MSI 915G Neo2-FR, 915P Neo2, 915G Neo2, MS-7028 User Manual

i

G52-M7028X1

MS-7028 (v1.X) ATX Mainboard

915P/G Neo2

ii

Manual Rev: 1.0
Release Date: May 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-7028

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation

iii

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

V1.0 First release for PCB 1.X May 2004

with Intel 915P/G & ICH6R

iv

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.

Safety Instructions

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.

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

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]

v

CONTENTS

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

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

Revision History............................................................................................................ iii

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

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

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

Mainboard Specifications ...................................................................................1-3

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

MSI Special Features ..........................................................................................1-6

Core CellTM Chip.........................................................................................1-6

DigiCell.........................................................................................................1-7

Other Features ........................................................................................... 1-8

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 DDR2 SDRAM..................................................................... 2-7

Memory Module Population Rules ..............................................................2-8

Installing DDR2 Modules .............................................................................2-8

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

ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: ATX1 ......................................................... 2-9

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

Back Panel ........................................................................................................ 2-11

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

VGA Connector (Optional)....................................................................... 2-10

Serial Port Connector ............................................................................... 2-11

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

LAN (RJ-45) Jack .....................................................................................2-12

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

Parallel Port Connector: LPT1 .................................................................. 2-13

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1 ........................................................ 2-14

Fan Power Connectors: CPUF AN2/SYSFAN1/NBFAN1/PWRF AN1.......2-14

Connectors .......................................................................................................2-14

Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1, IDE2 & IDE3 (IDE 2 & IDE3 are optional)...2-15

vi

Serial ATA/Serial ATA RAID Connectors controlled by

Intel ICH6R: SATA1~SATA4 ........................................................... 2-16

CD-In Connector: JCD1 ............................................................................2-18

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD2 ..................................................... 2-18

FWH/LPC Debugging Pin Header: JLPC1 ................................................ 2-19

Front USB Connectors: JUSB1 & JUSB2 ................................................2-19

Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JCI1 .............................................2-20

IEEE 1394 Connectors: J1394_1, J1394_2, J1394_3.............................2-20

D-Bracket™ 2 Connector: JDB1..............................................................2-21

Jumpers ............................................................................................................ 2-22

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1 ....................................................................2-22

Slots ..................................................................................................................2-23

PCI Express Slots .....................................................................................2-23

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots...................................... 2-23

PCI Interrupt Request Routing..................................................................2-24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Main Menu ................................................................................................... 3-5

Standard CMOS Features..................................................................................3-7

Advanced BIOS Features..................................................................................3-9

Integrated Peripherals...................................................................................... 3-11

Power Management Features .........................................................................3-15

H/W Monitor ...................................................................................................... 3-19

Cell Menu ..........................................................................................................3-21

BIOS Setting Password ...................................................................................3-24

Load Fail-Safe/Optimized 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

vii

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

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

Top-side: User mode/Auto mode .............................................................4-15

OC Menu (Optional) ..................................................................................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 ICH6R SATA RAID ............................................ 5-1

BIOS Configuration.............................................................................................5-2

Using the Intel RAID Option ROM ............................................................... 5-2

Installing Software ............................................................................................. 5-8

Install Driver in Windows XP / 2000 .......................................................... 5-8

Installation of Intel Application Accelerator RAID Edition .......................... 5-9

RAID Migration Instructions .............................................................................5-14

Create RAID V olume from Existing Disk .................................................. 5-15

Chapter 6. Introduction to VIA VT6410 IDE RAID.............................................6-1

Introduction ......................................................................................................... 6-2

RAID 0 (Striping).........................................................................................6-2

RAID Basics................................................................................................6-2

RAID 1 (Mirroring)....................................................................................... 6-3

RAID 0+1 (Striping/Mirroring) ..................................................................... 6-3

JBOD (Spanning)........................................................................................ 6-3

BIOS Configuration.............................................................................................6-4

Create Disk Array ....................................................................................... 6-5

Delete Disk Array........................................................................................ 6-8

Create and Delete Spare Hard Drive......................................................... 6-9

Select Boot Array .....................................................................................6-10

View Serial Number of Hard Drive ..........................................................6-10

viii

Duplicate Critical RAID 1 Array ................................................................ 6-11

Rebuild Broken RAID 0/0+1 Array ...........................................................6-12

Installing Software ...........................................................................................6-14

Install Driver in Windows 2000/XP ..........................................................6-14

Installation of VIA IDE RAID Utility ............................................................6-15

Using VIA RAID Tool .........................................................................................6-18

Chapter 7. Introduction to CMI9880L Audio Codec ....................................... 7-1

Installing the Audio Codec Driver ...................................................................... 7-2

Software Configuration .....................................................................................7-3

Main Setting ................................................................................................ 7-3

Smart Jack .................................................................................................. 7-7

Multi-Stream Function Support & Mixer.....................................................7-8

Effect ........................................................................................................ 7-11

Information ................................................................................................ 7-11

1-1

Getting Started

Chapter 1. Getting
Started

Thank you for choosing the 915P/G Neo2 Platinum (MS-

7028) v1.X ATX mainboard. The 915P/G Neo2 Platinum mainboard
is based on Intel® 915P/G and Intel® ICH6R chipset for optimal
system efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced Intel® Pentium 4
Prescott LGA775 processor, the 915P/G Neo2 Platinum mainboard
delivers a high performance and professional desktop platform
solution.

Getting Started

1-2

7028 ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Specifications

CPU

h Supports Intel® Pentium 4 Prescott LGA775 processors in LGA775 package.
h Supports up to Pentium 4 3XX, 5XX & 7XX sequence processor or higher speed.
h Supports Intel Hyper-Threading Technology.

(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® 915P/G chipset

- Supports FSB 800MHz.

- Supports PCI Express x16 interface.

- Supports DDR2 400/533 memory interface.

- Integrated graphics controller (for 915G only).

h Intel® ICH6R chipset

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

- 4 Serial ATA ports with transfer rate up to 1.5Gb/s.

- 1 channel Ultra ATA 100 bus Master IDE controller.

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

- ACPI 2.0 Compliant.

- Serial ATA 150 RAID 0, RAID 1 and Matrix RAID.

- Integrated AHCI controller.

Main Memory

h Supports four unbuffered DIMM of 1.8 Volt DDR2 SDRAM
h Supports up to 4GB memory size.
h Supports Dual channel DDR2 memory architecture.
h Supports DDR2 400/533 memory interface.

(For the updated supporting memory modules, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/
program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_trp_list.php.)

Slots

h One PCI Express x16 slot (supports PCI Express Bus specification v1.0a compliant).
h Two PCI Express x1 slots (supports PCI Express Bus specification v1.0a compliant).
h Three 32-bit v2.3 Master PCI bus slots (support 3.3v/5v PCI bus interface).

