MSI G31M3-F User Manual

G31M3 series

MS-7528 (v1.X) Mainboard

G52-75281X1

i

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.

NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, DualNet, and nForce are registered trademarks or trade-

marks of NVIDIA Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

AMD, Athlon™ , Athlon™ XP, Thoroughbred™, and Duron™ are registered trade-

marks 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.

Windows® 2000/XP/Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

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.

Revision History

Revision Revision History Date

V1.0 First release January 2008

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.

Visit the MSI website for FAQ, technical guide, BIOS updates, driver updates,
and other information: http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?

func=faqIndex

Contact our technical staff at: http://support.msi.com.tw/

ii

Safety Instructions

1. Always read the safety instructions carefully.

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

3. Keep this equipment away from humidity.

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

5. The openings on the enclosure are for air convection hence protects the equip­ment from overheating. DO NOT COVER THE OPENINGS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

User’s Manual.

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

12. DO NOT LEAVE THIS EQUIPMENT IN AN ENVIRONMENT UNCONDITIONED, STOR­AGE TEMPERATURE ABOVE 600 C (1400F), IT MAY DAMAGE THE EQUIPMENT.

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer.

iii

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 in a residential installation. This equipment generates,

uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accor-

dance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular

installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television

reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is

encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the measures listed

below.

† Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
† Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
† Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected.

† Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

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 AVANT DE RACCORDER AU RESEAU.

Micro-Star International

MS-7528

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.

iv

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Statement

v

vi

vii viii

CONTENTS

Copyright Notice..............................................................................................................ii

Trademarks.......................................................................................................................ii

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

Technical Support...........................................................................................................ii

Safety Instructions.........................................................................................................iii

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

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Statement....................................v

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

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

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

Packing Checklist.................................................................................................1-5

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

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

CPU (Central Processing Unit)............................................................................2-3

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

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

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

Connectors........................................................................................................2-12

Jumpers..............................................................................................................2-19

Slots...................................................................................................................2-20

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

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

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

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

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

Integrated Peripherals.......................................................................................3-12

Power Management Setup...............................................................................3-14

H/W Monitor........................................................................................................3-16

Cell Menu............................................................................................................3-17

Load Fail-Safe/ Optimized Defaults.................................................................3-21

BIOS Setting Password.....................................................................................3-22

Appendix A Dual Core Center.............................................................................A-1

Activating Dual Core Center...............................................................................A-2

Main......................................................................................................................A-3

DOT (Dynamic OverClocking).............................................................................A-5

Clock.....................................................................................................................A-6

Voltage.................................................................................................................A-7

FAN Speed...........................................................................................................A-8

Temperature.........................................................................................................A-9

User Profile........................................................................................................A-10

Appendix B Intel ICH7R SATA RAID......................................................................B-1

ICH7R Introduction...............................................................................................B-2

BIOS Configuration..............................................................................................B-3

Installing Software..............................................................................................B-9

RAID Migration Instructions...............................................................................B-15

Degraded RAID Array........................................................................................B-22

ix

Getting Started

Chapter 1

Getting Started

Thank you for choosing the G31M3 Series (MS-7528 v1.X)
Micro-ATX mainboard. The G31M3 Series mainboards are
based on Intel® G31 & ICH7/ICH7R chipsets for optimal
system efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced Intel® Core
2 Duo/Quad/Pentium/Celeron LGA775 processor, the
G31M3 Series deliver a high performance and professional
desktop platform solution.

1-1

MS-7528 Mainboard

Mainboard Specifications

Processor Support

- Intel® Core™2 Duo/ Core™2 Quad/Pentium Dual-Core E2XXX and
Celeron 400 LGA775 processors in LGA775 package.

- Supports 4 pin CPU Fan Pin-Header with Fan Speed Control.
(For the latest information about CPU, please visit
http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=cpuform)

Supported FSB

- 800/1066/1333 MHz

Chipset

- North Bridge: Intel® G31 chipset

- South Bridge: Intel® ICH7/ ICH7R(optional) chipset

Memory Support

- DDR2 667/800 SDRAM (4GB Max)

- 2 DDR2 DIMMs (240pin / 1.8V)
(For more information on compatible components, please visit
http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=testreport)

LAN (Optional)

- Supports Realtek® RTL8111C 10/100/1000 Mb/s

- Supports Realtek® RTL8101E 10/100 Mb/s (optional)

- Compliance with PCI 2.2

- Supports ACPI Power Management

Audio

- Chip integrated by Realtek® ALC888

- Flexible 8-channel audio with jack sensing
To reach the 8-channel sound effect, the 7th and 8th channels must to
output from front panel (pinheader) if you purchase the mainboard
with 3 audio jacks.

