Msi K9A2 Neo Series user Manual

K9A2 Neo Series

MS-7388 (v1.X) Mainboard

i

Copyright Notice

The material in this document is the intellectual property of MICRO-STAR

INTERNATIONAL. We take every care in the preparation of this document, but no

guarantee is given as to the correctness of its contents. Our products are under

continual improvement and we reserve the right to make changes without notice.

Trademarks

All trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

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

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

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

marks of AMD Corporation.

Intel® and Pentium® are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.

PS/2 and OS®/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines

Corporation.

Windows® 95/98/2000/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

V1.1 First release for PCB 1.X January, 2008

Technical Support

If a problem arises with your system and no solution can be obtained from the user’ s

manual, please contact your place of purchase or local distributor. Alternatively,

please try the following help resources for further guidance.

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

func=faqIndex

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

ii

Safety Instructions

1. Always read the safety instructions carefully.

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

3. Keep this equipment away from humidity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

User’s Manual.

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

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

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

iii

FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement

This equipment has been

tested and found to comply

with the limits for a Class B

digital device, pursuant to Part

15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection

against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,

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

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

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

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

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

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

below.

† Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

† Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

† Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected.

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

Notice 1

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

Notice 2

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

VOIR LA NOTICE D ’INSTALLATION AVANT DE RACCORDER AU RESEAU.

Micro-Star International

MS-7388

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:

(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that

may cause undesired operation.

iv

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Statement

v

vi

vii

CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Memory.................................................................................................................2-6

Power Supply......................................................................................................2-8

Back Panel............................................................................................................2-9

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

Jumpers..............................................................................................................2-18

Slots....................................................................................................................2-19

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

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

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

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

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

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

Power Management Setup...............................................................................3-13

PNP/PCI Configurations.....................................................................................3-16

H/W Monitor........................................................................................................3-18

Cell Menu............................................................................................................3-19

Load Fail-Safe/ Optimized Defaults.................................................................3-22

BIOS Setting Password.....................................................................................3-23

Appendix A Realtek ALC888 Audio....................................................................A-1

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

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

Hardware Setup................................................................................................A-19

Appendix B SATA RAID...........................................................................................B-1

RAID Configuration..............................................................................................B-2

viii

Getting Started

Chapter 1

Getting Started

Thank you for choosing the K9A2 Neo Series (MS­7388 v1.X) ATX mainboard. The K9A2 Neo Series
mainboards are based on AMD® 770 & SB600 chipsets
for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit the ad­vanced AMD® Phenom/Athlon/Sempron series in Socket
AM2/ AM2+, the K9A2 Neo Series deliver a high perfor­mance and professional desktop platform solution.

1-1

MS-7388 Mainboard

Mainboard Specifications

Processor Support

- AMD® Phenom/Athlon/Sempron series processors in AM2/ AM2+
package

- Supports 4 pin CPU Fan Pin-Header with Fan Speed Control

(For the latest information about CPU, please visit

http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=cpuform)

Supported FSB

- AM2 CPU supports Hyper Transport 1.0

- AM2+ CPU supports Hyper Transport 3.0

Chipset

- North Bridge: AMD® 770 chipset

- South Bridge: AMD® SB600 chipset

Memory Support

- DDR2 800/667/533 DRAM (240pin/ 1.8V)

- 4 DDR2 DIMMs (8GB Max)

(For more information on compatible components, please visit

http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=testreport)

LAN

- Supports 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet by Realtek 8111B

1394 (Optional)

- Transfer rate is up to 400Mbps

- Controlled by VIA VT6308P (optional)

Audio

- Chip integrated by Realtek® ALC888

- Flexible 8-channel audio with jack sensing

- Compliant with Azalia 1.0 spec

IDE

- 1 IDE port by SB600

- Supports Ultra DMA 66/100/133 mode

- Supports PIO, Bus Master operation mode

SATA

- 4 SATAII ports by SB600

- 1 eSATA port by Silicon Image Sil3531(optional)

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

Floppy

- 1 floppy port

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

1-2

Getting Started

RAID

- SATA1~4 support RAID 0/ 1/ 0+1 mode

Connectors

Back panel

- 1 PS/2 mouse port

- 1 PS/2 keyboard port

- 1 1394 port (optional)

- 1 COM port

- 1 LAN jack

- 4 USB 2.0 ports

- 1 eSATA port (optional)

- 6 flexible audio jacks

On-Board Pinheaders

- 3 USB 2.0 pinheaders

- 1 1394 pinheader (optional)

- 1 Front Panel Audio pinheader

- 1 CD-in pinheader

- 1 TPM Module pinheader (optional)

- 1 SPDIF-out pinheader (optional)

- 1 Chassis Intrusion pinheader

TPM (optional)

- Supports TPM

Slots

- 1 PCI Express x16 slot compatible with PCIE 2.0 specification

- 2 PCI Express x 1 slot

- 2 PCI slots

Form Factor

- ATX (30.5cm X 22.0 cm)

Mounting

- 6 mounting holes

1-3

MS-7388 Mainboard

BATT+PCI _EX1

PCI _EX3

PCI _EX2

J1394_1

SYSFAN2

CPUFAN1CPUFAN1

Mainboard Layout

Top : mouse
Bottom: keyboard

Top :
USB Ports

Bottom:
1394 port (optional)
COM port

Top: LAN Jack
Bottom: USB
ports

ESATA Port
(optional)

T:

Line-In

M:

Line-Out

B:

Mic
T:RS-Out
M:CS-Out
B:SS-Out

JPW1

SYSFAN1

AMD

770

ATXPWR1

1-4

Audio
codec

JAUD1

LAN

Chip

Chip

DIMM1

DIMM3

DIMM2

DIMM4

I/O

JCI1

AMD

SB600

SATA1

SATA3 SATA2SATA4

IDE1

PCI1

JCD1

JSPD1

PCI2

FDD1

(Optional)

VIA
VT6308P
(optional)

JUSB3

JUSB1 JUSB2JFP1 JFP2

JBAT1

JTPM

K9A2 Neo Series (MS-7388 v1.X)

ATX Mainboard

Packing Checklist

Getting Started

MSI motherboard

Power Cable

User’ s Guide

MSI Driver/Utility CD

Standard Cable for

IDE Devices

SATA Cable

Back IO Shield

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

1-5

MS-7388 Mainboard

1-6

Hardware Setup

Chapter 2

Hardware Setup

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

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

2-1

MS-7388 Mainboard

Quick Components Guide

JPW1, p.2-8

Back Panel
I/O, p.2-9

SYSFAN1,

p.2-13

JCI1, p.2-16

CPUFAN1, p.2-13

CPU, p.2-3

DDR2 DIMMs, p.2-6

ATXPWR1, p.2-8

SATA1~4,

p.2-12

IDE1, p.2-11

PCI Express
slots, p.2-19

PCI Slots,

p.2-22

2-2

JSPD1, p.2-17

JCD1, p.2-13

JAUD1, p.2-14

FDD1, p.2-11

JTPM, p.2-14

JBAT1, p.2-18

SYSFAN2,

p.2-13

JFP2, p.2-16

JFP1, p.2-16

JUSB1~3,

p.2-15

J1394_1, p.2-17

Hardware Setup

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The mainboard supports AMD® Athlon64 X2/ Athlon64/ Sempron processors in Socket
AM2, and supports Phenom X4/X3, Athlon X2, Sempron processors in Socket AM2+.
The Socket AM2/ AM2+ offer a 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://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=cpuform

Important

Overheating

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

Replacing the CPU

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

Overclocking

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

by inadequate operation or beyond product specifications.

2-3

MS-7388 Mainboard

Open the lever

Gold arrow

Gold arrow

Gold arrow

Correct CPU

O

Incorrect CPU

the lever

CPU Installation Procedures for Socket AM2/ AM2+

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

Sliding

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.

the plate

90 degree

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.

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

Press down
the CPU

placement

placement

Close

Hardware Setup

Installing 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.

Important

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

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

1.Position the cooling set onto the re­tention mechanism.

Hook one end of the clip to hook
first.

3.Fasten down the lever.

2. Then press down the other end of
the clip to fasten the cooling set on
the top of the retention mechanism.
Locate the Fix Lever and lift up it .

Fixed Lever

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

2-5

MS-7388 Mainboard

1

2

3

Installed

Memory

These DIMM slots are used for installing memory modules.

For more information on compatible components, please visit:

http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=testreport

DDR2

240-pin, 1.8V

64x2=128 pin56x2=112 pin

Dual-Channel Memory Population Rules

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

DIMM1

DIMM2

DIMM3

DIMM4

DIMM1

DIMM2

DIMM3

DIMM4

DIMM1

DIMM2

DIMM3

DIMM4

Empty

2-6

Hardware Setup

Installing Memory Modules

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

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

Important

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

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

Volt

Notch

Important

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

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

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

- Due to the chipset resource deployment, the system density will only be
detected up to 7+GB (not full 8GB) when each DIMM is installed with a 2GB
memory module.

2-7

MS-7388 Mainboard

Power Supply

ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: ATXPWR1

This connector allows you to connect an ATX 24-pin power supply.
To connect the ATX 24-pin power supply, make sure the plug of the
power supply is inserted in the proper orientation and the pins are
aligned. Then push down the power supply firmly into the connector.

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

Pin Definition

24

ATXPWR1

12

1

13

PIN SIGNAL

1 +3.3V

2 +3.3V

3 GND

4 +5V

5 GND

6 +5V

7 GND

8 PWR OK

9 5VSB

10 +12V

11 +12V

12 +3.3V

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

pin 13

pin 12

ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW1

This power connector JPW1 is used to provide power to the CPU.

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL

1 GND

2 GND

3 12V

4 12V

JPW1

3

4

1

2

Important

1. Maker sure that all the connectors are connected to proper ATX power sup­plies to ensure stable operation of the mainboard.

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

2-8

Back Panel

Hardware Setup

Mouse

Keyboard

1394

(optional)

USB Ports

Serial Port

LAN

USB Ports

eSATA Port

(optional)

Line-In

Line-Out

Mic

RS-Out

CS-Out

SS-Out

Mouse/Keyboard

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

IEEE 1394 Port (optional)

The 1394 port on the back panel provides connection to 1394 devices.

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

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

LAN
The standard RJ-45 LAN jack is for con­nection to the Local Area Network (LAN).

Link IndicatorActivity Indicator

You can connect a network cable to it.

LED Color LED State Condition

Off LAN link is not established.

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

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

Green Off 10 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

Right On 100 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

Orange On 1000 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

2-9

MS-7388 Mainboard

eSATA Port (optional)
The eSATA port is for attaching the eSATA external hard drive.

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

audio devices.

