MSI MS-7043, PT880 - Neo-FSR Motherboard - ATX, PT880 Neo MS-7043, PT880 Neo User Manual

i

English V ersion

G52-M7043X5

PT880 Neo (V2.0)

MS-7043 (v1.X) A TX Mainboard

ii

Manual Rev: 1.2
Release Date: April 2004

FCC-A Radio Frequency Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated
in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case
the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

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 A VANT DE RACCORDER AU RESEAU.

Micro-Star International

MS-7043

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.

iii

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.
Intel® and Pentium® are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.

PS/2 and OS®/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.
Windows® 95/98/2000/2003/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

V1.2 First release for PT880 Neo (V2.0) April 2004

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 F AQ, 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: [e-mail]

iv

1. Always read the safety instructions carefully.

2. Keep this User’s Manual for future reference.

3. Keep this equipment away from humidity.

4. Lay this equipment on a reliable flat surface before setting it up.

5. The openings on the enclosure are for air convection hence protects the equip­ment from overheating. DO NOT COVER THE OPENINGS.

6. Make sure the voltage of the power source and adjust properly 110/220V be­fore connecting the equipment to the power inlet.

7. Place the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not place
anything over the power cord.

8. Always Unplug the Power Cord before inserting any add-on card or module.

9. All cautions and warnings on the equipment should be noted.

10. Never pour any liquid into the opening that could damage or cause electrical
shock.

11. If any of the following situations arises, get the equipment checked by a service
personnel:

††

††

† The power cord or plug is damaged.

††

††

† Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.

††

††

† The equipment has been exposed to moisture.

††

††

† The equipment has not work well or you can not get it work according to

User’s Manual.

††

††

† The equipment has dropped and damaged.

††

††

† The equipment has obvious sign of breakage.

12. DO NOT LEA VE THIS EQUIPMENT IN AN ENVIRONMENT UNCONDITIONED, STOR­AGE TEMPERA TURE ABOVE 600 C (1400F), IT MA Y DAMAGE THE EQUIPMENT .

Safety Instructions

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.

Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer.

v

CONTENTS

FCC-A Radio Frequency Interference Statement .......................................................... ii

Copyright Notice ............................................................................................................ iii

Trademarks.................................................................................................................... iii

Revision History ............................................................................................................ iii

Technical Support.......................................................................................................... iii

Safety Instructions ........................................................................................................ v

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

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

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

MSI Special Features ..........................................................................................1-5

Color Management ......................................................................................1-5

CoreCenter .................................................................................................. 1-6

Core CellTM Chip .........................................................................................1-8

Round Cable (Optional)............................................................................... 1-9

CPU Thermal Protection .............................................................................. 1-9

Live BIOS™/Live Driver™......................................................................... 1-11

Live Monitor™ ........................................................................................... 1-11

D-Bracket™ 2 (Optional)...........................................................................1-12

S-Bracket (Optional)..................................................................................1-14

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

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

Central Processing Unit: CPU..............................................................................2-3

CPU Core Speed Derivation Procedure ...................................................... 2-3

Memory Speed/CPU FSB Support Matrix ................................................... 2-3

CPU Installation Procedures for Socket 478 .............................................. 2-4

Installing the CPU Fan .................................................................................2-5

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

Memory Population Rules............................................................................ 2-7

Installing DDR Modules ................................................................................ 2-8

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

ATX 20-Pin Power Connector: ATX1 ..........................................................2-9

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

Back Pa nel.........................................................................................................2-10

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

A TA133 Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2 ............................................ 2-11

Connectors ....................................................................................................... 2-11

Serial ATA RAID 0, 1 Connectors: SATA1, SATA2 ...................................2-12

Fan Power Connector: CPUFA1 .............................................................. 2-13

vi

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1.......................................................2-13

Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JCI1 (Optional) ..............................2-14

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1 & JFP2 ......................................................2-14

CD-In Connector: JCD1 .............................................................................2-15

D-Bracket™ 2 Connector: JDB1 (Optional) ..............................................2-15

S-Bracket (SPDIF) Connector: JSP1 (Optional) ........................................2-16

Front USB Connectors: JUSB1 & JUSB2 (Optional) ................................ 2-17

Jumpers ............................................................................................................2-18

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1 .....................................................................2-18

