MSI K8NNeo4 Platinum, MS-7125 User Manual

K8N Neo4 Platinum Series

MS-7125 (v3.X) ATX Mainboard

G52-M7125XL

i

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.

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

Micro-Star International
MS-7125

ii

Copyright Notice

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

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

Trademarks

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

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

Revision History

Revision Revision History Date

V3.1 First release for PCB 3.X January 2006

with nVidia nForce4 Ultra
(with RoHS)

iii

Technical Support

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

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

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

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

Safety Instructions

1. Always read the safety instructions carefully.

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

3. Keep this equipment away from humidity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

† 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

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

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

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

Release History...............................................................................................................iii

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

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

WEEE Statement..............................................................................................................v

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

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

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

Packing Contents.................................................................................................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

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

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

Recommended Memory Combination List..................................................2-8

Installing DDR Modules................................................................................2-9

Power Supply....................................................................................................2-10

ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: ATX1.......................................................2-10

ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW1..........................................................2-10

Important Notification about Power Issue................................................2-11

Back Panel.........................................................................................................2-12

Mouse Connector (Green) / Keyboard Connector (Purple)..................2-12

IEEE1394 Port (Optional)...........................................................................2-13

Serial Port Connector................................................................................2-13

USB Connectors........................................................................................2-13

LAN (RJ-45) Jack......................................................................................2-14

Audio Port Connectors..............................................................................2-14

Parallel Port Connector: LPT1...................................................................2-15

Connectors........................................................................................................2-16

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1........................................................2-16

Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN1 / SFAN1 / SFAN2 / NBFAN1...........2-16

Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1/IDE2.............................................................2-17

viii

Chassis Intrusion Switch Connectors: JCI1............................................2-17

Serial ATA/Serial ATA RAID Connectors controlled by

nForce4 Ultra: SATA1/SATA2/SATA3/SATA4.........................................2-18

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1 / JFP2......................................................2-19

Front USB Connectors: JUSB1/JUSB2/JUSB3........................................2-19

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1......................................................2-20

IrDA Infrared Module Header: JIR1...........................................................2-20

IEEE 1394 Connectors: J1394_1 (Optional)............................................2-21

CD-In Connector: JCD1.............................................................................2-21

D-BracketTM 2 Connector: JDB1...............................................................2-22

Buuton................................................................................................................2-24

Clear CMOS Button: SW1..........................................................................2-25

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

PCI Express Slots......................................................................................2-26

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

PCI Interrupt Request Routing...................................................................2-27

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Power Management Setup...............................................................................3-17

PNP/PCI Configurations.....................................................................................3-20

H/W Monitor........................................................................................................3-22

Cell Menu............................................................................................................3-23

Load Fail-Safe/Optimized Defaults..................................................................3-30

BIOS Setting Password....................................................................................3-31

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

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

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

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

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

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

ix

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

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

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

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

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

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

Core Center (for AMD K8 Processor).............................................................4-14

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter 5. nVIDIA RAID Introduction..................................................................5-1

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

System Requirement...................................................................................5-2

RAID Arrays.................................................................................................5-2

Summary of RAID Configurations..............................................................5-2

RAID Configuration..............................................................................................5-3

Basic Configuration Instructions................................................................5-3

Setting Up the NVRAID BIOS......................................................................5-3

NVIDIA RAID Untility Installation..........................................................................5-7

Installing the RAID Driver (for bootable RAID Array)...............................5-7

Installing the NVIDIA RAID Software Under Windows

(for Non-bootable RAID Array).................................................................5-9

Initializing and Using the Disk Array.........................................................5-10

RAID Drives Management.................................................................................5-12

Viewing RAID Array Configurations........................................................5-12

Setting Up a Spare RAID Disk...................................................................5-14

Rebuilding a RAID Mirrored Array............................................................5-20

Chapter 6. Installation of Driver & Utility..........................................................6-1

Driver Installation.................................................................................................6-2

NVIDIA nForce4 System Driver..................................................................6-2

Realtek AC97 Audio Driver.........................................................................6-5

Utility Installation..................................................................................................6-6

x

Getting Started

Chapter 1. Getting
Started

Getting Started

Thank you for choosing the K8N Neo4 Platinum series (MS-

7125) v3.X ATX mainboard. The K8N Neo4 Platinum series
mainboard is based on nVIDIA® nForce™4 Ultra chipset for optimal
system efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced AMD® K8 Athlon 64
FX / Athlon 64 processor, the K8N Neo4 Platinum series mainboard
delivers a high performance and professional desktop platform
solution.

