KT6V
MS-7021 (v1.X) ATX Mainboard
Version 1.1
G52-M7021X5
i
M anual Rev: 1.1
Release Date: January 2004
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 w hen 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, ma y cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a res idential 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. pow er cord, if any, must be used in order to
comply with the emis sion limits.
VOIR LA NOTICE D’INSTALLATION AVANT DE RACCORDER AU
R ESEAU.
Micro-S tar International MS-7021
Tested to comply
with FCC Stan dard
For Home or Office Use
ii
Copyright Notice
The material in this document is the intellectual property of MICRO-STAR
INTERNATION AL. We take every care in the preparation of this document,
but no guarantee is given as to the correctness of its contents. Our products
are under continual improvement and we reserve the right to make changes
without notice.
Trademarks
All trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
AMD, Athlon™ , Athlon™ XP, Thoroughbred™ , and Duron™ are registered
trademarks of AMD Corporation.
PS/2 and OS®/2 are regis tered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.
Windows® 95/ 98/2000/NT/XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Netw are® is a regis tered trademark of Novell, Inc.
Award® is a registered trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
AMI® is a registered trademark of American Megatrends Inc.
Revision History
Revision Revision History Date
V 1.1 Add Quick Installation Guide January 2004
Technical Support
If a problem arises with your system and no solution can be obtained from the
user’s m anual, please contact your place of purchase or local distributor.
Alternatively, please try the following help resources for further guidance.
V isit the MSI website for FAQ, technical guide, BIOS updates, driver
updates , and other information: http://www.msi.com.tw/
Contact our technical staff at: sup port@msi.com.tw
iii
Safety Instructions
1. Always read the safety instructions carefully.
2. Keep this User’s Manual for future reference.
3. Keep this equipment aw ay 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. D O NOT COVER THE OPENINGS.
6. Make sure the voltage of the pow er source and adjust properly 110/220V
before connecting the equipment to the pow er inlet.
7. Place the pow er cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not
place anything over the pow er cord.
8. Alw ays 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:
l The power cord or plug is damaged.
l Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.
l The equipment has been exposed to moisture.
l The equipment has not work well or you can not get it work according
to U ser’s Manual.
l The equipment has dropped and damaged.
l The equipment has obvious sign of breakage.
12. DO NOT LEAVE THIS EQUIPMENT IN AN ENVIRONME NT
UNCONDITIONED, STORAG E 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 F requency Interference Statement ........................................ ii
Copyright Notice ......................................................................................iii
Revision History ......................................................................................iii
Technical Support.....................................................................................iii
Safety Instructions .................................................................................. iv
Chapter 1. Getting Started .................................................................... 1-1
Mainboard Specifications .................................................................1-2
Mainboard Layout ...........................................................................1-4
MSI Special Features........................................................................1-5
Color Management ....................................................................1-5
D-Bracket™ 2 (Optional) ............................................................1-6
Core Center ...............................................................................1-8
Core Cell™ Chip ...................................................................... 1-10
Live BIOS ™ /Live Driver™ ....................................................... 1-11
Live Monitor™ ........................................................................ 1-12
Round Cable (Optional) ........................................................... 1-13
CPU Thermal Protection ........................................................... 1-13
Chapter 2. Hard ware Setup ................................................................... 2-1
CPU Clock Frequency Selection through BIOS..................................2-2
Memory S peed/CPU FSB Support Matrix ..........................................2-2
DIMM Module Combination ............................................................2-2
Installing DDR Modules...................................................................2-3
Back Panel & Power S upply..............................................................2-4
Connectors, Jumpers and Slots.........................................................2-5
Chap ter 3. BIOS Setup.......................................................................... 3-1
The Main Menu ...............................................................................3-2
Standard CMOS Features .................................................................3-4
Frequency/Voltage Control ...............................................................3-5
v
Set Supervisor/User Password..........................................................3-8
Load High Performance/BIOS S etup Defaults....................................3-9
Appendix A: Using 4- or 6-Ch annel Audio Function.............................. A-1
Appendix B: VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RA ID Introduction ..................... B-1
vi
Getting Started
Getting Started
Thank you for purchasing KT6V (MS-7021 v1.X) ATX
mainboard. The KT6V mainboard is based on VIA® KT600 North
Bridge & VT8237 South Bridge chipset for optimal system
efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced AMD® Athlon™ ,
Athlon™ XP or Duron™ processors, the KT6V mainboard delivers a high performance and professional desktop platform
solution.
1-1
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
Mainboard Specifications
CPU
† Supports Socket A (Socket-462) for AMD® Athlon™ /Athlon™ XP /Duron™
processors
† S upports Athlon XP 1500+ to 3200+ or higher s peed
Chipset
† VIA® KT600 N orth Bridge
- Supports 200/266/333/400MHz front side bus
- Supports DDR200/266/333/400
- Supports AGP 8X and P CI advanced high performance memory controller
† VIA® VT8237 South Bridge
- Supports dual channel native S ATA controller up to 150MB/s with Raid 0
& Raid 1
- Integrated Hardware Sound Blaster/Direct Sound AC’97 audio
- Ultra D MA 66/100/133 master mode PCI EIDE controller
- Supports U SB 2.0 up to 8 ports
Main Memory
† S upports two 184-pin DDR DIMMs
† Supports up to 2GB DDR200/266/333/400 SDRAM s
† Supports 2.5v DDR S DRAM
Slots
† One AG P (Accelerated Graphics Port) 1.5V slot
† Five 32-bit PCI bus slots (s upport 3.3v/5v PCI bus interface)
On -Board IDE
† An ID E controller on the VT8237 chipset provides IDE HDD/CD-ROM with
PIO, Bus Master and Ultra DMA66/100/133 operation modes
† Serial ATA 150 controller integrated by VT8237
- U p to 150MB/s transfer rate
- Can connect up to two serial A TA devices
On-Board Periph erals
† On-Board Peripherals include:
- 1 floppy port supports 2 FDDs with 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and
2.88Mbytes
1-2
Getting Started
- 1 s erial port
- 1 parallel port supports SPP/EPP/ECP mode
- 3 audio ports in vertical
- 1 RCA SPDIF-O ut
- 1 D-Bracket 2 pinheader
- 1 RJ-45 LAN Jack
Audio
† AC’97 link controller integrated in V IA 8237
† 5.1 Channel audio supported by Realtek ALC655 codec
- Compliance with AC’97 v2.2 spec.