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

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

2-10

Hardware Setup

Connectors

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1

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

FDD1

IDE Connector: IDE1

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

IDE1

Important

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

2-11

MS-7388 Mainboard

Serial ATA Connector: SATA1/ SATA2/ SATA3/ SATA4

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

SATA1

SATA2

SATA3

SATA4

Important

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

2-12

Hardware Setup

Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN1, SYSFAN1, SYSFAN2

The fan power connectors support system cooling fan with +12V. When connecting
the wire to the connectors, always note that the red wire is the positive and should
be connected to the +12V; the black wire is Ground and should be connected to GND.
If the mainboard has a System Hardware Monitor chipset on-board, you must use a
specially designed fan with speed sensor to take advantage of the CPU fan control.

CONTROL

SENSOR

+12V

GND

CPUFAN1

SENSOR

+12V

GND

SYSFAN1

SENSOR

GND

+12V

SYSFAN2

Important

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

2.CPUFAN1 supports fan control. You can install Dual Core Center utility
that will automatically control the CPU fan speed according to the actual
CPU temperature.

3. Fan/heatsink with 3 or 4 pins are both available for CPUFAN1.

CD-In Connector: JCD1

This connector is provided for external audio input..

R

GND

L

JCD1

2-13

MS-7388 Mainboard

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1

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

JAUD1

9

10

1
2

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

TPM Module Connector: JTPM (optional)

This connector connects to a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) module (optional). Please
refer to the TPM security platform manual for more details and usages.

2
1

14

13

Pin Signal Description Pin Signal Description

1 LCLK LPC clock 2 3V dual/3V_STB 3V dual or 3V standby power

3 LRST# LPC reset 4 VCC3 3.3V power

5 LAD0 LPC address & data pin0 6 SIRQ Serial IRQ

7 LAD1 LPC address & data pin1 8 VCC5 5V power

9 LAD2 LPC address & data pin2 10 KEY No pin

11 LAD3 LPC address & data pin3 12 GND Ground

13 LFRAME# LPC Frame 14 GND Ground

2-14

Hardware Setup

Front USB Connector: JUSB1 / JUSB2 / JUSB3

This connector, compliant with Intel® I/O Connectivity Design Guide, is ideal for con­necting high-speed USB interface peripherals such as USB HDD, digital cameras,

MP3 players, printers, modems and the like.

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

9

10

JUSB1/2/3

1

2

1 VCC 2 VCC

3 USB0- 4 USB1-

5 USB0+ 6 USB1+

7 GND 8 GND

9 Key (no pin) 10 USBOC

USB 2.0 Bracket

(Optional)

Important

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

2-15

MS-7388 Mainboard

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1, JFP2

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

JFP1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 HD_LED + Hard disk LED pull-up

+

2 FP PWR/SLP MSG LED pull-up

3 HD_LED - Hard disk active LED

1
2

4 FP PWR/SLP MSG LED pull-up

5 RST_SW - Reset Switch low reference pull-down to GND

6 PWR_SW + Power Switch high reference pull-up

7 RST_SW + Reset Switch high reference pull-up

8 PWR_SW - Power Switch low reference pull-down to GND

9 RSVD_DNU Reserved. Do not use.

JFP2 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 GND Ground

1
2

-

2 SPK- Speaker-

3 SLED Suspend LED

4 BUZ+ Buzzer+

5 PLED Power LED

6 BUZ- Buzzer-

7 NC No connection

8 SPK+ Speaker+

JFP1

JFP2

9

10

Reset
Switch

+

-

Power
Switch

Power LED

7

8

+

Speaker

HDD
LED

-

-

+

Power
LED

-

+

Chassis Intrusion Connector: JCI1

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

GND

JCI1

1
2

CINTRU

2-16

Hardware Setup

IEEE1394 Connector: J1394_1 (Optional)

This connector allows you to connect the IEEE1394 device via an optional IEEE1394
bracket.

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

9

J1394_1

1

2 10

1 TPA+ 2 TPA-

3 Ground 4 Ground

5 TPB+ 6 TPB-

7 Cable power 8 Cable power

9 Key (no pin) 10 Ground

IEEE1394 Bracket (Optional)

S/PDIF-Out Connector: JSPD1 (Optional, for HDMI graphics card

only)

This connector is used to connect S/PDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interconnect Format)
interface for digital audio transmission to the HDMI graphics card.

SPDIFO GND

JSPD1

2-17

MS-7388 Mainboard

Jumpers

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1

There is a CMOS RAM onboard that has a power supply from an 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 jumper to clear data.

JBAT1

1

1 3

Keep Data

1 3

Clear Data

Important

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

2-18

Hardware Setup

Slots

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Express Slot

The PCI Express slot supports the PCI Express interface expansion card.

Mazarine PCI Express x16 Slot (PCI_EX1)
supports up to PCI Express 2.0x16 speed

PCI Express x1 Slot

Important

The mainboard supports CrossFire technology with two PCI Express x16
slots.

2-19

MS-7388 Mainboard

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slot

The PCI slot supports LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other add-on cards that
comply with PCI specifications.

32-bit PCI Slot

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 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#

Important

When adding or removing expansion cards, make sure that you unplug the
power supply first. Meanwhile, read the documentation for the expansion
card to configure any necessary hardware or software settings for the expan­sion card, such as jumpers, switches or BIOS configuration.

2-20

Chapter 3

BIOS Setup

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

² An error message appears on the screen during the

system booting up, and requests you to run SETUP.

² You want to change the default settings for cus-

tomized features.

BIOS Setup

3-1

MS-7388 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.

Press DEL to enter SETUP

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.

Important

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.Upon boot-up, the 1st line appearing after the memory count is the BIOS
version. It is usually in the format:

3-2

A7388AMS V1.0 083007 where:

1st digit refers to BIOS maker as A = AMI, W = AWARD, and P =
PHOENIX.
2nd - 5th digit refers to the model number.
6th digit refers to the chipset as I = Intel, N = NVIDIA, A = AMD and
V = VIA.
7th - 8th digit refers to the customer as MS = all standard customers.
V1.0 refers to the BIOS version.
083007 refers to the date this BIOS was released.

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

<+/PU> Increase the numeric value or make changes
<-/PD> Decrease the numeric value or make changes
<F6> Load Optimized Defaults

<F7> Load Fail-Safe Defaults
<F10> Save configuration changes and exit setup

Getting Help

After entering the Setup menu, the first menu you will see is the Main Menu.

Main Menu

The main menu lists the setup functions you can make changes to. You can use the
arrow keys ( ↑↓ ) to select the item. The on-line description of the highlighted setup
function is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Sub-Menu

If you find a right pointer symbol (as shown in the
right view) appears to the left of certain fields that
means a sub-menu can be launched from this field. A
sub-menu contains additional options for a field
parameter. You can use arrow keys ( ↑↓ ) to highlight the field and press <Enter> to
call up the sub-menu. Then you can use the control keys to enter values and move
from field to field within a sub-menu. If you want to return to the main menu, just press
the <Esc >.

General Help <F1>

The BIOS setup program provides a General Help screen. You can call up this screen
from any menu by simply pressing <F1>. The Help screen lists the appropriate keys
to use and the possible selections for the highlighted item. Press <Esc> to exit the
Help screen.

3-3

MS-7388 Mainboard

The Main Menu

Standard CMOS Features

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

Advanced BIOS Features

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

Integrated Peripherals

Use this menu to specify your settings for integrated peripherals.

Power Management Setup

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 your PC health status.

Cell Menu

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

Load Fail-Safe Defaults

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

3-4

BIOS Setup

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-7388 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 <PgUp> or <PgDn> 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

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.

BIOS. Read-only.

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>.

IDE Primary Master/ Slave, SATA1/ 2/ 3/ 4

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

Important

IDE Primary Master/ Slave, SATA1/ 2/ 3/ 4 are appearing when you
connect the HD devices to the IDE/ SATA connector on the mainboard.

3-6

BIOS Setup

Device/ Vender/ Size

It will showing the device information that you connected to the IDE/SATA
connector.

LBA/Large Mode

This allows you to enable or disable the LBA Mode. Setting to Auto enables LBA
mode if the device supports it and the devices is not already formatted with LBA
mode disabled.

DMA Mode

Select DMA Mode.

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.

Floppy A

This item allows you to set the type of floppy drives installed.

System Information

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

CPU Infromation/ BIOS Version/ Memory Information

These items show the CPU information, BIOS version and memory status of your
system (read only).

3-7

MS-7388 Mainboard

Advanced BIOS Features

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.

Quick Booting

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

Boot Up Num-Lock LED

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

3-8

BIOS Setup

IOAPIC Function

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

MPS Table Version

This field allows you to select which MPS (Multi-Processor Specification) version to
be used for the operating system. You need to select the MPS version supported by
your operating system. To find out which version to use, consult the vendor of your
operating system.

CPU Feature

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

C1E Support

When the C1E Support (Enhanced Halt Powerdown State) is enabled, the proc­essor will transition to a lower core to bus ratio and lower voltage ID driven by
the processor to the voltage regulator before entering Halt Powerdown State
(C1). Not all porcessors support Enhanced Halt Powerdown State (C1E).

SVM Support

SVM (Secure Virtual Machine) technology provides a set of hardware exten­sions designed to enable economical and efficient implementation of virtual ma­chine systems. Generally speaking, hardware support falls into two comple­mentary categories: virtualization support and security support. Not all
porcessors support SVM.

Chipset Feature

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

HPET

The HPET (High Precision Event Timers) is a component that is part of the chipset.
You can to enable it, and will provide you with the means to get to it via the
various ACPI methods.

Boot Sequence

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

3-9

MS-7388 Mainboard

1st Boot Device

The items allow you to set the first boot device where BIOS attempts to load the
disk operating system.

Boot From Other Device

Setting the option to [Yes] allows the system to try to boot from other device. if
the system fails to boot from the 1st boot device.

TPM Feature

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

TCG/TPM SUPPORT

This field is used to enable or disable TPM (Trusted Platform Module).

Execute TPM Command

This field is used to enable(activate)/disable(deactivate) Command to TPM.

TPM Enable/Disable status, TPM Owner Status

These items show the status of TPM (read only).

3-10

BIOS Setup

Integrated Peripherals

USB Controller

This setting allows you to enable/disable the onboard USB 1.1/ 2.0 controller.

USB Device Legacy Support

Select [Enabled] if you need to use a USB-interfaced device in the operating system.

Onboard LAN Controller

This setting allows you to enable/disable the onboard LAN controller.

LAN Option ROM

This item is used to decide whether to invoke the Boot ROM of the onboard LAN.

ESATA Controller (optional)

This setting allows you to enable/disable the onboard ESATA controller.

ESATA Option ROM (optional)

This item is used to decide whether to invoke the Boot ROM of the onboard ESATA.

Onboard IEEE1394 Controller (optional)

This item allows you to enable/disable the onboard IEEE1394 controller.

HD Audio Controller

This setting is used to enable/disable the HD audio controller.

3-11

MS-7388 Mainboard

On-Chip ATA Devices

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu:

PCI IDE BusMaster

This item allows you to enable/ disable BIOS to used PCI busmastering for
reading/ writing to IDE drives.

On-Chip SATA Controller

These items allow users to enable or disable the SATA controller.

RAID Mode

This item is used to enable/disable the RAID function for SATA devices.

I/O Devices

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu:

COM Port

This item specifies the base I/O port addresses of the onboard Serial Port.

3-12

Power Management Setup

Important

BIOS Setup

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].

ACPI Standby State

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

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

[S3] The S3 sleep mode is a lower power state where the in

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

formation 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.

3-13

MS-7388 Mainboard

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.

Power Button Function

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

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

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

Restore On AC Power Loss

This item specifies whether your system will reboot after a power failure or interrupt
occurs. Settings are:

[Off] Always leaves the computer in the power off state.
[On] Always leaves the computer in the power on state.
[Last State] Restores the system to the status before power failure

Wake up Event Setup

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu:

button.

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

or interrupt occurred.

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.

Resume From S3 By PS/2 Keyboard

This controls how the PS/2 keyboard is able to power on the system. If you
choose Specific Key, the power button on the case will not function anymore
and you must type the password to power on the system.

Resume from S3 By PS/2 Mouse

This setting determines whether the system will be awakened from what power
saving modes when input signal of the PS/2 mouse is detected.

Resume By PCI Device (PME#)

When set to [Enabled], the feature allows your system to be awakened from the
power saving modes through any event on PME (Power Management Event).

3-14

BIOS Setup

Resume By PCI-E Device

When set to [Enabled], the feature allows your system to be awakened from the
power saving modes through any event on PCIE device.

Resume By RTC Alarm

The field is used to enable or disable the feature of booting up the system on a
scheduled time/date.

3-15

MS-7388 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.

Primary Graphic’s Adapter

This setting specifies which graphic card is your primary graphics adapter.

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.

3-16

BIOS Setup

IRQ Resource Setup

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

Important

IRQ (Interrupt Request) lines are system resources allocated to I/O devices.
When an I/O device needs to gain attention of the operating system, it sig­nals this by causing an IRQ to occur. After receiving the signal, when the
operating system is ready, the system will interrupt itself and perform the
service required by the I/O device.

3-17

MS-7388 Mainboard

H/W Monitor

Chassis Intrusion

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

CPU Smart FAN Target

The mainboard provides the Smart Fan function which can control the CPU fan speed
automatically depending on the current temperature to keep it with in a specific range.
You can select a fan target value here. If the current CPU fan temperature reaches to
the target value, the smart fan function will be activated. It provides several sections
to speed up for cooling down automaticlly.

PC Health Status

CPU/ System Temperature, CPU FAN/ SYS FAN1/ SYS FAN2 Speed, CPU

Vcore, 3.3V, 5V, 12V, 5V SB

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

3-18

Cell Menu

BIOS Setup

Important

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

Current CPU Clock/ DRAM Frequency

These items show the current clocks of CPU and Memory frequency. Read-only.

D.O.T. Control

This item allows users to select either/both of CPU and PCIE to be controlled under D.
O.T. The D.O.T. (Dynamic Overclocking Technology) is an automatic overclocking
function, included in the MSITM’s newly developed Dual CoreCell
designed to detect the load balance of CPU and PCIE while running programs, and to
adjust the best frequency automatically. When the motherboard detects system is
running programs, it will speed up automatically to make the program run smoothly
and faster. When the system is temporarily suspending or staying in the low load
balance, it will restore the default settings instead. Usually the Dynamic Overclocking
Technology will be powered only when users' PC need to run huge amount of data
like 3D games or the video process, and the CPU and PCIE frequency need to be
boosted up to enhance the overall performance.

TM

Technology. It is

3-19

MS-7388 Mainboard

AMD Cool’n’Quiet

The Cool’ n’ Quiet technology can effectively and dynamically lower CPU speed and
power consumption.

Important

To ensure that Cool’n’Quiet function is ac­tivated and will be working properly, it is
required to double confirm that:

1.Run BIOS Setup, and select Cell Menu.

Under Cell Menu, find AMD
Cool’n’Quiet, and set this item to
“Enable.”

2.Enter Windows, and select [Start]->

[Settings]->[Control Pannel]->[Power
Options]. Enter Power Options Prop-

erties tag, and select Minimal Power
Management under Power schemes.

HT Ratio

This item allows you to set the Hyper Transport ratio.

Adjust CPU FSB Frequency

This item allows you to set the CPU FSB frequency (in MHz).

Adjust CPU Ratio

This item allows you to set the CPU ratio.

Adjusted CPU Frequency

It shows the adjusted CPU frequency (FSB x Ratio). Read-only.

Advance DRAM Configuration

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

DRAM Timing Mode

Setting to [Auto] enables DRAM CAS# Latency automatically to be determined by
BIOS based on the configurations on the SPD (Serial Presence Detect) EEPROM
on the DRAM module.

3-20

BIOS Setup

FSB/Memory Ratio

This item will allow you to adjust the FSB/Ratio of the memory.

Adjusted DDR Memory Frequency

It shows the adjusted DDR Memory frequency. Read-only.

