MSI MS-7255 User Manual

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MS-7255

MS-7255 (v1.X/v2.X) Mainboard

G52-72551X6

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.

NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, DualNet, and nForce are registered trademarks or trade-

marks of NVIDIA Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

AMD, Athlon™ , Athlon™ XP, Thoroughbred™, and Duron™ are registered trade-

marks 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.

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 July 2006

V1.1 Include P4M900M Cover September 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 for FAQ, technical guide, BIOS updates, driver updates, and other information: http://www.msi.com.tw/program/service/faq/

faq/esc_faq_list.php

Contact our technical staff at: http://support.msi.com.tw/

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 accor-

dance 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-7255

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.

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Statement

vii viii

CONTENTS

Copyright Notice..............................................................................................................ii

Trademarks.......................................................................................................................ii

Revision History..............................................................................................................ii

Technical Support...........................................................................................................ii

Safety Instructions.........................................................................................................iii

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

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Statement....................................v

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

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

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

Packing Checklist.................................................................................................1-4

PC AlertTM 4.........................................................................................................1-6

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

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

CPU (Central Processing Unit)............................................................................2-2

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

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

Memory.................................................................................................................2-6

Installing DDRII Modules...............................................................................2-7

Power Supply......................................................................................................2-8

ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: JPWR2......................................................2-8

ATX 12V Power Connector: JPWR1..........................................................2-8

Back Panel............................................................................................................2-8

Connectors........................................................................................................2-10

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1...........................................................2-11

ATA133 Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2............................................2-11

Serial ATA Connectors: SATA1, SATA2...................................................2-12

Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN1, PWRFAN1, SYSFAN1....................2-13

Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JCASE1.......................................2-13

IEEE 1394 Connectors: J1394_1..............................................................2-14

SPDIF-Out Connector: JSPDIFOUT1.........................................................2-15

Serial Port Connector: JCOM 2.................................................................2-15

Aux Line-In Connector: JCD1...................................................................2-16

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1/JFP2........................................................2-16

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1......................................................2-17

Front USB Connectors: JUSB1, JUSB2...................................................2-18

Jumpers..............................................................................................................2-19

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1.....................................................................2-19

Slots....................................................................................................................2-20

PCI Interrupt Request Routing...................................................................2-20

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Express Slots.......................2-21

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots......................................2-21

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

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

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

Standard CMOS Features...................................................................................3-6

Advanced BIOS Features...................................................................................3-8

Integrated Peripherals.......................................................................................3-10

Advanced Chipset Features.............................................................................3-11

Power Management Setup...............................................................................3-14

PNP/PCI Configurations.....................................................................................3-16

Cell Menu............................................................................................................3-18

H/W Monitor........................................................................................................3-19

Load Optimized Defaults...................................................................................3-20

BIOS Setting Password.....................................................................................3-22

Appendix A VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Introduction...........................................A-1

Introduction..........................................................................................................A-2

BIOS Configuration..............................................................................................A-3

Installing Operating System & Drivers.............................................................A-10

Using VIA RAID Tool..........................................................................................A-11

Appendix B VIA VT1708 Audio.............................................................................B-1

Installing the VIA VT1708 Audio Driver..............................................................B-2

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

Software Configuration......................................................................................B-4

HD Audio Deck: Adeck.........................................................................................B-4

Display Mode........................................................................................................B-5

Simple Mode.................................................................................................B-5

Full Mode......................................................................................................B-5

PANEL DETAIL..............................................................................................B-6

Configuration Panels...................................................................................B-7

Speaker Configuration Panel......................................................................B-7

Mixer Configuration Panel...........................................................................B-9

Effects Configuration Panel......................................................................B-11

Jack Configuration Panel...........................................................................B-13

S/PDIF Configuration Panel.......................................................................B-17

System Information Panel.........................................................................B-17

Hot Key Configuration Panel.....................................................................B-18

Getting Started

Chapter 1

Getting Started

Thank you for choosing the MS-7255 Series (MS-7255 v1.X/v2.X) Micro ATX mainboard. The MS-7255 Series mainboards are based on VIA® P4M890/P4M900 & VIA® 8237A chipsets for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced Intel® Pentium 4 processor, the mainboards deliver a high performance and professional desktop platform solution.

1-1

MS-7255 Mainboard

Mainboard Specifications

Processor Support*

- Supports Intel® Pemtium 4 Extreme Edition, Pentium 4, Pentium D (805/820), Pentium D (920/925/930), Celeron D and Intel CoreTM 2 Duo processors in the LGA775 package.

- Supports 3/4 pin CPU Fan Pin-Header with Fan Speed Control.

- Supports EIST Technology

- Supports Hyper-Threading (HT) Technology

- Supports Intel Dual Core Technology

We recommend use processor with 95w power consumption (805/ 820/920/925/930)

Supported FSB

- 533/800/1066 MHz

Chipset

- North Bridge: VIA® P4M890/P4M900

- South Bridge: VIA® 8237A

Memory Support**

- DDRII 400/533 SDRAM (2GB Max)

- 2 DDRII DIMMs (240pin / 1.8V)

LAN

- Supports LAN 10/100 Fast Ethermet by VIA® VT6103L

- Supports LAN 10/100/1000 Fast Ethermet by VIA® VT6122

IEEE 1394 (Optional)

- Chip integrated by VIA VT 6307 or VT6308

Audio

- Chip integrated by VIA® VT1708

- Flexible 8-channel audio with jack sensing

- Compliant with Azalia 1.x HD audio.

IDE

- 2 ports (4 IDE channels).

- Supports Ultra DMA 33/66/100/133 mode

- Supports PIO, Bus Master operation mode

SATA

- 2 SATA ports

- Supports 2 SATA devices.

- Supports storage and data transfers at up to 150 MB/s

(optional)

1-2

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 serial port (COM1)

- 1 parallel port supporting SPP/EPP/ECP mode

- 1 D-Sub VGA port

- 1 IEEE 1394 port (Optional)

- 4 USB 2.0 ports

- 1 LAN jack

- 6 flexible audio jacks.

On-Board Pinheaders

- 1 front Audio pinheader

- 1 CD-in pinheader

- 1 SPDIF-out pinheader

- 1 IEEE 1394 pinheader (Optional)

- 2 USB 2.0 pinheaders

- 1 serial port pinheader (JCOM2)

Getting Started

Slots

- 1 PCI Express x16 slot

- 1 PCI Express x1 slot

- 2 PCI slots.