Slots ..................................................................................................................2-19

PCI Interrupt Request Routing ...................................................................2-19

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) Slot ..................................................... 2-19

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots .......................................2-19

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

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

Selecting the First Boot Device................................................................... 3-2

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

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

The Main M enu.................................................................................................... 3-4

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

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

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

Power Management Setup ...............................................................................3-15

PNP/PCI Configurations .....................................................................................3-18

Integrated Peripherals.......................................................................................3-20

PC Health Status ...............................................................................................3-23

Frequency/Voltage Control...............................................................................3-24

Set Supervisor/User Password .......................................................................3-27

Load Optimal/High Performance Defaults.........................................................3-28

Appendix A: Using 2-, 4- & 6-Channel Audio Function................................... A-1

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

Installation for Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP .............................................. A-2

Special Notice during Installation ............................................................... A-2

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

Playback ..................................................................................................... A-4

Recording ................................................................................................... A-4

SPDIF & Speaker Configuration ................................................................. A-5

Speaker Test .............................................................................................. A-5

vii

Information.................................................................................................. A-6

Using 2-, 4- & 6- Channel Audio Function ......................................................... A-7

Appendix B: VIA VT8237 Serial ATA RAID .......................................................... B-1

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

BIOS Configuration ............................................................................................ B-4

Installing RAID Software & Drivers.................................................................. B-14

Using VIA RAID Tool ......................................................................................... B-17

1-1

Getting Started

Thank you for choosing the PT880 Neo (V2.0) (MS-7043) v1.X
ATX mainboard. The PT880 Neo (V2.0) is a superior computer
mainboard based on VIA® PT880 Northbridge & VT8237
Southbridge for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit the ad­vanced Intel® Pentium® 4 processors in 478-pin package, the PT880
Neo (V2.0) delivers a high performance and professional desktop
platform solution.

Chapter 1. Getting
Started

Getting Started

1-2

MS-7043 ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Specifications

CPU

h Supports Intel® P4 Northwood/Prescott (Socket 478) processors
h FSB 400 (for Northwood only), 533, 800MHz
h Supports up to 3.4GHz or higher speed (Please refer to the latest online news at

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/
pro_mbd_cpu_support.php)

Chipset

h VIA® PT880 chipset

- Supports FSB 800/533/400MHz

- Supports AGP 8X interface

- Supports DDR 400/333/266 memory interface

h VIA® VT8237 chipset

- High Bandwidth V-link Client controller

- Integrated Faster Ethernet LPC

- Integrated Hardware Sound Blaster/Direct Sound AC97 audio

- Ultra DMA 66/100/133 master mode PCI EIDE controller

- ACPI

- Supports Serial ATA

- Supports USB2.0

Main Memory

h Supports six memory banks using three 184-pin DDR DIMMs
h Supports dual-channel memory
h Supports a maximum memory size up to 3GB
h Supports 2.5v DDR SDRAM DIMM

Slots

h One AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) slot supports 8x/4x at 0.8V (AGP 3.0) or 4x

at 1.5V (3.3V not supported)

h Five 32-bit Master PCI bus slots (support 3.3v/5v PCI bus interface)

Onboard IDE

h An IDE controller integrated in the VIA® VT8237 chipset

- Supports IDE HDD/CD-ROM with PIO, Bus Master and Ultra DMA 66/100/133
operation modes

- Can connect up to four Ultra ATA drives

Onboard Serial ATA

h Serial ATA/150 controller integrated in the VIA® VT8237 chipset

- Up to 150MB/sec transfer rate

- Can connect up to two Serial ATA drives

1-3

Getting Started

On-Board Peripherals

h On-Board Peripherals include:

- 1 floppy port supports 2 FDDs with 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and

2.88Mbytes

- 1 serial port (COM A)

- 1 parallel port supports SPP/EPP/ECP mode

- 8 USB 2.0 ports (Rear x 4 / Front x 4)

- 1 RJ45 LAN jack

- 1 D-Bracket2 pinheader (Optional)

- 1 S-Bracket pinheader (Optional)

- 1 Line-In / Line-Out /Mic

- 1 Coaxial SPDIF out (Optional)

