MSI 915GM, 915GM6-F, 915GVM6-L, 915GVM6-F, MS-7177 User Manual

i

MS-7177 (v2.X) Micro-ATX Mainboard

915GM6/PM6/GVM6 Series

G52-M7177X1

ii

Manual Rev: 2.0
Release Date: Aug. 2005

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
MS-7177

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.
AMD, Athlon™ 64 and Athlon™ FX are registered trademarks of AMD Corporation.

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

Revision History

Revision Revision History Date

V2.0 First release for PCB 2.X Aug. 2005

with Intel 915G/P/GV & ICH6

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 interference that
may cause undesired operation

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:

† 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.

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.

Technical Support

If a problem arises with your system and no solution can be obtained from the user’ s
manual, please contact your place of purchase or local distributor. Alternatively,
please try the following help resources for further guidance.
† Visit the MSI homepage & FAQ site for technical guide, BIOS updates, driver

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

com.tw/program/service/faq/faq/esc_faq_list.php

† Contact our technical staff at: [e-mail]

v

WEEE Statement

vi

vii

viii

CONTENTS

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

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

Technical Support..........................................................................................................iv

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

WEEE Statement..............................................................................................................v

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introduction to LGA 775 CPU......................................................................2-3

CPU & Cooler Installation.............................................................................2-4

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

Introduction to DDR2 SDRAM.....................................................................2-7

Memory Module Population Rules...............................................................2-8

Installing DDR2 Modules..............................................................................2-8

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

ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: ATX1.........................................................2-9

ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW1............................................................2-9

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

Mouse/Keyboard Connector....................................................................2-10

VGA Connector (Optional, for 915G/ 915GV only)................................2-10

Serial Port Connector: COM1 & COM2......................................................2-11

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

LAN(RJ-45)Jack:10/100 LAN(8100C)/Giga-bit LAN(8110S is optional)2-12

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

Parallel Port Connector: LPT1...................................................................2-14

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

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

Fan Power Connectors: CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN/ PWR_FAN.....................2-15

Hard Disk Connector: IDE..........................................................................2-16

Aux Line-In Connector: AUX_IN...............................................................2-16

CD-In Connector: CD_IN............................................................................2-16

Serial ATA Connectors controlled by Intel ICH6: SATA1~SATA4...........2-17

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1 & JFP2.....................................................2-18

ix

FWH/LPC Debugging Pin Header: JLPC1.................................................2-19

Wake On LAN Connector: WOL...............................................................2-19

Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JC1..............................................2-19

Front USB Connectors: F_USB1/ F_USB2..............................................2-20

Front Panel Audio Connector: F_AUD.....................................................2-20

Jumpers..............................................................................................................2-21

Clear CMOS Jumper: CLR_CMOS............................................................2-21

Slots....................................................................................................................2-22

PCI Express Slot (optional).......................................................................2-22

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots......................................2-22

PCI Interrupt Request Routing...................................................................2-23

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

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

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

Getting Help..................................................................................................3-2

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

Default Settings...........................................................................................3-2

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

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

Advanced BIOS Features...................................................................................3-7

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

Integrated Peripherals.......................................................................................3-15

Power Management Features..........................................................................3-20

PNP/PCI Configurations.....................................................................................3-24

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

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

BIOS Setting Password....................................................................................3-30

Load Fail-Safe/Optimized Defaults..................................................................3-31

Chapter 4. Introduction to DigiCell.....................................................................4-1

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

Introduction:.................................................................................................4-2

H/W Diagnostic....................................................................................................4-4

Communication.....................................................................................................4-5

Software Access Point.......................................................................................4-6

Terminology..................................................................................................4-6

Access Point Mode.....................................................................................4-7

WLAN Card Mode........................................................................................4-8

Live Update..........................................................................................................4-9

x

MEGA STICK.......................................................................................................4-10

Basic Function...........................................................................................4-10

Non-Unicode programs supported...........................................................4-12

Core Center (for Pentium 4 CPU).....................................................................4-14

Left-wing: Current system status............................................................4-15

Right-wing: PC hardware status during real time operation.................4-15

Audio Speaker Setting......................................................................................4-16

Power on Agent.................................................................................................4-18

Power On...................................................................................................4-18

Power Off / Restart...................................................................................4-19

Start With....................................................................................................4-19

Auto Login..................................................................................................4-20

Chapter 5. Introduction to Realtek ALC655.....................................................5-1

