Msi G52-M7151X1 user Manual

RX480 Neo2

MS-7151 (v1.X) ATX Mainboard

English Version

G52-M7151X1

i

Manual Rev: 1.0
Release Date: August 2005

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 AVANT DE RACCORDER AU RESEAU.

Micro-Star International

MS-7151

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.

ii

Copyright Notice

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

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

Trademarks

All trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
AMD, Athlon™, Athlon™ XP, Thoroughbred™, and Duron™ are registered 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® 95/98/2000/2003/NT/XP 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 of 7151 v1.x PCB August 2005

with ATI RX480/SB400 chipsets

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://www.msi.com.tw/program/service/faq/

faq/esc_faq_list.php

Contact our technical staff at: [e-mail]

iii

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.

iv

WEEE Statement

v

vi

vii

CONTENTS

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

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

Mainboard Layout................................................................................................1-5

Packing Checklist..................................................................................................1-6

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

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

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

CPU Installation Procedures for Socket 939...............................................2-4

Installing AMD Athlon64 CPU Cooler Set......................................................2-5

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

DIMM Module Combination............................................................................2-7

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

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

ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: JPWR1........................................................2-9

ATX 12V Power Connector: JPWR2...........................................................2-9

ATX 4-Pin VGA Power Connector: JPWR3.................................................2-9

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

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

USB Connectors........................................................................................2-10

Serial Port Connector: COM Port................................................................2-11

LAN (RJ-45) Jack........................................................................................2-11

Parallel Port Connector: LPT1....................................................................2-12

Audio Port Connectors..............................................................................2-13

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

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

Fan Power Connectors: CPU_FAN / NB_FAN/SYS_FAN.........................2-14

ATA133 Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2.............................................2-15

Serial ATA Connectors: SATA1~SATA4....................................................2-16

Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JCI1...............................................2-16

CD-In Connector: JCD1..............................................................................2-17

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1.......................................................2-17

Serial Port Header: COM1 (Optional)........................................................2-18

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

IrDA Infrared Module Header: JIR1 (Optional)...........................................2-19

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

Jumpers..............................................................................................................2-20

Clear CMOS Jumper: JCMOS1...................................................................2-20

viii

Slots....................................................................................................................2-21

PCI Express Slots.......................................................................................2-21

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots........................................2-22

PCI Interrupt Request Routing....................................................................2-22

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

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

Control Keys.................................................................................................3-2

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

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

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

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

Advanced Chipset Features..............................................................................3-11

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

Power Management Setup................................................................................3-15

PNP/PCI Configurations......................................................................................3-18

H/W Monitor......................................................................................................3-20

Cell Menu............................................................................................................3-22

BIOS Setting Password.....................................................................................3-25

Load Fail-Safe/Optimized Defaults....................................................................3-26

Appendix A: Using 2-, 4- & 6-Channel Audio Function....................................A-1

Installing the Audio Driver....................................................................................A-2

Installation for Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP...............................................A-2

Software Configuration.......................................................................................A-4

Sound Effect................................................................................................A-4

Equalizer.......................................................................................................A-6

Speaker Configuration.................................................................................A-7

Speaker Test................................................................................................A-8

S/PDIF-Out....................................................................................................A-9

HRTF Demo.................................................................................................A-10

Microphone Effect......................................................................................A-11

General.......................................................................................................A-12

Using 2-, 4- & 6- Channel Audio Function........................................................A-13

Appendix B: ATI SATA RAID Setup Guide............................................................B-1

SATA RAID Features............................................................................................B-2

Disk Striping (RAID 0)...................................................................................B-2

Disk Mirroring (RAID 1).................................................................................B-3

Creating RAID Sets...............................................................................................B-4

ix

BIOS RAID Utility Screen Description..........................................................B-5

Description of RAID Setup Operations........................................................B-5

Installing RAID Drivers (for Windows 2000/XP only).........................................B-8

Installing RAID Drivers during OS Install......................................................B-8

Updating Previously Installed RAID Drivers.................................................B-8

Installing SATARaid Utility..................................................................................B-11

SATARaid GUI.............................................................................................B-13

Configuring RAID 0 Set(s) with Windows Disk Manager.................................B-24

x

Getting Started

Chapter 1. Getting
Started

Getting Started

Thank you for choosing the RX480 Neo2 (MS-7151 v1.X) ATX

mainboard. The RX480 Neo2 mainboard is based on ATi® RX480 &
ATi® SB400 chipsets for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit the
advanced AMD® K8 Athlon 64 FX processor, the RX480 Neo2 deliv­ers a high performance and professional desktop platform solution.

1-1

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Specifications

CPU

† Supports 64-bit AMD® Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 FX processor (Socket 939)
† Supports up to 4200+ Athlon 64 FX or higher CPU

(For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/pro­gram/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_cpu_support.php)

Chipset

† ATI® RX480 Chipset

- HyperTransportTM connection to AMD K8 Athlon64 processor

- 8 or 16 bit control/address/data transfer both directions

- 1000/800/600/400/200 MHz “Double Data Rate” operation both direction

- Compliant with PCI Express 1.0a specifications (one x16 graphics interface,
which can be divided into two smaller links for use by other devices)

† ATI® SB400 Chipset

- Supports dual channel native SATA controller up to 150MB/s with RAID 0 or 1

- Integrated Hardware Sound Blaster/Direct Sound AC97 audio

- Ultra DMA 66/100/133 master mode PCI EIDE controller

- ACPI & PC2001 compliant enhanced power management

- Supports USB2.0 up to 8 ports

Main Memory

† Supports dual channel, four memory banks DDR 333/400, using two 184-pin

DDR DIMMs

† Supports a maximum memory size up to 2GB without ECC
† Supports 2.5v DDR SDRAM DIMM

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

Slots

† One PCI Express x16 slot (supports PCI Express Bus specification v1.0a compliant)
† One PCI Express x1 slot
† Four 32-bit Master 3.3V/5V PCI Bus slots

Onboard IDE

† An IDE controller on the ATI® SB400 chipset provides IDE HDD/CD-ROM with PIO,

Bus Master and Ultra DMA 133/100/66 operation modes, 4X ultra DMA 100/66/33

† Can connect up to 4 IDE devices

Onboard Serial ATA

† Supports 4 SATA ports with up to 150MB/s transfer rate

1-2

Getting Started

MSI Reminds You...