- Meet PC2001 audio performance requirement
BIOS
† The mainboard BIOS provides “Plug & Play” BIOS which detects the pe-
ripheral devices and expansion cards of the board automatically.
† The mainboard provides a Desktop Management Interface (DMI) function
which records your mainboard specifications.
Dimension
† ATX Form Factor: 29.5 cm (L) x 20.5 cm (W)
Mounting
† 6 mounting holes
Others
† S uspend to RAM/Disk (S3/S4)
† PC2001 compliant
1-3
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
JUSB2
JUSB1
AGP Slot
VIA
VT8237
VIA
KT600
Mainboard L ayout
Top : mouse
Bottom: keyboard
Top : Parallel Port
Bottom:
COM A
Top: Coaxial SPDIF Out
Bottom: USB ports
Top: LAN jack
Bottom: USB ports
T:Line-In
M:
Line-Out
B:Mic
JCD1
Realtek
8201BL
Codec
JAUD1
Winbond
W83697HF
J6
SOCKET 462
JPW1
PCI Slot 1
PCI Slot 2
NBFAN1
CFAN1
y
l
p
p
u
X
S
T
r
A
e
w
o
P
1
D
D
F
1
2
R
R
D
D
D
D
SATA1
SATA2
1-4
PCI Slot 3
BATT
+
JBAT1
PCI Slot 4
PCI Slot 5
KT6V (MS-7021 v1.X) A TX Mainboard
SFAN1
IDE 1
JLED1
IDE 2
JFP1 JFP2
Getting Started
MSI Spec ial Features
Color Management
MSI has a unified color management rule for some connectors on the
mainboards, w hich helps you to install the memory modules, expansion cards
and other peripherals devices more eas ily and conveniently.
† Intel spec IDE ATA133 connector: yellow
† Serial ATA150 connector: orange
† AGP 8X slot: red
† USB 2.0 connector: yellow
† Front panel connector JFP 1: HDD LED in red, Reset Switch in blue,
P ower Switch in black, Power LED in light green.
† Front panel connector J FP2: Power LED in light green.
USB 2.0 Connectors
AGP Slot
Serial ATA Connectors
Intel Spec IDE ATA133 Connectors
Front Panel Connector JFP2
Front Panel Connector JFP1
1-5
MS-7021 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 U SB 1.1 & 2.0 spec.
D-Bracket™ 2
1 2
3 4
D-Bracket 2 Description
1 2
3 4
System Power ON
- The D-LED will hang here if the processor is damaged or not installed properly.
Early Chipset Initialization
1-6
Memory Detection Test
- 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.
Testing VGA BIOS
- This will start writing VGA sign-on message to the
screen.
Getting Started
Red
D-Bracket 2
1 2
3 4
Green
Description
Processor Initialization
- This will show information regarding the processor
(like brand name, system bus, etc...)
Testing RTC (Real Time Clock)
Initializing Video Interface
- This will start detecting CPU clock, checking type of
video onboard. Then, detect and initialize the video
adapter.
BIOS Sign On
- This will start showing information about logo, processor brand name, etc...
Testing Base and Extended Memory
- Teting base memory from 2 40 K t o 640K and e xtended memory above 1MB using various patterns.
Assign Resources to all ISA.
Initializing Hard Drive Controller
- This will initialize IDE drive and controller.
Initializing Floppy Drive Controller
- This will initialize Floppy Drive and controller.
Boot Attempt
- Thi will set low stack and boot via INT 19h.
Operating System Booting
1-7
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
CoreCenter
CoreCenter
their processor and memory type to optimize its memory capacity. This all-inone hardware console is advanced combination of the popular PC Alert and
Fuzzy Logic. Including powerful function with hardw are monitor, system alert
and instinctive UI of overclocking, CoreCenter is just like your PC doctor that
can detect, view and adjust the P C hardware and system status during real time
operation.
In the left side it shows the current system status including the Vcore,
3.3V, +5V and 12V. In the right side it show s the current PC hardware status
such as the CPU & system temperatures and all fans speeds.
(TM)
- contains OC Menu panel, wherein users can determine
When you click the red triangles in the left and right sides, two submenus will open for users to overclock, overspec or to adjust the thresholds of
sys tem to send out the warning messages. If you click the Core Center button
in the top, a screen pops up for you to choose the “Auto mode” or “User
mode” of CPU fan.
1-8
Getting Started
Left-wing: C urrent system status
In the left sub-menu, you can configure the settings of FSB, Vcore,
Memory Voltage and AGP Voltage by clicking the radio button in front of each
item and make it available (the radio button will be lighted as yellow w hen
selected), use the “+” and “-” buttons to adjust, then click “OK” to apply the
changes . Then you can click Save to save the desired FSB you just configured.
Also you may click Auto to start testing the maximal CPU overclocking
value, The CPU FSB will automatically increase the testing value until the PC
reboots. Or you may click Default to restore the default values.
Righ t-wing: PC hardware status during real time operation
In the right sub-menu, here you can configure the PC hardware status
such as CPU & system temperatures and fan speeds. You may use the scroll
bars to adjust each item, then click “OK” to apply the changes . The values you
set for the temperatures are the maximum thresholds for the system for warnings,
and the value for fan speeds are the minimum thresholds.