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

Installation for Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP..............................................5-2

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

Using the Back Panel..................................................................................5-4

Testing the Connected Speakers.......................................................................5-9

Playing KaraOK...................................................................................................5-11

1-1

Getting Started

Chapter 1. Getting
Started

Thank you for choosing the 915GM6/ PM6/ GVM6 Series
(MS-7177) v2.x M-ATX mainboard. The 915GM6/ PM6/ GVM6 Se-
ries mainboard is based on Intel® 915G/P/GV and Intel® ICH6 chipset
for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced Intel

®

Pentium 4 Prescott LGA775 processor, the 915GM6/ PM6/ GVM6
Series mainboard delivers a high performance and professional

desktop platform solution.

Getting Started

1-2

MS-7177 M-ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Specifications

CPU

† Supports Intel® Pentium 4 Prescott LGA775 processors in LGA775 package.
† Supports up to Pentium 4 3XX, 5XX & P4EE (Intel Pentium 4 Processor with HT

Technology Extreme Edition) .
(For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/program/
products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_cpu_support.php)

Chipset

† Intel® 915G/915P/915GV chipset

- Supports FSB 800MHz.

- Supports PCI Express x16 interface. (optional)

- Supports DDR2 400/533 memory interface.

- Integrated graphics controller. (for 915G/GV only)

† Intel® ICH6 chipset

- Hi-Speed USB (USB2.0) controller, 480Mb/sec, up to 8 ports.

- 4 Serial ATA ports with transfer rate up to 1.5Gb/s.

- 1 channel Ultra ATA 100 bus Master IDE controller.

- PCI Master v2.3, I/O APIC.

- ACPI 2.0 Compliant.

Main Memory

† Supports four unbuffered DIMM of 1.8 Volt DDR2 SDRAM
† Supports up to 4GB memory size.
† Supports Dual channel DDR2 memory architecture.
† Supports DDR2 400/533 memory interface.

(For the updated supporting memory modules, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/
program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_trp_list.php.)

Slots

† One PCI Express x16 slot (supports PCI Express Bus specification v1.0a compliant)

(optional).
† Three 32-bit v2.3 Master PCI bus slots (support 3.3v/5v PCI bus interface).

On-Board IDE

† One Ultra DMA 33/66/100 IDE controllers integrated in ICH6.

- Supports PIO, Bus Master operation modes.

- Can connect up to Two Ultra ATA drives.

† Serial ATA 150 controller integrated in ICH6.

- Up to 150MB/sec transfer speed.

- Can connect up to four Serial ATA devices.

1-3

Getting Started

On-Board Peripherals

† On-Board Peripherals include:

- 1 floppy port supports 1 FDD with 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88Mbytes

- 2 serial ports (Real *1/ Front *1)

- 1 VGA port (for 915G/915GV only, Optional)

- 1 parallel port supports SPP/EPP/ECP mode

- 1 Line-In / Line-Out / MIC-In 3 in 1 audio connector

- 8 USB ports (Rear * 4/ Front * 4)

- 1 RJ-45 LAN jack

LAN

† Realtek RTL8100C or 8110S (8110S is optional)

- Integrated Fast Ethernet MAC and PHY in one chip

- Supports 10Mb/s, 100Mb/s and 8110S supports up to 1000Mb/s

- Compliance with PCI v2.2

- Supports ACPI Power Management

Audio

† AC97 link controller integrated in ICH6.
† 6 channels S/W audio codec Realtek ALC655 codec

- Compliance with AC97 2.3 Spec

- Meets PC2001 audio performance requirement

BIOS

† The mainboard BIOS provides “Plug & Play” BIOS which detects the peripheral

devices and expansion cards of the board automatically.
† The mainboard provides a Desktop Management Interface (DMI) function which

records your mainboard specifications.