1.Please note that users cannot install OS, either WinME or Win98,
in their SATA hard drives. Under these two OSs, SATA can only be
used as an ordinary storage device.

2.To create a bootable RAID volume for a Windows 2000 environment,
Microsoft’s Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 (SP4) is required. As
the end user cannot boot without SP4, a combination installation
CD must be created before attempting to install the operating sys­tem onto the bootable RAID volume.
To create the combination installation CD, please refer to the fol­lowing website:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/
servicepacks/sp4/HFdeploy.htm

USB Interface

† 8 USB ports

- 4 ports in the rear I/O, 4 ports via the external bracket

LAN (optional)

† Realtek® 8100C/8110SB LAN chip (Optional)

- Integrated Fast Ethernet MAC and PHY in one chip

- Supports 10Mb/s and 100Mb/s and 1000Mb/s (1000Mb/s for 8110SB only)

- Compliance with PCI v2.2

- Supports ACPI Power Management

Audio

† 8 channels software audio codec RealTek ALC850

- Compliance with AC97 v2.3 Spec.

- Meets PC2001 audio performance requirement.

On-Board Peripherals

† On-Board Peripherals include:

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

- 2 serial ports (COM1 on the rear, COM2 with pinheader)

- 1 parallel port supporting SPP/EPP/ECP mode

- 8 USB2.0 ports (Rear*4/Front*4)

- 1 Audio (Line-Outx3, Line-In, MIC In, SPDIF Out (Coaxial/Fibre) port

- 1 RJ-45 LAN Jack

- 2 IDE ports support 4 IDE devices

- 4 serial ATA ports

BIOS

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

devices and expansion cards of the board automatically.

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

1-3

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

records your mainboard specifications.

† Supports boot from LAN, USB Device 1.1 & 2.0, and SATA HDD.

Dimension

† ATX Form Factor: 30.5cm X 21.5cm

Mounting

† 6 mounting holes

1-4

Mainboard Layout

Getting Started

RX480 Neo2 (MS-7151 v1.X) ATX Mainboard

1-5

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Packing Checklist

MSI motherboard

Power Cable

USB Bracket (Optional)

* The pictures are for reference only. Your packing contents may vary depending on
the model you purchased.

MSI Driver/Utility CD

Standard Cable for

Floppy Disk

Back IO Shield

SATA Cable (Optional)

Standard Cable for

IDE Devices

User’ s Guide

1-6

Hardware Setup

Chapter 2. Hardware
Setup

Hardware Setup

This chapter tells you how to install the CPU, memory modules,

and expansion cards, as well as how to setup the jumpers on the
mainboard. Also, it provides the instructions on connecting the pe­ripheral devices, such as the mouse, keyboard, etc.

While doing the installation, be careful in holding the compo-

nents and follow the installation procedures.

2-1

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Back Panel
I/O, p.2-10

JPWR2,

p.2-9

NB_FAN,
CPU_FAN,

p.2-14

JPWR3, p.2-9

JCD1, p.2-17
PCI Express

Slot, p.2-21

Quick Components Guide

DDR DIMMs, p.2-7

CPU, p.2-3

JCI1, p.2-16

JIR1,

p.2-19

JPWR1,

p.2-9

FDD1, p.2-14

IDE1/2,

p.2-15

JCMOS1,

p.2-20

PCI Slots,

p.2-22

JAUD1,

p.2-17

2-2

SYS_FAN,

p.2-14

JCOM1, p.2-18

JUSB1, JUSB2, p.2-19

JFP1, JFP2,

p.2-18

SATA1~4,

p.2-16

Hardware Setup

Central Processing Unit: CPU

The mainboard supports AMD® Athlon64 processor. The mainboard uses a
CPU socket called Socket-939 for easy CPU installation. When you are installing the
CPU, make sure the CPU has a heat sink and a cooling fan attached on the
top to prevent overheating. If you do not have the heat sink and cooling fan,
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.

2-3

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Gold arrow

Gold arrow

Gold arrow

Correct CPU placement

O

CPU Installation Procedures for Socket 939

1.Please turn off the power and
unplug the power cord before
installing the CPU.

2.Pull the lever sideways away
from the socket. Make sure to
raise the lever up to a 90-de­gree angle.

3.Look for the gold arrow of the
CPU. The gold arrow should point
as shown in the picture. The CPU
can only fit in the correct
orientation.

4.If the CPU is correctly installed,
the pins should be completely
embedded into the socket and
can not be seen. Please note
that any violation of the correct
installation procedures may
cause permanent damages to
your mainboard.

Sliding

Plate

Open Lever

90 degree

5. Press the CPU down firmly into

2-4

the socket and close the lever.
As the CPU is likely to move while
the lever is being closed, al­ways close the lever with your
fingers pressing tightly on top of
the CPU to make sure the CPU is
properly and completely embed­ded into the socket.

Hardware Setup

Installing AMD Athlon64 CPU Cooler Set

When you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a heat sink and

a cooling fan attached on the top to prevent overheating. If you do not have

the heat sink and cooling fan, contact your dealer to purchase and install them before
turning on the computer.

MSI Reminds You...

Mainboard photos shown in this section are for demonstration of the
cooler installation for Socket 939 CPUs only. The appearance of
your mainboard may vary depending on the model you purchase.

1.Detach the shield off the backplate’s

paster.

2.Turn over the mainboard, and install
the backplate to the proper position.

3.Turn over the mainboard again, and
place the mainboard on the flat
surface. Locate the two screw holes
of the mainboard.

4.Align the retention mechanism and
the backplate.

Fix the retention mechanism and the
backplate with two screws.

retention mechanism

2-5

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

5.Position the cooling set onto the re­tention mechanism.

Hook one end of the clip to hook
first, and then press down the other
end of the clip to fasten the cooling
set on the top of the retention
mechanism.

