MSI K9NU Speedster, MS-9655 User Manual

K9NU Speedster

MS-9655 (V2.X) Server Board

G52-96551X1

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

AMD, Athlon™, Athlon™ XP, Thoroughbred™, and Duron™ are registered trade­marks of AMD Corporation.
NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, DualNet, and nForce are registered trademarks or trade­marks of NVIDIA Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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

V2.0 First release October 2007

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 at http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?

func=faqIndex for FAQ, technical guide, BIOS updates, driver updates,

and other information.

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 service
personnel:

† The power cord or plug is damaged.
† Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.
† The equipment has been exposed to moisture.
† The equipment does 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 accor­dance 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-9655

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jumper................................................................................................................2-20

Slot......................................................................................................................2-22

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

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

The Menu Bar......................................................................................................3-4

Main......................................................................................................................3-5

Advanced............................................................................................................3-6

Security..............................................................................................................3-19

Boot....................................................................................................................3-20

Power.................................................................................................................3-21

Exit......................................................................................................................3-23

Appendix A nVIDIA SATA RAID.............................................................................A-1

Introduction..........................................................................................................A-2

RAID Configuration..............................................................................................A-3

NVIDIA RAID Utility Installation.............................................................................A-9

RAID Drives Management..................................................................................A-12

Appendix B Realtek ALC888 Audio.....................................................................B-1

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

Software Configuration......................................................................................B-4

Hardware Setup................................................................................................B-19

viii

Getting Started

Chapter 1

Getting Started

Thank you for choosing the K9NU Speedster (MS-9655
v2.X), an excellent ATX server board from MSI.

Based on the innovative nVIDIA MCP55V Pro chipset
for optimal system efficiency, the K9NU Speedster ac­commodates the latest AMD® Opteron processor in
1207-pin package and supports up to 8 Registered ECC
DDR2 400/533/667 DIMM slots to provide the maximum
of 32GB memory capacity.

In the entry-level and mid-range market segment, the
K9NU Speedster can provide a high-performance so­lution for today’s front-end and general purpose server/
workstation, as well as in the future.

1-1

MS-9655 Server Board

Mainboard Specifications

Processor

- Supports single AMD Opteron (Socket F 1207)

- HyperTransport interface capable of operating up to 2000 MT/s

- Meets thermal requirements

Chipset

- nVIDIA nForce Professional 3400 MCP (MCP55V Pro)

Memory

- Supports Registered ECC DDR2 400/533/667 DIMM slots

- 8 DDR2 DIMM slots up to 32GB memory

NOTE: When 1~4 DIMMs are installed, memory will run at 667MHz.

But when 5~8 DIMMs are installed, the system will automati­cally tune the memory frequency down to 533MHz due to
AMD CPU limitations.

IDE

- 1-channel bus master IDE port

- Supports ATA133/100/66

SATA

- 6 SATA II ports support 6 SATA II devices

- Storage and data transfers at up to 300 MB/s

Floppy

- 1 floppy port

IEEE 1394

- VIA VT6308 IEEE 1394 controller

LAN

- 2 Gigabit Ethernet controllers bundled into Marvell 88E1116
(MCP55V Pro)

Audio

- Realtek ALC888 7.1-channel HDA codec

Graphics

- XGI Z7 graphics controller

- Onboard 16MB Video SDRAM

1-2

System Management

- Renesas H8S/2168V IPMI microcontroller

Connectors

Back Panel

- 1 x PS/2 mouse port

- 1 x PS/2 keyboard port

- 1 x serial port

- 1 x VGA port

- 2 x RJ-45 Gigabit LAN ports

- 4 x USB ports

- 1 x audio jack

Onboard Pinheaders

- 2 x USB connectors

- 2 x 1394 connectors

- 1 x serial port connector

- 3 x proprietary front panel connectors (optional)

- 2 x proprietary front audio connectors (optional)

Getting Started

Slots

- 1 PCI-Express x16 slot (PCI_E1 supports x8 SLI or x16 signal)

- 1 PCI-Express x16 slot (PCI_E4 supports x8 signal)

- 2 PCI-Express x1 slots

- 2 PCI slots

Form Factor

- ATX form factor 12” x 9.6”

Mounting

- 9 mounting holes

1-3

MS-9655 Server Board

VT6308P

Winbond

W83627DHG

MCP55V Pro

(optional)

(optional)

BIOS

J7J8JUSB1

JUSB2

J1394

SATA5

(optional)

(optional)

(optional)

(optional)

(optional)

(optional)

J9

(optional)

B: SPDIF Out

SATA1

(optional)

(optional)

Mainboard Layout

Top: Mouse
Bottom: Keyboard

T: LAN Jack
B: USB Ports

T: LAN Jack
B: USB Ports

COM1

JVGA1

T:

Line-In

M:

Line-Out

B:

Mic
T: RS-Out
M: CS

-Out

(optional)

JCD1

ALC888

88E1116

88E1116

JAUD1

Marvell

Marvell

JAPP1

XGI

Z7

JAUD2

SFAN1 JPWR1

CFAN1

JVGAD

PCI _E1

PCI _E2

NVIDIA

PCI _E3

PCI _E4

J2

DIMM1
DIMM2
DIMM3
DIMM4

DIMM5
DIMM6
DIMM7
DIMM8

BATT

+

SATA6

SATA4
SATA3
SATA2

JPWR2

J11

SASC2

(optional)

SFAN2

JBAT1

J1

JAPP3

J10

FAN1

1-4

PCI 1

J5

J6

PCI 2

J1394_1

J1394_2

VIA

FLO1

IDE1

COM2

FPC1

JAPP2

SFAN3

SASC1

(optional)

K9NU Speedster (MS-9655 v2.X) ATX Server Board

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-9655 Server Board

Quick Components Guide

Back Panel
I/O, p.2-10

JCD1, p.2-16

JAUD1/

JAUD2,

p.2-17

PCI-Class
Slots, p.2-22

DIMM Slots, p.2-6

JAPP1,

p.2-19

SFAN1, p.2-14

JVGAD, p.2-21

JPWR1, p.2-9

CFAN1, p.2-14

J11, p.2-13

CPU, p.2-3

SASC2, p.2-12

JPWR2, p.2-9

JBAT1/J1,

p.2-20/21

SFAN2, p.2-14

JAPP3, p.2-19

SATA1~6, p.2-13

J10, p.2-13

FAN1, p.2-14

J2, p.2-17

SASC1, p.2-13

FLO1, p.2-12
IDE1, p.2-12

FPC1, p.2-14

SFAN3, p.2-14

J5/J6, p.2-18

J7, p.2-18

2-2

J8, p.2-18

J1394_1/2,

p.2-16

JUSB1/2,

p.2-15

J1394, p.2-21

COM2,

p.2-14

JAPP2, p.2-19

J9, p.2-21

Hardware Setup

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

This mainboard supports the latest AMD® Opteron processor in 1207-pin package.
When you are installing the CPU, make sure that you install the cooler to
prevent the CPU from overheating. If you do not have the CPU cooler, contact
your dealer to purchase and install it before turning on the computer.

