MSI MEGA MPC 945 User Manual

MEGA mPC 945

User’s Guide

G52-B6404X1

FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a
class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
measures listed below.

=Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
=Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
=Connec the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

receiver is connected.

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

Notice 1

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

Notice 2

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

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

Micro-Star International

MEGA mPC 945

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

(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interfer ence that may
cause undesired operation.

ii

Trademarks

All trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
Intel® and Pentium® are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
PS/2 and OS®/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.
Windows® 95/98/2000/NT/XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Netware® is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.
Award® is a registered trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
AMI® is a registered trademark of American Megatrends Inc.

Revision History

Revision Revision History Date

v1.0 First release February 2006

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.

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

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

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

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

- The power cord or plug is damaged.

- Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.

- The equipment has been exposed to moisture.

- The equipment has not work well or you can not get it work according to
User’s Manual.

- The equipment has dropped and damaged.

- The equipment has obvious sign of breakage.

10. Do not leave this equipment in an unconditioned environment with

storage temperature above 400C(1020F). Extreme heat may dam­age the equipment. The unit should not operate under maximum
ambient temperature of 400C(1020F)

iv

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.

Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer.

Warning:

1. For every changes in powercordˇ¦s usage, please use an approved power

cord with condition greater or equal to H05VV-F,3G , 0.75mm2.

2. Internal part is hazardous moving parts, please keep fingers and other

body parts away.

3. For pluggable equipment, the socket-outlet shall be installed near the

equipment and shall be easily accessible.

4. Do not disable the protective earth pin from the plug, the equipment must

be connected to an earthed mains socket-outlet.

v

WEEE Statement

vi

vii

viii

CONTENTS

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

1.1 All-in-one Feature Set.................................................................................1-2

1.2 System Specifications................................................................................1-4

1.3 System Configuration.................................................................................1-6

Chapter 2. Mainboard Hardware..........................................................................2-1

2.1 Mainboard layout.........................................................................................2-2

2.2 CPU..............................................................................................................2-3

2.3 Memory........................................................................................................2-3

Introduction to DDR2 SDRAM....................................................................2-4

DIMM Module Combination.........................................................................2-4

2.4 Power Supply..............................................................................................2-5

2.5 Front Panel..................................................................................................2-6

4-pin IEEE 1394 Port..................................................................................2-6

6-pin IEEE 1394 Port..................................................................................2-7

USB Ports...................................................................................................2-7

Mic-in/Head-Phone....................................................................................2-8

OPTICAL SPDIF-in......................................................................................2-8

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

Serial Port...................................................................................................2-9

Mouse/Keyboard Connectors................................................................2-10

VGA Port.................................................................................................2-10

RJ45 LAN Jack.........................................................................................2-11

Audio Port Connectors.............................................................................2-11

USB Ports................................................................................................2-12

2.7 Connectors................................................................................................2-13

IDE Connector: PIDE1...............................................................................2-13

Serial ATA Connectors: SATA1/2...........................................................2-13

Front Panel Connector: JFP1..................................................................2-13

Card Reader Connector: CR1.................................................................2-14

CPU Fan Connectors: CPUFAN1/SYSFAN1...........................................2-14

CD-in Connector: CDIN1..........................................................................2-14

AUX-in Connector: TVIN1.......................................................................2-14

Front Board Connector: LCM1................................................................2-15

Front USB Connector: USB1...................................................................2-15

2.8 Jumper.......................................................................................................2-16

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1...................................................................2-16

2.9 Slots...........................................................................................................2-17

PCI Express Slot......................................................................................2-17

ix

PCI Slot.....................................................................................................2-18

Mini PCI Slot..............................................................................................2-18

Chapter 3. System Assembly..............................................................................3-1

3.1 Overview.....................................................................................................3-2

3.1.1 Installation Flowchart.......................................................................3-2

3.1.2 Checking the Items...........................................................................3-3

3.2 Removing Cover..........................................................................................3-4

3.3 Removing Drive Cage.................................................................................3-5

3.4 Installing CPU...............................................................................................3-6

3.5 Installing CPU Cooler...................................................................................3-7

3.6 Installing DRAM............................................................................................3-8

3.7 Installing WLAN Card (Optional).................................................................3-9

3.8 Installing WLAN Antenna (Optional).........................................................3-10

3.8 Installing HDD..............................................................................................3-11

3.9 Installing Optical Drive...............................................................................3-12

3.10 Restoring Drive Cage..............................................................................3-13

3.11 Restoring Cover......................................................................................3-14

Chapter 4. BIOS Setup.............................................................................................4-1

4.1 Entering Setup.............................................................................................4-2

Getting Help...............................................................................................4-2

Main Menu..................................................................................................4-2

Sub-Menu...................................................................................................4-2

General Help <F1>.....................................................................................4-2

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

4.3 Standard CMOS Features..........................................................................4-5

4.4 Advanced BIOS Features...........................................................................4-7

4.5 Advanced Chipset Features.......................................................................4-9

4.6 Integrated Peripherals...............................................................................4-10

4.7 Power Management Setup.......................................................................4-12

4.8 PNP/PCI Configurations.............................................................................4-14

4.9 H/W Monitor...............................................................................................4-15

4.10 Load Fail Safe/Optimized Defaults.........................................................4-16

4.11 Set Supervisor/User Password.............................................................4-17

Chapter 5. Introducing to Audio: Realtek ALC880...........................................5-1

5.1 Installing the Realtek Audio Driver..............................................................5-2

Installation for Windows 2000/XP............................................................5-2

5.2 Software Configuration..............................................................................5-4

Sound Effect..............................................................................................5-5

AudioIO......................................................................................................5-6

Mixer...........................................................................................................5-8

x

Microphone..............................................................................................5-10

3D Audio Demo.........................................................................................5-11

Information...............................................................................................5-12

5.3 Using 2/4/6/8 Channel Audio Function.....................................................5-13

xi

1

Getting Started

1.1 All-in-one Feature Set

1.2 System Specifications

1.3 System Configuration

1.1 All-in-one Feature Set

The MEGA mPC 945 implements the powerful computing multimedia perfor­mance and a screw-less chassis design for your easy operation and assembly. The
whole idea behind the all-in-one feature allows you to use a PC as an entertainment
center in a small form factor. With its compact form factor design, the mPC 945 can be
placed anywhere you want, or easily be moved to any other place.

