B: DIMM3 & DIMM4 (purple)

Introduction to DDR SDRAM

DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM is similar to conventional SDRAM, but dou­bles the rate by transferring data twice per cycle. It uses 2.5 volts as opposed to 3.
3 volts used in SDR SDRAM, and requires 184-pin DIMM modules rather than 168-pin
DIMM modules used by SDR SDRAM. Please note that the DDR SDRAM does not
support ECC (error correcting code) and registered DIMM.

DDR Population Rules

Install at least one DIMM module on the slots. Each DIMM slot supports up to a
maximum size of 1GB. Users can install either single- or double-sided modules to
meet their own needs. Please note that each DIMM can work respectively for

single-channel DDR, but there are some rules while using dual-channel
DDR (Please refer to the suggested DDR population table on p.2-8). Users may install

memory modules of different type and density on different-channel DDR DIMMs.
However, the same type and density memory modules are necessary while
using dual-channel DDR, or instability may happen.

2-7

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Please refer to the following table for detailed dual-channel DDR. Other com­bination not listed below will function as single-channel DDR.

DIMM1 (Ch A) DIMM2 (Ch A) DIMM3 (Ch B) DIMM4 (Ch B) System Density
128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB 256MB~2GB

128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB 256MB~2GB

128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB 512MB~4GB

MSI Reminds You...

Dual-channel DDR works ONLY in the 3 combinations listed in the
table above.

Installing DDR Modules

1. The DDR DIMM has only one notch on the center of module. The module will only

fit in the right orientation.

2. Insert the DIMM memory module vertically into the DIMM slot. Then push it in until the

golden finger on the memory module is deeply inserted in the socket.

MSI Reminds You...

You can barely see the golden finger if the module is properly inserted
in the socket.

3. The plastic clip at each side of the DIMM slot will automatically close.

Volt

Notch

2-8

Hardware Setup

Power Supply

The mainboard supports ATX power supply for the power system. Before
inserting the power supply connector, always make sure that all components are
installed properly to ensure that no damage will be caused.

A TX 20-Pin Power Connector: ATX1

This connector allows you to connect to an ATX power supply. To connect to
the ATX power supply, make sure the plug of the power supply is inserted in the
proper orientation and the pins are aligned. Then push down the power supply firmly
into the connector.

ATX1 Pin Definition

11

20

ATX1

1

10

PIN SIGNAL

1 3.3V
2 3.3V
3 GND
45V
5 GND
65V
7 GND
8 PW_OK
9 5V_SB
10 12V

PIN SIGNAL

11 3.3V
12 -12V
13 GND
14 PS_ON
15 GND
16 GND
17 GND
18 -5V
19 5V
20 5V

A TX 12V Power Connector: JPW1

This 12V power connector is used to provide power to the CPU.

JPW1

1

2

34

MSI Reminds You...

1. These two connectors connect to the ATX power supply and have to
work together to ensure stable operation of the mainboard.

2. Power supply of 350 watts (and above) is highly recommended for
system stability.

3. ATX 12V power connection should be greater than 18A.

JPW1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL

1 GND
2 GND
312V
412V

2-9

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Back Panel

The back panel provides the following connectors:

Parallel

Mouse

S/PDIF

LAN

L-In

RS-Out

Keyboard

COM A

VGA port
(Optional)

USB Ports

L-Out
Mic

CS-Out

SPDIF Out

Mouse/Keyboard Connector

The mainboard provides a standard PS/2® mouse/keyboard mini DIN connec­tor for attaching a PS/2® mouse/keyboard. You can plug a PS/2® mouse/keyboard
directly into this connector. The connector location and pin assignments are as
follows:

Pin Definition

6

4

2

PS/2 Mouse / Keyboard

(6-pin Female)

5

3

1

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 Mouse/Keyboard Data Mouse/Keyboard data
2 NC No connection
3 GND Ground
4 VCC +5V
5 Mouse/Keyboard Clock Mouse/Keyboard clock
6 NC No connection

2-10

Hardware Setup

VGA Connector (Optional, for 865G only)

The mainboard provides a DB 15-pin female connector to connect a VGA

monitor.

5

15

1

11

VGA Connector

(DB 15-pin)

Pin Signal Description Pi n Signal Description

1 RED 2 GREEN
3 BLUE 4 N/C
5 GND 6 GND
7 GND 8 GND
9 +5V 10 GND
1 1 N/C 12 SDA
13 Horizontal Sync 14 Vertical Sync
15 SCL

USB Connectors

The mainboard provides an OHCI (Open Host Controller Interface) Universal
Serial Bus root for attaching USB devices such as keyboard, mouse or other USB­compatible devices. You can plug the USB device directly into the connector.

USB Port Description

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

USB Ports

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 VCC +5V
2 -Data 0 Negative Data Channel 0
3 +Data0 Positive Data Channel 0
4 GND Ground
5 VCC +5V
6 -Data 1 Negative Data Channel 1
7 +Data 1 Positive Data Channel 1
8 GND Ground

2-11

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Serial Port Connector

The mainboard offers one 9-pin male DIN connector as the serial port. The port
is a 16550A high speed communication port that sends/receives 16 bytes FIFOs. You
can attach a serial mouse or other serial devices directly to the connector.

Pin Definition

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

9-Pin Male DIN Connector

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 DCD Data Carry Detect
2 SIN Serial In or Receive Data
3 SOUT Serial Out or Transmit Data
4 DTR Data Terminal Ready)
5 GND Ground
6 DSR Data Set Ready
7 RTS Request To Send
8 CTS Clear To Send
9 RI Ring Indicate

Audio Port Connectors

The left 3 audio jacks are for 2-channel mode for stereo speaker output: Line

Out is a connector for Speakers or Headphones. Line In is used for external CD

player, Tape player, or other audio devices. Mic is a connector for microphones.

However, there is an advanced audio application provided by Realtek ALC850
to offer support for 7.1-channel audio operation and can turn rear audio connec­tors from 2-channel to 4-/5.1-/7.1- channel audio.

2-12

S/PDIF Out-Coaxial

Line In

Line Out

Rear Speaker Out

(in 7.1CH / 5.1CH)

Center/Subwoofer

Speaker Out

( in 7.1CH / 5.1CH)

MIC

S/PDIF Out-Optical

MSI Reminds You...

For the advanced functions of the audio codec, please refer to Chapter
6: Introduction to RealTek ALC850 Audio Codec for details.

Hardware Setup

RJ-45 LAN Jack: 10/100 LAN (8100C) /Giga-bit LAN (8110S) (Optional)

The mainboard provides two standard RJ-45 jacks for connection to Local
Area Network (LAN). Giga-bit LAN enables data to be transferred at 1000, 100 or
10Mbps. You can connect a network cable to either LAN jack.

Activity Indicator

Link Indicator

8 1

RJ-45 LAN Jack

LED Color LED State Condition

Left Orange On (steady state) LAN link is established.

Right On 100 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

Off LAN link is not established.

On (brighter & pulsing) The computer is communicating with another

Green Off 10 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

Orange On 1000 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

computer on the LAN.

The pin assignments vary depending on the transfer rates: 10/100Mbps or
1000Mbps. Note that Pin 1/2, 3/6, 4/5, 7/8 must work in pairs. Please refer
to the following for details:

10/100 LAN Pin Definition Giga-bit LAN Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 TDP Transmit Differential Pair
2 TDN Transmit Differential Pair
3 RDP Receive Differential Pair
4 NC Not Used
5 NC Not Used
6 RDN Receive Differential Pair
7 NC Not Used
8 NC Not Used

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 D0P Differential Pair 0+
2 D0N Differential Pair 0­ 3 D1P Differential Pair 1+
4 D2P Differential Pair 2+
5 D2N Differential Pair 2­ 6 D1N Differential Pair 1­ 7 D3P Differential Pair 3+
8 D3N Differential Pair 3-

2-13

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Parallel Port Connector: LPT1

The mainboard provides a 25-pin female centronic connector as LPT. A
parallel port is a standard printer port that supports Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) and
Extended Capabilities Parallel Port (ECP) mode.

13 1

25

14

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 STROBE Strobe
2 DAT A0 Data0
3 DAT A1 Data1
4 DAT A2 Data2
5 DAT A3 Data3
6 DAT A4 Data4
7 DAT A5 Data5
8 DAT A6 Data6
9 DAT A7 Data7
10 ACK# Acknowledge
11 BUSY Busy
12 PE Paper End
13 SELECT Select
14 AUTO FEED# Automatic Feed
15 ERR# Error
16 INIT# Initialize Printer
17 SLIN# Select In
18 GND Ground
19 GND Ground
20 GND Ground
21 GND Ground
22 GND Ground
23 GND Ground
24 GND Ground
25 GND Ground

2-14

Hardware Setup

Connectors

The mainboard provides connectors to connect to FDD, IDE HDD, LAN, USB

Ports, IR module and CPU/System/NB FAN.

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1

The mainboard provides a standard floppy disk drive connector that supports

360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88M floppy disk types.

FDD1

Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN1/SF AN1/SF AN2/NBF AN1

The CPUFAN1 (processor fan), SFAN1/SFAN2 (system fans) and NBFAN1
(NorthBridge Chipset fan) support system cooling fan with +12V. It supports four/
three-pin head connector. When connecting the wire to the connectors, always take
note that the red wire is the positive and should be connected to the +12V, the black
wire is Ground and should be connected to GND. If the mainboard has a System
Hardware Monitor chipset on-board, you must use a specially designed fan with
speed sensor to take advantage of the CPU fan control.

GND

+12V

SENSOR
Control

CPUFAN1

GND
+12V

NC

GND
+12V

Sensor

NBFAN1SFAN1, SFAN2

MSI Reminds You...

1. Always consult the vendors for proper CPU cooling fan.

2. CPUFAN1 supports the fan control. Fan/heatsink with 3 or 4 pins
are both available.

3. Please refer to the recommended CPU fans at Intel® official
website.

2-15

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

A T A100 Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2

The mainboard has a 32-bit Enhanced PCI IDE and Ultra DMA 66/100 controller
that provides PIO mode 0~4, Bus Master, and Ultra DMA 66/100 function. You can
connect up to four hard disk drives, CD-ROM and other IDE devices.