Audio

h AC97 link controller integrated in VT8237
h VIA® VT1617 6-channel audio codec

- Compliance with AC97 v2.2 Spec

- Meets PC2001 audio performance requirement

LAN

h VIA® VT6122 Gigabit LAN controller

BIOS

h The mainboard BIOS provides “Plug & Play” BIOS which detects the peripheral

devices and expansion cards of the board automatically

h The mainboard provides a Desktop Management Interface (DMI) function which

records your mainboard specifications

Dimension

h ATX Form Factor: 30.5cm x 20.4cm

Mounting

h 6 standard mounting holes

1-4

MS-7043 ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Layout

PT880 Neo (V2.0) (MS-7043 v1.X) ATX Mainboard

BATT

+

D

I

M

M

1

D

I

M

M

3

D

I

M

M

2

JAUD1 JSP1

JUSB2

A

T

X

1

CPUFA1

SATA1

SATA2

JFP1

JDB1

JFP2

VIA

Audio Codec

VT1617

Winbond

W83697HF

VIA

Gigabit LAN

VT6122

BIOS

PCI 5

PCI 4

PCI 3

PCI 2

PCI 1

IDE 2

IDE 1

JPW1

Top :
Parallel Port

Bottom:
COM A

Top : M o use
Bottom: Keyboard

T : LAN Jack
B: USB Po rts

JCD1

F

D

D

1

AGP1

JBAT1

JUSB1

T: SPDIF Out
B: USB Po rts

T:
M:
B: Mic

Line-In

Line-Out

VIA

VT8237

VIA

PT880

1-5

Getting Started

MSI Special Features

Color Management

MSI has a unified color management rule for some connectors on the
mainboards, which helps you to install the memory modules, expansion cards and
other peripherals devices more easily and conveniently.

h Dual Memory DDR DIMMs: Channel A is light green, Channel B is purple
h Intel spec IDE ATA133 connector: yellow
h Serial ATA150 connector: orange
h AGP 8X slot: red
h USB 2.0 connector: yellow
h Front panel connector JFP1 : HDD LED is red, Reset Switch is blue, Power

Switch is black, Power LED is light green.

h Front panel connector JFP2: Power LED is light green.

Memory DDR DIMMs

Front Panel connector JFP1

USB 2.0 connector

AGP 8X Slot

Intel spec IDE ATA 133 connectors

Front Panel connector JFP2

Serial ATA150 connectors

1-6

MS-7043 ATX Mainboard

CoreCenter

CoreCenterTM- contains OC Menu panel, users can determine their processor
and memory type to optimize its memory capacity . This all-in-one hardware console is
advanced combination of the popular PC Alert and Fuzzy Logic. Including powerful
function with hardware monitor, system alert and instinctive UI of overclocking,
CoreCenter 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 overclock, overspec or to adjust the thresholds of system to send
out the warning messages. If you click the Core Center button in the top, a screen
pops up for you to choose the “Auto mode” or “User mode” of CPU fan.

1-7

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 in front of 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 desired FSB you just configured.

Also you may click Auto to start testing the maximal 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, 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.

Top-side: User mode/Auto mode

Here you may adjust the CPU fan speed. If you choose User mode, you may
adjust the CPU fan speed in 8 different modes, from Low speed to High speed.

OC Menu

The exclusive OC Menu is fully developed to support DDR400+ memory modules.
By comprehensive validation of over 67 DDR400+ memory modules, MSI concluded
best parameters for DRAM voltage, Vio and other BIOS settings. You can select
DDR433, DDR450, DDR466 and DDR500 from DRAM frequency in BIOS setting. Or
you can just click on OC Menu button to configure in the OC Menu at CoreCenter. OC
Menu will adjust the necessary pa­rameters of voltage and frequency
simultaneously . The only limitation was
the margin of processor from
overclocking.

1-8

MS-7043 ATX Mainboard

BuzzFree

-- Diagnoses current sys­tem utilization &
temperature.

-- Controls both CPU and
NorthBridge fans.

-- Cuts up to 50% of sys­tem noise.

LifePro

-- Prolongs motherboard, CPU and fan life.

-- Maintains motherboard & CPU in constant temperature.

-- Prevents components from operating beyond
specifications.

Speedster

-- Advanced O.C. design.

-- Superior O.C. capability.

-- Greater O.C. method.