1-2

Chapter 1 - Getting Started

New Features of MEGA mPC 945

New Generation CPU

- MEGA mPC 945 (MS-6404) supports the latest Intel Pentium 4 Prescott/Pentium 4 D
CPU for higher computing performance.

Improved Sound

- With the Realtek ALC880 audio controller, the MEGA mPC 945 makes watching DVD a
real enjoyment. You can enjoy the high-level sound effect in movies. If you use a LCD
monitor or Plasma TV with it, the visual experience is close to being in a movie theater.

802.11g WLAN (optional)

- MEGA mPC 945 is optional to equip with 802.11g WLAN. It offers wireless transmis­sion over relatively short distances at up to 54Mbps. The 11g WLAN is compatible with
11b products, so both 11b and 11g clients can reside on the same network. This
flexibility preserves your network investment and allows you to upgrade or scale your
network according to your budget and time frame.

7-in-1 Card Reader

- MEGA mPC 945 is equipped with a 7-in-1 card reader. It supports CF, MS, SmartMedia,
SD, MMC, MS-Pro and MicroDrive. You can easily read photos or other files on the
memory card. Your digital cameras, DVs, MP3 players, PDAs or other digital devices

are highly compatible with this MEGA PC.

1-3

1.2 System Specifications

M/B

- MS-7196 (Proprietary F/F), 310.1 x 192 mm

CPU

- Support Socket 775 for Intel Prescott/Pentium 4 D CPU
(For the latest information about CPU, please visit our Web site at

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/slim_pc/slm/pro_slm_cpu_support.php)

Chipset

- Intel Lakeport 945G and ICH7

Memory

- Support Dual Channel DDR2 533/667 x 2, maximum size up to 2.0GB

On-Board Audio

- HD Audio CODEC: Realtek ALC880

On-Board VGA

- Grantsdale Graphic Chip

- On-Board VGA memory: Shared

On-Board Communication

- LAN: RTL8110SB (10/100/1000Mb)

- WLAN: Mini-PCI (optional)

On-Board USB2.0

- Front x 2; Rear x 4; On-Board x 1 for Card Reader Module

Expansion Slots

- PCI 2.3 x 1, PCI Express (x16) x1

Power Supply

- 260W Full Range

Chassis

- 210(W) x 330(D) x 175(H) mm

On-Board Headers & Connectors

- Rear Panel: COM x 1, VGA x 1, PS/2 x 2, 7.1 Output x 1 (Mic-in/Line-in/ Line-out,
RS-Out/CS-Out/SS-Out, SPDIF-out x 1 (optical)), LAN (RJ45, 10/100) x 1, USB2.0
x4, Wireless LAN antenna (optional) x 1

- Front Panel: Mic-in x 1, Headphone-out x 1, SPDIF/In x 1, USB2.0 x 2, 1394 x 1 (4­pin), 1394 x 1 (6-pin)

Storage Subsystem

- 7-in-1 Card Reader

Target Operating System

- Support Microsoft Windows XP

1-4

Chapter 1 - Getting Started

BIOS

- 4Mb Flash

Security

- Protect the data from unauthorized access through two levels of BIOS access
(BIOS Setting Password)

Others

- Microsoft® PC 2001

- ACPI States Supported: S0, S1, S3 (STR), S4 (STD), S5 (Soft Off)

- WOL from S1/S3/S4/S5

1-5

1.3 System Configuration

Front Panel

Wireless Antenna

Optical Drive

HDD LED

Optical Drive
Eject/Close Button

IEEE 1394 port (4-pin)

IEEE 1394 port (6-pin)

USB ports

PC Power Switch

7 in 1 Card Reader

Mic-in

Headphone-out

SPDIF in

1-6

Back Panel

Chapter 1 - Getting Started

Ventilation
hole

Power Switch

Serial Port

PS/2 Mouse

7.1 Audio Ports

Power Jack

PS/2 Keyboard

VGA

SPDIF out

Wireless Antenna

PCI Slot

PCI Express x16 Slot

LAN Jack

USB x 4

After the installation is completed, please keep other
objects away from the ventilation hole at least 2.5cm
and above. Do not block the ventilation hole.

1-7

2

Mainboard Hardware

2.1 Mainboard Layout

2.2 CPU

2.3 Memory

2.4 Power Supply

2.5 Front Panel

2.6 Back Panel

2.7 Connectors

2.8 Jumper

2.9 Slots

2.1 Mainboard layout

MS-7196 v1.X Mainboard

2-2

Chapter 2 - Mainboard Hardware

2.2 CPU

This mainboard supports up to Intel® Prescott/Pentium 4 D CPU. The mainboard
uses a CPU socket called LGA775 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. Remember to peel off the sticker before you install the CPU
cooler.
(For more information about the CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/program/
products/slim_pc/slm/pro_slm_cpu_support.php)

MSI Reminds You...