The Ultra ATA100 interface boosts data transfer rates between the computer
and the hard drive up to 100 megabytes (MB) per second. The new interface is one­third faster than earlier record-breaking Ultra ATA/100 technology and is backward
compatible with the existing Ultra ATA interface.

IDE1IDE2

IDE1 (Primary IDE Connector)
The first hard drive should always be connected to IDE1. IDE1 can connect a Master

and a Slave drive. You must configure second hard drive to Slave mode by setting the
jumper accordingly.

IDE2 (Secondary IDE Connector)
IDE2 can also connect a Master and a Slave drive.

2-16

MSI Reminds You...

If you install two hard disks on cable, you must configure the second
drive to Slave mode by setting its jumper. Refer to the hard disk docu­mentation supplied by hard disk vendors for jumper setting instructions.

Hardware Setup

Serial AT A / Serial A T A RAID Connectors controlled by ICH5 / ICH5R:
SATA1, SA T A2

The Southbridge of this mainboard is ICH5/ICH5R which supports two serial

connectors SATA1 & SATA2.

SATA1 & SATA2 are dual high-speed Serial ATA interface ports. Each sup­ports 1st generation serial ATA data rates of 150 MB/s. Both connectors are fully
compliant with Serial ATA 1.0 specifications. Each Serial ATA connector can connect
to 1 hard disk device.

For the advanced functions of the Serial ATA RAID, please refer to Chapter
5: Introduction to Intel ICH5R Serial ATA RAID for details.

SATA2 SATA1

1

7

SAT A1~ SA TA2 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 GND 2 TXP
3 TXN 4 GND

5 RXN 6 RXP
7 GND

Optional Serial A T A cable

Take out the dust cover and
connect to the hard disk

Connect to serial ATA ports

MSI Reminds You...

Please do not fold the serial ATA cable in a 90-degree angle, for this
might cause the loss of data during the transmission.

devices

2-17

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1 & JFP2

The mainboard provides two front panel connectors for electrical connection
to the front panel switches and LEDs. JFP1 is compliant with Intel® Front Panel I/O
Connectivity Design Guide.

JFP2

7
8

Power
LED

Speaker

1

2

9

10

Reset
Switch

Power
Switch

HDD
LED

Power
LED

1

JFP1

2

JFP1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 HD_LED_P Hard disk LED pull-up
2 FP PWR/SLP MSG LED pull-up
3 HD_LED_N Hard disk active LED
4 FP PWR/SLP MSG LED pull-up
5 RST_SW_N Reset Switch low reference pull-down to GND
6 PWR_SW_P Power Switch high reference pull-up
7 RST_SW_P Reset Switch high reference pull-up
8 PWR_SW_N Power Switch low reference pull-down to GND
9 RSVD_DNU Reserved. Do not use.

JFP2 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 GND 2 SPK­3 SLED 4 BUZ+

5 PLED 6 BUZ­7 NC 8 SPK+

2-18

Hardware Setup

D-Bracket™ 2 Connector: JDB1

The mainboard comes with a JDB1 connector for you to connect to D­Bracket™ 2, which supports both USB 1.1 & 2.0 spec.

D-Bracket™ 2 is a USB bracket integrating four Diagnostic LEDs, which use
graphic signal display to help users understand their system. The LEDs provide up to
16 combinations of signals to debug the system. The 4 LEDs can detect all problems
that fail the system, such as VGA, RAM or other failures. This special feature is very
useful for overclocking users. These users can use the feature to detect if there are
any problems or failures.

10

2

Connected to JDB1

9

1

JDB1

Connected to JUSB1

JDB1 Pin Definition

Pin Signal

1 DBG1 (high for green color)
2 DBR1 (high for red color)
3 DBG2 (high for green color)
4 DBR2 (high for red color)
5 DBG3 (high for green color)
6 DBR3 (high for red color)
7 DBG4 (high for green color)
8 DBR4 (high for red color)
9 Key (no pin)
10 NC

Optional D-Bracket™ 2

LEDs

2-19

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

D-Bracket™ 2

1 2
3 4

Red

Green

D-Bracket™ 2 Description

System Power ON

- The D-LED will hang here if the processor is damaged or
not installed properly.

Early Chipset Initialization

Memory Detection Test

- Testing onboard memory size. The D-LED will hang if the
memory module is damaged or not installed properly.

Testing VGA BIOS

Decompressing BIOS image to RAM for fast booting.

Initializing Keyboard Controller.

- This will start writing VGA sign-on message to the screen.

2-20

D-Bracket™ 2 Description

Processor Initialization

- This will show information regarding the processor (like
brand name, system bus, etc…)

Initializing Video Interface

BIOS Sign On

Testing Base and Extended Memory

Initializing Hard Drive Controller

Initializing Floppy Drive Controller

Boot Attempt

Operating System Booting

Testing RTC (Real Tim e Clock)

- This will start detecting CPU clock, checking type of video
onboard. Then, detect and initialize the video adapter.

- This will start showing informat ion about logo, processor
brand name, etc….

- Testing base memory from 240K to 640K and extended
memory above 1MB using various patterns.
Assign Resources to all ISA.

- This will initialize IDE drive and controller.

- This will initializing Floppy Drive and controller.

- This will set low stack and boot via INT 19h.

Hardware Setup

2-21

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

IEEE 1394 Connectors: J1394_1, J1394_2 (Optional)

The mainboard provides two 1394 pin headers that allow you to connect IEEE
1394 ports via an external IEEE1394 bracket.

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

9
10

J1394_1, J394_2

1

2

1TPA+ 2 TPA­3 Ground 4 Ground
5 TPB+ 6 TPB­7 Cable power 8 Cable power
9 Key (no pin) 10 Ground

IEEE1394 Bracket

Foolproof Design

2-22

Hardware Setup

IrDA Infrared Module Header: JIR1

The connector allows you to connect to IrDA Infrared module. You must
configure the setting through the BIOS setup to use the IR function. JIR1 is compliant
with Intel® Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.

JIR1 Pin Definition

Pin Signal

1NC
2NC
3 VCC5
4 GND
5 IRTX
6 IRRX

5
6

JIR1

1
2

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1

The JAUD1 front panel audio connector allows you to connect to the front
panel audio and is compliant with Intel® Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.

9

1

JAUD1

10

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 AUD_MIC Front panel microphone input signal
2 AUD_GND Ground used by analog audio circuits
3 AUD_MIC_BIAS Microphone power
4 AUD_VCC Filtered +5V used by analog audio circuits
5 AUD_FPOUT_R Right channel audio signal to front panel
6 AUD_RET_R Right channel audio signal return from front panel
7 HP_ON Reserved for future use to control headphone amplifier
8 KEY No pin
9 AUD_FPOUT_L Left channel audio signal to front panel
10 AUD_RET_L Left channel audio signal return from front panel

2

JAUD1 Pin Definition

MSI Reminds You...

If you don’t want to connect to the front audio header, pins
5 & 6, 9 & 10 have to be jumpered in order to have signal
output directed to the rear audio ports. Otherwise, the Line­Out connector on the back panel will not function.

9

5

10

6

2-23

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

CD-In Connector: JCD1

The connector is for CD-ROM audio connector.

JCD1

GND L

R

Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JCI1

This connector is connected to a 2-pin chassis switch. If the chassis is opened,
the switch will be short. The system will record this status and show a warning
message on the screen. To clear the warning, you must enter the BIOS utility and
clear the record.

2

GND

CINTRU

1

JCI1

Front USB Connectors: JUSB1 & JUSB2

The mainboard provides two USB 2.0 pin headers JUSB1 & JUSB2 (Optional)
that are compliant with Intel® I/O Connectivity Design Guide. USB 2.0 technology
increases data transfer rate up to a maximum throughput of 480Mbps, which is 40
times faster than USB 1.1, and is ideal for connecting high-speed USB interface
peripherals such as USB HDD, digital cameras, MP3 players, printers, modems
and the like.

2-24

JUSB1 & JUSB2 Pin Definition

2
1

JUSB2, JUSB1

(USB 2.0/Intel spec)

10

9

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 VCC 2 VCC
3 USB0- 4 USB1­5 USB0+ 6 USB1+
7 GND 8 GND
9 Key (no pin) 10 USBOC

MSI Reminds You...

Note that the pins of VCC and GND must be connected correctly or
it may cause some damage.

Hardware Setup

Jumpers

The mainboard provides the following jumpers for you to set the computer’s
function. This section will explain how to change your mainboard’s function through
the use of jumpers.

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBA T1

There is a CMOS RAM on board that has a power supply from external battery
to keep the data of system configuration. With the CMOS RAM, the system can
automatically boot OS every time it is turned on. If you want to clear the system
configuration, use the JBAT1 (Clear CMOS Jumper ) to clear data. Follow the instruc­tions below to clear the data:

1

JBAT1

1

3

Keep Data

1

3

Clear Data

MSI Reminds You...

You can clear CMOS by shorting 2-3 pin while the system is off.
Then return to 1-2 pin position. Avoid clearing the CMOS while the
system is on; it will damage the mainboard.

2-25

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Slots

The mainboard provides one AGP slot and five 32-bit PCI bus slots.

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) Slot

The AGP slot allows you to insert the AGP graphics card. AGP is an interface
specification designed for the throughput demands of 3D graphics. It introduces a
66MHz, 32-bit channel for the graphics controller to directly access main memory.
The slot supports 8x/4x AGP card.

AGP Slot

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots

The PCI slots allow you to insert the expansion cards to meet your needs.
When adding or removing expansion cards, make sure that you unplug the power
supply first. Meanwhile, read the documentation for the expansion card to make any
necessary hardware or software settings for the expansion card, such as jumpers,
switches or BIOS configuration.

PCI Slots

PCI Interrupt Request Routing

The IRQ, acronym of interrupt request line and pronounced I-R-Q, are hard­ware lines over which devices can send interrupt signals to the microprocessor. The
PCI IRQ pins are typically connected to the PCI bus INT A# ~ INT D# pins as follows:

Order 1 Order 2 Order 3 Order 4
PCI Slot 1 INT A# INT B# INT C# INT D#
PCI Slot 2 INT B# INT C# INT D# INT A#
PCI Slot 3 INT C# INT D# INT A# INT B#
PCI Slot 4 INT D# INT A# INT B# INT C#
PCI Slot 5 INT B# INT C# INT D# INT A#

2-26

Chapter 3. BIOS Setup

BIOS Setup

This chapter provides information on the BIOS Setup pro­gram and allows you to configure the system for optimum use.
You may need to run the Setup program when:

 An error message appears on the screen during the system
booting up, and you are requested to run SETUP.

