MSI P55A-G55 User Manual

P55A-G55 series

MS-7668 (v1.x) Mainboard

G52-76681X5

ii

Preface

MS-7668

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 April 2010
V1.1 Update JSP1 July 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 60oC (140oF), 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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iv

Preface

MS-7668

Preface

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

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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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MS-7668

Preface

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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Preface

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

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

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

Screw Holes ......................................................................................................... 2-3

CPU (Central Processing Unit) ............................................................................2-4

Memory ................................................................................................................2-8

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

Back Panel ......................................................................................................... 2-11

Connectors ......................................................................................................... 2-13

Switch .................................................................................................................2-19

Jumpers .............................................................................................................2-20

Button ................................................................................................................. 2-21

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

LED Status Indicators ........................................................................................2-23

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

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

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

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

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

Integrated Peripherals ........................................................................................ 3-11

Power Management Setup .................................................................................3-13

H/W Monitor .......................................................................................................3-15

Green Power ...................................................................................................... 3-16

Cell Menu ........................................................................................................... 3-19

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

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

Software Con󰘰guration .........................................................................................A-3

Hardware Default Setting .....................................................................................A-5

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 P55A-G55 Series (MS-7668
v1.X) ATX mainboard. The P55A-G55 Series mainboards
are based on Intel® P55 chipsets for optimal system e󰘲­ciency. Designed to 󰘰t the advanced Intel® LGA1156 pro­cessor, the P55A-G55 Series deliver a high performance
and professional desktop platform solution.

Chapter 1

Getting Started

1-2

Getting Started

Mainboard Speci󰘰cations

Processor Support

Intel® Core™ i7, Core™ i5 (Lynn󰘰eld & Clarkdale), Core™ i3 and Pentium® processor
in the LGA1156 package
(For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com/index.
php?func=cpuform2)

Base Clock

133 MHz (OC to 250MHz)

Chipset

Intel® P55 chipset

Memory Support

4 DDR3 DIMMs support DDR3 2133*(OC)/ 2000*(OC) /1600*(OC)/ 1333/ 1066
DRAM (16GB Max)
Supports Dual-Channel mode
*(For more information on compatible components, please visit
http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=testreport)

LAN

Supports LAN 10/100/1000 by Realtek® RTL8111DL

Audio

Chip integrated by Realtek® ALC887/ ALC892 (True Blu-ray Audio)
Flexible 8-channel audio with jack sensing
Compliant with Azalia 1.0 Spec

IDE

1 IDE port by Marvell® 88SE9128B1
Supports Ultra DMA 66/100/133 mode
Supports PIO, Bus Master operation mode

Floppy

1 󰘱oppy port
Supports 1 FDD with 360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, 1.44MB and 2.88MB

SATA

6 SATA 3Gb/s (SATA1~6) ports by Intel® P55
2 SATA 6Gb/s (SATA7~8) ports by Marvell® 88SE9128B1

RAID

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

®

P55

Hardware RAID

SATA7 & SATA8 support RAID 0/ 1 mode by Marvell® 88SE9128B1

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1-3

MS-7668

Chapter 1

Connectors

Back panel

1 PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
1 Optical S/PDIF-Out
8 USB 2.0 ports
2 USB 3.0 ports
1 LAN jack
6 󰘱exible audio jacks

On-Board

2 USB 2.0 connectors
1 S/PDIF-Out connector
1 Front Panel Audio connector
1 CD-In connector
1 Chassis Intrusion connector
1 Serial connector
1 Parallel connector
1 TPM connector
1 Power button
1 Easy OC switch

Slots

2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (PCIE_1 is a x16 lane slot and PCIE_4 is a x8 lane slot)
2 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots
3 PCI slots, support 3.3V/ 5V PCI bus Interface

Form Factor

ATX (30.5cm x 23.0cm)

Mounting

6 mounting holes

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 below

http://www.msi.com/index.php

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1-4

Getting Started

P55A-G55 Series (MS-7668 v1.X) Mainboard

Mainboard Layout

PCI 1

PCI2

PCI3

PCI _E3

PCI _E4

PCI _E1

PCI _E2

ID

E 1

SA

TA

5

SA

TA

6

FDD 1

BA

TT

+

JFP 2JFP 1

JUS B1

JCI 1

JUS B2

JLP T1

JTP M1 JCO M1

JAU D1

JCD 1 JSP 1

JBAT 1

SA

TA

1_2

SA

TA

3_4

SYS F

AN

2

SYS F

AN

1

JPW R

1

DIMM2

DIMM

1

DIMM

4

DIMM3

CPU F

AN

JPW R

2

Top : Op tic al S /P DIF -Ou t
Bot to m:P S/ 2 por t

Top: L AN Ja ck
Bot to m: U SB2 .0 p ort s

USB 3. 0 po rts

USB 2. 0 po rts

USB 2. 0 po rts

USB 2. 0 po rts

T:
M:
B:

Lin e- In

Lin e- Out

Mic
T:RS- Ou t
M:C S- Out
B:S S- Out

SA

TA

8

SA

TA

7

POW ER 1

OC_ SW 1

1-5

MS-7668

Chapter 1

MSI Driver/Utility DVD

SATA Cable (Optional)

Power Cable

USB Bracket (Optional)

Standard Cable for

IDE Devices

Back IO Shield

User’s Guide

Packing Checklist

* The pictures are for reference only and may vary from the packing contents of the
product you purchased.