1. Read the instructions on the cooler before you start the installation.

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

2.3 Memory

The mainboard provides 2 slots for 240-pin DDR2 DIMM, which supports the
memorysize up to 2GB.Since DDR2 modules are not interchangeable with DDR1 and

the DDR2 stand-ard is not backward compatible, you should always install DDR2
memory module in the DDR2 slot (DIMM1~DIMM2). Otherwise, you are not able to boot
up your systemand your mainboard might be damaged.

DIMM1~2

2-3

Introduction to DDR2 SDRAM

DDR2 is a new technology of memory module, and its speed is the top limit of
current DDR1 technology. DDR2 uses a 1.8V supply for core and I/O voltage,
compared to 2.5V for DDR1, and requires 28% less power than DDR1 chips. DDR2
truly is the future of memory, but will require some changes as the technology is not
backwardly compatible and only motherboards specifically designed for DDR2
memory will be able to support these chips.

DDR2 incorporates new features at the chip level that give it better signal
integrity, thereby enabling higher clock speeds.

DDR2 modules have 240 pins, versus 184 pins on a DDR1 module, and the
length of DDR2 module is 5.25”. DDR2 modules have smaller and tighter spaced pins.
The height of DDR2 modules varies, but they will typically be less than 1.3” in height.

DIMM Module Combination

Install at least one DIMM module on the slots. Each DIMM slot supports up to a
maximum size of 1GB. Users can install either single- or double-sided modules to meet
their own needs. Please note that each DIMM can work respectively for single-

channel DDR2, but there are some rules while using dual-channel DDR2.

Users may install memory modules of different type and density on different-channel
DDR DIMMs. However, the same size, type and density memory modules are
necessary while using dual-channel DDR, or instability may happen. Please refer to
the following table for detailed dual-channel DDR. Other combination not listed below
will function as single-channel DDR.

2-4

Chapter 2 - Mainboard Hardware

2.4 Power Supply

The system is equipped with a 260W(PFC) ATX power supply. The power
cord of the power supply has been connected to the connector ATX1 on the mainboard
when shipped out. Except the 20-pin connector ATX1, you can find another 4-pin
power connector JPW1 on the mainboard. This 12V power connector is used to
provide power to the CPU.

20

10

ATX1 Pin Definition

PIN SINGAL

1 3.3V
2 3.3V
3 GND
4 5V
5 GND
6 5V
7 GND
8 PW_OK
9 5V_SB
10 12V

ATX1

PIN SIGNAL

11 3.3V
12 -12V
13 GND
14 PS_ON
15 GND
16 GND
17 GND
18
19 5V
20 5V

11
1

2

4

1

3

JPW1

JPW1 Pin Definition

PIN SINGAL

1 GND
2 GND
3 12V
4 12V

2-5

2.5 Front Panel

The Front Panel is independent and extended from the mainboard. It’s con-

nected to the Front I/O Connector on the mainboard. You can find the following ports
on the Front Panel.

4-pin 13946-pin 1394

USB x 2

SPDIFIN1

Head-Phone

Mic-In

4-pin IEEE 1394 Port

The mainboard provides two IEEE 1394 ports. This smaller one is designed for

you to connect the IEEE 1394 device with external power. The IEEE 1394 high-speed
serial bus complements USB by providing enhanced PC connectivity for a wide range
of devices, including consumer electronics audio/video (A/V) appliances, storage

peripherals, other PCs, and portable devices.

MSI Reminds You...

IEEE 1394 Driver is provided by Windows® 98 SE, Windows® XP,
Windows® ME and Windows® 2000. Just plug in the IEEE 1394 connector
into the port. These Operating Systems will install the driver for IEEE

1394.

2-6

Chapter 2 - Mainboard Hardware

6-pin IEEE 1394 Port

The bigger 6-pin IEEE 1394 Port on the front panel is designed for you to
connect to IEEE 1394 devices without external power. That means the mainboard can
provide the power for the devices connected to this port.

USB Ports

The mainboard provides a UHCI (Universal Host Controller Interface) Universal
Serial Bus root for attaching USB devices such as keyboard, mouse or other USB­compatible devices. You can plug the USB device directly into the connector.

1 4

5 8

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

2-7

Mic-in/Head-Phone

Mic-in is a connector for microphone. Head-Phone is a connector for Speakers
or Headphones.

Head phone

MIC

OPTICAL SPDIF-in

The OPTICAL connector allows you to receive the audio file of SPDIF interface
for recording.

The SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interface) is developed jointly by the Sony and
Philips corporations . A standard audio file transfer format, SPDIF allows the transfer
of digital audio signals from one device to another without having to be converted first
to an analog format.

2-8

2.6 Back Panel

The Back Panel provides the following ports:

Chapter 2 - Mainboard Hardware

Line-In

Line-Out

Mic-in

Serial Port

The mainboard offers a 9-pin male DIN serial port . The port is 16550A high

RS-Out

CS-Out
SS-Out

PS/2 Mouse

PS/2 Keyboard

LAN Port

Serial Port

VGA Port

SPDIF out

USB

speed communication ports that sends/receives 16 bytes FIFOs. You can attach a
serial mouse or other serial devices directly to the connector.

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

9-Pin Male DIN Connector

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

2-9

Mouse/Keyboard Connectors

The mainboard provides two standard mini DIN connectors for attaching PS/2
mouse and keyboard. You can plug a PS/2® mouse or keyboard directly into the
connector.

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 Mouse DATA Mouse DATA
2 NC No connection

PS/2 Mouse (6-pin Female)

6

4

6

4

2

5

3

2

1

5

3

1

PS/2 Keyboard (6-pin Female)

3 GND Ground
4 VCC +5V
5 Mouse Clock Mouse clock
6 NC No connection

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 Keyboard DATA Keyboard DATA
2 NC No connection
3 GND Ground
4 VCC +5V
5 Keyboard Clock Keyboard clock
6 NC No connection

®

VGA Port

The mainboard provides one DB 15-pin female connector to connect a monitor.