Top-sid e: User mode/Auto mode
Here you may adjust the CPU fan speed. If you choose User mode, you
may adjust the CPU fan speed in 8 different modes, from Low Speed to High
Sp eed.
1-9
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
Core CellTM Chip
By diagnosing the curre nt system utilization, the
CoreCell™ Chip automatically tunes your motherboard to the
optimal state, leading to less noise, longer duration, more powersaving and higher performance.
Features of CoreCell™
Speedster
-- Advanced O.C. design.
-- Superior O.C. capa bility.
-- Greater O.C. method.
PowerPro
-- Sa ves up to 65% power.
-- Assu res motherboard
sta bility.
-- Empowers O.C Capa bility.
LifePro
-- Prolo ngs motherboard, CPU and fan life.
-- Maintains motherboa rd & CPU in constant temperature.
-- Prevents components from operating beyond specifications.
1-10
BuzzFree
-- Dia gnoses current system
utiliza tion & temp erature.
-- Controls CPU fan.
-- Cuts up to 50% of syste m no ise.
Getting Started
Live BIOS™ /Live Driver™
The Live BIOS™ /Live Driver™ is a tool used to detect and update your BIO S/drivers online so that you don’t
need to search for the correct BIOS/driver version throughout the whole Web site. To use the function, you need to
inst all the “MSI Live Update 3” application. After the
installation, the “MSI Live U pdate 3” icon (as shown on
the right) will appear on the screen.
Double click the “MSI Live Update 3” icon, and the follow ing screen will
appear:
Six buttons are placed on the left column of the screen. Click the desired
button to start the update process.
ö Live B IOS – Updates the BIOS online.
ö Live Driver – U pdates the drivers online.
ö Live VGA B IOS – Updates the VGA BIOS online.
ö Live VGA Driver – Updates the VGA driver online.
ö Live O SD – Updates the firmware of the OSD products online.
ö Live U tility – Updates the utilities online.
If t he 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 U pdate Guide”
under the “Manual” Tab.
1-11
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
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 3”
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 low er-right corner
of the taskbar, and the follow ing dialog box will appear. You can specify how
often the system will automatically search for the BIOS/drivers version, or
change the LAN s ettings right from the dialog box.
You can right-click the MSI Live Monitor icon to perform the functions
listed below :
l Auto Search – Searches for the BIOS/drivers version you need immediately.
l View Last Result – Allows you to view th e last search result if there is any.
l Preference – Configures the Search function, incl uding the Search schedule.
l Exit – Exits the Live Monitor™ application.
l FAQ – Provides a link to a databa se which contains various possible questions
about MSI's products for users to inquire.
1-12
Getting Started
Round Cable (Optional)
Round cable is an enhanced cable for PCI IDE and Ultra DMA controller.
It has the following benefits:
† Data transfer rate started by 133MB/s
† Backward compatibility (ATA33/66/100/133)
† Higher performance than traditional Flat cable (data rate)
† Improved data robustness
† Better airflow due to thinner ATA/133 cable
Connect to the system
connectors on the mainboard.
Connect to the master drive.
Connect one end to the
floopy dis k drive
connector (FDD1) and
the other end to the
standard flooy disk.
Connect to the s lave drive.
CPU Thermal Protection
Aimed to prevent the CP U from overheating, MSI has developed a CPU
Thermal P rotection mechanism for AMD® CPU platform. This CPU Thermal
Protection mechanism works on a thermal signal sensor. If the mechanism
sens es 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 AM D® CPU only.
1-13
Hardware Setup
Chapter 2. Hardware
Setup
Hardware Setup
This chapter tells you how t o setup the connectors and
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-7021 ATX Mainboard
CPU Clock Frequency Sele ction through BIOS
The hardware configuration for CPU clock frequency of the motherboard
is set to 100MHz by default. Therefore, to make a 133MHz CP U run at 133MHz
when it is installed on the board, you have to adjust the CPU clock frequency
in the BIOS setup utility.
To set the clock frequency for the installed CPU, refer to Frequency/
Voltage Control in Chapter 3. BIOS Setup.
Memory Speed/CPU FSB Support Matrix
Memory
CPU FSB
DD R 266 DDR333 DDR400
100MHz
133MHz
166MHz
200MHz
Yes No No
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
DIMM Module Combination
Install at least one DIMM module on the slots. Memory modules can be
installed on the slots in any order. You can install either single- or doublesided modules to meet your own needs.
Memory modules can be installed in any combination as follows:
Slot Memory Module Total Memory
DIMM 1
(Bank 0 & 1)
DIMM 2
(Bank 2 & 3)
Maximum System Memory Supported 64MB~2GB
S: Single Side D: Double Side
2-2
S/D 64MB~1GB
S/D 64MB~1GB
Hardware Setup
Installing DDR Modules
1. The DDR DIMM has only one notch on the center of module. The mod-
ule will only fit in the right orientation.
2. Insert the DIMM memory module vertically into the DIMM slot. Then
push it i n until the golden finger on the memory module is deeply inserted in the socket.
3. The plastic clip at each side of the DIMM slot will automatically close.
Volt
Notch
MSI Reminds You...
You can barely see the golden finger if the module is properly
inserted in the socket.
2-3
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
Back Panel & Power Supply
The back panel provides the following connectors:
Mouse
Keyboard
COM A
Parallel
SPDIF-Out
USB
ATX 20-Pin Power Connector: JWR1
This connector al lows you to connect to an ATX power supply.
ATX 12V Pow er Connector: JPW1
This 12V power connector is used to provide pow er to the CPU.
