Zotac H55 User Manual

1

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of 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 instructions
contained in this manual, may cause harmful interference to radio and television communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

- REORIENT OR RELOCATE THE RECEIVING ANTENNA

- INCREASE THE SEPARATION BETWEEN THE EQUIPMENT AND THE RECEIVER

- CONNECT THE EQUIPMENT INTO AN OUTLET ON A CIRCUIT DIFFERENT FROM
THAT OF THE RECEIVER

- CONSULT THE DEALER OR AN EXPERIENCED AUDIO/TELEVISION TECHNICIAN

NOTE:

Connecting this device to peripheral devices that do not comply with Class B requirements, or
using an unshielded peripheral data cable, could also result in harmful interference to radio or
television reception.

The user is cautioned that any changes or modications not expressly approved by the party

responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

To ensure that the use of this product does not contribute to interference, it is necessary to use
shielded I/O cables.

Copyright

This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be copied or
reproduced by any means.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, no responsibility for
errors or omissions is assumed. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the
use of the information contained herein.

Trademarks

All brand names, logos and registered trademarks mentioned are property of their respective
owners.

Electronic Emission Notices

WARNING!

2

Intel H55 series Motherboard

Table of Contents

Motherboard Specications ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
Motherboard Layout------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6
Hardware Installation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8

Safety Instructions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Preparing the Motherboard ------------------------------------------------------------------ 9

Installing the CPU ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Installing the CPU Fan ------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Installing Memory DIMMs --------------------------------------------------------------- 10

Installing the Motherboard ------------------------------------------------------------------- 11

Installing the I/O Shield ------------------------------------------------------------------ 11
Securing the Motherboard into the Chassis ---------------------------------------- 11

Connecting Cables and Setting Switches ------------------------------------------------ 12

24-pin ATX Power Connector ---------------------------------------------------------- 13
4-pin ATX_12V Power Connector ----------------------------------------------------- 13
SPDIF-Out Header (optional) ---------------------------------------------------------- 14
COM Header (optional) ------------------------------------------------------------------ 14
Front Panel Header ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
USB Headers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Front Pannel Audio Header ------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Speaker Header --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Serial-ATA (SATA) Connectors --------------------------------------------------------- 16
Fan Connectors ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Expansion Slots ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
Jumper Settings --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17

Conguring the BIOS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18

Enter BIOS Setup ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18
Main Menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
Advanced Menu -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

PC Health Monitor ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

USB Conguration ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 19
CPU Conguration ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 19
IDE Conguration ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20
AHCI Conguration ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 20
Intel TXT(LT) Conguration ------------------------------------------------------------- 21
Intel VT-d Conguration------------------------------------------------------------------ 21
ACPI Conguration ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 21

PCIPnP -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21

3

Table of Contents

Security -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21

Boot Menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22

Boot Setting Conguration -------------------------------------------------------------- 22

Chipset Menu ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23

North Bridge Conguration-------------------------------------------------------------- 23
South Bridge Conguration ------------------------------------------------------------- 23

Perform Setting Menu ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23

Exit Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24

Save Changes and Exit ------------------------------------------------------------------ 24
Discard Changes and Exit -------------------------------------------------------------- 24

Discard Changes -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
Load Optimal Defaults ------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
Load Failsafe Defaults ------------------------------------------------------------------- 24

Flash Update Procedure -------------------------------------------------------------------- 25

Installing Drivers and Software -------------------------------------------------------------- 26

Driver Installation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 26
Realtek HD Audio Driver Setup ------------------------------------------------------------ 33

Getting Started ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33
Sound Effect -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33
Mixer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 35
Audio I/O ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37
Microphone --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41
3D Audio Demo ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42
Information --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42

4

Intel H55 series Motherboard

Motherboard Specications

q Chipset

v Intel® H55 Express Chipset

q Size

v Micro ATX form factor of 244 mm x 170 mm

q Microprocessor support

v Supports LGA 1156 socket for Intel® CoreTM i3/CoreTM i5/CoreTM i7 (8xx series)

processors

q Operating systems

v Supports Windows XP 32bit/64bit, Windows Vista 32bit/64bit and Windows 7

32bit/64bit

q System Memory

v Supports dual-channel (128 bits wide) DDRIII memory interface

v Supports DDRIII 1333/1066

v Maximum memory size: 8 GB

q USB 2.0 ports

v Supports hot plug and play

v Twelve USB 2.0 ports (six on the back panel, six via the USB brackets

connected to the internal USB headers)