5 1

15 11

DB 15-Pin Female Connector

Pin Definition

Analog Video Display Connector (DB-15s)
PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 Red
2 Green
3 Blue
4 Not used
5 Ground
6 Ground
7 Ground
8 Ground
9 Power
10 Ground
11 Not used
12 SDA
13 Horizontal Sync
14 Vertical Sync
15 SCL

2-10

Chapter 2 - Mainboard Hardware

RJ45 LAN Jack

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.

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

8 1

RJ-45 LAN Jack

6 RDN Receive Differential Pair
7 NC Not Used
8 NC Not Used

Audio Port Connectors

The left 3 audio jacks are for 2-channel mode for stereo speaker output: 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.

However, there is an advanced audio application provided by Realtek ALC880 to
offer support for 7.1-channel audio operation and can turn rear audio connectors
from 2-channel to 4-/5.1-/7.1- channel audio.

Rear Speaker Out

Line In

Line Out

MIC

(in 7.1CH / 5.1CH)

Center/Subwoofer

Speaker Out

( in 7.1CH / 5.1CH)

Side Surround Out

(in 7.1CH)

OPTICAL SPDIFOut

2-11

USB Ports

The mainboard provides a UHCI (Universal Host Controller Interface) Universal
Serial Bus root for attaching USB devices such as keyboard, mouse or other USB­compatible devices. You can plug the USB device directly into the connector. The
mainboard supports USB1.1 & 2.0 devices.

USB Port Description

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

USB Ports

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

2-12

Chapter 2 - Mainboard Hardware

2.7 Connectors

IDE Connector: PIDE1

The mainboard has a 32-bit Enhanced PCI IDE and Ultra DMA 33/66/100 control­ler that provides PIO mode 0~4, Bus Master, and Ultra DMA/33/66/100 function. The

one connector on the mainboard allows you to connect to two IDE devices.

PIDE1

Serial ATA Connectors: SATA1/2

The mainboard provides the connectors to connect the hard disk of Serial ATA

interface.

Pin Definition

Pin Signal Pin Signal

2
4
6

SATA1

SATA2

1 GND TXP
3 TXN GND
5 RXN RXP
7 GND

(optional)

Front Panel Connector: JFP1

The mainboard provides one 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.

HDD

Reset

LED

Switch

JFP1

1
2

Power
Switch

2-13

Power
LED

Card Reader Connector: CR1

The mainboard provides a connector to connect the Card Reader on the Front

Panel.

CR1

CPU Fan Connectors: CPUFAN1/SYSFAN1

The CPU Fan/System Fan connectors support system cooling fans with +12V

that is controlled by PWM. When connecting the wire to the three-pin head connectors,
always note that the red wire is the positive and should be connected to the +12V (that
is controlled by PWM), the black wire is Ground and should be connected to GND.

SENSOR

SYSFAN1

FAN Power

GND

SENSOR

FAN Power

GND

CPUFAN1

CD-in Connector: CDIN1

The connector is for CD-ROM audio connector. If you want to use other audio­in functions such as TV-in, you can also use this connector.

L

GND

R

CDIN1

AUX-in Connector: TVIN1

The connector is for CD-ROM audio connector.

L

GND

R

TVIN1

2-14

Front Board Connector: LCM1

The connector is used to connect the front board on the front panel.

Chapter 2 - Mainboard Hardware

1

Pin Signal

1 SRS
5 MP_RTS
7 MP_DTR
9 IR or RST#
11 CD_SMI#
13 VCC5
15 MP_CTR_PWRON
17 IDE_LED
19 PLED1
21 PLED2
25 BASS_DETECT

Pin Definition

Pin Signal

4 OS-SEL
6 MP_RXD
8 MP_TXD
10 FLAT
12 ROCK
14 POPS
16 CLASSIC
18 EQ_CYC
20 VCC5-SB
23 BASS

262

25

LCM1

Front USB Connector: USB1

The mainboard provides one standard USB 2.0 pin header to connect to the fornt
MCE IR for remote control.

GND

USB+ USB-

USBVCC

USB1

2-15

2.8 Jumper

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1

There is a CMOS RAM on board that has a power supply from external battery

to keep the data of system configuration. With the CMOS RAM, the system can auto­matically boot OS every time it is turned on. That battery has long life time for at least 2
years. 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

3

1

3

JBAT1

Keep Data

MSI Reminds You...

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

Clear Data

2-16

Chapter 2 - Mainboard Hardware

2.9 Slots

The mainboard provides one PCI Express x16 slot and one 32-bit PCI bus slots.

PCI Express Slot

The PCI Express slot, as a high-bandwidth, low pin count, serial, interconnect
technology, supports Intel highest performance desktop platforms utilizing the Intel
Pentium 4 processor with HT Technology with these platform benefits. You can insert
the expansion cards to meet your needs. When adding or removing expansion cards,
make sure that you unplug the power supply first.

PCI Express architecture provides a high performance I/O infrastructure for
Desktop Platforms with transfer rates starting at 2.5 Giga transfers per second. Also,
desktop platforms with PCI Express Architecture will be designed to deliver highest
performance in video, graphics, multimedia and other sophisticated applications.
Moreover, PCI Express architecture provides a high performance
graphics (PDF, 166Kb) infrastructure for Desktop Platforms dou­bling the capability of existing AGP8x designs with transfer rates
of 4.0 GB/s over a PCI Express x16 lane for graphics controllers.

PCI Express x16 slot

MSI Reminds You...

1. The PCI Express x16 slot also supports ADD2 interface card when
it is presented on PCI Express x16 slot.

2. PCI Express x16 is available for ADD2 interface card with 915G.

2-17

PCI Slot

The PCI slot allows you to insert PCI card or TV Tuner card. 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.

Mini PCI Slot

The motherboard provides a mini PCI slot for connecting a mini PCI interface
card.

PCI

Mini PCI

2-18

3

Chapter 3 - System Assembly

System Assembly

3.1 Overview

3.2 Removing Cover

3.3 Removing Drive Cage

3.4 Installing CPU

3.5 Installing CPU Cooler

3.6 Installing DRAM

3.7 Installing WLAN Card (Optional)

3.8 Installing WLAN Antenna (Optional)

3.9 Installing HDD

3.10 Installing Optical Drive

3.11 Restoring Drive Cage

3.12 Restoring Cover

3-1

3.1 Overview

This product is shipped out as a bare bone. Some components are
equipped while some are optional. See the following for the standard and
optional items:

Standard

This manual provides you with the information of system setup. Before
assembling your system, please be prepared for the installation tools and appro-

priate items. If you are not clear about the items, contact your dealer for the
information.

3.1.1 Installation Flowchart

Start

Mainboard, Power Supply, Case, Cables, Cooler,
Card Reader, Driver CD, Manual

Remove Chassis Cover and Drive Cage

Install CPU & Cooler

Install Memory Modules, HDD and Optical Drive

Restore Drive Cage and Chassis Cover

3-2

3.1.2 Checking the Items

Before starting the assembling, check the items you need.

Chapter 3 - System Assembly

Optical Drive DDR2 DIMM Module

Intel P4 LGA775 Prescott CPU & Cooler

SATA or IDE Hard
Disk Drive

MSI Reminds You...

The chassis and devices shown on the installation photos are for
your reference only. The actual products may vary in chassis color,
front bezel and other component.

3-3

3.2 Removing Cover

Loose the three thumb screws on the
back panel.

Remove the chassis cover.

3-4

Chapter 3 - System Assembly

3.3 Removing Drive Cage

Locate the drive cage. Lift the handle up­ward and pull the drive cage to an upright
position.

Push the locking clip to the right side to lock
the drive cage in an upright position.

Release the cable tie. Push to remove the
black plastic plate from the drive cage.

Lift the white clips on both sides. Pull the
drive cage back and upward from the
chassis.

Cable Tie

3-5

3.4 Installing CPU

Locate the CPU socket and take off the
protecting cover.

Pull the lever away from the socket and
raise it up.

Put the CPU onto the socket. Make sure
the pins are completely embedded into
the socket. The CPU can only fit in the
correct direction.

Close the lever to complete the
installation.

3-6

Chapter 3 - System Assembly

3.5 Installing CPU Cooler

Insert the cooler into the barebone and
put it onto the CPU.

Use the screw driver to secure four
built-in screws following the indicated

order (1--> 2--> 3 --> 4).

Connect the power cord.

3-7

3.6 Installing DRAM

Insert the DDR DIMM vertically into the
slot.

Note: The DIMM has only one notch
on the module. It will only fit in the
right direction.

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

3-8

Chapter 3 - System Assembly

3.7 Installing WLAN Card (Optional)

Locate the miniPCI slot on the mainboard.

Insert the Wireless LAN card into the
miniPCI slot with 15 degree and push
vertically to fix it.

Connect the antenna cable to the con­nector on the WLAN card.

3-9

3.8 Installing WLAN Antenna (Optional)

Release the antenna and the screw from
the package kit.

Put the screw base through the antenna
hole on the backplane.

Lock the screw and the antenna on the
screw base.

Fix the antenna line on the clips on the
mainboard. Connect the antenna cable to
the connector on the WLAN card as de­scribed in last procedure.

3-10

3.9 Installing HDD

Push the lock bracket to the right side.

Remove the HDD tray from the drive cage.

Chapter 3 - System Assembly

Push the brackets outwards as the picture
shown.

Insert the SATA or IDE HDD module into the
HDD tray. Push the brackets inwards to lock
the HDD module in place.

3-11

3.10 Installing Optical Drive

Pull the lock brackets outwards before
you can insert the CD-ROM drive into the
CD-ROM tray.

MSI Reminds You...

Please note that our specially designed chassis is not compatible
with any optical drive with convex front bezel. (Recommended: For
easy assembly and normal operation, use the optical drive with flat
front panel.)

Align the CD-ROM drive’s screw hole with
the CD-ROM tray’s. Push the lock bracket
inwards to secure the module.

3-12

Chapter 3 - System Assembly

3.11 Restoring Drive Cage

Push the lock bracket back to secure the HDD
cage.

Lift the white clips on both sides. Align the
drive cage’s screw with the chassis’ screw
hole.
Slide the drive cage into the chassis.

Restore the black plastic plate to the HDD
tray and push to seize on it.

Connect the HDD/CD-ROM cables and HDD/
CD-ROM power cords. Organize cables with
the cable tie.

Note: If you are using a SATA HDD, please
connect to the SATA cable.

3-13

3.12 Restoring Cover

Place the whole drive cage into the chassis
and push the handle back.

Restore the chassis cover and remem­ber to fasten the screws on the back
panel.

3-14

4

BIOS Setup

4.1 Entering Setup

4.2 The Main Menu

4.3 Standard CMOS Features

4.4 Advanced BIOS Features

4.5 Advanced Chipset Features

4.6 Integrated Peripherals

4.7 Power Management Setup

4.8 PnP/PCI Configurations

4.9 H/W Monitor

4.10 Load Fail Safe/Optimized De­ faults

4.11Set Supervisor/User Password

4.1 Entering Setup

Power on the computer and the system will start POST (Power On Self Test)

process. When the message below appears on the screen, press <DEL> key to enter
Setup.