6.Locate the Fix Lever, Safety Hook
and the Fixed Bolt.

Lift up the intensive fixed lever.

Safety Hook

7.Fasten down the lever.

8.Make sure the safety hook completely
clasps the fixed bolt of the retention
mechanism.

9.Attach the CPU Fan cable to the CPU
fan connector on the mainboard.

2-6

Fixed Lever

MSI Reminds You...

While disconnecting the Safety Hook from the fixed bolt, it is neces­sary to keep an eye on your fingers, because once the Safety Hook
is disconnected from the fixed bolt, the fixed lever will spring back
instantly.

Fixed Bolt

Hardware Setup

Memory

The mainboard provides 2 slots for 184-pin DDR DIMM (Double In-Line Memory
Module) modules and supports the memory size up to 2GB. You can install DDR 333/
400 modules on the DDR DIMM slots (DIMM 1~2).

DIMM1~DIMM2

(from right to left)

DIMM Module Combination

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

Slots

DIMM1 (CH A) DIMM2 (CH B) Mode
128MB~1GB Single Channel
128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB Dual Channel

MSI Reminds You...

- The system operates ONLY when the DDR modules are installed in
accordance with the above-mentioned memory population rules.

- In dual-channel mode, make sure that you install memory modules
of the same type and density on DDR DIMMs.

- To enable successful system boot-up, always insert the memory
modules into the Channel A slots (DIMM1) first.

- This mainboard DO NOT support the memory module installed
with more than 18 pieces of IC (integrated circuit).

2-7

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Installing DDR Modules

1. The DDR DIMM has only one notch on the center of module. The module will
only fit in the right orientation.

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

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

Volt

Notch

2-8

Hardware Setup

Power Supply

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

ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: JPWR1

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.

Pin Definition

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

JPWR1

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 NC

ATX 12V Power Connector: JPWR2

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

ATX 4-Pin VGA Power Connector: JPWR3

This connector is designed to connect 12V power supply for add-on PCI Express
graphics card(s).

1

JPWR3 Pin Definition

JPWR3

2
3
4

PIN SIGNAL

1 5V
2 GND
3 GND
4 12V

2-9

JPWR2

2

JPWR2 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL

1

1 GND

34

2 GND
3 12V
4 12V

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.

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Mouse

Parallel

Back Panel

LAN

L-In

RS-Out

Keyboard

COM Port

USB Ports

L-Out

Mic

SPDIF-Out

Mouse/Keyboard Connector

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

Pin Definition

6

4

2

PS/2 Mouse / Keyboard

(6-pin Female)

5

3

1

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

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

USB Connectors

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

USB Port Description

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 VCC +5V

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

USB Ports

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

CS-Out

2-10

Hardware Setup

Serial Port Connector: COM Port

The mainboard offers one 9-pin male DIN connector COM Port. It’s a 16550A
high speed communication port that send/receive/ 16 bytes FIFOs. You can attach a
serial mouse or other serial device directly to it.

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

9-Pin Male DIN Connector

COM Port

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

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

LAN (RJ-45) Jack

The mainboard provides 1 standard RJ-45 jack for connection to single Local
Area Network (LAN). This LAN enables data to be transferred at 1000Mbps (Realtek
8100S), 100Mbps or 10Mbps. You can connect a network cable to it.

Giga-bit LAN Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 D0P Differential Pair 0+
2 D0N Differential Pair 0­3 D1P Differential Pair 1+

RJ-45 LAN Jack

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

2-11

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Parallel Port Connector: LPT1

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

13 1

25

14

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 STROBE Strobe
2 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
13 SELECT Select
14 AUTO FEED# Automatic Feed
15 ERR# Error
16 INIT# Initialize Printer
17 SLIN# Select In
18 GND Ground
19 GND Ground
20 GND Ground
21 GND Ground
22 GND Ground
23 GND Ground
24 GND Ground
25 GND Ground

2-12

Hardware Setup

Audio Port Connectors

The left 3 audio jacks are for 2-channel mode for stereo speaker output: Line
Out is a connector for Speakers or Headphones. Line In is used for external CD

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

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

Line In / Line Out

(Surround R/L)

(in 7.1 CH)

Line Out

(Front R/L)

MIC

MSI Reminds You...

For the advanced functions of the audio codec, please refer to Appen­dix A for details.

Rear Speaker Out

(in 7.1CH / 5.1CH)

Center/Subwoofer

Speaker Out

( in 7.1CH / 5.1CH)

SPDIF-Out

2-13

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Connectors

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1

The mainboard provides a standard floppy disk drive connector that supports
360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88M floppy disk types.

FDD1

Fan Power Connectors: CPU_FAN /NB_FAN/SYS_FAN

The fan power connectors support system cooling fan with +12V. 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 on­board, you must use a specially designed fan with speed sensor to take advantage
of the CPU fan control.

2-14

+12V

GND
+12V
SENSOR

CPU_FAN/NB_FAN

SENSOR

GND

SYS_FAN

MSI Reminds You...

Please refer to the recommended CPU fans at AMD® official website
or consult the vendors for proper CPU cooling fan.

Hardware Setup

ATA133 Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2

The mainboard has a 32-bit Enhanced PCI IDE and Ultra DMA 66/100/133 con­troller that provides PIO mode 0~4, Bus Master, and Ultra DMA 66/100/133 function.
You can connect up to four hard disk drives, CD-ROM and other IDE devices.

The Ultra ATA133 interface boosts data transfer rates between the computer
and the hard drive up to 133 megabytes (MB) per second. The new interface is one­third faster than earlier record-breaking Ultra ATA/100 technology and is backwards
compatible with the existing Ultra ATA interface.

IDE1IDE2

IDE1 (Primary IDE Connector)

The first hard drive should always be connected to IDE1. IDE1 can connect a Master
and a Slave drive. You must configure second hard drive to Slave mode by setting the
jumper accordingly.

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

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.

