MSI 946GZ Neo, MS-7279 User Manual

946GZ Neo Series

MS-7279 (V1.X) Mainboard

G52-72791X1

i

Copyright Notice

The material in this document is the intellectual property of MICRO-STAR
INTERNATIONAL. We take every care in the preparation of this document, but no

guarantee is given as to the correctness of its contents. Our products are under
continual improvement and we reserve the right to make changes without notice.

Trademarks

All trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
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 trade­marks of AMD Corporation.
Intel® and Pentium® are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
PS/2 and OS®/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.
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 December 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

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 service
personnel:

† The power cord or plug is damaged.
† Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.
† The equipment has been exposed to moisture.
† The equipment does 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-7279

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

v

vi

vii

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.................................................................................................1-5

MSI Special Feature............................................................................................1-6

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

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

CPU (Central Processing Unit)............................................................................2-3

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

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

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

Installing DDRII Modules...............................................................................2-8

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

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

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

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

Connectors........................................................................................................2-12

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1..........................................................2-12

Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1......................................................................2-12

Serial ATAII Connectors: SATA1~SATA4.................................................2-13

Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN1/SYSFAN1/SYSFAN2......................2-14

Serial Port Connector: JCOM2..................................................................2-14

CD-In Connector: JCD_IN1........................................................................2-15

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUDIO1..................................................2-15

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

Front USB Connectors: JUSB1/JUSB2....................................................2-17

IrDA Infrared Module Header: JIR1...........................................................2-18

SPDIF-Out Connector: JSP1(Optional, for HDMI graphics card only)...2-18

SPI Debugging Pin Header: JSPI1.............................................................2-18

Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JCASE1.......................................2-18

viii

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

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

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

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Express Slots.......................2-20

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots......................................2-20

PCI Interrupt Request Routing...................................................................2-21

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advanced BIOS Features...................................................................................3-9

Integrated Peripherals.......................................................................................3-13

Power Management Setup...............................................................................3-16

PNP/PCI Configurations.....................................................................................3-19

H/W Monitor........................................................................................................3-22

Cell Menu............................................................................................................3-24

CPU and Memory Clock Overclocking.............................................................3-27

Load Fail-Safe/Optimized Defaults..................................................................3-28

BIOS Setting Password.....................................................................................3-29

Appendix A: Realtek ALC888 Audio...................................................................A-1

Installing the Realtek HD Audio Driver................................................................A-2

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

Software Configuration......................................................................................A-4

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

Mixer.............................................................................................................A-8

Audio I/O.....................................................................................................A-12

Microphone................................................................................................A-16

3D Audio Demo...........................................................................................A-17

Information..................................................................................................A-18

Hardware Setup................................................................................................A-19

ix

x

Getting Started

Chapter 1

Getting Started

Thank you for choosing the 946GZ Neo Series (MS­7279 v2.X) ATX mainboard. The 946GZ Neo Series
mainboards are based on Intel® 946GZ & ICH7 chipsets
for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit the ad­vanced Intel® Pentium 4, Pentium D & Core 2 Duo

series processors, the 946GZ Neo Series deliver a high

performance and professional desktop platform
solution.

1-1

MS-7279 Mainboard

Mainboard Specifications

Processor Support*

- Intel® Core 2 Duo, Pentium 4, Pentium D and Celeron D processors
in the LGA775 package.

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

- Supports EIST Technology.

- Supports Hyper-Threading (HT) Technology.

Supported FSB

- 533/800 MHz
*For overclocking spec, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw for more

information.

Chipset

- North Bridge: Intel® 946GZ chipset

- South Bridge: Intel® ICH7 chipset

Memory Support**

- DDRII 667/533 SDRAM (2GB Max)

- 2 DIMMs DDRII (240pin / 1.8V)

LAN

- Supports PCI-E LAN 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet by Realtek 8111B

Audio

- Chip integrated by Realtek® ALC888

- Flexible 8-channel audio with jack sensing

- Compliant with Azalia spec

SATA

- 4 SATA II ports by ICH7

- Supports storage and data transfers at up to 3.0 Gb/s

Floppy

- 1 floppy port

- Supports 1 FDD with 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88Mbytes

1-2

Connectors

Back Panel

- 1 PS/2 mouse port

- 1 PS/2 keyboard port.

- 1 serial port (JCOM1)

- 1 VGA port

- 1 parallel port supporting SPP/EPP/ECP mode

- 4 USB 2.0 Ports.

- 1 LAN jack (10/100/1000)

- 6 flexible audio jacks.

On-Board Pinheaders

- 2 USB 2.0 pinheaders

- 1 serial port (JCOM2)

- 1 chassis-intrusion pinheader

- 1 IrDA pinheader

Slots

- 1 PCI Express x16 slot

- 2 PCI Express x1 slots

- 3 PCI slots.