1
JWR1
20
11
JWR1 Pin Def inition
PIN SIGNAL
1 3.3V
2 3.3V
3 GND
4 5V
5 GND
6 5V
7 GND
8 PW_OK
9 5V_SB
10 12V
3
1
4
2
JPW1
JPW1 Pin Definition
PIN SIGNAL
1 GND
2 GND
3 12V
4 12V
10
LAN
USB
PIN SIGNAL
11 3.3V
12 -12V
13 GND
14 PS_ON
15 GND
16 GND
17 GND
18 -5V
19 5V
20 5V
MIC
L-in
L-out
2-4
Connectors, Jumpe rs and Slots
Flop py 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
Hardware Setup
IDE1
IDE2
GND
+1 2V
SENSOR
NBFAN1
SENSOR
+1 2V
GND
CFAN1
SENSOR
+1 2V
GND
SFAN1
Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2
The mainboard has a 32-bit Enhanced PCI
IDE and Ultra ATA 66/100 controller that provides
PIO mode 0~4, Bus Master, and Ultra ATA66/100
function. You can connect up to four hard disk
drives, CD-ROM, 120MB Floppy (reserved for
future BIOS) and other devices.
Fan Power Connectors: CFAN1/SFAN1/
NBFAN1
CFAN1, SFAN1 and NBF AN1 support system cooling fan with +12V .
MSI Reminds You...
Always consult the vendors for proper CPU
cooling fan.
2-5
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
9
10
JAUD1
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
1
2
JAUD1 Pin Defin ition
Front Panel Aud io Connector: JAUD1
You can connect an optional audio connector to the JAUD1 front panel audio connector.
JAUD 1 is compliant to Intel® Front Panel I/O Connectivity D esign Guide.
2-6
2
1
9
5
6
10
10
9
JUSB1/JUSB2
(USB 2.0/Intel spec)
MSI Reminds You ...
If you don’t want to connect to the front audio
header, pins 5 & 6, 9 & 10 have to be jumpered in
order to have signal output directed to the rear
audio ports. Otherwis e, the Line-Out connector on
the back panel will not function.
Front US B Connectors: JUSB1 & JUSB2
T he mainboard provides two USB2.0
pinheaders for use rs to connect to optional
USB2.0 ports. They are compliant to Intel® I/O
Connectivity Design Guide.
JUSB1/JUSB2 Pin Definit ion
Pin Description Pin Description
1 VCC 2 VCC
3 USB0- 4 USB15 USB0+ 6 USB1+
7 GND 8 GND
9 Key 10 USBOC
Hardware Setup
Front Panel Connectors: JFP1 & JFP2
The mainboard provides two front panel
connectors for establishing electrical connection
2
1
JFP1
10
9
to the front panel switches and LEDs. JFP1 is
compliant with Intel® F ront Panel I/O Connectivity D esign Guide.
2
1
8
7
JFP2
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.
R
GND
L
CD-In Connector: JCD 1
connectors.
JFP2 Pin Definition
PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL
1 GND 2 SPK3 SLED 4 BUZ+
5 PLED 6 BUZ7 NC 8 SPK+
The connectors are for CD-ROM audio
JCD1
J6
CINTRU
GND
Chassis I ntrusion Switch Connector: J6
This connector i s connected to a 2-pin chassis
sw itch. J6 is compliant with Intel® Front Panel I/O
Connectivity Design Guide.
2-7
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
SATA1
7
SATA2
Serial ATA HDD Connectors: SA TA1, SATA2
1
The mainboard provides dual high-speed
Serial ATA interface ports. The ports support 1
st
generation Serial ATA data rates of 150MB/s and
a re fully compl iant with Serial ATA 1.0
specificati ons. Each Serial ATA connector can
connect to 1 hard dis k drive.
SATA1/SATA2 Pin Definition
PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL
1 GND 2 TXP
3 TXN 4 GND
5 RXN 6 RXP
7 GND
MSI Reminds You...
Please do not fold the Serial ATA cable into 90degre e angle. Otherwise, the loss of data may
occur during transmission.
Optional Serial ATA cable
2-8
Ta ke out the dust cover and
connect to the hard disk
devic es
Connect to SATA1 or SATA2
1
9
2
10
JLED1
Hardware Setup
D-Bracket™ 2 Connector: JLED1
The mainboard comes with a JLED1 connec-
tor for you to connect to D-Bracket™ 2. DBracket™ 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. F or definitions of 16 signal combinations, please refer to
D-Bracket™ 2 (Optional) 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
Connected to JUSB1 ( the USB
pinheader in yellow color)
D-Bracket™ 2
LEDs
2-9
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1
If you want to clear the system
confi guration, use the JBAT1 (Clear CMOS
Jumper) to clear data.
MSI Reminds You...
JBAT1
1
1
3
1
You can clear CMOS by shorting 2-3 pin while
3
Keep CMOS
3
Clear CMOS
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.
Slots
The motherboard provides one AGP slot and five 32-bit Master PCI bus
slots. Please note that the AGP slot does not support 3.3V AGP card. Use of
3.3V AGP cards may result in a failure to res tart the system.
PC I Interrupt Request Routing
Order 1 O rder 2 Order 3 Order 4
PCI Slot 1 INT A# INT B# INT C# INT D#
PCI Slot 2 INT B# INT C# INT D# INT A#
PCI Slot 3 INT C# INT D# INT A# INT B#
PCI Slot 4 INT D# INT A# INT B# INT C#
PCI Slot 5 INT B# INT C# INT D# INT A#
2-10
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 w hen:
² An error message appears on the screen during the system
booting up, and requests you to run SETUP.
² You want to change the default settings for customized
features.
3-1
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
The Main M enu
Once you enter AMIBIOS NEW SETUP UTILITY, the Main Menu will appear on the screen. The Main Menu di splays twelve configurable functions
and two exit choices. Use arrow keys to m ove among the items and press
<Enter> to enter the sub-menu.
Standard CMOS Features
Use this menu for bas ic 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.
Integrated Peripherals
Use this menu to specify your settings for integrated peripherals.
3-2
BIOS Setup
PC Health Status
This entry shows your PC health status.
Frequency/Voltage 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 Passw ord.