 You want to change the default settings for customized features.

MSI Reminds You...

1. The items under each BIOS category described in this chapter are
under continuous update for better system performance. Therefore,
the description may be slightly different from the latest BIOS and
should be held for reference only.

2. While booting up, the BIOS version is shown in the 1st line ap­pearing after the memory count. It is usually in the format:
example: A7058IMS V1.0BH 04/23/04

where:

1st digit refers to BIOS maker as A=AMI(R); W=AWARD(R)
2nd - 5th digit refers to the model number.
6th digit refers to the chipset vendor.
7th - 8th digit refers to the customer, MS=all standard customers.
V1.0BH refers to the BIOS version.
04/23/04 refers to the date this BIOS is released.

BIOS Setup

3-1

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Entering Setup

Power on the computer and the system will start POST (Power On Self Test)
process. When the message below appears on the screen, press <DEL> key to
enter Setup.

DEL: Setup F11: Boot Menu F12: Network boot TAB: Logo

If the message disappears before you respond and you still wish to enter
Setup, restart the system by turning it OFF and On or pressing the RESET button. Y ou
may also restart the system by simultaneously pressing <Ctrl>, <Alt>, and <Delete>
keys.

Selecting the First Boot Device

You are allowed to select the 1st boot device without entering the BIOS setup
utility by pressing <F11>. When the same message as listed above appears on the
screen, press <F11> to trigger the boot menu.

The POST messages might pass by too quickly for you to respond in time. If so,
restart the system and press <F11> after around 2 or 3 seconds to activate the boot
menu similar to the following.

Select First Boot Device

Floppy : 1st Floppy
IDE-0 : IBM-DTLA-307038
CDROM : ATAPI CD-ROM DRIVE 40X M

[Up/Dn] Select [RETURN] Boot [ESC] cancel

The boot menu will list all the bootable devices. Select the one you want to boot
from by using arrow keys, then press <Enter>. The system will boot from the se­lected device. The selection will not make changes to the settings in the BIOS setup
utility, so next time when you power on the system, it will still use the original first
boot device to boot up.

3-2

BIOS Setup

Control Keys

<↑> Move to the previous item
<↓> Move to the next item
<←> Move to the item in the left hand
<→> Move to the item in the right hand

<Enter> Select the item
<Esc> Jumps to the Exit menu or returns to the main menu from a

submenu

<+> Increase the numeric value or make changes
<-> Decrease the numeric value or make changes
<F7> Load BIOS Setup Defaults
<F10> Save all the CMOS changes and exit

Getting Help

After entering the Setup utility, the first screen you see is the Main Menu.

Main Menu

The main menu displays the setup categories the BIOS supplies. Y ou can use
the arrow keys ( ↑↓ ) to select the item. The on-line description for the selected setup
category is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Default Settings

The BIOS setup program contains two kinds of default settings: the BIOS
Setup and High Performance defaults. BIOS Setup defaults provide stable performance
settings for all devices and the system, while High Performance defaults provide the
best system performance but may affect the system stability.

3-3

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

The Main Menu

Once you enter AMIBIOS NEW SETUP UTILITY, the Main Menu will appear on
the screen. The Main Menu displays some main functions and two exit choices. Use
arrow keys to move among the items and press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.

Standard CMOS Features

Use this menu for basic system configurations, such as time, date etc.

Advanced BIOS Features

Use this menu to setup the items of AMI® special enhanced features.

Advanced Chipset Features

Use this menu to change the values in the chipset registers and optimize your system’s
performance.

Power Management Features

Use this menu to specify your settings for power management.

PNP/PCI Configurations

This entry appears if your system supports PnP/PCI.

Integrated Peripherals

Use this menu to specify your settings for integrated peripherals.

3-4

BIOS Setup

PC Health Status

This entry shows your PC health status.

Frequency/Voltage Control

Use this menu to specify your settings for frequency/voltage control.

Set Supervisor Password

Use this menu to set Supervisor Password.

Set User Password

Use this menu to set User Password.

Load High Performance Defaults

Use this menu to load the BIOS values for the best system performance, but the
system stability may be affected.

Load BIOS Setup Defaults

Use this menu to load factory default settings into the BIOS for stable system perfor­mance operations.

Save & Exit Setup

Save changes to CMOS and exit setup.

Exit Without Saving

Abandon all changes and exit setup.

3-5

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Standard CMOS Features

The items inside STANDARD CMOS SETUP menu provide some category, in
which include none, one or more setup items. Use the arrow keys to highlight the item
you want to modify and use the <PgUp> or <PgDn> keys to switch to the value you
prefer.

System Time

This allows you to set the system time that you want (usually the current time). The
time format is <hour> <minute> <second>.

System Date

This allows you to set the system to the date that you want (usually the current date).
The format is <month> <date> <year> <day>.

month The month from Jan. through Dec.

date The date from 1 to 31 can be keyed by numeric

year The year can be adjusted by users.

day Day of the week, from Sun to Sat, determined by

Current Language

This allows you to set the language of BIOS.

Primary/Secondary/Third/Fourth IDE Master/Slave

Press PgUp/<+> or PgDn/<-> to select the hard disk drive type. The specification of
hard disk drive will show up on the right hand according to your selection.
Type Select how to define the HDD parameters
Cylinders Enter cylinder number

function keys.

BIOS. Read-only.

3-6

BIOS Setup

Heads Enter head number
Write Precompensation Enter write precomp cylinder
Sectors Enter sector number
Maximum Capacity Read the maximal HDD capacity
LBA Mode Select [Auto] for a hard disk > 512 MB under Windows and

Block Mode Select [Auto] to enhance the hard disk performance
Fast Programmed I/O Modes Select [Auto] to enhance hard disk performance by

32 Bit Transfer Mode Enable 32 bit to maximize the IDE hard disk data transfer rate

Floppy Drive A:

This item allows you to set the type of floppy drive installed. Available options: [Not
Installed], [1.2 MB 5¼], [720 KB 3½], [1.44 MB 3½] and [2.88 MB 3½].

DOS, or [Disabled] under Netware and UNIX

optimizing the hard disk timing

3-7

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Advanced BIOS Features

Quick Boot

Setting the item to [Enabled] allows the system to boot within 5 seconds since it will
skip some check items. Available options: [Enabled], [Disabled].

Boot Device Select

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu screen.

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

The items allow you to set the sequence of boot devices where BIOS attempts to
load the disk operating system.

MSI Reminds You...

.

Available settings for “1st/2nd/3rd Boot Device” vary depending on
the bootable devices you have installed. For example, if you did not
install a floppy drive, the setting “Floppy” does not show up.

Try Other Boot Device

Setting the option to Yes allows the system to try to boot from other devices if the
system fails to boot from the 1st/2nd/3rd boot device.

3-8

BIOS Setup

Full Screen LOGO Show

This item enables you to show the company logo on the bootup screen. Settings are:

[Enabled] Shows a still image (logo) on the full screen at boot.

[Disabled] Shows the POST messages at boot.

S.M.A.R.T. for Hard Disks

This allows you to activate the S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring Analysis & Reporting
Technology) capability for the hard disks. S.M.A.R.T is a utility that monitors your disk
status to predict hard disk failure. This gives you an opportunity to move data from a
hard disk that is going to fail to a safe place before the hard disk becomes offline.
Settings: [Enabled], [Disabled].

BootUp Num-Lock

This item is to set the Num Lock status when the system is powered on. Setting to
[On] will turn on the Num Lock key when the system is powered on. Setting to [Off]
will allow end users to use the arrow keys on the numeric keypad. Setting options:
[On], [Off].

Floppy Drive Seek

This setting causes the BIOS to search for floppy disk drives at boot time. When
enabled, the BIOS will activate the floppy disk drives during the boot process: the
drive activity light will come on and the head will move back and forth once. First A:
will be done and then B: if it exists. Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

Password Check

This specifies the type of AMIBIOS password protection that is implemented. Setting
options are described below.

Option Description

[Setup] The password prompt appears only when end users try to run

[Always] A password prompt appears every time when the computer is

Setup.

powered on or when end users try to run Setup.

Save Current ROM to HDD

This allows you to save the BIOS to your hard disk drive. Setting options: [No], [Yes].

Boot To OS/2

This allows you to run the OS/2® operating system with DRAM larger than 64MB.
When you choose [No], you cannot run the OS/2® operating system with DRAM larger
than 64MB. But it is possible if you choose [Yes]. Setting options: [No], [Yes].

3-9

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Hyper Threading Function

This field is used to enable or disable the Hyper Threading function. Setting to [Enabled]
will increase the system performance. Settings: [Enabled], [Disabled].

MSI Reminds You...

Enabling the functionality of Hyper-Threading Technology for your com­puter system requires ALL of the following platform Components:
*CPU: An Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with HT Technology;
*Chipset: An Intel® Chipset that supports HT Technology;
*BIOS: A BIOS that supports HT Technology and has it enabled;
*OS: An operating system that supports HT Technology . For more

MPS Revision

This field allows you to select which MPS (Multi-Processor Specification) version to
be used for the operating system. You need to select the MPS version supported by
your operating system. Settings: [1.4] and [1.1].

APIC ACPI SCI IRQ

This field allows you to specify which IRQ is used for ACPI SCI.

Option Description

Enabled Use one IRQ from IRQ 20~23.
Disabled Use one IRQ from IRQ 09~11.

CPU L1 & L2 Cache

Cache memory is additional memory that is much faster than conventional DRAM
(system memory). When the CPU requests data, the system transfers the requested
data from the main DRAM into cache memory, for even faster access by the CPU. The
setting controls the internal cache (also known as L1 or level 1 cache). Setting to
[WriteBack] will speed up the system performance.

information on Hyper-threading Technology, go to:
www.intel.com/info/hyperthreading

System BIOS Cacheable

Selecting Enabled allows caching of the system BIOS ROM at F0000h-FFFFFh, re­sulting in better system performance. However, if any program writes to this memory
area, a system error may result. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].