1-1

MS-7125 ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Specifications

CPU

† Supports Socket-939 for AMD K8 Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 (Socket939) processor
† Supports up to Athlon64 3500+, 3800+, 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

† nVIDIA nForce4 Ultra

- HyperTransport link to the AMD Athlon 64/Athlon 64 FX CPU

- HyperTransport supporting speed up to 1GHz (2000MT/s)

- Supports PCI Express x16/x1/x2 interface

- Two independent SATA controllers, for four drives

- Dual Fast ATA-133 IDE controllers

- IEEE802.3 nVIDIA MAC for 1000BASE-T

Main Memory

† Supports dual channel, eight memory banks DDR 266/333/400, using four 184-

pin DDR DIMMs

† Supports a maximum memory size up to 4GB
† 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 slots (supports PCI Express Bus specification v1.0a

compliant)

† Four 32-bit Master PCI Bus slots, includes one orange slot which is reserved as

a communication slot.

† Support 3.3V/5V PCI bus Interface

On-Board IDE

† An IDE controller on the nVIDIA® nForce4 Ultra chipset provides IDE HDD/CD-

ROM with PIO, Bus Master and Ultra DMA 66/100/133 operation modes

† Can connect up to 4 IDE devices

On-Board SATA

† nForce4 Ultra supports 4 SATA II ports. Transfer rate is up to 300MB/s.

1-2

Getting Started

USB Interface

† 10 USB ports

- Controlled by nForce4 Ultra chipset

- 4 ports in the rear I/O, 6 ports via the external bracket

NV RAID (Software)

† Supports up to 4 SATA and 4 ATA133 Hard drives

-RAID 0 or 1, 0+1, JBOD is supported

-RAID function available for PATA+SATA H/D drives

Gigabit LAN

† Supports one LAN jacks

-Supports 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet by Marvell 88E1111

IEEE 1394 (Optional)

† Supports up to two 1394 ports (rear panel x 1, pinheader x 1). Transfer rate is

up to 400Mbps

Audio

† Chip integrated by Realtek ALC850

-Direct Sound AC97 audio

-7.1 Channel output

On-Board Peripherals

† On-Board Peripherals include:

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

-1 serial port

-1 parallel port supporting SPP/EPP/ECP mode

-1 Audio jack(5-in-1) and fiber SPDIF out

-1 coaxial SPDIF out

-1 IrDA pinheader

-1 CD-In pinheader

-1 D-Bracket2 pinheader

-2 IEEE1394 ports (Rear * 1 / Front * 1)(Optional)

-10 USB1.1/2.0 ports (Rear * 4 / Front * 6)

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

records your mainboard specifications.

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

1-3

MS-7125 ATX Mainboard

Dimension

† ATX Form Factor (30.4 cm X 24.4 cm)

Mounting

† 9 mounting holes

MSI Reminds You...

1.Now the nVidia nForce4 system driver is only available for Windows
2000 and Windows XP.

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

1-4

CPUFAN1

F

D

D

1

SATA3

SATA4

SATA1

SATA2

JCD1

W

inb

o

nd W8

3

627TH

F

BATT+

DIM

M 1

SFAN1

A

T

X

1

PCI Slot 3

PCI Slot 2

PCI Slot 1

JUSB3

J1394_1

(Optional)

Top : mouse

MSI

CoreCell

PCI Slot 4

NForce4

Bottom: keyboard

Top : Parallel Port
Bottom:

COM Port
1394 Port (Optional)
SPDIF OUT

T: LAN jack
B: USB ports

USB ports

T:

Line-In

M:

Line-Out

B:

Mic
T:RS-Out
M:CS

-Out

B:SPDIF Out

88E1111-RCJ

Mainboard Layout

1
W

P

J

Getting Started

3

2

4

M

M

M

JCI1

M

M

M

I

I

I

D

D

D

JIR1JIR1

2

1

E

E

D

D

I

I

PCI _E2

PCI _E1

VIA

VT6307

(Optional)

Codec

JAUD1

JDB1

SFAN2

Ultra

JUSB1

JUSB2

S
O

I
B

NBFAN1

S1W

JLPC1

JFP2

JFP1

K8N Neo4 Platinum Series (MS-7125 v3.X) ATX Mainboard

1-5

MS-7125 ATX Mainboard

MSI motherboard

Packing Contents

MSI Driver/Utility CD

SATA RAID Driver

Diskette

SATA Cable (Optional)

Power Cable

Round Cable of

Floppy Disk (Optional)

D-Bracket 2 (Optional)

1394 Cable (Optional)

Round Cable of

IDE Devices (Optional)

Back IO Shield

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 compo­nents and follow the installation procedures.

2-1

MS-7125 ATX Mainboard

Quick Components Guide

Back Panel I/
O,(Optional)

p.2-12

PCI_E2, p.2-26

PCI_E1, p.2-26

J1394_1, p.2-21

(Optional)

PCI Slots 1~4,

CPUFAN1, p.2-16

p.2-26

CPU, p.2-3

JPW1, p.2-10

SFAN1, p.2-16

DDR DIMMs, p.2-7

JCI1, p.2-7

ATX1, p.2-10
JIR1, p.2-20

FDD1, p.2-16

IDE1/2, p.2-17

NBFAN1,

p.2-16

SATA1~4,

p.2-18

SW1, p.2-25

JAUD1, p.2-20

JCD1, p.2-21

2-2

JDB1, p.2-22

SFAN2,

p.2-16

JFP2, p.2-19

JFP1, p.2-19

JUSB1~3, p.2-19

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.

Overclocking

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

or risks caused by inadequate operation or beyond product
specifications.

2-3

MS-7125 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 on the
CPU. The gold arrow should point
as shown in the picture. The CPU
can only fit in the correct
orientation.Lower the CPU down
onto the socket.

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
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.

2-4

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.

1.Detach the shield of 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-7125 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.

7.Fasten down the lever.

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

Lift up the intensive fixed lever.

9.Attach the CPU Fan cable to the CPU

fan connector on the mainboard.

Safety Hook

Fixed Lever

Fixed Bolt

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.

2-6

Hardware Setup

Memory

The mainboard provides 4 slots for 184-pin DDR SDRAM DIMM (Double In-Line Memory
Module) modules and supports the memory size up to 4GB. You can install DDR266/
333/400/433/466/500/533 modules on the DDR DIMM slots (DDR 1~4).
For the updated supporting memory modules, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/
program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_trp_list.php.

DIMM1~4

(from bottom to top)

Introduction to DDR SDRAM

DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM is similar to conventional SDRAM, but doubles the
rate by transferring data twice per cycle. It uses 2.5 volts as opposed to 3.3 volts
used in SDR SDRAM, and requires 184-pin DIMM modules rather than 168-pin DIMM
modules used by SDR SDRAM. High memory bandwidth makes DDR an ideal solution
for high performance PC, workstations and servers.

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. Please note that each DIMM can work respectively for single-
channel DDR, but there are some rules while using dual-channel DDR (Please
refer to the suggested DDR population table below). Users may install memory modules
of different type and density on different-channel DDR DIMMs. However, the same
type and density memory modules are necessary while using dual-channel DDR,
or instability may happen. Please refer to the following table for detailed dual-channel
DDR. Other combination not listed below will function as single-channel DDR.

2-7

MS-7125 ATX Mainboard

GREEN

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

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

MSI Reminds You...

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

-Please select the identical memory modules to install on the dual
channel, and DO NOT install three memory modules on three
DIMMs, or it may cause some failure.

