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.
NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, DualNet, and nForce are registered trademarks or trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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
RevisionRevision HistoryDate
V1.0First releaseMay 2006
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 website at http://www.msi.com.tw/program/service/faq/
faq/esc_faq_list.php for FAQ, technical guide, BIOS updates, driver
updates, and other information.
Contact our technical staff at http://support.msi.com.tw/.
ii
Safety Instructions
1.Always read the safety instructions carefully.
2.Keep this User’s Manual for future reference.
3.Keep this equipment away from humidity.
4.Lay this equipment on a reliable flat surface before setting it up.
5.The openings on the enclosure are for air convection hence protects the equipment from overheating. DO NOT COVER THE OPENINGS.
6.Make sure the voltage of the power source and adjust properly 110/220V before connecting the equipment to the power inlet.
7.Place the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not place
anything over the power cord.
8.Always Unplug the Power Cord before inserting any add-on card or module.
9.All cautions and warnings on the equipment should be noted.
10. Never pour any liquid into the opening that could damage or cause electrical
shock.
11. If any of the following situations arises, get the equipment checked by a service
personnel:
† 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.
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer.
iii
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 instructions, 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.
† Connect 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-7242
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
WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Statement
Thank you for choosing the K9AGM Series (MS-7242
v1.X), an excellent Micro ATX mainboard from MSI.
Based on the innovative ATI® RS485/RS485C & SB600
controllers for optimal system efficiency, the K9AGM
Series accommodates the latest AMD® Sempron /
Athlon64 / Athlon64 X2 AM2 processors in Socket 940
package and supports up to four 240-pin DDRII 800/
667/533/400 DIMM slots to provide the maximum of 8GB
memory capacity.
1-1
MS-7242 Mainboard
Mainboard Specifications
Processor Support
- AMD Sempron/Athlon64/Athlon64 X2 AM2 processors in Socket 940
- Supports 3/4 pin CPU Fan with Fan Speed Control
- Supports up to 5000+ and higher CPU
Supported FSB
- 1000 MHz
Chipset
- North Bridge: ATI RS485/RS485C chipset (optional)
- South Bridge: ATI SB600 chipset
Memory Support
- DDRII 800/667/533/400 DRAM (8GB Max)
- 4 DIMMs DDRII (240pin / 1.8V)
LAN (Optional)
- Supports PCI LAN Realtek RTL8100C (10/100) or RTL8110SB/SC
(10/100/1000) Fast Ethermet (optional)
1394 (Optional)
- Supports 2 IEEE1394 ports, transfer rate is up to 400Mbps
- Controlled by VIA VT6307/VT6308 (optional)
1-2
Audio
- Realtek® ALC883/888 chip integrated (optional)
- Flexible 8-channel audio
- Compliant with High Definition Audio
IDE
- 1 IDE port by SB600
- Supports Ultra DMA 66/100/133 mode
- Supports PIO, Bus Master operation mode
SATA
- SATA II ports by SB600
- Supports four SATA II device
- Supports storage and data transfers at up to 300MB/s
Floppy
- 1 floppy port
- Supports 1 FDD with 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88Mbytes
Connectors
Back Panel
- 1 PS/2 mouse port
- 1 PS/2 keyboard port
- 1 DVI port (optional)
- 1 VGA port
- 1 parallel port supporting SPP/EPP/ECP mode
- 4 USB 2.0 ports
- 1 LAN jack (optional 10/100Mbps or Gigabit)
- 3 flexible audio jacks
- 1 1394 port (optional)
Onboard Pinheaders
- 3 USB 2.0 pinheaders
- 1 1394 pinheader (optional)
- 1 TV-out pinheader (optional)
- 1 Audio header (rear/center/side output)
Slots
- 1 PCI Express x16 slot
- 2 PCI slots
- 1 PCI Express x 1 slot
Getting Started
Form Factor
- Micro-ATX (24.5cm X 24.5 cm)
Mounting
- 8 mounting holes
For more information on compatible components, please visit
* The pictures are for reference only. Your packing contents may vary depending on the model you purchased.