Press DEL to enter SETUP

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

Getting Help

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

Main Menu

The main menu lists the setup functions you can make changes to. You can use
the control keys ( ↑↓ ) to select the item. The on-line description of the highlighted setup

function is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Sub-Menu

If you find a right pointer symbol (as shown
in the right view) appears to the left of certain
fields that means a sub-menu containing additional
options can be launched from this field. You can

use control keys ( ↑↓ ) to highlight the field and
press <Enter> to call up the sub-menu. Then you

can use the control keys to enter values and move from field to field within a sub-menu.
If you want to return to the main menu, just press <Esc >.

General Help <F1>

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

MSI Reminds You...

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

4-2

Chapter 4 - BIOS Setup

4.2 The Main Menu

Once you enter BIOS CMOS Setup Utility, the Main Menu will appear on the
screen. The Main Menu allows you to select from eleven setup functions and two exit

choices. Use arrow keys to select among the items and press <Enter> to accept or
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 special enhanced features.

Advanced Chipset Features

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

Integrated Peripherals

Use this menu to specify your settings for integrated peripherals.

Power Management Features

Use this menu to specify your settings for power management.

PnP/PCI Configurations

This entry appears if your system supports PnP/PCI.

H/W Monitor

This entry shows your PC health status.

4-3

Load Fail-Safe Defaults

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

Load Optimized Defaults

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

Set Supervisor Password

Use this menu to set the supervisor password for BIOS.

Set User Password

Use this menu to set the user password for BIOS.

Save & Exit Setup

Save changes to CMOS and exit setup.

Exit Without Saving

Abandon all changes and exit setup.

4-4

Chapter 4 - BIOS Setup

4.3 Standard CMOS Features

The items in Standard CMOS Features Menu are divided into 9 categories.
Each category includes no, one or more than one setup items. Use the arrow keys to

highlight the item and then use the <PgUp> or <PgDn> keys to select the value you want
in each item.

Date

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

Time

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

IDE Primary/Secondary/Third Master/Slave/Fourth Master/Slave

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

sub-menu of each item:

4-5

IDE HDD Auto-Detection

Press Enter to auto detect the HDD’s size, head...on this channel.

IDE Primary/Secondary Master/Slave

Press Enter to select Manual or Auto type. Note that the specifications of your
drive must match with the drive table. The hard disk will not work properly if you
enter improper information for this category. If your hard disk drive type is not
matched or listed, you can use Manual to define your own drive type manually.

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

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

System Information

Press <Enter> to for the sub-menu of each item:

BIOS Version/CPU Type/CPU ID/uCode ID/CPU Frequency/CPU L2 Cache/
Total System Memory/

This item shows BIOS version, the CPU related information and the memory status
of your system (read only).

4-6

Chapter 4 - BIOS Setup

4.4 Advanced BIOS Features

Boot Sequence

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

1st/2nd/3rd Boot Device

These items allow you to set the sequence of boot devices where BIOS attempts
to load the operating system.

MSI Reminds You...

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

Boot From Other Devices

Setting the option to [Enabled] allows the system to try to boot from other devices
if the system fails to boot from the 1st/2nd/3rd boot device. Settings are: [Enabled],
[Disabled].

Boot Sector Protection

This function protects the BIOS from accidental corruption by unauthorized users or
computer viruses. When enabled, the BIOS’ data cannot be changed when attempt­ing to update the BIOS with a Flash utility. To successfully update the BIOS, you’ll
need to disable this Boot Sector Protection function.
You should enable this function at all times. The only time when you need to disable
it is when you want to update the BIOS. After updating the BIOS, you should immedi­ately re-enable it to protect it against viruses. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].

4-7

Quick Boot

Setting the item to [Enabled] allows the system to boot fast since it will skip some check
items. Available options: [Enabled], [Disabled].

Full Screen Logo Display

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

[Enabled] Shows a still image (logo) on the full screen at boot.

[Disabled] Shows the POST messages at boot.

4-8

Chapter 4 - BIOS Setup

4.5 Advanced Chipset Features

MSI Reminds You...

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

PEG/Onchip VGA Control

This setting determines whether the system RAM can be allocated to on-chip video
controller for video purposes. When setting to Enabled, up to 128MB system RAM
will be allocated to on-chip video controller. Setting options: [Auto], [Onchip VGA]
and [PEG Port].

On-Chip Frame Buffer Size

Frame Buffer is the video memory that stores data for video display (frame). This field
is used to determine the memory size for Frame Buffer. Larger frame buffer size
increases video performance. Setting options: [1MB], [8MB].

DVMT Mode

This field specifies the mode of DVMT (Dynamic Video Memory Technology). Setting
options: [Fixed], [DVMT], [Both].

DVMT/FIXED Memory Size

This field specifies the size of DVMT (Dynamic Video Memory Technology) memory
and the size of system memory to allocate for video memory. Setting options:
[64MB], [128MB].

4-9

4.6 Integrated Peripherals

USB Controller

This setting is used to enable/disable the onboard USB host controller. Setting options:
[Disabled], [Enabled].

USB 2.0 Controller

This setting is used to enable/disable the onboard USB 2.0 host controller. Setting
options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

USB Keyboard Support

Select Enabled if your system contains a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller and
you have a USB keyboard. Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

USB Mouse Support

Select [Enabled] if you need to use a USB-interfaced mouse in the operating system.
Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

Azalia Audio select

This item is used to select between the onboard Azalia (Audio Codec) or AC97
controller. Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

Onboard LAN

The item enables or disables the onboard LAN controller. Setting options: [Enabled],
[Disabled].