2-15

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Serial ATA Connectors: SATA1~SATA4

The ATI SB400 SouthBridge supports four serial ATA connectors SATA1~SATA4.
SATA1~SATA4 are high-speed Serial ATA interface ports. Each supports 1st genera­tion serial ATA data rates of 150MB/s and is fully compliant with Serial ATA 1.0
specifications. Each Serial ATA connector can connect to 1 hard disk device.

SATA3

1

7

SATA4

SATA1~ SATA4 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 GND 2 TXP
3 TXN 4 GND

5 RXN 6 RXP
7 GND

SATA1SATA2

Serial ATA cable

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

Connect to SATA1/2/3/4

MSI Reminds You...

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

Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JCI1

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

2

GND

CINTRU

2-16

1

JCI1

Hardware Setup

CD-In Connector: JCD1

This connector is provided for CD-ROM audio.

R

JCD1

GND

L

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1

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

JAUD1

2

1

10

9

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

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

MSI Reminds You...

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

6

10

5

9

2-17

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Serial Port Header: JCOM1 (Optional)

The mainboard offers one 9-pin header as 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 device directly to it.

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

6

1

JCOM1

9

5

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

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.

JFP1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 HD_LED_P Hard disk LED pull-up
2 FP PWR/SLP MSG LED pull-up
3 HD_LED_N Hard disk active LED

10

4 FP PWR/SLP MSG LED pull-up

9

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

Power
LED

2
1

HDD
LED

Power
Switch

Reset
Switch

JFP2

2-18

2
1

Speaker

Power
LED

JFP2 Pin Definition

8
7

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 GND 2 SPK­3 SLED 4 BUZ+

5 PLED 6 BUZ­7 NC 8 SPK+

Hardware Setup

IrDA Infrared Module Header: JIR1 (Optional)

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

Pin Definition

6 5

2

JIR1

1

Pin Signal

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

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.

2 10

1

JUSB1, JUSB2

9

(USB 2.0)

JUSB1 & JUSB2 Pin Definition

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

Connected to JUSB1 or JUSB2

MSI Reminds You...

Note that the pins of VCC and GND must be connected correctly to
avoid possible damage.

USB 2.0 Bracket

(Optional)

2-19

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Jumpers

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: JCMOS1

There is a CMOS RAM onboard that has a power supply from external battery
to keep the data of system configuration. With the CMOS RAM, the system can
automatically boot OS every time it is turned on. If you want to clear the system
configuration, set the JCMOS1 (Clear CMOS Jumper ) to clear data.

3

1

Clear Data

1

JCMOS1

3

1

Keep Data

MSI Reminds You...

To clear CMOS you should:

1. switch off the system and short 2-3 pin of the JCMOS1;

2. switch on the system again and the message “CMOS checksum
error” should appear;

3. switch off the system and return to 1-2 pin (Keep Data) position;

4. switch on again for operation.

Please avoid clearing CMOS while the system is on; it will damage
the mainboard.

2-20

Hardware Setup

Slots

The mainboard provides a PCI Express x16 slot, a PCI Express x1 slot and four

32-bit PCI bus slots.

PCI Express Slots

The PCI Express slots support high-bandwidth, low pin count, and serial
interconnect technology. 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 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
infrastructure for Desktop Platforms doubling the capability of existing AGP 8x 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.

PCI Express x1 slot

PCI Express x16 slot

2-21

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots

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

PCI Slots

PCI Interrupt Request Routing

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

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

2-22

BIOS Setup

Chapter 3. BIOS

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:

² An error message appears on the screen during the system

boot up, and requests you to run SETUP.

² You want to change the default settings for customized

features.

MSI Reminds You...

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

2. While booting up, the BIOS version is shown in the 1st line
appearing after the memory count. It is usually in the format:
example: A7151AMS V1.0BH 06/20/05

where:

1st digit refers to BIOS maker as A=AMI(R); W=AWARD(R)
2nd - 5th digit refers to the model number.
6th digit refers to the chipset vendor, MS=all standard
customers.
V1.0BH refers to the BIOS version.
06/20/05 refers to the date this BIOS is released.

3-1

MS-7151 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.

Select First Boot Device

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

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

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

3-2

BIOS Setup

Control Keys

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

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

submenu

<+> Increase the numeric value or make changes
<-> Decrease the numeric value or make changes
<F6> Load Optimized Defaults
<F7> Load Fail-Safe Defaults
<F10> Save all the CMOS changes and exit

Getting Help

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

Main Menu

The main menu displays the setup categories the BIOS supplies. 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.

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.

3-3

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

The Main Menu

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.

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.

3-4

BIOS Setup

Cell Menu

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

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.

3-5

MS-7151 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
Fourth/Fifth/Sixth IDE Master

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:

3-6

BIOS Setup

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

Type

This item defines the HDD parameters.

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], [SWDMA0], [SWDMA1], [SWDMA2],
[MWDMA0], [MWDMA1], [MWDMA2], [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
88MB, 3

1/2

].

1/4

], [1.2 MB, 5

1/4

], [720 KB, 3

1/2

], [1.44 MB, 3

1/2

], [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.

3-7

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

System Information

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

Total System Memory/BIOS Version

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

**CPU Information**
AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor/CPU ID/uCode ID

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

3-8

BIOS Setup

Advanced BIOS Features

Quick Booting

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].

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

3-9

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

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 BIOS
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...

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.

Hard Disk Drives/Removable Drives

These items allow you to specific the boot devices where BIOS attempts to
load the operating system.

3-10

BIOS Setup

Advanced Chipset Features

MSI Reminds You...

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

DRAM Timing

The value in this field depends on performance parameters of the installed
memory chips (DRAM). Do not change the value from the factory setting un­less you install new memory that has a different performance rating than the
original DRAMs.

CAS Latency (CL)

This controls the CAS latency, which determines the timing delay (in clock
cycles) before SDRAM starts a read command after receiving it. Settings:
[2.0], [2.5], [3.0]. [2.0] increases the system performance the most while [3.
0] provides the most stable performance.

TRAS

This setting determines the time RAS takes to read from and write to a
memory cell. Setting options: [5CLK] to [15CLK].