- Support 3.3V/ 5V PCI bus Interface

Form Factor

- Micro-ATX (24.4cm X 21.0cm)

Mounting

- 6 mounting holes

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

com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_cpu_support.

php

** For the updated supporting memory modules, please visit http://

www.msi.com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/

pro_mbd_trp_list.php

1-3

MS-7255 Mainboard

BATT

IDE 1IDE 2FDD 1JCOM

VIA

VT8237A

P4M890

/ P4M900

DIMM1DIMM

BIOS

JCD1

JSPDIFOUT1

JFP2

JFP1

SYSFAN1

CPUFAN1

JCASE

Mainboard Layout

Top : mouse Bottom: keyboard

Top : Parallel Port

Bottom: COM portA VGA port

Top:1394 Bottom: USB ports

PWRFAN1

JPWR1

Winbond

W83627EHG

Top: LAN Jack Bottom: USB ports

Line-In

Line-Out

Mic

T:RS-Out M:CS-Out B:SS-Out

VIA

VT6103L

VIA

VT6307

/ VT6308

VT1708

JAUD1

VIA

JPWR2

PCIE_1

PCI E_2

PCI 1

PCI 2

JUSB2

J1394_1

JUSB1

JBAT1

MS-7255 v1.X/v2.X M-ATX Mainboard

SATA2

SATA1

1-4

Packing Checklist

Getting Started

MSI motherboard

Power Cable

MSI Driver/Utility CD

Standard Cable for

IDE Devices

SATA Cable (Optional)

Back IO Shield

User’s Guide

* The pictures are for reference only. Your packing contents may vary depending on the model you purchased.

1-5

MS-7255 Mainboard

PC AlertTM 4

The PC AlertTM 4 is a utility you can find in the CD-ROM disk. The utility is just like your PC doctor that can detect the following PC hardware status during real time operation:

ö monitor CPU & system temperatures ö monitor fan speeds ö monitor system voltages

If one of the items above is abnormal, the program main screen will be immediately shown on the screen, with the abnormal item highlighted in red. This will continue to be shown until the condition returns to the normal status.

Adjusting Keys

Temperature Modes

Users can use the Adjusting Keys to change the minimum and maximum threshold of each item for the system to send out a warning message. Click Temperature to select the temperature modes of either Fahrenheit (oF) or Celsius (oC). The PC Alert™ 4 icon on the Status Area will show the current CPU temperature.

Important

1. Items shown on PC Alert 4 vary depending on your system status.

2. Whenever the minimum or maximum threshold of each item has been changed, please close the PC Alert 4 program for the new settings to take effect.

1-6

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-7255 Mainboard

Quick Components Guide

2-2

Hardware Setup

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

This mainboard supports Intel® Pentium 4 processor in LGA 775 package. 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.

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.

Introduction to LGA 775 CPU

The pin-pad side of LGA 775 CPU.

Alignment Key Alignment Key

Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

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

2-3

MS-7255 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 plastic cap on it to protect the contact from damage. Before you install the CPU, always cover it to protect the socket pin.

3.The pins of socket reveal.

2.Remove the cap from lever hinge side (as the arrow shows).

4.Open the load lever.

2-4

Hardware Setup

Important

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.

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

7.Visually inspect if the CPU is seated well into the socket. If not, take out the CPU with pure vertical motion and reinstall.

6.After confirming the CPU direction for correct mating, put down the CPU in the socket housing frame. Be sure to grasp on the edge of the CPU base. Note that the alignment keys are matched.

alignment

key

8.Cover the load plate onto the package.

2-5

MS-7255 Mainboard

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

11.Press the four hooks down to fas-

ten the cooler. Then rotate the locking switch (refer to the correct direction marked on it) to lock the hooks.

10. Align the holes on the mainboard with the heatsink. Push down the cooler until its four clips get wedged into the holes of the mainboard.

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

locking

switch

Important

1.Check the information in H/W Monitor 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.

2-6

Hardware Setup

Memory

The mainboard provides two 240-pin non-ECC DDRII DIMM slots.

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 pin 56x2=112 pin

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 module is properly inserted in the DIMM slot.

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

Volt

Notch

Important

-DDRII modules are not interchangeable with DDR and the DDRII standard is not backwards compatible. You should always install DDRII memory modules in the DDRII DIMM slots and DDR memory modules in the DDR DIMM slots.

-In dual-channel mode, make sure that you install memory modules of the same type and density in differentchannel DDR DIMM slots.

-To enable successful system boot-up, always insert the memory modules into the DIMM1 first.

2-7

MS-7255 Mainboard

Power Supply

ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: JPWR2

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.

JPWR2 Pin Definition

pin 13

pin 12

PIN SIGNAL

1 +3.3V

2 +3.3V

JPWR2

24 12

3 GND

4 +5V

5 GND

6 +5V

7 GND

8 PWR OK

9 5VSB

10 +12V

11 +12V

12 NC

ATX 12V Power Connector: JPWR1

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

JPWR1 Pin Definition

JPWR1

PIN SIGNAL

1 GND

2 GND

3 12V

4 12V

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

Important

1. Maker sure that all the connectors are connected to proper ATX power supplies 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.

2-8

Back Panel

Hardware Setup

Mouse

Parallel

Keyboard USB Ports

VGA PortSerial Port

1394 Port

LAN

L-In

L-Out

Mic

RS-Out

CS-Out

SS-Out

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.

Serial Port Connector The serial port is a 16550A high speed communications port that sends/ receives 16 bytes FIFOs. You can attach a serial mouse or other serial devices directly to the connector.

VGA Connector The DB15-pin female connector is provided for VGA monitors.

IEEE 1394 Port The 1394 port on the back panel provides connection to 1394 devices.

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.

LAN (RJ-45) Jack The standard RJ-45 jack is for connection to single Local Area Network (LAN). You

Link IndicatorActivity Indicator

can connect a network cable to it.

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.

2-9

MS-7255 Mainboard

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 / Side-Surround Out in 7.1 channel mode, 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 - If there is a gray audio jack on the back panel in your

mainboard, the Gray audio jack is for Rear-Surround Out and the Black audio jack will be used as the SideSurround Out.

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.

ATA133 Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2

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.

FDD1

IDE1 (Primary IDE Connector)

IDE1 can connect a Master and a Slave drive. You must configure the 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.

IDE2IDE1

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-7255 Mainboard

Serial ATA Connectors: SATA1, SATA2

SATA1, SATA2 are high-speed Serial ATA interface ports. Each supports 1st generation serial ATA data rates of 150MB/s and is fully compliant with Serial ATA 1.0 specifications. Each Serial ATA connector can connect to 1 hard disk device.

SATA1

SATA2

7 1

Serial ATA cable

SATA1, SATA2 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 GND 2 RXN

3 RXP 4 GND

5 TXN 6 TXP

7 GND

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

Connect to SATA1, 2

Important

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

2-12

Hardware Setup

Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN1, PWRFAN1, 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.