Features of CoreCell™

Core CellTM Chip

By diagnosing the current system utilization, the CoreCell™
Chip automatically tunes your motherboard to the optimal state,
leading to less noise, longer duration, more power-saving and higher
performance.

PowerPro

-- Saves up to 65% power.

-- Assures motherboard
stability.

-- Empowers O.C
Capability.

1-9

Getting Started

Round Cable (Optional)

Round cable is an enhanced cable for PCI IDE and Ultra DMA controller. It has

the following benefits:

h Data transfer rate started by 133MB/s
h Backward compatibility (ATA33/66/100/133)
h Higher performance than traditional Flat cable (data rate)
h Improved data robustness
h Better airflow due to thinner ATA/133 cable

CPU Thermal Protection

Aimed to prevent the CPU from overheating, MSI has developed a CPU Thermal
Protection mechanism for Intel® CPU platform. This CPU Thermal Protection mechanism
works on a thermal signal sensor. If the mechanism senses an abnormal temperature
rise, it will automatically shut down the system and the CPU temperature will then
drop down and resume normal. With this unique feature, users can better protect
their CPU. Please note that this feature is for Intel® Pentium CPU only.

Connect one end to the
floopy disk drive
connector (FDD1) and
the other end to the
standard flooy disk.

Connect to the system
connectors on the mainboard.

Connect to the slave drive.

Connect to the master drive.

1-10

MS-7043 ATX Mainboard

Live BIOS™/Live Driver™

The Live BIOS™/Live Driver™ is a tool used to detect and
update your BIOS/drivers online so that you don’t need to search for
the correct BIOS/driver version throughout the whole Web site. To
use the function, you need to install the “MSI Live Update 3”
application. After the installation, the “MSI Live Update 3” icon (as
shown on the right) will appear on the screen.

Double click the “MSI Live Update 3” icon, and the following
screen will appear:

Five buttons are placed on the left column of the screen. Click the desired button to
start the update process.

Ü Live BIOS – Updates the BIOS online.
Ü Live Driver – Updates the drivers online.
Ü Live VGA BIOS – Updates the VGA BIOS online.
Ü Live VGA Driver – Updates the VGA driver online.

Ü Live OSD – Updates the firmware of the OSD products online.
Ü Live Utility – Updates the utilities online.

If the product you purchased does not support any of the functions listed above, a
“sorry” message is displayed. For more information on the update instructions, insert
the companion CD and refer to the “Live Update Guide” under the “Manual” Tab.

1-11

Getting Started

Live Monitor™

The Live Monitor™ is a tool used to schedule the search for the
latest BIOS/drivers version on the MSI Web site. To use the function,
you need to install the “MSI Live Update 3” application. After installation,
the “MSI Live Monitor” icon (as shown on the right) will appear on the
screen. Double click this icon to run the application.

Double click the “MSI Live Monitor” icon at the
lower-right corner of the taskbar.

zz

zz

z Auto Search – Searches for the BIOS/drivers version you need immediately.

zz

zz

z View Last Result – Allows you to view the last search result if there is any.

zz

zz

z Preference – Configures the Search function, including the Search schedule.

zz

zz

z Exit – Exits the Live Monitor™ application.

zz

zz

z FAQ – Provides a link to a database which contains various possible ques-

tions about MSI's products for users to inquire.

If Preference is selected, you can specify how often the system will automatically
search for the BIOS/drivers version, or change the LAN settings right from the MSI
Live Monitor [Preference] dialog box .

Select Preference

1-12

MS-7043 ATX Mainboard

D-Bracket™ 2 (Optional)

D-Bracket™ 2 is a USB bracket integrating four Diagnostic LEDs, which use
graphic signal display to help users understand their system. The LEDs provide up to
16 combinations of signals to debug the system. The 4 LEDs can detect all problems
that fail the system, such as VGA, RAM or other failures. This special feature is very
useful for overclocking users. These users can use the feature to detect if there are
any problems or failures. D-Bracket™ 2 supports both USB 1.1 & 2.0 spec.

D-Bracket™ 2

1 2
3 4

Red

Green

Description

System Power ON

- The D-LED will hang here if the processor is damaged or
not installed properly.

Early Chipset Initialization

Memory Detection Test

- Testing onboard memory size. The D-LED will hang if the
memory module is damaged or not installed properly.

Decompressing BIOS image to RAM for fast booting.