C000, 32k Shadow

This item specifies how the contents of the adapter ROM named in the item are
handled. Settings are described below:

3-10

BIOS Setup

Option Description

Disabled The specified ROM is not copied to RAM.
Enabled The contents of specified ROM are copied to RAM for faster

Cached The contents of specified ROM are not only copied to RAM, the

Set Limit CPUID MaxVal to 3 (only for Prescott CPU)

This item shows only when the Prescott CPU is installed.

[Enabled] You may install the Windows NT4.0 operating system only.

[Disabled] You may install all operating systems except Windows NT4.0.

system performance.

contents of the ROM area can be written to and read from
cache memory.

3-11

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Advanced Chipset Features

MSI Reminds You...

Change these settings only if you are familiar with the chipset.

DRAM Timing Setting...

Press <Enter> and to enter the sub-menu screen.

Configure SDRAM Timing by SPD

Selects whether DRAM timing is controlled by the SPD (Serial Presence Detect)
EEPROM on the DRAM module. Setting to [Enabled] enables the following fields auto­matically to be determined by BIOS based on the configurations on the SPD. Selecting
[Disabled] allows users to configure these fields manually.

CAS# Latency

This controls the timing delay (in clock cycles) before SDRAM starts a read command
after receiving it. Settings: [2], [2.5], [3] (clocks). [2] (clocks) increases the system
performance the most while [3] (clocks) provides the most stable performance.

3-12

BIOS Setup

RAS# Precharge

This item controls the number of cycles for Row Address Strobe (RAS) to be allowed
to precharge. If insufficient time is allowed for the RAS to accumulate its charge
before DRAM refresh, refreshing may be incomplete and DRAM may fail to retain
data. This item applies only when synchronous DRAM is installed in the system.
Available settings: [2 clocks], [3 clocks], [4 clocks].

RAS# to CAS# Delay

When DRAM is refreshed, both rows and columns are addressed separately. This
setup item allows you to determine the timing of the transition from RAS (row address
strobe) to CAS (column address strobe). The less the clock cycles, the faster the
DRAM performance. Setting options: [2 clocks], [3 clocks], [4 clocks].

Precharge Delay

This setting controls the precharge delay, which determines the timing delay for
DRAM precharge. Settings: [5 clocks], [6 clocks], [7 clocks], [8 clocks].

Burst Length

This setting allows you to set the size of Burst-Length for DRAM. Bursting feature is
a technique that DRAM itself predicts the address of the next memory location to be
accessed after the first address is accessed. To use the feature, you need to define
the burst length, which is the actual length of burst plus the starting address and
allows internal address counter to properly generate the next memory location. The
bigger the size, the faster the DRAM performance. Available settings: [4], [8].

AGP Aperture Size (MB)

This setting controls just how much system RAM can be allocated to AGP for video
purposes. The aperture is a portion of the PCI memory address range dedicated to
graphics memory address space. Host cycles that hit the aperture range are for­warded to the AGP without any translation. The option allows the selection of an
aperture size of [4MB], [8MB], [16MB], [32MB], [64MB], [128MB], and [256 MB].

Internal Graphics Select

The field specifies the size of system memory allocated for video memory. Settings:
[512KB], [1MB], [8MB], [Disabled].

3-13

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Power Management Features

ACPI Standby State

This item specifies the power saving modes for ACPI function. If your operating system
supports ACPI, such as Windows 98SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows
XP, you can choose to enter the Standby mode in S1(POS) or S3(STR) fashion through
the setting of this field. Options are:

[S1/POS] The S1 sleep mode is a low power state. In this state, no system

[S3/STR] The S3 sleep mode is a lower power state where the information of

[Auto] BIOS determines the best automatically.

context is lost (CPU or chipset) and hardware maintains all system
context.

system configuration and open applications/files is saved to main
memory that remains powered while most other hardware compo­nents turn off to save energy. The information stored in memory will be
used to restore the system when a “wake up” event occurs.

Re-Call VGA BIOS at S3 Resuming

Selecting Enabled allows BIOS to call VGA BIOS to initialize the VGA card when
system wakes up (resumes) from S3 sleep state. The system resume time is short­ened when you disable the function, but system will need an AGP driver to initialize
the VGA card. Therefore, if the AGP driver of the card does not support the initializa­tion feature, the display may work abnormally or not function after resuming from S3.

Power Management/APM

Setting to [Enabled] will activate an Advanced Power Management (APM) device to
enhance Max Saving mode and stop CPU internal clock. Settings: [Disabled], [Enabled].

3-14

BIOS Setup

Suspend Time Out (Minute)

After the selected period of system inactivity, all devices except the CPU shut off.
Settings: [Disabled], [1], [2], [4], [8], [10], [20], [30], [40], [50], [60].

Power Button Function

This feature sets the function of the power button. Settings are:

[On/Off] The power button functions as normal power off button.

[Suspend] When you press the power button, the computer enters the

Restore on AC/Power Loss

This setting specifies whether your system will reboot after a power failure or
interrupt occurs. Available settings are:

[Power Off] Leaves the computer in the power off state.

[Power On] Leaves the computer in the power on state.

[Last State] Restores the system to the previous status before power

Set Monitor Events

Press <Enter> and the following sub-menu appears.

suspend/sleep mode, but if the button is pressed for more
than four seconds, the computer is turned off.

failure or interrupt occurred.

FDC/LPT/COM Ports, Primary/Secondary Master/Slave IDE

These items specify if the BIOS will monitor the activity of the specified hardware
peripherals or components. If set to Monitor, any activity detected on the specified
hardware peripherals or components will wake up the system or prevent the system
from entering the power saving modes. Settings: Monitor, Ignore.

Set WakeUp Events

Press <Enter> and the following sub-menu appears.

3-15

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

USB Device Wakeup From S3

This item allows the activity of the USB devices (keyboard and mouse) to wake up
the system from S3 sleep state. Setting: [Enabled], [Disabled].

Resume On PME#

This field 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. Settings: [Enabled], [Disabled].

Resume By RTC Alarm

This is used to enable or disable the feature of booting up the system on a scheduled
time/date from the soft off (S5) state. Settings: [Enabled], [Disabled].

RTC Alarm Date/Hour/Minute/Second

If Resume By Alarm is set to [Enabled], the system will automatically resume (boot
up) on a specific date/hour/minute/second specified in these fields. Available settings
for each item are:

Alarm Date 01 ~ 31, Every Day
Alarm Hour 00 ~ 23
Alarm Minute 00 ~ 59
Alarm Second 00 ~ 59

MSI Reminds You...

If you have changed this setting, you must let the system boot up until it
enters the operating system, before this function will work.

Keyboard PowerOn Function

This item allows the activity of the keyboard to wake up the system from any state
(S3/S4/S5 state). Settings: [Any Key], [Specific Key], [Disabled].

Specific Key for PowerOn

This setting allows users to set a password (max. 5 letters) for the Keyboard Wakeup
function.

Mouse PowerOn Function

This item allows the activity of the mouse to wake up the system from any state (S3/
S4/S5 state). Settings: [Disabled], [Any Action], [Left-button], [Right-button].

3-16

BIOS Setup

PNP/PCI Configurations

This section describes configuring the PCI bus system and PnP (Plug & Play)
feature. PCI, or Peripheral Component Interconnect, is a system which allows I/O
devices to operate at speeds nearing the speed the CPU itself uses when
communicating with its special components. This section covers some very technical
items and it is strongly recommended that only experienced users should make any
changes to the default settings.

Clear NVRAM

The ESCD (Extended System Configuration Data) NVRAM (Non-volatile Random Ac­cess Memory) is where the BIOS stores resource information for both PNP and non­PNP devices in a bit string format. When the item is set to [Yes], the system will reset
ESCD NVRAM right after the system is booted up and then set the setting of the item
back to [No] automatically.

PCI Latency Timer (PCI Clocks)

This item controls how long each PCI device can hold the bus before another takes
over. When set to higher values, every PCI device can conduct transactions for a
longer time and thus improve the effective PCI bandwidth. For better PCI performance,
you should set the item to higher values. Settings are: [32], [64], [96], [128], [160],
[192], [224], [248].

Init. Graphics Adapter Priority

This setting specifies which VGA card is your primary graphics adapter. Setting
options are:

[Internal VGA] The system initializes the onboard VGA device. (For 865G)
[AGP/Int-VGA] The system initializes the installed AGP card first. If an

AGP card is not available, it will initialize the onboard VGA
device. (For 865G)

3-17

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

[AGP/PCI] The system initializes the installed AGP card first. If an
[PCI/AGP] The system initializes the installed PCI VGA card first. If a
[PCI/Int-VGA] The system initializes the installed PCI VGA card first. If a

PCI IDE BusMaster

Set this option to [Enabled] to specify that the IDE controller on the PCI local bus has
bus mastering capability. Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

PCI Slot1 IRQ Priority, PCI Slot2/5 IRQ Priority, PCI Slot3 IRQ Priority, PCI Slot4
IRQ Priority

These items specify the IRQ line for each PCI slot. Setting options: [3], [4], [5], [7], [9],
[10], [11], [Auto]. Selecting [Auto] allows BIOS to automatically determine the IRQ line
for each PCI slot.

Set IRQs to PCI or ISA

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:

AGP card is not available, it will initialize the PCI VGA card.
PCI VGA card is not available, it will initialize the AGP card.
PCI VGA card is not available, it will initialize the onboard

VGA device. (For 865G)

IRQ 3/4/5/7/9/10/11/14/15

These items specify the bus where the specified IRQ line is used.
The settings determine if AMIBIOS should remove an IRQ from the pool of available
IRQs passed to devices that are configurable by the system BIOS. The available IRQ
pool is determined by reading the ESCD NVRAM. If more IRQs must be removed from
the IRQ pool, the end user can use these settings to reserve the IRQ by assigning an
[ISA/EISA] setting to it. Onboard I/O is configured by AMIBIOS. All IRQs used by
onboard I/O are configured as [PCI/PnP]. If all IRQs are set to [ISA/EISA], and IRQ 14/
15 are allocated to the onboard PCI IDE, IRQ 9 will still be available for PCI and PnP
devices. Available settings: [ISA/EISA] and [PCI/PnP].