TRP

This setting controls the number of cycles for Row Address Strobe (RAS)
to be allowed to precharge. If insufficient time is allowed for the RAS to
accumulate its charge before DRAM refresh, refresh may be incomplete
and DRAM may fail to retain data. This item applies only when synchronous
DRAM is installed in the system. Setting options: [2CLK] to [6CLK].

TRCD

When DRAM is refreshed, both rows and columns are addressed
separately. This setup item allows you to determine the timing of the
transition from RAS (row address strobe) to CAS (column address strobe).
The less the clock cycles, the faster the DRAM performance. Setting options:
[2CLK] to [6CLK].

Bank Interleaving

This field selects 2-bank or 4-bank interleave for the installed SDRAM. Disable
the function if 16MB SDRAM is installed. Settings: [Auto], [Disabled].

3-11

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

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].

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].

AC97 Controller

This item is used to enable or disable the onboard AC97 (Audio Codec) controller.
Selecting [Enabled] allows the mainboard to enable the onboard AC97 controller.
Disable the function if you want to use other controller cards to connect an
audio device. Settings: [Disabled] and [Enabled].

3-12

BIOS Setup

IDE Devices Configuration

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

On-Chip IDE Controller

The integrated peripheral controller contains a IDE interface with support
for two IDE channels. Select [Enabled] to activate the IDE interface. Set­tings options: [Disabled], [Primary], [Secondary], [Both].

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:

COM Port 1/2

These items specify the base I/O port addresses of the onboard Serial Port
1/2. Selecting [Auto] allows BIOS 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 BIOS 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-Directional].

SATA Devices Configuration

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

OnChip SATA Channel

Setting options: [Disabled], [Single], [Both].

3-13

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

OnChip SATA Type

Select [Enable SATA As IDE] if you want to have SATA as IDE function,
and this device is able to install OS. Select [Enable SATA As RAID] if you
want to have RAID function, you may install OS on this SATA device. Select
[Enable SATA As Storage] if you want this SATA device for storage
only. Setting options: [Enable SATA As IDE], [Enable SATA As RAID], [Enable
SATA As Storage].

3-14

BIOS Setup

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

[S3/STR] The S3 sleep mode is a lower power state where the informa-

[Auto] BIOS determines the best setting automatically.

Re-Call VGA BIOS from S3

When ACPI Standby State is set to [S3/STR], users can select the options in
this field. Selecting [Yes] allows BIOS to call VGABIOS to initialize the VGA

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

tion 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.

3-15

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

card when system wakes up (resumes) from S3 sleep state. The system
resume time is shortened when you disable the function, but system will need
an AGP driver to initialize the VGA card. Therefore, if the AGP driver of the card
does not support the initialization feature, the display may work abnormally or
not function after resuming from S3. Options: [Auto], [Yes], [No].

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 minute], [2 minutes],
[3 minutes], [4 minutes], [5 minutes], [10 minutes], [15 minutes], [32 minutes],
[64 minutes].

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.

Resume From S3 By USB Device

The item allows the activity of the USB device to wake up the system from
S3 (Suspend to RAM) sleep state. Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

3-16

BIOS Setup

Resume by PS/2 Keyboard

This controls how and whether the PS/2 keyboard is able to power on the
system. If you choose [Password], you must type the password to power
on the system. Settings: [Disabled], [Password] and [Any Key].

Keyboard Password

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

Resume by PS/2 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], [Enabled].

Resume by PCI Device (PME#)

When setting to [Enabled], this setting allows your system to be awakened
from the power saving modes through any event on PME (Power Manage­ment Event). Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

Resume by PCIE Device (PME#)

When setting to [Enabled], this setting allows your system to be awakened
from the power saving modes through any event on PME (Power Manage­ment Event). Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

Resume by RTC Alarm

This is used to enable or disable the feature of booting up the system on a
scheduled time/date from the 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

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

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 non-PNP 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.

Primary Graphic’s Adapter

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

[Auto] The system initializes the graphic’s adapter automatically.
[PCI Mode]The system initializes the PCI Express graphic first. If a PCI

PCI Latency Timer

This item controls how long each PCI device can hold the bus before another
takes over. When set to higher values, every PCI device can conduct transac­tions for a longer time and thus improve the effective PCI bandwidth. For better
PCI performance, you should set the item to higher values. Setting options:

3-18

Express graphic card is not available, it will initialize the internal
graphic’s adapter.

BIOS Setup

[32], [64], [96], [128].

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

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

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

CPU Shutdown Temperature

If the CPU temperature reaches the limit preset in the next setting, the system
will shutdown automatically. This helps you to prevent the CPU overheating
problem. This item is available only when your OS supports this function, such
as Windows ME/XP. Setting options: [Disabled], [75

O

C]. [80OC], [85OC].

CPU Fan Failure Warning

When enabled, the system will automatically monitor the CPU fan during boot­up. 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 (CPU_FAN) 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].

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].

Smart Fan

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

3-20

BIOS Setup

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.

Smart FAN Tolerance

This item allows you to set the tolerance value of the smart fan.

PC Health Status

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

CPU/System Temperature, SYSTEM FAN/CPU FAN Speed, Vcore,
+3.3V, +5.0V, +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

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Cell Menu

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.

Current CPU Clock, Current DDR Memory Frequency

These two items show the current clocks of CPU & DDR memory frequency.
Read-only.

Cool’n’Quiet

This feature is especially desiged for AMD Athlon processor, which provides
a CPU temperature detecting function to prevent your CPU’s from overheading
due to the heavy working loading. Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

MSI Reminds You...

For the purpose of ensuring the stability of Cool'n'Quiet function,
it is always recommended to have the memories plugged in
DIMM1.

Adjust DDR Memory Frequency

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:
[Manual], [Auto].

DDR Memory Frequency

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

3-22

BIOS Setup

will 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. Setting options: [100 MHz], [133MHz], [166MHz], [200MHz].

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: [200]~[320]

Adjust PCI Express Frequency

User can place an artificial PCI Express clock limit on the system. Setting
options: [100]~[200].

Ratio/Vcore Change

This field allows you to select the CPU Ratio. Setting to [Auto] enables CPU
Ratio automatically to be determined by SPD. Setting options: [Auto], [Manual].