1 2
3 4

Initializing Keyboard Controller.

Testing VGA BIOS

- This will start writing VGA sign-on message to the screen.

D-Bracket™ 2

1-13

Getting Started

D-Bracket™ 2

Description

Processor Initialization

- This will show information regarding the processor
(like brand name, system bus, etc...)

Testing RTC (Real Time Clock)

Initializing Video Interface

- This will start detecting CPU clock, checking type of
video onboard. Then, detect and initialize the video
adapter.

BIOS Sign On

- This will start showing information about logo, proces­sor brand name, etc...

Testing Base and Extended Memory

- Teting base memory from 240K to 640K and extended
memory above 1MB using various patterns.

Assign Resources to all ISA.

Initializing Hard Drive Controller

- This will initialize IDE drive and controller.

Initializing Floppy Drive Controller

- This will initialize Floppy Drive and controller.

Boot Attempt

- This will set low stack and boot via INT 19h.

Operating System Booting

1 2
3 4

1-14

MS-7043 ATX Mainboard

S-Bracket (Optional)

S-Bracket is a bracket which provides 2 SPDIF jacks for digital audio transmis­sion and 2 analog Line-Out connectors for additional 4-channel analog audio output.
With the S-Bracket, your system will be able to perform 6-channel audio operation for
wonderful surround sound effect, or connect to Sony & Philips Digital Interface
(SPDIF) speakers for audio transmission with better quality.

The S-Bracket offers two types of SPDIF connectors: one for optical fiber and
the other for coaxial connection. Select the appropriate one to meet your own need.
For more information on S-Bracket, refer to Appendix A: Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio
Function.

S-Bracket

SPDIF jack (optical)

SPDIF jack (coaxial)

Analog Line-Out jacks

2-1

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.

Hardware Setup

2-2

MS-7043 ATX Mainboard

Quick Components Guide

CPU, p.2-3

JPW1, p.2-9

CPUFA1, p.2-13

Back Panel
I/O, p.2-10

IDE2/1, p.2-11

DIMM1~3, p.2-7

FDD1, p.2-11

PCI 1~5, p.2-19

JCD1, p.2-15

AGP1, p.2-19

JUSB1/2, p.2-17

JFP1/2, p.2-14

JBAT1, p.2-18

JAUD1, p.2-13

JDB1, p.2-15

SATA2/1, p.2-12

JSP1, p.2-16

ATX1, p.2-9

2-3

Hardware Setup

Central Processing Unit: CPU

The mainboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 processors in the 478 pin package.
The mainboard uses a CPU socket called PGA478 for easy CPU installation. When
you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a heat sink and a cooling fan
attached on the top to prevent overheating. If you do not have the heat sink
and cooling fan, contact your dealer to purchase and install them before turning on
the computer.

CPU Core Speed Derivation Procedure

If CPU Clock = 200MHz

Core/Bus ratio = 12

then CPU core speed = Host Clock x Core/Bus ratio

= 200MHz x 12
= 2.4 GHz

MSI Reminds You...

Overheating

Overheating will seriously damage the CPU and system, always make sure
the cooling fan can work properly to protect the CPU from overheating.

Overclocking

This motherboard is designed to support overclocking. However, please
make sure your components are able to tolerate such abnormal settings
while doing overclocking. Any attempt to operate beyond product
specifications is not recommended. We do not guarantee the damages

or risks caused by inadequate operation or beyond product
specifications.

DDR266 DDR333 DDR400 DDR433 DDR466

FSB400 OK N/A N/A N/A N/A
FSB533 OK OK N/A N/A N/ A
FSB800 OK OK OK OK* OK *

FSB

Memory

Memory Speed/CPU FSB Support Matrix

*: Overclocking spec.

2-4

MS-7043 ATX Mainboard

CPU Installation Procedures for Socket 478

1. Please turn off the power and
unplug the power cord before
installing the CPU.

2. Pull the lever sideways away
from the socket. Make sure to
raise the lever up to a 90-de­gree angle.

3. Look for the gold arrow. The gold
arrow should point towards the
lever pivot. The CPU can only fit
in the correct orientation.

4. If the CPU is correctly installed,
the pins should be completely
embedded into the socket and
can not be seen. Please note
that any violation of the correct
installation procedures may
cause permanent damages to
your mainboard.