3-18

BIOS Setup

Set DMAs to PnP or ISA

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:

DMA Channel 0/1/3/5/6/7

These items specify the bus that the system DMA (Direct Memory Access) channel is
using.
The settings determine if AMIBIOS should remove a DMA from the available DMAs
passed to devices that are configurable by the system BIOS. The available DMA pool
is determined by reading the ESCD NVRAM. If more DMAs must be removed from the
pool, the end user can reserve the DMA by assigning an [ISA/EISA] setting to it.

3-19

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Integrated Peripherals

Please note that the options showed on your BIOS might be different
depending on the motherboard you buy.

USB Controller

This setting is used to enable/disable the onboard USB host controller. Setting options:
[Disabled], [Enabled].

USB Device Legacy Support

Set to [All Devices] if you need to use any USB 1.1/2.0 device in the operating system
that does not support or have any USB 1.1/2.0 driver installed, such as DOS. Setting
options: [Disabled], [All Devices].

On-Chip IDE Configuration

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:

3-20

BIOS Setup

On-Chip ATA(s) Operate Mode

This setting allows you to determine how the RAID controller on the south bridge is
going to switch to SATA controller. [Legacy Mode] means you may use the traditional
14 and 15 IRQs, while Native Mode means you may use all the available IRQs. Setting
options: [Legacy Mode], [Native Mode].

ATA Configuration

The field lets you to configure the available ATA controller. Setting options: [Disabled],
[P-ATA Only], [S-ATA Only], [P-ATA+S-ATA].

S-ATA Keep Enabled

This item is available for you to enable/disable the onboard S-ATA. Setting options:
[Yes], [No].

P-ATA Keep Enabled

This item is available for you to enable/disable the onboard P-ATA. Setting options:
[Yes], [No].

P-ATA Channel Selection

This item is available for you to select the parallel ATA channel. Setting options:
[Primary], [Secondary], [Both].

Combined Mode Option

This item is available for you to select the combined mode which boots first. Setting
options: [P-ATA 1st Channel], [S-ATA 1st Channel].

S-ATA Ports Definition

This allows you to set the boot sequence of serial ATA ports.

MSI Reminds You...

If you wish to use S-ATA devices on your mainboard while the ATA
devices connected to the IDE1 and IDE2 are also available, you MUST
have Windows XP/2000 operating system in your computer, and con­figure the settings listed as following when you enter the BIOS setup
program.
However, if you are using Windows 98/Me, please also refer to the
following settings for the best performance.

Configure S-ATA as RAID

This item is available for you to configure S-ATA as onboard RAID. Setting: [Yes],
[No].

3-21

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

On-Chip IDE
Configuration
On-Chip ATA(s)
Operate Mode

A T A Configuration P-ATA On ly P-ATA+S-ATA
S-ATA Keep Enabled Yes (not available)
P-ATA Keep Enabled (not available) (not available)

P-ATA Channel Selec tion Both (not available)

Combined Mode Option (not available) * S-ATA 1st Channel /

S-ATA Ports Definition P0-3rd. / P1-4th. P0-Master / P1-Slave

* When choosing S-A TA 1st Channel, you can use SAT A1 & SA TA2, IDE2.

When choosing P-ATA 1st Channel, you can use IDE1, SAT A1 & SATA 2.

Onboard LAN

Settings in Windows XP /2000
(Maximum of 6 devices)

Legacy Mode (not available)

Settings in Windows 98/ME
(Maximum of 4 devices)

P-ATA 1st Channel

This setting controls the onboard LAN controller. Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

Load OnBoard LAN BIOS

This item is available for you to load the onboard LAN BIOS settings. Setting
options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

Onboard 1394

This setting controls the onboard 1394 device. Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

AC’97 Audio

This item is used to enable or disable the onboard AC’97 (Audio Codec’97) feature.
Selecting [Auto] allows the mainboard to detect whether an audio device is used. If
an audio device is detected, the onboard AC’97 controller will be enabled; if not, the
controller is disabled. Disable the function if you want to use other controller cards
to connect an audio device. Settings: [Disabled] and [Auto].

Set Super I/O

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:

3-22

BIOS Setup

OnBoard FDC

Select [Enabled] if your system has a floppy disk controller (FDD) installed on the
system board and you wish to use it.

Option Description

[Auto] BIOS will automatically determine whether to enable the

[Enabled] Enables the onboard Floppy controller.
[Disabled] Disables the onboard Floppy controller.

Onboard Serial Port A/B

These items specify the base I/O port addresses of the onboard Serial Port 1 (COM
A)/Serial Port 2 (COM B). Please note that Serial Port B is for IR control.
Selecting [Auto] allows AMIBIOS to automatically determine the correct base I/O port
address. Settings: [Auto], [3F8/COM1], [2F8/COM2], [3E8/COM3], [2E8/COM4] and
[Disabled].

Serial Port B Mode

This item sets the operation mode for Serial Port B. Settings: [Normal], [1.6uS], [3/16
Baud] and [ASKIR] (the last three operation modes are setting options for IR function).

IR Duplex Mode

This setting controls the operating mode of IR transmission/reception. Setting options:
[Full Duplex], [Half Duplex]. Under [Full Duplex] mode, synchronous, bi-directional
transmission/reception is allowed. Under [Half Duplex] mode, only asynchronous, bi­directional transmission/reception is allowed.

IR Pin Select

Set to [IRRX/IRTX] when using an internal IR module connected to the IR connector.
Set to [SINB/SOUTB] when connecting an IR adapter to COM B.

onboard Floppy controller or not.

Onboard Parallel Port

This field specifies the base I/O port address of the onboard parallel port. Selecting
[Auto] allows AMIBIOS to automatically determine the correct base I/O port address.
Settings: [Auto], [378], [278], [3BC] and [Disabled].

Parallel Port Mode

This item selects the operation mode for the onboard parallel port: [ECP], [Normal], [Bi­Dir] or [EPP].

EPP Version

The item selects the EPP version used by the parallel port if the port is set to EPP
mode. Settings: [1.7] and [1.9].

Parallel Port IRQ

When Onboard Parallel Port is set to [Auto], the item shows [Auto] indicating that
BIOS determines the IRQ for the parallel port automatically.

3-23

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Parallel Port DMA Channel

This feature needs to be configured only when Parallel Port Mode is set to the
[ECP]. When Parallel Port Mode is set to [Normal], this field will show [Auto] indicat­ing that BIOS automatically determines the DMA channel for the parallel port.

3-24

BIOS Setup

PC Health Status

This section shows the status of your CPU, fan, overall system status, etc.
Monitor function is available only if there is hardware monitoring mechanism onboard.

Chassis Intrusion

The field enables or disables the feature of recording the chassis intrusion status
and issuing a warning message if the chassis is once opened. To clear the warning
message, set the field to [Reset]. The setting of the field will automatically return to
[Enabled] later. Settings: [Enabled], [Reset], [Disabled].

CPU/System Temperature, CPU/NB Fan Speed, Vcore, 3.3V, +5.0V, +12.0V,

-12.0V, Battery, +5V SB

These items display the current status of all of the monitored hardware devices/
components such as CPU voltages, temperatures and all fans’ speeds.

3-25

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Frequency/Voltage Control

Use this menu to specify your settings for frequency/voltage control.

Performance Mode

This item allows you to control the MAT (memory acceleration technology) function of
CPU. MAT is MSITM’s exclusive technology, specializing in optimizing the data transfer
rate among CPU, north bridge chip and memory, and also in procuring better memory
performance and bandwidth up to 10%. Selecting [Fast] will enable MAT. Please be
noted that not every memory is compatible with MAT. If the system fail to reboot for
four times, the BIOS will be restored to the Default value ([Normal]). Setting options:
[Normal], [Fast], [Turbo (MAT)], [Ultra Turbo (MAT)].

3-26

MSI Reminds You...

1. Even though MAT is easy to use, it doesn't mean there's no risk at
all. We recommend you to check if your memory is able to bear
MAT setting or not before deciding to always use it. If your system
will be unstable or reboot incidentally after switching to [Fast],
please switch back to [Normal]. Moreover, if you want to conduct
FSB overclocking, you should set MAT as [Normal].

2. Meanwhile, for security reason, there are two functions to protect
BIOS and protect user’s system from crashing:
(a) There is a safe hotkey "Ins" in BIOS. If the overclocking or/and
MAT fails to run, you can press "Ins" key while rebooting system
to restore to the BIOS Defaults.
(b) If your system reboot for four times continually, the BIOS will
be restored to the Defaults (Normal), too.

BIOS Setup

D.O.T. Range

(D.O.T) Dynamic Overclocking Technology is the automatic overclocking function,
included in the MSITM’s newly developed CoreCell

TM

Technology. It is designed to
detect the load balance of CPU while running programs, and to adjust the best CPU
frequency automatically. When the motherboard detects CPU is running programs, it
will speed up CPU automatically to make the program run smoothly and faster. When
the CPU is temporarily suspending or staying in the low load balance, it will restore
the default settings instead. Usually the Dynamic Overclocking Technology will be
powered only when users' PC need to run huge amount of data like 3D games or the
video process, and the CPU frequency need to be boosted up to enhance the overall
performance. Setting options:

[Disabled] Disable Dynamic Overclocking.
[Private] 1st level of overclocking.
[Sergeant] 2nd level of overclocking.
[Captain] 3rd level of overclocking.
[Colonel] 4th level of overclocking.
[General] 5th level of overclocking.
[Commander] 6th level of overclocking.

MSI Reminds You...

Even though the Dynamic Overclocking Technology is more stable
than manual overclocking, basically, it is still risky. We suggest user
to make sure that your CPU can afford to overclocking regularly first.
If you find the PC appears to be unstable or reboot incidentally, it's
better to disable the Dynamic Overclocking or to lower the level of
overclocking options. By the way, if you need to conduct overclocking
manually, you also need to disable the Dynamic OverClocking first.