Adjust CPU Ratio

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. Setting
options are: [Startup], [x4]~[x25].

CPU Voltage

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

Memory Voltage

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

LDT Bus Voltage

This item specifies the maximum operating frequency of the link's transmitter
clock. Setting options: [1.20], [1.25], [1.30], [1.35], [1.40], [1.45], [1.50].

Auto Disable PCI Clock

This item is used to auto detect the PCI slots. When set to [Enabled], the system
will remove (turn off) clocks from empty PCI slots to minimize the electromag­netic interference (EMI). Settings: [Enabled], [Disabled].

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

3-23

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

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

BIOS Setup

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

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

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.

3-26

Using 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- Channel Audio Function

Appendix A: Using 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- Channel

Audio Function

The mainboard is equipped with Realtek ALC850 chip, which provides support
for 8-channel audio output, including 2 Front, 2 Rear, 1 Center and 1 Subwoofer
channel. ALC850 allows the board to attach 2, 4, 6 or 8 speakers for better surround
sound effect. The section will tell you how to install and use 2-, 4-, 6- or 8-channel
audio function on the board.

A-1

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Installing the Audio Driver

You need to install the driver for Realtek ALC850 codec to function properly before you
can get access to 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- channel audio operations. Follow the procedures
described below to install the drivers for different operating systems.

Installation for Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP

For Windows® 2000, you must install Windows® 2000 Service Pack2 or later
before installing the driver.

The following illustrations are based on Windows® XP environment and could
look slightly different if you install the drivers in different operating systems.

1. Insert the companion CD into the CD-ROM drive. The setup screen will automati-

cally appear.

2. Click Realtek AC97 Audio Drivers.

A-2

Click here

MSI Reminds You...

The AC97 Audio Configuration software utility is under continuous
update to enhance audio applications. Hence, the program screens shown
here in this appendix may be slightly different from the latest software
utility and shall be held for reference only.

Using 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- Channel Audio Function

3. Click Next to install the AC’97 Audio software.

4. Click Finish to restart the system.

Click here

Click here

Select this
option

A-3

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Software Configuration

After installing the audio driver, you are able to use the 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- channel
audio feature now. Click the audio icon from the system tray at the lower-right
corner of the screen to activate the AC97 Audio Configuration. It is also available
to enable the audio driver by clicking the Sound Effect Manager from the Control

Panel.

A-4

Using 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- Channel Audio Function

Sound Effect

Here you can select a sound effect you like from the Environment list.

Edit

You may also edit the properties for an environment as you wish by clicking the
“Edit” button, then just scroll the bar in the bottom for each property to adjust.

A-5

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

You may choose the provided sound effects, and the equalizer will adjust
automatically. If you like, you may also load an equalizer setting or make an new
equalizer setting to save as an new one by using the “Load EQ Setting” and “Save

Preset” button, click “Reset EQ Setting” button to use the default value, or click
“Delete EQ Setting” button to remove a preset EQ setting.

Load EQ Setting

Reset EQ Setting

EQ Setting On/Off

Save Preset

Delete EQ
Setting

There are also other pre-set equalizer models for you to choose by clicking
“Others” under the Equalizer part.

Here it provides the Karaoke function which will automatically remove human
voice (lyrics) and leave melody for you to sing the song. You may use the “up arrow”
and “down arrow” button to raise/lower the key, and press the lower button to remove

the human voice.

Raise the key

Remove the
human voice

Lower the key

A-6

Using 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- Channel Audio Function

Speaker Configuration

In this tab, you can easily configure your multi-channel audio function and
speakers.

1. First you have to select the audio configuration below which is identical to the
audio jack on your mainboard. In this model it uses Realtek ALC850 codec
which supports 8-channel S/PDIF, therefore you should choose 8CH-S/PDIF

(Optical & Coaxial).

2

1

3

2. Select a desired multi-channel operation here.

a. Headphone for the common headphone
b. 2CH Speaker for Stereo-Speaker Output
c. 4CH Speaker for 4-Speaker Output
d. 6CH Speaker for 5.1-Speaker Output
e. 8CH Speaker for 8-Speaker Output

A-7

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Select the speaker by clicking it to test its functionality. The one you select will
light up and make testing sound. 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. Or you may click the “ Auto Test” button to test the sounds of each

speaker automatically.

Center

Front Left

Subwoofer

Side Left Side Right

Rear Left

3. While you are testing the speakers in 8-Channel / 6-Channel Mode, if the
sound coming from the center speaker and subwoofer is swapped, you
should select Swap Center/Subwoofer Output to readjust these two
channels.

Front Right

Rear Right

A-8

Using 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- Channel Audio Function

HRTF Demo

In this tab you may adjust your HRTF (Head Related Transfer Functions) 3D

positional audio before playing 3D audio applications like gaming. You may also select
different environment to choose the most suitable environment you like.

A-9

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

General

In this tab it provides some information about this AC97 Audio Configuration
utility, including Audio Driver Version, DirectX Version, Audio Controller & AC97 Codec.
You may also select the language of this utility by choosing from the Language list.

Also there is a selection Show icon in system tray. Switch it on and an icon

will show in the system tray. Right-click on the icon and the Audio Accessories

dialogue box will appear which provides several multimedia features for you to take
advantage of.

A-10

Using 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- Channel Audio Function

SPDIF

In this tab it provides options about SPDIF-Out for you to configure.

† No Output: With this option, there is no S/PDIF output signal while playing analog

and digital audio.

† Output digital only: With this option, only digital audio will be allowed to play via

SPDIF out while playing analog and digital audio.

† Output digital and analog: With this option, both digital and analog audio will be

allowed to play via SPDIF out while playing analog and digital audio.

A-11

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

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

Connecting the Speakers

When you have set the Multi-Channel Audio Function mode properly in the software
utility, connect your speakers to the correct phone jacks in accordance with the setting
in software utility.

n 2-Channel Mode for Stereo-Speaker Output

Refer to the following diagram and caption for the function of each phone jack on

the back panel when 2-Channel Mode is selected.