Adjust PCIE Frequency

This item allows you to set the PCI Express frequency (in MHz).

Auto Disable DIMM/PCI Frequency

When set to [Enabled], the system will remove (turn off) clocks from empty DIMM and
PCI slots to minimize the electromagnetic interference (EMI).

CPU Voltage / Momory Voltage / NB Voltage / Hypertransport Voltage

These items dispaly the power status of CPU, Memory, FSB and chipset. Read-only.

Spread Spectrum

When the motherboard’s clock generator pulses, the extreme values (spikes) of the
pulses create 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,
set to Enabled for EMI reduction. Remember to disable Spread Spectrum if you are
overclocking because even a slight jitter can introduce a temporary boost in clock
speed which may just cause your overclocked processor to lock up.

Important

1.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,
select the value of Spread Spectrum for EMI reduction.

2.The greater the Spread Spectrum value is, the greater the EMI is reduced,
and the system will become less stable. For the most suitable Spread
Spectrum value, please consult your local EMI regulation.

3.Remember to disable Spread Spectrum if you are overclocking because
even a slight jitter can introduce a temporary boost in clock speed which
may just cause your overclocked processor to lock up.

3-21

MS-7388 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:

Selecting Ok and 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:

Selecting Ok and pressing Y loads the default factory settings for optimal system
performance.

3-22

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.

3-23

Appendix A

Realtek ALC888 Audio

The Realtek ALC888 provides 10-channel DAC that si­multaneously supports 7.1 sound playback and 2 chan­nels of independent stereo sound output (multiple
streaming) through the Front-Out-Left and Front-Out­Right channels.

MS-7388 Mainboard

Installing the Realtek HD Audio Driver

You need to install the driver for Realtek ALC888 codec to function properly before
you can get access to 2-, 4-, 6-, 8- channel or 7.1+2 channel audio operations.
Follow the procedures described below to install the drivers for different operating
systems.

Installation for Windows 2000/ XP/ Vista

For Windows® 2000, you must install Windows® 2000 Service Pack4 or later before
installing the driver. For Windows® XP, you must install Windows® XP Service Pack1
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 application CD into the CD-ROM drive. The setup screen will auto-

matically appear.

2. Click Realtek HD Audio Driver.

Important

The HD Audio Configuration software utility is under continuous update
to enhance audio applications. Hence, the program screens shown here in

this section may be slightly different from the latest software utility and shall
be held for reference only.

A-2

Click here

Realtek ALC888 Audio

3. Click Next to install the Realtek High Definition Audio Driver.

Click here

4. Click Finish to restart the system.

Click here

Select this
option

A-3

MS-7388 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 HD Audio Configuration. It is also available to enable the

audio driver by clicking the Realtek HD Audio Manager from the Control Panel.

Double click

A-4

Realtek ALC888 Audio

Sound Effect

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

Environment Simulation

You will be able to enjoy different sound experience by pulling down the arrow,
totally 23 kinds of sound effect will be shown for selection. Realtek HD Audio Sound
Manager also provides five popular settings “Stone Corridor” , “Bathroom”, “Sewer
pipe”, “Arena” and “Audio Corridor” for quick enjoyment.

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 Set-
ting” button to remove a preset EQ setting.

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

A-5

MS-7388 Mainboard

Equalizer Selection

Equalizer frees users from default settings; users may create their owned preferred
settings by utilizing this tool.

10 bands of equalizer, ranging from 100Hz to 16KHz.

Save

The settings are saved
permanently for future
use

Enable / Disable

To disable, you can tem­porarily stop the sound
effect without losing the
settings

Delete

To delete the pre-saved settings which are created from previous steps.

Reset

10 bands of equalizer
would go back to the de­fault setting

Load

Whenever you would like to
use preload settings, simply
click this, the whole list will
be shown for your selection.

A-6

Realtek ALC888 Audio

Frequently Used Equalizer Setting

Realtek recognizes the needs that you might have. By leveraging our long experience
at audio field, Realtek HD Audio Sound Manager provides you certain optimized equal­izer settings that are frequently used for your quick enjoyment.

[How to Use It]
Other than the buttons “Pop” “Live” “Club” & “Rock” shown on the page, to pull down
the arrow in “Others”, you will find more optimized settings available to you.

Karaoke Mode

Karaoke mode brings Karaoke fun back home. Simply using the music you usually
play, Karaoke mode can help you eliminate the vocal of the song or adjust the key to
accommodate your range.

1.Vocal Cancellation: Single click on “ Voice Cancellation” , the vocal of the song would
be eliminated, while the background music is still in place, and you can be that
singer!

2.Key Adjustment: Using “Up / Down Arrow” to find a key which better fits your vocal
range.

Raise the key

Remove the
human voice

Lower the key

A-7

MS-7388 Mainboard

Mixer

In the Mixer part, you may adjust the volumes of the rear and front panels individually.

1. Adjust Volume

You can adjust the volume of the speakers that you pluged in front or rear panel by
select the Realtek HD Audio rear output or Realtek HD Audio front output
items.

Important

Before set up, please make sure the playback devices are well plugged in the
jacks on the rear or front panel. The Realtek HD Audio front output item
will appear after you pluging the speakers into the jacks on the front panel.

2. Multi-Stream Function

ALC888 supports an outstanding feature called Multi-Stream, which means you may
play different audio sources simultaneously and let them output respectively from the
indicated real panel or front panel. This feature is very helpful when 2 people are
using the same computer together for different purposes.