Mounting and Dimension

† M-ATX Form Factor: 24.4 cm (W) x 24.4 cm (L)
† 8 mounting holes

1-4

MS-7177 M-ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Layout

915GM6/ 915PM6/ 915GVM6 Series

(MS-7177) v2.x M-ATX Mainboard

PCI1

PCI-E1 (optional)

PCI 2

PCI3

B

A

TT+

CD_INAUX_IN1

COM2

WOL

CLR_CMOS1

JFP2

JFP1

Intel

ICH6

PWR_FAN

JLPC1

S

A

T

A

2

S

A

T

A

1

S

A

T

A

4

I

D

E

F

D

D

Winbond

W83627THF

CPU_FAN

JC1

D

I

M

M

1

D

I

M

M

3

D

I

M

M

2

D

I

M

M

4

SYS_FAN

A

T

X

1

S

A

T

A

3

F_USB1 F_USB2

F_AUD

J

P

W

1

BIOS

T: mouse
B: keyboard

T:

Line-Out

B:Mic

Line-In

M:

ALC655

LAN

CHIP

Intel

915P/G/GV

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-7177 M-ATX Mainboard

Quick Components Guide

DDR DIMMs, p.2-7

Back Panel
I/O, p.2-10

CPU_FAN, p.2-15

ATX1, p.2-9

JFP1, p.2-18

PCI Slots 1~3,

p.2-22

F_USB1, F_USB2

, p.2-20

SATA1~SATA4,

p.2-17

CLR_CMOS1,

p.2-21

JC1, p.2-19

JPW1, p.2-9

PCI Express x16,

p.2-22

FDD1, p.2-15

IDE, p.2-16

SYS_FAN, p.2-15

F_AUD,p.2-20

CD_IN, p.2-16

AUX_IN, p.2-16

WOL, p.2-19

COM2, p.2-21

PWRFAN, p.2-15

JFP2, p.2-18
JLPC1, p.2-18

2-3

Hardware Setup

Central Processing Unit: CPU

The mainboard supports Intel® Pentium 4 Prescott processor. The mainboard
uses a CPU socket called LGA775. When you are installing the CPU, make sure to
install the cooler to prevent overheating. If you do not have the CPU cooler,
contact your dealer to purchase and install them before turning on the computer.

For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/

program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_cpu_support.php.

MSI Reminds You...

Overheating

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

Replacing the CPU

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

Overclocking

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

or risks caused by inadequate operation or beyond product
specifications.

Introduction to LGA 775 CPU

The surface of LGA 775 CPU.
Remember to apply some sili­cone heat transfer compound on
it for better heat dispersion.

Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

The pin-pad side of LGA 775
CPU.

Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

Alignment Key Alignment Key

2-4

MS-7177 M-ATX Mainboard

CPU & Cooler Installation

When you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a cooler at-

tached on the top to prevent overheating. If you do not have the cooler, contact

your dealer to purchase and install them before turning on the computer. Meanwhile,
do not forget to apply some silicon heat transfer compound on CPU before installing
the heat sink/cooler fan for better heat dispersion.

Follow the steps below to install the CPU & cooler correctly. Wrong installation

will cause the damage of your CPU & mainboard.

1.The CPU has a land side cover on the
bottom to protect the CPU contact from
damage. Rotate it to make the pin 1
indicator (yellow triangle) in the right­bottom corner.

2.Take out the accompanying CPU Clip
and rotate it for the same direction
as the CPU (Pin 1 indicator is in the
left-bottom corner).

land side cover

MSI Reminds You...

1.Confirm if your CPU cooler is firmly installed before turning on your
system.

2.Do not touch the CPU socket pins to avoid damaging.

3. The availability of the CPU land side cover depends on your CPU
packing.

3.Use 2 hands to remove the land side
cover (if any). Please note not to touch
the pins.

4.Align the two pin 1 indicators (the
triangles on the CPU & the CPU Clip),
and use the CPU Clip to clip the CPU
up, pressing the clips on both sides
to the center, as the arrows shown.

2-5

Hardware Setup

5.The CPU has a plastic cap on it to
protect the contact from damage.
Before you have installed the CPU,
always cover it to protect the socket
pin.

6.Remove the cap from lever hinge side
(as the arrow shows). The pins of
socket reveal.

7.Lift the load lever up and open the
load plate.

8.Correctly align the triangle of CPU Clip
with the CPU chamfer, and the square
on the CPU Clip to the hook of the
socket.

9.Use your thumb and the middle fin­gers to push the clips to release the
CPU, then press down the CPU with
your index finger to allow the whole
module to be installed onto the CPU
socket.

10.The CPU is installed well on the CPU
socket.

2-6

MS-7177 M-ATX Mainboard

MSI Reminds You...

1.Check the information in PC Health Status in BIOS (Chapter 3) for the
CPU temperature.

2. Whenever CPU is not installed, always protect your CPU socket pin
with the plastic cap covered (shown in Figure 1) to avoid damaging.

3. Please note that the mating/unmating durability of the CPU is 20 cycles.
Therefore we suggest you do not plug/unplug the CPU too often.