CONTROL

SENSOR

+12V

GND

CPUFAN1

SENSOR

+12V

GND

PWRFAN1

SENSOR

+12V

GND

SYSFAN1

Important

Please refer to the recommended CPU fans at Intel® official website or consult the vendors for proper CPU cooling fan.

Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JCASE1

This connector connects 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.

CINTRU

GND

JCASE1

2-13

MS-7255 Mainboard

IEEE 1394 Connectors (optional): J1394_1

The mainboard provides IEEE1394 pinheaders that allow you to connect IEEE 1394 ports via an external IEEE1394 bracket (optional).

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 TPA+ 2 TPA-

J1394_1

3 Ground 4 Ground

5 TPB+ 6 TPB-

7 Cable power 8 Cable power

9 Key (no pin) 10 Ground

Connected to J1394_1

Foolproof

design

IEEE1394 Bracket (Optional)

2-14

Hardware Setup

SPDIF-Out Connector: JSPDIFOUT1

This connector is used to connect SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interconnect Format) interface for digital audio transmission.

JSPDIFOUT1

VCC

SPDIF

Connected to JSPDIFOUT1

GND

SPDIF Bracket (Optional)

Serial Port Connector: JCOM 2

The mainboard provides one 9-pin header as serial port JCOM 2. The port is a 16550A high speed communication port that sends/receives 16 bytes FIFOs. You can attach a serial mouse or other serial devices directly to it.

JCOM2

192

Pin Definition

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

2-15

MS-7255 Mainboard

Aux Line-In Connector: JCD1

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

GND

JCD1

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1/JFP2

The mainboard provides two front panel connectors for electrical connection to the front panel switches and LEDs. The JFP1 is compliant with Intel® Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.

JFP1

910

Reset

Switch

HDD LED

JFP2

Speaker

Power LED

JFP1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 HD_LED + Hard disk LED pull-up

2 FP PWR/SLP MSG LED pull-up

3 HD_LED - Hard disk active LED

4 FP PWR/SLP MSG LED pull-up

5 RST_SW - Reset Switch low reference pull-down to GND

6 PWR_SW + Power Switch high reference pull-up

7 RST_SW + Reset Switch high reference pull-up

8 PWR_SW - Power Switch low reference pull-down to GND

9 RSVD_DNU Reserved. Do not use.

Power Switch++

Power LED

2-16

JFP2 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 GND Ground

2 SPK- Speaker-

3 SLED Suspend LED

4 BUZ+ Buzzer+

5 PLED Power LED

6 BUZ- Buzzer-

7 NC No connection

8 SPK+ Speaker+

Hardware Setup

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1

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

JAUD1

2 1

JAUD1 Pin Definition

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

Important

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.

6 10

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MS-7255 Mainboard

Front USB Connectors: JUSB1, JUSB2

The mainboard provides two USB 2.0 pinheaders (optional USB 2.0 bracket available) 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, mo-

dems and the like.

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

JUSB1/2

2 1

1 VCC 2 VCC

3 USB0- 4 USB1-

5 USB0+ 6 USB1+

7 GND 8 GND

9 Key (no pin) 10 USBOC

USB 2.0 Bracket

Connected to JUSB1/2

(Optional)

Important

Note that the pins of VCC and GND must be connected correctly to avoid possible damage.

2-18

Hardware Setup

Jumpers

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1

There is a CMOS RAM onboard 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, set the JBAT1 (Clear CMOS Jumper ) to clear data.

JBAT1

Keep Data

Clear Data

Important

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.

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MS-7255 Mainboard

Slots

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Express Slots

PCI Express architecture provides a high performance I/O infrastructure for Desktop Platforms with transfer rates starting at 2.5 Giga transfers per second over a PCI Express x1 lane for Gigabit Ethernet, TV Tuners, 1394 controllers, and general purpose I/O. Also, desktop platforms with PCI Express Architecture will be designed to deliver highest performance in video, graphics, multimedia and other sophisticated applications. Moreover, PCI Express architecture provides a high performance graphics infrastructure for Desktop Platforms doubling the capability of existing AGP 8x designs with transfer rates of 4.0 GB/s over a PCI Express x16 lane for graphics controllers, while PCI Express x1 supports transfer rate of 250 MB/s.

PCI Express x16 Slot

PCI Express x1 Slot

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots

The PCI slots support LAN cards, SCSI cards, USB cards, and other add-on cards that comply with PCI specifications. At 32 bits and 33 MHz, it yields a throughput rate of 133 MBps.

32-bit PCI Slot

Important

When adding or removing expansion cards, make sure that you unplug the power supply first. Meanwhile, read the documentation for the expansion card to configure any necessary hardware or software settings for the expansion card, such as jumpers, switches or BIOS configuration.

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Hardware Setup

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 pins as follows:

Order 1 Order 2 Order 3 Order 4

PCI Slot 1 INT B# INT C# INT D# INT A#

PCI Slot 2 INT C# INT D# INT A# INT B#

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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:

BIOS Setup

² An error message appears on the screen during the

system booting up, and requests you to run SETUP.

² You want to change the default settings for cus-

tomized features.

3-1

MS-7255 Mainboard

Entering Setup

Power on the computer and the system will start POST (Power On Self Test) process. When the message below appears on the screen, press <DEL> key to enter Setup.

Press DEL to enter SETUP

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

Important

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

2.Upon boot-up, the 1st line appearing after the memory count is the BIOS version. It is usually in the format:

W7255VMS V1.0 031505 where:

1st digit refers to BIOS maker as A = AMI, W = AWARD, and P = PHOENIX. 2nd - 5th digit refers to the model number. 6th digit refers to the chipset as I = Intel, N = nVidia, and V = VIA. 7th - 8th digit refers to the customer as MS = all standard customers. V1.0 refers to the BIOS version. 031505 refers to the date this BIOS was released.

3-2

Control Keys

<↑> Move to the previous item <↓> Move to the next item <←> Move to the item in the left hand <→> Move to the item in the right hand

<Enter> Select the item <Esc> Jumps to the Exit menu or returns to the main menu from a

<+/PU> Increase the numeric value or make changes <-/PD> Decrease the numeric value or make changes <F6> Load Optimized Defaults <F7> Load Fail-Safe Defaults <F10> Save all the CMOS changes and exit

BIOS Setup

submenu

Getting Help

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

Main Menu

The main menu lists the setup functions you can make changes to. You can use the

arrow keys ( ↑↓ ) to select the item. The on-line description of the highlighted setup

function is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Sub-Menu

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

can use arrow keys ( ↑↓ ) to highlight the

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

General Help <F1>

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

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MS-7255 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 AWARD® special enhanced features.