TV-out Bracket
(Optional)
Audio-out Bracket
(Optional)
1-5
Hardware Setup
Chapter 2
Hardware Setup
This chapter provides you with the information about
hardware setup procedures. While doing the installation,
be careful in holding the components and follow the
installation procedures. For some components, if you
install in the wrong orientation, the components will not
work properly.
Use a grounded wrist strap before handling computer
components. Static electricity may damage the
components.
2-1
MS-7242 Mainboard
BIOS
Quick Components Guide
JPW1, p.2-10
SYSFAN1, p.2-13
Back Panel
I/O, p.2-9
JCOM1,p.2-17
PCI Express
Slots, p.2-21
PCI Slots,
p.2-21
JAUD1, p.2-14
JCD1, p.2-14
J1, p.2-15
SPDOUT1, p.2-15
JTV1,p.2-19
CPU, p.2-3
J1394_1, p.2-13
SPDIN1, p.2-15
DDRII DIMMs, p.2-6
JBAT1, p.2-20
JUSB1/2/3, p.2-18
CPUFAN1, p.2-13
JCI1, p.2-14
FDD1, p.2-11
ATX1, p.2-10
IDE1, p.2-11
SATA1~4,
p.2-12
JFP1, p.2-16
JFP2, p.2-16
2-2
Hardware Setup
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The mainboard supports AMD® Sempron / Athlon64 / Athlon64 X2 AM2 processors in
Socket 940. When you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a heat sinkand 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.
For more information on compatible components, please visit http://www.msi.comtw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_cpu_support.php.
Important
1. Overheating will seriously damage the CPU and system. Always make
sure the cooling fan can work properly to protect the CPU from overheating.
2. Make sure that you apply an even layer of heat sink paste (or thermal tape)
between the CPU and the heatsink to enhance heat dissipation.
3. While replacing the CPU, always turn off the ATX power supply or unplug
the power supply’s power cord from the grounded outlet first to ensure the
safety of CPU.
.
2-3
MS-7242 Mainboard
Open the lever
Gold arrow
Gold arrow
Gold arrow
Correct CPU
O
Incorrect CPU
the lever
CPU Installation Procedures for Socket AM2
1.Please turn off the power and
unplug the power cord before
installing the CPU.
Sliding
2.Pull the lever sideways away
from the socket. Make sure to
raise the lever up to a 90-degree angle.
3.Look for the gold arrow on the
CPU. The gold arrow should point
as shown in the picture. The CPU
can only fit in the correct
orientation.Lower the CPU down
onto the socket.
the plate
90 degree
4.If the CPU is correctly installed,
the pins should be completely
embedded into the socket and
can not be seen. Please note
that any violation of the correct
installation procedures may
cause permanent damages to
your mainboard.
5. Press the CPU down firmly into
the socket and close the lever.
As the CPU is likely to move while
the lever is being closed, always close the lever with your
fingers pressing tightly on top of
the CPU to make sure the CPU is
properly and completely embedded into the socket.
2-4
Press down
the CPU
placement
placement
Close
Hardware Setup
Installing AMD Socket AM2 CPU Cooler Set
When you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a heat sink and a
cooling fan attached on the top to prevent the CPU from 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.
Important
Mainboard photos shown in this section are for demonstration of the cooler
installation for Socket AM2 CPUs only. The appearance of your mainboard
may vary depending on the model you purchased.
1.Position the cooling set onto the retention mechanism.
Hook one end of the clip to hook
first.
3.Fasten down the lever.
* While disconnecting the Safety Hook from the fixed bolt, it is necessary to
keep an eye on your fingers, because once the Safety Hook is disconnected
from the fixed bolt, the fixed lever will spring back instantly.
2. Then press down the other end of
the clip to fasten the cooling set on
the top of the retention mechanism.
Locate the Fix Lever and lift up it .
Fixed Lever
4.Attach the CPU Fan cable to the CPU
fan connector on the mainboard.
2-5
MS-7242 Mainboard
Memory
The mainboard provides four 240-pin DDRII 800/667/533/400 DIMM slots and supports up to 8GB system memory.
For more information on compatible components, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_trp_list.php.
DDRII
240-pin, 1.8V
64x2=128 pin56x2=112 pin
Dual-Channel: Channel A in GREEN; Channel B in ORANGE
Memory Population Rules
This mainboard supports DDRII 800/667/533/400 memory interface.