On-Board IDE

h One Ultra DMA 66/100 IDE controllers integrated in ICH6R.

- Supports PIO, Bus Master operation modes.

- Can connect up to Two Ultra ATA drives.

h Serial A TA 150 controller integrated in ICH6R.

- Up to 150MB/sec transfer speed.

- Can connect up to four Serial ATA devices.

- Supports AHCI controller with SATA Raid 0, Raid 1 and Matrix Raid.

- Supports SATA hot plug.

1-3

Getting Started

VIA6410 IDE Raid Controller

h Two Ultra DMA 66/100/133 IDE Controllers.
h Supports RAID 0, 1 and 0+1.
h Connect up to 4 Ultra ATA 133 devices.

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

- 1 VGA port (for 915G only, Optional)

- 1 parallel port supports SPP/EPP/ECP mode

- 1 Line-In / Line-Out / MIC-In / Rear Speaker Out / Center-Subwoofer Speaker Out
/ SPDIF-Out optical and coaxial audio port

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

- 1 RJ-45 LAN jack

- 3 IEEE 1394 connectors

LAN

h Broadcom BCM5751 PCI-E Gb LAN Controller

- PCI Express bus Spec 1.0a compliant.

- x1 PCI Express interface with 2.5 Gb/s bandwidth.

- 10/100/1000 IEEE 802.3 compliant.

Audio

h Azalia link controller integrated in Intel® ICH6R chipset.
h 8-channel audio codec CMI9880L.

- Compliant with Azalia 1.0 Spec.

- Supports Multi-Streaming function.

- Supports Universal Audio Jack (only Front Audio Jack).

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.

Mounting and Dimension

h ATX Form Factor: 24.4 cm (W) x 30.5 cm (L)
h 9 mounting holes

1-4

7028 ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Layout

915P/G Neo2 Platinum (MS-7028) v1.X ATX Mainboard

NBFAN1

CPUFAN2

JC11

Intel

915P/G

P

W

R

F

A

N

1

S

Y

S

F

A

N

1

JPW1

S

A

T

A

2

S

A

T

A

1

S

A

T

A

4

S

A

T

A

3

JCD1

BROADCOM

BCM5751KFB

T:
M:
B:

Line-In

Line-Out
Mic

T:RS-Out
M:CS
B:SPDIF Out

-Out

W

i

n

b

o

n

d

W

8

3

6

2

7

T

H

F

VIA

VT6410

VIA

VT6306

ICH6R

B

A

T

T

+

D

I

M

M

1

D

I

M

M

3

D

I

M

M

4

D

I

M

M

2

A

T

X

1

JLPC1

PCI 3

PCI 2

PCI 1

PCI_E3

PCI _E2

PCI_E1

IDE 3

I

D

E

1

F

D

D

1

IDE 2

JFP1

J

B

A

T

1

JFP2JDB1

JAUD2

JUSB1 JUSB2J1394_2 J1394_3J1394_1

Top : mouse
Bottom: keyboard

T:
B:USB port

SPDIFOut

BIOS

T: LAN jack
B: USB ports

Top : Parallel Port
Bottom:

COM A
VGA port (Optional)

CMI
9880

1-5

Getting Started

Packing Contents

Power Cable

SA TA Cable

User’s Guide

MSI motherboard

MSI Driver/Utility CD

Round Cable for

IDE Devices

Round Cable for

Floppy Disk

Back IO Shield

D-Bracket 2

1-6

7028 ATX Mainboard

MSI Special Features

Core CellTM Chip

By diagnosing the current system utilization, the CoreCell™
Chip automatically directs your motherboard to the most adequate
state and leads to less noise, longer duration and more power­saving.

Stealth technology makes you leave
without a trace. Reduce heat and
noise from your system.

Intelligent power saving technique
prevents waste by energy
conservation.

Sophisticated moderate mechanism
could prolong components’ duration
for longer journey.

Empower your system with Dynamic
Overclocking, bestow you ability to
eliminate obstacles ahead.

MSI CoreCell brings you high performance

1-7

Getting Started

DigiCell

DigiCell is a powerful utility developed by MSI, which provides the easiest way
to conduct your digital home and the central cell of multiple digital devices.

For detailed instruction please refer to Chapter 4: Introduction to DigiCell.

Connectivity Upgrade by DigiCell

The outstanding features of DigiCell contain:

Activate Software Gateway

* Share one broadband access with all clients
* Save the cost of physical WLAN gateway

Connect with MEGA Stick

* Plug-n-Play, Drag-n-Drop
* Edit and print play list at convenience
* Connected by USB or Bluetooth

1-8

7028 ATX Mainboard

Automatic Voltage Compensation Mechanism

* Adjust the Vcore to minimize Vcore voltage inaccuracy
* Supplemental circuit gives a more precise voltage
* Enhanced Compatibility & Reliability

* Painless BIOS recovery from corruption
* Restore BIOS from backup area in single flash ROM

* Contains all the necessary BIOS options for tweaking

and overclocking

(Please check Chapter 3: BIOS Setup for details)

Other Features

2-1

Hardware Setup

Chapter 2. 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.

Hardware Setup

2-2

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

Quick Components Guide

B

A

T

T

+

DDR DIMMs, p.2-7

IDE2, IDE3,

p.2-15

JFP2, p.2-17

Back Panel
I/O, p.2-10

CPUFAN2, p.2-14

ATX1, p.2-9

JFP1, p.2-17

PCI Slots 1~3,

p.2-23

JUSB1, JUSB2, p.2-19

JAUD2, p.2-18

SATA1~SATA4,

p.2-16

JDB1, p.2-21

J1394_1, J1394_2,

J1394_3, p.2-20

SYSFAN1, p.2-14

JCI1, p.2-20

JLPC1, p.2-19

JBAT1, p.2-22

JPW1, p.2-9

PCI Express x1,

p.2-23

PCI Express x16,

p.2-23

JCD1, p.2-18

PWRFAN1, p.2-14

NBFAN1, p.2-14

FDD1, p.2-14

IDE1, p.2-15

2-3

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

Y ellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

The pin-pad side of LGA 775
CPU.

Y ellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

Alignment Key Alignment Key

2-4

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

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

1. 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.

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.

4. Open the load lever.3. The pins of socket reveal.

2-5

Hardware Setup

6. After confirming the CPU direction
for correct mating, put down the
CPU in the socket housing frame.
Be sure to grap on the edge of the
CPU base. Note that the alignment
keys are matched.

8. Cover the load plate onto the
package.

7. Visually inspect if the CPU is
seated well into the socket. If not,
take out the CPU with pure vertical
motion and reinstall.

alignment

key

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

2-6

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

10. Align the holes on the mainboard
with the heatsink. Push down the
cooler until its four clips get
wedged into the holes of the
mainboard.