Advanced Chipset Setup

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

Integrated Peripherals

Use this menu to specify your settings for integrated peripherals.

Power Management Features

Use this menu to specify your settings for power management.

PCI/PNP Resource Management

This entry appears if your system supports PnP/PCI.

H/W Monitor

This entry shows your PC health status.

Cell Menu

Use this menu to specify your settings for CPU/AGP frequency/voltage control and overclocking.

3-4

BIOS Setup

Load Fail-Safe Defaults

Use this menu to load the default values set by the mainboard manufacturer.

Load Optimized Defaults

Use this menu to load the default values set by the mainboard manufacturer specifically for optimal performance of the mainboard.

BIOS Setting Password

Use this menu to set the password for BIOS.

Save & Exit Setup

Save changes to CMOS and exit setup.

Exit Without Saving

Abandon all changes and exit setup.

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MS-7255 Mainboard

Standard CMOS Features

The items in Standard CMOS Features Menu includes some basic setup items. Use the arrow keys to highlight the item and then use the <+> or <-> keys to select the value you want in each item.

Date (MM:DD:YY)

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 (hh:mm:ss)

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

IDE Primary/Secondary/Third/Fourth Master/Slave

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

3-6

BIOS Setup

Type

This item allows you to select how to define the HHD parameters.

32Bit Data Transfer

Enable 32bit to maximize the IDE hard disk data transfer rate.

Floppy A

This item allows you to set the type of the floppy drives installed.

Halt On

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

[No Errors] The system doesn’t stop for any detected error. [All, But Keyboard] The system doesn’t stop for a keyboard error.

**System Information**

CPU Type and memory status of your system (read only).

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MS-7255 Mainboard

Advanced BIOS Features

Quick Boot Setting the item to [Enabled] allows the system to boot within 5 seconds since it will skip some check items.

CPU Configuration

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.

**CPU Information**

Manufacturer/Frequency/FSB Speed/Cache L1/Cache L2/Ratio Value These items show the CPU related information of your system (read only).

Ratio CMOS Setting

This setting controls the multiplier that is used to determine the internal clock speed of the processor relative to the external or motherboard clock speed. It is available only when the processor supports this function.

CPU TM function

The item allows you to specify the CPU speed (at percentage) to which it will slow down when the CPU reaches the predetermined overheat temperature.

3-8

BIOS Setup

Execute Disable Bit

Execute-Disable Bit capability is a robust hardware feature, detectable using the CPUID instruction, that protects against malicious software executing code on IA32 systems.

C1E Support

This item allows you to enable/disable the C1E power management feature which can also drop clock speed and voltage on the processor.

Hardware Prefetcher

This item allows you to to enable/disable the hardware prefetcher, or in other words – hardware prefetch mechanism.

Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch

This item allows you to enable/disable the adjacent cache line prefetch mode. When disabled, only one 64 byte line from the 128 byte sector is prefetched (which contains the requested data). When enabled – both lines are prefetched no matter whether they have or have not the requested data.

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

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

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

Boot Up Num-Lock LED

This setting is to set the Num Lock status when the system is powered on. Setting to [On] will turn on the Num Lock key when the system is powered on. Setting to [Off] will allow users to use the arrow keys on the numeric keypad.

MPS Configuration This field allows you to select which MPS (Multi-Processor Specification) version to be used for the operating system. You need to select the MPS version supported by your operating system. To find out which version to use, consult the vendor of your operating system.

1st Boot Device The original IBM PCs loaded the DOS operating system from drive A (floppy disk), so IBM PC-compatible systems are designed to search for an operating system first on drive A, and then on drive C (hard disk). However, modern computers usually load the operating system from the hard drive, and may even load it from a CD-ROM drive.

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MS-7255 Mainboard

Advanced Chipset Setup

Important

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

VGA Frame Buffer Size

The field specifies the size of system memory allocated for video memory.

Primary Graphics Adapter

This setting specifies which graphic card is your primary graphics adapter.

DRAM Frequency

Use this field to configure the clock frequency of the installed DRAM.

DRAM Timing

The value in this field depends on performance parameters of the installed memory chips (DRAM). Do not change the value from the factory setting unless you install new memory that has a different performance rating than the original DRAMs.

V-Link mode selection

This item lets you choose the speed mode between the North Bridge & South Bridge.

V-Link 8X Supported

This item enables or disables the 8X VLink Data Rate.

V-Link Date 2X Support

This item enables or disables the VLink Data 2X.

3-10

Integrated Peripherals

BIOS Setup

USB Functions

This setting is used to enable/disable the onboard USB host controller.

USB 2.0 Ports Enable

Set to [Enabled] if you need to use any USB 2.0 device in the operating system that does not support or have any USB 2.0 driver installed, such as DOS and SCO Unix.

Legacy USB Support

Set to [Enabled] if you need to use any USB 1.1/2.0 device in the operating system that does not support or have any USB 1.1/2.0 driver installed, such as DOS and SCO Unix. Set to [Disabled] only if you want to use any USB device other than the USB mouse.

USB Keyboard Legacy Support

Select Enabled if your system contains a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller and you have a USB keyboard.

USB Mouse Legacy Support

Select [Enabled] if you need to use a USB-interfaced mouse in the operating system.

USB Storage Device Support

Select [Enabled] if you need to use a USB-interfaced keyboard or storage device in the operating system.

IDE Configuration

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu:

PCI IDE BusMaster

This item allows you to enable/ disable the PCI IDE busmaster.

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MS-7255 Mainboard

OnBoard PCI IDE Controller

The integrated peripheral controller contains an IDE interface with support for two IDE channels. Change setting to activate each channel separately or both.

SATA Devices Configuration

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu:

Serial ATA IDE Controller

This feature allows users to enable or disable the RAID function for each SATA hard disk drive.

Serial ATA BIOS Execute

This allows you to enable or disable onchip Serial ATA controller.

LAN Controller This setting allows you to enable/disable the onboard LAN controller.

Onboard LAN Option ROM The item enables or disables the initialization of the onboard LAN Boot ROMs during bootup. Selecting [Disabled] will speed up the boot process.

Audio Controller

This item allows you to enable/ disable the audio controller. Disable the function if you want to use other controller cards to connect an audio device.

OnBoard 1394

This setting is used to enable/disable the onboard IEEE 1394 controller.

I/O Devices Configuration

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu:

Floppy Disk Controller

This is used to enable or disable the onboard Floppy controller.

Serial Port1/2 Address

These items specify the base I/O port addresses of the onboard Serial Port 1/2 . Selecting [Auto] allows BIOS to automatically determine the correct base I/O port address.

Parallel Port Address

There is a built-in parallel port on the on-board Super I/O chipset that provides Standard, ECP, and EPP features.