Each DIMM slot supports up to a maximum size of 2GB. Users can install either single-
or double-sided modules depending on their needs.
GREEN SlotsORANGE Slots
DIMM1 (CH A) DIMM3 (CH A) DIMM2 (CH B)DIMM4 (CH B) Mode
128MB~2GB128MB~2GBDual Channel
128MB~2GB128MB~2GBDual Channel
128MB~2GB128MB~2GB128MB~2GB128MB~2GBDual Channel
Important
Make sure that you install memory modules of the same type and density on
DDRII DIMMs.
2-6
Hardware Setup
Installing DDRII Modules
1. The memory module has only one notch on the center and will only fit in the right
orientation.
2. Insert the memory module vertically into the DIMM slot. Then push it in until the
golden finger on the memory module is deeply inserted in the DIMM slot.
Important
You can barely see the golden finger if the memory module is properly inserted
in the DIMM slot.
3. The plastic clip at each side of the DIMM slot will automatically close.
Volt
Notch
2-7
MS-7242 Mainboard
Back Panel
10/100 LAN
Mouse
KeyboardUSB Ports
Mouse/Keyboard Connector
The standard PS/2® mouse/keyboard DIN connector is for a PS/2® mouse/keyboard.
Parallel Port Connector
A parallel port is a standard printer port that supports Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP)
and Extended Capabilities Parallel Port (ECP) mode.
Digital Panel Connector (optional)
The DVI (Digital Visual Interface) connector allows you to connect an LCD monitor. It
provides a high-speed digital interconnection between the computer and its display
device. To connect an LCD monitor, simply plug your monitor cable into the DVI
connector, and make sure that the other end of the cable is properly connected to
your monitor (refer to your monitor manual for more information.)
VGA Connector
The DB15-pin female connector is provided for VGA monitors.
USB Connectors
The OHCI (Open Host Controller Interface) Universal Serial Bus root is for attaching
USB devices such as keyboard, mouse, or other USB-compatible devices.
IEEE 1394 Port (optional)
The 1394 port on the back panel provides connection to 1394 devices.
Parallel Port
DVI Port
(optional)
VGA Port
or Gb LAN
(optional)
1394 Port
(optional)
Line-In
Line-Out
Mic-In
2-8
Hardware Setup
RJ-45 LAN Jack (optional)
The standard RJ-45 jack is for connection to single Local Area Network (LAN). You
can connect a network cable to it.
Activity Indicator
Link Indicator
8 1
RJ-45 LAN Jack
LEDColorLED StateCondition
LeftOrange On (steady state)LAN link is established.
RightOn100 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.
OffLAN link is not established.
On (brighter & pulsing)The computer is communicating with another
GreenOff10 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.
Orange On1000 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.
computer on the LAN.
Audio Port Connectors
These audio connectors are used for audio devices. You can differentiate the color
of the audio jacks for different audio sound effects.
Blue audio jack - Line In, is used for external CD player, tapeplayer or
other audio devices.
Green audio jack - Line Out, is a connector for speakers or headphones.
Pink audio jack - Mic In, is a connector for microphones.
Black audio jack - Rear-Surround Out in 5.1/ 7.1 channel mode.
Orange audio jack - Center/ Subwoofer Out in 5.1/ 7.1 channel mode.
Gray audio jack - Side-Surround Out in 5.1/ 7.1 channel mode.
Line In
Line Out
Rear Out
Center and Subwoofer Out
Side Surround Out
MIC
Back PanelOptional Audio Bracket
2-9
MS-7242 Mainboard
Power Supply
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.
This 12V power connector is used to provide power to the CPU.
JPW1
2
1
34
JPW1 Pin Definition
PINSIGNAL
1GND
2GND
312V
412V
Important
1. Maker sure that these two connectors are connected to adequate ATX power
supplies to ensure stable operation of the mainboard.
2. Power supply of 350watts (and above) is highly recommended for system
stability.
3. ATX 12V power connection should be greater than 18A.
2-10
Hardware Setup
Connectors
Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1
This standard FDD connector supports 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88M floppy
disk types.