Click the button and the Mixer ToolBox menu will appear. Then check the Enable

playback multi-streaming and click OK to save the setup.

Important

If you use AC97 front panel, the device have to be plugged into the jacks on
the panel before enable the multi-stream function.

A-8

Realtek ALC888 Audio

When you are playing the first audio source (for example: use Windows Media
Player to play DVD/VCD), the output will be played from the rear panel, which is the
default setting.

Then you must to select the Realtek HD Audio front output from the scroll list
first, and use a different program to play the second audio source (for example: use
Winamp to play MP3 files). You will find that the second audio source (MP3 music) will
come out from the Line-Out audio jack of Front Panel.

A-9

MS-7388 Mainboard

3. Playback control

Playback device

Tool Mute

This function is to let you freely decide which ports to

output the sound. And this is essential when multi-

streaming playback enabled.

- Realtek HD Audio Rear Output

- Realtek HD Audio Front Output

Mute

You may choose to mute single or multiple volume controls or to completely mute
sound output.

Tool

- Show the following volume controls

This is to let you freely decide which volume control items to be displayed.

- Advanced controls

- Enable playback multi-streaming
With this function, you will be able to have an audio chat with your friends via
headphone (stream 1 from front panel) while still have music (stream 2 from back
panel) in play. At any given period, you can have maximum 2 streams operating
simultaneously.

A-10

4. Recording control

Realtek ALC888 Audio

Tool Mute

Recording device

-Back Line in/Mic, Front Line in

-Realtek HD Audio Input

Mute

You may choose to mute single or multiple volume controls or to completely mute
sound input.

Tool

- Show the following volume controls

This is to let you freely decide which volume control items to be displayed.

- Enable recording multi-streaming

Important

ALC888 allows you to record the CD, Line, Mic and Stereo Mix channels
simultaneously, frees you from mixing efforts. At any given period, you may
choose 1 of the following 4 channels to record.

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MS-7388 Mainboard

Audio I/O

In this tab, you can easily configure your multi-channel audio function and speakers.
You can choose 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 7.1-Speaker Output

Speaker Configuration:

1. Plug the speakers in the corresponding jack.

2. Dialogue “connected device” will pop up for your selection. Please select the
device you have plugged in.

- If the device is being plugged into the correct jack, you will be able to find the icon
beside the jack changed to the one that is same as your device.

- If not correct, Realtek HD Audio Manager will guide you to plug the device into the
correct jack.

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Realtek ALC888 Audio

Connector Settings

Click to access connector settings.

Disable front panel jack detection (option)

Find no function on front panel jacks? Please check if front jacks on your system are
so-called AC’97 jacks. If so, please check this item to disable front panel jack detection.

Mute rear panel output when front headphone plugged in.

Enable auto popup dialogue, when device has been plugged in

Once this item checked, the dialog “Connected device” would automatically pop up
when device plugged in.

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MS-7388 Mainboard

S/PDIF

Short for Sony/Philips Digital Interface, a standard audio file transfer format. S/PDIF
allows the transfer of digital audio signals from one device to another without having
to be converted first to an analog format. Maintaining the viability of a digital signal
prevents the quality of the signal from degrading when it is converted to analog.

Output Sampling Rate

44.1KHz: This is recommend while playing CD.
48KHz: This is recommended while playing DVD or Dolby.
96KHz: This is recommended while playing DVD-Audio.
192KHz: This is recommended while playing High quality Audio.

Output Source

Output digital audio source: The digital audio format (such as .wav, .mp3,.midi etc)
will come out through S/PDIF-Out.

A-14

Realtek ALC888 Audio

Test Speakers

You can 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

Side Left

Rear Left

Front Right

Side Right

Subwoofer

Rear Right

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MS-7388 Mainboard

Microphone

In this tab you may set the function of the microphone. Select the Noise Suppres­sion to remove the possible noise during recording, or select Acoustic Echo
Cancellation to cancel the acoustic echo druing recording.

Acoustic Echo Cancellation prevents playback sound from being recorded by mi-

crophone together with your sound. For example, you might have chance to use
VOIP function through Internet with your friends. The voice of your friend will come
out from speakers (playback). However, the voice of your friend might also be
recorded into your microphone then go back to your friend through Internet. In that
case, your friend will hear his/her own voice again. With AEC(Acoustic Echo
Cancellation) enabled at your side, your friend can enjoy the benefit with less echo.

A-16

Realtek ALC888 Audio

3D Audio Demo

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

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MS-7388 Mainboard

Information

In this tab it provides some information about this HD Audio Configuration utility,
including Audio Driver Version, DirectX Version, Audio Controller & Audio 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.

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Realtek ALC888 Audio

Hardware Setup

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

1 Line In

2 Line Out (Front channels)

3 MIC

4 No function

5 No function

6 No function

1

2

3

4

5

6

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MS-7388 Mainboard

n 4-Channel Mode for 4-Speaker Output

1 Line In

2 Line Out (Front channels)

3 MIC

4 Line Out (Rear channels)

5 No function

6 No function

1

2

3

4

5

6

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n 6-Channel Mode for 6-Speaker Output

Realtek ALC888 Audio

1

2

3

1 Line In

2 Line Out (Front channels)

3 MIC

4 Line Out (Rear channels)

5 Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel)

6 No function

4

5

6

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MS-7388 Mainboard

n 8-Channel Mode for 8-Speaker Output

1

2

3

1 Line In

2 Line Out (Front channels)

3 MIC

4 Line Out (Rear channels)

5 Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel)

6 Line Out (Side channels)

4

5

6

Important

To enable 7.1 channel audio-out function on Vista operating system, you have to
install the Realtek Audio Driver. Or, the mainboard will support 5.1 channel
audio-out only.