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

11. 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.

9. Press down the load lever lightly

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

locking

switch

MSI Reminds You...

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

2.Check the information in PC Health Status of H/W Monitor in BIOS
(refer to p.3-20 for details) for the CPU temperature.

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

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

5. 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.

2-7

Hardware Setup

Memory

The mainboard provides 4 slots for 240-pin DDR2 DIMM, which supports the

memory size up to 4GB.

Since DDR2 modules are not interchangeable with DDR1 and the DDR2 stand­ard is not backward compatible, you should always install DDR2 memory module in
the DDR2 slot (DIMM1~DIMM4). Otherwise, you are not able to boot up your system
and your mainboard might be damaged.

For the updated supporting memory modules, please visit http://www.msi.
com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_trp_list.php.

DIMM1~DIMM4
(from left to right)

Channel A (DIMM1, DIMM2): Green
Channel B (DIMM3, DIMM4): Orange

Introduction to DDR2 SDRAM

DDR2 is a new technology of memory module, and its speed is the top limit of
current DDR1 technology. DDR2 uses a 1.8V supply for core and I/O voltage, com­pared to 2.5V for DDR1, and requires 28% less power than DDR1 chips. DDR2 truly
is the future of memory, but will require some changes as the technology is not
backwardly compatible and only motherboards specifically designed for DDR2 memory
will be able to support these chips.

DDR2 incorporates new features at the chip level that give it better signal
integrity, thereby enabling higher clock speeds.

DDR2 modules have 240 pins, versus 184 pins on a DDR1 module, and the
length of DDR2 module is 5.25”. DDR2 modules have smaller and tighter spaced pins.
The height of DDR2 modules varies, but they will typically be less than 1.3” in height.

2-8

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

Installing DDR2 Modules

1. The DDR2 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.

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

Volt

Notch

Memory Module 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, while both channels (in different color) populated
with same amount of memory size will work as dual-channel DDR, no matter

how many DIMM modules are populated.

Below are the example of single-channel/dual-channel DDR modes.

MSI Reminds You...

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

Dual-channel mode

Single-channel mode

128 MB

256 MB

2-9

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.

JPW1

1
3

4

2

PIN SIGNAL

13 +3.3V
14 -12V
15 GND
1 6 PS-ON#
17 GND
18 GND
19 GND
20 Res
2 1 +5V
2 2 +5V
2 3 +5V
24 GND

PIN SIGNAL

1 +3.3V
2 +3.3V
3 GND
4 +5V
5 GND
6 +5V
7 GND
8 PWR OK
9 5VSB
10 +12V
11 +12V
12 NC

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL

1 GND
2 GND
3 12V
4 12V

JPW1 Pin Definition

ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW1

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

ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: ATX 1

This connector allows you to connect an ATX 24-pin power supply. To
connect the ATX 24-pin 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.

You may use the 20-pin ATX power supply power supply
as you like. If you’d like to use the 20-pin ATX power supply, please
plug your power supply along with pin 1 & pin 13 (refer to the image
at the right hand). There is also a foolproof design on pin 11, 12, 23
& 24 to avoid wrong installation.

ATX1

1

12

24

13

pin 12

pin 13

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.

2-10

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

The back panel provides the following connectors:

Back Panel

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:

PS/2 Mouse / Keyboard

(6-pin Female)

2

1

3

4

5

6

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

Pin Definition

Keyboard

COM A

USB Ports

Mic

L-Out

L-In

Mouse

Parallel

LAN

VGA port
(Optional)

S/PDIF

RS-Out

SPDIF Out

CS-Out

VGA Connector (Optional)

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

VGA Connector

(DB 15-pin)

1

5

11

15

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 1 2 SDA
13 Horizontal Sync 14 Vertical Sync
15 SCL

2-11

Hardware Setup

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 Ports

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

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

USB Port Description

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 SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

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

Pin Definition

9-Pin Male DIN Connector

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

2-12

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

LAN (RJ-45) Jack

The mainboard provides 1 standard RJ-45 jack for connection to single Local
Area Network (LAN). This Giga-bit LAN enables data to be transferred at 1000, 100
or 10Mbps. You can connect a network cable to it.

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 CMI9880L
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.

S/PDIF Out-Coaxial

Rear Speaker Out

(in 7.1CH / 5.1CH)

Line Out

Line In

MIC

Center/Subwoofer

Speaker Out

( in 7.1CH / 5.1CH)
S/PDIF Out-Optical

Giga-bit LAN Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

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

RJ-45 LAN Jack

MSI Reminds You...

For the advanced functions of the audio codec, please refer to Chapter
7: Introduction to CMI 9880L Audio Codec for details.

2-13

Hardware Setup

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

14

25

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 STROBE Strobe
2 DATA0 Data0
3 DATA1 Data1
4 DATA2 Data2
5 DATA3 Data3
6 DATA4 Data4
7 DATA5 Data5
8 DATA6 Data6
9 DATA7 Data7
10 ACK# Acknowledge
11 BUSY Busy
12 PE Paper End
1 3 SELECT Select
1 4 AUTO FEED# Automatic Feed
15 ERR# Error
1 6 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

Pin Definition

2-14

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

The mainboard provides connectors to connect to FDD, IDE HDD, case, LAN,
and USB Ports.

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.

Connectors

FDD1

Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN2/SYSF AN1/NBF AN1/PWRF AN1

The CPUFAN2 (processor fan), SYSFAN1 (system fan 1), NBFAN1 (NorthBridge
Chipset fan) and PWRFAN1 (power 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.

SYSFAN1

Sensor

+12V

GND

NBFAN1

+12V

GND

NC

+12V

GND

Sensor

PWRFAN1

CPUFAN2

SENSOR

+12V

GND

Control

MSI Reminds You...

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

2. CPUFAN2 supports the fan control. Fan/heatsink with 3 or 4 fins
are both available.

3. Be sure to configure the CPU FAN PIN Select in BIOS for the
CPU Fan you are using first. Please refer P.3-19 for details.

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

2-15

Hardware Setup

Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1, IDE2 & IDE3 (IDE 2 & IDE3 are optional)

The mainboard has one 32-bit Ultra DMA 66/100 IDE controller integrated in
ICH6R, which supports PIO & Bus Master operation modes and it can connect up to
two Ultra ATA drives.

There is also another Ultra DMA 66/100/133 IDE controller integrated in the
optional VIA 6410 IDE Raid Controller, which supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1 and
can connect up to four Ultra ATA 133 drives.

IDE1 (Primary IDE Connector)
IDE1 can connect a Master and a Slave drive. You must configure second hard drive

to Slave mode by setting the jumper accordingly.
IDE2, IDE3 (Secondary and Third IDE Connector)

IDE2 & IDE3 can also connect a Master and a Slave drive.

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.

