MSI MS-6799, PT8 Neo-LSR, PT8 Neo-SR, PT8 Neo-V, PT8 Neo G52-M6799X4 User Manual

i

Version 1.1

G52-M6799X4

MS-6799 (v1.X) ATX Mainboard

PT8 Neo Series

ii

Manual Rev: 1.1 Release Date: Nov. 2003

FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement

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

Notice 1

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

Notice 2

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

VOIR LA NOTICE D’INSTALLATION AVANT DE RACCORDER AU

RESEAU.

Micro-Star International MS-6799

Tested to comply

with FCC Standard

For Home or Office Use

iii

Copyright Notice

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

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

Trademarks

All trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

Intel® and Pentium® are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. AMD, Athlon™, Athlon™ XP, Thoroughbred™, and Duron™ are registered trademarks of AMD Corporation. 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 for PCB 1.X Sep. 2003 V1.1 Second release for PCB 1.X Nov. 2003

Technical Support

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

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

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

h Contact our technical staff at: [email protected]

iv

1. Always read the safety instructions carefully.

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

3. Keep this equipment away from humidity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

z The power cord or plug is damaged.

z Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.

z The equipment has been exposed to moisture.

z The equipment has not work well or you can not get it work according

to User’s Manual.

z The equipment has dropped and damaged.

z The equipment has obvious sign of breakage.

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

Safety Instructions

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.

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

v

CONTENTS

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

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

Core Center .................................................................................... 1-6

Live BIOS™/Live Driver™ ............................................................ 1-8

Live Monitor™ .............................................................................. 1-9

D-Bracket™ 2 (Optional) ............................................................. 1-10

Round Cable (Optional) .............................................................. 1-12

S-Bracket (Optional) .................................................................... 1-13

CPU Thermal Protection .............................................................. 1-13

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

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

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

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

Memory Speed/CPU FSB Support Matrix ..................................... 2-3

Memory ................................................................................................ 2-4

Introduction to DDR SDRAM ....................................................... 2-4

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

Installing DDR Modules ............................................................... 2-5

Back Panel / Power Supply ................................................................... 2-6

Back Panel Overview ..................................................................... 2-6

ATX 20-Pin Power Connector: ATX1 ............................................ 2-6

vi

ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW1 ................................................ 2-6

Connectors ........................................................................................... 2-7

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1 ............................................. 2-7

Fan Power Connectors: CFAN1/SFAN1/SFAN2 ........................... 2-7

Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1/IDE2 ................................................ 2-8

Serial ATA HDD Connectors: SATA1/SATA2 (Optional) ............. 2-9

CD-In Connector: CD1 .................................................................. 2-9

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1/JFP2 ............................................. 2-10

Front USB Connectors: JUSB1/JUSB2 ........................................ 2-10

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1 ........................................ 2-11

D-Bracket™ 2 Connector: JDB1 .................................................. 2-12

S-Bracket (SPDIF) Connector: JSP1 (Optional) ............................ 2-13

Jumpers .............................................................................................. 2-14

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1 ........................................................ 2-14

Slots ................................................................................................... 2-15

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) Slot ......................................... 2-15

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots .......................... 2-15

PCI Interrupt Request Routing .................................................... 2-15

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

The Main Menu ................................................................................... 3-2

Standard CMOS Features .................................................................... 3-5

Frequency/Voltage Control .................................................................. 3-6

Load High Performance/Optimized Defaults ........................................ 3-9

Set Supervisor/User Password ........................................................... 3-10

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

AppendixB. VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction ........................ B-1

1-1

Getting Started

Chapter 1. Getting Started

Thank you for choosing the PT8 Neo Series (MS-6799 v1.X)

ATX mainboard. The PT8 Neo is based on VIA® PT800 & VT8237 chipsets for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced Intel® Pentium® 4 processors in 478 pin package, the PT8 Neo delivers a high performance and professional desktop platform solution.

Getting Started

1-2

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Specifications

CPU

h

Supports IntelSupports Intel

Supports Intel

®®

®

P4 Northwood (Socket 478) processor. P4 Northwood (Socket 478) processor.

P4 Northwood (Socket 478) processor.

h FSB @ 400/533/800 MHz. h Supports up to 3.2GHz or higher speed.

Chipset

h VIA® PT800 chipset

-

Supports FSB 800/533/400MHz.Supports FSB 800/533/400MHz.

Supports FSB 800/533/400MHz.

-

Supports AGP 8X interface.Supports AGP 8X interface.

Supports AGP 8X interface.

- Supports DDR 400

//

/333/266 memory interface.

h VIA® VT8237 chipset

- High Bandwidth V-link Client controller

- Integrated Faster Ethernet LPC

- Integrated Hardware Sound Blaster/Direct Sound AC97 audio

- Ultra DMA 66/100/133 master mode PCI EIDE controller

- ACPI

- Supports Serial ATA RAID0/1

- Supports USB2.0

Clock Generator

h 100/133/200 MHz clocks are supported

Main Memory

h Supports four memory banks using two 184-pin DDR DIMMs. h Supports up to 2GB DDR 400

//

/333/266 SDRAM.

h Supports 2.5v DDR SDRAM.

Slots

h One AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) slot supports 8x/4x at 0.8V (AGP 3.0)

or 4x at 1.5V (3.3V not supported).

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

On-Board IDE

h An IDE controller integrated in the VIA® VT8237 chipset

..

.

-

Supports Supports

Supports IDE HDD/CD-ROM with PIO, Bus Master and Ultra DMA 33/66/

100/133 operation modes

..

.

- Can connect up to four Ultra ATA drives.

h Serial A TA/150 controller integrated in VIA® VT8237 chipset. (Optional)

- Up to 150MB/sec transfer rate.

1-3

Getting Started

- Can connect up to two Serial ATA drives.