D.O.T Mode

This item allows you to decide the mode to overclock dynamically. Setting options:
[CPU Only], [CPU+AGP].

CPU Ratio Selection

This setting controls the multiplier that is used to determine the internal clock speed of
the processor relative to the external or motherboard clock speed.

DRAM Frequency (Mhz)

Use this field to configure the clock frequency of the installed DRAM. Settings are:

PSB 400: [266], [Auto], [333], [400], [433], [466], [500].
PSB 533: [266], [333], [Auto], [400], [433], [450], [466], [500], [354 (3:4)].
PSB 800: [266], [333], [400], [Auto], [433], [450], [466], [500], [532],

[501 (4:5)], [533 (3:4)].

MSI Reminds You...

The value plus a ratio (CPU: DDR) with parentheses means the non­synchronous overclocking.

3-27

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Spread Spectrum

When the motherboard’s clock generator pulses, the extreme values (spikes) of the
pulses creates EMI (Electromagnetic Interference). The Spread Spectrum function
reduces the EMI generated by modulating the pulses so that the spikes of the pulses
are reduced to flatter curves. If you do not have any EMI problem, leave the setting at
[Disabled] for optimal system stability and performance. But if you are plagued by EMI,
activate the Spread Spectrum for EMI reduction. Remember to disable Spread Spec­trum if you are overclocking because even a slight jitter can introduce a temporary
boost in clock speed which may just cause your overclocked processor to lock up.

Options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

Adjust CPU Bus Clock (Mhz)

This item allows you to select the CPU Bus clock frequency (in MHz) and overclock
the processor by adjusting the FSB clock to a higher frequency. Settings are:

DDR Clock (Mhz)

This read-only item allows you to view the current DDR clock.

Adjust AGP/PCI Clock (Mhz)

This item allows you to select the AGP/PCI clock frequency (in MHz) by adjusting the
AGP/PCI clock to a higher frequency.

DDR Power Voltage

Adjusting the DDR voltage can increase the DDR speed. Any changes made to this
setting may cause a stability issue, so changing the DDR voltage for long-term
purpose is NOT recommended.

PSB 400: 100-355MHz.
PSB 533: 133-500MHz
PSB 800: 200-500MHz

AGP Power Voltage

AGP voltage is adjustable in the field, allowing you to increase the performance of
your AGP display card when overclocking, but the stability may be affected.

MSI Reminds You...

The settings shown in different color in CPU Voltage (V), DDR Power
Voltage and AGP Power Voltage helps to verify if your setting is

proper for your system.
White: Safe setting.
Yellow: High performance setting.

Red: Not recommended setting and the system may be unstable.

3-28

BIOS Setup

Set Supervisor/User Password

When you select this function, a message as below will appear on the screen:

Type the password, up to six characters in length, and press <Enter>. The
password typed now will replace any previously set password from CMOS memory.
You will be prompted to confirm the password. Retype the password and press
<Enter>. You may also press <Esc> to abort the selection and not enter a password.

To clear a set password, just press <Enter> when you are prompted to enter
the password. A message will show up confirming the password will be disabled.
Once the password is disabled, the system will boot and you can enter Setup
without entering any password.

When a password has been set, you will be prompted to enter it every time
you try to enter Setup. This prevents an unauthorized person from changing any part
of your system configuration.

Additionally, when a password is enabled, you can also have AMIBIOS to
request a password each time the system is booted. This would prevent unautho­rized use of your computer. The setting to determine when the password prompt is
required is the PASSWORD CHECK option of the ADVANCED BIOS FEATURES menu.
If the PASSWORD CHECK option is set to [Always], the password is required both at
boot and at entry to Setup. If set to [Setup], password prompt only occurs when you
try to enter Setup.

MSI Reminds You...

About Supervisor Password & User Password:

Supervisor password: Can enter and change the settings of the setup
User password: Can only enter but do not have the right to

menu.
change the settings of the setup menu.

3-29

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Load High Performance/BIOS Setup Defaults

The two options on the main menu allow users to restore all of the BIOS settings to
High Performance defaults or BIOS Setup defaults. The High Performance Defaults
are the values set by the mainboard manufacturer for the best system performance
but probably will cause a stability issue. The BIOS Setup Defaults are the default
values also set by the mainboard manufacturer for stable performance of the
mainboard.

When you select Load High Performance Defaults, a message as below appears:

Pressing ‘Enter’ loads the default BIOS values that enable the best system perfor­mance but may lead to a stability issue.

MSI Reminds You...

The option is for power or overclocking users only. Use of high
performance defaults will tighten most timings to increase the system
performance. Therefore, a high-end system configuration is a must,
which means you need high-quality VGA adapter, RAM and so on. We

don’t recommend that users should apply the high performance
defaults in their regular systems. Otherwise, the system may be-

come unstable or even crash. If the system crashes or hangs after
enabling the feature, please CLEAR CMOS DATA to resolve the problem.
For more information, refer to “Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1” in Chapter

2.

When you select Load BIOS Setup Defaults, a message as below appears:

Pressing ‘Enter’ loads the default values that are factory settings for stable system
performance.

3-30

Introduction to DigiCell

Chapter 4. Introduction to DigiCell

Chapter 2. Hardware Setup

Introduction to DigiCell

DigiCell, the most useful and powerful utility that MSI has spent much
research and efforts to develop, helps users to monitor and configure all the
integrated peripherals of the system, such as audio program, power
management, MP3 files management and communication / 802.11g WLAN
settings. Moreover, with this unique utility, you will be able to activate the
MSI well-known features, Live Update and Core Center, which makes it
easier to update the BIOS/drivers online, and to monitor the system hard­ware status (CPU/Fan temperature and speed) or to overclock the CPU/
memory.

Once you have your DigiCell installed (locate the setup source file in
the setup CD accompanying with your mainboard, path: Utility --> MSI Util-
ity --> MSI DigiCell), it will have an icon in the system tray, a short cut
icon on the desktop, and a short cut path in your “Start-up” menu. You may
double-click on each icon to enable DigiCell.

short-cut icon in the system tray

short-cut path in the start-up menu
(path: Start-->Programs-->MSI-->DigiCell)

4-1

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

MSI Feature

Main

Before using this utility, it is required to have all the integrated peripherals/cards (LAN
card, Wireless LAN card, MegaStick... etc.) and all the necessary drivers (onboard
LAN driver, audio driver, CoreCenter, Live Update... etc.) installed correctly.

The icon representing each item will be lit up if it is inserted/installed correctly and
properly. Otherwise, the icon will remain gray and user is not able to view the
functionality/connection of that item.

Introduction:

Click on each icon appearing above to enter the sub-menu to make further configuration.

MSI

Click on this button to link to MSI website:
http://www.msi.com.tw.

Quick Guide

Click on this button and the quick guide of DigiCell will be displayed for you
to review.

H/W Diagnostic

In this sub-menu, it provides the information of each DigiCell button for you to
check if the representing peripherals/cards/drivers are correctly installed.

Comm.

In this sub-menu, you can see the configuration details for communication
products, including the status, strength, speed and channel of the connec­tion of the Ethernet LAN & Wireless LAN.

Software Access Point

In this sub-menu, you can change your connection mode to different ones,
and configure the advanced settings for each mode, such as the authentica­tion encryption... etc.

4-2

Introduction to DigiCell

Live Update

You can take advantage of Live Update to detect and update BIOS and
drivers online.

Core Center

You can take advantage of Core Center to monitor the health status of your
system and to overclock under Windows OS if your system supports
overclocking function.

MEGA STICK

If you have your MEGA STICK connected to your system, this icon will be lit
up. Click this blue icon to turn DigiCell into a MP3 player, and then you can load
media files from your MEGA STICK or the system, and edit the preferred
playlist.

Audio Speaker Setting

In this sub-menu, you can configure and test the multi-channel audio function,
speakers, sound effect and environment.

Power on Agent

In this sub-menu, you can configure date, time and auto-executed programs
of the power-on, power-off and restarting features.

MSI Reminds You...

Click on back button in every sub-menu and it will bring you back to the
main menu.

4-3

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

MSI Feature

H/W Diagnostic

In the H/W Diagnostic sub-menu, you can see the information, status and note of
each DigiCell. You may double check the connection and installation of the item
marked as gray.

You may also click on the Mail to MSI button to send your questions or suggestions
to MSI’s technical support staff.

4-4

Introduction to DigiCell

Communication

In the Communication sub-menu, you can see the status of all the LAN / WLAN /
Bluetooth on the screen if the hardware is installed. The first icon indicates the
onboard LAN on your system, the second icon indicates the wireless LAN status,
and the third one is the information about the bluetooth on your system. Click on each
item for details.

This icon indicates the information and connection status of onboard LAN,
which is read-only.

The second icon indicates the wireless connection. You may click this icon
to configure the advanced settings in the WLAN Card Mode dialogue box
(see the image on p.4-8). Please note that it is only available when the
Software Access Point is set to WLAN Card Mode.

The third icon indicates the connection using bluetooth devices. If your
system is connected to the bluetooth device, the icon will light up.

4-5

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

MSI Feature

Software Access Point

In the Software Access Point sub-menu, you can see the communication status on
your system and choose the desired software access point mode by clicking on the
desired icon, in which the default settings are configured for your usage. The default
software access point mode is set to WLAN Card Mode. For more advanced
security settings and channels switching, click on “Setting” button to enter its sub­menu.

Terminology

Here are the introduction of WLAN / AP communication terminology.

WEP Key

In the wireless network environment, the administrator can set up password
(Network Key) to protect the network from being attacked or unauthorized
access. When building the network, you can set up 4 sets of WEP keys,
which can be 5 characters (10 hex-adecimal digital) or 13 characters (26
hex-adecimal digital) and specify one of them to use.

Ad-hoc Mode

An Ad-hoc network is a local area network or other small network, especially
one with wireless or temporary plug-in connections, in which some of the
network devices are part of the network only for the duration of a communi­cations session. Users in the network can share files, print to a shared
printer, and access the Internet with a shared modem. In this kind of network,
new devices can be quickly added; however, users can only communicate
with other wireless LAN computers that are in this wireless LAN workgroup,
and are within range.