IEEE 1394 (optional)

- Chip integrated by JMicron 381

- Transfer rate is up to 400Mbps

IDE

- 1 IDE port by ICH7/ICH7R

- Supports Ultra DMA 66/100 mode

- Supports PIO, Bus Master operation mode

SATA

- SATA II ports by ICH7/ICH7R (optional)

- Supports four SATA II devices

- Supports storage and data transfers at up to 300MB/s

- Supports RAID 0/1/0+1 (for ICH7R only)

1-2

Getting Started

Floppy

- 1 floppy port

- Supports 1 FDD with 360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, 1.44MB and 2.88MB

Connectors

Back panel

- 1 PS/2 mouse port

- 1 PS/2 keyboard port

- 1 serial port (COM1)

- 1 VGA port

- 1 parallel port supporting SPP/EPP/ECP mode

- 4 USB 2.0 Ports

- 1 RJ-45 LAN Jack

- 1 1394 port (optional)

- 6 flexible audio jacks/ 3 flexible audio jacks (optional)

On-Board Pinheaders/ Connectors

- 2 USB 2.0 pinheaders

- 1 CD-in pinheader

- 1 SPDIF-Out pinheader

- 1 IEEE 1394 pinheader (optional)

- 1 Front Panel Audio pinheader

- 1 serial port pinheader

- 1 TPM (optional)

- 1 Chassis Intrusion Switch pinheader

Slots

- 1 PCI Express x16 slot

- 1 PCI Express x 1 slot

- 2 PCI slots

- Support 3.3V/ 5V PCI bus Interface

Form Factor

- Micro-ATX (24.4cm X 21.8cm)

Mounting

- 6 mounting holes

1-3

MS-7528 Mainboard

BATT

Intel

Intel

ICH7/

ICH7R

(optional)

Mainboard Layout

Top : mouse
Bottom:keyboard

Parallel port
Bottom:
COM portA
VGA port

T: 1394 port
B: USB ports

Top: LAN Jack
Bottom: USB ports

T:Line-In
M:Line-Out
B:Mic

T:RS-Out (optional)
M:CS-Out (optional)
B:SS-Out (optional)

Fintek

F71882FG

ALC888

CD_IN1

(optional)

RTL8111C

/RTL8101E

1
I

C
J

1
W

P
J

SYSFAN1

PCI _E1

PCI _E2

PCI 2

PCI 1

JCOM1JAUD1

)

l
a
n
o

i
t

p
o

(
1

M
P
T
J

1
D
P
S

J

RTM 876-665

G31

+

FDD 1

JMicron 381

(optional)

J1394_1(optional)

1
N
A

F
U
P
C

2

1

M

M

M

M

I

I

D

D

1
X
T
A

2
N
A
F
S
Y
S

1
E
D

I

JFP2

JFP1

3
A
T
A
S

1
A
T
A
S

JUSB1

JBAT1

4
A
T
A
S

2
A
T
A
S

JUSB2

G31M3 Series

(MS-7528 v1.X) Micro-ATX Mainboard

1-4

Packing Checklist

Getting Started

MSI motherboard

Power Cable

MSI Driver/Utility CD

Standard Cable for

IDE Devices

SATA Cable

Back IO Shield

User’s Guide

* The pictures are for reference only and may vary from the packing contents of the
product you purchased.

1-5

Hardware Setup

Chapter 2

Hardware Setup

This chapter provides you with the information about
hardware setup procedures. While doing the installation,
be careful in holding the components and follow the
installation procedures. For some components, if you
install in the wrong orientation, the components will not
work properly.

Use a grounded wrist strap before handling computer
components. Static electricity may damage the
components.

2-1

MS-7528 Mainboard

BATT

Quick Components Guide

Back Panel,

p.2-10

PCIE,

p.2-20

JCI1,

p.2-14

PCI,

p.2-20

JTPM1,

p.2-17

SYSFAN1,

p.2-14

JPW1,

p.2-9

CPU,

p.2-3

+

JSPD1,

p.2-15

CPUFAN1,

p.2-14

DIMM Slots,

p.2-7

ATX1,

p.2-9

IDE1,

p.2-12

SYSFAN2,

p.2-14

JFP2,

p.2-16

SATA1~4,

p.2-13

JFP1,

p.2-16

2-2

CD_IN1,

p.2-16

JAUD1,

p.2-17

JCOM1,

p.2-18

FDD1,

p.2-12

J1394_1,

p.2-15

JBAT1,

p.2-19

JUSB1~2,

p.2-18

Hardware Setup

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

When you are installing the CPU, make sure to install the cooler to prevent
overheating. If you do not have the CPU cooler, consult your dealer before turning

on the computer.
For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?

func=cpuform

Important

Overheating

Overheating will seriously damage the CPU and system. Always make sure
the cooling fan can work properly to protect the CPU from overheating. Make
sure that you apply an even layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) between
the CPU and the heatsink to enhance heat dissipation.