-Always insert the memory modules into the GREEN slots first, and
it is strongly recommended not to insert the memory modules into
the PURPLE slots while the GREEN slots are left empty.

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

PURPLE

GREEN

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

PURPLE

Recommended Memory Combination List

DIMM Slots

Green Green

DIMM1

S

­D

S ­D ­S

Purple

DIMM2 DIMM3 DIMM4

- -

-

-

-

S

-

D-

S -

D -

S

-

- - S S

D D

- -

S
D

S
D

S: Single Side D: Double Side

- ­D D
S

D

Purple

-

-

-

-

-

S

D

Max Speed

DDR 400
DDR 400
DDR 400
DDR 400
DDR 400
DDR 333
DDR 400
DDR 400
DDR 400
DDR 400
DDR 400
DDR 333

2-8

Hardware Setup

MSI Reminds You...

1. The maximum memory speed decreases when the following two
Memory Combination is selected (you can also refer to the Rec­ommended Memory Combination list shown in the previous page:

-Each channel is installed with two double-sided memory mod-

ules

-Both DIMM1 and DIMM3 slots are installed with double-sided

memory module.

2. Due to the South Bridge resource deployment, the system den­sity will only be detected up to 3+GB (not full 4GB) when each
DIMM is installed with an 1GB memory module.

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.

MSI Reminds You...

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

Volt

Notch

2-9

MS-7125 ATX Mainboard

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: ATX1

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

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 13

24

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: JPW1

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

JPW1 Pin Definition

3 4
1

JPW1

2

PIN SIGNAL

1 GND
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. For ATX 12V power connection, it should be greater than 18A.

2-10

Hardware Setup

Important Notification about Power Issue

NForce chipset is very sensitive to ESD (Electrostatic Discharge), therefore this
issue mostly happens while the users intensively swap memory modules under S5
(power-off) states, and the power code is plugged while installing modules. Due to
several pins are very sensitive to ESD, so this kind of memory-replacement actions
might cause system chipset unable to boot. Please follow the following solution to
avoid this situation.

Unplug the AC power cable (shown in figure 1) or unplug the ATX1 & JPW1 power
connectors (shown in figure 2 & figure 3) before the 1st installation or during sys­tem upgrade procedure.

Figure 1:

Unplug the AC power cable

Figure 2:

Unplug the ATX1 power connector

Figure 3:

Unplug the JPW1 power connector

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MS-7125 ATX Mainboard

Back Panel

The back panel provides the following connectors:

Mouse

Keyboard

COM Port

Parallel

1394 Port

(Optional)

SPDIF
Out
(Coaxial)

LAN

USB Ports

L-In

L-Out

Mic

RS-Out

CS-Out
SPDIF Out
(Optical)

Mouse Connector (Green) / Keyboard Connector (Purple)

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:

6

4

2

PS/2 Mouse / Keyboard

(6-pin Female)

2-12

Pin Definition

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

Hardware Setup

IEEE1394 Port (Optional)

The back panel provides one standard IEEE 1394 port. The standard IEEE1394 port
connects to IEEE1394 devices without external power. The IEEE1394 high-speed
serial bus complements USB by providing enhanced PC connectivity for a wide range
of devices, including consumer electronics audio/video (A/V) appliances, storage
peripherals, other PCs, and portable devices.

IEEE1394 Port

Serial Port Connector

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

Pin Definition

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

9-Pin Male DIN Connector

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

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

USB Connectors

The mainboard provides two OHCI (Open Host Controller Interface) Universal Serial
Bus roots for attaching USB devices such as keyboard, mouse or other USB-com­patible 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

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MS-7125 ATX Mainboard

LAN (RJ-45) Jack

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

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-

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.

S/PDIF Out-Coaxial

Line In

( in 7.1CH / 6CH)

Line Out

MIC

Rear Speaker Out

(in 7.1CH / 6CH / 4CH)

Center/Subwoofer

Speaker Out

( in 7.1CH / 6CH)

S/PDIF Out-Optical

(in 7.1CH / 6CH)

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