Important

1. Overheating will seriously damage the CPU and system. Always make
sure the cooling fan can work properly to protect the CPU from overheating.

2. Make sure that you apply an even layer of heat sink paste (or thermal tape)
between the CPU and the heatsink to enhance heat dissipation.

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

AMD® Opteron CPU in 1207-Pin Package

The pin-pad side

Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

Alignment Key

The surface

Alignment Key

Remember to apply some silicone heat
transfer compound on it for better
heat dispersion.

Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

2-3

MS-9655 Server Board

Socket 1207 CPU & Cooler Installation

1. Locate the first CPU socket. (The CPU has a plastic cap on it to protect the contact
from damage. Before installing the CPU, always cover it to protect the socket
pins.)

2. Remove the plastic cap from the load plate. The pins of the socket reveal.

3. Raise the load lever up to its full extent.

4. Open the load plate.

5. After confirming the CPU direction (indicated below with red circles) for correct
mating, put down the CPU in the socket housing frame. Be sure to grasp on the
edge of the CPU base. Note that the alignment keys are matched.

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

Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

Alignment Key

2-4

Alignment Key

Yellow Triangle

Hardware Setup

7. Cover the load plate onto the package.

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

9. Place the cooler set on top of the reten­tion mechanism. Secure the metal clips
on the cooler set to the hooks on the
retention mechanism.

10.Connect the cooler power cord to the
onboard CPU fan power connector.

Mainboard photos shown in this sec­tion are for demonstration only and may
differ from the actual look of your
mainboard.

2-5

MS-9655 Server Board

Memory

These DIMM slots are intended for system memory modules.

DDR2

240-pin, 1.8V

64x2=128 pin 56x2=112 pin

Dual-Channel Mode Population Rule

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.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
DIMM1(A) V V V V V
DIMM2(B) V V V V V
DIMM3(A) V V V V V
DIMM4(B) V V V V V
DIMM5(A) V V V V V
DIMM6(B) V V V V V
DIMM7(A) V V V V V
DIMM8(B) V V V V V

Important

1. Make sure that you install memory modules of the same type and density
under Dual-Channel mode.

2. Only channel A will be used under Single-Channel mode.

3. When 1~4 DIMMs are installed, memory will run at 667MHz. But when 5~8
DIMMs are installed, the system will automatically tune the memory frequency
down to 533MHz due to AMD CPU limitations.

4. It is recommended that memory DIMMs should be installed in the order of DIMM1

-> DIMM2 -> DIMM3 -> .... -> DIMM8.

2-6

Hardware Setup

Memory Frequency vs. Core Multiplier

The DDR2 DIMM operates different frequency when using different CPU. For example,
when using 2.4GHz CPU the DDR2 667MHz DIMM will operate at 600MHz.

2-7

MS-9655 Server Board

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.

v NOTE: 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

2-8

Hardware Setup

Power Supply

24-Pin System Power Connector: JPWR1

This connector allows you to connect power supply. To connect to the 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.

12V Power Connector: JPWR2

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

13

JPWR1 Pin Definition

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

JPWR1

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

JPWR2

121
24

JPWR2 Pin Definition

3 4
1

PIN SIGNAL

1 GND
2 GND
3 12V
4 12V

2

Important

1. Make sure that both connectors are connected to proper power supply to
ensure stable operation of the mainboard.

2. Power supply of 600 watts (and above) is highly recommended for system
stability.

2-9

MS-9655 Server Board

Back Panel

Mouse

Keyboard USB Ports

LAN LAN

Serial Port

VGA Port

Line-In

Line-Out

MIC

RS-Out

CS-Out

Optical

SPDIF-Out

Mouse/Keyboard

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

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

VGA Port
The DE-15 female connector is provided for monitor.

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). You
can connect a network cable to it.

Link/Active Indicator

RJ-45 LAN Jack

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.

Mode Indicator

2-10

Hardware Setup

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

Line-In (Blue) - Line In / Side-Surround Out in 7.1 channel mode, is used

for external CD player, tapeplayer or other audio
devices.

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

Optical S/PDIF-Out
This SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interconnect Format) connector is provided for
digital audio transmission to external speakers through an optical fiber cable.

2-11

MS-9655 Server Board

Connectors

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FLO1

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

FLO1

IDE Connector: IDE1

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

IDE1

Important

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

2-12

Hardware Setup

SAS Connector: SASC1, SASC2 (Optional)

These connectors are designed to connect Serial ATA devices only.

SAS LED Connector: J10, J11 (Optional)

These connectors are used to connect external LEDs to show the status of the SATA
HDDs attached to the SASC1 & SASC2. The J10 is intended for the SASC1 and the
J11 is made for the SASC2. When a SATA HDD is attached to the SAS connector, the
LED connecting pin 1 & 2 will glow. When HDD activity/access is detected, the LED
connecting pin 3 & 4 will blink.

J10/J11

1

SASC1/2

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL

1 +3.3V
2 GND
3 +3.3V
4 SATA Read

Serial ATA II Connector: SATA 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 (Optional)

These connectors are high-speed Serial ATA II interface ports. Each connector can
connect one Serial ATA II device.

SATA6

SATA5

SATA4

SATA3

SATA2

SATA1

Important

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

2-13

MS-9655 Server Board

DVD/CD-ROM Connector: FPC1 (Optional)

This connector is designed to connect slim DVD/CD-ROM drive.

FPC1

Serial Port Connector: COM 2

This connector is a 16550A high speed communications port that sends/receives 16
bytes FIFOs. You can attach a serial device to it.

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 DCD Data Carry Detect

2
1

COM2

8

9

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

Fan Power Connectors: CFAN1, SFAN 1 / 2 / 3, FAN1

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 onboard, you must use a
specially designed fan with speed sensor to take advantage of the CPU fan control.

C

S

O

E

N

N

T

+

S

G

1

O

N

2

R

D

V

CFAN1

R
O
L

SFAN1,

SFAN3

+1 2V

SE NS OR

CONTROL

GND

+12V
SENSOR
CONTROL

GND

SFAN2

+12V

GND

FAN1

NC

Important

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

2-14

Hardware Setup

Front USB Connector: JUSB1, JUSB2

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.

JUSB1/2

2
1

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 VCC 2 VCC
3 USB0- 4 USB1­5 USB0+ 6 USB1+
7 GND 8 GND
9 Key (no pin) 10 NC

10

9

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-9655 Server Board

CD-In Connector: JCD1

This connector is provided for external audio input.

JCD1

L
GND
R

IEEE1394 Connector: J1394_1, J1394_2 (Optional)

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

J1394_1/J1394_2

9
10

1

2

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 TPA+ 2 TPA­3 Ground 4 Ground
5 TPB+ 6 TPB­7 Cable power 8 Cable power
9 Key (no pin) 10 Ground

2-16

IEEE1394 Bracket (Optional)

Hardware Setup

Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: J2

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.

1 2

J2

GND

CHASSIS

Front Audio Connector: JAUD1, JAUD2 (Optional)

The front audio connectors are designed to connect optional audio brackets that
provide extra front panel audio IO jacks. Note that these connectors are of proprietary
design, not standard front audio connectors.

JAUD1

1

25

JAUD2

1

9 10

JAUD1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

2

26

1 FRONT_JD1 2 NC
3 FRONT_L1 4 FRONT_R1
5 AGND 6 AGND
7 LINE_L1 8 LINE_R1
9 MIC_JD1 10 LINE_JD1
11 MIC_L1 12 MIC_R1
13 AGND 14 AGND
15 SURR_L1 16 SURR_R1
17 SURR_JD1 18 AGND
19 CCEN 20 BASS
21 CEN_JD1 22 AGND
23 AGND 24 SIDESURR_JD1
25 SIDESURR_L1 26 SIDESURR_R1

JAUD2 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

2

1 FRONT_MIC 2 GND
3 MIC_VREF 4 NC
5 FRONT_LINE_R2 6 MIC_JD2
7 JD 8 KEY
9 FRONT_LINE_L2 10 LINE_JD2

2-17

MS-9655 Server Board

System Management Connector: J5, J6, J7, J8

These connectors are used to control the Renesas H8 Baseboard Management
Controller (BMC).

J8

J5

1

J6

1

3

1

J5 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL

1 H8_RESET
2 GND

J6 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL

1 Bode Mode
2 GND

J7

13
14

J7 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 ETCK 2 GND
3 ETRST# 4 GND
5 ETDO 6 GND
7 H2C_RES# 8 3.3V DUAL
9 ETMS 10 GND
11 ETDI 12 GND
13 H8_RESET# 14 GND

1
2

J8 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL

1 IPMB_CLK
2 GND
3 IPMB_DATA

2-18

Hardware Setup

Front Panel Connector: JAPP1, JAPP2, JAPP3 (Optional)

These are proprietary front panel connectors that provide I2C bus connection, serial
signal connection, and electrical connection to the front panel switches/LEDs.

JAPP1 Pin Definition

JAPP1

1 2

13 14

JAPP2

5
6

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 +5VSB 2 GND
3 RESET+ 4 GND
5 POWER+ 6 GND
7 COM2 RXD 8 GND
9 COM2 TXD 10 NC
11 ATX PWR OK 12 GND
13 ID_LED+ 14 ID_LED-

JAPP2 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL

1
2

1 +5VSB
2 GND
3 I2C_DATA
4 ID_LED+
5 I2C_CLK
6 ID_LED-

JAPP3

20

JAPP3 Pin Definition

19

12

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 Power LED + 2 SYS_LED +
3 Power LED - 4 SYS_LED ­5 Power Button + 6 LAN1_LED +
7 Power Button - 8 LAN1_LED ­9 ID LED + 10 LAN2_LED +
11 ID LED - 12 LAN2_LED ­13 ID Button + 14 Reset +
15 ID Button - 16 Reset ­17 HDD LED + 18 HDD LED ­19 +5VSB 20 +5VSB

2-19

MS-9655 Server Board

Jumper

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1

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

3

1

1

3

1

JBAT1

Keep Data

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.

2-20

Hardware Setup

VGA Jumper: JVGAD

This jumper is used to enable or disable the onboard VGA controller.

1

JVGAD

1

3

Enable

1

3

Disable

IEEE1394 Jumper: J1394

This jumper is used to enable or disable the onboard IEEE1394 controller.

1

J1394

1

3

Enable

1

3

Disable

BIOS Recovery Jumper: J9

Users can short connect pin#2-3 to recover the system BIOS. When the system is
done with the job, the buzzer will beep to remind users to set the jumper to its normal
state (pin#1-2 short connected).

1

J9

1

Normal

1

Recovery

BIOS Write Protect Jumper: J1

This jumper is used to enable/disable the BIOS flash. When you intend to update the
BIOS code, short connect pin#1-2 of this jumper first. Under normal operation, we
suggest that you enable the BIOS write protect by short connecting pin#2-3 of this
jumper to protect the system BIOS from virus infection.

3

1

J1

1

Disable Write Protect

(Unlocked)

3

1

Enable Write Protect

(Locked)

2-21

MS-9655 Server Board

Slot

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Express Slot

The PCI Express slot supports the PCI Express interface expansion card.
The PCI Express x 16 slot supports up to 4.0 GB/s transfer rate.
The PCI Express x 1 slot supports up to 250 MB/s transfer rate.

PCI Express x1 Slot

PCI Express x16 Slot

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/33MHz PCI Slot

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.

2-22

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:

BIOS Setup

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.

3-1

MS-9655 Server BoardB

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 <F2> key to enter Setup.

Press F2 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:

P9655NMS V2.1 081507 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, V = VIA, and R =
Serverworks.
7th - 8th digit refers to the customer as MS = all standard customers.
V2.1 refers to the BIOS version.
081507 refers to the date this BIOS was released.

3-2

Control Keys

BIOS Setup

Key
<F1> or <Alt-H>
<Esc>

↔ arrow keys

↑ or ↓ arrow keys
<Home> or <End>
<PgUp> or <PgDn>
<F5> or <->
<F6> or <+>or <Space>
<F9>
<F10>
<Enter>

Function
General Help window
Exit this menu
Select a different menu
Move cursor up and down
Move cursor to top or bottom of window
Move cursor to next or previous page
Select the previous value for the field
Select the next value for the field
Load the default configuration values for this menu
Save and exit
Execute command or enter submenu

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-9655 Server BoardB

The Menu Bar

Main

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

Advanced

Use this menu to set up the items of special enhanced features available on your
system’s chipset.

Security

Use this menu to set Supervisor and User Passwords.

Boot

Use this menu to specify the priority of boot devices.

Power

Use this menu to specify your settings for power management.

Exit

This menu allows you to load the BIOS default values or factory default settings into
the BIOS and exit the BIOS setup utility with or without changes.

3-4

Main

BIOS Setup

BIOS Date, BIOS Version

These items show the information of the system BIOS. (Read-only)

QuickBoot Mode

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

Summary Screen

Select [Enabled] if you want to view the system summary screen.

No Pause On BIOS Error

Select [Enabled] will allow no pause on BIOS error.

System Memory, Extended Memory

These items show the memory status of the system. (Read-only)

System Time

The time format is <HH> <MM> <SS>.

System Date

The date format is <MM> <DD> <YYYY>.

3-5

MS-9655 Server BoardB

Advanced

Installed O/S

When multiple operating systems are installed in your system, use this setting to
select the major operating system that will be used most commonly. Note that an
incorrect setting in this field may cause unexpected errors on the operating systems.

NOTE: When installing Linux OS, you must switch this item to [Linux].

Case Open Function

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 Overclock

This item specifies the clock frequency of the CPU host bus (FSB) for end users to
overclock the processor.

BIOS Write Protect

This function protects the BIOS from accidental corruption by unauthorized users or
computer viruses. When enabled, the BIOS’ data cannot be changed when attempt-

3-6

BIOS Setup

ing to update the BIOS with a Flash utility. To successfully update the BIOS, you’ ll
need to disable this BIOS Write Protect function.
You should enable this function at all times. The only time when you need to disable
it is when you want to update the BIOS. After updating the BIOS, you should immedi­ately re-enable it to protect it against viruses.

Fan Type Control

This setting allows you to select the fan type (3-pin or 4-pin) for fan power
management.

IOMMU

AMD64, one of the 64-bit architectures, contains a device called the IOMMU (Input/
Output Memory Management Unit). The IOMMU allows 32-bit devices to see all of the
(64-bit addressed) main memory although with a 32-bit address bus you can only
address a 32-bit address space. It is an MMU that translates DMA virtual addresses
to real physical addresses.

Size

This setting specifies the memory size for IOMMU.

System Information

This sub-menu shows the system hardware information.

3-7

MS-9655 Server BoardB

Memory Controller Options

Max Mem Clock

Use this field to configure the highest clock frequency of the installed DRAM.
Users may also assign a lower memory clock frequency here.

DRAM Bank Interleave

Interleaved memory is system memory divided into two or more sections. Set­ting to [Enabled] allows memory to be accessed faster since each section of
memory is capable of being utilized at once.

Node Interleave

AMD Opteron CPU supports a mode called node interleave. When node inter­leave is disabled, the memory controller maps the local memory of each pro­cessor to a single contiguous range of physical addresses. This allows the
operating system to map user data to local memory, whenever possible, to
allow programs to access data the most rapidly. When node interleave is
enabled, physical addresses are partitioned into 4KB blocks, and alternated
among the processors. The operating system is then unable to use NUMA
optimizations, and the memory space is treated as if the system were an SMP
system.

SW Mem Hole Remapp

This setting enables the software to remap the physical memory to an address
higher than 4GB.

3-8

BIOS Setup

ACPI SRAT Table

The Static Resource Affinity Table (SRAT) can be used to describe the physical
location of processors and memory in large-scale systems (such as CC-NUMA)
to the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 operating system, allowing threads and
memory to be grouped in an optimal manner.

Memory Unganged Mode

The unganged mode can split the available bandwidth into two distinct channels
and is supported by AMD HyperTransport technology.

ECC Options

ECC Mode

This setting specifies the level of ECC protection. If [User] is selected, individual
ECC options may be changed. Other options except [Disabled] serve as presets.
For [Super] mode, all memory is scrubbed every 8 hours.

ECC Error Checking

This setting enables/disables ECC (Error Correction Code) checking, a method
of checking the integrity of data in DRAM. ECC provides more elaborate error
detection than parity; ECC can detect multiple-bit errors and can locate and
correct single-bit errors.

ECC Error Log

This setting logs the ECC error.

Chipkill

Chipkill is a new Advanced ECC (Error Correction Code) memory technology

3-9

MS-9655 Server BoardB

that protects servers from system downtime caused by memory failures.

ECC Scrub Redirection

This setting enables/disables ECC Scrubber to correct errors detected in
DRAM during normal CPU requests (foreground scrubbing).

DRAM ECC Scrub Control

The DRAM ECC Scrub option controls the frequency at which memory read
options are corrected while the system is in an idle state.

DCache ECC Scrub Control

The Data Cache ECC Scrub option controls the time allotted for the L1 memory
cache to be corrected when in an idle state.

L2 ECC Scrub Control

The L2 ECC Scrub option controls the time allotted for the L2 memory cache
to be corrected when in an idle state.

Integrated Devices

USB Control

This setting enables/disables the onboard USB host controller.

USB BIOS Legacy Support

Set to [Enabled] if your need to use any USB 1.1/2.0 device in the operating
system that does not support or have any USB 1.1/2.0 driver installed, such as
DOS and SCO Unix.

3-10

BIOS Setup

MAC LAN, MAC 1 LAN

These settings allow you to enable/disable the specified device controllers.

Azalia Codec

Azalia is the codename of “High Definition Audio.” This setting allows users to
disable/enable the High Definition Audio interface integrated in the Southbridge.

SATA0 Controller, SATA1 Controller, SATA2 Controller

These settings allow you to enable/disable the onchip Serial-ATA controllers.

Interrupt Mode

This BIOS feature is used to enable or disable the motherboard's APIC (Advanced
Programmable Interrupt Controller). The APIC provides multiprocessor support,
more IRQs and faster interrupt handling.
However, it is only supported by newer operating systems like Microsoft Win­dows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP. Older operating systems like DOS
or Windows 95/98 do not support this feature.
It is recommended that you select APIC if you are using a newer operating
system like Windows XP. Select PIC only if you are using an older operating
system like DOS or Windows 95/98.

NV RAID Configuration

NV RAID Configuration

This setting enables/disables the nVIDIA software RAID configuration. Note
that the SATA controller must be enabled for RAID feature to function.

Master SATA0/1/2 Primary, Master SATA0/1/2 Secondary (Optional)

These settings show up only when the NV RAID Configuration is set to
[Enabled]. Note that enabling Master SATA Secondary requires enabling Sec­ondary SATA Channel.

3-11

MS-9655 Server BoardB

IDE Configuration

Large Disk Access Mode

Defaulting this setting to [DOS] will create a Translated FDPT. Compatible ill­behaved applications will operate correctly when [DOS] is selected. Setting to
[Other] will create a Standard FDPT. Incompatible ill-behaved applications will
function correctly with [Other].

Local Bus IDE Adapter

This setting controls the onboard IDE adapter.

Primary Master, Primary Slave

[Type] Press PgUp/<+> or PgDn/<-> to select

[Manual], [None] or [Auto] type. Note that the
specifications of your drive must match with
the drive table. The hard disk will not work
properly if you enter improper information for
this category. If your hard disk drive type is
not matched or listed, you can use [Manual] to
define your own drive type manually.

[Multi-Sector Transfers] Any selection except Disabled determines

the number of sectors transferred per block

[LBA Mode Control] Enabling LBA causes Logical Block Ad-

dressing to be used in place of Cylinders,
Heads and Sectors

[32-Bit I/O] Enables 32-bit communication between

CPU and IDE card

3-12

[Tranfer Mode] Selects the method for transferring the data
[Ultra DMA Mode] Indicates the type of Ultra DMA

Floppy Configuration

BIOS Setup

between the hard disk and system memory

Legacy Diskette A

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

Floppy Check

This setting causes the BIOS to search for floppy disk drives at boot time. When
enabled, the BIOS will activate the floppy disk drives during the boot process.

3-13

MS-9655 Server BoardB

I/O Device Configuration

KBC Clock

This BIOS feature allows you to adjust the keyboard interface clock for a better
response or to fix a keyboard problem. It is recommended that you select a
higher clock speed for a better keyboard response. But if the keyboard per­forms erratically or fails to initialize, try a lower clock speed.

Serial Port A/B

These settings enable/disable the onboard Serial Port A / B.

Base I/O Address

These settings specify the base I/O port addresses of the onboard Serial
Port A / B.

Interrupt

These settings specify IRQs for the Serial Port A / B.

Floppy Disk Controller

This setting enables/disables the onboard floppy disk controller.

Base I/O Address

This setting specifies the base I/O port address of the onboard floppy drive.

3-14

IPMI

BIOS Setup

IPMI Specification Version

Indicate the IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) version.

BMC Hardware/Firmware Version

Indicate the BMC (Baseboard Management Controller) version.

Clear System Event Log

This function is used to clear system event logs.

Existing Event Log Number

Indicates how many event logs are existing.

Event Log Control

SYS Firmware Progress

These field allows you to log System Firmware Progress.

BIOS POST Watchdog

Setting the option to [Enabled] If BIOS POST fails, Watchdog restarts the BIOS
POST.

3-15

MS-9655 Server BoardB

System Event Log

This setting shows the real-time system event logs on the system monitor
sensor.

Dynamic or Static IP Config

This setting is used to configure your dynamic (temporary) or static (permanent)
network IP. Setting to [DHCP] (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) allows the
network IP to be automatically assigned.

IP Address, IP Subnet Mask, Default Gateway (Optional)

Use these settings to set up the IP address, IP subnet mask, and default
gateway for your system network. These settings appear only when the
Dynamic or Static IP Config is set to [Static IP] or [No Change].

3-16

Console Redirection

BIOS Setup

Com Port Address

This setting enables/disables the serial port address for console connection.

Baud Rate

This setting specifies the transfer rate (bits per second) of Console Redirection.

Console Type

This setting specifies the console type.

Flow Control

Flow control is the process of managing the rate of data transmission between
two nodes. It’s the process of adjusting the flow of data from one device to
another to ensure that the receiving device can handle all of the incoming data.
This is particularly important where the sending device is capable of sending
data much faster than the receiving device can receive it.

Console Connection

This feature indicates whether the console is connected directly to the system
or a modem is used for connection.

Continue C. R. after POST

Selecting [On] will enable Console Redirection after OS has loaded.

3-17

MS-9655 Server BoardB

DMI Event Logging

Event Log Capacity/Validity

These items indicate the status of Event log validity and capacity.

View DMI Event Log

Press [Enter] to view the contents of the DMI event log.

Clear All DMI Event Logs

When this setting is set to [Yes], the DMI event log will be cleared at next POST
stage. Then, the BIOS will automatically set this option to [No].

Event Logging

This setting disables/enables the BIOS to log DMI (Desktop Management Interface)
events.

Mark DMI Events as Readd

Press [Enter] and a screen pops up, asking users to confirm whether or not to
clear all DMI event logs immediately. Press [Y] and [Enter], the BIOS will clear all
DMI event logs right away.

3-18

Security

BIOS Setup

Supervisor Password Is / User Password Is

It shows the preset supervisor/user password. (read only)

Set Supervisor Password / Set User Password

Enabling Supervisor Password requires a password for entering Setup. The pass­words are not case sensitive. Pressing <Enter> at either Set Supervisor Password
or Set User Password displays the following message:

Set Supervisor Password

Enter New Password:
Confirm New Password:

Type the password and press <Enter>. Repeat.

Password on Boot

Choosing [Enabled] requires a password on boot. It requires prior setting of the
supervisor password. If the supervisor password is set and this option is disabled,
BIOS assumes the user is booting.

[ ]
[ ]

3-19

MS-9655 Server BoardB

Boot

Boot Priority Order

This setting allows users to set the boot priority of the specified devices. Refer to the
Item Specific Help on the right pane for instructions.

Excluded from Boot Order

This setting allows users to exclude the specified devices from the Boot Order list.

3-20

Power

BIOS Setup

Enable Cool’n’Quiet

This feature is especially desiged for AMD Athlon processor, which provides a CPU
temperature detecting function to prevent your CPU from overheading due to heavy
workload.

Spread Spectrum

When the motherboard’s clock generator pulses, the extreme values (spikes) of the
pulses creates EMI (Electromagnetic Interference). The Spread Spectrum function
reduces the EMI generated by modulating the pulses so that the spikes of the pulses
are reduced to flatter curves.

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-9655 Server BoardB

CPU/LDT, TGIO, SATA Spread Spectrum (Optional)

These settings are used to enable/disable the Spread Spectrum feature for the
specified target. When overclocking, always set them to [Disabled].

Enable Multimedia Timer

This setting enables the Multimedia Timer to achieve better resolution for multimedia
and other time-sensitive applications.

Power Loss Control

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

[Stay Off] Returns the system to an off state.
[Power On] Returns the system to an on state.
[Last State] Restores the system to the previous status before power

failure or interrupt occurred.

ACPI Suspend Support

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

Wake Up by LAN

Select [Enabled] to wake up the system when incoming signals are detected on the
specified LAN devices.

Wake Up by Ring

An input signal on the serial Ring Indicator (RI) line (in other words, an incoming call
on the modem) awakens the system from a soft off state.

Resume On Time

Select [On] to wake up the system at predetermined time.

Resume Time

The time format is <HH> <MM> <SS>.

Resume Date

The date format is <MM> <DD> <YYYY>.

3-22

Exit

BIOS Setup

Exit Saving Changes

When you want to quit the Setup menu, you can select this option to save the
changes and quit.

Exit Discarding Changes

When you want to quit the Setup menu, you can select this option to abandon the
changes.

Load Setup Defaults

The option allows users to restore all of the BIOS settings to the Optimal Defaults. The
Setup Defaults are the default values set by the mainboard manufacturer specifically
for the optimized performance of the mainboard.

Discard Changes

The option allows users to restore all of the BIOS settings to previous values.

Save Changes

The option allows users to save the changes without exiting Setup.

3-23

MS-9655 Server BoardB

3-24

nVIDIA SATA RAID

Appendix A

nVIDIA SATA RAID

NVIDIA brings Redundant Array of Independent Disks
(RAID) technology—which is used by the world’s lead­ing businesses—to the common PC desktop. This tech­nology uses multiple drives to either increase total disk
space or to offer data protection. For all levels, RAID
techniques optimize storage solutions by using multiple
disks grouped together and treating them as a single
storage resource.

A-1

MS-9655 Server Board

Introduction

System Requirement

Operating System Support

NVRAID supports the following operating systems:

Windows XP
Windows 2003 x64
Windows 2003
Windows 2000 Professional
Windows 2000

RAID Arrays

NVRAID supports the following types of RAID arrays described in this section:
RAID 0: RAID 0 defines a disk striping scheme that improves the disk read and write
times for many applications.
RAID 1: RAID 1 defines techniques for mirroring data.
RAID 0+1: RAID 0+1 combines the techniques used in RAID 0 and RAID 1 arrays.
Spanning (JBOD): JBOD provides a method for combining drives of differentsizes
into one large disk.

Summary of RAID Configurations

Array Uses Advantages Drawbacks # Hard

RAID 0 Non-critical data

requiring high
performance.

RAID 1 Small databases or any

other small capacity
environment requiring
fault tolerance.

RAID 0+1 Critical data requiring

high performance.

JBOD Combining odd size

drives into one big drive

High data throughput. No fault tolerance. multiple None

100% data
redundancy.

Optimized for both
100% data
redundancy and
performance.
Allows spare disks.

Combines and uses
the capacity of odd
size drives.

Requires 2 drives for
the storage space of 1
drive.

Requires 2 drives for
the storage space of 1
drive—the same as
RAID level 1.

Decreases
performance because
of the difficulty in
using drives
concurrently or to
optimize drives for
different uses.

Disks

2 Yes

4+ Yes

Multiple No

Important

Fault
Tolerance

Please note that the companion MSI Driver/Utility CD supports this mainboard
with Windows 2000/XP system drivers ONLY. Hence, users cannot install
OS, either WinME or Win98, in their SATA hard drives.

A-2

nVIDIA SATA RAID

RAID Configuration

Basic Configuration Instructions

The following are the basic steps for configuring NVRAID:

Non-Bootable RAID Array

1. Choose the hard disks that are to be RAID enabled in the system BIOS. (To enable
the nVidia RAID Function in nVidia RAID Setup of Integrated Peripherals in
BIOS.)

2. Specify the RAID level, either Mirroring (RAID 1) or Striping (RAID 0) and create the
desired RAID array.

3. Enter the Windows OS, run the Windows nForce Setup application and install the

RAID software.

4. Initialize the NVRAID Array Disks.

Bootable RAID Array

1. Choose the hard disks that are to be RAID enabled in the system BIOS. (To enable
the nVidia RAID Function in nVidia RAID Setup of Integrated Peripherals in
BIOS.)

2. Specify the RAID level, either Mirroring (RAID 1) or Striping (RAID 0),and create the
desired RAID array.

3. Boot from the Windows CD, use the floppy disk that has the RAID driver to copy

and install the nForce RAID software.

4. Initialize the NVRAID Array Disks.

Setting Up the NVRAID BIOS

Be sure to enable the nVidia RAID Function in nVidia RAID Setup of Integrated
Peripherals in BIOS before configuring the NVRAID BIOS. After that press F10 to

save the configuration and exit. The PC will reboot right away. Then enter the RAID
BIOS Setup by pressing F10 when prompted, and follow the procedures described
below to set up the NVRAID BIOS.
NVRAID BIOS setup lets you choose the RAID array type and which hard drives you
want to make part of the array.

Entering the RAID BIOS Setup

1. After rebooting your PC, wait until
you see the RAID software
prompting you to press F10. The
RAID prompt appears as part of
the system POST and boot process
prior to loading the OS.

2. Press F10, and the NVIDIA RAID
Utility --- Define a New Array win­dow will appear.
The default RAID Mode is set to
Mirroring and Striping Block is
set to Optimal.

A-3

MS-9655 Server Board

Understanding the “Define a New Array ” Window

Use the Define a New Array window to

• Select the RAID Mode

• Set up the Striping Block

• Specify which disks to use for the RAID Array

Depending on the platform used, the system can have one or more channels. In a
typical system there is usually one controller and multiple channels, and each chan­nel has a slave and a master.
The channel/controller/master/slave status of each hard disk is given in the Loc
(location) columns of the Free Disks and Array Disks lists.

In the example above, 1.0.M means the hard drive is attached to Channel 1, Controller
0, and the drive is set to Master. The following is a list of all possible combinations:

Parallel ATA

0.0.M Channel 0, controller 0, Master

0.0.S Channel 0, controller 0, Slave

0.1.M Channel 0, controller 1, Master

0.1.S Channel 0, controller 1, Slave

Serial ATA

1.0.M Channel 1, controller 0, Master

1.1.M Channel 1, controller 1, Master

2.0.M Channel 2, controller 0, Master

2.1.M Channel 2, controller 1, Master

Important

There is no such thing as Slave drive in Serial ATA. All drives are considered
to be Master since there is a one to one connection between the drive and the
controller.

A-4

nVIDIA SATA RAID

Using the Define a New Array Window

If necessary, press the tab key to move from field to field until the appropriate field is
highlighted.

• Selecting the RAID Mode

By default, this is set to [Mirroring]. To change to a different RAID mode, press the
down arrow key until the mode that you want appears in the RAID Mode box—either
[Mirroring], [Striping].

• Selecting the Striping Block Size

Striping Block size is given in kilobytes, and affects how data is arranged on the

disk. It is recommended to leave this value at the default [Optimal], which is 32KB, but
the values can be between [4 KB] and [128 KB].

• Assigning the Disks

The disks that you enabled from the RAID Config BIOS setup page appear in the Free
Disks block. These are the drives that are available for use as RAID array disks.

To designate a free disk to be used as a RAID array disk,

1. Tab to the Free Disks section. The first disk in the list is selected.

2. Move it from the Free Disks block to the Array Disks block by pressing the right

arrow key (-->). The first disk in the list is moved, and the next disk in the list is
selected and ready to be moved.

3. Continue pressing the right-arrow key (<-- ) until all the disks that you want to use

as RAID array disks appear in the Array Disks block.

It shows that two disks have been assigned as RAID1 array disks in the figure
above.

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Completing the RAID BIOS Setup

1.After assigning your RAID array disks, press F7. The Clear disk data prompt
appears.

2.Press Y if you want to wipe out all the data from the RAID array, otherwise press
N. You must choose Yes if the drives were previously used as RAID drives.
The Array List window appears, where you can review the RAID arrays that you
have set up.

3. Use the arrow keys to select the array that you want to set up, then press Enter.
The Array Detail window appears.

4. If you want to mark this disk as empty and wipe out all its contents then press C.

5. At the prompt, press Y to wipe out all the data, otherwise press N.

6.Press Enter again to go back to the previous window and then press Ctrl+X to
exit the RAID setup. Now that the RAID setup has been configured from the RAID
BIOS, the next step is to configure and load NVRAID drivers under Windows, as
explained in “Installing the NVIDIA RAID Software Under Windows”.

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nVIDIA SATA RAID

Installing the RAID Driver (for bootable RAID Array)

1. After you complete the RAID BIOS setup, boot from the Windows CD, and the

Windows Setup program starts.

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

3. Specify the NVIDIA drivers:

(1)Insert the floppy that has the RAID driver, press S, then press Enter. The

Windows Setup screen appears as below:

Important

Please follow the instructions below to make an nVIDIA Serial ATA RAID
driver diskette 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 :

\\nVidia\System\MCP55\IDE\WinXP\sataraid or
\\nVidia\System\MCP55\IDE\Win2K\sataraid

to a formatted floppy disk.

4.The driver disk for nVIDIA RAID controller is done.

(2)Select “NVIDIA RAID CLASS DRIVER” and then press Enter.
(3)Press S again at the Specify Devices screen, then press Enter.
(4)Select “NVIDIA NForce Storage Controller” and then press Enter. The follow-

ing Windows Setup screen appears listing both drivers:

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4.Press Enter to continue with Windows XP Installation. Be sure to leave the floppy
disk inserted in the floppy drive until the blue screen portion of Windows XP
installation is completed, then take out the floppy.

5.Follow the instructions on how to install Windows XP. After Windows XP is com­pletely installed, it is recommended that you install the the RAID management tool.

Important

Each time you add a new hard drive to a RAID array, the RAID driver will have
to be installed under Windows once for that hard drive. After that, the driver
will not have to be installed.

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nVIDIA SATA RAID

NVIDIA RAID Utility Installation

Installing the NVIDIA RAID Software Under Windows (for Non­bootable RAID Array)

The existing Windows IDE Parallel ATA driver (as well as the Serial ATA driver if SATA
is enabled) must be upgraded to use the NVIDIA IDE Parallel ATA driver (as well as the
NV Serial ATA driver if SATA is enabled).
This section describes how to run the setup application and install the RAID software
which will upgrade the Windows IDE driver and install the RAID software.

1.Start the NVIDIA C19 System Drivers installation program to open the NVIDIA

Windows nForce Drivers page.

2.Select the modules that you want to install. Make sure that the “NVIDIA IDE Driver”

is selected.

Important

You must install the NVIDIA IDE driver in order to enable NVIDIA
RAID. If you do not install the NVIDIA IDE driver, NVIDIA RAID will not be

enabled.

3.Click Next and then follow the instructions.

4.After the installation is completed, be sure to reboot the PC.

5.After the reboot, initialize the newly created array.

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Initializing and Using the Disk Array

The RAID array is now ready to be initialized under Windows.

1.Launch Computer Management by clicking “Start” --> “Settings” --> “Control Panel”

then open the “ Administrative Tools” folder and double click on “Computer
Management”.

2.Click “Disk Management” (under the “ Storage” section). The Initialize and Convert

Disk Wizards appears.

3.Click Next. The Select Disks to Initialize window appears. The disks listed depend

on how many arrays you have configured.

4.Click Next. The Select Disks to Convert window appears.

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nVIDIA SATA RAID

5.Check the disk in the list if you want to make the array a dynamic disk, then click

Next. The Completing the Initialize and Convert Disk Wizard window appears.

6.Click Finish. The “Computer Management” window appears.

The actual disks listed will depend on your system, and the unallocated partition is
the total combined storage of two hard disks. You must format the unallocated
disk space in order to use it.

7. Format the unallocated disk space. Right click “Unallocated space”, select “New

Partition…” and follow the wizard. After the drive has been formatted, it is ready
for use.

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RAID Drives Management

There is an application called NVRAIDMAN which helps you perform the following
tasks of nVDIA RAID.

• Viewing RAID Array Configurations

View an array configuration (mirrored or striped)

• Setting Up a Spare RAID Disk

• View free and/or dedicated free disks

• Designate a free disk to a particular array

• Creating RAID Arrays

• Deleting a RAID Array

• Morphing From One RAID Array to Another

• Hot Plug Array

• Initializing a RAID Array

• Erase the data on the array by writing all zeros to the sectors of each hard

disk.

• Rebuilding a RAID Mirrored Array

• Rebuild a broken mirrored array

• Watch the progress of rebuilding an array

• Only applies to RAID 1 arrays

• Synchronizing a RAID Array

• Rebuild the redundancy in RAID 1 arrays (copy the data to the

redundant disk—the same operation as rebuilding)

Viewing RAID Array Configurations

To view your RAID configuration from Windows, launch the NVRAID Management
utility by double-clicking NvRaidMan.exe (the default location of NvRaidMan.exe is in
\\nVidia\System\MCP55\IDE\Win2k or XP\raidtool\ of the setup CD accompanied with
your mainboard).
The RAID configuration information appears in the right-side pane, as shown below.

Important

The setup screens are for demonstration only and may vary from what is shown
in your system.

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nVIDIA SATA RAID

Setting Up a Spare RAID Disk

You can designate a hard drive to be used as a spare drive for a RAID 1 array. The
spare drive can take over for a failed disk. NVRAID supports two types of spare
drives:

• Free Disk

A free disk is a disk that is not part of any RAID array, but can be used by any
available RAID 1 array that requires a particular disk when one of its disks crashes
or becomes unusable. The process is automatic and doesn’t require any user
interaction.
For example, if you have a system with four hard disks where one disk is used to
boot the OS, two hard drives are set up in a mirrored array, and a fourth hard disk is
set up as a free disk, then if one of the mirrored array drives fails, the free disk will
be automatically assigned to the mirrored array to be used instead of the failed disk.

• Dedicated Disk

A dedicated free disk is a disk that is assigned to a RAID 1 array and that disk is used
by that array only when needed, for example during a system crash where a RAID
mirrored drive is broken. The dedicated disk can be used only by the array that it is
assigned to and not by any other array, unlike a free disk which can be used by any
available RAID 1 array.
Note: You must have at least two RAID arrays to use this feature.

Assigning a Free Disk

To mark a disk as free, or not a part of any array,

1. Enter the system BIOS setup and make sure that the drive that you want to mark as
free is RAID enabled.

2. Enter the RAID BIOS and make sure that the drive is not part of any array (if one
exists).

3. Boot into Windows and run the NVRAIDMAN program. The drive appears under the
Free Disk section. The figure below shows an example of the NVRAIDMAN display
if you have a mirror array and one free disk.

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Assigning a Dedicated Disk

To mark a disk as dedicated, or reserve it for use by a specific array,

Step 1: Mark the Disk as a Free Disk

1. Enter the system BIOS setup and make sure that the drive that you want to mark as

free is RAID enabled.

2. Boot into Windows and run the NVRAIDMAN program.

If the disk is not part of any RAID array, then it will appear under the Free Disk
section of the RAID GUI.

Step 2: Dedicate the Free Disk to an Array

While running NVRAIDMAN, dedicate the free disk to an array by doing the following:

1. Right click one of the two Mirrored arrays as shown below.

2. Select Designate Spare from the menu to launch the Spare Disk Allocation Wizard.

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nVIDIA SATA RAID

3. Click Next.

The RAID Array Selection page appears.

4. From the Free Disk Selection page, select one of the two free disks available.

This would be the disk that will be designated to the mirror array.

5. Click Next.

The Completing the NVIDIA Spare Disk Allocation page appears.

6. Click Finish.

As shown in figure below, the ST380011A drive is now a dedicated free disk in the
mirrored array. If a system crash occurs that causes any of the two WD360GD
drives to fail, the ST380011A hard drive will take over and be used in the newly
formed mirrored array.

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Removing a Dedicated Disk

Once a dedicated disk has been assigned to a particular array, it can be removed at
any time. To remove the disk, right click on the dedicated disk and select “Remove
Disk...” to remove it. In the previous example, simply right click on the ST380011A
drive and select “Remove Disk... ”. as shown in the screen shot below:

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nVIDIA SATA RAID

Morphing From One RAID Array to Another

In a traditional RAID environment, when a user wants to change the current state of
a disk or a current array to a new RAID configuration, the process of reconfiguring
the new array involves multiple steps. The user must back up the data, delete the
array, re-boot the PC, and then reconfigure the new array.
NVIDIA RAID allows the end user to change the current state of the disk or array to
another with a one-step process called .Morphing.. This section describes the NVIDIA
Morphing process and explains how to use Morphing to convert from one RAID array
type to another.

General Morphing Principles

NVIDIA RAID includes extensive support for morphing, a process of converting from
one RAID mode to another RAID mode.

General Requirements and Limitations

• The new array capacity must be equal to or greater than the previous array.

For example, it is possible to morph from a RAID 1 array to a RAID 0 array as long as
the RAID 0 array is the same size as (or larger than) the RAID 1 array.

• You can’t morph from RAID 1 to RAID 1

Specific Morphing Requirements

The following table lists the disk requirements for a new RAID array for various
morphing combinations.

From To New Array Disk Requirements

m > n

RAID 0

RAID 0

RAID 1

RAID 0

RAID 1

RAID 1

Number of disks in the new array must be greater than the
original array.
m =2, n =1
RAID 1 array must include two disks, converted from a one
disk RAID 0 array.

No additional restrictions.

** Not a valid combination **

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Hot Plug Array

With respect to RAID, hot plugging is the ability to add a disk to a system safely and
without causing problems for the RAID software. For example, when a drive in a
mirrored array fails, the user can launch the Hot Plug Array Wizard which instructs
the user as to when a drive can be safely added to the system. As soon as the drive
is added, the user can then finish running the RAID wizard and the drive becomes
usable by the system. Hot Plug Array allows the user to add or remove an entire array
without degrading the array in the process.

NVRAIDMAN can be used to hot plug a RAID disk. To hot plug a disk, simply do the
following:

1 Launch NVRAIDMAN and click on “Hot Plug Array” and the following screen shot

will appear:

2 Click Next and the following screen shot will appear:

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nVIDIA SATA RAID

3 Connect the RAID disk that you want to use with any given RAID array.
4 Click Next and the following screen shot will appear:

5 Click Finish.

Initializing a RAID Array

Initializing a RAID array erases all the data that is stored on that array, and writes all
zeros to the disks. Initialization of newly configured RAID arrays is recommended to
ensure consistency and reliable performance on any supported fault tolerant array
such as RAID 0. Use this feature only if you are absolutely sure that you want to wipe
out all the data on that array.
Initialization of a fault tolerant array can only be done when the array is being
created. To initialize an array, perform the following steps:

Note: In this example, a mirror array is initialized.

1 From the NVRAIDMAN window, right click on any available free disk and select
Create Array as show in Figure below.

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2 The Create Array Wizard opens. Follow the Wizard to create a Mirror array.
3 At the Create Array Wizard Welcome screen, click Next .
4 At the RAID Array Selection page, make sure that RAID Mode is set to “Mirroring”
and Stripe Size is set to its default value of 64K, then click Next.
5 At the Free Disk Selection page, select the two drives that you want to Mirror and

click Next.

6 Click Next again and the following screen shot will appear:

7 Check “Intialize Array” and then click Next. The Initialization Warning dialog appears.

8 Click OK. The Clearing System Data screen appears again with the Initialize Array

check box checked as shown below.

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nVIDIA SATA RAID

9 Click Next , then click Finish at the Completing the NVIDIA Create Array Wizard

screen. The NVRAIDMAN windows shows the created RAID array as shown
below.

The Initialization Process

As you can see from the screen shot above, the initialization process has started
and it will be completed in a short period of time. As soon as the Initialization process
starts, a popup window similar to the following will appear:

followed by the following pop-up window:

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Rebuilding a RAID Array

Rebuilding is the process of restoring data to a hard drive from other drives in the
array. This applies only to fault tolerant arrays such as RAID 1. For example, assum­ing you have a two disk RAID 1 array, and one of the drives fail, then you need the
lost data on the newly added drive.

Rebuilding Instructions

After creating a mirrored array, you can rebuild the array using the following steps:
1 Go to Windows and run the NVIDIA RAID Management utility.
The picture below shows an example of a system with one mirrored array and two

free disks.

2. Right-click on Mirroring. The popup menu appears.

3. From the popup menu, click Rebuild Array. The NVIDIA Rebuild Array Wizard

appears.

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nVIDIA SATA RAID

4. Click Next. The Disk Selection page appears.

5. Select the drive that you want to rebuild by clicking it from the list, then click Next.
The Completing the NVIDIA Rebuild Array page appears.

6. Click Finish. The array rebuilding starts after a few seconds, and a small pop-up
message appears towards the bottom right corner of the screen as shown in the
figure below.

When the rebuilding process is finished you will see the pop up box shown in Figure
below.

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During the rebuilding process, the NVRAID Management utility screen shows the
status under the System Tasks and Details sections.

More About Rebuilding Arrays

• Rebuilding Occurs in the Background

The rebuilding process is very slow (it can take up to a day) and occurs in the
background so as not to affect the performance of the system.

• Rebuilding Applies Only to RAID 1 Array

Rebuilding an array works only when using RAID 1. Rebuilding does not apply to
RAID 0.

• Rebuilding applies to a degraded fault tolerant array

You can rebuild a degraded mirrored array using any available Free Disk or Dedicated
Disk. For example, Figure below shows a mirrored array using two 34.48 GB drives
while having two Free Disks each 55.90 GB large.

To use one of these available free disks to rebuild your array, follow the same steps
as explained in “Rebuilding a RAID Array”, except when prompted to select
a disk, choose one of the two available free disks.

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nVIDIA SATA RAID

Synchronizing a RAID Array

Synchronizing an array will force a rebuild of redundancy or parity. The operation is
applicable to any fault tolerant array such as RAID 1.

• For RAID1, “sync” results in copying the data to the redundancy disk,

To sync an array, do the following (This example assumes you have already created
a fault tolerant array such as RAID 1):
1 Right click on “Mirroring” and select Synchronize Array as shown in Figure

below.

2 The Synchronize Array Wizard Welcome screen appears.

3 Click on Next and then click Finish at the Wizard Completion screen. The NVRAIDMAN

window indicates that the array is synchronizing, as shown in Figure below.

As you can see from the screen shot above, the synchronization process has
started and it will be completed in a short period of time.

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Usind Disk Alert

The RAID manager application includes a disk alert feature that provides a graphical
indication of the status of the hard disks in the system.
When the RAID manager application detects a failure condition of an attached drive,
a pop-up box appears in the clock area of the Windows system tray. Click the pop­up box to view the manufacturer-provide bitmap image of the system motherboard.
The image shows the hard drive connector ports and provides a visual indication of
the location and status of the drives as follows:

• Red rectangle: A red rectangle will flash around the port connector that is
attached to the failed drive.

• Green rectangle: Ports that have a drive attached, and are in a healthy state, are
indicated with a green rectangle around the port connector.

• Yellow rectangle: Ports that have a drive attached, are members of a failed RAID
array, but are not the cause of the failure have a yellow rectangle around the port
connector.

Unconnected ports have no visual indication.

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Realtek ALC888 Audio

Appendix B

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.

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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

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 auto­matically appear.

2. Click Realtek HD Audio Driver .

a

Click here

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.

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Realtek ALC888 Audio

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

4. Click Finish to restart the system.

Click here

Select this
option

Click here

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

Remove the
human voice

Raise the key

Lower the key

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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

You have to plug audio device into the jacks on the rear and front panel first
before enable the multi-stream function.

a

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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.

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3. Playback control

Tool Mute

Playback device

This function is to let you freely decide which ports to
output the sound. And this is essential when multi­streaming 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

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4. Recording control

Realtek ALC888 Audio

Tool Mute

Recording device

-Back Line in/Mic, Front Lin 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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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

a

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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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.

a

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.
S/PDIF-in to S/PDIF -out pass though mode: The data from S/PDIF-In can be real­ time played from S/PDIF-Out.

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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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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
Cancelltion to cancel the acoustic echo druing recording.

Acoustic Echo Cancelltion 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

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