Replaceing the CPU

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

Overclocking

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

by inadequate operation or beyond product specifications.

Introduction to LGA 775 CPU

The pin-pad side of LGA 775
CPU.

Alignment Key Alignment Key

Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

The surface of LGA 775 CPU.
Remember to apply some ther­mal paste on it for better heat
dispersion.

Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

2-3

MS-7528 Mainboard

CPU & Cooler Installation

When you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a cooler attached on
the top to prevent overheating. Meanwhile, do not forget to apply some thermal

paste on CPU before installing the heat sink/cooler fan for better heat dispersion.
Follow the steps below to install the CPU & cooler correctly. Wrong installation will
cause the damage of your CPU & mainboard.

1.The CPU socket has a plastic cap on

it to protect the contact from damage.
Before you install the CPU, always
cover it to protect the socket pin.

3.The pins of socket reveal.

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

4.Open the load lever.

Important

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

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

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

2-4

Hardware Setup

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

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

alignment

key

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

8.Cover the load plate onto the
package.

2-5

MS-7528 Mainboard

9.Press down the load lever lightly
onto the load plate, and then se­cure the lever with the hook under
retention tab.

11.Press the four hooks down to fas-

ten the cooler. Then rotate the lock­ing switch (refer to the correct di­rection marked on it) to lock the
hooks.

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.

locking

switch

Important

1. Read the CPU status in BIOS (Chapter 3).

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

3. Mainboard photos shown in this section are for demonstration of the CPU/
cooler installation only. The appearance of your mainboard may vary depend­ing on the model you purchase.

2-6

Hardware Setup

Installed

1

Memory

These DIMM slots are used for installing memory modules.
For more information on compatible components, please visit http://global.msi.com.

tw/index.php?func=testreport

DDR2

240-pin, 1.8V

64x2=128 pin56x2=112 pin

Dual-Channel Memory Population Rules

In Dual-Channel mode, the memory modules can transmit and receive data with two
data bus lines simultaneously. Enabling Dual-Channel mode can enhance the system
performance. Please refer to the following illustrations for population rules under
Dual-Channel mode.

DIMM1

DIMM2

Empty

2-7

MS-7528 Mainboard

Installing Memory Modules

1. The memory module has only one notch on the center and will only fit in the right
orientation.

2. Insert the memory module vertically into the DIMM slot. Then push it in until the
golden finger on the memory module is deeply inserted in the DIMM slot.

Important

You can barely see the golden finger if the memory module is properly inserted
in the DIMM slot.

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

Volt

Notch

Important

-DDR2 memory modules are not interchangeable with DDR and the DDR2
standard is not backwards compatible. You should always install DDR2
memory modules in the DDR2 DIMM slots.

-In Dual-Channel mode, make sure that you install memory modules of the
same type and density in different channel DIMM slots.

-To enable successful system boot-up, always insert the memory modules
into the DIMM1 first.

2-8

Hardware Setup

Power Supply

ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: ATX1

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 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).

Pin Definition

pin 13

pin 12

PIN SIGNAL

13 +3.3V

14 -12V

15 GND

16 PS-ON#

17 GND

18 GND

19 GND

20 Res

21 +5V

22 +5V

23 +5V

24 GND

ATX1

12

1

24

13

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 +3.3V

ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW1

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

Pin Definition

4

JPW1

2

3

1

PIN SIGNAL

1 GND

2 GND

3 12V

4 12V

Important

1. Make sure that all the connectors are connected to proper ATX power sup­plies 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.

2-9

MS-7528 Mainboard

Back Panel

Type A

Mouse

Keyboard

Mouse

Keyboard

Parallel Port

Parallel Port

1394
Port
(optional)

VGA PortSerial Port

USB Ports Mic

1394
Port
(optional)

LAN

LAN

L-In

L-Out

Type B

RS-Out

CS-Out

SS-Out

L-In / RS-Out

L-Out

VGA PortSerial Port

Mouse/Keyboard

The standard PS/2® mouse/keyboard DIN connector is for a PS/2® mouse/keyboard.