12. Press down the load lever lightly
onto the load plate, and then secure
the lever with the hook under reten­tion tab.

11.Visually inspect if the CPU is seated
well into the socket, then remove the
CPU Clip with 2 fingers. Then cover
the load plate onto the package.

13. Align the holes on the mainboard with

the cooler. Push down the cooler until
its four clips get wedged into the
holes of the mainboard.

14.Press the four hooks down to fasten
the cooler. Then rotate the locking
switch (refer to the correct direction
marked on it) to lock the hooks.

locking

switch

15.Turn over the mainboard to confirm
that the clip-ends are correctly
inserted.

Note:If you want to uninstall the CPU,

align the 4 points (see Point 8 for
details) again and push the clip to
lift up the CPU.

2-7

Hardware Setup

Memory

The mainboard provides 4 slots for 240-pin DDR2 DIMM, which supports the

memory size up to 4GB.

Since DDR2 modules are not interchangeable with DDR1 and the DDR2 stand­ard is not backward compatible, you should always install DDR2 memory module in
the DDR2 slot (DIMM1~DIMM4). Otherwise, you are not able to boot up your system
and your mainboard might be damaged.

For the updated supporting memory modules, please visit http://www.msi.
com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_trp_list.php.

DIMM1~DIMM4
(from left to right)

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.

2-8

MS-7177 M-ATX Mainboard

Installing DDR2 Modules

1. The DDR2 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.

Volt

Notch

Memory Module Population Rules

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, while both channels (in the same color) populated
with same amount of memory size will work as dual-channel DDR2. However,
memory modules of the same type and density are required while using dual-

channel DDR2, or instability may happen.

Dual Channel Combination

MSI Reminds You...

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

DIMM1 (CH A) DIMM3 (CH B) DIMM2 (CH A)DIMM4 (CH B) Mode
128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB Dual Channel

128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB Dual Channel

128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB Dual Channel

GREEN Slots PURPLE Slots

2-9

Hardware Setup

Power Supply

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

JPW1

1
3

4

2

PIN SIGNAL

13 +3.3V
14 -12V
15 GND
16 PS-ON#
17 GND
18 GND
19 GND
20 Res
21 +5V
22 +5V
23 +5V
24 GND

PIN SIGNAL

1 +3.3V
2 +3.3V
3 GND
4 +5V
5 GND
6 +5V
7 GND
8 PWR OK
9 5VSB
10 +12V
11 +12V
12 +3.3V

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL

1 GND
2 GND
3 12V
4 12V

Pin Definition

ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: ATX1

This connector allows you to connect an ATX 24-pin power supply. To
connect the ATX 24-pin 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.

You may use the 20-pin ATX power supply as you like. If
you’d like to use the 20-pin ATX power supply, please plug your
power supply along with pin 1 & pin 13 (refer to the image at the
right hand). There is also a foolproof design on pin 11, 12, 23 & 24
to avoid wrong installation.

ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW1

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

ATX1

1

12

24

13

pin 12

pin 13

MSI Reminds You...

1. These two connectors connect to the ATX power supply and have to
work together to ensure stable operation of the mainboard.

2. Power supply of 350 watts (and above) is highly recommended for
system stability.

3. ATX 12V power connection should be greater than 18A.

2-10

MS-7177 M-ATX Mainboard

The back panel provides the following connectors:

Back Panel

Mouse/Keyboard Connector

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

PS/2 Mouse / Keyboard

(6-pin Female)

2

1

3

4

5

6

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 Mouse/Keyboard Data Mouse/Keyboard data
2 NC No connection
3 GND Ground
4 VCC +5V
5 Mouse/Keyboard Clock Mouse/Keyboard clock
6 NC No connection

Pin Definition

Keyboard

COM1

USB Ports

Mic

L-Out

L-In

Mouse

Parallel

LAN

VGA port

(for 915G/GV)

VGA Connector (Optional, for 915G/ 915GV only)

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

VGA Connector

(DB 15-pin)

1

5

11

15

Pin Signal Description Pin Signal Description

1 RED 2 GREEN
3 BLUE 4 N/C
5 GND 6 GND
7 GND 8 GND
9 +5V 10 GND
11 N/C 12 SDA
13 Horizontal Sync 14 Vertical Sync
15 SCL

USB Ports

2-11

Hardware Setup

Serial Port Connector: COM1 & COM2

The mainboard offers one 9-pin male DIN connector COM A, and one optional
serial header COM2. Both are 16550A high speed communication ports that send/
receive/ 16 bytes FIFOs. You can attach a serial mouse or other serial device directly
to them.