OnBoard VIA6307 (IEEE1394) (Optional)

This setting is used to enable/disable the onboard IEEE 1394 controller. Setting
options: [Enabled], [Disabled].

I/O Devices Configuration

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

4-10

Chapter 4 - BIOS Setup

COM Port 1

These items specify the base I/O port addresses of the onboard Serial Port 1 (COM

1). Selecting [Auto] allows BIOS to automatically determine the correct base I/O
port address. Settings: [3F8/IRQ4], [2F8/IRQ3], [3E8/IRQ4], [2E8/IRQ3] and [Disabled].

IDE Devices Configuration

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

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].

SATA Devices Configuration

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

SATA Mode

This item allows you to select the SATA configuration. Select [IDE] if you want to
have SATA as IDE function. Select [AHCI] to allow the SATA to have Advanced Host
Controller Interface (AHCI) feature, which supports improved serial ATA disk per­formance with native command queuing & native hot plug. Settings options: [IDE],
[RAID] and [AHCI].

On-Chip Serial ATA

This item allows you to set the SATA controller. Settings options: [Disabled], [Auto],
[Combined Mode], [Enhanced Mode] and [SATA only].

SATA PORT Speed Settings

This item allows you to set the SATA port speed. Settings options: [Disabled],
[Force GEN I], [Force GEN II].

PATA IDE Mode

This item allows you to set the IDE configuration. Settings options: [Primary],
[Secondary].

4-11

4.7 Power Management Setup

APIC Function

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

ACPI Standby State

This item specifies the power saving mode 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 (CPU or chipset) is lost and hardware main
tains all system context.

[S3(STR)] The S3 sleep mode is a power-down state in which power is

supplied only to essential components such as main memory
and wake-capable devices and all system context is saved to
main memory. The infor mation stored in memory will be used
to restore the PC to the previous state when an “wake up”
event occurs.

[Auto] BIOS determines the mode automatically.

Power Button Function

This feature allows users to configure the Power Button function. Settings are:

[Power Off] The power button functions as a normal power-on/-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.

4-12

Chapter 4 - BIOS Setup

Wakeup Event Setup

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

Resume by PCI-E Device

This controls how and whether the system can be powered on by the devices
installed on PCI-E slots. Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

Resume by PCI Device (PME#)

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

Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].

Resume by RTC Alarm

This is used to enable or disable the feature of booting up the system on a
scheduled time/date from the S3, S4, and S5 power off state. Setting options:
[Disabled], [Enabled].

Date (of Month) Alarm
The field specifies the date for Resume by RTC Alarm. Settings: 0~31.

Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm

The field specifies the time for Resume by RTC Alarm. Format is <hour>
<minute><second>.

Restore on AC Power Loss

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

[Off] Leaves the computer in the power off state.

[On] Leaves the computer in the power on state.

[Last State] Restores the system to the previous status before power

failure or interrupt occurred.

4-13

4.8 PNP/PCI Configurations

Init Display First

This setting specifies which VGA card is your primary graphics adapter. Setting op­tions are:

[PCI Slot] The system initializes the PCI graphic card first.
[PCIEX] The system initializes the PCI-Express graphic card first.

Maximum Payload Size

This setting specifies the maximum TLP payload size for the PCI Express devices.
The unit is byte. Setting options: [128], [256], [512], [1024], [2048], [4096].

4-14

Chapter 4 - BIOS Setup

4.9 H/W Monitor

PC Health Status

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

System/CPU Temperature, Current SYSTEM/CPU FAN Speed, Vcore(V),
VCC, +5V, +12V, VBAT(V), 5VSB(V)

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

CPU/System FAN Control

This item enables or disables the Smart Fan feature. Smart Fan is an excellent feature
which will adjust the CPU/System fan speed automatically depending on the CPU/
System current temperature, avoiding the overheating to damage your system. Option:
[Smart Fan], [High Speed].

4-15

4.10 Load Fail Safe/Optimized Defaults

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

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

Pressing [Enter] loads the BIOS default values for the most stable, minimal system
performance.

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

Pressing [Enter] loads the default factory settings for optimal system performance.

4-16

Chapter 4 - BIOS Setup

4.11 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.

4-17

Chapter 5 - Introduction to Realtek ALC 880

5

Introduction to Audio:

Realtek ALC880

5.1 Installing the Realtek Audio Driver

5.2 Software Configuration

5.3 Using 2/4/6/8 Channel Audio
Function

5-1

5.1 Installing the Realtek Audio Driver

You need to install the driver for Realtek ALC880 codec to function properly before
you can get access to 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- channel audio operations. Follow the proce­dures described below to install the drivers for different operating systems.

Installation for Windows 2000/XP

For Windows® 2000, you must install Windows® 2000 Service Pack4 or later
before installing the driver. And for Windows® XP, you must install Windows® XP
Service Pack1 or later before installing the driver.

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

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

2. Click Realtek HD Audio Driver .

Click here

MSI Reminds You...

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

5-2

Chapter 5 - Introduction to Realtek ALC 880

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

4. Click Finish to restart the system.

Click here

Select this
option

Click here

5-3

5.2 Software Configuration

After installing the audio driver, you are able to use the 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- channel
audio feature now. Click the audio icon from the system tray at the lower-right
corner of the screen to activate the HD Audio Configuration. It is also available to
enable the audio driver by clicking the Azalia HD Sound Effect Manager from the
Control Panel.