Infrastructure Mode

The difference between Infrastructure network and Ad-hoc network is that
the former one includes an Access Point. In an Infrastructure network, the
Access Point can manage the bandwidth to maximize bandwidth utilization.
Additionally, the Access Point enables users on a wireless LAN to access an
existing wired network, allowing wireless users to take advantage of the
wired networks resources, such as Internet, email, file transfer, and printer
sharing. The scale and range of the Infrastructure networking are larger and
wider than that of the Ad-hoc networking.

4-6

Introduction to DigiCell

Access Point Mode

Click on “Setting” button of the Access Point Mode and the following screen will
display.

IP Sharing

Click on this icon to enable/disable the IP sharing. The default of this setting is disabled.

Disabled. Enabled.

Enabling/disabling IP sharing depends on the different situation. For example:

1. If your family and you are getting on Internet at home with multi computers, and
your ISP only provides one IP for you, you may need to enable IP Sharing
function in order to use this one IP to get on Internet with multi computers
simultaneously.

2. If you are getting on Internet in office, usually the LAN card will automatically get
the IP this computer uses. In this case you don’t have to enable this function.

SSID

Means Service Set Identifier, a unique name shared among all points in a wireless
network. It must be identical for all points in the network. Then the card will be able
to connect to an access point with the same SSID.

Channel

Specifies the operating radio frequency channel in Infrastructure mode, which
should be set to an available one (ex: with less traffic to ensure the stable and better
connection).

Associated Client List

This option is to display information of stations that are currently associated to your
wireless gateway.

Association Control

This option allows you to control which PC can connect to the wireless LAN. If you

4-7

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

MSI Feature

enable this feature, only PCs with MAC address located in Association Control List
can connect to the wireless LAN.

MAC Address

MAC stands for Media Access Control. A MAC address is the hardware address of
a device connected to a network.

Security

This option allows you to enable/disable the authentication function.

Authentication

Open: Communicates the key across the network.
Shared: Devices must have identical WEP settings to communicate.

WLAN Card Mode

Click on “Setting” button of the WLAN Card Mode for the WEP status of your APs.
If the AP you are selecting (the highlighted one) is not encrypted (Disabled shown in

the Encryption column), the screen will display as below. You can click “Connect”
to make connection to that AP, click “Cancel” to close this dialogue box, or click
“Refresh” button to update the available WLAN connections.

If the network you are selecting is encrypted (WEP shown in the Encryption column),
the screen will display as below. You need to enter the correct WEP key defined by
AP in the specified WEP Key 1~4 fields to make the connection.

4-8

Introduction to DigiCell

Live Update

Click on the Live Update icon in the main menu and the Live Update program will be
enabled.

The Live Update 3™ is a tool used to detect and update your BIOS/
drivers/VGA BIOS/VGA Driver/OSD/Utility online so that you don’t
need to search for the correct BIOS/driver version throughout the
whole Web site. To use the function, you need to install the “MSI Live
Update 3” application. After the installation, the “MSI Live Update 3”
icon (as shown on the right) will appear on the screen.
Double click the “MSI Live Update 3” icon, and the following screen
will appear:

Six buttons are placed on the left column of the screen. Click the desired button to
start the update process.

Live BIOS – Updates the BIOS online.
Live Driver – Updates the drivers online.
Live VGA BIOS – Updates the VGA BIOS online.
Live VGA Driver – Updates the VGA driver online.
Live OSD – Updates the firmware of the OSD products online.
Live Utility – Updates the utilities online.

If the product you purchased does not support any of the functions listed above, a
“sorry” message is displayed. For more information on the update instructions, insert
the companion CD and refer to the “Live Update Guide” under the “Manual” Tab.

4-9

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

MSI Feature

MEGA STICK

In the MEGA STICK sub-menu, you can configure the settings of MSI MEGA STICK
and the media files (*.m3u, *.mp3, *.wav, *.cda, *.wma) on your system.

Basic Function

Here you can edit your own play list with the buttons “load”, “save”, “delete”,
“shuttle”, “repeat” & “print”.

Load To load media files or the playlist of mp3 files (*.m3u) on your system or
Save To save a loaded playlist of mp3 files (*.m3u) on your system or on
Delete Click on the media files in the Play List: field and use “Delete” button

Shuffle To play the media file in the Play List: in a random order.
Repeat To repeat the selected files in the Play List:.
Print This button has 2 functions:

4-10

on your MEGA STICK.
your MEGA STICK.
to remove the media file from the play list. Y ou may remove multi media

files simultaneously by using “Ctrl” to select multi files.

1.To print out the details of current play list through your printer with
the following information:
Song title --- Song length --- Singer name

2.To save the details of current play list and save the file in the plain
text file format in the \\Program files\MSI\DigiCell\MyMusic.txt for
your reference. The MyMusic.txt file is with the following information:
Song title --- Song length --- Singer name

Introduction to DigiCell

There is also a toolbar for you to execute some basic function, like play, stop, pause,
previous/next song, song info and volume adjust. There is also a scroll bar on the top
for you to forward/rewind.

previous

pause

next

forward/rewind
bar

song’s informationstop

play

Right-click on the MP3 file and choose “Info”, a MP3 Info dialogue
will pop up to show the information of the file, including the title, artist,
album, release year and others. You may also add your own comment
in the comment field. Then click “Save” to save the change, click
“Cancel” to discard the change, or click “Remove” to remove all
this information.

4-11

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

MSI Feature

Non-Unicode programs supported

If you are using an operating system in European languages, and you’d like to play the
media files in MEGA STICK with East-Asian languages (such as Chinese, Japanese...
etc.), it is possible that the file names display incorrectly.
However, you can install the Supplemental Language Support provided by
Microsoft to solve this problem. You need to have your Microsoft Setup CD prepared
in the CD-ROM. The system will start to install the necessary components after the
settings are configured here. Follow the steps described below.

1.Go to [Control Panel] and choose [Regional and Languages Options].

2.Go to the [Languages] tab and enable the check box of [Install files for East
Asian languages]. A dialogue box will pop up to remind you the above selection
is chosen.

4-12

Introduction to DigiCell

3. Then go to the [Advanced] tab and select the language you want to be
supported (the language of the filename in the MegaStick) from the drop-

down list in the [Language for non-Unicode programs], then click [Apply]. The
system will install the necessary components from your Microsoft Setup CD
immediately.

4-13

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

MSI Feature

Core Center (for Pentium 4 CPU)

Click on the Core Center icon in the main menu and the Core Center program will
be enabled.

CoreCenter is just like your PC doctor that can detect, view and adjust the PC
hardware and system status during real time operation.
In the left side it shows the current system status including the Vcore, 3.3V, +5V and
12V. In the right side it shows the current PC hardware status such as the CPU &
system temperatures and all fans speeds.

When you click the red triangles in the left and right sides, two sub-menus will open
for users to adjust the thresholds of system to send out the warning messages.

4-14

Introduction to DigiCell

Left-wing: Current system status

In the left sub-menu, you can configure the settings of FSB, Vcore, Memory Voltage
and AGP Voltage by clicking the radio button next to each item and make it available
(the radio button will be lighted as yellow when selected), use the “+” and “-” buttons
to adjust, then click “OK” to apply the changes. Then you can click “Save” to save
the values you just configured.
Also you may click “Auto” to start testing the maximum CPU overclocking value. The
CPU FSB will automatically increase the testing value until the PC reboots. Or you may
click “Default” to restore the default values.

Right-wing: PC hardware status during real time operation

In the right sub-menu, here you can configure the PC hardware status such as CPU
& system temperatures and fan speeds. You may use the scroll bars to adjust each
item, then click “OK” to apply the changes. The values you set for the temperatures
are the maximum thresholds for the system for warnings, and the value for fan
speeds are the minimum thresholds.

4-15

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

MSI Feature

Audio Speaker Setting

In the Audio Speaker Setting sub-menu, you can configure the multi-channel audio
operation, perform speaker test, and choose the environment you prefer while en­joying the music.

You can scroll the bar of each equalizer to regulate the current playing digital sound
source. Also you may click on the “on” button to enable/disable the equalizer function.
Once the equalizer function is enabled, you can choose several preset equalizers
for your preference. You may also right-click anywhere to execute this function.
After you have chosen one equalizer, it will be indicated next to the “on” button in
yellow.

The Environment setting lets you select the environment you like, such as

Cave or Convert Hall.

4-16

Introduction to DigiCell

Click on the “Speaker test” button and the following dialogue box will appear:

In this Speaker Configuration dialogue box, select the audio configuration which
is identical to the audio jack on your mainboard. Once the correct audio configuration
is selected, click “Apply” to save the changes. Then the following screen will
appear. In this Speaker Configuration dialogue box, first select the correct item
from the Speaker mode drop-down list, and then click on each connected speaker
to ensure if Headphone, 2-, 4-, 5.1-, or 7.1- channel audio operation is working
properly. If any speaker fails to make sound, then check whether the cable is in­serted firmly to the connector, or replace the bad speakers with good ones.

Center

Front Left

Main Side Left

Rear Left

Front Right

Main Side Right

Rear Right

Subwoofer

4-17

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

MSI Feature

Power on Agent

In the Power on Agent sub-menu, you can configure setting of power-on, power­off and restarting status.

In the screen below, you can set the date, time, start-up programs respectively for
power-on, power-off and restarting.

Power On

Here are the available settings for Power On function:

Date Use the drop-down list to select the date for power-on.
Time Use the arrow keys to select the hour/minute/second for power-on,

power-off and restarting. Then click “Apply” to save the changes. As
you click “Apply”, the following dialogue will appear to show you the
next power-on schedule, and the system will start to count down to
restart. Click “OK” to restart the computer right away or click “Later”
to restart your computer later.

4-18

MSI Reminds You...

Please note that the new setting will not take effect until you restart your
computer.

Introduction to DigiCell

Power Off / Restart

You may configure the time (in the format hh:mm:ss) for the next power-off / restart.