v Supports USB 2.0 protocol up to 480 Mbps transmission rate

q Onboard Serial ATA ports

v Independent DMA operation on ve ports (optional)

v Data transfer rates of 3.0 Gb/s

q eSATA Port

v One eSATA port on backpanel

v Supports hot plug and play

v Provide a link for 3.0 Gb/s data speed

q Onboard Lan (RTL8111 series)

v PCI Express base specication 1.0a compliant

v Compliant to 802.3x ow control support

v 10/100/1000 IEEE 802.3 compliant

v Wake On LAN (WOL) power management support

5

Motherboard Specications

q Audio

v 6/8 channel High Denition Audio Codec (optional)

v All DACs support 192k/96k/48k/44.1kHz sample rate

v One SPDIF-out header on board (optional)

q Green Function

v Support SMM, APM, ACPI

v Suspend to DRAM supported (STR)

v RTC timer to power-on the system

v AC power failure recovery

q Onboard Graphics Features

v DX10 and OpenGL 2.0 are supported

v 3D Graphics Rendering Enhancements

v Up to 2048x1536@75 Hz refresh

v HDMI/DVI/VGA port output support (DVI-VGA adaptor bundled in some model)

q PCI Express Interface

v Supports PCI Express 2.0

v Provide 16 GB/s bandwidth for platform graphics

v Wake up function is supported

v Clock spread spectrum capability

q Expansion slots

v One PCI express x16 slot

v Two PCI express x1 slots

v One PCI slot

6

Intel H55 series Motherboard

120

240

121

120

240

121

1.5V

1.5V

115XL M

LGA115 6

REMOV E

LOTES

1

7

SYS FAN2

PCI 1

8

SATA 2

SATA 4

9

15

16

17

Chi pse t

18

19

20

DDR III 1

DDR III 2

U_K B1

DVI

ESA TA

USB

CN4

PW1

FP1 SPK 1

FP_ S1

SPD IF

PW2

FP_ U1

SATA 5

SATA 1
SATA 3

3

4

5

6

HDM I

FP_ U3

FP_ U2

PCI E2

PCI E3

PCI E1

10

11

12

JP1

CN6

SYS FAN1

13

14

SD1

2

CPU FAN1

LA N1

USB

VGA

Motherboard Layout

Figure 1 shows the motherboard and Figure 2 shows the back panel connectors.

Figure 1. Board Layout

1. 24-pin ATX Power Connector-PW1

2. Chipset

3. Speaker Header-SPK1

4. Front Panel Header-FP1

5. Serial-ATA (SATA) Connectors(SATA1~5)

6. USB Headers (FP_U1~FP_U3)

7. SPDIF-Out Header-CN6 (optional)

8. COM Header_CN4 (optional)

9. PCI Slot-PCI1

10. PCI Express x1 Slots-PCIE2~3

11. Front Pannel Audio Header-FP_S1

12. Clear CMOS Jumper-JP1

13. SYS Fan Connector-SYSFAN1

14. PCI Express x16 Slot-PCIE1

15. Backpanel Connectors

16. 4-pin ATX_12V Power Connector-PW2

17. CPU Socket

18. SYS Fan Connector-SYSFAN2

19. CPU Fan Connector_CPUFAN1

20. DDRIII DIMM Sockets-DDRIII1~2

Figure 1

7

Rear panel

6

11

5

10

15

8

9

234

5

6

2

7

Figure 2. Backpanel connectors

1. PS/2 Keyboard Port

3. HDMI Port (optional)

5. DVI Port

2. USB Connectors

4. SPDIF Connectors (optional)

6. eSATA Port

8. LAN Connector

Lan Port with LEDs to indicate status.

· Yellow/Light Up/Blink = 10 Mbps/Link/Activity

· Yellow and Green/Light Up/Blink = 100 Mbps/link/Activity

· Yellow and Orange/Light Up/Blink = 1000 Mbps/link/Activity

9. VGA Port

7. Port 2-Channel 4-Channel 6-Channel

Blue Line-In Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Green Line-Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Center/Subwoofer

6

11

5

10

15

10

10.

Port 2-Channel 4-Channel 6-Channel 8-Channel

Blue Line-In Line-In Line-In Line-In

Green Line-Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange -- -- Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black -- Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Grey -- -- -- Side Speaker Out

8

Intel H55 series Motherboard

Hardware Installation

This section will guide you through the installation of the motherboard. The topics
covered in this section are:

q Preparing the motherboard

v Installing the CPU

v Installing the CPU fan

v Installing Memory DIMMs

q Installing the motherboard

v Installing the I/O shield

v Securing the Motherboard into the Chassis

q Connecting cables and setting switches

Safety Instructions

To reduce the risk of re, electric shock, and injury, always follow basic safety precau­tions.