Load High Performance Defaults
Use this menu to load the BIOS values for the best syst em performance, but
the system stability may be affected.
Load BIOS Setu p 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 Withou t Saving
Abandon all changes and exit setup.
3-3
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
Standard CM OS Features
The items inside STANDARD CMOS FEATURES 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
Thi s allows you to set the system time that you want (usually the current
time). The time format is <hour> <minute> <second>.
System Date
This allow s 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
BIO S. Read-only.
3-4
BIOS Setup
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 puls es are reduced to flatter curves. If you do not have any EMI
problem, lea ve the setting at Disabled for optimal system stability and
performance. But if you are plagued by EM I, select Enabled for EMI reduction.
Remember to disable Spread Spectrum if you are overclocking becaus e even a
slight jitter can introduce a temporary boost in clockspeed which may just
cause your overclocked processor to lock up. Available options: Enabled,
Disabled.
CPU FSB Clock
This it em allows you to select the CPU Front Side Bus clock frequency (in
MHz) a nd 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.
3-5
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
Default Vcore
It shows the default Vcore of the CPU, which is read-only.
MSI Reminds You...
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.
DD R Voltage (V)
Adjusting the DDR voltage can increase the DDR s peed. Any changes made
to this setting may cause a stability issue, so changing the DDR voltage for
long-term purpose is NOT recommended. Setting options: Auto, 2.55, 2.60,
2.65, 2.70, 2.75, 2.80, 2.85.
Dynamic OverClocking
Dynamic Overclocking Technology is the automatic overclocking function,
included in the MSITM’s newly developed CoreCell
TM
Technology. It is designed
to detect the load balance of CPU w hile running programs, and to adjust the
best CPU frequency automatically. When the motherboard detects CPU is
running programs, it will s peed up CPU automatically to make the program run
smoothly and faster. When the CPU is temporarily suspending or staying in
the low load balance, it will restore the default settings instead. Usually the
Dynamic Overclocking Technology will be powered only when users' PC need
to run huge amount of data like 3D games or the video process, and the CPU
frequency need to be boosted up to enhance the overall performance. Setting
options:
Disabled disable Dynamic Overclocking
Private increase the CPU frequency by 1%
Sergeant increase the CPU frequency by 3%
Capt ain increase the CPU frequency by 5%
Colonel increase the CPU frequency by 7%
General increase the CPU frequency by 10%
3-6
MSI Reminds You...
Dynamic OverClocking is an advanced overclocking function.
Any damage or risk resulted from impropriety or overclocking
is not guaranteed.
BIOS Setup
AGP V oltage (V)
AGP voltage is adjusta ble 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, 1.55, 1.60, 1.65, 1.70, 1.75, 1.80, 1.85.
3-7
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
Set Supervis or/User Password
When you select this function, a message as below w ill 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 pa ssword 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 pa ssword. 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 pas sword.
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.
Additional ly, when a password is enabled, you can also have AMIBIOS to
request a password each time the system is booted. This w ould prevent unauthorized use of your computer. The setting to determine when the password
prompt is required is the PASSWORD CHECK option of the ADVANCED
BIOS FEATURES menu. If the PASSWORD CHECK option is set to Always,
the password is required both a t boot and at entry to Setup. If set to Setup,
password prompt only occurs when you try to enter Setup.
MSI Reminds You...
About Supervisor Password & U ser 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 s etup
menu.
3-8
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 H igh 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 t he default BIOS values that enable the best system
performance but may lead to a stability issue.
MSI Reminds You ...
The option is for power or overclocking users only. Us e of high
performance defaults will tighten most timings to increase the
system perf ormance. 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 pe rformance defaults in thei r regular systems.
Otherwise, the system m ay become unstable or even crash. If the
system crashes or hangs after enabling the feature, please CLEAR
CMOS D ATA to resolve the problem. For more information, refer to “Clear CMOS Jumper:JBAT1” in Chapter 2.
When you select Load BIOS Setup Defaults, a message as below appears:
Pressing ‘E nter’ loads the default values that are factory settings for stable
system performance.
3-9
Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function
Appe ndix A: Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio
Function
The motherboard is equipped with Realtek ALC655 chip, which provides
support for 6-channel audio output, including 2 Front, 2 Rear, 1 Center and 1
Subwoofer channel. ALC655 allows the board to attach 4 or 6 speakers for
better surround sound effect. The section will tell you how to install and use
4-/6-channel audio function on the board.
TOPICS
Installing the Audio Driver A-2
Using 4-or 6-Channel Audio Function A-4
Testing the Connected Speakers A-9
Playing KaraOK A-11
A-1
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
Installing the Audio Driver
You need to install the driver for Realtek ALC655 chip to function properly
before you can get access to 4-/6-channel audio operations. F ollow the procedures described below to install the drivers for different operating systems.
Installation for Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP
For Windows® 2000, you must install Windows® 2000 Service Pack2 or
later before installing the driver.
The follow ing illustrations are based on Windows® XP environment and
could look slightly different if you insta ll the drivers in different operating
systems.
1. Insert the companion CD into the CD-ROM drive. The setup screen will
automatically appear. (Please note the screen below might be different
depending on the different mainboard you purchased.)
2. Click Realtek AC97 Audio Drivers.
A-2
MSI Reminds You ...
The AC97 Audio Configuration software utility is under continuous update to enhance audio applications . Hence, the program
screens shown here in this appendix may be slightly different from
the latest software utility and shall be held for r eference only.
Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function
3. Click Next to start installing files into the system.
4. Click Finish to restart the system.
Selec t this
option
A-3
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function
After insta lling the audio driver, you are able to use the 4-/6-channel
audio feature now. To enable 4- or 6-channel audio operation, first connect 4
or 6 speakers to the appropriate audio connectors, and then select 4- or 6channel audio setting in the software utility.