5-4

Chapter 5 - Introduction to Realtek ALC 880

Sound Effect

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

Load EQ Setting

Reset EQ Setting

EQ Setting On/Off

Save Preset

Delete EQ
Setting

You may choose the provided sound effects, and the equalizer will adjust
automatically. If you like, you may also load an equalizer setting or make an new
equalizer setting to save as an new one by using the “Load EQ Setting” and “Save

Preset” button, click “Reset EQ Setting” button to use the default value, or click
“Delete EQ Setting” button to remove a preset EQ setting.

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

Here it provides the Karaoke function which will automatically remove human
voice (lyrics) and leave melody for you to sing the song. You may use the “up arrow”
and “down arrow ” button to raise/lower the key, and press the lower button to
remove the human voice.

Remove the
human voice

Raise the key

Lower the key

5-5

AudioIO

In this tab, you can easily configure your multi-channel audio function and
speakers.

You can choose a desired multi-channel operation here.

a. Headphone for the common headphone
b. 2CH Speaker for Stereo-Speaker Output
c. 4CH Speaker for 4-Speaker Output
d. 6CH Speaker for 5.1-Speaker Output
e. 8CH Speaker for 8-Speaker Output (default setting)

Realtek HD Audio Manager frees you from default speaker settings. Different
from before, for each jack, they are not limited to perform certain functions. Instead,
each jack is able to be chosen to perform either output (ex. playback) function or
input (ex. Recording) function, all by your own choices.

Please follow the steps below to use it:

1. Plug the speakers in any available jack.

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

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

device.

- If not correct, Realtek HD Audio Manager will guide you to plug the

device into the correct jack.

5-6

Chapter 5 - Introduction to Realtek ALC 880

Pop-screen check list

2CH Speakers configutaion - check the Front Speaker Out anyway.
4CH Speakers configuration - check the Front Speaker Out & Rear Speaker

Out anyway.

6CH Speakers configuraion - check the Front Speaker Out / Rear Speaker

Out & Center/ Subwoofer Speaker out

anyway.
8CH Speakers configuraion - check the Front Speaker Out / Rear Speaker

Out / Center/Subwoofer Speaker out & Side

Speaker Out anyway.

Test Speakers

You can select the speaker by clicking it to test its functionality. The one you
select will light up and make testing sound. If any speaker fails to make sound, then
check whether the cable is inserted firmly to the connector or replace the bad
speakers with good ones. Or you may click the auto test button to test the

sounds of each speaker automatically.

Front Left

Side Left

Rear Left

Center

Front Right

Side Right

Subwoofer

Rear Right

5-7

Mixer

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

individually.

1. Playback

You can adjust the volume of the speakers that you pluged in.

MSI Reminds You...

Before set up, please make sure the playback devices are well plugged
in the jacks.

5-8

Chapter 5 - Introduction to Realtek ALC 880

2. Recording

If you want to use microphone to record, usually the microphone is con­nected to the MIC jack (the pink one) in the rear panel. You can start recording in this
case. If you’d like to connect your microphone to the front audio panel, please select
the Mic in at front panel (Pink) from the scroll list after connecting microphone to
the front audio panel.

MSI Reminds You...

Only the speakers that plugged into the Line-Out jack (the green ne) on
the back panel will be functional when you intend to listen to the audio
that has been recorded from the microphone.

5-9

Microphone

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

5-10

Chapter 5 - Introduction to Realtek ALC 880

3D Audio Demo

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

5-11

Information

In this tab it provides some information about this HD Audio Configuration utility,
including Audio Driver Version, DirectX Version, Audio Controller & Audio Codec. You
may also select the language of this utility by choosing from the Language list.

Also there is a selection Show icon in system tray. Switch it on and an icon will
show in the system tray. Right-click on the icon and the Audio Accessories dia­logue box will appear which provides several multimedia features for you to take
advantage of.

5-12

Chapter 5 - Introduction to Realtek ALC 880

5.3 Using 2/4/6/8 Channel Audio Function

Connecting the Speakers

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

n 2-Channel Mode for Stereo-Speaker Output

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

Back Panel

1

2

3

1 Line In
2 Line Out (Front channels)
3 MIC
4 Line Out (Rear channels, but no functioning in this mode)
5 Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel, but no functioning in this mode)
6 Side Surround Out (Side channels, but no functioning in this mode)

4

5

6

5-13

n 4-Channel Mode for 4-Speaker Output

1

4

2

5

3

6

Description:
Connect two speakers to back
panel’ s Line Out connector and
two speakers to the real-chan-

4-Channel Analog Audio Output

nel Line Out connector.

1 Line In
2 Line Out (Front channels)
3 MIC
4 Line Out (Rear channels)
5 Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel, but no functioning in this mode)
6 Side Surround Out (Side channels, but no functioning in this mode)

5-14

Chapter 5 - Introduction to Realtek ALC 880

n 6-Channel Mode for 6-Speaker Output

1

2

3

Description:
Connect two speakers to back
panel’ s Line Out connector, two

6-Channel Analog Audio Output

1 Line In
2 Line Out (Front channels)
3 MIC
4 Line Out (Rear channels)
5 Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel)
6 Side Surround Out (Side channels, but no functioning in this mode)

speakers to the rear-channel
and two speakers to the cen­ter/subwoofer-channel Line Out
connectors.

4

5

6

5-15

n 8-Channel Mode for 8-Speaker Output

1

2

3

8-Channel Analog Audio Output

1 Line Out (Side channels)
2 Line Out (Front channels)
3 MIC
4 Line Out (Rear channels)
5 Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel)
6 Side Surround Out (Side channels)

4

5

6

Description:
Connect two speakers to back
panel’s Line Out connector, two
speakers to the rear-channel,
two speakers to the center/
subwoofer-channel Line Out
connectors, and two speakers
to the side-channel Line Out
connectors.

5-16