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Appendix B

SATA RAID

The south bridge SB600 integrate SATA host controller
that supports four SATA ports and RAID function for
performance and reliability.
SATA RAID provides support for RAID 0 (Striping), RAID
1 (Mirroring), RAID 0+1 (Striping & Mirroring). RAID 0
greatly improves hard disk I/O performance by
concurrently striping data across multiple drives. RAID
1 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. RAID 0+1 is implemented as a mirrored
array whose segments are RAID 0 arrays. RAID 0+1
has same fault tolerance as mirroring and reduces
overhead by striping. It needs at least four drives to
form a RAID 0+1.

SATA RAID

B-1

MS-7388 Mainboard

RAID Configuration

Creating and deleting RAID set and performing other RAID setting up operations are
done in the RAID BIOS. During bootup, a screen similar to the one below will appear
for about few seconds. Press <Ctrl-F> to enter the FastBuild utility.

Important

Be sure to set the SATA Mode to “RAID” in BIOS (the path is : Intergrated
Peripherals => On-Chip ATA Devices => OnChip SATA Controller) be-

fore configuting the RAID BIOS.

The Fast Build Utility menu screen will appear. The Main Menu is used to choose the
operation to be performed.

B-2

SATA RAID

View Drives Assignments

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

B-3

MS-7388 Mainboard

Define LD (Creating RAID)

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

1. Press 2 on the Main Menu screen to enter the Define LD Menu.

2. Press the arrow keys to highlight an logical drive number you want to define

and press Enter to select it.

and press Enter to select it.

3. On the next screen, use the space key to choose a RAID mode (RAID 0/ 1/

0+1) and use the arrow key to move to the Drives Assignments window.

• Initialize logical drive, zero the disk drives. RAID 1 or 10 only.

B-4

SATA RAID

• Stripe Block Size, the default 64KB is best for most applications. RAID 0 or
10 only.

• Gigabyte Boundary, allows use of slightly smaller replacement drives.

• Cache Mode, WriteThru or WriteBack.

4. On the Drives Assignments window, use the arrow key to choose the hard

drives which you want to make part of the LD, use the space key to change
the assignment to “ Y”. Then press [Ctrl+Y] to save the configuration.

5. A message will show up on the bottom, press any key to save the configura-

tion or press [Ctrl-Y] to allocate the RAID capacity manually.

Important

1. The default capacity is the full capacity of the selected hard drives.

2. If you allocate the first LD capacity manually, you can create second LD

with remaining capacity of the selected hard drives.

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MS-7388 Mainboard

6. The LD creation is done, the screen shows the LD information as below.

Press ESC key to the main screen.

7. Press ESC key to exit the utility, a message “System is going to REBOOT! Are

You Sure?” will display, answer “Y” to exit it and the system will reboot.

B-6

SATA RAID

Delete LD (Deleting RAID)

1. Select “Delete LD” on the main screen.

2. Choose a LD No you want to delete and press “Del” or “Alt+D” delete the RAID

set.

3. On the next screen, a message will display to inform you, press “Ctrl+Y” to

delete the RAID set or other key to abort it. Press “Ctrl+Y” to complete the
deletion.

B-7

MS-7388 Mainboard

Installing the RAID Driver (for bootable RAID Array)

1. After you complete the RAID BIOS setup, boot from the Windows CD, and the
Windows XP Setup program starts.

2. Press F6 and wait for the Windows Setup screen to appear.

Important

Please follow the instruction below to make a SATA RAID driver for yourself.

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

2.Click the “Browse CD” on the Setup screen.

3.Copy all the contents in the :

for Windows XP driver CD

\ATI\ATIDrv\SBDrv\RAID

for Windows Vista driver CD

\ChipSet\ATI\Packages\Drivers\SBDrv\RAID\x86 and
\ChipSet\ATI\Packages\Drivers\SBDrv\RAID\x64 to a formatted floppy

disk.

4.The driver disk for RAID controller is done.

3. Insert the floppy that contains the RAID driver,Press the “ S” key to select “Specify
Additional Device”.

4. For Windows Vista:
During the Operating system installation, after selecting the location to install
Vista click on “Load Driver ” button to install a third party SCSI or RAID driver.

5. When prompted, insert the floppy disk or media (Floppy, CD/DVD Or USB) and
press Enter.

6. You should be shown a list of available SCSI Adapters.

7. Select “ATI AHCI Compatible RAID Controller -x86 platform” when the
system is 32-bit version or “ATI AHCI Compatible RAID Controller -x64
platform” when the system is 64-bit version and then press ENTER.

8. The next screen should confirm that you have selected the ATI RAID controller.
Press ENTER again to continue.

9. You have successfully installed the ATI RAID driver, and Windows setup should
continue.

10.Leave the disk in the floppy drive until the system reboots itself. Windows setup
will need to copy the files from the floppy again after the RAID volume is formatted,
and Windows setup starts copying files.

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SATA RAID

Installing the RAID Driver Under Windows

(for Non-bootable RAID Array)

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

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

3. Under the Driver tab, click on ATI System Driver. The ATI System Driver

includes RAID Driver.

4. The driver will be automatically installed.

Important

You must install the RAID driver to enable RAID.

B-9