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

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

Pin Definition

9-Pin Male DIN Connector

COM1

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

USB Connectors

The mainboard provides an OHCI (Open 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.

USB Ports

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

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

USB Port Description

COM2

1

9

2

10

2-12

MS-7177 M-ATX Mainboard

LAN (RJ-45) Jack:10/100 LAN (8100C) /Giga-bit LAN (8110S is
optional)

The mainboard provides 1 standard RJ-45 jack for connection to single Local Area
Network (LAN). This LAN enables data to be transferred at 10/ 100Mbps or (1000Mbps

-> for 8110S only). You can connect a network cable to it.

The pin assignments vary depending on the transfer rates: 10/100Mbps or
1000Mbps. Note that Pin 1/2, 3/6, 4/5, 7/8 must work in pairs. Please refer
to the following for details:

10/100 LAN Pin Definition Giga-bit LAN Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 D0P Differential Pair 0+
2 D0N Differential Pair 0­ 3 D1P Differential Pair 1+
4 D2P Differential Pair 2+
5 D2N Differential Pair 2­ 6 D1N Differential Pair 1­ 7 D3P Differential Pair 3+
8 D3N Differential Pair 3-

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 TDP Transmit Differential Pair
2 TDN Transmit Differential Pair
3 RDP Receive Differential Pair
4 NC Not Used
5 NC Not Used
6 RDN Receive Differential Pair
7 NC Not Used
8 NC Not Used

LED Color LED State Condition

Off LAN link is not established.

Left Orange On (steady state) LAN link is established.

On (brighter & pulsing) The computer is communicating with another

computer on the LAN.

Green Off 10 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

Right On 100 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

Orange On 1000 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

Link Indicator

8 1

Activity Indicator

RJ-45 LAN Jack

2-13

Hardware Setup

Audio Port Connectors

The 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 ALC655
to offer support for 5.1-channel audio operation and can turn rear audio connectors
from 2-channel to 4-/5.1- channel audio.

MSI Reminds You...

For the advanced functions of the audio codec, please refer to Chapter
4: Introduction to Realtek ALC655 Audio Codec for details.

Line Out

Line In

MIC

2-14

MS-7177 M-ATX Mainboard

Parallel Port Connector: LPT1

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

13 1

14

25

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 STROBE Strobe
2 DATA0 Data0
3 DATA1 Data1
4 DATA2 Data2
5 DATA3 Data3
6 DATA4 Data4
7 DATA5 Data5
8 DATA6 Data6
9 DATA7 Data7
10 ACK# Acknowledge
11 BUSY Busy
12 PE Paper End
13 SELECT Select
14 AUTO FEED# Automatic Feed
15 ERR# Error
16 INIT# Initialize Printer
17 SLIN# Select In
18 GND Ground
19 GND Ground
20 GND Ground
21 GND Ground
22 GND Ground
23 GND Ground
24 GND Ground
25 GND Ground

Pin Definition

2-15

Hardware Setup

The mainboard provides connectors to connect to FDD, IDE HDD, case, LAN,
and USB Ports.

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: CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN/ PWR_FAN

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

CPU_FAN

SENSOR
+12V

GND

Control

SYS_FAN

Sensor

+12V

GND

PWR_FAN

NC

+12V

GND

MSI Reminds You...

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

2.CPU_FAN supports the fan control. Fan/heatsink with 3 or 4 fins
are both available.

3.Please refer to the recommended CPU fans at Intel® official
website.

2-16

MS-7177 M-ATX Mainboard

Hard Disk Connector: IDE

The mainboard has one 32-bit Ultra DMA 33/66/100 IDE controller integrated in
the SourthBridge ICH6, which supports PIO & Bus Master operation modes and it can
connect up to two Ultra ATA drives.

IDE (Primary IDE Connector)
IDE1 can connect a Master and a Slave drive. You must configure second hard drive

to Slave mode by setting the jumper accordingly.

MSI Reminds You...

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

IDE (blue)

Aux Line-In Connector: AUX_IN

The connector is for DVD add-on card with Line-in connector.

AUX_IN

GND

R

L

CD_IN

CD-In Connector: CD_IN

The connector is for CD-ROM audio connector.

GND

R

L