Parallel Port Mode

[SPP] Standard Parallel Port [EPP] Enhanced Parallel Port [ECP] Extended Capability Port [ECP + EPP] Extended Capability Port + Enhanced Parallel Port

3-12

BIOS Setup

To operate the onboard parallel port as Standard Parallel Port only, choose [SPP]. To operate the onboard parallel port in the EPP mode simultaneously, choose [EPP]. By choosing [ECP], the onboard parallel port will operate in ECP mode only. Choosing [ECP + EPP] will allow the onboard parallel port to support both the ECP and EPP modes simultaneously.

Parallel Port IRQ

This item allows you to set parallel port IRQ.

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MS-7255 Mainboard

Power Management Features

Important

S3-related functions described in this section are available only when your BIOS supports S3 sleep mode.

ACPI Function This item is to activate the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Management Interface) Function. If your operating system is ACPI-aware, such as Windows 98SE/ 2000/ME/XP, select [Enabled]. Settings: [Enabled] and [Disabled].

ACPI Standby This item specifies the power saving modes for ACPI function. If your operating system supports ACPI, such as Windows 98SE, Windows ME and Windows 2000, you can choose to enter the Standby mode in S1 (POS) or S3 (STR) fashion through the setting of this field. Options are:

[S1(POS)]The S1 sleep mode is a low power state. In this state, no system

context is lost (CPU or chipset) and hardware maintains all system context.

[S3(STR)]The S3 sleep mode is a lower power state where the information

of system configuration and open applications/files is saved to main memory that remains powered while most other hardware components turn off to save energy. The information stored in memory will be used to restore the system when a “wake up” event occurs.

Suspend Time Out

If system activity is not detected for the length of time specified in this field, all devices except CPU will be shut off.

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BIOS Setup

Power Button Mode

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

[Power Off] The power button functions as a normal power-on/-off button. [Suspend] When you press the power button, the computer enters the

suspend/sleep mode, but if the button is pressed for more than four seconds, the computer is turned off.

Restore on AC/Power Loss This setting specifies whether your system will reboot after a power failure or interrupt occurs. Available settings are:

[Power Off] Leaves the computer in the power off state. [Power On] Leaves the computer in the power on state. [Last State] Restores the system to the previous status before power

failure or interrupt occurred.

Wakeup Event Setup

Press <Enter> to enter sub-menu.

Resume On KBC

The item specifies how the system will be awakened from power saving mode when input signal of the keyboard is detected.

Wake-Up Key

This setting only works Resume On KBC is set to [Enabled]. This setting specifies how the system will be awakened from power saving mode when input signal of the keyboard is detected.

Resume On PS/2 Mouse

The setting determines whether the system will be awakened from what power saving modes when input signal of the PS/2 mouse is detected.

Resume On Lan

The item specifies how the system will be awakened from power saving mode when input signal of the Lan is detected.

Resume On RTC Alarm

This is used to enable or disable the feature of booting up the system on a scheduled time/date from the S3, S4, and S5 state.

USB Device Wakeup function

This setting allows USB device wake up the system from S3 state.

PCI Express Wakeup

The item specifies how the system will be awakened from power saving mode when input signal of the PCI Express is detected

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MS-7255 Mainboard

PNP/PCI Resource Management

This section describes configuring the PCI bus system and PnP (Plug & Play) feature. PCI, or Peripheral Component Interconnect, is a system which allows I/O devices to operate at speeds nearing the speed the CPU itself uses when communicating with its special components. This section covers some very technical items and it is strongly recommended that only experienced users should make any changes to the default settings.

Clear NVRAM The NVRAM (Non-volatile Random Access Memory) is where the BIOS stores resource information for both PNP and non-PNP devices in a bit string format. When the item is set to [Yes], the system will reset NVRAM right after the system is booted up and then set the setting of the item back to [No] automatically.

PCI Latency Timer

This item controls how long each PCI device can hold the bus before another takes over. When set to higher values, every PCI device can conduct transactions for a longer time and thus improve the effective PCI bandwidth. For better PCI performance, you should set the item to higher values.

PCI Slot1~2 IRQ Preference These items specify the IRQ line for each PCI slot.

3-16

BIOS Setup

IRQ Resources Setup The items are adjustable only when Resources Controlled By is set to Manual. Press <Enter> and you will enter the sub-menu of the items. IRQ Resources list IRQ 3/4/5/7/9/10/11/12/14/15 for users to set each IRQ a type depending on the type of device using the IRQ. Settings are:

Available For Plug & Play compatible devices designed for PCI bus

architecture.

Reserved The IRQ will be reserved for further request.

DMA Resources Setup Press <Enter> and you will enter the sub-menu of the items.DMA Resources 0/1/3/5/ 6/7 for setting determine if BIOS should remove a DMA from the available DMAs passed to devices that are configurable by the system BIOS. The available DMA pool is determined by reading the NVRAM. If more DMAs must be removed from the pool, the end user can reserve the DMA.

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MS-7255 Mainboard

H/W Monitor

This section shows the status of your CPU, fan, overall system status, etc. Monitor function is available only if there is hardware monitoring mechanism onboard.

CPU Shutdown Temperature

If the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit preset in this setting, the system will be shut down automatically. This helps you to prevent the CPU overheating problem. This item is available only when your OS supports this function, such as Windows ME/XP.

Chassis Intrusion

The field enables or disables the feature of recording the chassis intrusion status and issuing a warning message if the chassis is once opened. To clear the warning message, set the field to [Reset]. The setting of the field will automatically return to [Enabled] later.

System/CPU Temperature, CPU/SYSFAN Speed, Vcore, 5VIN, 12VIN, 3.3V,, 3VBS, VBAT

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

3-18

BIOS Setup

Cell Menu

The items here includes some important settings of CPU and PCI functions.

Important

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

Adjust DDR Voltage (V) 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.

Adjust NB Voltage (V)

NorthBridge voltage is adjustable in the field, allowing you to increase the performance of your NorthBridge when overclocking, but stability may be affected.

Important

The settings shown in different color in CPU Voltage, DDR Voltage and NB Voltage help to verify if your setting is proper for your system.

Gray: Default setting. White:Safe setting. Yellow:High performance setting. Red: Not recommended setting and the system may be unstable.

Changing CPU Voltage, DDR Voltage and NB Voltage may result in the instability of the system; therefore, it is NOT recommended to change the default setting for long-term usage.

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MS-7255 Mainboard

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 [Disabled] for optimal system stability and performance. But if you are plagued by EMI, select the desired range for EMI reduction. Remember to disable Spread Spectrum function 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.