Start With

Use the button “+Add” to add the start-up programs
as DigiCell is activated next time. For example, you
may like to have Outlook activated or a specified
website linked when you get to the office every
morning.
Step 1: Click on the Program: field and click “>>”

button to browse for the path of Outlook or

Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on “OK” to apply the setting.
Step 3: For specified file or specified website, you

may enter the file name with the complete

path or the website link in the Parameters: field.

add the desired start­with program

To activate Outlook as DigiCell
is enabled next time

To activate a specified website
as DigiCell is enabled next time

Of course you may use the button “-Delete” to remove the added programs, or you
can right-click on the selected program and click Delete.

delete the added program

MSI Reminds You...

You can also enable the Every turn on function, which will enable the
specified program(s) and file(s) every time the Digi Cell utility runs.

4-19

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

MSI Feature

Auto Login

Since the Power On function allows the system to power on automatically, you may
have to enable this Auto Login function in the following situations:

1.If you are using a computer belonging to a domain in office, and you need to
enter your user name & password everytime when you boot up your computer.

2.If there are multi users using the same computer and you’d like to power on the
computer automatically with one specific user.

Enable Auto Login

Enable this setting if you want to use the Auto Login feature. It supports the
following operating systems: Win9X, Windows ME, Windows 2000 & Windows XP.

Default User Name

It is only available for Windows 2000 & Windows XP.

-- If you are using a computer belonging to a domain in office, please enter your
login user name in this field.

-- If you are using a computer with multi users (for Windows XP operating system),
please enter the user name you’d like to auto power-on in this field.

Default Password

It is only available for Windows 2000 & Windows XP.

-- If you are using a computer belonging to a domain in office, please enter your
login password in this field.

-- If you are using a computer with multi-users (for Windows XP operating system),
please enter the password for the user name you’d like to auto power-on in
this field.

4-20

Introduction to Intel ICH5R Serial ATA RAID

Chapter 4. Introduction to

Chapter 2. Hardware Setup
DigiCell

Introduction to Intel

ICH5R Serial ATA RAID

The southbridge ICH5R provides a hybrid solution that combines
two independent SATA ports for support of up to two Serial ATA (Serial
ATA RAID) drives.

Appendix. Using 4- or 6-Channel
Audio Function

Serial ATA (SATA) is the latest generation of the ATA interface.
SATA hard drives deliver blistering transfer speeds up to 150MB/sec.
Serial ATA uses long, thin cables, making it easier to connect your drive
and improving the airflow inside your PC. The most outstanding features
are:

1. Supports 150 MB/s transfers with CRC error checking

2. Data handling optimizations including tagged command queuing,

elevator seek and packet chain command

MSI Reminds You...

All the information/volumes listed in your system might differ from the
illustrations in this appendix.

5-1

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

Introduction

Following are the Parallel ATA (P-ATA) and Serial ATA (S-ATA) device configu-

rations supported by Intel ICH5R.

ATA Operate Mode

There are two modes to select: Legacy mode and Native mode.

Legacy Mode:

--- In this mode, system BIOS just assign the traditional 14 and 15 IRQs to use for
HDD.

--- Older OSs that do not support switch to Native Mode (DOS, Win98/ME...)
should set SATA and PATA to Legacy Mode.

--- Maximum 4 ATA devices to connect.

--- Combine mode and Non-Combine mode.

hNon-Combined Mode:P-ATA devices only .
hNon-Combined Mode: S-ATA devices only.
hCombined Mode: S-AT A devices

Native Mode:

--- In this mode, system BIOS will search all available IRQs to use for HDD.

--- New OS that support switch to Native Mode (WinXP, Win2K) can set SATA
and PATA to Native Mode.

-- - Comprehend both Legacy and/or Native Modes.

-- - Maximum 6 ATA devices to connect (4 for P-ATA & 2 for S-ATA).

Maximum of 4 devices.
Maximum of 2 devices.
P-ATA devices

Maximum of 2 devices each, thus total 4 devices at
maximum.

5-2

MSI Reminds You...

BIOS provides a BIOS setup option for Native Mode or Legacy Mode
user selection. Please refer to P.3-20 On-Chip IDE Configuration for
details.

Introduction to Intel ICH5R Serial ATA RAID

What is RAID 0 (striping)?

RAID 0 leverages the read/write capabilities of two or more hard drives

working in unison to maximize the storage performance of a computer system. Data
in a RAID 0 volume is arranged into blocks that are interleaved among the disks so that
reads and writes can be performed in parallel (see below diagram). This technique,
known as "striping", is the fastest of all of the RAID levels, especially for reading and
writing large sequential files. Real world usage models where RAID 0 can be of
particular benefit include loading large files into an image editing application such as
Adobe* Photoshop*, saving large movie files in a video editing application such as
Adobe* Premiere*, or creating CD or DVD images with a CD/DVD authoring package
such as Roxio* Easy CD Creator*.

he hard drives in a RAID 0 volume are combined to form one volume which

appears as a single virtual drive to the operating system. For example, two 40 GB
hard drives in a RAID 0 array will appear as a single 80 GB hard drive to the operating
system.

No redundancy information is stored in a RAID 0 volume. This means that if

one hard drive fails, all data on both drives is lost. This lack of redundancy is also
reflected by the RAID level 0, which indicates no redundancy. RAID 0 is not recom­mended for use in servers or other environments where data redundancy is a
primary goal.

Minimum Disks: 2
Advantage: Highest transfer rates
Redundancy: None - if one disk fails all data will be lost
Application: Typically used in desktops and workstations for

maximum performance for temporary data and
high I/O rate

5-3

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

What is RAID 1 (mirroring)?

A RAID 1 array contains two hard drives where the data between the two is

mirrored in real time. Since all of the data is duplicated, the operating system treats
the usable space of a RAID 1 array as the maximum size of one hard drive in the
array. For example, two 40 GB hard drives in a RAID 1 array will appear as a single
40 GB hard drive to the operating system.

The primary benefit of RAID 1 mirroring is that it provides good data reliability

in the case of a single disk failure. When one disk drive fails, all data is immediately
available on the other without any impact to the data integrity. In the case of a disk
failure, the computer system will remain fully operational to ensure maximum
productivity.

The performance of a RAID 1 array is greater than that of a single drive since

data can be read from multiple disks simultaneously, although disk writes do not
realize the same benefit as is the case with RAID 0.

Minimum Disks: 2
Advantage: 100% redundancy of data. One disk may fail, but data will

Redundancy: Excellent - disk mirroring means that all data on one disk is
Application: Typically used for smaller systems where capacity of one

5-4

continue to be accessible. A rebuild to a new disk is recom­mended to maintain data redundancy.

duplicated on another disk.
disk is sufficient and for any application(s) requiring very

high availability.

Introduction to Intel ICH5R Serial ATA RAID

BIOS Configuration

The Intel RAID Option ROM should be integrated with the system BIOS on all

motherboards with a supported Intel chipset. The Intel RAID Option ROM is the Intel
RAID implementation and provides BIOS and DOS disk services. Please use <Ctrl> +
<I> keys to enter the “Intel(R) RAID for Serial ATA” status screen, which should
appear early in system boot-up, during the POST (Power-On Self Test).

Using the Intel RAID Option ROM

1. Creating, Deleting and Resetting RAID Volumes:

The Serial ATA RAID volume may be configured using the RAID Configuration

utility stored within the Intel RAID Option ROM. During the Power-On Self T est (POST),
the following message will appear for a few seconds:

MSI Reminds You...

The “Driver Model”, “Serial #” and “Size” in the following example might
be different from your system.

After the above message shows, press <Ctrl> and <I> keys simultaneously

to enter the RAID Configuration Utility.

5-5

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

2. Creating, Deleting and Resetting RAID Volumes:

After pressing the <Ctrl> and <I> keys simultaneously, the following window

will appear:

(1) Create RAID Volume

1. Select option 1 “Create RAID Volume” and press <Enter> key. The following

screen appears:

5-6

MSI Reminds You...

The following procedure is only available with a newly-built system or if
you are reinstalling your OS. It should not be used to migrate an existing
system to RAID 0.

Introduction to Intel ICH5R Serial ATA RAID

2. Specify a RAID Volume name and then press the <TAB> or <Enter> key to go to the
next field.

3. Select the strip value for the RAID 0 or RAID 1 array by using the “upper arrow” or
“down arrow” keys to scroll through the available values, and pressing the <Enter>
key to select and advance to the next field. The available values range from 4KB to
128 KB in power of 2 increments. The strip value should be chosen based on the
planned drive usage. Here are some suggested selections:

Select the RAID level (Striping for RAID0 and Mirror for RAID1) by scrolling
through the available values by using the “upper arrow” or “down arrow”, and press
the <Enter> key to select and advance to the next field.

16 KB – Best for sequential transfers
64 KB – Good general purpose strip size
128 KB – Best performance for most desktops and workstations.

The default value.

5-7

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

4. From the Strip size, press the <Tab> or <ENTER> key to advance to the Create
Volume prompt. The window will appear as follows:

5. Then press <Enter> to create the specified volume and the following prompt will
show:

5-8

Introduction to Intel ICH5R Serial ATA RAID

6. Press <Y> to confirm the selection or press <N> to create the RAID volume again.
Then you will return to the main menu with an updated status as follows:

7. Scroll to option 4 Exit and press <Enter> to exit the RAID Configuration utility. The
following prompt appears:

8. Click <Y> to confirm the exit.

5-9

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

(2) Delete RAID Volume

Here you can delete the RAID volume, but please be noted that all data on RAID

drives will be lost.

MSI Reminds You...

If your system currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume
in the Intel RAID Option ROM, your system will become unbootable.

Select option 2 Delete RAID Volume from the main menu window and press

<Enter> key to select a RAID volume for deletion. The following window will appear:

5-10

Introduction to Intel ICH5R Serial ATA RAID

Select the volume and press <Delete> key to delete the RAID volume. The following

prompt appears:

Press <Y> key to accept the volume deletion.

5-11

MS-6728 ATX Mainboard

(3) Reset Disks to Non-RAID

delete the RAID volume and remove any RAID structures from the drives. The following
screen appears:

Press <Y> key to accept the selection.

Select option 3 Reset Disks to Non-RAID and press <Enter> to

MSI Reminds You...

1. You will lost all data on the RAID drives and any internal RAID
structures when you perform this operation.

2. Possible reasons to ‘Reset Disks to Non-RAID’ could include issues
such as incompatible RAID configurations or a failed volume or
failed disk.

5-12