Remember to remove power from your computer by disconnecting the AC main
source before removing or installing any equipment from/to the computer chassis.

9

Hardware Installation

Preparing the Motherboard

The motherboard shipped in the box does not contain a CPU or memory DIMM. You

need to purchase them to complete this installation.

Installing the CPU

Be very careful when handling the CPU. Make sure not to bend or break any pins on
the back. Hold the processor only by the edges and do not touch the bottom of the
processor.
The following illustration shows CPU installtaion components

1. Unhook the socket lever by pushing down and away
from the socket.

2. Lift the socket lever and the load plate to fully open
position.

3. Use your thumb and forenger to lift the cap up

vertically.

● Be careful not to touch the socket contacts.

4. Hold the processor with your thumb and forenger.

Insert the processor into the socket vertically.

● Align the CPU pin 1 mark with the pin 1 corner of

the CPU socket.

5. Make sure the CPU is fully seated, and then replace
the load plate.

● Be sure that the front end of the load plate is

under the shoulder screw.

6. Secure the load lever to its locked location.

10

Intel H55 series Motherboard

Installing the CPU Fan

There are many different fan types that can be used with this motherboard. Follow the
instruction that came with your fan assembly. Be sure that the fan orientation is correct
for your chassis type and your fan assembly.

Installing Memory DIMMs

Your new motherboard has two 1.5V 240-pin slots for DDR3 memory. These slots
support 1 GB/2 GB/4 GB DDR3 technologies. They also support dual channel DDR3
memory technology up to 10.7 GB/s. There must be at least one memory bank popu­lated to ensure normal operation. Refer to the following recommendations to install
memory DIMMs.
q One DIMM: Install it into slot 1 or 2. You can install the DIMM into any slot,
however, slot 1 is preferred.
q Two DIMMs: Install them into slot 1 and slot 2.

Refer to the following procedure to install memory DIMMs into the slots on the
motherboard. Note that there is only one gap near the center of the DIMM slot. This
slot matches the slot on the memory DIMM to ensure the component is installed
properly.

1. Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the module clips outward.

2. Align the memory module to the DIMM slot, and insert the module vertically into
the DIMM slot. The plastic clips at both sides of the DIMM slot automatically lock
the DIMM into the connector.

120

240

121

120

240

121

1.5V

1.5V

115XLM

LGA1156

REMOVE

LOTES

DDRIII2

DDRIII1

11

Hardware Installation

Installing the Motherboard

The sequence of installing the motherboard into the chassis depends on the chassis

you are using and if you are replacing an existing motherboard or working with an

empty chassis. Determine if it would be easier to make all the connections prior to this
step or to secure the motherboard and then make all the connections. It is normally

easier to secure the motherboard rst.

Use the following procedure to install the I/O shield and secure the motherboard into
the chassis.

Note: Be sure that the CPU fan assembly has enough clearance for the chassis
covers to lock into place and for the expansion cards. Also make sure the
CPU Fan assembly is aligned with the vents on the covers.

Installing the I/O Shield

The motherboard kit comes with an I/O shield that is used to block radio frequency

transmissions, protects internal components from dust and foreign objects, and pro­motes correct airow within the chassis.

Before installing the motherboard, install the I/O shield from the inside of the chassis.

Press the I/O shield into place and make sure it ts securely. If the I/O shield does not
t into the chassis, you would need to obtain the proper size from the chassis supplier.

Securing the Motherboard into the Chassis

Most computer chassis have a base with mounting studs or spacers to allow the
motherboard to be secured to the chassis and help to prevent short circuits. If there are
studs that do not align with a mounting hole on the motherboard, it is recommended
that you remove that stud to prevent the possibility of a short circuit. In most cases, it
is recommended to secure the motherboard with spacers.