Adjust CPU FSB Frequency This item allows you to select the CPU Front Side Bus clock frequency (in MHz) and overclock the processor by adjusting the FSB clock to a higher frequency.

Adjust PCI Express Frequency

This item allows you to select the PCI Express frequency (in MHz).

Adjust PCI Frequency

This item allows you to select the PCI frequency (in MHz). In default this value will change automatically in accordance with the setting of Adjust CPU FSB Frequency. However, you may adjust the desired fixed PCI frequency you like by using the <+> & <-> key.

Auto Disable PCI Clock This item is used to auto disable the PCI slots. When set to [Enabled], the system will remove (turn off) clocks from empty PCI slots to minimize the electromagnetic interference (EMI).

3-20

BIOS Setup

Load Optimized Defaults

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

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

Pressing Y loads the BIOS default values for the most stable, minimal system performance.

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

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

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MS-7255 Mainboard

BIOS Setting Password

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

Type the password, up to 6 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.

3-22

Chapter 5. nVidia RAID Intro-

Appendix. Using 4- or 6-Channel

Appendix A

Audio Function

duction

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Introduction

The Southbridge VT8237 provides a hybrid solution that combines two independent SATA ports for support of up to two Serial ATA (Serial ATA RAID) drives.

Serial ATA (SATA) is the latest generation of the ATA interface. SATA hard drives deliver blistering transfer speeds of up to 150MB/sec. Serial ATA uses long, thin cables, making it easier to connect your drive and improving the airflow inside your PC.

The key features of VT8237 SATA RAID are:

1. Dual independent ATA channels and maximum connection of

two SATA hard disk drives allowed.

2. Supports RAID 0 or RAID 1.

3. 4 KB to 64 KB striping block size support.

4. Bootable disk or disk array support.

5. Windows-based RAID configure and management software

tool.(Compatible with BIOS)

6. Supports hot-swap failed disk drive in RAID 1 array.

7. Microsoft Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP operating systems

support.

8. Event log for easy troubleshooting.

MS-7255 Mainboard

Introduction

This section gives a brief introduction on the RAID-related background knowledge and a brief introduction on VIA SATA RAID Host Controller. For users wishing to install their VIA SATA RAID driver and RAID software, proceed to Driver and RAID Software

Installation section.

RAID Basics

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a method of combining two or more hard disk drives into one logical unit. The advantage of an Array is to provide better performance or data fault tolerance. Fault tolerance is achieved through data redundant operation, where if one drives fails, a mirrored copy of the data can be found on another drive. This can prevent data loss if the operating system fails or hangs. The individual disk drives in an array are called “members”. The configuration information of each member is recorded in the “reserved sector” that identifies the drive as a member. All disk members in a formed disk array are recognized as a single physical drive to the operating system.

Hard disk drives can be combined together through a few different methods. The different methods are referred to as different RAID levels. Different RAID levels represent different performance levels, security levels and implementation costs. The RAID levels which the VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Host Controller supports are RAID 0 and RAID 1. The table below briefly introduced these RAID levels.

RAID Level No. of Drives

RAID 0

(Striping)

RAID 1

(Mirroring)

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.

2 Smallest size * 2 Highest performance without

2 Smallest size Data protection

Capacity Benefits

data protection

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VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Introduction

BIOS Configuration

Important

The BIOS Configuration pictures shown below is for your reference only, and may vary from actual ones.

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:

A-3

MS-7255 Mainboard

Create Disk Array

Use the up and down arrow keys to select the Create Array command and press <Enter>.

Important

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 is selected, an option list will popup and enable the users to select Create and duplicate which allows BIOS copy the data from the source to the mirroring drive.

A-4

VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Introduction

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.

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.

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Important

Even though 64KB is the recommended setting for most users, you

should choose the block size value which is best suited to your specific

RAID usage model.

4KB: For specialized usage models requiring 4KB blocks

8KB: For specialized usage models requiring 8KB blocks

16KB: Best for sequential transfers

32KB: Good for sequential transfers

64KB: Optimal setting

Use the arrow key to highlight Start Create Process and press <Enter>. A warning message will appear, Press Y to finish the creation, or press N to cancel the creation. Important note: All existing content in the hard drive will be destroyed after array creation.

Delete Disk Array

A RAID can be deleted after it has been created. To 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.

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VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Introduction

Create and Delete Spare Hard Drive

If a RAID 1 array is created and there are drives that do not belong to other arrays, the one that has a capacity which is equal to or greater than the array capacity can be selected as a spare drive for the RAID 1 array. Select Create/Delete Spare and press <Enter>, the channel column will then be activated. Select the drive that you want to use as a spare drive and press <Enter>, the selected drive will be marked as Spare. The spare drive cannot be accessed in an OS.

To delete a spare drive, highlight Create/Delete Spare and press <Enter>. The spare drive will be highlighted, press <Enter> to delete the spare drive.

View Serial Number of Hard Drive

Highlight Serial Number View and press <Enter>. Use arrow key to select a drive, the selected drive’s serial number can be viewed in the last column. The serial number is assigned by the disk drive manufacturer.

Press the F1 key to show the array status on the lower screen. If there are no disk arrays then nothing will be displayed on the screen.

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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.

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.

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VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Introduction

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.

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.

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Installing Operating System & Drivers

Install Driver in Windows OS

† New Windows OS (2000/XP/NT4) Installation

The following details the installation of the drivers while installing Windows XP.

1. Start the installation:

-If your driver disk is damaged or lost, make a new driver disk by copying all the necessary files from the provided MSI CD: [ \IDE\VIA\Floppy ]

-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 operating system, choose VIA RAID Controller(Windows

XP), VIA RAID Controller(Windows 2000) or VIA RAID Controller (Windows NT4) from the list that appears on the 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 Setup screen, press the <Enter> key. Setup will now load all device files and then continue the Windows XP installation. During the GUI portion of the install you might be prompted to click Yes to install the RAID driver. Click Yes as many times as needed in order to finish the installation. This will not be an issue with a signed driver.

† Existing Windows XP Driver Installation

1. Insert the MSI CD into the CD-ROM drive.

2. The CD will auto-run and the setup screen will appear.

3. Under the Driver tab, click on VIA SATA RAID Drivers.

4. The drivers and VIA RAID Tool will be automatically installed.

† 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 SATA RAID Controller should appear.

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VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Introduction

Using VIA RAID Tool

Once the installation is complete, go to Start ---> Programs --->VIA ---> RAID ---> raid_tool.exe to enable VIA RAID Tool.

After the software is finished installation, it will automatically start whenever Windows is initiated. You may double-click on the icon shown in the system tray of the tool bar to launch the VIA RAID Tool utility.