- Support 3.3V/ 5V PCI bus Interface

Getting Started

Form Factor

- ATX (30.5cm X 22.0cm)

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-7279 Mainboard

ATX1

SYSFAN2

Intel

946GZ

BATT

D

IMM

1DIMM

2

CPUFAN1

IDE

1

JFP2

JFP1

JAUDIO1

Intel

LAN Chip

Mainboard Layout

Top : mouse
Bottom: keyboard

Top : Parallel Port
Bottom:

COM A
VGA Port

USB ports

T: LAN jack
B: USB ports

1
W

P
J

T:

Line-In

M:

Line-Out

B:

Mic
T:RS-Out
M:CS

-Out

B:SS-Out

JCOM2

1
N
A
F
S
Y
S

+

PCIE1

PCIE2

1
R

I
J

Winbond

W83627DHG

1
E
S
C

J

Codec

JCD_IN1

PCIE3

PCI 1

PCI 2

PCI 3

JSP1(Optional)

FDD 1

1
S
O

I
B
J

1

I
P
S
J

JUSB2 JUSB1

ICH7

2
A
T

A

S
4
A

T
A
S

3

1

A

A

T

T

A

A

S

S

1
T
A
B
J

946GZ Neo Series (MS-7279 v2.X) ATX Mainboard

1-4

Packing Checklist

Getting Started

MSI motherboard

Power Cable

MSI Driver/Utility CD

Standard Cable for

Floppy Disk (Optional)

SATA Cable

Standard Cable for

IDE Devices

Back IO Shield

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

User’s Guide

1-5

MS-7279 Mainboard

MSI Special Feature

The Core Center is a new utility you can find in the CD-ROM disk. The utility is just like
your PC doctor that can detect, view and adjust the PC hardware and system status
during real time operation. In the left side it shows the current system status, includ­ing the Vcore, 3.3V, +5V and 12V. In the right side it shows the current PC hardware
status such as the CPU & system temperatures and all fans speeds.

When you click the red triangles in the left and right sides, two sub-menus will open
for users to adjust the thresholds of system to send out the warning messages.

1-6

Getting Started

Left-wing: Current system status

In the left sub-menu, you can configure the settings of FSB, Vcore, Memory Voltage
and AGP Voltage by clicking the radio button next to each item and make it available
(the radio button will be lighted as yellow when selected), use the “+” and “-” buttons
to adjust, then click “OK” to apply the changes. Then you can click “Save” to save
the values you just configured.
Also you may click “Auto” to start testing the maximum CPU overclocking value. The
CPU FSB will automatically increase the testing value until the PC reboots. Or you may
click “Default” to restore the default values.

Right-wing: PC hardware status during real time operation

In the right sub-menu, here you can configure the PC hardware status such as CPU
& system temperatures and fan speeds. You may use the scroll bars to adjust each
item, then click “OK” to apply the changes. The values you set for the temperatures
are the maximum thresholds for the system for warnings, and the value for fan
speeds are the minimum thresholds.

Important

Items shown on Core Center vary depending on your system status.

1-7

MS-7279 Mainboard

1-8

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-7279 Mainboard

ATX1

SYSFAN2

Intel

946GZ

BATT

DIMM1

DIMM2

CPUFAN1

IDE 1

JFP2

JFP1

JAUDIO1

Intel

LAN Chip

Quick Components Guide

Back Panel
I/O, p.2-10

JCOM2, p.2-14

SYSFAN1,

p.2-14

Top : mouse
Bottom: keyboard

Top : Parallel Port
Bottom:

COM A
VGA Port

USB ports

T: LAN jack
B: USB ports

T:

Line-In

M:

Line-Out

B:

Mic
T:RS-Out
M:CS

-Out

B:SS-Out

ATX1,

p.2-9

JCOM2

PCIE1

CPU, p.2-3

JPW1,

p.2-9

1
W

P

J

1
N
A

F
S
Y
S

CPUFAN1,

p.2-14

DDRII DIMMs, p.2-7

+

PCIE Slots,

p.2-20

JIR1, p.2-18

JCASE1, p.2-18

PCI Slots,

p.2-20

JAUDIO1,

p.2-15

2-2

1
R

I

J

Winbond

W83627DHG

1
E
S
C

J

Codec

JSP1(Optional)

JCD_IN1

JCD_IN1,
p.2-15

JSP1(Optional),

p.2-18

PCIE2

PCIE3

PCI 1

PCI 2

PCI 3

FDD1,
p.2-12

FDD 1

SYSFAN2,

p.2-14

1
S
O

I
B

J

JUSB2

JUSB1/
JUSB2,

p.2-17

ICH7

1

I
P
S

J

JUSB1

JBAT1,

p.2-19

JSPI1,

p.2-18

1

T
A
B

J

JFP2, p.2-16

2
A
T
A

S
4
A
T
A
S

3

1

A

A

T

T

A

A

S

S

JFP1, p.2-16

IDE1, p.2-12

SATA1~4,

p.2-13

Hardware Setup

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

This mainboard supports Intel® Pentium 4, Pentium D & Core 2 Duo series 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-7279 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-7279 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 PC Health Status of 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.

2-6

Hardware Setup

Memory

The mainboard provides two 240-pin DDRII 667/533 DIMM slots and supports up to
2GB 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 pin 56x2=112 pin

Memory Speed/ CPU FSB Support Matrix

Memory

CPU FSB

533MHz

800MHz

DDRII 533

OK OK

DDRII 667

OK

2-7

MS-7279 Mainboard

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 DIMM memory module vertically into the DIMM slot. Then push it in until the
golden finger on the memory module is deeply inserted in the 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 DIMMs and DDR memory modules in the DDR DIMMs.

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

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

2-8

Hardware Setup

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.

Pin Definition

13

ATX1

24

1

12

PIN SIGNAL

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

PIN SIGNAL

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

pin 13

pin 12

ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW1

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

Pin Definition

JPW1

2
4

1
3

PIN SIGNAL

1 GND
2 GND
3 12V
4 12V

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.

2-9

MS-7279 Mainboard

Back Panel

Mouse

Parallel

Keyboard USB Ports

Serial Port

Serial 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.

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.

2-10