1. Carefully place the motherboard onto the studs/spacers located inside the chassis.

2. Align the mounting holes with the studs/spacers.

3. Align the connectors to the I/O shield.

4. Ensure that the fan assembly is aligned with the chassis vents according to the fan
assembly instruction.

5. Secure the motherboard with screws.

12

Intel H55 series Motherboard

Connecting Cables and Setting Switches

This section takes you through all the connectors and switch settings necessary on
the motherboard. This will include:
q Power Connectors
v 24-pin ATX Power Connector-PW1

v 4-pin ATX_12V Power Connector-PW2
q Internal Headers/Connectors
v SPDIF-Out Header-CN6 (optional)
v COM Header-CN4 (optional)
v Front Panel Header-FP1
v USB Header (FP_U1~FP_U2)
v Front Pannel Audio Header-FP_S1
v Speaker Header-SPK1
q Serial-ATA (SATA) Connectors (SATA1~6)
q Fan Connectors
q Expansion Slots
q CMOS Jumper Settings

See Figure 1 to locate the connectors and jumpers referenced in the following
procedure.

13

Hardware Installation

24-pin ATX Power Connector-PW1

PW1 is the main power supply connector. Make sure that the power supply cable
and pins are properly aligned with the connector on the motherboard. Firmly plug the
power supply cable into the connector and make sure it is secure.

PW1-Pin Denition

Pin Signal Pin Signal

1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V

2 +3.3V 14 -12V

3 GND 15 GND

4 +5V 16 PS_ON

5 GND 17 GND

6 +5V 18 GND

7 GND 19 GND

8 PWROK 20 -5V

9 +5V_AUX 21 +5V

10 +12V 22 +5V

11 +12V 23 +5V

12 +3.3V 24 GND

4-pin ATX_12V Power Connector-PW2

PW2, the 4-pin ATX 12V power connector, is used to provide power to the CPU. Align

the pins to the connector and press rmly until seated.

PW2-Pin Denition

Pin Signal

1 GND

2 GND

3 +12V

4 +12V

120

240

121

120

240

121

1.5V

1.5V

115XLM

LGA1156

REMOVE

LOTES

1

PW2

PW1

1

12

13

24

14

Intel H55 series Motherboard

SPDIF-Out Header-CN6 (optional)

This header provides a SPDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) output to digital multimedia

device through coaxial connector.

CN6 - Pin Denition

Pin Signal

1 GND

2 SPDIF-out

3 VCC

q PWRLED

Attach the front panel power LED cable to these two pins of the connector. The Power LED

indicates the system’s status.

q PWR SW

Attach the power button cable from the case to these two pins. Pressing the power button

on the front panel turns the system on and off rather than using the power supply button.

q HDD LED

Attach the hard disk drive indicator LED cable to these two pins. The HDD indicator LED

indicates the activity status of the hard disks.

q RST SW

Attach the Reset switch cable from the front panel of the case to these two pins. The system

restarts when the RESET switch is pressed.

Note: Some chassis do not have all four cables. Be sure to match the name on the

connectors to the corresponding pins.

Front Panel Header-FP1

The front panel header on this motherboard
is one connector used to connect the
following four cables :

CN6

1

120

240

121

120

240

121

1.5V

1.5V

115XLM

LGA1156

REMOVE

LOTES

FP1

CN4

1

COM Header-CN4 (optional)

CN4 - Pin Denition

Pin Signal Pin Signal

1 DCD 2 RXD

3 TXD 4 DTR

5 GND 6 DSR

7 RTS 8 CTS

9 RI 10 NC

FP1-Pin Denition

Pin Signal Pin Signal

1 HDD_LED+ 2 PW_LED+

3 HDD_LED- 4 PW_LED-

5 GND 6 PWR_SW

7 RESET 8 GND

9 NC 10 KEY

15

Hardware Installation

USB Headers-FP_U1~FP_U3

This motherboard contains six USB 2.0 ports that are exposed on the rear panel of

the chassis. The motherboard also contains three 10-pin internal headers connector
onboard.

Note: Secure the bracket to either the front or rear panel of your chassis (not all
chassis are equipped with the front panel option).

Front Panel Audio Header-FP_S1

The audio connector supports HD audio standard
and provides two kinds of audio output choices:
the Front Audio, the Rear Audio. The front Audio
supports retasking function.

Note:
In order to utilize the front audio header, your chassis must have front audio
connector. Also please make sure the pin assignment on the cable is the same

as the pin assignment on the mainboard header. To nd out if the chassis you

are buying supports a front audio connector, please contact your dealer.