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. The available features are as following:

View by Controller

View by Devices

View Event log

Help Topics

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It means that VT8237 SATA RAID only has the feature of monitoring the status of RAID 0 or RAID 1.

Click on or 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.

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

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VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Introduction

You may also use the same or button to view the status of Array 0---RAID 1.

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

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VIA VT1708 Audio

Appendix B

VIA VT1708 Audio

The VIA VT1708 HD Audio Codec delivers high fidelity audio playback featuring four premium quality stereo DACs enabling 8 channel support, and 2 stereo ADCs, all of which support the latest 24-bit, 192KHz audio standards.

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MS-7255 Mainboard

Installing the VIA VT1708 Audio Driver

You need to install the driver for VIA VT1708 codec to function properly before you can get access to 2-, 4-, 6-, 8- channel or 7.1+2 channel audio operations. Follow the procedures described below to install the drivers for different operating systems.

Installation for Windows 2000/XP

For Windows® 2000, you must install Windows® 2000 Service Pack4 or later before installing the driver. For Windows® XP, you must install Windows® XP Service Pack1 or later before installing the driver. The following illustrations are based on Windows® XP environment and could look slightly different if you install the drivers in different operating systems.

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

2. Click VIA HD Audio Driver.

Important

The HD Audio Adeck software utility is under continuous update to

enhance audio applications. Hence, the program screens shown here in this section may be slightly different from the latest software utility and shall be held for reference only.

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Click here

VIA VT1708 Audio

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

4. Click Finish to restart the system.

Click here

Select this option

Click here

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MS-7255 Mainboard

Software Configuration

HD Audio Deck: Adeck

Audio Deck (Adeck) is a Windows based program that co-works with the VIA HD Audio driver and the VIA HD Audio chip. With this convenient audio control interface, you can make the best use of the VIA Audio chip and create powerful customized sound environments.

The main features of Adeck include:

- Supports various sound enhancement settings with detailed user customization

- Supports active jack detection

- Supports jack function configuration

- Supports configurations for independent headphone and re-direct headphone.

- Supports set sampling rate of S/PDIF output device

- Supports Hot Keys

- Supports Multi-language

- Supports speech testing

- Supports multi-device selection for playback and recording

Important

Adeck only supports the VIA HD audio chip series with VIA HD audio driver installed.

After installing the audio driver, you are able to use the 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- channel

audio feature now. Click the audio icon from the system tray at the lower-right

corner of the screen to activate the HD Audio Deck.

Double click

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VIA VT1708 Audio

Display Mode

The VIA Adeck has two basic display modes: “Simple Mode” and “Full Mode”.

Simple Mode

Once Adeck has been launched, the panel will be displayed in the center of windows desktop. The Adeck system is initialized using the simple mode. In this mode, the user only has limited control and audio information. The basic controls include: master volume and mute. The basic audio information includes: peak meter, number of channels, S/PDIF out status or sound effect status, etc.

If you want to control the sound effects in detail, you can click on the buttons located on the lower portion of the panel. These buttons are labeled: Speaker, Mixer, Effect, Jack, S/PDIF and Info. When any of the buttons are activated, the Adeck system will go into full mode for detailed control. To exit Adeck, simply click the Power button on the Adeck panel.

Full Mode

In the full mode, the bottom portion of Adeck expands. Depending upon the button that was selected, different panels will be displayed in the expanded portion.

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PANEL DETAIL

Adeck consists of two parts: a top and bottom panel. In the simple mode, only the top panel will be fully shown. In the full mode, both the top and bottom panel will be fully visible.

Top Panel

Volume Control

Speakers’ Peak Meter

Configuration Panels Channels Display

Mute

S/PDIF Output Status

Power Button

Bass Management Indicator

Equalizer Indicator

Volume control: This is the global volume control. The global volume is controlled using a slider. Moving the slider to the left decreases the volume. Moving the slider to the right increases the volume.

Mute button: This is the global mute control. When the mute button is activated, all speakers connected to the system will be silenced.

Channels Display: On the right of the peak meter, there is a display that shows the number of audio channels that is being used in the system. The number of channels can be changed in the speaker configuration panel.

Peak Meter: The volume peak meter is located to the left of the channel display. The number of peak meters changes according to the number of channels used in the system.

S/PDIF Output Status: The S/PDIF output status is located to the right of the Channel Display. If “Digital PCM” is shown, that means the audio system will allow a PCM music stream output from the S/PDIF output jack.

Bass Management Indicator: The Bass Management Indicator is located below the Channel Display. If it is enabled, “BM” will be visible. Notice that the “ Bass Management” and “Equalizer” functions can not be enabled at the same time.

Equalizer Indicator: The Equalizer Indicator is located to the right of the Bass Management Indicator. If it is enabled, “EQ” will be visible. As mentioned earlier, the Equalizer and Bass Management functions can not be enabled at the same time.

Configuration Panels: On the bottom of the top panel, there is a row of buttons. When any of the buttons are activated (except the "Power" button), the bottom panel expands to show the selected panel.

Power Button: When the Power button is activated, Adeck will hide itself in the system tray.

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VIA VT1708 Audio

Configuration Panels

Speaker Configuration Panel

Speaker Configuration Panel is divided into two parts. On the left side, you can select the number of audio channels. There are up to 8 channels available. Once a channel configuration is selected the right side of the panel will change accordingly. On the right side of Speaker Configuration Panel, you can set the volume level for each speaker separately. Speaker positions can also be changed. To test a speaker, double-click on the speaker to hear the test audio clip. Below side of the speaker configuration on the right side, there is a check box for center/LFE Swapping. This function is used to swap the center speaker and LFE speaker audio streams.

Select Channels

Center/LFE Swap

Test Speakers

Speaker Volume

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MS-7255 Mainboard

If the “Independent Headphone” feature has been enabled, the maximum number of channels will be six. To control the headphone volume, click on the headphone icon at the bottom-right corner.

Click here to view Independent Headphone Control

To switch back to the speaker volume controls, click on the speaker icon at the bottom-right corner.

Headphone Volume

Click here, it will turn to Speaker Control.

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VIA VT1708 Audio

Mixer Configuration Panel

On the Mixer Configuration Panel, there are four mixer devices that can be selected: playback, recording, headphone and microphone. Below shows the Playback Mixer. Each of the Playback items has a volume, balance and mute control. You can also select the default playback device from a drop-down menu. When select desired box to enable “Analog To Line Out” , you can hear the analog input source (such as Microphone, Line In) from the speaker. In this condition Jack detection function will be disabled.

Playback Control

Balance

Mute

Analog To Line Out

Default Playback Device

Volume

On the Recording Mixer, all possible input devices are shown. Below shows the Recording Mixer. Each of the Recording items has a volume, balance and item select. Please note that there can only be one source at any given time. On the bottom side of this page, there are Mic boost control check box. You could enlarge the recording sound of MIC by checking on this feature. There is also a peak meter to show the volume of the audio input.