Parallel Port
A parallel port is a standard printer port that supports Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP)
and Extended Capabilities Parallel Port (ECP) mode.

Serial Port
The serial port is a 16550A high speed communications port that sends/ receives 16
bytes FIFOs. You can attach a serial mouse or other serial devices directly to the
connector.

VGA Port
The DB15-pin female connector is provided for monitor.

1394 Port (optional)
The IEEE1394 port on the back panel provides connection to IEEE1394 devices.

USB Port
The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is for attaching USB devices such as keyboard,
mouse, or other USB-compatible devices.

USB Ports

Mic / CS-Out

2-10

Hardware Setup

LAN
The standard RJ-45 LAN jack is for connection to the Local Area Network (LAN). You
can connect a network cable to it.

Link IndicatorActivity Indicator

LED Color LED State Condition

Off LAN link is not established.

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

On (brighter & pulsing)The computer is communicating with another computer on the LAN.

Green Off 10 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

Right On 100 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

Orange On 1000 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

Audio Ports (Type A)
These audio connectors are used for audio devices. You can differentiate the color
of the audio jacks for different audio sound effects.

Line-In (Blue) - Line In is used for external CD player, tapeplayer or other

audio devices.

Line-Out (Green) - Line Out, is a connector for speakers or headphones.
Mic (Pink) - Mic, is a connector for microphones.
RS-Out (Black) - Rear-Surround Out in 4/ 5.1/ 7.1 channel mode.
CS-Out (Orange) - Center/ Subwoofer Out in 5.1/ 7.1 channel mode.
SS-Out (Gray) - Side-Surround Out 7.1 channel mode.

Audio Ports (Type B)
These audio connectors are used for audio devices. You can differentiate the color
of the audio jacks for different audio sound effects.

Line-In / RS-Out (Blue) - Line In is used for external CD player, tapeplayer

or other audio devices. Rear-Surround Out in 4/

5.1/7.1 channel mode.

Line-Out (Green) - Line Out, is a connector for speakers or headphones.
Mic / CS-Out (Pink) - Mic, is a connector for microphones. Center/

Subwoofer Out in 5.1/7.1 channel mode.

Important

To reach the 8-channel sound effect, the 7th and 8th channels (Side-Surround
Out) must to output from front panel (pinheader) if you purchase the mainboard
with 3 audio jacks.

2-11

MS-7528 Mainboard

Connectors

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1

This connector supports 360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, 1.44MB or 2.88MB floppy disk drive.

FDD1

IDE Connector: IDE1

This connector supports IDE hard disk drives, optical disk drives and other IDE devices.

IDE1

Important

If you install two IDE devices on the same cable, you must configure the
drives separately to master / slave mode by setting jumpers. Refer to IDE
device’s documentation supplied by the vendors for jumper setting
instructions.

2-12

Hardware Setup

Serial ATA Connector: SATA1 ~ SATA4

This connector is a high-speed Serial ATA interface port. Each connector can connect
to one Serial ATA device.

SATA3SATA4

SATA2 SATA1

supported by ICH7/ICH7R(optional)

Important

Please do not fold the Serial ATA cable into 90-degree angle. Otherwise,
data loss may occur during transmission.

2-13

MS-7528 Mainboard

Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN1, SYSFAN1~2

The fan power connectors support system cooling fan with +12V. When connecting
the wire to the connectors, always 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.

CONTROL

SENSOR

+12V

GND

+1 2V

SE NS OR

GND

GND

+12V

SENSOR

CPUFAN1

SYSFAN2SYSFAN1

Important

1.Please refer to the recommended CPU fans at processor’s official website
or consult the vendors for proper CPU cooling fan.

2.CPUFAN1 / SYSFAN1 / SYSFAN2 supports fan control. You can adjust fan
speed in H/W Monitor menu of BIOS and install Dual Core Center utility
that will automatically control the CPU fan speed according to the actual
CPU temperature.

3. Fan cooler set with 3 or 4 pins power connector are both available for

CPUFAN.

Chassis Intrusion Connector: JCI1

This connector connects to the chassis intrusion switch cable. If the chassis is
opened, the chassis intrusion mechanism will be activated. The system will record
this status and show a warning message on the screen. To clear the warning, you
must enter the BIOS utility and clear the record.

2-14

CINTRU

GND

2

1

JCI1