5. Press the CPU down firmly into
the socket and close the lever.
As the CPU is likely to move while
the lever is being closed, al­ways close the lever with your
fingers pressing tightly on top of
the CPU to make sure the CPU is
properly and completely embed­ded into the socket.

Open Lever

90 degree

Sliding

Plate

Close

Lever

Press down

the CPU

Gold arrow

Gold arrow

Gold arrow

Correct CPU plac em ent

Incorrect CPU pl ace men t

X

O

2-5

Hardware Setup

Installing the CPU Fan

As processor technology pushes to faster speeds and higher performance,
thermal management becomes increasingly important. To dissipate heat, you need to
attach the CPU cooling fan and heatsink on top of the CPU. Follow the instructions
below to install the Heatsink/Fan:

2. Position the heatsink onto the reten­tion mechanism.

1. Locate the CPU and its retention
mechanism on the mainboard.

3. Mount the fan on top of the heatsink.
Press down the fan until its four clips
get wedged in the holes of the re­tention mechanism.

4. Press the two levers down to fasten
the fan. Each lever can be pressed
down in only ONE direction.

retention mechanism

levers

2-6

MS-7043 ATX Mainboard

5. Connect the fan power cable from the mounted fan to the 3-pin fan power
connector on the board.

fan power cable

MSI Reminds You...

Please refer to the Intel/AMD websites for recommended CPU cooling
fans.

2-7

Hardware Setup

Memory

Memory Population Rules

Install at least one DIMM module on the slots. Each DIMM slot supports up to a
maximum size of 1GB. You can install either single- or double-sided modules to meet
your own needs.

The mainboard supports both dual-channel & single-channel modes. Users
may install memory modules of different types and density under single-channel
mode. Under dual-channel mode, however, please make sure that you install memory

modules of the same type and density on DDR DIMMs “in pairs” -- {DIMM1 &
DIMM3} or {DIMM2 & DIMM3} to ensure system stability.

The mainboard provides 3 slots for 184-pin, 2.5V DDR DIMM and supports up to
3GB memory size. You can install DDR266 / DDR333 / DDR400 / DDR433 / DDR466
SDRAM modules on the DDR DIMM slots (DIMM 1~3).

To operate properly, at least one DIMM module must be installed. Please note

that DDR433/DDR466 are overclocking specs.

DDR DIMM Slots

(DIMM 1~3, from left to right)

Channel A: DIMM1 & DIMM2 (green)

Channel B: DIMM3 (purple)

DIMM1

DIMM2

DIMM3

2-8

MS-7043 ATX Mainboard

Installing DDR Modules

1. The DDR DIMM has only one notch on the center of module. The module 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 socket.

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

Memory modules can be installed in any combination as follows:

Please refer to http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/mainboard/

mbd/pro_mbd_trp_list.php for compatible DDR modules.

MSI Reminds You...

You can barely see the golden finger if the module is properly inserted
in the socket.

Volt

Notch

S: Single-Channel Mode D: Dual-Channel Mode

DIMM1 DIMM2 DIMM3 System Density Mode
128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB S

128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB S

128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB S
128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB 256MB~2GB S
128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB 256MB~2GB D

128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB 256MB~2GB D

128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB 128MB~1GB 384MB~3GB S

2-9

Hardware Setup

Power Supply

The mainboard supports ATX power supply for the power system. Before
inserting the power supply connector, always make sure that all components are
installed properly to ensure that no damage will be caused.

ATX 20-Pin Power Connector: ATX 1

This connector allows you to connect to an ATX power supply. To connect to
the ATX 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.

ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW1

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

MSI Reminds You...

1. Power supplies of 300watt (and up) are highly recommended for sys­tem stability.

2. Please refer to the Intel/AMD websites for recommended power
supplies.

PIN SIGNAL

1 GND
2 GND
312V
412V

JPW1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL

11 3.3V
12 -12V
13 GND
14 PS_ON
15 GND
16 GND
17 GND
1 8 -5V
19 5V
20 5V

PIN SIGNAL

1 3.3V
2 3.3V
3 GND
45V
5 GND
65V
7 GND
8 PW_OK
9 5V_SB
10 12V

ATX1 Pin Definition

ATX1

10

1

20

11

JPW1

13

42