Using the Back Panel
In addi tion to a default 2-channel analog audio output function, the
audio connectors on the Back Panel also provide 4- or 6-channel analog audio
output function if a proper setting is made in the software utility.
Read the following st eps to have the Multi-Channel Audio Function
properly set in the software utility, and have your speakers correctly connected to the Back Panel.
Configuration in the Softw are Utility
1. Click the audio icon from the window tray at the lower-right
corner of the screen.
2. Select a desired s urround sound effect from the “Environment”
drop-down menu.
3. Click the Speaker Configuration tab.
4. Select Synchronize the phonejack switch with th e settings.
5. Select a desired multi-channel operation from No. of S peakers.
a. Headphone
b. 2-Channel Mode for Stereo-Speaker Output
c. 4-Channel Mode for 4-Speaker Output
d. 6-Channel Mode for 5.1-Speaker Output
6. Click OK to clos e this window.
A-4
Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function
3
2
4
5
6
A-5
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
Conn ecting the Speakers
When you have set the M ulti-Channel Audio Function mode properly in
the software utility, connect your speakers to the correct phone jacks in
accordance with the setting in software utility.
n 2-Channel Mode for Stereo-Sp eaker Output
Refer to the following diagram and caption for the function of each
phone jack on the back panel when 2-Channel Mode is selected.
1 Line In
2 Line Ou t (Front channels)
3 MIC
Back Panel
1
2
3
A-6
Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function
n 4-Channel Mode for 4-Speaker Outp ut
The audio jacks on the back panel always provide 2-channel analog
audio output function, however these audio jacks can be transformed
to 4- or 6- channel analog audio jacks by selecting the corresponding
multi-channel operation from No. of S peakers.
Refer to the following diagram and caption for the function of each
jack on the back panel w hen 4-Channel Mode is selected.
Back Panel
1
2
1 * Line Out (Rear channels)
2 Line Out (Fro nt channels)
3 MIC
* Line In fu nction is co nverted to
Line Ou t function when 4-Channel
Mode for 4-Speake r Output is
sele cted.
3
A-7
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
n 6-Channel Mode for 6-Speaker Outp ut
Refer to the following diagram and caption for the function of each
jack on the back panel w hen 6-Channel Mode is selected.
1 * Line Out (Rear channels)
2 * Line Out (Front channels)
3 Line Out (Center a nd
Subwoo fer channel)
Back Panel
1
2
3
A-8
* Both Line In and MIC
fun ction are converte d to Line
Ou t function when 6-Channel
Mode for 6-Speake r Output is
sele cted.
MSI Reminds You...
If the Center and Subwoofer speaker exchange their audio channels when you play video or music on the computer, a converter
may be required to exchange center and subwoofer audio
signals. Y ou can purchase the converter from a speaker store.
Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function
Testing the Connected Speakers
To ensure that 4- or 6-channel audio operation w orks properly, you may
need to test each connected speaker to make sure every speaker w ork properly.
If any speaker fails to make sound, then check whether the cable is inserted
firmly to the connector or replace the bad speakers with good ones.
Testing Each Speaker
1. Click the audio icon from the window tray at the lower-right corner of
the screen.
2. Click the Speaker Test tab.
3. The follow ing window appears. Select the speaker which you want to test
by clicking it.
Fron t Left
Rea r Left
Ce nter
Front Righ t
Rear Right
Subwoofer
MSI Reminds You...
6 spe akers appear on the “Speaker Test” window only when
you select “6-Channel Mode” in the “No. of Speakers” colum n.
If you select “4-Channel Mode”, only 4 speakers appear on the
window.
A-9
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
4. While you are testing the speakers in 6-Channel Mode, if the sound com-
ing from the center speaker and subwoofer is sw apped, you should select
Swap Center/Subwoofer Ou tput to readjust these two channels.
Select this function
A-10
Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function
Playing KaraOK
The KaraOK function will automatically remove human voice (lyrics)
and l eave melody for you to sing the song. Note that this function applies
only for 2-channel audio operation.
Playing KaraOK
1. Click the audio icon from the window tray at the lower-right corner of
the screen.
2. In the Sound Effect tab, select Voice Cancellation under “KaraOK.”
3. Click OK to close this window.
2
3
A-11
VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction
Appendix. Using 4- or 6-Channel
Appendix B: VIA VT8237 Serial ATA
Audio Function
RAID Introduction
The Southbridge VT8237 provides a hybrid solution that combines two
independent SATA ports for support of up to two Serial ATA (Serial ATA
RAID) drives.
Serial ATA (SATA) is the latest generation of the ATA interface. SATA
hard drives deliver blistering transfer speeds of up to 150MB/sec. Serial ATA
uses long, thin cables, making it easier to connect your drive and improving
the airflow inside your PC.
The key features of VT8237 SATA RAID are:
1. Support two SATA + two PATA hard disk drives.
2. Only SATA supports RAID.
3. Supports ATA 133 high performance hard disk drive.
4. Dual independent ATA channels and maximum connection of four
hard disk drives allowed.
5. Supports Ultra DMA mode 6/5/4/3/2/1/0, DMA mode 2/1/0, and PIO
mode 4/3/2/1/0.
6. Supports RAID 0 and RAID 1.
7. 4 KB to 64 KB striping block size support.
8. Bootable disk or disk array support.
9. Windows-based RAID configure and management software tool.
(Compatible with BIOS)
10. Supports hot-swap failed disk drive in RAID 1 array.
11. ATA SMART function support.
12. Microsoft Windows 98, Me, NT4.0, 2000, XP operating systems
support.
13. Event log for easy troubleshooting.
B-1
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
Introduction
This section gives a brief introduction on the RAID-related background
knowledge and a brief introduction on VIA SATA RAID Host Controller. For
users wishing to install their VIA SATA RAID driver and RAID software,
proceed to Driver and RAID Software Installation section.
RAID Basics
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a method of combining
two or more hard disk drives into one logical unit. The advantage of an Array
is to provide better performance or data fault tolerance. Fault tolerance is
achieved through data redundant operation, where if one drives fails, a mirrored
copy of the data can be found on another drive. This can prevent data loss if
the operating system fails or hangs. The individual disk drives in an array are
called “members”. The configuration information of each member is recorded
in the “reserved sector” that identifies the drive as a member. All disk members
in a formed disk array are recognized as a single physical drive to the operating
system.
Hard disk drives can be combined together through a few different
methods. The different methods are referred to as different RAID levels.
Different RAID levels represent different performance levels, security levels
and implementation costs. The RAID levels which the VIA VT8237 SATA
RAID Host Controller supports are RAID 0 and RAID 1. The table below
briefly introduced these RAID levels.
RAID Level No. of Drives Capa city Benefits
RAID 0
(Striping)
RAID 1
(Mirroring)
2 Number drives * 2 Highest performance without data
protection
2 Smallest size Data protection
B-2
VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction
RAID 0 (Striping)
RAID 0 reads and writes sectors of data interleaved between multiple
drives. If any disk member fails, it affects the entire array. The disk array data
capacity is equal to the number of drive members times the capacity of the
smallest member. The striping block size can be set from 4KB to 64KB. RAID
0 does not support fault tolerance.
RAID 1 (Mirroring)
RAID 1 writes duplicate data onto a pair of drives and reads both sets of
data in parallel. If one of the mirrored drives suffers a mechanical failure or
does not respond, the remaining drive will continue to function. Due to
redundancy, the drive capacity of the array is the capacity of the smallest
drive. Under a RAID 1 setup, an extra drive called the .spare drive. can be
attached. Such a drive will be activated to replace a failed drive that is part of
a mirrored array. Due to the fault tolerance, if any RAID 1 drive fails, data
access will not be affected as long as there are other working drives in the
array.
B-3
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
BIOS Configuration
When the system powers on during the POST (Power-On Self Test)
process, press <T ab> key to enter the BIOS configuration.
22
2
22
The Serial ATA RAID volume may be configured using the VIA Tech.
RAID BIOS. Always use the arrow keys to navigate the main menu, use up and
down arrow key to select the each item and press <Enter> to call out the list of
creation steps. The main interface of BIOS configuration utility is as below:
22
2
22
B-4
VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction
Create Disk Array
Use the up and down arrow keys to select the Create Array command
and press <Enter>.
22
2
22
MSI Reminds Y ou...
The “Channel”, “Drive Name”, “Mode” and “Size (GB)” in the
following example might be different from your system.
Select Array Mode and press <Enter>, a list of array modes will appear.
Highlight the target array mode that you want to create, and press <Enter> to
confirm the selection. If RAID 1 or RAID 0/1 is selected, an option list will
popup and enable the users to select Create only or Create and duplicate.
Create only will allow BIOS to only create an array. The data on the mirroring
drive may be different from the source drive. Create and duplicate lets BIOS
copy the data from the source to the mirroring drive.
22
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22
B-5
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
After array mode is selected, there are two methods to create a disk
array. One method is “Auto Setup” and the other one is “Select Disk Drives”.
Auto Setup allows BIOS to select the disk drives and create arrays automatically,
but it does not duplicate the mirroring drives even if the user selected Create
and duplicate for RAID 1. It is recommended all disk drives are new ones when
wanting to create an array. Select Disk Drives lets the user select the array
drives by their requirements. When using Select Disk Drives, the channel
column will be activated. Highlight the target drives that you want to use and
press <Enter> to select them. After all drives have been selected, press <Esc>
to go back to the creation steps menu.
22
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22
If user selects a RAID 0 array in step 2, the block size of the array can also
be selected. Use the arrow key to highlight Block Size and press <Enter>,
then select a block size from the popup menu. The block size can be 4KB to
64KB.
22
2
22
B-6
VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction
MSI Reminds Y ou...
Even though 64KB is the recommended setting for most users, you
should choose the block size value which is best suited to your
specific RAID usage model.
4KB: For specialized usage models requiring 4KB blocks
8KB: For specialized usage models requiring 8KB blocks
16KB: Best for sequential transfers
32KB: Good for sequential transfers
64KB: Optimal setting
Use the arrow key to highlight Start Create Process and press <Enter>.
A warning message will appear, Press Y to finish the creation, or press N to
cancel the creation.
Important note: All existing content in the hard drive will be destroyed
after array creation.
B-7
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
Delete Disk Array
A RAID can be deleted after it has been created. T o delete a RAID, use
the following steps:
1. Select Delete Array in the main menu and press <Enter>. The channel
column will be activated.
2. Select the member of an array that is to be deleted and press <Enter>. A
warning message will show up, press Y to delete or press N to cancel.
22
2
22
Deleting a disk array will destroy all the data on the disk array except
RAID 1 arrays. When a RAID is deleted, the data on these two hard disk drives
will be reserved and become two normal disk drives.
B-8
VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction
Create and Delete Spare Hard Drive
If a RAID 1 array is created and there are drives that do not belong to
other arrays, the one that has a capacity which is equal to or greater than the
array capacity can be selected as a spare drive for the RAID 1 array. Select
Create/Delete Spare and press <Enter>, the channel column will then be
activated. Select the drive that you want to use as a spare drive and press
<Enter>, the selected drive will be marked as Spare. The spare drive cannot be
accessed in an OS.
T o delete a spare drive, highlight Create/Delete Spare and press <Enter>.
The spare drive will be highlighted, press <Enter> to delete the spare drive.
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B-9
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
View Serial Number of Hard Drive
Highlight Serial Number View and press <Enter>. Use arrow key to
select a drive, the selected drive’s serial number can be viewed in the last
column. The serial number is assigned by the disk drive manufacturer.
