MSI KT4A Ultra User Manual

KT4A Ultra

MS-6590 (v1.X) A TX Mainboard

Version 1.5

G52-M6590XF-K01

i

Manual Rev: 1.5
Release Date: May 2003

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-6590

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

Revision History

Revision Revision History Date

V1.0 First release August 2002
V1.1 Add DDR400 Qualified Memory October 2002

T est List; FSB333 Support; SATA

spec update
V1.2 Modify Jumper JBAT1 description November 2002
V1.3 Change Northbridge to KT4A March 2003
V1.4 Update DDR400 Qualifyed Memory April 2003

T est List
V1.5 Change MSI DVD as optional May 2003

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

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

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

Revision History ...........................................................................................iii

T echnical Support......................................................................................... iii

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

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

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

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

MSI Special Features ........................................................................... 1-5

Fuzzy Logic™ 4 .............................................................................1-5

Live BIOS™/Live Driver™ ............................................................ 1-6

Live Monitor™ .............................................................................. 1-7

D-Bracket™ 2 (Optional) ............................................................... 1-8

PC Alert™ 4................................................................................. 1-10

MSI DVD (5.1 Channel) (Optional) .............................................. 1-12

S-Bracket (Optional) .................................................................... 1-14

CPU Thermal Protection .............................................................. 1-14

Round Cable (Optional)............................................................... 1-15

Color Management ...................................................................... 1-16

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

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

Introduction to DDR SDRAM....................................................... 2-6

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

Installing DDR Modules ...............................................................2-7

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

v

A TX 20-Pin Power Connector: JWR1............................................2-8

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

Mouse Connector ......................................................................... 2-9

Keyboard Connector ................................................................... 2-10

USB 2.0 Connectors .................................................................... 2-10

Serial Port Connectors: COM A & COM B.................................. 2-11

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

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

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

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

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

Fan Power Connectors: CF AN1/SF AN1/NBF AN1 ...................... 2-15

IrDA Infrared Module Header: JIR1 ............................................ 2-16

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

Hard Disk RAID Connectors: IDE3, SER1 & SER2 (Optional) ..... 2-18

CD-In Connector: JCD1 ............................................................... 2-20

S-Bracket (SPDIF) Connector: JSP3 (Optional)............................ 2-20

IEEE 1394 Connectors: J1394_0, J1394_1, J1394_2 (Optional) ..... 2-22

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1 & JFP2 ......................................... 2-24

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1 ........................................ 2-25

Bluetooth Connector: JBT2 (Optional) ........................................ 2-26

Front USB Connectors: JUSB1 .................................................... 2-27

D-Bracket™ 2 Connector: JLED1 (Optional) ............................... 2-28

Jumpers .............................................................................................. 2-29

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBA T1........................................................ 2-29

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Setting Jumper: J4 & J5 (Optional) ... 2-30

Slots ................................................................................................... 2-31

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) Slot......................................... 2-31

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots.......................... 2-31

PCI Interrupt Request Routing .................................................... 2-32

vi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advanced Chipset Features............................................................... 3-13

Power Management Features............................................................. 3-18

PNP/PCI Configurations..................................................................... 3-22

Integrated Peripherals ........................................................................ 3-24

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

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

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

Load High Performance/BIOS Setup Defaults.................................... 3-31

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

Installing C-Media Drivers ..................................................................A-2

Hardware Configuration ......................................................................A-3

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

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function .............................................A-10

Attaching Speakers ....................................................................A-10

Appendix B. DDR 400/PC3200 Memory T est report ...............................B-1

T roubleshooting ........................................................................................ T-1

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

vii

Getting Started

Chapter 1. Getting

Started

Getting Started

Thank you for purchasing KT4A Ultra (MS-6590 v1.X)
ATX mainboard. The KT4A Ultra is based on VIA® Apollo KT400A
& VT8235 chipsets and provides six USB 2.0 ports for high-speed
data transmission, C-Media 8738MX chip for 6-channel audio
output, one SPDIF pinheader for digital audio transmission, and
one extra Bluetooth pinheader that fulfills your need for wireless
connection. Designed to fit the advanced AMD® Athlon™,

Athlon™ XP or Duron™ processors, the KT4A Ultra delivers a

high performance and professional desktop platform solution.

1-1

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Specifications

CPU

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

processors.

h Supports up to 3000+ or higher speed.

Chipset

h VIA® KT400A chipset

- FSB @200/266/333 MHz.

- Supports DDR200/266/333/400 memory.

-AGP 8X and PCI advanced high performance memory controller.

h VIA® VT8235 chipset

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

- ACPI & PC2001 compliant enhanced power management.

- Integrated USB 2.0 controller.

Main Memory

h Supports six memory banks using three 184-pin 200/266/333/400 DDR

SDRAMs.

h Supports up to 3GB memory size.

Slots

h One AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) slot.

- Supports AGP 2.0 4x/8x.

h Six 32-bit PCI bus slots (support 3.3v/5v PCI bus interface).

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 operation modes.

Serial ATA Interface (Optional)

h Promise 20376 controlls 2 Serial ATA ports in 150 MB/s operation mode and

1 Ultra DMA port

On-Board Peripherals

h On-Board Peripherals include:

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

2.88Mbytes

- 2 serial ports (COM A + COM B)

1-2

Getting Started

- 1 parallel port supports SPP/EPP/ECP mode

- 1 IrDA connector for SIR/ASKIR/HPSIR

- 1 audio port

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

Bluetooth (Optional)

h 1 extra pinheader for Bluetooth connect connection.

Audio

h C-Media 8738MX 6-channel audio with SPDIF out.

LAN 1000Mbps (Optional)

h Broadcom 5702

- Integrated Gigabit Ethernet MAC and PHY transceiver, auto-negotiation
operation.

- Supports single-port 10MB/s, 100MB/s and 1000MB/s BAST-T application.

- Compliance with PCI v2.2 and LAN on Motherboard (LOM) standard.

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.

h ACPI, 1.0a, APM1.2, PnP 1.0a, SMBIOS 2.3, USB 2.0, WFM 2.0, Overclock,

Boot from USB device.

Dimension

h ATX Form Factor: 30.5 cm (L) x 23 cm (W).

Mounting

h 6 mounting holes.

Others

h Suspend to RAM/Disk (S3/S4).
h PC99, PC2001, WHQL WINXP compliant.
h CPU and Onboard temperature monitoring.

1-3

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Layout

Top : mouse
Bottom: keyboard

USB
ports

Top : Parallel Port

Bottom:
COM A
COM B

Top: LAN jack (Optional)
Bottom: USB ports

Line-Out
Line-In
Mic

J4 J5

C-media

CMI8738MX

JCD

BIOS

y

l
p
p
u

X

S

T

r

A

e
w
o
P

Winbond

W83697HF

JAUD1

JIR1

PCI Sl ot 1

PCI Sl ot 2

PCI Sl ot 3

PCI Sl ot 4

PCI Sl ot 5

PCI Sl ot 6

JSP3

SOCKET 462

AGP Slot

VIA

KT400A

J1394_0

NBFAN1

CFAN1

VIA

Vt6306

(Optional)

J1394_2J1394_1

JUSB1

1
R
D

D

VT8235

JBT2

3

2

R

R

D

D
D

D

BATT

+

IDE 3 (Optional)

PROMISE
PDC20376
(Optional)

1
D
D

F

SFAN1

SER1

JFP1 JFP2

1
E
D

I

JBAT1

JLED1

2
E
D

I

1-4

KT4A Ultra Series (MS-6590 v1.X) ATX Mainboard

Getting Started

MSI Special Features

Fuzzy Logic™ 4

The Fuzzy Logic™ 4 utility is a user friendly tool that allows users to
view and adjust the current system status. To overclock the CPU FSB (Front
Side Bus) frequency under the Windows operating system, click FSB and use
the right and left arrow keys to select the desired FSB, and then click Apply to
apply the new setup value. To enable the system running at the specified FSB
every time when you click Turbo, click Save to save the desired FSB first. If
you want to know the maximal CPU overclocking value, click Auto to start
testing. The CPU FSB will automatically increase the testing value until the PC
reboots. After rebooting, click Turbo to apply the test result. Click Default to
restore the default values.

Features:

Ø MSI Logo links to the MSI Web site
Ø CPU Speed allows users to adjust the CPU speed through CPU

Multiplier and FSB

Ø Voltage allows user to adjust the voltage of CPU/Memory/AGP
Ø MSI Info provides information about the mainboard, BIOS and OS
Ø CPU Info provides detailed information about the CPU
Ø CPU Fan Speed shows the current running speed of CPU Fan
Ø CPU Temp. shows the current CPU temperature

MSI Reminds You...

To adjust the options under CPU Speed and Voltage, use the right
and left arrow keys to select the desired value and then click Apply

to run the setup value.

1-5

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Live BIOS™/Live Driver™

The Live BIOS™/Live Driver™ is a tool used to detect and
update your BIOS/drivers online so that you don’t need to search
for the correct BIOS/driver version throughout the Web site. To
use the function, you need to install the “MSI Live Update 2”
application. After installation, the “MSI Live Update 2” icon (as
shown on the right) will appear on the screen.

Double click the “MSI Live Update 2” icon, and the follow­ing screen will appear:

Five buttons are placed on the leftmost pane of the screen. Click the desired
button to start the update process.

zz

z Live BIOS – Updates the BIOS online.

zz

zz

z Live Driver – Updates the drivers online.

zz

zz

z Live VGA BIOS – Updates the VGA BIOS online.

zz

zz

z Live VGA Driver – Updates the VGA driver online.

zz
zz

z Live Utility – Updates the utilities online.

zz

If the product you purchased does not support any of the functions listed
above, a “sorry” message is displayed. For more information on the update
instructions, insert the companion CD and refer to the “Live Update Guide”
under the “Manual” Tab.

1-6

Getting Started

Live Monitor™

The Live Monitor™ is a tool used to schedule the search
for the latest BIOS/drivers version on the MSI Web site. To use
the function, you need to install the “MSI Live Update 2”
application. After installation, the “MSI Live Monitor” icon (as
shown on the right) will appear on the screen. Double click this
icon to run the application.

Double click the “MSI Live Monitor” icon at the lower-right corner

of the taskbar, and the following dialog box will appear. You can specify how
often the system will automatically search for the BIOS/drivers version, or
change the LAN settings right from the dialog box.

You can right-click the MSI Live Monitor icon to perform the functions

listed below:

zz

z Auto Search – Searches for the BIOS/drivers version you need immediately.

zz

zz

z View Last Result – Allows you to view the last search result if there is any.

zz

zz

z Preference – Configures the Search function, including the Search schedule.

zz

zz

z Exit – Exits the Live Monitor™ application.

zz
zz

z FAQ – Provides a link to a database which contents various possible questions

zz

about MSI's products for users to inquire.

1-7

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

D-Bracket™ 2 (Optional)

D-Bracket™ 2 is an external USB bracket integrating four Diagnostic
LEDs, which use graphic signal display to help users understand their system.
The LEDs provide up to 16 combinations of signals to debug the system. The
4 LEDs can debug all problems that fail the system, such as VGA, RAM or
other failures. This special feature is very useful for the overclocking users.
These users can use the feature to detect if there are any problems or failures.

D-Bracket™ 2 supports both USB 1.1 & 2.0 specification.

D-Bracket™ 2

1 2
3 4

Red

Green

D-BracketTM2 Description

System Power ON

1 2

3 4

Early Chipset Initialization

Memory Detection Test

Testing VGA BIOS

- The D-LED will hang here if the processor is damaged or

not installed properly.

- Testing onboard memory size. The D-LED will hang if

the memory module is damaged or not installed properly.

Decompressing BIOS image to RAM for fast booting.

Initializing Keyboard Controller.

- This will start writing VGA sign-on message to the screen.

1-8

Getting Started

D-BracketTM2 Description

Processor Initialization

1 2

3 4

Initializing Video Interface

BIOS Sign On

Testing Base and Extended Memory

Initializing Hard Drive Controller

Initializing Floppy Drive Controller

Boot Attempt

Operating System Booting

- This will show information regarding the processor (like

brand name, system bus, etc…)

Testing RTC (Real Time Clock)

- This will start detecting CPU clock, checking type of video

onboard. Then, detect and initialize the video adapter.

- This will start showing information about logo, processor

brand name, etc….

- Testing base memory from 240K to 640K and extended

memory above 1MB using various patterns.

Assign Resources to all ISA.

- This will initialize IDE drive and controller.

- This will initializing Floppy Drive and controller.

- This will set low stack and boot via INT 19h.

1-9

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

PC Alert™ 4

The PC AlertTM 4 is a utility you can find in the CD-ROM disk. The utility
is just like your PC doctor that can detect the following PC hardware status
during real time operation:

Ø monitor CPU & system temperatures
Ø monitor fan speeds
Ø monitor system voltages

If one of the items above is abnormal, the program main screen will be
immediately shown on the screen, with the abnormal item highlighted in red.
This will continue to be shown until the condition returns to the normal status.

Adjusting Keys

temperature

modes

COOLER XP

Users can use the Adjusting Keys to change the minimum and maximum
threshold of each item for the system to send out a warning message. Click
Temperature to select the temperature modes of either Fahrenheit (oF) or Celsius
(oC). The PC Alert4 icon on the Status Area will show the current CPU
temperature.

1-10

Getting Started

To better protect the CPU from overheating, a new feature, COOLER
XP, has been added to decrease the temperature of AMD Athlon XP CPU. To

do so, simply click COOLER XP and the screen will show the Cute skin (as
shown below) with information about the CPU and chipset. Right-click the
mouse to select the skin you want to switch to.

Cute

MSI Reminds You...

The new feature COOLER XP will work only if your mainboard
supports AMD Athlon XP CPU.
Items shown on PC Alert 4 vary depending on your system’s status.

1-11

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

MSI DVD (5.1 Channel) (Optional)

The motherboard comes with MSI DVD application which supports 5.1
channel (6-channel audio) operation. The accompanying MSI DVD is a conve­nient tool to meet increasing demands for home entertainment.

Note: MSI DVD supports Dolby Digital format only. To view DTS-

formatted video, you should convert it to Dolby Digital format first.

To play DVD with 6-channel audio output, you must configure both the
MSI DVD application and the audio codec’s software utility. Otherwise, the 6­channel audio function will not work properly. For information on how to
select 6-channel mode in the audio software utility, refer to Appendix. Using 4-
or 6-Channel Audio Function.

Follow the procedures below to enable 6-channel support with MSI DVD:

1. Click on this button from the control panel of MSI DVD.

2. Click the Audio tab.

3. Select 6 speaker mode (5.1 channel).

1-12

Getting Started

4. Click OK.

For more information about MSI DVD, you can refer to the online help
coming with the application.
To enter the online help:

1. Click on the icon at the bottom-right corner of the control panel.

2. The following window appears.

Click here

3. Click MSIDVD FAQ.

1-13

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

S-Bracket (Optional)

S-Bracket is a bracket which provides 2 SPDIF jacks for digital audio
transmission and 2 analog Line-Out connectors for additional 4-channel analog
audio output. With the S-Bracket, your system will be able to perform 6­channel audio operation for wonderful surround sound effect, or connect to
Sony & Philips Digital Interface (SPDIF) speakers for audio transmission with
better quality.

The S-Bracket offers two types of SPDIF connectors: one for optical
fiber and the other for coaxial connection. Select the appropriate one to meet
your need. For more information on S-Bracket, refer to Appendix. Using 4- or
6-Channel Audio Function.

S-Bracket

SPDIF jack (coaxial)

SPDIF jack (optical)

Analog Line-Out jacks

CPU Thermal Protection

Aimed to prevent the CPU from overheating, MSI has developed a CPU
Thermal Protection mechanism for AMD Athlon XP CPU platform. This CPU
Thermal Protection mechanism works on a thermal signal sensor. If the
mechanism senses an abnormal temperature rise, it will automatically shut down
the system and the CPU temperature will then drop down and resume normal.
With this unique feature, users can better protect their CPU. Please note that
this feature is for AMD Athlon XP CPU only.

1-14

Getting Started

Round Cable (Optional)

Round cable is an enhanced cable for PCI IDE and Ultra DMA controller.
It has the following benifits:

h Data transfer rate started by 133MB/s
h Backward compatibility (ATA33/66/100/133)
h Higher performance than traditional Flat cable (data rate)
h Improved data robustness
h Better airflow due to thinner ATA/133 cable

Connect to the slave drives.

Connect to the master
hard disk drives.

Connect to the system connectors
on the mainboard.

1-15

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Color Management

MSI has an unified color management rule for some connectors on the
mainboards, which helps you to install the memory modules, expansion cards
and other peripherals devices more easily and conveniently.

hMemory DDR DIMMs: light green
h IDE ATA133 connector: yellow
h Serial ATA150 connector: orange
h AGP 8X slot: red
h 1394 conncetor: dark green
h USB 2.0 connector shared with bluetooth module: blue
h Front panel connector JFP1 : HDD LED in red, Reset Switch in blue,

Power Switch in black, Power LED in
light green.

h Front panel connector JFP2: Power LED in light green.

Memory DDR DIMMs

1-16

1394 connectors

IDE ATA133 connector

AGP 8X Slot

Serial ATA150 connector

Front Panel connector JFP2

Front Panel connector JFP1

USB 2.0 connector

Hardware Setup

Chapter 2. Hardware
Setup

Hardware Setup

This chapter tells you how to install the CPU, memory
modules, and expansion cards, as well as how to setup the
jumpers on the mainboard. Also, it provides the instructions on
connecting the peripheral devices, such as the mouse, keyboard,
etc.

While doing the installation, be careful in holding the
components and follow the installation procedures.

2-1

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Quick Components Guide

Back Panel I/O,

p.2-9

JIR1, p.2-16

J5, p.2-30

J4, p.2-30

JWR1, p.2-8

CPU, p.2-3

CFAN1, p.2-15

DDR DIMMs, p.2-6

FDD1, p.2-14

IDE1 & IDE2,

p.2-17

NBFAN1, p.2-15

AGP Slot, p.2-29

PCI Slots, p.2-29

SFAN1, p.2-15

JBAT1, p.2-29

IDE3, p.2-18
SER2, p.2-18

SER1, p.2-18
JLED1, p.2-28

JCD1, p.2-20

JAUD1, p.2-25

2-2

JSP3, p.2-20

J1394_0, J1394_1, J1394_2

,
p.2-22

JFP2, p.2-24

JFP1, p.2-24

JBT2, p.2-26

JUSB1, p.2-27

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-462 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 = 1 4

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

= 100MHz x 14
= 1.4 GHz

Memory Speed/CPU FSB Support Matrix

Memory

FSB

200 MHz
266 MHz

333 MHz

○ : Yes.

Note 1: Grarantee with MSI certified DDR 400 mudules only.
Note 2: User may try this combination, but MSI will not guarantee its

functionality.

X : Not abaliable .

Thermal Issue for CPU

AMD Athlon™/Athlon™ XP/Duron™ processor with a speed

!

WARNING!

heatsink are securely fastened and in good contact with each other. These are
needed to prevent damaging the processor and ensuring reliable operation.
You can check AMD’s web site for more information.

of 600MHz and above requires LARGER heatsink and fan. Y ou
also need to add thermal grease between the CPU and heatsink
to improve heat dissipation. Then, make sure that the CPU and

DDR 266

○
○

X

DDR 333 DDR 400

○
○

○

X
Note 1
Note 2

2-3

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

CPU Installation Procedures for Socket 462

1. Please turn off the power and

unplug the power cord before
installing the CPU.

Open Lever

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

90 degree

Incorrect CPU placeme n t

(not at 90-degree angle)

O

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. Y ou may need a screw
drive to press down the other side
of the clip.

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

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

Apply some heat

sink paste

2-5

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Memory

The mainboard provides 3 slots for 184-pin DDR SDRAM DIMM (Double

In-Line Memory Module) modules and supports the memory size up to 3GB.
Y ou can install PC3200/DDR400, PC2700/DDR333, PC2100/DDR266 or PC1600/
DDR200 modules on the DDR DIMM slots (DDR 1~3).

DDR DIMM Slots

(DDR 1~3)

Introduction to DDR SDRAM

DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM is similar to conventional SDRAM,

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

2-6

Hardware Setup

DDR 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)
DIMM 3
(Bank 4 & 5)

Maximum System Memory Supported

S: Single Side D: Double Side

S/D 64MB~1GB

S/D 64MB~1GB

S/D 64MB~1GB

64MB~3GB

Installing DDR Modules

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

will only fit in the right orientation.

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

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

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

2-7

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Power Supply

The mainboard supports A TX 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.

A TX 20-Pin Power Connector: JWR1

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

JWR1

2-8

JWR1 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

MSI Reminds Y ou...

Power supply of 300 (and up) watt is highly recommended for
system stability.

Back Panel

The back panel provides the following connectors:

Hardware Setup

Mouse

Parallel

LAN
(Optional)

MIC

USB Ports

Keyboard

COM A COM B

USB Ports

L-in
L-out

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

PS/2 Mouse (6-pin Female)

5

3

1

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 Mouse DAT A Mouse DAT A
2 NC No connection
3 GND Ground
4 VCC +5V
5 Mouse Clock Mouse clock
6 NC No connection

2-9

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

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 DAT A Keyboard DA TA
2 NC No connection
3 GND Ground
4 VCC +5V
5 Keyboard Clock Keyboard clock
6 NC No connection

USB 2.0 Connectors

The mainboard provides a UHCI (Universal Host Controller Interface)

Universal Serial Bus root for attaching USB devices such as keyboard, mouse
or other USB-compatible devices. You can plug the USB device directly into
the connector.

2-10

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

USB Ports

USB Port Description

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 VCC +5V
2 -Data 0 Negative Data Channel 0
3 +Data0 Positive Data Channel 0
4 GND Ground
5 VCC +5V
6 -Data 1 Negative Data Channel 1
7 +Data 1 Positive Data Channel 1
8 GND Ground

Hardware Setup

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 T o 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.

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

2-11

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Parallel Port Connector: LPT1

The mainboard provides a 25-pin female centronic connector as LPT. A

parallel port is a standard printer port that supports Enhanced Parallel Port
(EPP) and Extended Capabilities Parallel Port (ECP) mode.

13 1

25

14

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 STROBE Strobe
2 DA TA0 Data0
3 DA TA1 Data1
4 DA TA2 Data2
5 DA TA3 Data3
6 DA TA4 Data4
7 DA TA5 Data5
8 DA TA6 Data6
9 DA TA7 Data7
10 ACK# Acknowledge
11 BUSY Busy
12 PE Paper End
13 SELECT Select
14 AUTO FEED# Automatic Feed
15 ERR# Error
16 INIT# Initialize Printer
17 SLIN# Select In
18 GND Ground
19 GND Ground
20 GND Ground
21 GND Ground
22 GND Ground
23 GND Ground
24 GND Ground
25 GND Ground

2-12

Hardware Setup

Audio Port Connectors

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.

MIC

1/8” Stereo Audio Connectors

Line In

Line Out

MSI Reminds Y ou...

For advanced audio application, CMedia 8738MX is provided
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.

2-13

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Connectors

The mainboard provides connectors to connect to FDD, IDE HDD, case,

modem, LAN, USB Ports, IR module and CPU/System/Power Supply F AN.

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

2-14

Hardware Setup

Fan Power Connectors: CF AN1/SF AN1/NBF AN1

The CFAN1 (processor fan), SFAN1 (system fan) and NBFAN1

(NorthBridge 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

CFAN1

+12V

GND

SENSOR

NBFAN1

SENSOR

+12V

GND

SFAN1

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

2. CFAN1 supports the fan control. Y ou can install the PC Alert
utility that will automatically control the CPU fan speed ac­cording to the actual CPU temperature.

2-15

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

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.

JIR1

6 5

21

2-16

Pin Signal

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

Hardware Setup

Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2

The mainboard has a 32-bit Enhanced PCI IDE and Ultra DMA 66/100/

133 controller that provides PIO mode 0~4, Bus Master, and Ultra DMA 66/
100/133 function. Y ou can connect up to four hard disk drives, CD-ROM, 120MB
Floppy (reserved for future BIOS) and other devices.

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 Y ou...

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.

2-17

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Hard Disk RAID Connectors: IDE3, SER1 & SER2 (Optional)

The mainboard has 3 IDE RAID connectors, which are controlled by

Promise 20376.

IDE3 is a 32-bit Enhanced PCI IDE and Ultra DMA 66/100/133 controller

that provides PIO mode 0~5, Bus Master, and Ultra DMA 66/100/133 function.
You can connect to one hard disk drive.

The mainboard also provides optional dual high-speed Serial ATA

interface ports, SER1 & SER2. Each supports 1st generation serial ATA data
rates of 150 MB/s. Both connectors are fully compliant with Serial ATA 1.0
specifications. Each Serial ATA connector can connect to 1 hard disk device.
Please refer to Serial AT A Raid manual for detail software installation procedure.

IDE3

2-18

SER2

1

7

SER1

SER1 & SER2 Pin Definition

Pin Signal Pin Signal

1 GND 2 TXP
3 TXN 4 GND
5 RXN 6 RXP
7 GND

Hardware Setup

Optional Serial ATA cable

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

Connect to SER1 or SER2

MSI Reminds Y ou...

Please do not fold the serial ATA cable in a 90-degree angle,
which will cause the loss of data during the transmission.

2-19

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

CD-In Connector: JCD1

The connector is for CD-ROM audio connector.

S-Bracket (SPDIF) Connector: JSP3 (Optional)

The connector allows you to connect a 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.

2-20

GNDL R

JCD1

12

JSP3

1

2

11

Hardware Setup

JSP3 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) Ke y
5 GND Ground 6 SPDFI S/PDIF input
7 LFE-OUT Audio bass output 8 SOUT-R Audio right surrounding output
9 CET-OUT Audio center output 1 0 SOUT-L Audio left surrounding output
11 GND Ground 12 GND Ground

Optional S-Bracket

Connect to JSP3

SPDIF jack (optical)

Analog Line-Out jack

SPDIF jack (coaxial)

2-21

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

IEEE 1394 Connectors: J1394_0, J1394_1, J1394_2 (Optional)

The mainboard provides three 1394 pin headers that allow you to connect

optional IEEE 1394 ports.

2-22

9

1

10

2

J1394_0

J1394 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

9

10

2

1

10

2

J1394_1 J1394_2

9

1

Hardware Setup

How to attach the IEEE 1394 Port:

1. Take out the
IEEE 1394 Port.

2. Locate the IEEE 1394
connectors (J1394_0, J1394_1
& J1394_2) on the mainboard.

3. Insert the IEEE 1394 Port
into the connectors. Match
the foolproof design to the
Key (no pin) on the J1394
pin to avoid mis-inserting.

Foolproof

design

4. Place the IEEE 1394 Port into
the first slot of your system
case.

2-23

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1 & JFP2

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

Power

Power

LED

Switch

®

2

JFP1

1

HDD
LED

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 SPK­3 SLED 4 BUZ+

5 PLED 6 BUZ­7 NC 8 SPK+

Reset
Switch

10

9

2-24

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.

9

10

JAUD1

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 Y ou...

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.

9

1
2

5

10

6

2-25

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Bluetooth Connector: JBT2 (Optional)

This connector is used to connect a bluetooth module for wireless
connection.

7

JBT2

JBT2 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 5VDUAL 2 3VDUAL
3 D+ (USB signal) 4 GND
5 D- (USB signal) 6 GND
7 GND 8 NC

Do not remove,
when using bluetooth

1

2

2-26

MSI Reminds Y ou...

Because the bluetooth connector shares the USB interface with
blue-colored USB2.0 connector, one of the USB2.0 port (see
instruction on the cable) will not function when you attach a
bluetooth module to this connector.

Hardware Setup

Front USB Connectors: JUSB1

The mainboard provides one USB 2.0 pin headers JUSB1 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, digital cameras, MP3 players, printers, modems and the
like.

9

10

1

2

JUSB1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 VCC 2 VCC
3 USB0- 4 USB1­5 USB0+ 6 USB1+
7 GND 8 GND
9 Key 10 USBOC

JUSB1

(USB 2.0/Intel spec)

2-27

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

D-Bracket™ 2 Connector: JLED1 (Optional)

The mainboard comes with a JLED1 connector for you to connect to D­Bracket™ 2. D-Bracket™ 2 is a USB Bracket that supports both USB1.1 & 2.0
spec. It integrates four LEDs and allows users to identify system problem
through 16 various combinations of LED signals. For definitions of 16 signal
combinations, please refer to D-Bracket™ 2 in Chapter 1.

JLED1 Pin Definition

Pin Signal

1 DBG1 (high for green color)
2 DBR1 (high for red color)
3 DBG2 (high for green color)
4 DBR2 (high for red color)
5 DBG3 (high for green color)
6 DBR3 (high for red color)
7 DBG4 (high for green color)
8 DBR4 (high for red color)
9 Key
10 NC

Connected to JLED1

2-28

2

1

10
9

JLED1

Depending on the optional bracket you buy, please
note there might be a Bluetooth Sticker to cover one of
the port, which marks “Do no remove, when using

bluetooth”.

Connected to JUSB1 (the USB
pinheader in blue color)

D-Bracket™ 2

LEDs

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: JBA T1

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 Y ou...

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.

2-29

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Setting Jumper:
J4 & J5 (Optional)

Some speakers do not design their center and subwoofer audio signals
by following the industry standard, which will cause the subwoofer sound
pronounces through the center speaker, and the center sound pronounces
through the subwoofer speaker. But if the speaker you bought has the opposite
setting, you may need to adjust the J4 & J5 jumper in order to meet the setting
of your speaker. Follow the instructions below to set up the speakers:

2-30

J4

J5

3

131

3

1

Factory default setting.

3

1

3

1

If your speaker is with different
sound setting.

MSI Reminds Y ou...

You may buy an converter to solve this problem instead of
opening the chassis to adjust this jumper.

3

1

Hardware Setup

Slots

The motherboard provides one AGP slot, and six 32-bit PCI bus slots.

AGP Slot

PCI Slots

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 and provides three levels of throughputs: 4x (1.07Gbps)
and 8x (2.1Gbps)

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.

2-31

MS-6590 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 D# INT A# INT B# INT C#
PCI Slot 4 INT C# INT D# INT A# INT B#
PCI Slot 5 INT B# INT C# INT D# INT A#
PCI Slot 6 INT C# INT D# INT A# INT B#

2-32

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-6590 ATX Mainboard

Entering Setup

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

DEL:Setup F11:Boot Menu F12:Network boot TAB:Logo

If the message disappears before you respond and you still wish to enter
Setup, restart the system by turning it OFF and On or pressing the RESET
button. You may also restart the system by simultaneously pressing <Ctrl>,
<Alt>, and <Delete> keys.

Selecting the First Boot Device

You are allowed to select the 1st boot device without entering the BIOS
setup utility by pressing <F11>. When the same message as listed above
appears on the screen, press <F11> to trigger the boot menu.

The POST messages might pass by too quickly for you to respond in
time. If so, restart the system and press <F11> after around 2 or 3 seconds to
activate the boot menu similar to the following.

Select First Boot Device

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

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

The boot menu will list all the bootable devices. Select the one you want
to boot from by using arrow keys and then pressing <Enter>. The system will
boot from the selected device. The selection will not make changes to the
settings in the BIOS setup utility, so next time when you power on the system,
it will still use the original first boot device to boot up.

3-2

Control Keys

BIOS Setup

<↑>
<↓>
<←>
<→>
<Enter> Select the item
<Esc> Jumps to the E xit menu or retu rns t o t he main menu from a su bmen u
<+/PU> Increase the numeric value or make changes
<-/PD> Decrease the numeric value or make changes
<F5> Restore the previous CMOS value from CMOS, only for Option Page

<F6> Load High Performance Defaults
<F7> Load BIOS Setup 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

Getting Help

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

Menu.

Main Menu

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

can use the arrow keys ( ↑↓ ) to select the item. The on-line description for the
selected setup category is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Default Settings

The BIOS setup program contains two kinds of default settings: the
BIOS Setup and High Performance defaults. BIOS Setup defaults provide
stable performance settings for all devices and the system, while High
Performance defaults provide the best system performance but may affect the
system stability.

3-3

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

The Main Menu

Once you enter AMIBIOS NEW 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 setup the items of AMI® special enhanced features.

Advanced Chipset Features

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

Power Management Features

Use this menu to specify your settings for power management.

PNP/PCI Configurations

This entry appears if your system supports PnP/PCI.

3-4

BIOS Setup

Integrated Peripherals

Use this menu to specify your settings for integrated peripherals.

PC Health Status

This entry shows your PC health status.

Frequency/V oltage Control

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

Set Supervisor Password

Use this menu to set Supervisor Password.

Set User Password

Use this menu to set User Password.

Load High Performance Defaults

Use this menu to load the BIOS values for the best system performance, but
the system stability may be affected.

Load BIOS Setup Defaults

Use this menu to load factory default settings into the BIOS for stable system
performance operations.

Save & Exit Setup

Save changes to CMOS and exit setup.

Exit Without Saving

Abandon all changes and exit setup.

3-5

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Standard CMOS Features

The items inside STANDARD CMOS SETUP menu are divided into 9
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.

System Time

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

System Date

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

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

BIOS. Read-only.

Primary/Secondary IDE Master/Slave

Press PgUp/<+> or PgDn/<-> to select the hard disk drive type. The specifica­tion of hard disk drive will show up on the right hand according to your selection.

3-6

BIOS Setup

Type Select how to define the HDD parameters
Cylinders Enter cylinder number
Heads Enter head number
Write Precompensation Enter write precomp cylinder
Sectors Enter sector number
Maximum Capacity Read the maximal HDD capacity
LBA Mode Select Auto for a hard disk > 512 MB un-

der Windows and DOS, or Disabled un-

der Netware and UNIX
Block Mode Select Auto to enhance the hard disk
performance
Fast Programmed I/O Select Auto to enhance hard disk perfor­Modes mance by optimizing the hard disk timing
32 Bit Transfer Mode Enable 32 bit to maximize the IDE hard
disk data transfer rate

Floppy Drive A:/B:

This item allows you to set the type of floppy drives installed. Available
options: Not Installed, 1.2 MB 5¼, 720 KB 3½, 1.44 MB 3½ and 2.88 MB 3½.

Boot Sector Virus Protection

The item is to set the Virus Warning feature for IDE Hard Disk boot sector
protection. When Enabled, BIOS will issue a virus warning message and beep
if a write to the boot sector or the partition table of the HDD is attempted.
Setting options: Disabled and Enabled.

MSI Reminds Y ou...

This feature only protects the boot sector, not the whole hard
disk.

3-7

MS-6590 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. A vailable options: Enabled, Disabled.

Full Screen Logo Show

This item enables you to show the company logo on the bootup screen. Set­tings are:

Enabled Shows a still image (logo) on the full screen at boot.
Disabled Shows the POST messages at boot.

Boot Sequency

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

3-8

BIOS Setup

1st/2nd/3rd Boot Device

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

IDE-0 The system will boot from the first HDD.
IDE-1 The system will boot from the second HDD.
IDE-2 The system will boot from the third HDD.
IDE-3 The system will boot from the fourth HDD.
Floppy The system will boot from floppy drive.
ARMD-FDD The system will boot from any ARMD device, such as

LS-120 or ZIP drive, that functions as a floppy drive.

ARMD-HDD The system will boot from ARMD device, such as MO

or ZIP drive, that functions as hard disk drive.

CD/DVD The system will boot from the CD/DVD ROM.
Legacy SCSI The system will boot from the SCSI.

Legacy NETWO The system will boot from the Network drive.

BBS-0 The system will boot from the first BBS (BIOS Boot

Specification) compliant device.

BBS-1 The system will boot from the second BBS (BIOS Boot

Specification) compliant device.

BBS-2 The system will boot from the third BBS (BIOS Boot

Specification) compliant device.

BBS-3 The system will boot from the 4th BBS (BIOS Boot

Specification) compliant device.

BBS-4 The system will boot from the 5th BBS (BIOS Boot

Specification) compliant device.

BBS-5 The system will boot from the 6th BBS (BIOS Boot

Specification) compliant device.

BBS-6 The system will boot from the 7th BBS (BIOS Boot

Specification) compliant device.

BBS-7 The system will boot from the 8th BBS (BIOS Boot

Specification) compliant device.

BBS-8 The system will boot from the 9th BBS (BIOS Boot

Specification) compliant device.

BBS-9 The system will boot from the 10th BBS (BIOS Boot

Specification) compliant device.

USB FDD The system will boot from USB-interfaced floppy drive.
USB CDROM The system will boot from the USB-interfaced CD-ROM.

3-9

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

USB HDD The system will boot from the USB-interfaced HDD.

USB RMD-FDD The system will boot from any USB-interfaced ARMD

device, such as LS-120 or ZIP drive, that functions as a
floppy drive.

USB RMD-HDD The system will boot from USB-interfaced ARMD

device, such as MO or ZIP drive, that functions as hard
disk drive.

Disabled Disable this sequence.

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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.

T ry Other Boot Devices

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

S.M.A.R.T. for Hard Disks

This allows you to activate the S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring Analysis &
Reporting Technology) capability for the hard disks. S.M.A.R.T is a utility that
monitors your disk status to predict hard disk failure. This gives you an
opportunity to move data from a hard disk that is going to fail to a safe place
before the hard disk becomes offline. Settings: Enabled, Disabled.

BootUp Num-Lock

This item 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 end users to use the arrow keys on the numeric keypad. Setting
options: On, Off.

Floppy Drive Swap

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

Floppy Drive Seek

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

3-10

BIOS Setup

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.

Primary Display

This configures the primary subsystem in the computer. Available options:
Mono (monochrome), CGA40x25, CGA80x25, VGA/EGA, Absent.

Password Check

This specifies the type of AMIBIOS password protection that is implemented.
Setting options are described below.

Option Description

Setup The password prompt appears only when end users try to

run Setup.

Always A password prompt appears every time when the com-

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

Boot T o OS/2

This allows you to run the OS/2® operating system with DRAM larger than
64MB. When you choose No, you cannot run the OS/2® operating system
with DRAM larger than 64MB. But it is possible if you choose Yes.

Internal 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 setting controls the internal cache (also known as L1
or level 1 cache). Setting to Enabled will speed up the system performance.

System BIOS Cacheable

Selecting Enabled allows caching of the system BIOS ROM at F0000h-FFFFFh,
resulting in better system performance. However, if any program writes to this
memory area, a system error may result. Setting options: Enabled, Disabled.

3-11

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

C000, 32k Shadow

This item specifies how the contents of the adapter ROM named in the item are
handled. Settings are described below:

Option Description

Disabled The specified ROM is not copied to RAM.
Enabled The contents of specified ROM are copied to RAM

for faster system performance.

Cached The contents of specified ROM are not only copied

to RAM, the contents of the ROM area can be writ­ten to and read from cache memory.

APIC Function

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

MPS T able V ersion

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. T o find out which version to use,
consult the vendor of your operating system. Settings: 1.4, 1.1.

3-12

BIOS Setup

Advanced Chipset Features

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

DRAM Timing Control

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

Current Host Clock

This item shows the current CPU frequency.

3-13

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Configure SDRAM Timing by

Selects whether DRAM timing is controlled by the SPD (Serial Presence
Detect) EEPROM on the DRAM module. Setting to SPD enables SDRAM
Frequency, SDRAM CAS# Latency, Row Precharge Time, RAS Pulse
Width, RAS to CAS Delay and SDRAM Bank Interleave automatically to
be determined by BIOS based on the configurations on the SPD. Selecting
User allows users to configure these fields manually.

SDRAM Frequency

Use this item to configure the clock frequency of the installed SDRAM.
Settings options: 200MHz, 266MHz, 333MHz, 400MHz, Auto.

SDRAM CAS# Latency

This controls the timing delay (in clock cycles) before SDRAM starts
a read command after receiving it. Settings: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3.0 (clocks). 2
(clocks) increases the system performance the most while 3 (clocks)
provides the most stable performance.

Row Precharge Time

This item controls the number of cycles for Row Address Strobe (RAS)
to be allowed to precharge. If insufficient time is allowed for the RAS
to accumulate its charge before DRAM refresh, refresh may be
incomplete and DRAM may fail to retain data. This item applies only
when synchronous DRAM is installed in the system. A vailable settings:
2T, 3T.

3-14

RAS Pulse Width

This setting allows you to select the number of clock cycles allotted
for the RAS pulse width, according to DRAM specifications. The less
the clock cycles, the faster the DRAM performance. Settings: 6T, 5T.

RAS to CAS Delay

When DRAM is refreshed, both rows and columns are addressed
separately. This setup item allows you to determine the timing of the
transition from RAS (row address strobe) to CAS (column address
strobe). The less the clock cycles, the faster the DRAM performance.
Setting options: 3T, 2T.

BIOS Setup

Bank Interleave

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

DDR DQS Input Delay

This setting allows you to set the delay time of DQS to improve the setup
time and hold time of the data, and improve the stability. Setting options:

Auto, 18, 08, 0E, 0F.

SDRAM 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. Settings: 4 QW, 8 QW.

SDRAM 1T Command

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

Fast Command

This item controls the internal timing of CPU. Selecting Ultra allows CPU
to handle data/instructions at the fastest speed. Fast enables CPU to
handle at a faster speed, while Normal let CPU handle them at the slowest
rate.

Fast R-2-R T urnaround

Burst read operation can be interrupted by new read of any bank.
Random column access is allowed. READ to READ interval is minimum 1
CLK. Selecting Enabled to shorten the turnaround interval to improve
the performance. Setting options: Disabled, Enabled.

3-15

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

AGP Timing Control

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

AGP Mode

The item sets an appropriate mode for the installed AGP card. Setting
options: 1x, 2x, 4x, Auto. Select 4x only if your AGP card supports it.

AGP Fast Write

This option 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 4X speed. Select Enabled only when the installed AGP card
supports this function. Settings: Enabled, Disabled.

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

4MB, 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, and 256 MB.

3-16

AGP Master 1 W/S Write

The field allows users to insert one wait state into the AGP write cycle.
Settings: Enabled, Disabled.

AGP Master 1 W/S Read

The field allows users to insert one wait state into the AGP read cycle.
Settings: Enabled, Disabled.

AGP Read Synchronization

The field allows you to enable or disable the AGP Read Synchroniza­tion feature. Settings: Enabled, Disabled.

BIOS Setup

PCI Delay T ransaction

The chipset has an embedded 32-bit posted write buffer to support delayed
transactions cycles so that transactions to and from the ISA bus are buffered
and PCI bus can perform other transactions while the ISA transaction is
underway. Select Enabled to support compliance with PCI specification version

2.1. Setting options: Enabled, Disabled.

3-17

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Power Management Features

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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, select Yes. A vailable options: Yes, No.

ACPI Standby State

This item secifies 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 energy.
The information stored in memory will be used to restore

3-18

BIOS Setup

the system when a “wake up” event occurs.

Auto BIOS determines the best ode automatically.

Call VGA BIOS at S3 Resuming

Selecting Enabled 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.

USB Device Wakeup From S3

This item allows the activity of the USB device to wake up the system from S3
(Suspend to RAM) sleep state. Settings: Enabled, Disabled.

Power Management/APM

Setting to Enabled will activate an Advanced Power Management (APM)
device to enhance Max Saving mode and stop CPU internal clock. Settings:
Disabled, Enabled.

Power/Sleep LED

This item configures how the system uses power LED on the case to indicate
the sleep/suspend state. Available options are:

Single LED The power LED turns off to indicate the sleep/suspend

state.

Dual LED The power LED changes its color to indicate the sleep/

suspend state.

Suspend Time Out (Minute)

After the selected period of system inactivity, all devices except the CPU shut
off. Settings: Disabled, 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60.

Display Activity

These items specify if the BIOS will monitor the activity of the specified hardware
peripheral or component. If set to Monitor, any activity detected on the specified
hardware peripheral or component will wake up the system or prevent the
system from entering the power saving modes. Settings: Monitor, Ignore.

3-19

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

CPU Critical T emperature

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 overheating
problem.

Power Button Function

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

On/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.

After AC Power Loss

This setting specifies whether your system will reboot after a power failure or
interrupt 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 previous status before power

failure or interrupt occurred.

Set WakeUp Events

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

Wake Up On PME, Resume On KBC (with “W ake-Up Key” and
“Wake-Up Password”), Resume On PS/2 Mouse

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. Settings: Enabled, Disabled.

3-20

BIOS Setup

MSI Reminds Y ou...

For “Wake-Up Key” function, the option “Specific Key” refers to
the password you specify in the “Wake-Up Password” field. Once
you set up a password, it will disable “Resume on PS/2 Mouse”.

Resume By Alarm

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

Alarm Date/Hour/Minute/Second

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.
A vailable 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 Y ou...

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

3-21

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

PNP/PCI Configurations

This section describes configuring the PCI bus system and PnP (Plug &

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

Plug and Play A ware O/S

When set to Yes, BIOS will only initialize the PnP cards used for booting (VGA,
IDE, SCSI). The rest of the cards will be initialized by the PnP operating system
like Windows® 98, 2000 or ME. When set to No, BIOS will initialize all the PnP
cards. Select Yes if the operating system is Plug & Play.

Clear NVRAM

The ESCD (Extended System Configuration Data) NVRAM (Non-volatile
Random Access Memory) is where the BIOS stores resource information for
both PNP and non-PNP devices in a bit string format. When the item is set to
Yes, the system will reset ESCD NVRAM right after the system is booted up
and then set the setting of the item back to No automatically.

3-22

BIOS Setup

PCI Latency Timer

This item controls how long each PCI device can hold the bus before another
takes over. When set to higher values, every PCI device can conduct
transactions for a longer time and thus improve the effective PCI bandwidth.
For better PCI performance, you should set the item to higher values. Settings
range from 32 to 248 at a 32 increment.

PCI IDE BusMaster

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

Primary Graphics Adaptor

This setting specifies which VGA card is your primary graphics adapter. Setting
options: PCI, AGP.

PCI Slot1 IRQ, PCI Slot2/5 IRQ, PCI Slot3 IRQ, PCI Slot4/6 IRQ

These items specify the IRQ line for each PCI slot. Setting options: 3, 4, 5, 7, 9,
10, 11, Auto. Selecting Auto allows BIOS to automatically determine the IRQ

line for each PCI slot.

3-23

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Integrated Peripherals

OnBoard PCI Controller

This is used to enable or disable the onboard PCI controller. Please note that
the options showed on yout BIOS might be different depending on the
motherboard you buy.

LAN Controller, Serial AT A Contr oller, 1394 Controller, Audio
Controller

Set these options to Enabled to enable the contollers of these 4 PCI
devices.

Floopy Disk Controller

This is used to enable or disable the onboard Floppy controller.

Option Description

Auto BIOS will automatically determine whether to enable the

onboard Floppy controller or not.

Enabled Enables the onboard Floppy controller.
Disabled Disables the onboard Floppy controller.

3-24

BIOS Setup

Serial Port 1/2

These items specify the base I/O port addresses of the onboard Serial Port 1
(COM A)/Serial Port 2 (COM B). Selecting Auto allows AMIBIOS to automati­cally determine the correct base I/O port address. Settings: Auto, 3F8/COM1,
2F8/COM2, 3E8/COM3, 2E8/COM4 and Disabled.

Serial Port2 Mode

This item sets the operation mode for Serial Port 2. Settings: Normal,

1.6 uS, 3/16 Baud and ASKIR (the last three operation modes are setting

options for IR function).

IR Pin Select

Set to IRRX/IRTX when using an internal IR module connected to the IR
header. Set to SINB/SOUTB. when connecting an IR adapter to COM B.

Parallel Port

This field specifies the base I/O port address of the onboard parallel port.
Selecting Auto allows AMIBIOS to automatically determine the correct base
I/O port address. Settings: Auto, 378, 278, Disabled.

Port Mode

This item selects the operation mode for the onboard parallel port: ECP,
Normal, Bi-Dir or EPP.

EPP V ersion

The item selects the EPP version used by the parallel port if the port is set
to EPP mode. Settings: 1.7, 1.9.

Port IRQ

When OnBoard Parallel Port is set to Auto, the item shows Auto indicat-
ing that BIOS determines the IRQ for the parallel port automatically.

Port DMA

This feature needs to be configured only when Parallel Port Mode is set
to the ECP mode. When Parallel Port is set to Auto, the field will show
Auto indicating that BIOS automatically determines the DMA channel for
the parallel port.

3-25

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

OnBoard IDE Controller

This setting controls the onboard IDE controller. Setting options: Disabled,
Primary, Secondary, Both.

OnChip USB Controller

This setting is used to enable/disable the onboard USB ports. Setting options:

Disabled, 2 USB Ports, 4 USB Ports, 6 USB Ports

USB Legacy Support

Set to All Device if you need to use any USB device in the operating
system that does not support or have any USB driver installed, such as
DOS and SCO Unix. Set to No Mice only if you want to use any USB
device other than the USB mouse.

Port 64/60 Emulation

This field controls the USB Port 64/60 Emulation function. When the
function is enabled, the USB keyboard is allowed to type some special
combination keys. 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.

Chassis Intrusion

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

CPU Fan Detection

When enabled, the system will automatically monitor the CPU fan during boot­up. If it detects that the CPU fan is not rotating, the system will show an error
message on the screen and halt the boot-up process. The function is built
with CPU fan power connector (CFAN1) only and enables you to protect the
CPU form possible overheating problem. If you don’t connect the CPU fan to
the CPU fan power connector, we recommend that you disable the feature.
Settings: Enabled, Disabled.

CPU/System T emperature, CPU/System Fan Speed, Vcore, +5.0V, +12.0V,

-12.0V, -5.0V, Battery, +5V SB

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

3-27

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Frequency/Voltage Control

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

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.

CPU FSB Clock

This item allows you to select the CPU Front Side Bus clock frequency (in
MHz) and overclock the processor by adjusting the FSB clock to a higher
frequency. Select the number between 100~280 for needed frequency.

CPU Ratio/Vcore (V)

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

3-28

BIOS Setup

MSI Reminds Y ou...

Changing CPU Ratio/Vcore could result in the instability of the
system; therefore, it is NOT recommended to change the default
setting for long-term usage.

DDR V oltage (V)

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

T ermination V ol (V)

The settings are used to adjust the termination voltage. Setting options:

Auto, 1.27, 1.29.

AGP V oltage (V)

AGP voltage is adjustable in the field, allowing you to increase the performance
of your AGP display card when overclocking, but the stability may be affected.
Setting options: Auto, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8.

3-29

MS-6590 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 AMIBIOS
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 P ASSWORD CHECK option of the ADV ANCED BIOS
FEATURES menu. If the PASSWORD CHECK option is set to Always, 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 Y ou...

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

BIOS Setup

Load High Performance/BIOS Setup Defaults

The two options on the main menu allow users to restore all of the BIOS
settings to High Performance defaults or BIOS Setup defaults. The High
Performance Defaults are the values set by the mainboard manufacturer for the
best system performance but probably will cause a stability issue. The BIOS
Setup Defaults are the default values also set by the mainboard manufacturer
for stable performance of the mainboard.

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

Pressing ‘Enter’ loads the default BIOS values that enable the best system
performance but may lead to a stability issue.

MSI Reminds Y ou...

The option is for power or overclocking users only. Use of high
performance defaults will tighten most timings to increase the
system performance. Therefore, a high-end system configuration
is a must, which means you need high-quality VGA adapter,
RAM and so on. We don’t recommend that users should apply

the high performance defaults in their regular systems.

Otherwise, the system may become unstable or even crash. If the
system crashes or hangs after enabling the feature, please CLEAR
CMOS DATA to resolve the pr oblem. For mor e information, r efer
to “Clear CMOS Jumper:JBAT1” in Chapter 2.

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

Pressing ‘Enter’ loads the default values that are factory settings for
stable system performance.

3-31

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Appendix. Using 4- or 6-Channel

Appendix A: Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio

Audio Function

Function

The motherboard comes with C-Media 8738MX chip, which provides
support for 6-channel audio output, including 2 Front, 2 Rear, 1 Center and 1
Subwoofer channel SPDIF out. C-Media 8738MX 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 C-Media Drivers A-2
Hardware Configuration A-3
Software Configuration A-4
Using 4- or 6- Channel Audio Function A-13

A-1

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Installing C-Media Drivers

The mainboard is able to transform the audio connectors on the back panel
from 2-channel to 4-/6-channel. T o use the function, you need to install the C­Media drivers.

T o install C-Media drivers:

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

automatically appear.

2. Click on C-Media Sound Drivers.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.

4. Restart the system.

MSI Reminds Y ou...

For Windows NT4.0, you need to install the C-Media Sound Drivers
manually.

A-2

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Hardware Configuration

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 6-channel
audio setting in the software utility.

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

 Use the optional S-Bracket. If your motherboard supports S-

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

 Use the back panel only (without S-Bracket). If you do not have

a S-Bracket, you can connect all speakers to the audio connectors
on the back panel.

After installing the C-Media drivers, you can attach the speakers for 4­/6-channel audio output. Always connect the speakers to the LINE OUT
connectors. Different connector configurations for 2-/4-/6-channel operations
are listed below:

MIC

Line In

Line Out

2-Channel

In 2-channel configuration,
Line Out, Line In and MIC
functions all exist.

MIC

Line In

Line Out

4-Channel 6-Channel

When set to 4-channel
configuration, LINE IN
function DOES NOT
WORK any more.

When set to 6-channel
configuration, LINE IN
and MIC functions DO
NOT WORK anymore.

MIC

Line In

Line Out

A-3

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Software Configuration

T o have 4-/6-channel audio work, you must set appropriate configuration

in the C-Media software application.

To set the Volumn control:

1.

Click the C-Media Mixer icon from the window tray on the bottom.

2. The following screen appears. Click the button.

3. Then you may adjust the following item:

Volumn : This is the master control over all outputs. The power

of an output signal is determined by both of the volume
slider and the slider for the individual output. T o modify all
the outputs, adjust the volume slider. To change individual
output(s), adjust its (their) slider(s).

CD: Regulates the CD drive audio input level.
MIC: Regulates the input level of microphone.
WAVE: Regulates wave (voice) playback levels.
MIDI: Regulates the MIDI music play level.
AUX IN: Regulates the Auxiliary input play level.
MONO IN: Regulates the Mono input level.
LINE IN: Regulates the Line-in level.
Advanced: Regulates the advanced settings.

To set the Recording control:

1. Click the button.

2. Then you may adjust the following item:

A-4

CD: Regulates the CD drive audio input level.
MIC: Regulates the input level of microphone.
WAVE: Regulates wave (voice) playback levels.
FM: Regulates the FM music play level.
AUX IN: Regulates the Auxiliary input play level.
LINE IN: Regulates the Line-in level.
Advanced: Regulates the advanced settings.

The Advanced-S/PDIF Dialog box:

1. Click the button.

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

2. To enable SPDIF-OUT should be under 2-channel speaker mode since

SPDIF standard only supports 2ch PCM audio data. If users would like to
transmit multi-channels audio through SPDIF, users should choose AC-3
Dolby encoded format or DTS like DVD titles. Users can choose 44.1K or
48K Hz sampling rate of PCM data when using SPDIF-Out.

3. The Copyright Protection is to enable SPDIF Copyright bit. Then record-

ing copyright-protected input data will be not available.

A-5

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

The Advanced-Speakers Dialog box

There are 2 different software configurations in the “Advanced-Speakers”

dialog depending the C-Media chipset on your have.

Use S/PDIF mode:

1. This diague provides an interface allowing you to set your speaker mode.

CMI8738MX 6-channel supports earphone, 2ch, 4ch and 5.1ch mode.

2. The Phone Jacks tag shows the correct phone jack configuration for your

motherboard.

3. Your should make sure what type your speakers are, and what the correct

configurations are. You can always refer to this appendix to make sure
whether or not the connections of your speakers and plugs are correct.

A-6

MSI Reminds Y ou...

1. The “S/PDIF Playback” option in the “S/PDIF” dialog will
be enabled when you choose “earphone” or “2” in the
“Speaker” option.

2. The “S/PDIF (Coxial)” and “S/PDIF (Optical) outputs are
also available when you enable the “S/PDIF Playback” option.

Use 6-channel:

MSI Reminds Y ou...

1. The “S/PDIF Playback” option in the “S/PDIF” dialog will
be disabled when you choose “4” or “6” in the “Speaker”
option.

2. Without using S-Bracket, the original “Microphone-in” will
become “Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out” and the “Line-in”
will become “Rear Speaker Out”.

3. Please be sure to enable the Default Phonejack option if you
have the optional S-Bracket, which will make the “Center/
Subwoofer Speaker Out” as “micro-in” and the “Rear speaker

Out” as “line-in”..

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

A-7

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Using Xear 3D:

Xear 3D technology provides a different multi-channel listening method
and environment settings. Users can use general open-style earphones to
replace real speakers so that users will hear rear-out sounds from the earphone.
Using Xear 3D technology, users will need less setup-up effort, cost and space
without rear speakers. It will be also convenient for gamers to enjoy multi­channel 3D sound effect when playing games especially in Internet Cafe, which

A-8

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Multi-Channel Audio Demo:

You can use the “Multi-Channel Audio Demo” application to test the

audio setting you are configuring/have configured.

The path will be showed as following:

Click on each audio output to test the sound effect and the sound

configuration. Please note this demo will vary depending on your setting to

the speakers.

A-9

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Attaching Speakers

To perform multichannel audio operation, connect multiple speakers to
the system. You should connect the same number of speakers as the audio
channels you will select in the software utility.

Using S-BRACKET connectors:

S-Bracket is an optional accessory. It gives access to analog and digital
audio output by integrating both SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interface) and
analog LINE OUT connectors. To use the S-Bracket, you should select correct
setting in the software utility. For information about the setting, refer to Se-
lecting 4- or 6-Channel Setting later in the section.

Connector configurations for 2-, 4- and 6-channel using S-Bracket are
described below:

A-10

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

2-Channel Analog Audio Output

W e recommend that you should still attach the speakers to BACK P ANEL ’ s
Line Out connector during 2-channel audio mode even though S-Bracket’s
Line Out connectors function properly.

Back Panel

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

1

3

2

4-Channel Analog Audio Output

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

Back Panel

3

2

Description:
Connect two speakers to back panel’s Line Out
connector and two speakers to one Line Out
connector of S-Bracket.

S-Bracket

4

5

6

7

1

A-11

MS-6590 ATX Mainboard

6-Channel Analog Audio Output

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

Back Panel

3

2

1

Description:
Connect two speakers to back panel’s Line Out
connector and four speakers to both Line Out
connectors of S-Bracket.

S-Bracket

4

5

6

7

Digital Audio Output (2-Channel only)

For digital audio output, use the SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interface)
connectors supplied by S-Bracket. First, connect the SPDIF speakers to the
appropriate SPDIF jack, and then select the audio channel you desire through
the control panel of speakers. The SPDIF connectors support 2-channel audio
operation only.

S-Bracket offers two types of SPDIF jacks: one for fiber-optic cable and
the other for coaxial cable. Select the connector according to the type of your
SPDIF speakers.

A-12

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

1 Optical SPDIF jack
2 Coaxial SPDIF jack

1

Plug

Description:
Select the correct type of SPDIF jack to connect
SPDIF speakers. For optical connection,
remove the plug from the S-Bracket before
inserting the fiber-optic cable to it.

S-Bracket

2

A-13

DDR 400 Qualified Memory Test List

Appendix B:
DDR 400/PC3200
Qualified Memory Test List

The northbridge VIA® KT400A is with powerful performance and support
DDR 400. However, since DDR 400 is not so popular in the PC market, here we
have tested some DDR 400 modules for KT4A Ultra for your reference.

When using DDR 400 memory, a maximum of 3 DIMMs are recommended.
The tested and qualified DDR400/PC3200 DIMMs are listed below:

1. T ested with processor FSB 166:

Vendor Model Size Memory

slot

MICRON MT46V16M8TG-5 ES B 256 3 166

Apacer Winbond W942508BH-5 512 2 166

Winbond

W9425GCDB-5

W942508BH-5 256 3 166

FSB

B-1