Back Panel

1

2

3

1 Line In
2 Line Out (Front channels)
3 MIC
4 Line Out (Rear channels, but no functioning in this mode)
5 Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel, but no functioning in this mode)
6 SPDIF Out Optical jack

4

5

6

A-12

Using 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- Channel Audio Function

n 4-Channel Mode for 4-Speaker Output

1

2

3

Description:
Connect two speakers to back
panel’ s Line Out connector and

4-Channel Analog Audio Output

1 Line In
2 Line Out (Front channels)
3 MIC
4 Line Out (Rear channels)
5 Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel, but no functioning in this mode)
6 Optical SPDIF jack

two speakers to the real-chan­nel Line Out connector.

4

5

6

A-13

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

n 6-Channel Mode for 6-Speaker Output

1

2

3

6-Channel Analog Audio Output

1 Line In
2 Line Out (Front channels)
3 MIC
4 Line Out (Rear channels)
5 Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel)
6 Optical SPDIF jack

4

5

6

Description:
Connect two speakers to back
panel’ s Line Out connector, two
speakers to the rear-channel
and two speakers to the cen­ter/subwoofer-channel Line Out
connectors.

A-14

Using 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- Channel Audio Function

n 8-Channel Mode for 8-Speaker Output

1

2

3

8-Channel Analog Audio Output

1 Line Out (Side channels)
2 Line Out (Front channels)
3 MIC
4 Line Out (Rear channels)
5 Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel)
6 Optical SPDIF jack

4

5

6

Description:
Connect two speakers to back
panel’s Line Out connector, two
speakers to the rear-channel,
two speakers to the center/
subwoofer-channel Line Out
connectors, and two speakers
to the side-channel Line Out
connectors.

A-15

ATI SATA RAID Setup Guide

Appendix B: ATI SATA RAID Setup
Guide

Two major challenges facing the storage industry today are (1): keep pace with
increasing performance demands of computer systems by improving disk I/O
throughput, and (2): provide data accessibility in the event of hard disk failure.

To meet these two challenges, ATI south bridge SB400 supports four SATA ports and
incorporates Silicon Image’s SiI 3112 Serial ATA host controller, together with Silicon
Image’s Serial ATA RAID Management Software (SATARaid™).

SATARaid software provides support for RAID Striping and RAID Mirroring. RAID
Striping greatly improves hard disk I/O performance by concurrently striping data
across multiple drives. RAID Mirroring makes sure data is not lost if a drive fails as
data is simultaneously written to two drives. Drives configured for RAID Striping are
said to form a RAID 0 set, while drives configured for RAID Mirroring are said to form
a RAID 1 set.

The SATARaid software includes a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that provides
continuous monitoring of the RAID set(s) supported.

B-1

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

SATA RAID Features

u RAID 0 and RAID 1
u On-line Mirror Rebuilding
u RAID GUI Monitoring Utility:

- Displays/Logs/Alerts Users to Vital RAID Set Information

- Manages RAID Set Functions (configures, rebuilds, etc.)

u RAID Set accommodates multiple size HDDs
u HDDs function normally when not in RAID Sets
u Adjustable stripe size for RAID 0
u Automatically selects highest available transfer speed for all ATA and ATAPI

devices

u Supports:

- UDMA up to 150MB/Sec.

- All UDMA and PIO Modes

- Up to 4 SATA devices

- ACPI and ATA/ATAPI6

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology manages multiple disk
drives to enhance I/O performance and to provide redundancy in order to withstand
the failure of any individual member, without loss of data.

SATARaid™ provides two RAID Set types: Striped Set (RAID 0) and Mirrored Set
(RAID 1).

Disk Striping (RAID 0)

Striping is a performance-oriented, non-redundant data mapping technique. It does
not provide fault tolerance. With modern SATA and ATA bus mastering technology,
multiple I/O operations can be performed in parallel, enhancing performance. Striping
arrays use multiple disks to form a larger virtual disk.

B-2

ATI SATA RAID Setup Guide

Disk Mirroring (RAID 1)

Disk mirroring creates an identical twin for a selected disk by having the data simul­taneously written to two disks. This redundancy provides protection from a single
disk failure. If a read failure occurs on one drive, the system reads the data from the
other drive.

B-3

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Creating RAID Sets

Creating and deleting RAID sets and performing other RAID setting up operations are
done in the BIOS. During bootup, a screen similar to the one below will appear for

about 5 seconds. Press CTRL+S or the F4 key to enter the BIOS RAID Utility.

The BIOS RAID Utility menu screen will appear. A brief description of each item on the
screen is given on the next page.

B-4

ATI SATA RAID Setup Guide

BIOS RAID Utility Screen Description

u Main Menu

The Main Menu in the upper left corner is used to choose the operation to be performed.

The selections are:

1. Create RAID Set is used to create a new RAID Set (RAID 0 or RAID 1).

2. Delete RAID Set is used to delete a RAID Set.

3. Rebuild Mirrored Set is used to initiate the rebuild of a RAID 1 set after, for
example, a drive in the Set has been replaced.

4. Resolve Conflicts is used to automatically find the member drives of a RAID
set which has been disrupted (physical drives swapped around, for example)
and restore the Set to proper operation.

5. Low Level Format allows a single drive to have its data completely wiped
out. Drives assigned to Sets cannot be low level formatted.

These operations are described in the pages that follow.

u Help Window

This window displays context-sensitive help and status messages.

u Physical Drive Properties

This window displays the model number and capacities of the drives physically
attached to the SATA host adapter.

Description of RAID Setup Operations

u Creating RAID Sets

As previously discussed, the SATA host controller supports RAID 0 and RAID 1
configurations. The selection of the RAID configuration should be based upon fac­tors including performance, data security, and the number of drives available. It is
best to carefully consider the long-term role of the system and plan the data storage

B-5

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

strategy. RAID sets can be created either automatically, or to allow the greatest
flexibility, manually.

1. Select “Create RAID Set.”

2. Choose a RAID 0 Striped, or a RAID 1 Mirrored set.

3. Select if you want the utility to Automatically Configure or if you want to
manually configure the RAID Set.

4. If you chose manual configuration, for Striped Sets, you can change the
chunk size. For Mirrored Sets, you assign which drive is the Source and
which is the Target.