Recording Control

Enable MIC Boost

Balance

Default Playback Device

Volume

Select Recording Device

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The “Headphone” and “Front Microphone” configuration panels may or may not be shown depending on your computer system. The “Headphone” mixer controls work the same way as the “Playback” mixer controls, but it is only visible when the ”Independent Headphone” feature is enabled.

Balance

Headphone Control

Mute

Default Playback Device

Volume

The "Front Microphone" configuration panel is shown in the figure below. This configuration panel only contains one mixer control because the front microphone only has one input jack.

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Front Microphone Control

Balance

Default Playback Device

Volume

VIA VT1708 Audio

Effects Configuration Panel

There are two sound enhancement controls in Adeck: "Equalizer" and "Bass Management". When the Equalizer is selected, you will see the 10 bands from 31 Hz to 16 kHz. The equalizer settings will only take effect after you enables it by pressing the "On/Off" button above the equalizer. There are seven preset equalizer settings that can be selected: Classical, Dance, Pop, Rock, Vocal, Jazz and Party. Additionally, you can create custom settings and save them for later use. To save the current equalizer setting, click on the "Save" button. To delete a setting, select the setting to be deleted from the drop-down menu and click on the "Delete" button.

Equalizer On/Off

Equalizer Control

Smooth Adjustment

Sound Effect

Default Value

Save Value

Delete Setting

Adjust Value

User Define

The below figure shows an example of an adjustment being made to the 500 Hz band without the "Smooth Slider" enabled.

If "Smooth Slider" is enabled, any adjustment to any of the Equalizer bands will cause the surrounding bands to be affected so as to produce a smoother sound.

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The below figure shows the "Bass Management" features. You can enable the "Bass Management" features by clicking on the "On/Off" button at the top of the "Bass Management" controls. The "Bass Management" feature allows you to control the low frequency limits for the speakers. When the low frequency limit is set for a speaker, any audio signal below the limit will be automatically channeled to the subwoofer. Each speaker (except for the subwoofer) can be configured to have a different low frequency limit. For example, if you wants to set the low frequency limit for front-left speaker to 310 Hz, then you can click on the picture of the front-left speaker and change the "Cutoff Frequency" to 310 Hz. Additionally, you can enhance the bass by checking the "Bass Boost" checkbox.

Bass Management On/Off

Bass Management

When set to “User Customizable ”, you

can click on the speakers to enable/dis-

able Speaker Bass Cutoff.

Presets

Cutoff Frequency

Subwoofer Configuration

Bass Boost

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VIA VT1708 Audio

Jack Configuration Panel

The Jack Configuration Controls enable you to configure all the audio jacks on the computer system. The "Back Panel" lists all the jacks at the rear side of the computer system. The "Front Panel" lists all the jacks at the front side of the computer system. In general, the multi-channel playback and recording jacks will be listed in the "Back Panel" controls. And the "Headphone" and "Front Mic" will be list on "Front Panel". In the "Back Panel" controls, shown in the below figure, the jacks can be distinguished by the different colors used to identify each jack. You should be able to find matching colors at the rear of the computer system. Each of the jacks can be reassigned.You can easily revert to the default setting by clicking on the "Default" button.

Press to set Jack Function

Back panel Control

Press to detect status of jacks

Jack Color

Auto Show Dialog

The "Front Panel" controls usually only has two jacks listed: "Headphone" and "Front Mic".

Press to set Jack Function

Front Panel Control

Jack Color

Press to detect status of jacks

Auto Show Dialog

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The jack detection function can be enabled by checking the "Auto Show Dialog" checkbox. When a new device is plugged-in, a new panel will be displayed. The below figure shows an example of a jack being plugged into the green jack. When the jack insertion is detected, Adeck will be displayed. You will see a red arrow indicating the jack insertion event. Even the “Auto Show Dialog” is disabled, you still can press the “Manual Detect” to detect status of jacks. When you clicks on the jack indicated by the arrow, an extension of the panel will be displayed. There you can assign the jack to any available function. Functions that are not available will not have a checkbox next to it.

Press to detect status of jacks

Indicates a jack has been inserted

Suggest Jack Function

Set Jack Function

Auto Show Dialog

Indicates unavailability

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VIA VT1708 Audio

The Headphone Configuration Panel is shown in the below figure. There are two headphone configurations that can be chosen: "Independent Headphone" or "Redirected Headphone".

Redirected Headphone Function

The "Redirected Headphone" features enables you to hear the same audio that is being channeled to the front speakers. In this mode, once the headphone has been inserted the audio will be redirected from the speakers to the headphone. Please note that the "Independent Headphone" function requires two channels. Therefore, only six channels will be available if "Independent Headphone" is being used.

Independent Headphone Function (Multi-Stream Function)

The "Independent Headphone" feature enables you to play different audio sources simultaneously and let them output respectively from the indicated rear panel or front panel. This feature is very helpful for different purposes playback at the same time..,

1. Click Configuration button to show the menu.

2. Mark “check” to select desired box to enable Independent Headphone Function.

Headphone Configuration

Independent Headphone

Redirected Headphone

Important

Before set up, please make sure the playback devices are well plugged in the jacks on the rear or front panel. The VIA HD Audio front Headphone item will appear after you plugging the speakers into the jacks on the front panel.

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In the default setting, the first selective audio source will be played from the rear panel. For the second audio source output, you must select the VIA HD Audio front output from the scroll list. Then this second audio can be played back from the Front out by different audio playback AP.

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VIA VT1708 Audio

S/PDIF Configuration Panel

The S/PDIF Configuration Panel allows you to enable S/PDIF support and select the S/ PDIF output sampling rate. Please note that some S/PDIF decoders do not support

176.4 and 192 kHz. Before enable these higher sampling rates, please checking the external S/PDIF decoder first.

S/PDIF Output Control

Enable S/PDIF Output

Output Sample Rate

System Information Panel

The System Information Panel displays the current system information, allows you to select the language for Adeck and enables you to visit the VIA web site.

System Information

Visit VIA web

Select Language

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Hot Key Configuration Panel

The "Hot Key" Configuration Panel allows you to set hot keys for controlling the volume and muting. To use the hot keys, "Enable Hot Key Function" must first be checked.

Enable Hot Key Function

System Information

Set Hot Key

When a hot key is pressed, the screen will show a green volume control bar at the bottom of the screen and a mute/un-mute icon at the top-right corner of the screen. The on-screen display can be hidden by pressing the "Show/Hide" hot key.

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MSI MS-7255 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual