MSI KT3M Manual

KT4M/KT3M

MS-6596 (v1.X) M-ATX Mainboard

Version 1.1

G52-M6596X2-G22

i

Manual Rev: 1.1
Release Date: Dec. 2002

FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class
B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equip­ment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accor­dance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.

Notice 1

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

Notice 2

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

VOIR LA NOTICE D’INSTALLATION AVANT DE RACCORDER AU

RESEAU.

Micro-Star International MS-6596

Tested to comply

with FCC Standard

For Home or Office Use

ii

Copyright Notice

The material in this document is the intellectual property of MICRO-STAR
INTERNATIONAL. We take every care in the preparation of this document,

but no guarantee is given as to the correctness of its contents. Our products
are under continual improvement and we reserve the right to make changes
without notice.

Trademarks

All trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

AMD, Athlon™, Athlon™ XP, Thoroughbred™, and Duron™ are registered
trademarks of AMD Corporation.
PS/2 and OS®/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.
Windows® 98/ME/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 PCB V1.0A1 Dec. 2002

Technical Support

If a problem arises with your system and no solution can be obtained from the
user’s manual, please contact your place of purchase or local distributor.
Alternatively, please try the following help resources for further guidance.

Visit the MSI website for FAQ, technical guide, BIOS updates, driver

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

Contact our technical staff at: [e-mail]

iii

Safety Instructions

1. Always read the safety instructions carefully.

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

3. Keep this equipment away from humidity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

to User’s Manual.

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

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

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

iv

CONTENTS

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

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

CPU Core Speed Derivation Procedure ......................................... 2-3

CPU Installation Procedures for Socket 462 .................................. 2-4

Installing AMD Athlon CPU (Socket 462) Cooler Set ................... 2-5

Setting CPU Clock Frequency through Jumper ............................. 2-7

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

Memory Speed/CPU FSB Support Matrix ..................................... 2-7

DIMM Module Combination ......................................................... 2-8

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

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

ATX 20-Pin Power Connector: CONN1 ......................................... 2-9

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

Mouse Connector ....................................................................... 2-10

Keyboard Connector ................................................................... 2-11

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

Serial Port Connectors: COM A & COM B .................................. 2-12

RJ-45 LAN Jack (Optional) .......................................................... 2-12

Parallel Port Connector: LPT1 ...................................................... 2-13

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

Connectors ......................................................................................... 2-15

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1 ........................................... 2-15

Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2 ........................................... 2-16

Fan Power Connectors: CPUFA1/SYSFA1 .................................. 2-18

CD-In Connector: JCD1 ............................................................... 2-19

v

Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JCI1 .................................. 2-18

Power Saving Switch Connector: JSLP1 ...................................... 2-19

IrDA Infrared Module Header: JIR1 ............................................ 2-19

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1, JFP2 ............................................ 2-20

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1 ........................................ 2-21

SPDIF Connector: JSP1 (Optional) .............................................. 2-22

S-Bracket Connector: JSB1 (Optional) ......................................... 2-23

Front USB Connector: JUSB1 ...................................................... 2-24

Jumpers .............................................................................................. 2-25

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1 ........................................................ 2-25

FSB Clock Jumper: SW1, SW2 .................................................... 2-26

Slots ................................................................................................... 2-27

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) Slot ......................................... 2-27

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots .......................... 2-27

CNR (Communication Network Riser) Slot .................................. 2-27

PCI Interrupt Request Routing .................................................... 2-28

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advanced Chipset Features ............................................................... 3-12

Integrated Peripherals ........................................................................ 3-16

Power Management Features ............................................................. 3-21

PNP/PCI Configurations ..................................................................... 3-25

PC Health Status ................................................................................ 3-27

Frequency/Voltage Control ................................................................ 3-28

vi

Load Fail-Safe/Optimized Defaults ..................................................... 3-29

Set Supervisor/User Password ........................................................... 3-30

Appendix: Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function .................................... A-1

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

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

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function ............................................... A-5

Using the Optional S-Bracket ....................................................... A-5

Using the Back Panel only ......................................................... A-10

Testing the Connected Speakers....................................................... A-14

Testing Each Speaker ................................................................. A-14

Playing KaraOK ................................................................................ A-16

Playing KaraOK .......................................................................... A-16

Troubleshooting ........................................................................................ T-1

Glossary .................................................................................................... G-1

vii

Getting Started

Chapter 1. Getting
Started

Getting Started

Thank you for purchasing the KT4M/KT3M (MS-6596 v1.X)

series Micro ATX mainboard. The KT4M/KT3M is based on VIA
Apollo KT400/KT333 & VT8235 chipsets for optimal system
efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced AMD® Athlon™, Athlon™

XP or Duron™ processors, the KT4M/KT3M delivers a high per-

formance and professional desktop platform solution.

®

1-1

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Specifications

CPU

h Supports Socket A (Socket-462) for AMD® Athlon™/Athlon™ XP /Duron™

processors.

h Supports up to 2600+ or higher speed.

Chipset

h VIA® KT400/KT333 North Bridge.

- Supports 200/266/333 MHz front side bus.

- Supports DDR333/266/200 memory.

- Supports AGP 4X and AGP 8X (available only for KT400).

h VIA® VT8235 South Bridge

- Integrated Direct Sound AC97 audio.

- Dual channel Ultra DMA 33/66/100/133 master mode EIDE controller.

- ACPI & PC2001 compliant enhanced power management.

- Integrated USB 2.0 controller.

Main Memory

h Supports four memory banks using two 184-pin DDR DIMMs.
h Supports up to 2GB PC2700/2100/1600 DDR SDRAMs.
h Supports 2.5v DDR SDRAM.

MSI Reminds Y ou...

1. To support CPU with 333MHz FSB, the onboard memory mod­ules have to be DDR333 SDRAMs.

2. Support for DDR400 technology will be available later after
validation of DDR400 specifications.

Slots

h One AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) slot.

- Supports AGP 3.0 4X and 8X (available only for KT400).

h Three 32-bit PCI bus slots (support 3.3v/5v PCI bus interface).
h One CNR (Communication Network Riser) slot.

On-Board IDE

h An IDE controller on the VT8235 chipset provides IDE HDD/CD-ROM with

PIO, Bus Master and Ultra DMA133/100/66/33 operation modes.

1-2

Getting Started

h Can connect up to four IDE devices.

On-Board Peripherals

h On-Board Peripherals include:

- One floppy port supports 2 FDDs with 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and

2.88Mbytes

- T wo serial ports (COM A + COM B)

- One parallel port supports SPP/EPP/ECP mode

- One RJ-45 LAN port

- Vertical audio ports

- One 3-pin SPDIF connector (Optional)

- One 12-pin S-Bracket connector (Optional)

- Six USB 2.0 ports (Rear * 4/ Front * 2)

Audio

h RealT ek ALC650 6-channel audio.

LAN (Optional)

h 10/100Mbps Ethernet onboard.

BIOS

h The mainboard BIOS provides “Plug & Play” BIOS which detects the pe-

ripheral devices and expansion cards of the board automatically.

h The mainboard provides a Desktop Management Interface (DMI) function

which records your mainboard specifications.

Dimension

h Micro ATX Form Factor: 24.5 cm x 22 cm.

Mounting

h 6 mounting holes.

Others

h Wake Up from S1/S3 (Power/Sleep Button, PS/2 Keyboard + Mouse, PME,

USB Device, COM, RTC Alarm, CNR).

h Wake Up from S4 (Power/Sleep Button, PME, COM, RTC Alarm, CNR).
h Wake Up from S5 (Power Button, PME, COM, RTC Alarm).
h PC2001 Compliance.

1-3

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

(

)

(

)

Mainboard Layout

Top : m ouse
Bottom: keyboard

USB
Ports

Top :Parallel port
Bottom:

COM A
COM B

T: RJ45 LAN jack
B: USB ports

Mic
Line-In
Line-Out

VIA

VT6103

JAUD1

JCD1

Codec

CNR

JSB1

Optional

JSP1

Optional

X
T
A

y

l
p
p
u
S
r
e
w
o
P

SYSFA1

PCI 1

PCI 2

PCI 3

JFP1JFP2

S

O

C

K

E

4

6

2

T

CPUFA1

Winbond
83697HF

AGP 1

1

2

M

M

M

M

I

I

D

D

VIA

VT8235

BATT

+

JUSB1

JIR1

KT4M/KT3M (MS-6596 v1.X) Micro A TX Mainboard

BIOS

1
E

D

I

1
D
D
F

SW1

JBAT1

JSLP1

JCI1

SW2

2
E
D

I

1-4

Hardware Setup

Chapter 2. Hardware

Setup

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-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Quick Components Guide

CONN1,

p.2-9

Back Panel
I/O, p.2-10

SYSFA1

p.2-17

AGP Slot,

p.2-27

JAUD1, p.2-21

JSB1, p.2-23

JSP1, p.2-22

JCD1, p.2-18

CNR Slot,

p.2-27

JFP1, p.2-20

JFP2, p.2-20

CPU, p.2-3

CPUFA1, p.2-17

DIMM1/2,

p.2-7

FDD1,

p.2-15

IDE1/2,

p.2-16

SW1,

p.2-26

PCI Slots,

p.2-27

JCI1,

p.2-18

SW2,

p.2-26

JBAT1,

p.2-25

JSLP1,

p.2-19

JIR1,

p.2-19

JUSB1, p.2-24

2-2

Hardware Setup

Central Processing Unit: CPU

The mainboard supports AMD® Athlon™, Athlon™ XP and Duron™
processors in the 462 pin package. The mainboard uses a CPU socket called
Socket A for easy CPU installation. When you are installing the CPU, make

sure the CPU has a heat sink and a cooling fan attached on the top to
prevent overheating. If you do not find the heat sink and cooling fan, contact

your dealer to purchase and install them before turning on the computer.

CPU Core Speed Derivation Procedure

If CPU Clock = 100MHz

Core/Bus ratio = 14

then CPU core speed = Host Clock x Core/Bus ratio

= 100MHz x 14
= 1.4 GHz

WARNING! Thermal Issue for CPU

As processor technology pushes to faster speeds and higher performance, ther­mal management becomes increasingly crucial when building computer
systems. Maintaining the proper thermal environment is key to reliable
operation. As such, the processor must be maintained in the specified thermal
requirements.

AMD Athlon™/Duron™/Athlon™ XP processor with a speed of 600MHz
and above requires a LARGER heatsink and fan. You also need to add ther­mal grease between the CPU and heatsink to improve heat dissipation. Then,
make sure that the CPU and heatsink are securely fastened and in good con­tact with each other. These are needed to prevent damaging the processor and
ensuring reliable operation. If you want to get more information on the proper
cooling, you can visit AMD’s website for reference.

2-3

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

CPU Installation Procedures for Socket 462

1. Please turn off the power and

unplug the power cord before
installing the CPU.

2. Pull the lever sideways away

from the socket. Make sure
to raise the lever up to a 90­degree angle.

3. Look for the gold arrow. The

gold arrow should point to­wards the lever pivot. The
CPU can only fit in the cor­rect orientation.

4. If the CPU is correctly

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

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.

Sliding

Plate

Gold arrow

Gold arrow

Gold arrow

Press down

the CPU

Open Lever

90 degree

Correct CPU placement

O

Incorrect CPU placement

X

Close
Lever

2-4

Hardware Setup

Installing AMD Athlon CPU (Socket 462) Cooler Set

The following instructions will guide
you through the heat sink installation
procedures. Please consult your agent
for the proper CPU cooler set.

1. Position your CPU cooler set
onto the CPU.

2. Use one end of the clip to hook
the latch of the CPU sliding
plate.

3. Hook the other latch to fix the
cooling fan set. You may need a
screw drive to press down the
other side of the clip.

4. Connect the fan to the fan power
connector provided on your
mainboard.

Apply some heat

sink paste

MSI Reminds You...

Please apply some heat sink paste on top of CPU to dissipate
the heat more effectively.

2-5

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Setting CPU Clock Frequency through Jumper

The hardware configuration for CPU clock frequency of the motherboard
is set to 133MHz by default. Therefore, to make a 100/166MHz CPU run at
100/166MHz when it is installed on the board, you have to adjust the CPU
clock frequency through .

To set the clock frequency for the installed CPU, refer to Jumpers/FSB
Clock Jumper: SW1, SW2 in later section of this chapter.

MSI Reminds You...

Overheating

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

Replacing the CPU

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

Overclocking

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

caused by inadequate operation or beyond product
specifications.

2-6

Hardware Setup

Memory

The mainboard provides 2 slots for 184-pin DDR SDRAM DIMM
(Double In-Line Memory Module) modules and supports the memory size up
to 2GB. You can install PC2700/DDR333, PC2100/DDR266 or PC1600/
DDR200 modules on the DDR DIMM slots (DIMM 1~2).

Memory Speed/CPU FSB Support Matrix

DDR200 DDR266 DDR333 DDR400
100MHz FSB Yes Yes Yes TBA
133MHz FSB N/A Yes Yes TBA
166MHz FSB N/A TBA Yes TBA

N/A: Not Available TBA: To Be Announced

MSI Reminds You...

1. To support CPU with 333MHz FSB, the onboard memory mod­ules have to be DDR333 SDRAMs.

2. Support for DDR400 technology will be available later after
validation of DDR400 specifications.

DDR DIMM Slots

(DIMM 1~2)

2-7

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

DIMM Module Combination

Install at least one DIMM module on the slots. Memory modules can be
installed on the slots in any order. You can install either single- or double­sided modules to meet your own needs.

Memory modules can be installed in any combination as follows:

Slot Memory Module Total Memory

DIMM 1

(Bank 0 & 1)

DIMM 2

(Bank 2 & 3)

Maximum System Memory Supported

S/D 64MB~1GB

S/D 64MB~1GB

64MB~2GB

S: Single Side D: Double Side

Installing DDR Modules

1. The DDR DIMM has only one notch on the center of module. The mod-

ule will only fit in the right orientation.

2. Insert the DIMM memory module vertically into the DIMM slot. Then

push it in until the golden finger on the memory module is deeply in­serted in the socket.

MSI Reminds You...

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

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

Volt

Notch

2-8

Hardware Setup

Power Supply

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

ATX 20-Pin Power Connector: CONN1

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

11

1

20

10

CONN1

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL

1 3.3V

2 3.3V

3 GND

45V

5 GND

65V

7 GND

8 PW_OK

9 5V_SB

10 12V

PIN SIGNAL

11 3.3V

12 -12V

13 GND

14 PS_ON

15 GND

16 GND

17 GND

18 -5V

19 5V

20 5V

2-9

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Back Panel

The back panel provides the following connectors:

LAN

Mouse

Parallel

(Optional)

MIC

L-in

L-out

Keyboard

USB

COM A COM B

USB

Mouse Connector

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

Pin Definition

6

4

2

5

3

1

PS/2 Mouse (6-pin Female)

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 Mouse DATA Mouse DATA

2 NC No connection

3 GND Ground

4 VCC +5V

5 Mouse Clock Mouse clock

6 NC No connection

2-10

Hardware Setup

Keyboard Connector

The mainboard provides a standard PS/2® keyboard mini DIN connec­tor for attaching a PS/2® keyboard. You can plug a PS/2® keyboard directly
into this connector.

Pin Definition

6

4

2

PS/2 Keyboard (6-pin Female)

5

3

1

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 Keyboard DATA Keyboard DATA

2 NC No connection

3 GND Ground

4 VCC +5V

5 Keyboard Clock Keyboard clock

6 NC No connection

USB Connectors

The mainboard provides four UHCI (Universal Host Controller Interface)
Universal Serial Bus roots for attaching USB devices such as keyboard, mouse
or other USB-compatible devices. You can plug USB devices directly into the
connectors.

1 2 3 4

USB Ports

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 VCC +5V

2 -Data 0 Negative Data Channel 0

3 +Data0 Positive Data Channel 0

4 GND Ground

2-11

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Serial Port Connectors: COM A & COM B

The mainboard offers two 9-pin male DIN connectors as serial port COM
A & COM B. The ports are 16550A high speed communication ports that
send/receive 16 bytes FIFOs. You can attach a serial mouse or other serial
devices directly to the connectors.

Pin Definition

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

9-Pin Male DIN Connector

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 DCD Data Carry Detect

2 SIN Serial In or Receive Data

3 SOUT Serial Out or Transmit Data

4 DTR Data Terminal Ready)

5 GND Ground

6 DSR Data Set Ready

7 RTS Request To Send

8 CTS Clear To Send

9 RI Ring Indicate

RJ-45 LAN Jack (Optional)

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

2-12

RJ-45 LAN Jack

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 TDP Transmit Differential Pair

2 TDN Transmit Differential Pair

3 RDP Receive Differential Pair

4 NC Not Used

5 NC Not Used

6 RDN Receive Differential Pair

7 NC Not Used

8 NC Not Used

Hardware Setup

Parallel Port Connector: LPT1

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

13 1

25

14

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 STROBE Strobe

2 DATA0 Data0

3 DATA1 Data1

4 DATA2 Data2

5 DATA3 Data3

6 DATA4 Data4

7 DATA5 Data5

8 DATA6 Data6

9 DATA7 Data7

10 ACK# Acknowledge

11 BUSY Busy

12 PE Paper End

13 SELECT Select

14 AUTO FEED# Automatic Feed

15 ERR# Error

16 INIT# Initialize Printer

17 SLIN# Select In

18 GND Ground

19 GND Ground

20 GND Ground

21 GND Ground

22 GND Ground

23 GND Ground

24 GND Ground

25 GND Ground

2-13

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Audio Port Connectors

Line Out is a connector for Speakers or Headphones. Line In is used

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

1/8” Stereo Audio Connectors

MIC

Line In

Line Out

MSI Reminds You...