5. The message “ Are You Sure?” will display before completing the configuration.
Answer “N” to abort the creation of the new RAID set, or “Y” to proceed with
the RAID set creation.

u Deleting RAID Sets

1. To remove one or more RAID sets, select “Delete RAID Set.”

2. Select the desired set and press Enter.

3. Press “Y” when asked “Are You Sure?”

4. The drives will be returned to the selection of logical drives from which a
new RAID set can be created

u Rebuild RAID 1 Set

This menu selection is used to initiate the copying of data from an existing drive to a
replacement drive that has been installed in a RAID 1 set after the failure of one of the
members.

1. Select “Rebuild RAID1 set.”

2. Select the desired set and press Enter.

3. Press “Y” when asked “Are You Sure?”

4. The set will be rebuilt. The status of the rebuild is displayed in the MAIN MENU
window.

u Resolving Conflicts

When a RAID set is created, the metadata written to the disk includes drive connec­tion information including the channel on the host controller to which it is connected.
If after a drive failure the replacement drive was previously part of a RAID set or
used in another system, it may have conflicting metadata, specifically in reference to
the drive connection information. If so, this will prohibit the RAID set from being either
created or rebuilt. In order for the RAID set to function properly, this old metadata
must be first overwritten with the new metadata. To correct this, select “Resolve
Conflict”, and the correct metadata, including the correct drive connection information,
will automatically be written to the replacement drive.

B-6

ATI SATA RAID Setup Guide

1. Select “Resolve Conflicts”

2. Select the “ Invalid RAID drive” entry in the Logical Drive Status window and

press Enter.

3. Follow the prompts to resolve the conflict.

Note that some conflict resolutions may result in the drive letter assignment changing;
for example the RAID set may have been drive D: but after the conflict resolution, it
may become drive E:. To maintain the same drive lettering, you may need to swap the
SATA cable connected to the drive, or in the case of a SATA-based removable drive
unit, you may need to change the order of the drives within the chassis.

u Low Level Formatting

The Low Level Format item selection allows you to completely erase the data on a
hard drive. However this is a very drastic process and not typically needed. Format­ting the drive under Windows is usually sufficient to delete the data.

B-7

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

Installing RAID Drivers (for Windows 2000/XP only)

Installing RAID Drivers during OS Install

Follow the instructions in this section if you are performing a new installation of the
OS (Windows 2000/XP), and wish to boot from a RAID drive connected to the SATA
controller.

1. Install the new SATA drives

a. Power off the system.
b. Connect the hard drives to the RAID controller ports.
c. Insert your Windows 2000/XP CD into the CD-ROM/DVD drive, or the

2000/XP boot diskette #1 in the floppy drive if your system cannot boot
from the CD.

d. Power up the system.

2. Install the driver during OS boot

a. Press F6 for third party SCSI or driver installation at the beginning of the

text mode installation.

b. Press ‘s’ when setup asks if you want to specify an additional device,

and insert the diskette or CD labelled ‘ATI SATARaid Driver Installation

Disk’. (You’ll have to remove the OS installation CD first.)
c. Press ‘Enter’ and select ‘ATI Serial ATA Controller’
d. Press ‘Enter’ to continue with text mode setup.

3. Partition and format the Master RAID drive
a. Follow the setup instructions to select your choice of partition and file

system.

4. Install OS on the Master RAID drive
a. After setup has examined your drives, it will copy files to Windows

installation folders and restart the system.
b. The setup program will continue and finish the installation after restart.
c. Wait until Windows 2000/XP finishes installing devices, regional settings,

networking settings, components, and final set of tasks, reboot the sys-

tem if it is required.

5. Verify driver installation under Windows 2000 and XP
a. Right click on ‘My Computer’ icon, select ‘Properties’, left click on ‘Hard-

ware’ tab, and then on ‘Device Manager’ button.

b. Double click on ‘SCSI and RAID Controllers’, If there is no yellow ‘! ‘ or ‘ ?

‘ in front of ‘ATI Serial ATA Controller’, the driver is installed correctly.

Updating Previously Installed RAID Drivers

1. Insert your Windows 2000/XP ATI driver CD into the CD-ROM/DVD drive. The
ATI driver installation Wizard will start.

2. Follow the setup instructions to complete the driver installation.

B-8

ATI SATA RAID Setup Guide

The following screen shots are taken from the ATI driver installation
wizard.

B-9

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

B-10

ATI SATA RAID Setup Guide

Installing SATARaid Utility

Insert your Windows 2000/XP ATI driver CD into the CD-ROM/DVD drive.
Run the setup.exe program on the CD and follow the setup instructions to complete
the installation.

The following screen shots are taken from the installation of SATARaid.

B-11

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

SATARaid GUI can be launched from the Task Bar

B-12

ATI SATA RAID Setup Guide

SATARaid GUI

The SATARaid GUI offers the user the ability to easily monitor the RAID Set. To launch
the GUI, simply double-click on the icon located in the bottom right hand corner of the
Desktop. If the icon does not appear in the bottom right hand corner of the desktop,
find where the SATARaid application was saved and launch from there. Upon launch­ing the GUI, the main window, which identifies the computer running SATARaid,
should look the following:

Note: You must have created RAID set(s) in the BIOS as described earlier before you
can see the set(s) in the GUI.

Use Help to find out about the features offered by SATRaid.
The main function of SATARaid is to monitor and report activities of RAID devices. The

settings for monitoring and reporting are performed under the item SATARaid
Configuration. The following screen shots show some of the settings performed
through SATARaid GUI.

B-13

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

A RAID 1 Set Monitoring Example

B-14

ATI SATA RAID Setup Guide

B-15

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

B-16

A RAID 0 Set Monitoring Example

ATI SATA RAID Setup Guide

B-17

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

B-18

ATI SATA RAID Setup Guide

B-19

MS-7151 ATX Mainboard

B-20

ATI SATA RAID Setup Guide

B-21