Press the F1 key to show the array status on the lower screen. If there are
no disk arrays then nothing will be displayed on the screen.
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B-10
VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction
Duplicate Critical RAID 1 Array
When booting up the system, BIOS will detect if the RAID 1 array has
any inconsistencies between user data and backup data. If BIOS detects any
inconsistencies, the status of the disk array will be marked as critical, and BIOS
will prompt the user to duplicate the RAID 1 in order to ensure the backup data
consistency with the user data.
If user selects Continue to boot, it will enable duplicating the array after
booting into OS.
B-11
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
Rebuild Broken RAID 1 Array
When booting up the system, BIOS will detect if any member disk drives
of RAID has failed or is absent. If BIOS detects any disk drive failures or
missing disk drives, the status of the array will be marked as broken.
If BIOS detects a broken RAID 1 array but there is a spare hard drive
available for rebuilding the broken array, the spare hard drive will automatically
become the mirroring drive. BIOS will show a main interface just like a duplicated
RAID 1. Selecting Continue to boot enables the user to duplicate the array after
booting into operating system.
If BIOS detects a broken RAID 1 array but there is no spare hard drive
available for rebuilding the array, BIOS will provide several operations to
solve such problem.
1. Power off and Check the Failed Drive:
This item turns off the computer and replaces the failed hard drive with a
good one. If your computer does not support APM, you must turn off your
computer manually. After replacing the hard drive, boot into BIOS and select
Choose replacement drive and rebuild to rebuild the broken array.
2. Destroy the Mirroring Relationship:
This item cancels the data mirroring relationship of the broken array. For
broken RAID 1 arrays, the data on the surviving disk will remain after the
destroy operation. However, Destroy the Mirroring Relationship is not
recommend because the data on the remaining disk will be lost when the hard
drive is used to create another RAID 1 array.
B-12
VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction
3. Choose Replacement Drive and Rebuild:
This item enables users to select an already-connected hard drive to
rebuild the broken array. After choosing a hard drive, the channel column will
be activated.
Highlight the target hard drive and press <Enter>, a warning message
will appear. Press Y to use that hard drive to rebuild, or press N to cancel.
Please note selecting option Y will destroy all the data on the selected hard
drive.
4. Continue to boot:
This item enables BIOS to skip the problem and continue booting into
OS.
B-13
MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
Installing RAID Software & Drivers
Install Driver in Windows OS
h New Windows OS (2000/XP/NT4) Installation
The following details the installation of the drivers while installing Windows
XP.
1. Start the installation:
Boot from the CD-ROM. Press F6 when the message "Press F6 if you
need to install third party SCSI or RAID driver" appears.
2. When the Windows Setup window is generated, press S to
specify an Additional Device(s).
3. Insert the driver diskette VIA VT6420/VT8237 Disk Driver into
drive A: and press <Enter>.
4. Depending on your operation system, choose VIA Serial ATA RAID
Controller(Windows XP), VIA Serial ATA RAID Controller(Windows 2000)
or VIA Serial A T A RAID Controller(W indows NT4) from the list that appears
on Windows XP Setup screen, press the <Enter> key.
5. Press <Enter> to continue with installation or if you need to specify
any additional devices to be installed, do so at this time. Once all devices are
specified, press <Enter> to continue with installation.
6. From the Windows XP Setup screen, press the <Enter> key. Setup
will now load all device files and then continue the Windows XP installation
h Existing Windows XP Driver Installation
1. Insert the MSI CD into the CD-ROM drive.
2. The CD will auto-run and the setup screen will appear.
3. Under the Driver tab, click on VIA SATA RAID Utility.
4. The drivers will be automatically installed.
h Confirming Windows XP Driver Installation
1. From Windows XP, open the Control Panel from My Computer
followed by the System icon.
2. Choose the Hardware tab, then click the Device Manager tab.
3. Click the "+" in front of the SCSI and RAID Controllers hardware
type. The driver VIA IDE RAID Host Controller should appear.
B-14
VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction
Installation of VIA SAT A RAID Utility
The VIA SATA RAID Utility is the software package that enables highperformance RAID 0 arrays in the Windows* XP operating system. This version
of VIA SATA RAID Utility contains the following key features:
h Serial AT A RAID driver for W indows XP
h VIA SATA RAID utility
h RAID0 and RAID1 functions
Insert the MSI CD and click on the VIA SA T A RAID Utility to install the
software.
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MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
The InstallShield Wizard will begin automatically for installation. Click on
the Next button to proceed the installation in the welcoming window.
Put a check mark in the check box to install the feature you want. Then click
Next button to proceed the installation.
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VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction
Using VIA RAID Tool
Once the installation is complete, go to Start ---> Programs --->VIA --
->raid_tool.exe to enable VIA RAID T ool.
After the software is finished installation, it
will automatically started every time Windows is
initiated. Y ou may double-click on the icon shown
in the system tray of the tool bar to launch the VIA
RAID T ool utility.
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MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
The main interface is divided into two windows and the toolbar above
contain the main functions. Click on these toolbar buttons to execute their
specific functions. The left windowpane displays the controller and disk drives
and the right windowpane displays the details of the controller or disk drives.
In KT6V, the available features are as following:
View by Controller
View by Devices
View Event log
Help T opics
It means that VT8237 SATA RAID in KT6V only has the feature of
monitoring the statuses of RAID 0 and RAID 1.
Click on o r button to determine the viewing type of left window pane. There are two viewing types: By controllers and by device. Click on
the object in the left window pane to display the status of the object in the right
windowpane. The following screen shows the status of Array 0---RAID 0.
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VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction
Click on the plus (+) symbol next to Array 0---RAID 0 to see the details of
each disk.
You may also use the same o r button to view the statuses of
Array 0---RAID 1.
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MS-7021 ATX Mainboard
Click on the plus (+) symbol next to Array 0---RAID 1 to see the details of
each disk.
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