USB Interface

h 8 USB ports

- Controlled by VT8237 southbridge

- 4 ports in the rear I/O, 4 ports via the external bracket

On-Board Peripherals

h On-Board Peripherals include:

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

2.88Mbytes

- 1 serial ports (COM A)

- 1 RCA SPDIF Out

- 1 parallel port supports SPP/EPP/ECP mode

- 8 USB 2.0 ports (Rear x 4 / Front x 4)

- 1 audio (Line-In/Line-Out/Mic) port

- 1 RJ45 LAN jack (Optional)

- 1 D-Bracket2 pinheader

- 1 S-Bracket pinheader

Audio

h AC97 link controller integrated in VT8237

..

.

h 6-channel software audio codec Realtek 655.

- Compliance with AC97 v2.2 Spec.

- Meets PC2001 audio performance requirement.

- Can support SPDIF-Out via rear RCA SPDIF Out connector

LAN (Optional)

h VIA8237 integrated MAC + Realtek 8201BL PHY h 10/100 RJ45 LAN connector

BIOS

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

ripheral devices and expansion cards of the board automatically.

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

which records your mainboard specifications.

Dimension

h

ATX Form Factor: ATX Form Factor:

ATX Form Factor: 30.5cm x 21cm

..

.

Mounting

h 6 standard mounting holes.

1-4

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Layout

PT8 Neo Series (MS-6799 v1.X) ATX Mainboard

BATT

+

D

R

1

D

R

2

JSP1

JAUD1

JUSB1 JUSB2

ATX

Power Suppl

y

SFAN2

SFAN1

CFAN1

SATA2

SATA1

JFP1

JFP2

Codec

Winbond

W83697HF

Realtek 8201BL

BIOS

PCI Slot 5

PCI Slot 4

PCI Slot 3

PCI Slot 2

PCI Slot 1

IDE 2

IDE 1

FDD1

JPW1

Top : Pa ra l l e l P ort Bottom:

COMA

Top : mouse Bottom: keyboard

T: LA N jack B: USB ports

T: SPDIF Out B: USB ports

JCD1

AGP Slot

T: M: B:

Line-In

Line-Out

Mic

JBAT1

JDB1

VIA

VT8237

VIA

PT800

1-5

Getting Started

MSI Special Features

Color Management

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

h Intel spec IDE ATA133 connector: yellow h Serial ATA150 connector: orange h AGP 8X slot: red h USB 2.0 connector: yellow h Front panel connector JFP1: HDD LED in red, Reset Switch in blue,

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

Front Panel Connector JFP2

USB 2.0 Connectors

AGP Slot

Intel Spec IDE ATA133 Connectors

Front Panel Connector JFP1

Serial ATA150 Connectors (Optional)

1-6

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

CoreCenter

(TM)

- contains OC Menu panel, users can determine their processor and memory type to optimize its memory capacity. This all-in-one hardware console is advanced combination of the popular PC Alert and Fuzzy Logic. Including powerful function with hardware monitor, system alert and instinctive UI of overclocking, CoreCenter is just like your PC doctor that can detect, view and adjust the PC 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 shows the current PC hardware status such as the CPU & system temperatures and all fans speeds.

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 system 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.

1-7

Getting Started

Left-wing: Current 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 when 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.

Right-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.

T op-side: 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 Stop to Full speed.

OC Menu

The exclusive OC Menu is fully developed to support DDR400+ memory modules. By comprehensive validation of over 67 DDR400+ memory modules, MSI concluded best parameters for DRAM voltage, V io and other BIOS settings. Y ou can select DDR433, DDR450, DDR466 and DDR500 from DRAM frequency in BIOS setting. Or you can just click on OC Menu button to configure in the OC Menu at CoreCenter. OC Menu will adjust the necessary parameters of voltage and frequency simultaneously. The only limitation was the margin of processor from overclocking.

1-8

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

Live BIOS™/Live Driver™

The Live BIOS™/Live Driver™ is a tool used to detect and update your BIOS/drivers online so that you don’t need to search for the correct BIOS/driver version throughout the whole Web site. To use the function, you need to install the “MSI Live Update 3” application. After the installation, the “MSI Live Update 3” icon (as shown on the right) will appear on the screen.

Double click the “MSI Live Update 3” icon, and the following screen will appear:

Six buttons are placed on the left column of the screen. Click the desired button to start the update process.

Ø Live BIOS – Updates the BIOS online. Ø Live Driver – Updates the drivers online. Ø Live VGA BIOS – Updates the VGA BIOS online. Ø Live VGA Driver – Updates the VGA driver online.

Ø Live OSD – Updates the firmware of the OSD products online. Ø Live Utility – Updates the utilities online.

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

1-9

Getting Started

Live Monitor™

The Live Monitor™ is a tool used to schedule the search for the latest BIOS/drivers version on the MSI Web site. To use the function, you need to install the “MSI Live Update 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 lower-right corner of the taskbar, and the following dialog box will appear. Y ou can specify how

often the system will automatically search for the BIOS/drivers version, or change the LAN settings right from the dialog box.

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

zz

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

zz

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

zz

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

zz

z Exit – Exits the Live Monitor™ application.

zz

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

about MSI's products for users to inquire.

1-10

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

D-Bracket™ 2

1 2 3 4

D-Bracket™ 2 (Optional)

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

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

Red

Green

Description

System Power ON

- The D-LED will hang here if the processor is damaged or not installed properly.

Early Chipset Initialization

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.

1 2

3 4

Initializing Keyboard Controller.

Testing VGA BIOS

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

D-Bracket™ 2

1-11

Getting Started

D-Bracket™ 2

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 240K to 640K and extended 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 2 3 4

1-12

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

Round Cable (Optional)

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

h Data transfer rate started by 133MB/s h Backward compatibility (AT A33/66/100/133) h Higher performance than traditional Flat cable (data rate) h Improved data robustness h Better airflow due to thinner ATA/133 cable

Connect to the system connectors on the mainboard.

Connect to the slave drive.