MSI mainboard

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-7668

Chapter 2

Quick Components Guide

CPU, p.2-4

DDR3, p.2-8

Back Panel,
p.2-11

CPUFAN, p.2-15

JPWR2, p.2-10

SYSFAN1, p.2-15

JPWR1, p.2-10

JCI1, p.2-15

SATA1~6, p.2-14

SATA7~8, p.2-14

IDE1, p.2-13

JBAT1, p.2-20

JUSB1~2, p.2-16

OC_SW1, p.2-19

POWER1, p.2-21

JFP1, JFP2,
p.2-16

JLPT1, p.2-18

JCOM1, p.2-18

JTPM1, p.2-17

FDD1, p.2-13

JSP1, p.2-17

JAUD1, p.2-18

JCD1, p.2-15

PCI, p.2-22

PCIE, p.2-22

SYSFAN2,
p.2-15

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Chapter 2

2-3

MS-7668

Chapter 2

Screw Holes

When you install the mainboard, you have to place the mainboard into the chassis in the
correct direction. The locations of screws holes on the mainboard are shown as below.

Refer above picture to install stando󰘯s in the appropriate locations on chassis and then
screw through the mainboard screw holes into the stando󰘯s.

Important

To prevent damage to the mainboard, any contact between the mainboard circuit and
chassis or unnecessary stando󰘯s mounted on the chassis is prohibited.

Please make sure there is no metal components placed on the mainboard or within
the chassis that may cause short circuit of the mainboard.

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Screw holes

The side has to toward
the rear, the position
for the I/O shield of the
chassis.

2-4

Hardware Setup

MS-7668

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

mportant

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 1156 CPU

The pin-pad side of LGA 1156 CPU. The surface of LGA 1156 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

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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 to fully open
position

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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Chapter 2

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

5.

Engage the load lever while pressing
down lightly onto the load plate.

6.

Secure the lever near the hook end
under the retention tab.

7. Make sure the four hooks are in por­per position before you install the
cooler.

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.

•

•

Alignment Key

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Chapter 2

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.

•

•

•

•

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.

9. Press the four hooks down to fasten
the cooler.

10.

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

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

12.

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Chapter 2

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.
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. The following illustrations explain the population rules for Dual-Channel
mode.

1

DIMM2

DIMM1

DIMM4

DIMM3

2

DIMM2

DIMM1

DIMM4

DIMM3

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

To enable successful system boot-up (Lynn󰘰eld CPU especially), always insert the
memory modules into the DIMM1 󰘰rst.

Due to the chipset resource deployment, the system density will only be detected up
to 15+GB (not full 16GB) when each DIMM is installed with a 4GB memory module.

•

•

•

•

Installed
Empty

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Chapter 2

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.

Important

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

Notch

Volt

1.

2.

3.

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Chapter 2

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 CPU Power Connector: JPWR2

This connector provides 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

Important

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

Power supply of 400 watts (and above) is highly recommended for system stability.

•

•

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Chapter 2

Back Panel

Optical S/PDIF-Out

This SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interconnect Format) connector is provided for digital
audio transmission to external speakers through an optical 󰘰ber cable.

Mouse/Keyboard

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

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).

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

Line-In

Line-Out

Mic

RS-Out

CS-Out

SS-OutMouse/Keyboard USB 2.0 Port USB 2.0 Port

USB 3.0 Port

Optical S/PDIF-Out

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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 Mbits/sec data rate is selected.

On 100 Mbits/sec data rate is selected.

Orange On 1000 Mbits/sec data rate is selected.

Audio Ports
These audio connectors are used for audio devices. It is easy to di󰘯erentiate between

audio e󰘯ects according to the color of audio jacks.

Line-In (Blue) - Line In, is used for external CD player, tape-player or other
audio devices.

Line-Out (Green) - Line Out, is a connector for speakers or headphones.
Mic (Pink) - Mic, is a connector for microphones.
RS-Out (Black) - Rear-Surround Out in 4/ 5.1/ 7.1 channel mode.
CS-Out (Orange) - Center/ Subwoofer Out in 5.1/ 7.1 channel mode.
SS-Out (Gray) - Side-Surround Out 7.1 channel mode.

▶

▶

■

■

■

■

■

■

Yellow Green/ Orange

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Chapter 2

Connectors

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1

This connector supports 360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, 1.44MB or 2.88MB 󰘱oppy disk drive.

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

IDE Connector: IDE1

This connector supports IDE hard disk drives, optical disk drives and other IDE de­vices.

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

Important

If you install two IDE devices on the same cable, you must con󰘰gure the drives sepa­rately to master / slave mode by setting jumpers. Refer to IDE device’s documentation
supplied by the vendors for jumper setting instructions.

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Chapter 2

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.

SATA1~6 supported by Intel® P55，the transfer rate is up to 3Gb/s.

SATA1_2

SATA3_4

SATA6

SATA5

SATA7~8 supported by Marvell® 88SE9128B1，the transfer rate is up to 6Gb/s.

SATA7

SATA8

Important

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