For advanced audio application, RealTek ALC650 audio chip
is provided as an option to offer support for 6-channel audio
operation and can turn rear audio connectors from 2-channel
to 4-/6-channel audio. For more information on 6-channel au­dio operation, please refer to Appendix. Using 4- or 6-Channel

Audio Function.

2-14

Hardware Setup

Connectors

The mainboard provides connectors to connect to FDD, IDE HDD, case,
modem, LAN, USB Ports, IR module and CPU/System/Power Supply FAN.

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1

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

FDD1

2-15

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2

The mainboard has a 32-bit Enhanced PCI IDE and Ultra ATA 33/66/
100/133 controller that provides PIO mode 0~4, Bus Master, and Ultra ATA
33/66/100/133 function. You can connect up to four hard disk drives, CD­ROM, 120MB Floppy (reserved for future BIOS) and other devices.

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

IDE1

IDE2

IDE1 (Primary IDE Connector)

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

IDE2 (Secondary IDE Connector)

IDE2 can also connect a Master and a Slave drive.

MSI Reminds You...

If you install two hard disks on cable, you must configure the
second drive to Slave mode by setting its jumper. Refer to the
hard disk documentation supplied by hard disk vendors for
jumper setting instructions.

2-16

Hardware Setup

Fan Power Connectors: CPUFA1/SYSFA1

The CPUFA1 (processor fan) & SYSFA1 (system fan) support system
cooling fan with +12V. It supports three-pin head connector. When connect­ing the wire to the connectors, always take note that the red wire is the posi­tive and should be connected to the +12V, the black wire is Ground and should
be connected to GND. If the mainboard has a System Hardware Monitor chipset
on-board, you must use a specially designed fan with speed sensor to take
advantage of the CPU fan control.

SENSOR

+12V

GND

CPUFA1

GND
+12V
Sensor

SYSFA1

MSI Reminds You...

1. Always consult the vendors for proper CPU cooling fan.

2. CPUFAN supports the fan control. You can install the PC
Alert utility that will automatically control the CPU fan speed
according to the actual CPU temperature.

2-17

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

CD-In Connector: JCD1

This connector is provided for CD-ROM audio.

JCD1

L

GND

R

Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JCI1

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

2-18

GND

CINTRU

2

1

JCI1

Hardware Setup

Power Saving Switch Connector: JSLP1

Attach a power saving switch to this connector. Pressing the switch once
will have the system enter the sleep/suspend state.

JSLP1

IrDA Infrared Module Header: JIR1

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

1

2

JIR1

Pin Definition

Pin Signal

1NC

2NC

3 VCC5

4 GND

5 IRTX

6 IRRX

6
5

2-19

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1, JFP2

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

Power

Power

LED

Switch

2

JFP1

1

HDD

Reset

LED

Switch

Speaker

JFP2

2
1

Power
LED

8

7

JFP1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 HD_LED_P Hard disk LED pull-up

2 FP PWR/SLP MSG LED pull-up

3 HD_LED_N Hard disk active LED

4 FP PWR/SLP MSG LED pull-up

5 RST_SW_N Reset Switch low reference pull-down to GND

6 PWR_SW_P Power Switch high reference pull-up

7 RST_SW_P Reset Switch high reference pull-up

8 PWR_SW_N Power Switch low reference pull-down to GND

9 RSVD_DNU Reserved. Do not use.

JFP2 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 GND 2 SPK-

3 SLED 4 BUZ+

5 PLED 6 BUZ-

7 NC 8 SPK+

10

9

2-20

Hardware Setup

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1

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

2
1

10

9

JAUD1

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 AUD_MIC Front panel microphone input signal

2 AUD_GND Ground used by analog audio circuits

3 AUD_MIC_BIAS Microphone power

4 AUD_VCC Filtered +5V used by analog audio circuits

5 AUD_FPOUT_R Right channel audio signal to front panel

6 AUD_RET_R Right channel audio signal return from front panel

7 HP_ON Reserved for future use to control headphone amplifier

8 KEY No pin

9 AUD_FPOUT_L Left channel audio signal to front panel

10 AUD_RET_L Left channel audio signal return from front panel

MSI Reminds You...

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

6

10

5

9

2-21

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

SPDIF Connector: JSP1 (Optional)

The connector is used to connect SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Inter­connect Format) interface for digital audio transmission. An optional SPDIF
Bracket is available upon request.

JSP1

(optional)

1

3

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

Connected to JSP1

1 VCC VCC5V

2 SPDIF S/PDIF Output

3 GND Ground

2-22

SPDIF Bracket

(optional)

Hardware Setup

S-Bracket Connector: JSB1 (Optional)

This connector allows you to connect the optional S-Bracket for Sony &
Philips Digital Interface (SPDIF). The S-Bracket offers 2 SPDIF jacks for
digital audio transmission (one for optical fiber connection and the other for
coaxial), and 2 analog Line-Out jacks for 4-channel audio output.

To attach the fiber-optic cable to optical SPDIF jack, you need to re­move the plug from the jack first. The two SPDIF jacks support SPDIF output
only. For more information on the S-Bracket, refer to Appendix. Using 4- or
6-Channel Audio Function.

JSB1

(optional)

2

1

12

11

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 VCC5 VCC 5V 2 VDD3 VDD 3.3V

3 SPDFO S/PDIF output 4 (No Pin) Key

5 GND Ground 6 SPDFI S/PDIF input (optional)

7 LFE-OUT Audio bass output 8 SOUT-R Audio right surrounding output

9 CET-OUT Audio center output 10 SOUT-L Audio left surrounding output

11 GND Ground 12 GND Ground

S-Bracket (optional)

SPDIF jack (optical)

Plug

CEN/SUB

SPDIF jack (coaxial)

RL/RR

Analog Line-Out
jacks

2-23

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Front USB Connector: JUSB1

The mainboard provides one USB 2.0 pin header JUSB1 (optional USB

2.0 bracket available) that is compliant with Intel® I/O Connectivity Design
Guide. USB 2.0 technology increases data transfer rate up to a maximum
throughput of 480Mbps, which is 40 times faster than USB 1.1, and is ideal
for connecting high-speed USB interface peripherals such as USB HDD, dig-
ital cameras, MP3 players, printers, modems and the like.

2-24

9

10

1

2

JUSB1

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 USBPWR 2 USBPWR

3 USBP4- 4 USBP5-

5 USBP4+ 6 USBP5+

7 GND 8 GND

9 NC 10 USBOC

Hardware Setup

Jumpers

The motherboard provides the following jumpers for you to set the
computer’s function. This section will explain how to change your
motherboard’s function through the use of jumpers.

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1

There is a CMOS RAM on board 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, use the JBAT1 (Clear CMOS Jumper ) to clear
data. Follow the instructions below to clear the data:

1

JBAT1

3

1

Keep Data

3

1

Clear Data

MSI Reminds You...

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.

2-25

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

FSB Clock Jumper: SW1, SW2

These two jumpers provide 100MHz, 133MHz, and 166MHz Front Side
Bus frequency selection for overclocking purpose.

1

SW1

1

SW2

2-26

1

SW1

1

SW2

1

3

FSB = 100MHz

1

3

FSB = 100MHz

1

3

FSB = 133MHz

1

3

FSB = 133MHz

1

3

FSB = 166MHz

1

3

FSB = 166MHz

Hardware Setup

Slots

The motherboard provides one AGP slot, three 32-bit Master PCI bus
slots, and one CNR slot.

AGP Slot

PCI Slots

CNR Slot

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) Slot

The AGP slot allows you to insert the AGP graphics card. AGP is an
interface specification designed for the throughput demands of 3D graphics.
It introduces a 66MHz, 32-bit channel for the graphics controller to directly
access main memory.

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots

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

CNR (Communication Network Riser) Slot

The CNR slot allows you to insert the CNR expansion cards. CNR is
specifically designed for audio or modem riser cards for ATX family
motherboards. Its main processing is done through software and controlled
by the motherboard’s chipset.