Connect to the master drive.

Connect one end to the

floopy disk drive

connector (FDD1) and

the other end to the

standard flooy disk.

1-13

Getting Started

CPU Thermal Protection

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

S-Bracket (Optional)

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

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

S-Bracket

SPDIF jack (optical)

SPDIF jack (coaxial)

Analog Line-Out jacks

2-1

Hardware Setup

Chapter 2. Hardware Setup

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

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

Hardware Setup

2-2

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

Quick Components Guide

DDR DIMMs, p.2-4

CPU, p.2-3

Back Panel I/O, p.2-6

JUSB1, p.2-10

JSP1, p.2-13

JFP1, p.2-10

AGP Slot, p.2-15

PCI Slots, p.2-15

IDE1, IDE2, p.2-8

CFAN1, p.2-7

SFAN2/SFAN1,

p.2-7

JFP2, p.2-10

JAUD1, p.2-11

JDB1, p.2-12

JUSB2, p.2-10

SATA1, SATA2, p.2-9

ATX1, p.2-6

FDD1, p.2-7

JBAT1, p.2-14

JCD1, p.2-9

JPW1, p.2-6

2-3

Hardware Setup

Central Processing Unit: CPU

CPU Core Speed Derivation Procedure

If CPU Clock = 200MHz

Core/Bus ratio = 12

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

= 200MHz x 12 = 2.4 GHz

The mainboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 processors in the 478 pin

package. The mainboard uses a CPU socket called PGA478 for easy CPU installation. When you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a heat sink and a cooling fan attached on the top to prevent overheating. If you do not have the heat sink and cooling fan, contact your dealer to purchase and install them before turning on the computer.

MSI Reminds Y ou...

Overheating

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

Overclocking

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

do not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate operation or beyond product specifications.

Memory Speed/CPU FSB Support Matrix

FSB

Memory

DDR 266

400 MHz

DDR 333 DDR 400

533 MHz 800 MHz

N/A

OKOK

OK

OKOK

OK

N/A

OKOK

OK

OKOK

OK

OKOK

OK

OKOK

OK

2-4

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

Memory

DIMM1-2

The mainboard provides 2 slots for 184-pin, 2.5V DDR DIMM modules and supports the memory size up to 2 GB without ECC,. Y ou can install DDR266/ DDR333/DDR400 DDR SDRAM modules on the DDR DIMM slots. T o operate properly, at least one DIMM module must be installed.

Introduction to DDR SDRAM

DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM is similar to conventional SDRAM, but doubles the rate by transferring data twice per cycle. It uses 2.5 volts as opposed to 3.3 volts used in SDR SDRAM, and requires 184-pin DIMM modules rather than 168-pin DIMM modules used by SDR SDRAM. Three types of DDR are available at the time of writing: DDR266, DDR333 & DDR400. DDR266 DDR SDRAM running at 133MHz will produce about 1.6GB/s memory bandwidth. DDR333 running at 166MHz will produce 2.1GB/s memory bandwidth. DDR400 is also available with bandwidith up to 3.2GB/s for singlechannel mode or with 6.4GB/s for dual-channel mode. High memory bandwidth makes DDR an ideal solution for high performance PC, workstations and servers.

DDR DIMM Module Combination

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

2-5

Hardware Setup

Installing DDR Modules

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

will only fit in the right orientation.

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

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

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

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

Volt

Notch

Memory modules can be installed in any combination as follows:

S: Single Side D: Double Side

Slot Memory Module Total Memory

DIMM 1 (Bank 0 & 1)

S/D 64MB~1GB

DIMM 2 (Bank 2 & 3)

S/D 64MB~1GB

Maximum System Memory Supported

64MB~2GB

2-6

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

The back panel provides the following connectors:

Back Panel / Power Supply

Mouse

Parallel

COM A

USB Ports

Keyboard

L-out

L-in

MIC

LAN (Optional)

USB Ports

SPDIF-Out

A TX 20-Pin Power Connector: A TX1

This connector allows you to connect to an ATX power supply. To connect to the ATX power supply, make sure the plug of the power supply is inserted in the proper orientation and the pins are aligned. Then push down the power supply firmly into the connector.

A TX 12V Power Connector: JPW1

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

PIN SIGNAL

1 GND 2 GND 3 12V 4 12V

JPW1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL

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

PIN SIGNAL

1 3.3V 2 3.3V 3 GND 45V 5 GND 65V 7 GND 8 PW_OK 9 5V_SB 10 12V

ATX1 Pin Definition

JPW1

1

3

4

2

ATX1

10

1

20

11

2-7

Hardware Setup

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1

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

Connectors

FDD1

Fan Power Connectors: CF AN1/SF AN1/SF AN2

The CPUF AN1 (processor fan), SF AN1, and SFAN2 (system fan) support system cooling fan with +12V. When connecting the wire to the connectors, always take note that the red wire is the positive and should be connected to the +12V, the black wire is Ground and should be connected to GND. If the mainboard has a System Hardware Monitor chipset on-board, you must use a specially designed fan with speed sensor to take advantage of the CPU fan control.

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

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

CF AN1

Sensor

+12V

GND

SF AN1

Sensor

+12V

GND

SF AN2

(Optional)

Sensor

+12V

GND

2-8

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

AT A133 Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2

The mainboard has a 32-bit Enhanced PCI IDE and Ultra DMA 33/66/100/ 133 controller that provides PIO mode 0~5, Bus Master, and Ultra DMA 33/66/ 100/133 function. Y ou can connect up to four hard disk drives, CD-ROM, 120MB Floppy and other devices. These connectors support the provided IDE hard disk cable.

IDE1 (Primary IDE Connector) The first hard drive should always be connected to IDE1. IDE1 can connect a

Master and a Slave drive. You must configure second hard drive to Slave mode by setting the jumper accordingly.

IDE2 (Secondary IDE Connector) IDE2 can also connect a Master and a Slave drive.

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

IDE1

IDE2

2-9

Hardware Setup

Serial A TA HDD Connectors: SA TA1, SA TA2 (Optional)

The mainboard provides dual high-speed Serial ATA interface ports. The ports support 1st generation Serial ATA data rates of 150MB/s and are fully compliant with Serial AT A 1.0 specifications. Each Serial ATA connector can connect to 1 hard disk drive.

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 GND 2 TXP 3 TXN 4 GND

5 RXN 6 RXP 7 GND

Pin Definition

Connect to SATA1 or SATA2

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

Optional Serial A TA cable

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

SATA2

SATA1

7 1

CD-In Connector: CD1

The connector is for CD-ROM audio connector.

CD1

GND

L

R

2-10

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1 & JFP2

The mainboard provides two front panel connectors for electrical connection to the front panel switches and LEDs. JFP1 is compliant with Intel

®

Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.

Power LED

Speaker

1

2

7

8

JFP2

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.

JFP1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 GND 2 SPK3 SLED 4 BUZ+

5 PLED 6 BUZ7 NC 8 SPK+

JFP2 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

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

Pin Definition

1 2

9

JUSB1 / JUSB2

Front USB Connectors: JUSB1 & JUSB2

The mainboard provides two USB 2.0 pin headers JUSB1 & JUSB2 that are compliant with Intel® I/O Connectivity Design Guide. USB 2.0 technology increases data transfer rate up to a maximum throughput of 480Mbps, which is 40 times faster than USB 1.1, and is ideal for connecting high-speed USB interface peripherals such as USB HDD, digital cameras, MP3 players, printers, modems and the like.

9

1

2

10

JFP1

HDD LED

Reset Switch

Power LED

Power Switch

10

2-11

Hardware Setup

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1

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

JAUD1

1

2

9

10

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

JAUD1 Pin Definition

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

5

6

10

9

2-12

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

D-Bracket™ 2 Connector: JDB1

The mainboard comes with a JDB1 connector for you to connect to DBracket™ 2. D-Bracket™ 2 is a USB Bracket that supports both USB1.1 & 2.0 spec. It integrates four LEDs and allows users to identify system problem through 16 various combinations of LED signals. For definitions of 16 signal combinations, please refer to D-Bracket™ 2 in Chapter 1.

D-Bracket™ 2

Connected to JUSB2 (the USB pinheader in yellow color)

Connected to JDB1

LEDs

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

bluetooth”.

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

JDB1 Pin Definition

JDB1

1

9

2

10

2-13

Hardware Setup

JSP1

1 11

12 2

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 VCC5 VCC 5V 2 VDD3 VDD 3.3V 3 SPDFO S/PDIF output 4 (No Pin) K e y 5 GND Ground 6 SPDFI S/PDIF input 7 LFE-OUT Audio bass output 8 SOUT-R Audio right surrounding output 9 CET-OUT Audio center output 1 0 SOUT-L Audio left surrounding output 11 GND Ground 12 GND Ground

JSP1 Pin Definition

Optional S-Bracket

SPDIF jack (optical)

SPDIF jack (coaxial)

Analog Line-Out jack

Connect to JSP1

S-Bracket (SPDIF) Connector: JSP1 (Optional)

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

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

2-14

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

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

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBA T1

There is a CMOS RAM on board that has a power supply from external battery to keep the data of system configuration. With the CMOS RAM, the system can automatically boot OS every time it is turned on. If you want to clear the system configuration, use the JBAT1 (Clear CMOS Jumper ) to clear data. Follow the instructions below to clear the data:

Jumpers

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

JBAT1

1

Clear Data

1

3

Keep Data

1

3

2-15

Hardware Setup

Order 1 Order 2 Order 3 Order 4 PCI Slot 1 INT A# INT B# INT C# INT D# PCI Slot 2 INT B# INT C# INT D# INT A# PCI Slot 3 INT C# INT D# INT A# INT B# PCI Slot 4 INT D# INT A# INT B# INT C# PCI Slot 5 INT A# INT B# INT C# INT D#

Slots

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

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) Slot

The AGP slot allows you to insert the AGP graphics card. AGP is an interface specification designed for the throughput demands of 3D graphics. It introduces a 66MHz, 32-bit channel for the graphics controller to directly access main memory. The slot supports 8x/4x AGP card.

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots

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

PCI Interrupt Request Routing

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

2-1

Hardware Setup

Chapter 2. Hardware Setup

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

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

Hardware Setup

2-2

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

Quick Components Guide

DDR DIMMs, p.2-4

CPU, p.2-3

Back Panel I/O, p.2-6

JUSB1, p.2-10

JSP1, p.2-13

JFP1, p.2-10

AGP Slot, p.2-15

PCI Slots, p.2-15

IDE1, IDE2, p.2-8

CFAN1, p.2-7

SFAN2/SFAN1,

p.2-7

JFP2, p.2-10

JAUD1, p.2-11

JDB1, p.2-12

JUSB2, p.2-10

SATA1, SATA2, p.2-9

ATX1, p.2-6

FDD1, p.2-7

JBAT1, p.2-14

JCD1, p.2-9

JPW1, p.2-6

2-3

Hardware Setup

Central Processing Unit: CPU

CPU Core Speed Derivation Procedure

If CPU Clock = 200MHz

Core/Bus ratio = 12

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

= 200MHz x 12 = 2.4 GHz

The mainboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 processors in the 478 pin

package. The mainboard uses a CPU socket called PGA478 for easy CPU installation. When you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a heat sink and a cooling fan attached on the top to prevent overheating. If you do not have the heat sink and cooling fan, contact your dealer to purchase and install them before turning on the computer.

MSI Reminds Y ou...

Overheating

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

Overclocking

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

do not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate operation or beyond product specifications.

Memory Speed/CPU FSB Support Matrix

FSB

Memory

DDR 266

400 MHz

DDR 333 DDR 400

533 MHz 800 MHz

N/A

OKOK

OK

OKOK

OK

N/A

OKOK

OK

OKOK

OK

OKOK

OK

OKOK

OK

2-4

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

Memory

DIMM1-2

The mainboard provides 2 slots for 184-pin, 2.5V DDR DIMM modules and supports the memory size up to 2 GB without ECC,. Y ou can install DDR266/ DDR333/DDR400 DDR SDRAM modules on the DDR DIMM slots. T o operate properly, at least one DIMM module must be installed.

Introduction to DDR SDRAM

DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM is similar to conventional SDRAM, but doubles the rate by transferring data twice per cycle. It uses 2.5 volts as opposed to 3.3 volts used in SDR SDRAM, and requires 184-pin DIMM modules rather than 168-pin DIMM modules used by SDR SDRAM. Three types of DDR are available at the time of writing: DDR266, DDR333 & DDR400. DDR266 DDR SDRAM running at 133MHz will produce about 1.6GB/s memory bandwidth. DDR333 running at 166MHz will produce 2.1GB/s memory bandwidth. DDR400 is also available with bandwidith up to 3.2GB/s for singlechannel mode or with 6.4GB/s for dual-channel mode. High memory bandwidth makes DDR an ideal solution for high performance PC, workstations and servers.

DDR DIMM Module Combination

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

2-5

Hardware Setup

Installing DDR Modules

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

will only fit in the right orientation.

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

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

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

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

Volt

Notch

Memory modules can be installed in any combination as follows:

S: Single Side D: Double Side

Slot Memory Module Total Memory

DIMM 1 (Bank 0 & 1)

S/D 64MB~1GB

DIMM 2 (Bank 2 & 3)

S/D 64MB~1GB

Maximum System Memory Supported

64MB~2GB

2-6

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

The back panel provides the following connectors:

Back Panel / Power Supply

Mouse

Parallel

COM A

USB Ports

Keyboard

L-out

L-in

MIC

LAN (Optional)

USB Ports

SPDIF-Out

A TX 20-Pin Power Connector: A TX1

This connector allows you to connect to an ATX power supply. To connect to the ATX power supply, make sure the plug of the power supply is inserted in the proper orientation and the pins are aligned. Then push down the power supply firmly into the connector.

A TX 12V Power Connector: JPW1

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

PIN SIGNAL

1 GND 2 GND 3 12V 4 12V

JPW1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL

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

PIN SIGNAL

1 3.3V 2 3.3V 3 GND 45V 5 GND 65V 7 GND 8 PW_OK 9 5V_SB 10 12V

ATX1 Pin Definition

JPW1

1

3

4

2

ATX1

10

1

20

11

2-7

Hardware Setup

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1

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

Connectors

FDD1

Fan Power Connectors: CF AN1/SF AN1/SF AN2

The CPUF AN1 (processor fan), SF AN1, and SFAN2 (system fan) support system cooling fan with +12V. When connecting the wire to the connectors, always take note that the red wire is the positive and should be connected to the +12V, the black wire is Ground and should be connected to GND. If the mainboard has a System Hardware Monitor chipset on-board, you must use a specially designed fan with speed sensor to take advantage of the CPU fan control.

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

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

CF AN1

Sensor

+12V

GND

SF AN1

Sensor

+12V

GND

SF AN2

(Optional)

Sensor

+12V

GND

2-8

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

AT A133 Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2

The mainboard has a 32-bit Enhanced PCI IDE and Ultra DMA 33/66/100/ 133 controller that provides PIO mode 0~5, Bus Master, and Ultra DMA 33/66/ 100/133 function. Y ou can connect up to four hard disk drives, CD-ROM, 120MB Floppy and other devices. These connectors support the provided IDE hard disk cable.

IDE1 (Primary IDE Connector) The first hard drive should always be connected to IDE1. IDE1 can connect a

Master and a Slave drive. You must configure second hard drive to Slave mode by setting the jumper accordingly.

IDE2 (Secondary IDE Connector) IDE2 can also connect a Master and a Slave drive.

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

IDE1

IDE2

2-9

Hardware Setup

Serial A TA HDD Connectors: SA TA1, SA TA2 (Optional)

The mainboard provides dual high-speed Serial ATA interface ports. The ports support 1st generation Serial ATA data rates of 150MB/s and are fully compliant with Serial AT A 1.0 specifications. Each Serial ATA connector can connect to 1 hard disk drive.

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 GND 2 TXP 3 TXN 4 GND

5 RXN 6 RXP 7 GND

Pin Definition

Connect to SATA1 or SATA2

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

Optional Serial A TA cable

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

SATA2

SATA1

7 1

CD-In Connector: CD1

The connector is for CD-ROM audio connector.

CD1

GND

L

R

2-10

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1 & JFP2

The mainboard provides two front panel connectors for electrical connection to the front panel switches and LEDs. JFP1 is compliant with Intel

®

Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.

Power LED

Speaker

1

2

7

8

JFP2

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.

JFP1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 GND 2 SPK3 SLED 4 BUZ+

5 PLED 6 BUZ7 NC 8 SPK+

JFP2 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

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

Pin Definition

1 2

9

JUSB1 / JUSB2

Front USB Connectors: JUSB1 & JUSB2

The mainboard provides two USB 2.0 pin headers JUSB1 & JUSB2 that are compliant with Intel® I/O Connectivity Design Guide. USB 2.0 technology increases data transfer rate up to a maximum throughput of 480Mbps, which is 40 times faster than USB 1.1, and is ideal for connecting high-speed USB interface peripherals such as USB HDD, digital cameras, MP3 players, printers, modems and the like.

9

1

2

10

JFP1

HDD LED

Reset Switch

Power LED

Power Switch

10

2-11

Hardware Setup

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1

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

JAUD1

1

2

9

10

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

JAUD1 Pin Definition

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

5

6

10

9

2-12

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

D-Bracket™ 2 Connector: JDB1

The mainboard comes with a JDB1 connector for you to connect to DBracket™ 2. D-Bracket™ 2 is a USB Bracket that supports both USB1.1 & 2.0 spec. It integrates four LEDs and allows users to identify system problem through 16 various combinations of LED signals. For definitions of 16 signal combinations, please refer to D-Bracket™ 2 in Chapter 1.

D-Bracket™ 2

Connected to JUSB2 (the USB pinheader in yellow color)

Connected to JDB1

LEDs

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

bluetooth”.

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

JDB1 Pin Definition

JDB1

1

9

2

10

2-13

Hardware Setup

JSP1

1 11

12 2

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 VCC5 VCC 5V 2 VDD3 VDD 3.3V 3 SPDFO S/PDIF output 4 (No Pin) K e y 5 GND Ground 6 SPDFI S/PDIF input 7 LFE-OUT Audio bass output 8 SOUT-R Audio right surrounding output 9 CET-OUT Audio center output 1 0 SOUT-L Audio left surrounding output 11 GND Ground 12 GND Ground

JSP1 Pin Definition

Optional S-Bracket

SPDIF jack (optical)

SPDIF jack (coaxial)

Analog Line-Out jack

Connect to JSP1

S-Bracket (SPDIF) Connector: JSP1 (Optional)

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

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

2-14

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

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

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBA T1

There is a CMOS RAM on board that has a power supply from external battery to keep the data of system configuration. With the CMOS RAM, the system can automatically boot OS every time it is turned on. If you want to clear the system configuration, use the JBAT1 (Clear CMOS Jumper ) to clear data. Follow the instructions below to clear the data:

Jumpers

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

JBAT1

1

Clear Data

1

3

Keep Data

1

3

2-15

Hardware Setup

Order 1 Order 2 Order 3 Order 4 PCI Slot 1 INT A# INT B# INT C# INT D# PCI Slot 2 INT B# INT C# INT D# INT A# PCI Slot 3 INT C# INT D# INT A# INT B# PCI Slot 4 INT D# INT A# INT B# INT C# PCI Slot 5 INT A# INT B# INT C# INT D#

Slots

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

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) Slot

The AGP slot allows you to insert the AGP graphics card. AGP is an interface specification designed for the throughput demands of 3D graphics. It introduces a 66MHz, 32-bit channel for the graphics controller to directly access main memory. The slot supports 8x/4x AGP card.

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots

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

PCI Interrupt Request Routing

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

3-1

BIOS Setup

Chapter 3. BIOS Setup

This chapter provides information on the BIOS Setup program and allows you to configure the system for optimum use. You may need to run the Setup program when:

 An error message appears on the screen during the system

booting up, and requests you to run SETUP.

 You want to change the default settings for customized

features.

BIOS Setup

3-2

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

The Main 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 Setup

Use this menu to specify your settings for power management.

PnP/PCI Configurations

This entry appears if your system supports PnP/PCI.

Once you enter Phoenix-Award® BIOS CMOS Setup Utility, the Main Menu (Figure 1) will appear on the screen. The Main Menu allows you to select from twelve setup functions and two exit choices. Use arrow keys to select among the items and press <Enter> to accept or enter the sub-menu.

3-3

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.

Load High Performance Defaults

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

Load Optimized Defaults

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

Set Supervisor Password

Use this menu to set Supervisor Password.

Set User Password

Use this menu to set User Password.

Save & Exit Setup

Save changes to CMOS and exit setup.

Exit Without Saving

Abandon all changes and exit setup.

3-4

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

Standard CMOS Features

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>.

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

BIOS. Read-only.

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

function keys.

year The year can be adjusted by users.

Time

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

IDE Primary/Secondary Master/Slave

Press PgUp/<+> or PgDn/<-> to select Manual, None 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

The items in Standard CMOS Features Menu are divided into 11 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.

3-5

BIOS Setup

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.

Drive A:/B:

This item allows you to set the type of floppy drives installed. A vailable options:

None, 360K, 5.25 in., 1.2M, 5.25 in., 720K, 3.5 in., 1.44M, 3.5 in.,

2.88M, 3.5 in..

Video

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

Halt On

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

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

board error.

Base Memory/Extended Memory/Total Memory

These items show the memory status of your system (read only).

3-6

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

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

Frequency/Voltage Control

Dynamic OverClocking

Dynamic Overclocking Technology is the automatic overclocking function, included in the MSITM’ s newly developed CoreCell

TM

T echnology . It is designed to detect the load balance of CPU while running programs, and to adjust the best CPU frequency automatically. When the motherboard detects CPU is running programs, it will speed 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 T echnology 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 1st level of overclocking. Sergeant 2nd level of overclocking. Captain 3rd level of overclocking, also the default value of "Load

High Performance Defaults".

Colonel 4th level of overclocking. General 5th level of overclocking. Commander 6th level of overclocking.

3-7

BIOS Setup

Adjust DDR Frequency

This item specifies the frequency of DDR SDRAM. Settings are: 266MHz, 333MHz, 400MHz, 433MHz, 450MHz, 466MHz, 500MHz, 533MHz, Auto.

Adjust CPU FSB Frequency

This item specifies the clock frequency of CPU host bus (FSB), AGP (3V66) and PCI bus. It provides a method for end users to overclock the processor. Setting options: Give a DEC value by entering a number between maximum 500 MHz to minimum 200 MHz.

Adjust CPU Ratio

This setting controls the ratio of CPU FSB Clock & DRAM Frequency to enable the CPU & DRAM to run at different frequency combinations. Please note that the setting options vary according to the CPU FSB Clock preset.

Adjust AGP/PCI Frequency (MHz)

This setting allows you to select the CPU Front Side Bus clock frequency. Settings: 66.66/33.33Mhz, 66.00/33.00Mhz, 75.40/75.40Mhz, 88.00/44.00Mhz.

CPU Voltage

This item specifies the voltage of CPU Vcore. Note that changing CPU Vcore could result in unstable system; therefore, it is not recommended to change

MSI Reminds You...

1. Even though the Dynamic Overclocking Technology is more stable than manual overclocking, basically, it is still risky. We suggest user to make sure that your CPU can afford to overclocking regularly first. If you find the PC appears to be unstable or reboot incidentally, it's better to disable the Dynamic Overclocking or to lower the level of overclocking options. By the way, if you need to conduct overclocking manually, you also need to disable the Dynamic OverClocking first.

2. Meanwhile, there are two functions to protect user's system from crash.

- There is a safe key "Ins" in BIOS. In case the overclocking fails, you can pr ess "Ins" key while system rebooting to restore to the BIOS defaults.

- If the system incidentally reboot for four times, the BIOS will also be restored to the defaults.

3-8

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

the default setting for long-term purpose. Settings: +0.00V~+0.20V

DDR Voltage

Adjusting the DDR voltage can increase the DDR speed. Any changes made to this setting may cause a stability issue, so changing the DDR voltage for

long-term purpose is NOT recommended. Settings: 2.50V~2.85V North Bridge/South Bridge Voltage

These two items specifie the voltage of North Bridge Voltage and South Bridge Voltage. Any changes made to these settings may cause a stability issue, so

changing the North Bridge/South Bridge Voltage for long-term purpose is NOT recommended. Settings: 1.50V~1.80V(North), 2.50V~3.00V(South)

AGP Voltage

AGP voltage is adjustable in the field, allowing you to increase the performance of your AGP display card when overclocking, but the stability may be affected. Settings: 1.50V~2.20V

Auto Detect PCI/DIMM Clk

This option allows you to enable/disable the feature of auto detecting the clock frequency of the installed PCI bus. The settings are: Enabled, Disabled.

Spread Spectrum

When the motherboard’s clock generator pulses, the extreme values (spikes) of the pulses creates EMI (Electromagnetic Interference). The Spread Spectrum function reduces the EMI generated by modulating the pulses so that the spikes of the pulses are reduced to flatter curves. If you do not have any EMI problem, leave the setting at Disable for optimal system stability and performance. But if you are plagued by EMI, set to Enabled for EMI reduction. Remember to disable Spread Spectrum if you are overclocking because even a slight jitter can introduce a temporary boost in clock speed which may just cause your overclocked processor to lock up.

MSI Reminds You...

The settings shown in different color in CPU Volatage, DDR Voltage, North Bridge/South Bridge Voltage and AGP Voltage help to verify if your setting is proper for your system. White: Safe setting.

Yellow: High performance setting. Red: Not recommended setting and the system may be

unstable.

3-9

BIOS Setup

Load High Performance/Optimized Defaults

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

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

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

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

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

MSI Reminds You...

The option is for power or overclocking users only. Use of high performance defaults will tighten most timings to increase the system performance. Therefor e, a high-end system configuration is a must, which means you need high-quality VGA adapter, RAM and so on. We don’t recommend that users should apply the high performance defaults in their regular systems. Otherwise, the system may become unstable or even crash. If the system crashes or hangs after enabling the feature, please CLEAR CMOS DATA to resolve the problem. For more information, refer to “Clear CMOS Jumper:JBAT1” in Chapter 2.

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MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

Set Supervisor/User Password

MSI Reminds You...

About Supervisor Password & User Password:

Supervisor password: Can enter and change the settings of

the setup menu.

User password: Can only enter but do not have the

right to change the settings of the setup menu.

When you select this function, a message as below will appear on the screen:

Type the password, up to eight characters in length, and press <Enter>. The password typed now will replace any previously set password from CMOS memory. You will be prompted to confirm the password. Retype the password and press <Enter>. You may also press <Esc> to abort the selection and not enter a password.

To clear a set password, just press <Enter> when you are prompted to enter the password. A message will show up confirming the password will be disabled. Once the password is disabled, the system will boot and you can enter Setup without entering any password.

When a password has been set, you will be prompted to enter it every time you try to enter Setup. This prevents an unauthorized person from changing any part of your system configuration.

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

A-1

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Appendix A: Using 2-, 4- & 6-Channel

Audio Function

The mainboard 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.

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MS-6799 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. Follow the procedures described below to install the drivers for different operating systems.

Installation for Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP

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

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

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

automatically appear.

2. Click Realtek AC97 Audio Drivers.

MSI Reminds Y ou...

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

Click here

A-3

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Click here

Select this option

4.4.

4.

Click Click

Click

FinishFinish

Finish

to restart the system. to restart the system.

to restart the system.

3.3.

3.

Click Click

Click

NextNext

to install the AC’97 Audio software. to install the AC’97 Audio software.

to install the AC’97 Audio software.

A-4

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

Software Configuration

After installing the audio driver, you are able to use the 4-/6-channel audio feature now. Click the audio icon from the window tray at the lowerright corner of the screen to activate the AC97 Audio Configuration.

Sound Effect

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

You may also edit the properties for an environment as you wish by clicking the Edit button, then just scroll the bar in the bottom for each property to adjust.

A-5

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Here it provides the Karaoke function which will automatically remove

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

Just check the Voice Cancellation box and then click OK to activate the

Karaoke function.

A-6

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

Equalizer

Here you regulate each equalizer for current playing digital sound sources.

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 buttons Load and Save. Or you may click Reset to use the default value.

A-7

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Speaker Configuration

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

and speakers.

1. Select the audio configuration below which is identical to the audio jack in your mainboard.

2. Select a desired multi-channel operation from Number of Speaker.

a. Headphone for the common 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

3. Here it shows the multi-channel setting for the audio jack. Please connect your speakers to the correct phone jack in accordance with the setting displayed here.

4. Then click OK to apply the configuration.

2

3

1

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MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

Speaker Test

You can use this tab to test each connected speaker to ensure if 4- or 6channel audio operation works 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.

Select the speaker by clicking it to test its functionality. The one you select will light up and make testing sound.

Select this function

Subwoofer

Front Right

Rear Right

Center

Front Left

Rear Left

A-9

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

MSI Reminds Y ou...

1. 6 speakers appear on the “Speaker Test” tab only when you

select “6-Channel Mode” in the “Number of Speakers” col- umn in “Speaker Configuration” tab. If you select “4-Channel Mode”, only 4 speakers appear on the window.

2. While you are testing the speakers in 6-Channel Mode, if the sound coming from the center speaker and subwoofer is swapped, you should select Swap Center/Subwoofer Output to readjust these two channels.

HRTF Demo

In this tab you may adjust your HR TF (Head Related T ransfer Functions) 3D positional audio before playing 3D audio applications like gaming. Y ou may also select different environment to choose the most suitable environment you like.

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MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

General

In this tab it provides some information about this AC97 Audio Configu-

ration utility , including Audio Driver Version, DirectX Version, Audio Controller & AC97 Codec. You may also select the language of this utility by choosing from the Language list.

A-11

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Using 2-, 4- & 6- Channel Audio Function

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

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

 Using the back panel only

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

 Using the optional S-Bracket

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

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.

 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.

4

Using the Back Panel only

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

Back Panel

3

1

2

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MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

 4-Channel Mode for 4-Speaker Output

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

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

4

Back Panel

3

1

2

1 *Line Out (Rear channels) 2 Line Out (Front channels) 3 MIC 4 Coaxial SPDIF jack

* Line In function is converted to Line Out function when 4-Channel Mode for 4-Speaker Output is selected.

* Both Line In and MIC function are converted to Line Out function when 6-Channel Mode for 6-Speaker Output is selected.

 6-Channel Mode for 6-Speaker Output

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

1 * Line Out (Rear channels) 2 Line Out (Front channels) 3 * Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel) 4 Coaxial SPDIF jack

Back Panel

3

1

2

4

A-13

Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

2-Channel Analog Audio Output

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

MSI Reminds Y ou...

If the audio signals coming from the Center and Subwoofer speaker are swapped when you play video or music on the computer, a converter may be required to exchange center and subwoofer audio signals. The converter can be purchased from a speaker store.

Using the Optional S-Bracket

S-Bracket is an optional accessory. It gives access to analog and digital audio output by integrating both SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interface) and analog LINE OUT connectors. T o use the S-Bracket, you should select correct setting in the software utility. For information about the setting, refer to Se- lecting 2-, 4- or 6-Channel Setting later in the section.

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

4

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

Back Panel

1

2

3

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MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

4-Channel Analog Audio Output

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

1 MIC 2 Line Out (Front channels) 3 Line In 4 Optical SPDIF jack 5 Coaxial SPDIF jack 6 Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel, but no functioning in this mode) 7 Line Out (Rear channels) 8 Coaxial SPDIF jack

Back Panel

S-Bracket

8

7

2

3

4

5

6

1

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Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

6-Channel Analog Audio Output

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

1 MIC 2 Line Out (Front channels) 3 Line In 4 Optical SPDIF jack 5 Coaxial SPDIF jack 6 Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel) 7 Line Out (Rear channels) 8 Coaxial SPDIF jack

S-Bracket

Back Panel

8

7

2

3

4

5

6

1

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MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

1 Optical SPDIF jack 2 Coaxial SPDIF jack 3 Line Out 4 Line Out

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

Digital Audio Output (2-Channel only)

For digital audio output, use the SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interface)

connectors supplied by S-Bracket. First, connect the SPDIF speakers to the appropriate SPDIF jack, and then select the audio channel you desire through the control panel of speakers. The SPDIF connectors support 2-channel audio operation only.

S-Bracket offers two types of SPDIF jacks: one for fiber-optic cable and

the other for coaxial cable. Select the connector according to the type of your SPDIF speakers.

S-Bracket

2

1

4

3

VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction

B-1

Appendix. Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Appendix B: VIA VT8237 Serial ATA

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 AT A interface. SAT A 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 SAT A 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)

1 0. 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.

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

B-2

Introduction

This section gives a brief introduction on the RAID-related background knowledge and a brief introduction on VIA SAT A 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 Capacity Benefits

RAID 0

(Striping)

2 Number drives * 2 Highest performance without data

protection

RAID 1

(Mirroring)

2 Smallest size Data protection

VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction

B-3

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.

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

B-4

BIOS Configuration

When the system powers on during the POST (Power-On Self Test)

process, press <Tab> key to enter the BIOS configuration.

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:

VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction

B-5

Create Disk Array

Use the up and down arrow keys to select the Create Array command

and press <Enter>.

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.

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

B-6

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.

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.

VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction

B-7

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.

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

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

B-8

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.

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.

VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction

B-9

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.

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

B-10

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.

VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction

B-11

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.

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

B-12

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.

VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction

B-13

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.

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

B-14

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 TA RAID Controller(Windows 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 SA TA 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.

Installing RAID Software & Drivers

VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction

B-15

Installation of VIA SA TA 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 SAT A RAID Utility contains the following key features:

h Serial ATA RAID driver for Windows 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.

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

B-16

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.

VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction

B-17

Once the installation is complete, go to Start ---> Programs --->VIA --

->raid_tool.exe to enable VIA RAID Tool.

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 .

Using VIA RAID Tool

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

B-18

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 KT6 Delta, the available features are as following:

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.

V iew by Controller

V iew Event log

V iew by Devices

Help Topics

It means that VT8237 SAT A RAID in KT6 Delta only has the feature of monitoring the statuses of RAID 0 and RAID 1.

VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID Introduction

B-19

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.

MS-6799 ATX Mainboard

B-20

Click on the plus (+) symbol next to Array 0---RAID 1 to see the details of each disk.