MSI MS-7666 User Manual

XPower series

MS-7666 (v1.x) Mainboard

G52-76661X1

ii

Preface

MS-7666

Preface

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.

MSI® is registered trademark of Micro-Star Int’l Co.,Ltd.
NVIDIA® is registered trademark of NVIDIA Corporation.
ATI® is registered trademark of ATI Technologies, Inc.
AMD® is registered trademarks of AMD Corporation.
Intel® is registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Windows® is registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
AMI® is registered trademark of American Megatrends Inc.
Award® is a registered trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
Sound Blaster® is registered trademark of Creative Technology Ltd.
Realtek® is registered trademark of Realtek Semiconductor Corporation.
JMicron® is registered trademark of JMicron Technology Corporation.
Netware® is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.

Revision History

Revision Revision History Date
V1.0 First release for PCB 1.x April 2010

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/index.php?func=service

Contact our technical sta󰘯 at:

http://ocss.msi.com

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Safety Instructions

Always read the safety instructions carefully.
Keep this User’s Manual for future reference.
Keep this equipment away from humidity.
Lay this equipment on a reliable 󰘱at surface before setting it up.
The openings on the enclosure are for air convection hence protects the equipment

from overheating. DO NOT COVER THE OPENINGS.
Make sure the voltage of the power source and adjust properly 110/220V before

connecting the equipment to the power inlet.
Place the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not place any-

thing over the power cord.
Always Unplug the Power Cord before inserting any add-on card or module.
All cautions and warnings on the equipment should be noted.
Never pour any liquid into the opening that could damage or cause electrical

shock.
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.

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.

警告使用者:
這是甲類資訊產品，在居住的環境中使用時，可能會造成無線電干擾，在這種情況下，

使用者會被要求採取某些適當的對策。

廢電池請回收
For better environmental protection, waste batteries should be

collected separately for recycling special disposal.

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Preface

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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 o󰘯 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 di󰘯erent from that to which the

receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

Notice 1
The changes or modi󰘰cations not expressly approved by the party responsible for com-

pliance 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.

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This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the follow­ing two conditions:

this device may not cause harmful interference, and
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may

cause undesired operation.

1)

2)

Micro-Star International

MS-7666

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WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Statement

ENGLISH

To protect the global environment and as an environmentalist, MSI must re­mind you that...

Under the European Union (“EU”) Directive on Waste Electrical and Elec­tronic Equipment, Directive 2002/96/EC, which takes e󰘯ect on August 13,
2005, products of “electrical and electronic equipment” cannot be discarded
as municipal waste anymore and manufacturers of covered electronic equip­ment will be obligated to take back such products at the end of their useful life. MSI will
comply with the product take back requirements at the end of life of MSI-branded prod­ucts that are sold into the EU. You can return these products to local collection points.

DEUTSCH

Hinweis von MSI zur Erhaltung und Schutz unserer Umwelt
Gemäß der Richtlinie 2002/96/EG über Elektro- und Elektronik-Altgeräte dürfen Elek-

tro- und Elektronik-Altgeräte nicht mehr als kommunale Abfälle entsorgt werden. MSI
hat europaweit verschiedene Sammel- und Recyclingunternehmen beauftragt, die in
die Europäische Union in Verkehr gebrachten Produkte, am Ende seines Lebenszyklus
zurückzunehmen. Bitte entsorgen Sie dieses Produkt zum gegebenen Zeitpunkt aus­schliesslich an einer lokalen Altgerätesammelstelle in Ihrer Nähe.

FRANÇAIS

En tant qu’écologiste et a󰘰n de protéger l’environnement, MSI tient à rappeler ceci...
Au sujet de la directive européenne (EU) relative aux déchets des équipement élec-

triques et électroniques, directive 2002/96/EC, prenant e󰘯et le 13 août 2005, que les
produits électriques et électroniques ne peuvent être déposés dans les décharges ou
tout simplement mis à la poubelle. Les fabricants de ces équipements seront obligés de
récupérer certains produits en 󰘰n de vie. MSI prendra en compte cette exigence relative
au retour des produits en 󰘰n de vie au sein de la communauté européenne. Par con­séquent vous pouvez retourner localement ces matériels dans les points de collecte.

РУССКИЙ

Компания MSI предпринимает активные действия по защите окружающей среды,

поэтому напоминаем вам, что....

В соответствии с директивой Европейского Союза (ЕС) по предотвращению
загрязнения окружающей среды использованным электрическим и электронным
оборудованием (директива WEEE 2002/96/EC), вступающей в силу 13
августа 2005 года, изделия, относящиеся к электрическому и электронному
оборудованию, не могут рассматриваться как бытовой мусор, поэтому
производители вышеперечисленного электронного оборудования обязаны
принимать его для переработки по окончании срока службы. MSI обязуется
соблюдать требования по приему продукции, проданной под маркой MSI на
территории EC, в переработку по окончании срока службы. Вы можете вернуть
эти изделия в специализированные пункты приема.

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ESPAÑOL

MSI como empresa comprometida con la protección del medio ambiente, recomienda:
Bajo la directiva 2002/96/EC de la Unión Europea en materia de desechos y/o equi-

pos electrónicos, con fecha de rigor desde el 13 de agosto de 2005, los productos
clasi󰘰cados como “eléctricos y equipos electrónicos” no pueden ser depositados en
los contenedores habituales de su municipio, los fabricantes de equipos electrónicos,
están obligados a hacerse cargo de dichos productos al termino de su período de vida.
MSI estará comprometido con los términos de recogida de sus productos vendidos en
la Unión Europea al 󰘰nal de su periodo de vida. Usted debe depositar estos productos
en el punto limpio establecido por el ayuntamiento de su localidad o entregar a una
empresa autorizada para la recogida de estos residuos.

NEDERLANDS

Om het milieu te beschermen, wil MSI u eraan herinneren dat….
De richtlijn van de Europese Unie (EU) met betrekking tot Vervuiling van Electrische

en Electronische producten (2002/96/EC), die op 13 Augustus 2005 in zal gaan kun­nen niet meer beschouwd worden als vervuiling. Fabrikanten van dit soort producten
worden verplicht om producten retour te nemen aan het eind van hun levenscyclus.
MSI zal overeenkomstig de richtlijn handelen voor de producten die de merknaam MSI
dragen en verkocht zijn in de EU. Deze goederen kunnen geretourneerd worden op
lokale inzamelingspunten.

SRPSKI

Da bi zaštitili prirodnu sredinu, i kao preduzeće koje vodi računa o okolini i prirodnoj
sredini, MSI mora da vas podesti da…

Po Direktivi Evropske unije (“EU”) o odbačenoj ekektronskoj i električnoj opremi, Di­rektiva 2002/96/EC, koja stupa na snagu od 13. Avgusta 2005, proizvodi koji spadaju
pod “elektronsku i električnu opremu” ne mogu više biti odbačeni kao običan otpad i
proizvođači ove opreme biće prinuđeni da uzmu natrag ove proizvode na kraju njihovog
uobičajenog veka trajanja. MSI će poštovati zahtev o preuzimanju ovakvih proizvoda
kojima je istekao vek trajanja, koji imaju MSI oznaku i koji su prodati u EU. Ove proiz­vode možete vratiti na lokalnim mestima za prikupljanje.

POLSKI

Aby chronić nasze środowisko naturalne oraz jako 󰘰rma dbająca o ekologię, MSI przy­pomina, że...

Zgodnie z Dyrektywą Unii Europejskiej (“UE”) dotyczącą odpadów produktów elektry­cznych i elektronicznych (Dyrektywa 2002/96/EC), która wchodzi w życie 13 sierpnia
2005, tzw. “produkty oraz wyposażenie elektryczne i elektroniczne “ nie mogą być trak­towane jako śmieci komunalne, tak więc producenci tych produktów będą zobowiązani
do odbierania ich w momencie gdy produkt jest wycofywany z użycia. MSI wypełni
wymagania UE, przyjmując produkty (sprzedawane na terenie Unii Europejskiej) wy­cofywane z użycia. Produkty MSI będzie można zwracać w wyznaczonych punktach
zbiorczych.

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TÜRKÇE

Çevreci özelliğiyle bilinen MSI dünyada çevreyi korumak için hatırlatır:
Avrupa Birliği (AB) Kararnamesi Elektrik ve Elektronik Malzeme Atığı, 2002/96/EC

Kararnamesi altında 13 Ağustos 2005 tarihinden itibaren geçerli olmak üzere, elektrikli
ve elektronik malzemeler diğer atıklar gibi çöpe atılamayacak ve bu elektonik cihazların
üreticileri, cihazların kullanım süreleri bittikten sonra ürünleri geri toplamakla yükümlü
olacaktır. Avrupa Birliği’ne satılan MSI markalı ürünlerin kullanım süreleri bittiğinde MSI
ürünlerin geri alınması isteği ile işbirliği içerisinde olacaktır. Ürünlerinizi yerel toplama
noktalarına bırakabilirsiniz.

ČESKY

Záleží nám na ochraně životního prostředí - společnost MSI upozorňuje...
Podle směrnice Evropské unie (“EU”) o likvidaci elektrických a elektronických výrobků

2002/96/EC platné od 13. srpna 2005 je zakázáno likvidovat “elektrické a elektronické
výrobky” v běžném komunálním odpadu a výrobci elektronických výrobků, na které se
tato směrnice vztahuje, budou povinni odebírat takové výrobky zpět po skončení je­jich životnosti. Společnost MSI splní požadavky na odebírání výrobků značky MSI,
prodávaných v zemích EU, po skončení jejich životnosti. Tyto výrobky můžete odevzdat
v místních sběrnách.

MAGYAR

Annak érdekében, hogy környezetünket megvédjük, illetve környezetvédőként fellépve
az MSI emlékezteti Önt, hogy ...

Az Európai Unió („EU”) 2005. augusztus 13-án hatályba lépő, az elektromos és elek­tronikus berendezések hulladékairól szóló 2002/96/EK irányelve szerint az elektromos
és elektronikus berendezések többé nem kezelhetőek lakossági hulladékként, és az
ilyen elektronikus berendezések gyártói kötelessé válnak az ilyen termékek visszavé­telére azok hasznos élettartama végén. Az MSI betartja a termékvisszavétellel kapc­solatos követelményeket az MSI márkanév alatt az EU-n belül értékesített termékek
esetében, azok élettartamának végén. Az ilyen termékeket a legközelebbi gyűjtőhelyre
viheti.

ITALIANO

Per proteggere l’ambiente, MSI, da sempre amica della natura, ti ricorda che….
In base alla Direttiva dell’Unione Europea (EU) sullo Smaltimento dei Materiali Elettrici

ed Elettronici, Direttiva 2002/96/EC in vigore dal 13 Agosto 2005, prodotti appartenenti
alla categoria dei Materiali Elettrici ed Elettronici non possono più essere eliminati come
ri󰘰uti municipali: i produttori di detti materiali saranno obbligati a ritirare ogni prodotto
alla 󰘰ne del suo ciclo di vita. MSI si adeguerà a tale Direttiva ritirando tutti i prodotti
marchiati MSI che sono stati venduti all’interno dell’Unione Europea alla 󰘰ne del loro
ciclo di vita. È possibile portare i prodotti nel più vicino punto di raccolta

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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 Speci󰘰cations ..................................................................................... 1-2

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

Packing Checklist .................................................................................................1-6

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

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

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

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

Power Supply ..................................................................................................... 2-10

Back Panel ......................................................................................................... 2-12

Connectors ......................................................................................................... 2-14

Button ................................................................................................................. 2-19

Switch .................................................................................................................2-21

Slots ...................................................................................................................2-23

LED Status Indicators (optional) ........................................................................2-30

Chapter 3 BIOS 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

Power Management Setup .................................................................................3-12

H/W Monitor .......................................................................................................3-14

Green Power ...................................................................................................... 3-15

BIOS Setting Password ......................................................................................3-16

Cell Menu ........................................................................................................... 3-17

M-Flash ..............................................................................................................3-26

Overclocking Pro󰘰le ...........................................................................................3-29

Load Fail-Safe/ Optimized Defaults ...................................................................3-30

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Preface

Appendix A Realtek Audio .......................................................................... A-1

Hardware Setup ...................................................................................................A-2

Installing the Realtek HD Audio Driver .................................................................A-6

Software Con󰘰guration .........................................................................................A-7

Appendix B Intel RAID ................................................................................ B-1

Introduction ..........................................................................................................B-2

BIOS Con󰘰guration ..............................................................................................B-3

Installing Driver ..................................................................................................B-10

Degraded RAID Array ........................................................................................B-12

Appendix C Marvell RAID ........................................................................... C-1

RAID Con󰘰guration ............................................................................................. C-2

Thank you for choosing the XPower Series (MS-7666
v1.X) ATX mainboard. The XPower Series mainboards
are based on Intel® X58 & ICH10R chipsets for optimal
system e󰘲ciency. Designed to 󰘰t the advanced Intel

®

Bloom󰘰eld

TM

LGA1366 processor, the XPower Series
deliver a high performance and professional desktop
platform solution.

Chapter 1

Getting Started

1-2

Getting Started

MS-7666

Chapter 1

Mainboard Speci󰘰cations

Processor Support

Intel® Bloom󰘰eldTM processor in the LGA1366 package
(For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com/index.
php?func=cpuform2)

QPI

Up to 6.4 GT/s

Chipset

North Bridge : Intel® X58 chipset
South Bridge : Intel® ICH10R chipset

Memory Support

6 DDR3 DIMMs support DDR3 2133*(OC)/ 1800*(OC) /1600*(OC)/ 1333/ 1066 / 800
DRAM (24GB Max)
Supports Dual-Channel/ Triple-Channel mode
*(For more information on compatible components, please visit
http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=testreport)

LAN

Supports Dual LAN 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet by Realtek® RTL8111DL

IEEE 1394

1 IEEE 1394 port by VIA® VT6315N

QuantumWave Audio Card

Realtek® ALC889
Compliant with Azalia 1.0 Spec

7.1 Channel High De󰘰nition Audio Codec with jack sensing
Supports1x S/PDIF out header
Supports Coaxial/Optical S/PDIF out ports on rear

SATA

6 SATA 3Gb/s (SATA1~6) ports by Intel® ICH10R
2 SATA 6Gb/s (SATA7~8) ports by Marvell® 88SE9128
1 ESATA & 1ESATA/ USB 2.0 combo port (back panel) by JMicron® JMB362
Supports hot plug & asynchronous noti󰘰cation

USB 3.0

2 USB 3.0 ports by NEC® uPD720200F1

RAID

SATA1~6 support Intel® Matrix Storage Technology (AHCI/ RAID 0/1/5/10) by Intel

®

ICH10R
SATA7~8 ports support RAID 0/ 1 mode by Marvell® 88SE9128

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Chapter 1

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Chapter 1

Connectors

Back panel

1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
1 Clear CMOS button
1 D-LED2 panel connector
1 1394 port
5 USB 2.0 ports
1 ESATA port
1 ESATA/ USB 2.0 Combo port
2 LAN ports
2 USB 3.0 ports

On-Board

2 USB 2.0 connectors
1 1394 connector
1 Chassis Intrusion connector
1 TPM Module connector
1 Reset button
1 Power button
1 GreenPower Genie connector (optional)
1 Over-Voltage switch
1 set voltage check point
1 OC Genie button
2 Base clock control buttons
1 set Debug LED panel

Slots

6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (PCI_E2 & PCI_E5 support up to PCIE x16 speed, PCI_
E4 & PCI_E6 support up to PCIE x8 speed, PCI_E3 & PCI_E7 support up to PCIE
x4 speed)
1 PCI Express 1.1 x1 slot

Form Factor

ATX (24.4cm X 30.5 cm)

Mounting

9 mounting holes

Feature on Focus

All Solid Cap design
Hi-C Cap on PWM
Active Phase Switch feature to save power dynamically
OC Genie
Heat Pipe design
EZ Button
USB Save Guard

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1-4

Getting Started

MS-7666

Chapter 1

XPower Series (for MS-7666 1.0 only) ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Layout

JSM B1

OC

Gen ie

MS-7666

Chapter 1

1-5

MS-7666

Chapter 1

XPower Series (MS-7666 1.X) ATX Mainboard

JSM B1

OC

Gen ie

1-6

Getting Started

* The pictures are for reference only and may vary from the packing contents of the
product you purchased. If you need to purchase accessories and request the part num­bers, you could search the product web page and 󰘰nd details on our web address
http://www.msi.com/index.php

MSI mainboard

MSI Driver/Utility DVD

SATA Cable

Power Cable

USB Bracket (Optional)

V-Check Cable

CrossFireX Video Link

Cable

Packing Checklist

Back IO Shield

User’s Guide

QuantumWave Audio

Card

3-Way SLI bridge cables

(1 long, 2 short)

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.

Chapter 2

Hardware Setup

2-2

Hardware Setup

MS-7666

Chapter 2

OC

Genie

Quick Components Guide

Back Panel,
p.2-12

CPU, p.2-3

CPUFAN, p.2-15

DDR3, p.2-7

Reset Button, p.2-19

JPWR2, p.2-10

JPWR1, p.2-10

SYSFAN2, p.2-15

SATA, p.2-14

JFP1, JFP2, p.2-17

JUSB1~2, p.2-16

Base Clock Control Buttons p.2-20

OC Genie Button, p.2-20

J1394_1, p.2-17

JPWR4, p.2-11

JCI1, p.2-16

JTPM1, p.2-18

PCIE, p.2-23

SYSFAN3, p.2-15

Over-Volatge Switch, p.2-21

JPWR3, p.2-10

JSMB1, p.2-18

Debug LED Panel, p.2-33

V-Check Poiint, p.2-22

Power Button, p.2-19

SYSFAN4, p.2-15

SYSFAN1, p.2-15

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Chapter 2

2-3

MS-7666

Chapter 2

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

When you are installing the CPU, make sure to install the cooler to prevent overheating.
If you do not have the CPU cooler, consult your dealer before turning on the computer.

For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com/index.
php?func=cpuform2

Important

Overheating
Overheating will seriously damage the CPU and system. Always make sure the cooling

fan can work properly to protect the CPU from overheating. Make sure that you apply
an even layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) between the CPU and the heatsink to
enhance heat dissipation.

Replacing the CPU
While replacing the CPU, always turn o󰘯 the ATX power supply or unplug the power

supply’s power cord from the grounded outlet 󰘰rst to ensure the safety of CPU.
Overclocking

This mainboard is designed to support overclocking. However, please make sure your
components are able to tolerate such abnormal setting, while doing overclocking. Any
attempt to operate beyond product speci󰘰cations is not recommended. We do not guar­antee the damages or risks caused by inadequate operation or beyond product speci­󰘰cations.

Introduction to LGA 1366 CPU

The pin-pad side of LGA 1366 CPU. The surface of LGA 1366 CPU. Remem-

ber to apply some thermal paste on it for
better heat dispersion.

Alignment Key

Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

Alignment Key

Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

2-4

Hardware Setup

MS-7666

Chapter 2

CPU & Cooler Installation

When you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a cooler attached on the top
to prevent overheating. Meanwhile, do not forget to apply some thermal paste 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.

Open the load level.

1.

Lift the load lever up and open the
load plate.

2.

The CPU socket has a plastic cap on
it to protect the contact from damage.
Before you install CPU, always cover
it to protect the socket pin. Romove
the cap (as the arrow shows).

3. After con󰘰rming 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.

4.

Alignment Key

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

5. Cover the load plate onto the pack­age.

6.

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

7. 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.

8.

Important

Con󰘰rm if your CPU cooler is 󰘰rmly installed before turning on your system.
Do not touch the CPU socket pins to avoid damaging.

•

•

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Mainboard

Hook

Important

Read the CPU status in BIOS.
Whenever CPU is not installed, always protect your CPU socket pin with the plastic

cap covered (shown in Figure 1) to avoid damaging.
Mainboard photos shown in this section are for demonstration of the CPU/ cooler in-

stallation only. The appearance of your mainboard may vary depending on the model
you purchase.

Please refer to the documentation in the CPU fan package for more details about the
CPU fan installation.

•

•

•

•

Press the four hooks down to fasten
the cooler.

9. Turn over the mainboard to con󰘰rm
that the clip-ends are correctly in­serted.

10.

Finally, attach the CPU Fan cable to
the CPU fan connector on the main­board.

11.

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Memory

These DIMM slots are used for installing memory modules. For more information on
compatible components, please visit

http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=testreport

DDR3

240-pin, 1.5V

48x2=96 pin 72x2=144 pin

Memory Population Rule

Please refer to the following illustrations for memory population rules.
Single-Channel mode Population Rule
When you have only one memory module, please always insert it into the DIMM_1

(DIMM_A0 in v1.0) 󰘰rst.

1

DIMM_2 (Channel_A)
DIMM_1 (Channel_A)
DIMM_4 (Channel_B)
DIMM_3 (Channel_B)
DIMM_6 (Channel_C)
DIMM_5 (Channel_C)

Dual-Channel mode Population Rule
In Dual-Channel mode, the memory modules can transmit and receive data with two

data bus lines simultaneously. Enabling Dual-Channel mode can enhance the system
performance. When you have two memory modules, please always insert them as the
󰘰gures shown in below.

2

DIMM_2 (Channel_A)
DIMM_1 (Channel_A)
DIMM_4 (Channel_B)
DIMM_3 (Channel_B)
DIMM_6 (Channel_C)
DIMM_5 (Channel_C)

Installed
Empty

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Triple-Channel mode Population Rule
In Triple-Channel mode, the memory modules can transmit and receive data with three

data bus lines simultaneously. Enabling Triple-Channel mode can enhance the best
system performance. When you have three or more memory modules, please always
insert them as the 󰘰gures shown in below.

3

DIMM_2 (Channel_A)
DIMM_1 (Channel_A)
DIMM_4 (Channel_B)
DIMM_3 (Channel_B)
DIMM_6 (Channel_C)
DIMM_5 (Channel_C)

4

DIMM_2 (Channel_A)
DIMM_1 (Channel_A)
DIMM_4 (Channel_B)
DIMM_3 (Channel_B)
DIMM_6 (Channel_C)
DIMM_5 (Channel_C)

5

DIMM_2 (Channel_A)
DIMM_1 (Channel_A)
DIMM_4 (Channel_B)
DIMM_3 (Channel_B)
DIMM_6 (Channel_C)
DIMM_5 (Channel_C)

6

DIMM_2 (Channel_A)
DIMM_1 (Channel_A)
DIMM_4 (Channel_B)
DIMM_3 (Channel_B)
DIMM_6 (Channel_C)
DIMM_5 (Channel_C)

Important

DDR3 memory modules are not interchangeable with DDR2 and the DDR3 standard
is not backwards compatible. You should always install DDR3 memory modules in
the DDR3 DIMM slots.

In Triple-Channel/ Dual-Channel mode, make sure that you install memory modules
of the same type and density in di󰘯erent channel DIMM slots.

•

•

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To enable successful system boot-up, always insert the memory modules into the
DIMM_1 (DIMM_A0 in PCB v1.0) 󰘰rst.

Due to the chipset resource deployment, the system density will only be detected up
to 23+GB (not full 24GB) when each DIMM is installed with a 4GB memory module.

Installing Memory Modules

The memory module has only one notch on the center and will only 󰘰t in the right
orientation.

Insert the memory module vertically into the DIMM slot. Then push it in until the
golden 󰘰nger on the memory module is deeply inserted in the DIMM slot. The plastic
clip at each side of the DIMM slot will automatically close when the memory module
is properly seated.

Manually check if the memory module has been locked in place by the DIMM slot
clips at the sides.

Notch

Volt

Important

You can barely see the golden 󰘰nger if the memory module is properly inserted in the
DIMM slot.

•

•

1.

2.

3.

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Power Supply

ATX 24-pin Power Connector: JPWR1

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 󰘰rmly 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.

13 .+3 .3

V

1. +3. 3

V

14 .-1 2V

2. +3. 3

V

15 .Gr oun d

3

.G rou nd

16 .PS -ON

#

4. +5
V

17 .Gr oun d

5

.G rou nd

18 .Gr oun d

6. +5
V

19 .Gr oun d

7

.G rou nd

22 .+5

V

10 .+1 2V

20 .Re s

8. PW
R O

K

23 .+5

V

11

.+ 12V

21 .+5

V

9. 5VS B

24 .Gr oun d

12 .+3 .3

V

ATX 8-pin Power Connector: JPWR2/ JPWR3

These connectors provide 12V power output to the CPUs.

7. +12 V

3.

Gr oun d

5. +12 V

1.

Gr oun d

8. +12 V

4

.G rou nd

6. +12 V

2

.G rou nd

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ATX 6-pin Power Connector: JPWR4

This connector is used to provide power to the graphics card.

Important

Make sure that all the connectors are connected to proper ATX power supplies to
ensure stable operation of the mainboard.

Power supply of 450 watts (and above) is highly recommended for system stability.

•

•

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Back Panel

Mouse/Keyboard

The standard PS/2® mouse/keyboard DIN connector is for a PS/2® mouse/keyboard.

Clear CMOS Button

There is a CMOS RAM on board that has a power supply from external battery to keep
the system con󰘰guration data. With the CMOS RAM, the system can automatically
boot OS every time it is turned on. If you want to clear the system con󰘰guration, use
the button to clear data. Press the button to clear the data.

Important

Make sure that you power o󰘯 the system before clearing CMOS data.
After pressing this button to clear CMOS data in power o󰘯 (G3) state, the system will

boot automatically.

D-LED2 Panel Connector

This connector connects to a D-LED2 (Debug-LED2) panel (optional), which shows
information on the panel for you and identify the current status or mode of the con­nected system. Please refer to the D-LED2 quick guide (optional) for more details and
usages.

IEEE 1394 Port

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

USB 2.0 Port

The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is for attaching USB devices such as keyboard,
mouse, or other USB-compatible devices. Supports data transfer rate up to 480Mbit/s
(Hi-Speed).

▶

▶

▶

▶

▶

Keyboard

USB 2.0 Port

LAN

USB 2.0 Port

ESATA/ USB 2.0 Combo Port

1394 Port

ESATA Port

Mouse

Clear CMOS Button

D-LED2 Panel Connector

LAN

USB 2.0 Port USB 3.0 Port

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ESATA Port

The ESATA (External SATA) port is for attaching the ESATA hard drive.

ESATA/ USB 2.0 Combo Port

The ESATA/USB 2.0 combo port is for attaching the ESATA external hard drive or USB
device.

USB 3.0 Port

USB 3.0 port is backward-compatible with USB 2.0 devices. Supports data transfer rate
up to 5 Gbit/s (SuperSpeed).

Important

If you want to use a USB 3.0 device, you must use the USB 3.0 cable to connect to
the USB 3.0 port.

LAN

The standard RJ-45 LAN jack is for connection to
the Local Area Network (LAN). You can connect a
network cable to it.

LED Color LED State Condition

Left Yellow O󰘯 LAN link is not established.

On(Steady state) LAN link is established.

On(brighter & pulsing) The computer is communicating with another computer on the LAN.

Right Green O󰘯 10 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

On 100 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

Orange On 1000 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

▶

▶

▶

▶

Yellow Green/ Orange

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Connectors

Serial ATA Connector: SATA1~8

This connector is a high-speed Serial ATA interface port. Each connector can connect
to one Serial ATA device.

* The MB layout in this 󰘰gure is for reference only.

SATA5_6

SATA3_4

SATA1_2

SATA1~6 (3Gb/s)
supported by Intel® ICH10R

SATA7/ SATA8 (6Gb/s)
supported by Marvell® 88SE9128

SATA7_8

Important

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