2-27

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

PCI Interrupt Request Routing

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

Order 1 Order 2 Order 3 Order 4

PCI Slot 1 INT A# INT B# INT C# INT D#

PCI Slot 2 INT B# INT C# INT D# INT A#

PCI Slot 3 INT C# INT D# INT A# INT B#

2-28

BIOS Setup

Chapter 3. BIOS Setup

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:

 An error message appears on the screen during the system

booting up, and requests you to run SETUP.

 You want to change the default settings for customized

features.

3-1

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Entering Setup

Power on the computer and the system will start POST (Power On Self
Test) process. When the message below appears on the screen, press <DEL>
key to enter Setup.

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.

Control Keys

<↑>
<↓>
<←>
<→>
<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
<F1> General help, only for Status Page Setup Menu and Option Page

<F5> Restore the p revious CMOS value from CMOS, only for Option Page

<F6> Load the default CMOS value from Fail-Safe default table, only for

<F7> Load Optimized defaults
<F10> Save all the CMOS changes and exit

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

Setup Menu

Setup Menu

Option Page Setup Menu

3-2

BIOS 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 sub­menu can be launched from this field. A sub­menu 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.

MSI Reminds You...

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

3-3

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

The Main Menu

Once you enter AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility, the Main Menu will
appear on the screen. The Main Menu displays twelve configurable functions
and two exit choices. Use arrow keys to move among the items and press
<Enter> to enter the sub-menu.

Standard CMOS Features

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

Advanced BIOS Features

Use this menu to configure the special enhanced features.

Advanced Chipset Features

Use this menu to change the values in the chipset registers and optimize your
system’s performance.

Integrated Peripherals

Use this menu to specify your settings for integrated peripherals.

Power Management Setup

Use this menu to specify your settings for power management.

3-4

BIOS Setup

PNP/PCI Configurations

This entry appears if your system supports PnP/PCI.

PC Health Status

This entry shows your PC health status.

Frequency/Voltage Control

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

Load Fail-Safe Defaults

Use this menu to load the BIOS default values for minimal but stable system
performance.

Load Optimized Defaults

Use this menu to load the BIOS default values that are factory settings for
optimal system operations.

Set Supervisor/User Password

Use this menu to set user and supervisor passwords.

Save & Exit Setup

Save changes to CMOS and exit setup.

Exit Without Saving

Abandon all changes and exit setup.

3-5

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Standard CMOS Features

The items inside Standard CMOS Features menu are divided into 10
categories. Each category includes none, one or more setup items. Use the
arrow keys to highlight the item you want to modify and use the <PgUp> or
<PgDn> keys to switch to the value you prefer.

Date (mm:dd:yy)

This allows you to set the system to the date that you want (usually the current
date). The format is <day><month> <date> <year>.

day Day of the week, from Sun to Sat, determined by

BIOS. Read-only.

month The month from Jan. through Dec.
date The date from 1 to 31 can be keyed by numeric

function keys.

year The year can be adjusted by users.

Time (hh:mm:ss)

This allows you to set the system time that you want (usually the current
time). The time format is <hour> <minute> <second>.

IDE Primary/Secondary Master/Slave

Press PgUp/<+> or PgDn/<-> to select Manual, None, Auto type. Note that
the specifications of your drive must match with the drive table. The hard disk

3-6

BIOS Setup

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.

If you select Manual, related information is asked to be entered to the follow­ing items. Enter the information directly from the keyboard. This information
should be provided in the documentation from your hard disk vendor or the
system manufacturer.

If the controller of HDD interface is SCSI, the selection shall be “None”. If
the controller of HDD interface is CD-ROM, the selection shall be “None”.

Access Mode The settings are CHS, LBA, Large, Auto.
Capacity The formatted size of the storage device.
Cylinder Number of cylinders.
Head Number of heads.
Precomp Write precompensation.
Landing Zone Cylinder location of the landing zone.
Sector Number of sectors.

Drive A/B

This item allows you to set the type of floppy drives installed. Available
options are None, 360K, 5.25 in., 1.2M, 5.25 in., 720K, 3.5 in., 1.44M, 3.5 in.,

2.88M, 3.5 in.

Video

The setting controls the type of video adapter used for the primary monitor of
the system. Available options are EGA/VGA , CGA 40, CGA 80 and Mono.

Halt On

The setting determines whether the system will stop if an error is detected at
boot. Available options are:

All Errors The system stops when any error is detected.
No Errors The system doesn’t stop for any detected error.
All, But Keyboard The system doesn’t stop for a keyboard error.
All, But Diskette The system doesn’t stop for a disk error.
All, But Disk/Key The system doesn’t stop for either a disk or a key-

board error.

3-7

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Advanced BIOS Features

Quick Boot

Setting the item to Enabled allows the system to boot within 5 seconds since
it will skip some check items. Available options: Enabled, Disabled.

Anti-Virus Protection

The item is to set the Virus Warning feature for IDE Hard Disk boot sector
protection. If the function is enabled and any attempt to write data into this
area is made, BIOS will display a warning message on screen and beep.
Settings: Disabled and Enabled.

CPU Internal/External Cache

Cache memory is additional memory that is much faster than conventional
DRAM (system memory). When the CPU requests data, the system transfers
the requested data from the main DRAM into cache memory, for even faster
access by the CPU. The settings enable/disable the internal cache (also known
as L1 or level 1 cache) and external cache (also known as L2 or level 2 cache).
Setting options: Disabled, Enabled.

CPU L2 Cache ECC Checking

This setting allows you to enable or disable the ECC (Error-Correcting Code)
feature for error detection and correction when data passes through L2 cache
memory. Setting options: Enabled, Disabled.

3-8

BIOS Setup

1st/2nd/3rd Boot Device

The items allow you to set the sequence of boot devices where BIOS attempts
to load the disk operating system. The settings are:

Floppy The system will boot from floppy drive.
LS120 The system will boot from LS-120 drive.
HDD-0 The system will boot from the first HDD.
SCSI The system will boot from the SCSI.
CDROM The system will boot from the CD-ROM.
HDD-1 The system will boot from the second HDD.
HDD-2 The system will boot from the third HDD.
HDD-3 The system will boot from the fourth HDD.
ZIP100 The system will boot from ATAPI ZIP drive.
USB-FDD The system will boot from the floppy drive at USB ports.
USB-ZIP The system will boot from the ZIP drive at USB ports.
USB-CDROM The system will boot from the CD-ROM at USB ports.
USB-HDD The system will boot from the HDD at USB ports.
LAN The system will boot from the Network drive.
Disabled Disable this sequence.

MSI Reminds You...

Available settings for “1st/2nd/3rd Boot Device” vary depend­ing on the bootable devices you have installed. For example, if
you did not install a floppy drive, the setting “Floppy” does not
show up.

Boot Other Devices

Setting the option to Enabled allows the system to try to boot from other
devices if the system fails to boot from the 1st/2nd/3rd boot device.

Swap Floppy

Setting to Enabled will swap floppy drives A: and B:.

Seek Floppy

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: the drive activity light will come on and the head will move back and
forth once. First A: will be done and then B: if it exists. Setting options:
Disabled, Enabled.

3-9

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Boot Up NumLock Status

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.
Setting options: On, Off.

Gate A20 Option

This item is to set the Gate A20 status. A20 refers to the first 64KB of ex­tended memory. When the default value Fast is selected, the Gate A20 is
controlled by Port92 or chipset specific method resulting in faster system
performance. When Normal is selected, A20 is controlled by a keyboard con­troller or chipset hardware.

Typematic Rate Setting

This item is used to enable or disable the typematic rate setting including
Typematic Rate & Typematic Delay.

Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec)

After Typematic Rate Setting is enabled, this item allows you to set the rate
(characters/second) at which the keys are accelerated. Settings: 6, 8, 10, 12,
15, 20, 24 and 30.

Typematic Delay (Msec)

This item allows you to select the delay between when the key was first pressed
and when the acceleration begins. Settings: 250, 500, 750 and 1000.

Security Option

This specifies the type of BIOS password protection that is implemented. Set­tings are described below:

Option Description

Setup The password prompt appears only when end users try to

run Setup.

System A password prompt appears every time when the com-

puter is powered on or when end users try to run Setup.

3-10

BIOS Setup

APIC Mode

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

MPS Table Version

This field allows you to select which MPS (Multi-Processor Specification)
version to be used for the operating system. You need to select the MPS ver­sion supported by your operating system. To find out which version to use,
consult the vendor of your operating system. Settings: 1.4, 1.1.

3-11

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Advanced Chipset Features

MSI Reminds You...

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

DRAM Clock/Drive Control

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

Current FSB/DRAM/DDR Frequency

This item shows the current clock frequency of the specified components.

3-12

BIOS Setup

DRAM Clock

Use this item to configure the clock frequency of the installed DRAM.
Settings options: By SPD, 100MHz, 133MHz, 166MHz.

DRAM Timing

The DRAM timing is controlled by the DRAM Timing Registers. The
Timings programmed into this register are dependent on the system
design. Slower rates may be required in certain system designs to sup­port loose layouts or slower memory. Setting options: Manual, Auto By
SPD, Turbo, Ultra.

DRAM CAS Latency

This controls the timing delay (in clock cycles) before DRAM starts a
read command after receiving it. Settings: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 (clocks). 1.5
(clocks) increases the system performance the most while 3 (clocks) pro­vides the most stable performance.

Bank Interleave

This field selects 2-bank or 4-bank interleave for the installed DRAM.
Disable the function if 16MB DRAM is installed. Setting options:
Disabled, 2 Bank, 4 Bank.

Precharge to Active (Trp)

This item allows you to control the number of DRAM clocks used for
DRAM parameter Trp. Trp specifies the minimum clock cycles required
for the precharge command to be transferred to the active command.
Setting options: 2T, 3T.

Tras Non-DDR400/DDR400

This item allows you to control the number of DRAM clocks used for
DRAM parameters Tras. Tras specifies the minimum clock cycles re­quired for the active command to be transferred to the precharge
command. Setting options: 6T/8T, 7T/10T.

Active to CMD (Trcd)

This item allows you to control the number of DRAM clocks used for
DRAM parameters Trcd. Trcd specifies the minimum clock cycles re­quired for the active command to be transferred to the re-active command.
Setting options: 2T, 3T.

3-13

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

DRAM Burst Length

This setting allows you to set the size of Burst-Length for DRAM. Burst­ing feature is a technique that DRAM itself predicts the address of the
next memory location to be accessed after the first address is accessed.
To use the feature, you need to define the burst length, which is the ac­tual length of burst plus the starting address and allows internal address
counter to properly generate the next memory location. The bigger the
size, the faster the DRAM performance. Setting options: 4, 8.

DRAM Command Rate

This setting controls the DRAM command rate. Selecting 1T Command
allows DRAM signal controller to run at 1T (T=clock cycles) rate. Se­lecting 2T Command makes DRAM signal controller run at 2T rate. 1T is
faster than 2T. Setting options: 1T Command, 2T Command.

AGP & P2P Bridge Control

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

AGP Aperture Size

This setting controls just how much system RAM can be allocated to
AGP for video purposes. The aperture is a portion of the PCI memory
address range dedicated to graphics memory address space. Host cycles
that hit the aperture range are forwarded to the AGP without any
translation. The option allows the selection of an aperture size of 4M,
8M, 16M, 32M, 64M, 128M, and 256 M.

3-14

BIOS Setup

AGP Mode

This setting specifies an appropriate mode for the installed AGP card.
Setting options: 1X, 2X, 4X. When 8X AGP card is installed onboard
with its driver correctly installed & set up, the AGP card will automati­cally run at 8X speed and users will not be able to see the AGP Mode

setting. Note that 8X AGP Mode is only available for KT400.
AGP Driving Control

This field is used to adjust the AGP driving force. Selecting Manual
allows you to select an AGP driving force in AGP Driving Value. It is
strongly recommended to select Auto to avoid causing any system error.

AGP Driving Value

This item specifies an AGP driving force.

AGP Fast Write

This field enables or disables the AGP Fast Write feature. The Fast Write
technology allows the CPU to write directly to the graphics card without
passing anything through the system memory and improves the AGP
speed. Select Enabled only when the installed AGP card supports the
function.

3-15

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Integrated Peripherals

USB 2.0 Support

This setting disables/enables the support for USB 2.0 technology. USB 2.0
technology increases data transfer rate up to a maximum throughput of
480Mbps, which is 40 times faster than USB 1.1 and is ideal for connecting
high-speed USB interface peripherals such as USB HDD, digital cameras,
MP3 players, printers, modems and the like. Setting options: Disabled,

Enabled.

VIA OnChip IDE Device

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

3-16

BIOS Setup

IDE DMA Transfer Access

Set this option to Enabled to specify that the IDE controller on the PCI
local bus has bus mastering capability. Setting options: Disabled, Enabled.

OnChip IDE Channel 0/1

This setting enables or disables the internal primary and secondary IDE
controllers. Setting options: Disabled, Enabled.

IDE Prefetch Mode

The onboard IDE drive interfaces support IDE prefetching, for faster
drive accesses. When you install a primary and/or secondary add-in IDE
interface, set this option to Disabled if the interface does not support
prefetching. Setting options: Disabled, Enabled.

Primary/Secondary Master/Slave PIO

The four IDE PIO (Programmed Input/Output) fields let you set a PIO
mode (0-4) for each of the four IDE devices that the onboard IDE inter­face supports. Modes 0 through 4 provide successively increased
performance. In Auto mode, the system automatically determines the
best mode for each device. The settings are: Auto, Mode 0, Mode 1, Mode
2, Mode 3, Mode 4.

Primary/Secondary Master/Slave UDMA

Ultra DMA transfer mode implementation is possible only if your IDE
hard drive supports it and the operating environment includes a DMA
driver (Windows ME or a third-party IDE bus master driver). If your
hard drive and your system software both support Ultra DMA/33, Ultra
DMA/66, Ultra DMA/100, Ultra DMA/133 select Auto to enable BIOS
support. The settings are: Auto, Disabled.

VIA OnChip PCI Device

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

3-17

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

VIA-3058 AC97 Audio

Auto allows the mainboard to detect whether an audio device is used. If
the device is detected, the onboard AC’97 (Audio Codec’97) controller
will be enabled; if not, it is disabled. Disable the controller if you want to
use other controller cards to connect an audio device. Setting options:
Auto, Disabled.

VIA-3068 MC97 Modem

Auto allows the mainboard to detect whether a modem is used. If a CNR
modem is used, the onboard MC’97 (Modem Codec’97) controller will
be enabled; if not, it is disabled. Disable the controller if you want to use
other controller cards to connect to a modem. Setting options: Auto,
Disabled.

VIA-3043 OnChip LAN

The field determines whether the onboard LAN controller will be
activated. Setting options: Disabled, Enabled.

Onboard LAN Boot ROM

The items enable or disable the initialization of the onboard LAN Boot
ROMs during bootup. Selecting Disabled will speed up the boot process.

Super IO Device

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

Onboard FDC Controller

Select Enabled if your system has a floppy disk controller (FDD) in­stalled on the system board and you wish to use it. If you install add-on

3-18

BIOS Setup

FDC or the system has no floppy drive, select Disabled in this field. The
settings are: Enabled and Disabled.

Onboard Serial Port 1/Port 2

Select an address and corresponding interrupt for the first and second
serial ports. The settings are: 3F8/IRQ4, 2E8/IRQ3, 3E8/IRQ4, 2F8/IRQ3,
Disabled, Auto.

UART Mode Select

This setting allows you to specify the operation mode for serial port 2.
Setting options: IrDA, ASKIR, Normal.

Normal RS-232C Serial Port
IrDA IrDA-compliant Serial Infrared Port
ASKIR Amplitude Shift Keyed Infrared Port

RxD, TxD Active

This setting controls the receiving and transmitting speed of the IR pe­ripheral in use. Setting options: Hi/Hi, Hi/Lo, Lo/Hi, Lo/Lo.

IR Transmission Delay

This setting determines whether the IR transmission rate will be delayed
while converting to receiving mode. Setting options: Disabled, Enabled.

UR2 Duplex Mode

This setting controls the operating mode of IR transmission/reception.
Setting options: Full, Half. Under Full Duplex mode, synchronous, bi­directional transmission/reception is allowed. Under Half Duplex mode,
only asynchronous, bi-directional transmission/reception is allowed.

Use IR Pins

Please consult your IR peripheral documentation to select the correct
setting of the TxD and RxD signals. Setting options: RxD2/TxD2, IR-
Rx2Tx2.

Onboard Parallel Port

There is a built-in parallel port on the on-board Super I/O chipset that
provides Standard, ECP, and EPP features. It has the following options:

Disabled
3BC/IRQ7 Line Printer port 0

3-19

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

278/IRQ5 Line Printer port 2
378/IRQ7 Line Printer port 1

Parallel Port Mode

SPP : Standard Parallel Port
EPP : Enhanced Parallel Port
ECP : Extended Capability Port
ECP + EPP: Extended Capability Port + Enhanced Parallel Port
To operate the onboard parallel port as Standard Parallel Port only, choose
“SPP.” To operate the onboard parallel port in the EPP mode
simultaneously, choose “EPP.” By choosing “ECP”, the onboard paral­lel port will operate in ECP mode only. Choosing “ECP + EPP” will
allow the onboard parallel port to support both the ECP and EPP modes
simultaneously.

EPP Mode Select

The onboard parallel port is EPP Spec. compliant, so after the user chooses
the onboard parallel port with the EPP function, the following message
will be displayed on the screen: “EPP Mode Select.” At this time either
EPP 1.7 spec or EPP 1.9 spec can be chosen.

ECP Mode Use DMA

The ECP mode has to use the DMA channel, so choose the onboard
parallel port with the ECP feature. After selecting it, the following mes­sage will appear: “ECP Mode Use DMA.” At this time, the user can
choose between DMA channel 3 or 1.

Init Display First

This item specifies which VGA card is your primary graphics adapter. Settings:
PCI Slot and AGP.

OnChip USB Controller

This setting is used to enable/disable the on-chip USB controller. Setting
options: All Disabled, All Enabled.

USB Legacy KB/MS Support

Set to Enabled if your need to use a USB keyboard/mouse in the operating
system that does not support or have any USB driver installed, such as DOS
and SCO Unix.

3-20

BIOS Setup

Power Management Features

MSI Reminds You...

S3-related functions described in this section are available only
when your BIOS supports S3 sleep mode.

IPCA 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. Available options: Enabled,
Disabled.

Sleep State

This item specifies the power saving modes for ACPI function. If your oper­ating system supports ACPI, such as Windows 98SE, Windows ME and Win­dows 2000, you can choose to enter the Standby mode in S1(POS) or S3
(STR) fashion through the setting of this field. Options are:

S1/POS The S1 sleep mode is a low power state. In this state, no

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

S3/STR The S3 sleep mode is a lower power state where the in

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

3-21

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

energy. The information stored in memory will be used
to restore the system when a “wake up” event occurs.

Power Management Option

This item is used to select the degree (or type) of power saving and is related
to these modes: Suspend Mode and HDD Power Down. There are three op­tions for power management:

Min Saving Minimum Power Management. Suspend Mode = 1 Hour.
Max Saving Maximum Power Management. Suspend Mode = 1 Min.
User Define Allows end users to configure each mode separately.

HDD Power Down

When enabled and after the set time of system inactivity, the hard disk drive
will be powered down while all other devices remain active. The settings are:
Disable, 1~15 Min.

Suspend Mode

If system activity is not detected for the length of time specified in this field,
all devices except CPU will be shut off. Settings are Disabled, 1 Min, 2 Min,
4 Min, 6 Min, 8 Min, 10 Min, 20 Min, 30 Min, 40 Min and 1 Hour.

Modem Use IRQ

Name the interrupt request (IRQ) line assigned to the modem (if any) on your
system. Activity of the selected IRQ always awakens the system. Settings are
3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11 and NA.

Power Button Function

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

Power Off The power button functions as normal power off button.
Suspend When you press the power button, the computer enters

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

Re-Call VGA BIOS if S3 Resume

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

3-22

BIOS Setup

After AC Power Lost

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

Power Off Leaves the computer in the power off state.
Power On Reboots the computer.
Last State Restores the system to the status before power failure or

interrupt occurs.

IRQ/Event Activity Detect

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

PS2KB Wakeup Select, PS2KB/MS Wakeup from S3, USB Resume
from S3, VGA, LPT & COM, HDD & FDD, PCI Master, Wake Up
On PME, Wake Up On Ring

These fields specify whether the system will be awakened from power
saving modes when activity or input signal of the specified hardware
peripheral or component is detected.

MSI Reminds You...

You need to install a modem card supporting power on function
for “Wake Up On Ring” function.

Resume By Alarm

This is used to enable or disable the feature of booting up the system on
a scheduled time/date from the S3/S4/S5 state. Settings: Enabled,
Disabled.

3-23

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Date (of Month)/Resume Time (hh:mm:ss)

If Resume By Alarm is set to Enabled, the system will automatically re­sume (boot up) on a specific date/hour/minute/second specified in these
fields. Available settings for each item are:

Alarm Date 01 ~ 31, Every Day
Alarm Hour 00 ~ 23
Alarm Minute 00 ~ 59
Alarm Second 00 ~ 59

MSI Reminds You...

If you have changed this setting, you must let the system boot up
until it enters the operating system, before this function will work.

IRQs Activity Monitoring

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

Primary INTR, IRQ3 (COM2), IRQ4 (COM1), IRQ5 (LPT2), IRQ6
(Floppy Disk), IRQ7 (LPT1), IRQ8 (RTC Alarm), IRQ9 (IRQ2
Redir), IRQ10 (Reserved), IRQ11 (Reserved), IRQ12 (PS/2 Mouse),
IRQ13 (Coprocessor), IRQ14 (Hard Disk), IRQ15 (Reserved)

These settings disable/enable the monitoring of the specified IRQ’s
activity.

3-24

BIOS Setup

PNP/PCI Configurations

This section describes configuring the PCI bus system and PnP (Plug &
Play) feature. PCI, or Peripheral Component Interconnect, is a system which
allows I/O devices to operate at speeds nearing the speed the CPU itself uses
when communicating with its special components. This section covers some
very technical items and it is strongly recommended that only experienced
users should make any changes to the default settings.

Clear ESCD

Normally, you leave this field Disabled. Select Enabled to reset Extended
System Configuration Data (ESCD) when you exit Setup if you have installed
a new add-on and the system reconfiguration has caused such a serious con­flict that the operating system can not boot. Setting options: Enabled, Disabled.

Resource Controlled By

The Award Plug and Play BIOS has the capacity to automatically configure
all of the boot and Plug and Play compatible devices. However, this capability
means absolutely nothing unless you are using a Plug and Play operating sys­tem such as Windows® 95/98. If you set this field to “manual” choose specific
resources by going into each of the sub menu that follows this field (a sub
menu is preceded by a “¾”). The settings are: Auto (ESCD), Manual.

3-25

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

IRQ Resources

The items are adjustable only when Resources Controlled By is set to Manual.
Press <Enter> and you will enter the sub-menu of the items. IRQ Resources
list IRQ 3/4/5/7/9/10/11/12/14/15 for users to set each IRQ a type depending
on the type of device using the IRQ. Settings are:

PCI Device For Plug & Play compatible devices designed for PCI

bus architecture.

Reserved The IRQ will be reserved for further request.

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop

When set to Enabled, multiple VGA devices operating on different buses can
handle data from the CPU on each set of palette registers on every video
device. Bit 5 of the command register in the PCI device configuration space is
the VGA Palette Snoop bit (0 is disabled). For example, if there are two VGA
devices in the computer (one PCI and one ISA) and the:

VGA Palette Snoop

Bit Setting

Disabled Data read or written by the CPU is only directed to the PCI

VGA device’s palette registers.

Enabled Data read or written by the CPU is directed to both the PCI

VGA device’s palette registers and the ISA VGA device’s
palette registers, permitting the palette registers of both VGA
devices to be identical.

Action

The setting must be set to Enabled if any ISA bus adapter in the system re­quires VGA palette snooping.

Assign IRQ For VGA/USB

These settings specify the IRQ line for specified VGA/USB device. Setting
options: Disabled, Enabled.

3-26

BIOS Setup

PC Health Status

This section shows the status of your CPU, fan, overall system status,
etc. Monitor function is available only if there is hardware monitoring mecha­nism onboard.

Case Open Warning

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. Setting options: Enabled, Reset, Disabled.

CPU Warning Temperature

If the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit preset in this setting, the warn­ing mechanism will be activated. This helps you to prevent the CPU overheat
problem.

System/CPU Temperature, System/CPU Fan Speed, Vcore, +3.3V, +5V,
+12V, -12V, -5V, VBAT (V), 5VSB (V)

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

Shutdown Temperature

This option is for setting the shutdown temperature level for the processor.
When the processor reaches the temperature you set, the system will be shut
down. Note that this function is only available under some certain operation
system, such as Windows Me.

3-27

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Frequency/Voltage Control

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

Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk

This item is used to auto detect the PCI/DIMM slots. When set to Enabled, the
system will remove (turn off) clocks from empty PCI/DIMM slots to mini­mize the electromagnetic interference (EMI). Setting options: Enabled,

Disabled.

Spread Spectrum

When the motherboard’s clock generator pulses, the extreme values (spikes)
of the pulses creates EMI (Electromagnetic Interference). The Spread Spec­trum function reduces the EMI generated by modulating the pulses so that the
spikes of the pulses are reduced to flatter curves. If you do not have any EMI
problem, leave the setting at Disabled for optimal system stability and
performance. But if you are plagued by EMI, setting 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 clockspeed
which may just cause your overclocked processor to lock up.

3-28

BIOS Setup

Load Fail-Safe/Optimized Defaults

The two options on the main menu allow users to restore all of the BIOS
settings to the default Fail-Safe or Optimized values. The Optimized Defaults
are the default values set by the mainboard manufacturer specifically for op­timal performance of the mainboard. The Fail-Safe Defaults are the default
values set by the BIOS vendor for stable system performance.

When you select Load Fail-Safe Defaults, a message as below appears:

Pressing Y loads the BIOS default values for the most stable, minimal
system performance.

When you select Load Optimized Defaults, a message as below appears:

Pressing Y loads the default factory settings for optimal system
performance.

3-29

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Set Supervisor/User 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.

Additionally, when a password is enabled, you can also have Award
BIOS to request a password each time the system is booted. This would pre­vent unauthorized use of your computer. The setting to determine when the
password prompt is required is the Security Option of the ADVANCED BIOS
FEATURES menu. If the Security Option is set to System, the password is
required both at boot and at entry to Setup. If set to Setup, password prompt
only occurs when you try to enter Setup.

MSI Reminds You...

About Supervisor Password & User Password:

Supervisor password: Can enter and change the settings of

the setup menu.

User password: Can only enter but do not have the

right to change the settings of the setup
menu.

3-30

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Appendix: Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio
Function

The motherboard is equipped with Realtek ALC650 chip, which pro­vides support for 6-channel audio output, including 2 Front, 2 Rear, 1 Center
and 1 Subwoofer channel. ALC650 allows the board to attach 4 or 6 speakers
for better surround sound effect. The section will tell you how to install and
use 4-/6-channel audio function on the board.

TOPICS

Installing the Audio Driver A-2
Using 4-/6-Channel Audio Function A-4
Testing the Connected Speakers A-14
Playing KaraOK A-16

A-1

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Installing the Audio Driver

You need to install the driver for Realtek ALC650 chip to function properly
before you can get access to 4-/6-channel audio operations. Follow the pro­cedures described below to install the drivers for different operating systems.

Installation for Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP

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

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

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

will automatically appear.

2. Click Avance ALC650 Sound Drivers.

A-2

Click here

MSI Reminds You...

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

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

3. Click Next to start installing files into the system.

4. Click Finish to restart the system.

Click here

Click here

Select this
option

A-3

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

After installing the audio driver, you are able to use the 4-/6-channel
audio feature now. To enable 4- or 6-channel audio operation, first connect 4
or 6 speakers to the appropriate audio connectors, and then select 4- or 6­channel audio setting in the software utility.

There are two ways to utilize the function and connect the speakers to
your computer:

 Using the optional S-Bracket

If your motherboard supports S-Bracket and you have installed S­Bracket in the computer, you can connect two speakers to back
panel’s Line-Out connector, and the rest of speakers to S-Bracket.

 Using the back panel only

If you do not have a S-Bracket, you can connect all speakers to the
audio connectors on the back panel.

Using the Optional S-Bracket

S-Bracket integrates the SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interface) and
analog LINE OUT connectors together. With this optional accessory, users
will be able to decide either analog or digital audio output when applying the
speakers to the connectors.

Read the following instructions to have the Multi-Channel Audio Func­tion mode properly set in the software utility, and then have your speakers
correctly connected to the S-Bracket:

Configuration in the Software Utility

1. Click the audio icon from the window tray at the lower-right
corner of the screen.

2. Select a desired surround sound effect from the “Environment” drop­down menu.

3. Click the Speaker Configuration tab.

4. Select a desired multi-channel operation from No. of Speaker.
a. 2-Channel Mode for Stereo-Speaker Output
b. 4-Channel Mode for 4-Speaker Output
c. 6-Channel Mode for 5.1-Speaker Output

A-4

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

5. Select or clear the Default Phonejack check box to decide which
audio devices you wish to use for audio outputs.

The instructions shown on the Speaker Configuration screen may
vary depending on how you set the options of No. of Speaker and
Default Phonejack. To ensure proper hardware installation, con­nect your speakers to the correct phonejacks in accordance with the
setting in software utility.

6. Click OK to close this window.

3

2

4

5
6

A-5

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Connecting the Speakers

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

 2-Channel Mode for Stereo-Speaker Output

When this mode is selected, it is recommended to attach the speakers
to the Line Out connector on the back panel instead of the Line Out
connector on the S-Bracket.

Refer to the following diagram and caption for the function of each
phonejack on the back panel when 2-Channel mode is selected.

Select “Default Phonejack” Deselect “Default Phonejack”

1 MIC
2 Line In
3 Line Out (Front channels)
4 Optical SPDIF jack
5 Coaxial SPDIF jack

Back Panel

1

1 MIC
2 Line In
3 Line Out (Front channels)
4 Optical SPDIF jack
5 Coaxial SPDIF jack

S-Bracket

A-6

2

4

3

5

MSI Reminds You...

When any Multi-Channel Audio Mode is selected, you may also
connect your speakers to the Optical or Coaxial SPDIF phonejack
on the S-Bracket to exprience digital surround sound effect.

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

 4-Channel Mode for 4-Speaker Output

When this mode is selected, plug the two front speakers to the Line
Out connector on the back panel, and the other two rear speakers to
the Line Out connector on the S-Bracket.

Refer to the following diagram and caption for the function of each
phonejack on the back panel and S-Bracket when 4-Channel mode
is selected.

Select “Default Phonejack” Deselect “Default Phonejack”

1 MIC
2 Line In
3 Line Out (Front channels)
4 Optical SPDIF jack
5 Coaxial SPDIF jack
6 Line Out (Reserved for Center

and Subwoofer channel, but it
is not functioning here)

7 Line Out (Rear channels)

1 MIC
2 Rear Speaker Out (Rear channels)
3 Line Out (Front channels)
4 Optical SPDIF jack
5 Coaxial SPDIF jack
6 Line Out (Reserved for Center and

Subwoofer channel, but it is not
functioning here)

7 Line Out (Rear channels)

Back Panel

1

2

4

3

6

5

S-Bracket

7

A-7

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

 6-Channel Mode for 6-Speaker Output

When this mode is selected, plug the two front speakers to the Line
Out connector on the back panel, and the other two rear speakers to
the Line Out connector on the S-Bracket.

Refer to the following diagram and caption for the function of each
phonejack on the back panel and S-Bracket when 6-Channel mode
is selected.

Select “Default Phonejack” Deselect “Default Phonejack”

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

Subwoofer channels)

7 Line Out (Rear channels)

Back Panel

1

1 Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out

(Center and Subwoofer channels)

2 Rear Speaker Out (Rear channels)
3 Line Out (Front channels)
4 Optical SPDIF jack
5 Coaxial SPDIF jack
6 Line Out (Center and Subwoofer

channels)

7 Line Out (Rear channels)

S-Bracket

A-8

2

4

3

6

5

7

MSI Reminds You...

If the Center and Subwoofer speaker exchange their audio chan­nels when you play video or music on the computer, a converter
may be required to exchange center and subwoofer audio
signals. You can purchase the converter from a speaker store.

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

 Digital Audio Output

When any Multi-Channel Audio Function mode is selected, you may
also connect your speakers to the Optical or Coaxial SPDIF phonejack
on the S-Bracket to exprience digital surround sound effect.

Remove the plug from the optical SPIDF phonejack before inserting
the fiber-optic cable, and read the following diagram and captions
for the function of each phonejack on the S-Bracket.

1 Optical SPDIF jack
2 Coaxial SPDIF jack

1

Plug

2

S-Bracket

MSI Reminds You...

Some commonly-used audio output for­mats (midi, wav,..etc.) may not be able
to be output from the SPDIF jacks of
the S-Bracket. To convert these audio
formats as SPDIF output:

1. Click the Volume Control icon at the
taskbar (or go to Control Panel/Sounds
and Audio Devices/Volume Control).

2. Click Properties on the Options
menu. Under Adjust volume for, click
Playback, and select the SPDIF check
box in the Show the following volume
controls list.

3. Click Advanced Controls for SPDIF
on the Options menu. Under Other

Controls, select the Sampling rate con­version for SPDIF output check box.

4. Click Close to exit Volume Control.

A-9

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Using the Back Panel only

In addition to a default 2-channel analog audio output function, the au­dio connectors on the Back Panel also provide 4- or 6-channel analog audio
output function if a proper setting is made in the software utility.

Read the following steps to have the Multi-Channel Audio Function
properly set in the software utility, and have your speakers correctly con­nected to the Back Panel.

Configuration in the Software Utility

1. Click the audio icon from the window tray at the lower-right
corner of the screen.

2. Select a desired surround sound effect from the “Environment”
drop-down menu.

3. Click the Speaker Configuration tab.

4. Select Synchronize the phonejack switch with the settings.

5. Select a desired multi-channel operation from No. of Speakers.
a. 2-Channel Mode for Stereo-Speaker Output
b. 4-Channel Mode for 4-Speaker Output
c. 6-Channels Mode for 5.1-Speaker Output

6. Click OK to close this window.

A-10

3

2

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

5

4

6

Connecting the Speakers

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

 2-Channel Mode for Stereo-Speaker Output

Refer to the following diagram and caption for the function of each
phonejack on the back panel when 2-Channel Mode is selected.

1 MIC
2 Line In
3 Line Out (Front channels)

Back Panel

1

2

3

A-11

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

 4-Channel Mode for 4-Speaker Output

The audio jacks on the back panel always provide 2-channel analog
audio output function, however these audio jacks can be transformed
to 4- or 6- channel analog audio jacks by selecting the corresponding
multi-channel operation from No. of Speakers.

Refer to the following diagram and caption for the founction of each
jack on the back panel when 4-Channel Mode is selected.

1 MIC
2 * Line Out (Rear channels)
3 Line Out (Front channels)

* Line In function is converted to Line Out function when 4-Channel Mode for

4-Speaker Output is selected.

Back Panel

1

2

3

A-12

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

 6-Channel Mode for 6-Speaker Output

Refer to the following diagram and caption for the founction of each
jack on the back panel when 6-Channel Mode is selected.

1 Line Out (Center and

Subwoofer channel)

2 * Line Out (Rear channels)
3 * Line Out (Front channels)

* Both Line In and MIC function are converted to Line Out function when 4-

Channel Mode for 6-Speaker Output is selected.

Back Panel

MSI Reminds You...

If the Center and Subwoofer speaker exchange their audio chan­nels when you play video or music on the computer, a converter
may be required to exchange center and subwoofer audio
signals. You can purchase the converter from a speaker store.

1

2

3

A-13

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Testing the Connected Speakers

To ensure that 4- or 6-channel audio operation works properly, you may
need to test each connected speaker to make sure every speaker work properly.
If any speaker fails to sound, then check whether the cable is inserted firmly
to the connector or replace the bad speakers with good ones.

Testing Each Speaker

1. Click the audio icon from the window tray at the lower-right corner of

the screen.

2. Click the Speaker Test tab.

3. The following window appears. Select the speaker which you want to test

by clicking it.

Subwoofer

Front Left

Rear Left

A-14

Front Right

Rear Right

Center

MSI Reminds You...

6 speakers appear on the “Speaker Test” window only when
you select “6-Channel Mode” in the “No. of Speakers” column.
If you select “4-Channel Mode”, only 4 speakers appear on the
window.

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

4. While you are testing the speakers in 6-Channel Mode, if the sound com-

ing from the center speaker and subwoofer is swapped, you should select
Swap Center/Subwoofer Output to readjust these two channels.

Select this function

A-15

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Playing KaraOK

The KaraOK function will automatically remove human voice (lyrics)
and leave melody for you to sing the song. Note that this function applies
only for 2-channel audio operation.

Playing KaraOK

1. Click the audio icon from the window tray at the lower-right corner of

the screen.

2. In the Sound Effect tab, select Voice Cancellation under “KaraOK.”

3. Click OK to close this window.

2

A-16

3

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Q: Where can I find the model number of the mainboard?

A: There are two places where you can find the model number of the mainboard:

1. Somewhere between the PCI slots you shall find MS-xxxx or the marketing

name like “K7T Turbo”. You can also find the version number beside it. 2. At

the back cover of the user's manual.

Q: What do you mean by PCB version 1?

A: PCB is printed circuit board. Saying PCB version 1 is the same as saying

motherboard version 1.

Q: Why can’t my AMD 133FSB be autodetected by the mainboard?

A: Due to AMD CPU design, CPU FSB 133 will not be autodetected by the

motherboard. So user need to set the FSB manually to 133.

Q: Why is my motherboard BIOS sticker "Phoenix BIOS" while I see "Award

BIOS" during system boot-up?

A: Phoenix & Award already merged as one company. All MSI motherboards

using Award BIOS come with Phoenix logo stickers.

Q: How do I know what MSI D-LED or D-bracket light mean?

A: Please follow the special tech issue, http://www.msi.com.tw/support/

techexpress/special_tech/smartled.htm

Q: I used my MSI motherboard and got an error message, "Primary IDE

Channel No 80 Conductor Cable Installed" while the system detected

hard drives.

A: This is not a problem. It merely means that you're using an ATA-66 or ATA-

100 HDD, but you're using the conductor 40 ATA-33 cable.

T-1

MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

Q: I have high speed CPU cooling fan like Taisol CGK760092, Vantec CCK-

6035D & GlobalWin WBK38. Can I install the fan directly to the

motherboard?

A: We strongly recommend that you do NOT connect those described CPU

fan directly to your motherboard, as it draws so much power, that it could

damage it. Please use a 3-Pin to 4-Pin Cable that comes together with the fan.

Q: Can I use more than 512MB memory on Win9x or WinME?

A: No, you can’t. You can only use more than 512MB memory on Win2000 or

WinXP. This is a Microsoft OS issue. Please check http://support/microsoft.

com/support/kb/articles/Q108/0/79.ASP

Q: I have tried to download the MSI Live Update utility from http://www.msi.

com.tw/support/liveupdate/livedriver.htm but it keeps on failing?

A: This can be solved by one of the following suggestions: 1. Dont install

zonealarm 2. Disable "WebTrap" of PC-cillion 2000 3. Disable any web based

anti-virus Software.

Q: Can Live Update Series support WinXP?

A: Live Update Series version 215 can support WinXP. Download it from http:/

/www.msi.com.tw/support/liveupdate/livedriver.htm

Q: After flashing the BIOS, my system for unknown reason fails to boot.

What should I do?

A: Please refer to the following suggestions: 1. Try the BIOS boot recovery

feature as described in http://www.msi.com.tw/support/bios/boot.htm 2. Try

to clear the CMOS If problem still persists, ask your reseller for new BIOS

chip or contact one of MSI office near your place for new BIOS chip http://

www.msi.com.tw/contact/main.htm

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Troubleshooting

Q: Should I update my BIOS, once a new BIOS is released?

A: A new BIOS is usually released due to the following reasons:

1. New function is supported

2. New BIOS source code

3. Bugs are found

4. Customer-specific request

When we release a new BIOS, there's usually a release note attached which

lists the reason for the release. Refer to this release note and decide for

yourself if upgrading to the new BIOS will be worth it. A word of advice,

though, do not upgrade to the new BIOS, unless you really have to.

Q: How do I update the BIOS?

A: Please refer to http://www.msi.com.tw/support/bios/note.htm for details.

Q: How do I identify the BIOS version?

A: Upon boot-up, the 1st line appearing after the memory count is the BIOS

version. It is usually in the format:

1. For older model number:

AG76 091096 where:

1st digit refers to BIOS maker as A = AMI(R) W = AWARD(R) P = PHOENIX

(R).

2nd digit refers to the internal chipset code.

3rd digit refers to the processor class as 5 = 486, 7 = 586, 8 = 686.

4th digit is incremental.

091096 refers to the date this BIOS is released.

2. For newer model number:

W5139MS V1.0 091096 where:

1st digit refers to BIOS maker as A = AMI(R) W = AWARD(R) P = PHOENIX

(R).

2nd - 5th digit refers to the model number.

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MS-6596 M-ATX Mainboard

6th - 7th digit refers to the customer as MS = all standard customers.

V1.0 refers to the BIOS version.

091096 refers to the date this BIOS is released.

Q: After I flashed the BIOS and rebooted the system, the screen went blank.

A: For AMI BIOS

Rename the desired AMI BIOS file to AMIBOOT.ROM and save it on a

floppy disk. e.g. Rename A569MS23.ROM to AMIBOOT.ROM

Insert this floppy disk in the floppy drive. Turn On the system and press

and hold Ctrl-Home to force update. It will read the AMIBOOT.ROM file

and recover the BIOS from the A drive.

When 4 beeps are heard you may remove the floppy disk and restart the

computer.

For Award BIOS

Make a bootable floopy disk

Copy the Award flash utility & BIOS file to the said floppy disk

Create an autoexec.bat with "awdfl535 biosfilename" in the content e.g.

awdfl535 a619mj21.bin

Boot up system with the said floppy (it will take less than 2 minutes before

screen comes out)

Re-flash the BIOS & reboot.

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