IDE3 (yellow)

IDE2 (yellow)

IDE1 (blue)

2-16

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

Serial A TA/Serial A TA RAID Connectors controlled by Intel ICH6R:
SAT A1~SATA4

The SouthBridge of this mainboard is Intel ICH6R which supports four serial
ATA connectors SATA1~SATA4.

SATA1~SATA4 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. Please refer to the Chapter 5: Introduction to Intel ICH6R RAID for detail
software installation procedure.

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 GND 2 TXP
3 TXN 4 GND

5 RXN 6 RXP
7 GND

SA TA1~ SA T A4 Pin Definition

MSI Reminds You...

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

Connect to serial ATA ports

Take out the dust cover and
connect to the hard disk
devices

Serial A TA cable

SATA4

SATA3

1

7

SATA2

SATA1

1

7

2-17

Hardware Setup

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.

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.

JFP1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 GND 2 SPK­3 SLED 4 BUZ+

5 PLED 6 BUZ­7 NC 8 SPK+

JFP2 Pin Definition

1
2

9

10

JFP1

HDD
LED

Reset
Switch

Power
LED

Power
Switch

7
8

Power LED

Speaker

1
2

JFP2

2-18

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD2

The JAUD2 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.

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 PORT 1L Analog Port 1 - Left channel
2 GND Ground
3 PORT 1R Analog Port 1 - Right channel
4 PRESENCE# Active low signal - signals BIOS that a High Definition Audio

dongle is connected to the analog header. PRESENCE# = 0

when a High Definition Audio dongle is connected.
5 PORT 2R Analog Port 2 - Right channel
6 SENSE1_RETIRN Jack detection return from front panel JACK1
7 SENSE_SEND Jack detection sense line from the High Definition Audio CODEC

jack detection resistor network
8 KEY Connector Key
9 PORT 2L Analog Port 2 - Left channel
1 0 SENSE2_RETIRN Jack detection return from front panel JACK2

JAUD2 Pin Definition

CD-In Connector: JCD1

The connector is for CD-ROM audio connector.

JAUD2

1
2

9

10

JCD1

GND

R

L

2-19

Hardware Setup

Connected to JUSB1
or JUSB2

USB 2.0 Bracket

Front USB Connectors: JUSB1 & JUSB2

The mainboard provides two standard USB 2.0 pin headers JUSB1 & JUSB2 .
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 high­speed USB interface peripherals such as USB HDD, digital cameras, MP3 players,

printers, modems and the like.

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

JUSB1 & JUSB2 Pin Definition

FWH/LPC Debugging Pin Header: JLPC1

The pin header is for internal debugging only.

JUSB1, JUSB2

(USB 2.0)

1

2 10

9

JLPC1

13

14

21

JLPC1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 LCLK 2 Key (no pin)
3 LRST# 4 VCC3
5 LAD0 6 FID0_LRST
7 LAD1 8 VCC5
9 LAD2 10 Key (no pin)
11 LAD3 1 2 GND
13 LFRAME# 14 GND

2-20

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

IEEE 1394 Connectors: J1394_1, J1394_2, J1394_3

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

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1TPA+ 2 TPA­3 Ground 4 Ground
5 TPB+ 6 TPB­7 Cable power 8 Cable power
9 Key (no pin) 1 0 Ground

J1394_1~J1394_3

1

2

9
10

IEEE1394 Bracket

Foolproof Design

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.

JCI1

CINTRU

GND

1

2-21

Hardware Setup

D-Bracket™ 2 Connector: JDB1

The mainboard comes with a JDB1 connector for you to connect to D-Bracket™

2. D-Bracket™ 2 is a USB Bracket that supports both USB1.1 & 2.0 spec. It integrates
four LEDs and allows users to identify system problem through 16 various combina­tions of LED signals.

D-Bracket™ 2

Connected to JDB1

LEDs

Connected to JUSB1
or JUSB2

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
10 N C

Pin Definition

JDB1

1

9

2

10

2-22

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

The motherboard provides the following jumpers for you to set the computer’s
function. This section will explain how to change your motherboard’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 system configuration data. 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:

Jumpers

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.

JBAT1

1

Clear Data

1

3

Keep Data

1

3

2-23

Hardware Setup

Slots

PCI Express Slots

The PCI Express slots, as a high-bandwidth, low pin count, serial, intercon­nect technology, support Intel highest performance desktop platforms utilizing the
Intel Pentium 4 processor with HT Technology.

PCI Express architecture provides a high performance I/O infrastructure for
Desktop Platforms with transfer rates starting at 2.5 Giga transfers per second over
a PCI Express x1 lane for Gigabit Ethernet, TV Tuners, 1394 controllers, and general
purpose I/O. Also, desktop platforms with PCI Express Architecture will be designed
to deliver highest performance in video, graphics, multimedia and other sophisticated
applications. Moreover, PCI Express architecture provides a high performance graphics
(PDF, 166Kb) infrastructure for Desktop Platforms doubling the capability of existing
AGP8x designs with transfer rates of 4.0 GB/s over a PCI Express x16 lane for
graphics controllers, while PCI Express x1 supports transfer rate of 250 MB/s.

You can insert the expansion cards to meet your needs. When adding or
removing expansion cards, make sure that you unplug the power supply first.

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.

The orange PCI slot (PCI3) supports 2 masters, therefore it can also works as
a communication slot. You may install the communication card on this slot, such as the
wireless LAN PCI cards of MSI.

The mainboard provides one PCI Express x16 slot, two PCI Express x1 slots,

and three 32-bit PCI bus slots.

PCI Slots

PCI Express x16 slot

PCI Express x1 slot

2-24

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

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#

3-1

BIOS Setup

Chapter 3. 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 boot

up, and requests you to run SETUP.

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

BIOS Setup

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: A7028IMS 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 - 7th 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.

3-2

MS-7028 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 Menu TAB: Logo F11: Boot Menu F10: Flash Recovery

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. You 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.

The boot menu will list all the bootable devices. Select the one you want to boot from
by using arrow keys and then pressing <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.

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

3-3

BIOS Setup

Control Keys

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. You 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 preset Optimal Defaults of the BIOS setup program provide optimal performance
settings for all devices and the system.

<↑> 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
<F6> Load Optimized Defaults
<F7> Load Fail-Safe Defaults
<F10> Save all the CMOS changes and exit

MSI Reminds You...

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.

3-4

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

The Main 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.

Integrated Peripherals

Use this menu to specify your settings for integrated peripherals.

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.

H/W/ Monitor

This entry shows the status of your CPU, fan, warning for overall system status.

Cell_Menu

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

Once you enter AMIBIOS NEW SETUP UTILITY, the Main Menu will appear on the
screen. Use arrow keys to move among the items and press <Enter> to enter the
sub-menu.

3-5

BIOS Setup

Load Fail-Safe Defaults

Use this menu to load the default values set by the BIOS vendor for stable system
performance.

Load Optimized Defaults

Use this menu to load the default values set by the mainboard manufacturer specifi­cally for optimal performance of the mainboard.

BIOS Setting Password

Use this menu to set the password for BIOS.

Save & Exit Setup

Save changes to CMOS and exit setup.

Exit Without Saving

Abandon all changes and exit setup.

3-6

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

Standard CMOS Features

The items in Standard CMOS Features Menu includes some basic setup items. Use
the arrow keys to highlight the item and then use the <+> or <-> keys to select the
value you want in each item.

Date (MM:DD:YY)

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

day Day of the week, from Sun to Sat, determined by BIOS. Read only.
month The month from Jan. through Dec.
date The date from 1 to 31 can be keyed by numeric function keys.
year The year can be adjusted by users.

Time (HH:MM:SS)

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

Primary/Secondary/Third IDE Master/Slave

Press <+> or <-> to select the hard disk drive type. The specification of hard disk
drive will show up on the right hand according to your selection. Press <Enter> for
the sub-menu of each item:

3-7

BIOS Setup

Device

This item shows the information about the specified item. Read-only.

LBA/Large Mode

This item allows you to enable or disable the LBA (Logical Block Address, the logical
block size in hard disk) mode. Setting options: [Auto], [Disabled].

DMA Mode

This item allows you to enable or disable the DMA (Direct Memory Access) mode.
Setting options: [Auto], [Disabled], [UDMA0], [UDMA1], [UDMA2], [UDMA3], [UDMA4],
[UDMA5].

Hard Disk S.M.A.R.T.

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: [Auto], [Enabled], [Disabled].

Floppy A

This item allows you to set the type of the floppy drives installed. Available options:
[Disabled], [360 KB, 5

1/4

], [1.2 MB, 5

1/4

], [720 KB, 3

1/2

], [1.44 MB, 3

1/2

], [2.88MB, 3

1/2

].

Halt On

The setting determines whether the system will stop if an error is detected at boot.
Available options are:

[No Errors] The system doesn’t stop for any detected error.
[All, But Keyboard] The system doesn’t stop for a keyboard error.

System Information

Press <Enter> to for the sub-menu of each item:

Total Memory/BIOS Version

This item shows the memory status and BIOS version of your system (read only).

**CPU Information**
Genuine Intel (R)/CPU ID/uCode ID/CPU Frequency

The three items show the CPU related information of your system (read only).

3-8

MS-7028 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 Sector Protection

This function protects the BIOS from accidental corruption by unauthorized users or
computer viruses. When enabled, the BIOS’ data cannot be changed when attempt­ing to update the BIOS with a Flash utility. To successfully update the BIOS, you’ll
need to disable this Boot Sector Protection function.
You should enable this function at all times. The only time when you need to disable
it is when you want to update the BIOS. After updating the BIOS, you should immedi­ately re-enable it to protect it against viruses. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].

Boot to OS/2

This allows you to run the OS/2® operating system with DRAM greater than 64MB.
Setting options: [Yes], [No].

Hyper-Threading Technology

The processor uses Hyper-Threading technology to increase transaction rates and
reduces end-user response times. The technology treats the two cores inside the
processor as two logical processors that can execute instructions simultaneously.
In this way, the system performance is highly improved. If you disable the function,
the processor will use only one core to execute the instructions. Settings: [Enabled],
[Disabled].

3-9

BIOS Setup

IOAPIC Function

This field is used to enable or disable the APIC (Advanced Programmable Interrupt
Controller). Due to compliance with PC2001 design guide, the system is able to run in
APIC mode. Enabling APIC mode will expand available IRQ resources for the system.
Settings: [Enabled], [Disabled].

MPS Table Version

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. To find out which version to use, consult the vendor of your
operating system. Settings: [1.4], [1.1].

Full Screen LOGO Display

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.

Boot Sequence

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

1st/2nd/3rd Boot Device

These items allow you to set the sequence of boot devices where AMIBIOS attempts
to load the operating system.

Boot From Other Devices

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. Settings are: [Yes], [No].

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

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” will not show up.

3-10

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

Advanced Chipset Features

Configure DRAM Timing by SPD

Selects whether DRAM timing is controlled by the SPD (Serial Presence Detect)
EEPROM on the DRAM module. Setting to [Auto By SPD] enables DRAM timings and
the following related items to be determined by BIOS based on the configurations on
the SPD. Selecting [Manual] lets users configure the DRAM timings and the following
related items manually. Setting options: [Manual], [Auto By SPD], [Turbo], [Ultra].

Memory Hole

In order to improve performance, certain space in memory can be reserved for ISA
peripherals. This memory must be mapped into the memory space below 16MB. When
this area is reserved, it cannot be cached. Settings: [Disabled], [15MB-16MB].

Int. Gfx Memory Size Select

The field specifies the size of system memory allocated for video memory. Setting
options: [Disabled], [Enabled, 1MB], [Enabled, 4MB], [Enabled, 8MB], [Enabled, 16MB],
[Enabled, 32MB].

Aperture Size Select

This setting controls just how much system RAM can be allocated to PEG (PCI Ex­press Graphic) 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 PEG without any translation. The option allows
the selection of an aperture size of [128MB], and [256 MB].

PEG Port

This item enables or disables the PEG (PCI Express Graphic) port function. Setting
options: [Enabled], [Disabled].

MSI Reminds You...

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

3-11

BIOS Setup

Integrated Peripherals

USB Controller

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

USB Device Legacy Support

Set to [Enabled] 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. Set to
[Disabled] only if you want to use any USB device other than the USB mouse. Setting
options: [Disabled], [Enabled], [Auto].

Onboard LAN Controller

The item enables or disables the onboard LAN controller. Setting options: [Enabled],
[Disabled].

Onboard LAN Option ROM

The item enables or disables the initialization of the onboard LAN Boot ROMs during
bootup. Selecting [Disabled] will speed up the boot process. Setting options: [Enabled],
[Disabled].

OnBoard IEEE1394 Controller

This setting is used to enable/disable the onboard IEEE 1394 controller. Setting options:
[Enabled], [Disabled].

Onboard IDE RAID Controller

This allows you to enable or disable onboard IDE RAID controller. The field is optional.
It appears only when your mainboard supports IDE RAID function. Setting options:
[Enabled], [Disabled].

3-12

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

Onboard Audio Controller

This item is used to enable or disable the onboard Azalia (Audio Codec) controller.
Selecting [Enabled] allows the mainboard to enable the onboard Azalia controller.
Disable the function if you want to use other controller cards to connect an audio
device. Settings: [Disabled] and [Enabled].

IDE Devices Configuration

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

PCI IDE BusMaster

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

I/O Devices Configuration

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

OnBoard Floppy Controller

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

COM Port 1

This item specifies the base I/O port addresses of the onboard Serial Port 1 (COM 1).
Selecting [Auto] allows AMIBIOS to automatically determine the correct base I/O port
address. Settings: [3F8/IRQ4], [2F8/IRQ3], [3E8/IRQ4], [2E8/IRQ3] and [Disabled].

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: [378], [278], [3BC] and [Disabled].

Parallel Port Mode

This item selects the operation mode for the onboard parallel port: [ECP], [Normal] or
[Bi-Dir].

Option Description

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

3-13

BIOS Setup

ATA/IDE Configuration, Configure SATA as

These 2 items allow you to select the A T A/IDE and SAT A configuration. Select [Disabled]
in ATA/IDE Configuration if you want to disable both ATA/IDE configuration. Select
[Compatible] or [Enhanced] to use the IDE, S-ATA and P-ATA devices. Refer to the
following tables for details.

For the setting options of Configure SATA as, select [IDE] if you want to have SATA
as IDE function. Select [AHCI] to allow the SATA having Advanced Host Controller
Interface (AHCI) feature, which supports improved serial ATA disk performance with
native command queuing & native hot plug. Select [RAID] to use SATA as RAID
function. Setting options: [IDE], [AHCI], [RAID].

ATA/IDE Configuration

(Compatible)

SATA Only [SATA 1/3/2/4]
PATA Pri, SATA Sec [IDE1, SATA2/4]
SATA Pri, PATA Sec [SATA1/3, IDE1]
PATA Only [IDE1]

ATA/IDE Configuration

(Enhanced)

IDE [IDE1, SATA 1/2/3/4]
AHCI [IDE1, SATA 1/2/3/4]
RAID [IDE1, SATA 1/2/3/4],

[SATA support RAID 0 or 1]

Parallel Port IRQ

This item allows you to set parallel port IRQ. Setting options: [IRQ5], [IRQ7].

SATA Devices Configuration

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

3-14

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

Power Management Features

MSI Reminds You...

S3-related functions described in this section are available only
when your BIOS supports S3 sleep mode.

ACPI Function

This item is to activate the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Management
Interface) Function. If your operating system is ACPI-aware, such as Windows 98SE/
2000/ME/XP, select [Enabled]. Settings: [Enabled] and [Disabled].

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

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

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

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.

[Auto] BIOS determines the best setting automatically.

Suspend Time Out (Minute)

If system activity is not detected for the length of time specified in this field, all
devices except CPU will be shut off. Settings: [Disabled], [1], [2], [4], [8], [10], [20],
[30], [40], [50], [60].

3-15

BIOS Setup

Power Button Function

This feature allows users to configure the Power Button function. Settings are:

[Power Off] The power button functions as a normal power-on/-off

button.

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

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

Restore on AC/Power Loss

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

[Off] Leaves the computer in the power off state.
[On] Leaves the computer in the power on state.
[Last State] Restores the system to the previous status before power

failure or interrupt occurred.

Wakeup Event Setup

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

PowerOn by Keyboard

This controls how and whether the PS/2 keyboard is able to power on the system. If
you choose [Password], the power button on the case will not function anymore and
you must type the password to power on the system. Settings: [Disabled], [Password]
and [Any Key].

Keyboard Password

If PowerOn by Keyboard is set to [Password], then you can set a password in the
field for the PS/2 keyboard to power on the system.

PowerOn by Mouse

The setting determines whether the system will be awakened from power saving
modes when the PS/2 mouse input signal is detected. Setting options: [Disabled],
[Any Key], [Left Button], [Right Button].

Resume by PCI/PCI-E Device

This controls how and whether the system can be powered on by the devices
installed on PCI/PCI-E slots. Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

3-16

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

Resume On RTC Alarm

This is used to enable or disable the feature of booting up the system on a scheduled
time/date from the S3, S4, and S5 power off state. Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

Date/Time (HH:MM:SS)

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

Date 01 ~ 31, Every Day
Time (HH:MM:SS) 00 ~ 23 : 00 ~ 59 : 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.

3-17

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 ESCD

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.

Graphic Adapter Priority

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

[IGD] The system initializes the IGD (internal graphic display) first. (for

915G only)

[PEG/IGD] The system initializes the PEG (PCI Express graphic) first. If a PCI

Express graphic card is not available, it will initialize the IGD. (for
915G only)

[PEG/PCI] The system initializes the PEG (PCI Express graphic) first. If a PCI

Express graphic card is not available, it will initialize the PCI graphic
card.

[PCI/PEG] The system initializes the PCI graphic card first. If a PCI graphic card

is not available, it will initialize the PEG (PCI Express graphic) card.

[PCI/IGD] The system initializes the PCI graphic card first. If a PCI graphic card

is not available, it will initialize the IGD. (for 915G only)

PCI Latency Timer

This item controls how long each PCI device can hold the bus before another takes

3-18

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

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. Setting options: [32], [64], [96], [128], [160],
[192], [224], [248].

PCI Slot1 IRQ, PCI Slot2 IRQ, PCI Slot3 IRQ

These items specify the IRQ line for each PCI slot. Setting options: [3], [4], [5], [7], [9],
[10], [11], [12], [14], [15], [Auto]. Selecting [Auto] allows BIOS to automatically deter­mine the IRQ line for each PCI slot.

IRQ Resource Setup

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

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
[Reserved] setting to it. Onboard I/O is configured by AMIBIOS. All IRQs used by
onboard I/O are configured as [Available]. If all IRQs are set to [Reserved], and IRQ
14/15 are allocated to the onboard PCI IDE, IRQ 9 will still be available for PCI and PnP
devices. Available settings: [Reserved] and [Available].

DMA Resource Setup

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

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

These items specify the bus that the system DMA (Direct Memory Access) channel is
used.
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 [Reserved] setting to it.

3-19

BIOS Setup

H/W Monitor

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.

CPU Fan Failure Warning

When enabled, the system will automatically monitor the CPU fan during boot-up. If it
detects that the CPU fan is not rotating, the system will show an error message on
the screen and halt the boot-up process. The function is built with CPU fan power
connector (CPUFAN2) only and enables you to protect the CPU from possible
overheating problem. If you don’t connect the CPU fan to the CPU fan power connector,
we recommend disabling this feature. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].

CPU Smart Fan Target Temp Select

When the current temperature of the CPU fan reaches the value you specify here,
the CPU fan will speed up for cooling down to avoid the CPU damage; on the contrary,
if the CPU fan current temperature is lower than the specified value, the CPU fan will
slow down its speed to keep the temperature stable.

CPU FAN PIN Select

If you enable the CPU Smart Fan Target Temp Select, this item is available for you
to choose the CPU fan pin number of your system. Be sure to select the correct pin
number identical to the pin of the CPU fan you purchase. Setting options: [3 PINS], [4
PINS].

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. This item is available
only when your mainboard has JCI1 jumper. 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].

3-20

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

PC Health Status

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

CPU/System Temperature, CPU/System/Power FAN Speed, Vcore, +3.3 V,
+5.0 V, +12.0V, +5VSB

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

3-21

BIOS Setup

Cell Menu

Current CPU CLOCK, Current DDR Memory Frequency

These two items show the current clocks of CPU & DDR memory frequency. Read­only.

High Performance Mode

This field allows you to select the DDR timing setting. Setting to [Optimized] enables
Adjust DDR Memory Frequency automatically to be determined by SPD. Selecting
[Manual] allows users to configure these fields manually. Setting options: [Optimized],
[Manual].

Dynamic OverClocking

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:

The items in Cell Menu includes some important settings of CPU, AGP, DRAM and
overclocking functions.

MSI Reminds You...

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

3-22

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

[Disabled] Disable Dynamic Overclocking function.
[Private] 1st level of overclocking, increasing the CPU frequency by 1%.
[Sergeant] 2nd level of overclocking, increasing the CPU frequency by 3%.
[Captain] 3rd level of overclocking, increasing the CPU frequency by 5%.
[Colonel] 4th level of overclocking, increasing the CPU frequency by 7%.
[General] 5th level of overclocking, increasing the CPU frequency by 10%.
[Commander] 6th level of overclocking, increasing the CPU frequency by 15%.

Adjust CPU FSB Frequency

This item allows you to select the CPU Front Side Bus clock frequency (in MHz) and
overclock the processor by adjusting the FSB clock to a higher frequency. Setting
options: For CPU FSB200: [200]~[500]

For CPU FSB133: [133]~[500]

CPU Ratio CMOS Setting

This item allows you to adjust the CPU ratio. Setting to [Startup] enables the CPU
running at the fastest speed which is detected by system.

Adjusted CPU Clock

This read-only item shows the CPU Clock you like to use, which will automatically
change in accordance with the settings of Adjust CPU FSB Frequency and CPU
Ratio CMOS Setting. Please note you must reboot the system to let the change
take effect.

Adjust DDR Memory Frequency

When it is set to [Manual] in High Performance Mode, user can place an artificial
memory clock limit on the system. Please note that memory is prevented from running
faster than this frequency. Setting options: [Auto], [400], [533], [667].

Adjusted DDR Memory Frequency

This read-only item shows the DDR Memory Frequency you like to use, which will

MSI Reminds You...

1. 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 overclock 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.

2. Meanwhile, there are two functions to protect user's system from
crashing.

- There is a safe key "Ins" in BIOS. In case the overclocking
fails, you can press "Ins" key while system rebooting to
restore to the BIOS defaults.

- If the system incidentally reboot for four times, the BIOS will
also be restored to the defaults.

3-23

BIOS Setup

automatically change in accordance with the setting of Adjust DDR Memory
Frequency. Please note you must reboot the system to let the change take effect.

Adjust PCI Frequency

This item allows you to select the PCI frequency (in MHz). In default this value will
change automatically in accordance with the setting of CPU Ratio CMOS Setting.
However, you may adjust the desired PCI frequency you like by using the <+> & <->
key. Setting options: [33.3], [37.7], [40.0].

Adjust PCI Express Frequency

This item allows you to select the PCI Express frequency (in MHz). Select the number
between [100]~[133] for needed frequency.

Adjust CPU Voltage (V)

The settings are used to adjust the CPU clock multiplier (ratio) and CPU core voltage
(Vcore). These settings offer users a tool to overclock the system.

Adjust DDR Voltage (V)

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.

Adjust NB Voltage (V)

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

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].

MSI Reminds You...

The settings shown in different color in CPU Voltage, DDR Voltage and
NB Voltage help to verify if your setting is proper for your system.

Gray: Default setting.
White: Safe setting.
Yellow: High performance setting.
Red: Not recommended setting and the system may be

unstable.

Changing CPU Voltage, DDR Voltage and NB Voltage may result in the
instability of the system; therefore, it is NOT recommended to change
the default setting for long-term usage.

3-24

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

BIOS Setting 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.

3-25

BIOS Setup

Load Fail-Safe/Optimized Defaults

The two options on the main menu allow users to restore all of the BIOS settings to
the default Fail-Safe or Optimized values. The Optimized Defaults are the default
values set by the mainboard manufacturer specifically for optimal performance of the
mainboard. The Fail-Safe Defaults are the default values set by the BIOS vendor for
stable system performance.

When you select Load Fail-Safe Defaults, a message as below appears:

Pressing Y loads the BIOS default values for the most stable, minimal system
performance.

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

Pressing Y loads the default factory settings for optimal system performance.

Introduction to DigiCell

4-1

Chapter 4. Introduction to DigiCell

Introduction to DigiCell

Chapter 2. Hardware Setup

short-cut icon in the system tray

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

MSI Feature

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

4-2

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.

Main

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, and configure the
advanced settings for each mode, such as the authentication encryption...
etc.

Introduction to DigiCell

4-3

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.

MSI Feature

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

4-4

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.

Introduction to DigiCell

4-5

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 has connected to the bluetooth device, the icon will light up.

MSI Feature

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

4-6

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. 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 sub-menu.

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 hexadecimal digital) or 13 characters (26
hexadecimal 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.

Introduction to DigiCell

4-7

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.

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

Disabled. Enabled.

MSI Feature

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

4-8

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.

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.

Introduction to DigiCell

4-9

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:

Five 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.

MSI Feature

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

4-10

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

on your MEGA STICK.

Save To save a loaded playlist of mp3 files (*.m3u) on your system or on

your MEGA STICK.

Delete Click on the media files in the Play List: field and use “Delete” button

to remove the media file from the play list. You may remove multi media
files simultaneously by using “Ctrl” to select multi files.

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:

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

4-11

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.

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 all this
information.

play

forward/rewind
bar

song’s informationstop

pause

next

previous

MSI Feature

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

4-12

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 will display incorrectly.
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 CD­ROM. 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.

Introduction to DigiCell

4-13

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.

MSI Feature

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

4-14

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.

Introduction to DigiCell

4-15

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.

MSI Feature

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

4-16

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 for 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.

Introduction to DigiCell

4-17

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.

Subwoofer

Front Right

Rear Right

Center

Front Left

Rear Left

Side Left

Side Right

MSI Reminds You...

For the advanced functions of the audio codec, please refer to Chapter
7: Introduction to CMI 9880L Audio Codec for details.

MSI Feature

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

4-18

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.

MSI Reminds You...

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

Introduction to DigiCell

4-19

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.

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.

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

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.

MSI Feature

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

4-20

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.

5-1

Introduction to Intel ICH6R SATA RAID

Chapter 5. Intel ICH6R RAID
Introduction

The southbridge ICH6R provides a hybrid solution that combines
two independent SATA ports for support of up to two Serial ATA (Serial ATA
RAID) drives.

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. Supports Hot-plug-n-play feature.

3. Data handling optimizations including tagged command queuing,

elevator seek and packet chain command.

Intel ICH6R includes the RAID level 0 (striping), RAID level 1
(mirroring), and a combination of the two called Intel Matrix RAID Technology,
which has two volume in a single RAID array.

RAID 0 breaks the data into blocks which are written to separate
hard drives. Spreading the hard drive I/O load across independent chan­nels greatly improves I/O performance. RAID 1 provides data redundancy
by mirroring data between the hard drives and provides enhanced read
performance.

Introduction to Intel

ICH6R SATA RAID

MSI Reminds You...

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

5-2

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

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). Also, you
need to enable the RAID function in BIOS (please to P.3-13 items ATA/IDE Configu-
ration <Enhanced> & Configure SATA as <RAID> for details) to create, delete
and reset RAID volumes.

After the above message shows, press <Ctrl> and <I> keys simultaneously
to enter the RAID Configuration Utility.

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 Test (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.

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 or RAID 1.

5-3

Introduction to Intel ICH6R SATA RAID

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. Then in the Name field, specify a RAID Volume name and
then press the <TAB> or <Enter> key to go to the next field.

2. Use the arrow keys to select the RAID level (RAID0 or RAID1) best suited to
your usage model in RAID Level.

5-4

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

3. In the Disk field, press <Enter> key and the following screen appears. Use
<Space> key to select the disks you want to create for the RAID volume, then
click <Enter> key to finish selection.

4. Then 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:
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. Then select the capacity of the volume in the Capacity field. The default
value is the maximum volume capacity of the selected disks.

5-5

Introduction to Intel ICH6R SATA RAID

6. Then the following screen appears for you to confirm if you are sure to
create the RAID volume. Press <Y> to continue.

7. Then the following screen appears to indicate that the creation is finished.

5-6

MS-7028 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.

Select option 2 Delete RAID Volume from the main menu window and press
<Enter> key to select a RAID volume for deletion. Then press <Delete> key to delete
the selected RAID volume. The following screen appears.

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.

Press <Y> key to accept the volume deletion.

5-7

Introduction to Intel ICH6R SATA RAID

(3) Reset Disks to Non-RAID

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

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

Press <Y> key to accept the selection.

MSI Reminds You...

1. You will lose 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.

5-8

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

Install Driver in Windows XP / 2000

 New Windows XP / 2000 Installation

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

2000.

1. Start the installation:
Boot from the CD-ROM. Press F6 when the message "Press F6 if you need
to install third party SCSI or RAID driver" appears.

2. When the Windows XP Setup window is generated, press S to specify an
Additional Device(s).

3. Insert the driver diskette Intel IAA RAID XP Driver For ICH6R (FW82801FR)
into drive A: and press <Enter>.

4. Choose the driver Intel(R) 82801FR SATA RAID Controller from the drop-
down list that appears on Windows XP Setup screen, and press the <Enter>
key.

5. Press <Enter> to continue with installation or if you need to specify any
additional devices to be installed, do so at this time. Once all devices are
specified, press <Enter> to continue with installation.

6. From the Windows XP/2000 Setup screen, press the <Enter> key. Setup will
now load all device files and then continue the Windows XP/2000 installation.

 Existing Windows XP/2000 Driver Installation

1. Insert the MSI CD into the CD-ROM drive.

2. The CD will auto-run and the setup screen will appear.

3. Under the Driver tab, click on Intel IAA RAID Edition.

4. The drivers will be automatically installed.

 Confirming Windows XP/2000 Driver Installation

1. From Windows XP/2000, open the Control Panel from My Computer fol­lowed by the System icon.

2. Choose the Hardware tab, then click the Device Manager tab.

3. Click the "+" in front of the SCSI and RAID Controllers hardware type. The
driver Intel(R) 82801FR SATA RAID Controller should appear.

Installing Software

5-9

Introduction to Intel ICH6R SATA RAID

Installation of Intel Application Accelerator RAID Edition

The Intel Application Accelerator RAID Edition driver may be used to operate

the hard drive from which the system is booting or a hard drive that contains impor­tant data. For this reason, you cannot remove or un-install this driver from the system
after installation; however, you will have the ability to un-install all other non-driver

components.

Insert the MSI CD and click on the Intel IAA RAID Edition to install the software.

Click on this item

5-10

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

The InstallShield Wizard will begin automatically for installation showed as

following:

Click on the Next button to proceed the installation in the welcoming window.

5-11

Introduction to Intel ICH6R SATA RAID

After reading the license agreement in the following window, click Yes button to

continue.

The window shows the components to be installed. Click Next button to continue.

5-12

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

Select a program folder in the following window where you want Setup to add the

program icon.

Select the folder in which you want the program to be installed in the following

window, and click Next button to start installation.

5-13

Introduction to Intel ICH6R SATA RAID

Once the installation is complete, the following window appears.

The following window appears to show the Intel Application Accelerator RAID

Edition Setup installation status.

5-14

MS-7028 ATX Mainboard

RAID Migration Instructions

The Intel Application Accelerator RAID Edition offers the flexibility to upgrade

from a single Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive to a two drive RAID 0 or RAID 1 configu­ration when an additional SATA hard drive is added to the system. This process will
create a new RAID volume from an existing disk. However, several important steps
must be followed at the time the system is first configured in order to take advantage
of RAID when upgrading to a second SATA hard drive:

1. BIOS must be configured for RAID before installing Windows* XP on the

single SATA hard drive. Refer to P.3-13 BIOS Configuration for properly
setting of the BIOS.

2. Install the Intel Application Accelerator RAID Driver during Windows Setup.

Refer to P.5-8 Installing Software for instructions on installing the
driver during Windows Setup.

3. Install the Intel Application Accelerator RAID Edition after the operating

system is installed.

To create a volume from an existing disk, complete the following steps:

After the Intel Application Accelerator RAID Edition has been successfully

installed and the system has rebooted, click on the Intel Application Accelerator
shortcut link (Start --> All Programs --> Intel(R) Application Accelerator -->

Intel Application Accelerator) and the following window will appear:

MSI Reminds You...

A Create from Existing Disk operation will delete all existing data
from the added disk and the data cannot be recovered. It is critical to
backup all important data on the added disk before proceeding. However,
during the migration process, the data on the source disk is preserved.

5-15

Introduction to Intel ICH6R SATA RAID

Create RAID Volume from Existing Disk

To create a RAID volume from an existing disk, choose Action --> Create

RAID Volume from Existing Hard Drive.

The Create RAID Volume from Existing Hard Drive Wizard pops up to lead

you for the following procedure. Click Next to continue.