FDD1
ATA133 Hard Disk Connector: IDE1
The mainboard has a 32-bit Enhanced PCI IDE and Ultra DMA 66/100/133 controller
that provides PIO mode 0~4, Bus Master, and Ultra DMA 66/100/133 function. You can
connect hard disk drives, CD-ROM and other IDE devices.
The Ultra ATA133 interface boosts data transfer rates between the computer and the
hard drive up to 133 megabytes (MB) per second. The new interface is one-third
faster than earlier record-breaking Ultra ATA/100 technology and is backwards
compatible with the existing Ultra ATA interface.
IDE1
Important
If you install two hard disks on cable, you must configure the second drive to
Slave mode by setting its jumper. Refer to the hard disk documentation
supplied by hard disk vendors for jumper setting instructions.
2-11
MS-7242 Mainboard
Serial ATA Connectors: SATA1~SATA4
SATA1~SATA4 are high-speed SATA II interface ports and support SATA II data rates
of 300MB/s. Each SATA II connector can connect to 1 hard disk device and is fully
compliant with Serial ATA 2.0 specifications.
SATA2SATA1
1
7
1
7
SATA4SATA3
Serial ATA cable
SATA1~ SATA4 Pin Definition
PINSIGNALPIN SIGNAL
1GND2RXN
3RXP4GND
5TXN6TXP
7GND
Take out the dust cover
and connect to the hard
disk devices
Connect to SATA1/2/3/4
Important
Please do not fold the Serial ATA cable into 90-degree angle. Otherwise,
data loss may occur during transmission.
2-12
Hardware Setup
IEEE 1394 Connector: J1394_1 (Optional)
The mainboard provides an IEEE1394 pinheader that allows you to connect IEEE 1394
ports via an external IEEE1394 bracket (optional).
Pin Definition
PINSIGNALPINSIGNAL
1TPA+2TPA3Ground4Ground
5TPB+6TPB7Cable power8Cable power
9Key (no pin)10Ground
J1394_1
1 9
2 10
Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN1, SYSFAN1
The fan power connectors 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.
CPUFAN1
+1 2V
SE NS OR
GND
GND
+1 2V
SE NS OR
CONTROL
SYSFAN1
Important
Please refer to the recommended CPU fans at Intel® / AMD® official website or
consult the vendors for proper CPU cooling fan.
2-13
MS-7242 Mainboard
Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JCI1
This connector is connected to a 2-pin chassis switch. If the chassis is opened, the
switch will be short. The system will record this status and show a warning message on the screen. To clear the warning, you must enter the BIOS utility and clear the
record.
C
I
N
G
T
N
R
D
U
2
1
JCI1
CD-In Connector: JCD1
This connector is provided for CD-ROM audio.
GND
L
R
JCD1
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
2
1
Pin Definition
PINSIGNALDESCRIPTION
1PORT 1LAnalog Port 1 - Left channel
2GNDGround
3PORT 1RAnalog Port 1 - Right channel
4PRESENCE#Active low signal - signals BIOS that a High Definition Audio
5PORT 2RAnalog Port 2 - Right channel
6SENSE1_RETIRNJack detection return from front panel JACK1
7SENSE_SENDJack detection sense line from the High Definition Audio CODEC
8KEYConnector Key
9PORT 2LAnalog Port 2 - Left channel
10SENSE2_RETIRN Jack detection return from front panel JACK2
dongle is connected to the analog header. PRESENCE# = 0
when a High Definition Audio dongle is connected.
jack detection resistor network
10
9
2-14
Hardware Setup
SPDIF Connector: SPDOUT1/SPDIN1 (Optional)
These connectors are used to connect SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interconnect
Format) interface for digital audio transmission. The SPDOUT1 is for SPDIF-Out and
the SPDIN1 is for SPDIF-In.
NC
NC
Connect to SPDOUT1 or SPDIN1
SPDIF-Out
GND
SPDOUT1
SPDIF-In
GND
SPDIN1
SPDIF Bracket (Optional)
Audio-Out Connector: J1
The J1 is an audio-out connector for you to attach an external Audio-Out bracket
(optional). The Audio-Out bracket offers three audio-out jacks. Select the appropriate
one to connect to the proper speaker.