FP_U1~FP_U3-Pin Denition

PIN Assignment PIN Assignment

1 VCC 2 VCC

3 USBP0- 4 USBP1-

5 USBP0+ 6 USBP1+

7 GND 8 GND

9 KEY 10 NC

FP_S1-Pin Denition

PIN Assignment PIN Assignment

1 MIC2(L) 2 GND

3 MIC(R) 4 -ACZ-DET

5 Front Audio(R) 6 Reserved

7 FAVDIO-JD 8 Key(No pin)

9 Front Audio(L) 10 Reserved

120

240

121

120

240

121

1.5V

1.5V

115XLM

LGA1156

REMOVE

LOTES

1

FP_S1

1

FP_U1

1

FP_U2

FP_U3

1

16

Intel H55 series Motherboard

Speaker Header-SPK1

Serial-ATA (SATA) Connectors (SATA1~5)

The Serial ATA connector is used to connect the Serial
ATA device to the motherboard. These connectors
support the thin Serial ATA cables for primary storage
devices. The current Serial ATA interface allows up to

300 MB/s data transfer rate. There are six serial ATA

connectors on the motherboard that support AHCI

conguration.

SPK1-Pin Denition

PIN Assignment

1 VCC

2 NC

3 NC

4 SPK-

SATA-Pin Denition

Pin Signal

1 GND

2 TXP

3 TXN

4 GND

5 RXN

6 RXP

7 GND

Fan Connectors

There are three fan connectors on the motherboard,
including system fan connectors-SYSFAN1 and
SYSFAN2, CPU fan connector-CPUFAN1.

SPK1

1

120

240

121

120

240

121

1.5V

1.5V

115XLM

LGA1156

REMOVE

LOTES

CPUFAN1

SYSFAN1

GND

+12V

Sense

Control

GND

+12V

Sense

Control

SYSFAN2

GND

+12V

Sense

Control

SATA2

SATA4

SATA5 SATA3

SATA1

17

Hardware Installation

PCIE x16 Slot-PCIE1

There is one PCIE x16 slot reserved for graphics or video cards. The bandwidth of the PCIE x16

slot is up to 16 GB/s complianting with PCIE 2.0 specication.

PCIE x1 Slots-PCIE2~3

There are two PCI Express x1 slots that are designed to accommodate less bandwidth intensive

cards, such as a modem or LAN card.

PCI Slot-PCI1

The one PCI slot supports many expansion cards such as a LAN card, USB card, SCSI card and

other cards that comply with PCI specications.

Jumper Settings

This section explains how to congure the motherboard’s hardware. Before using
your computer, make sure all jumpers and DRAM modules are set correctly. Refer to

this section whenever in doubt.

CMOS Clear Jumper-JP1

Close Open * = Default setting.

If you want to clear the system conguration, use the JP1 (Clear CMOS Jumper) to clear data.

Notice:

1. Be sure to save the CMOS setting when exit the CMOS.

2. If the CPU is frequency multiplier locked, no CPU speed change will be seen
even if the frequency multiplier setting in CMOS setup is changed.

JP1 Selection

1-2* Normal*

2-3 CMOS Clear

1

1

Expansion Slots

The motherboard contains four expansion slots, including one PCIE x16 slot, two
PCIE x1 slots and one PCI slot.

120

240

121

120

240

121

1.5V

1.5V

115XLM

LGA1156

REMOVE

LOTES

PCIE1
PCIE3
PCIE2

PCI1

18

Intel H55 series Motherboard

Conguring the BIOS

This section discusses how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

Enter BIOS Setup

The BIOS is the communication bridge between hardware and software. Correctly
setting the BIOS parameters is critical to maintain optimal system performance.

Refer to the following procedure to verify/change BIOS settings.

1. Power on the computer.,

2. Press the Del key when the following message briey displays at the bottom of
the screen during the Power On Self Test (POST).

Pressing Del takes you to the BIOS Setup Utility.

Note: 1. We reserve the right to update the BIOS version presented in the
manual. The BIOS pictures shown in this section are for reference only.

2. It is strongly recommended that you do not change the default BIOS
settings. Changing some settings could damage your system.

Main Menu

Note: Users please note that the
data in gray is non-changeable,
and the others are for selection.

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS

automatically detects the items in this menu.

q AMI BIOS

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.

q Processor

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication.

q System Memory

Displays the auto-detected system memory.

q System time

Allows you to set the system time.

19

Conguring the BIOS

Advanced Menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the setting for the CPU and other

system devices. Press <enter> to display the conguration options:

PC Health Monitor

Use this menu to monitor the real-time system status of your PC. Press <enter>to

display the conguration options:

q CPUFAN Mode Setting

Use this item to set the CPU FAN mode.

USB Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features .Press <enter>

To display the conguration options:

q Legacy USB Support

Allows you to enable or disable support for USB devices on legacy operating
systems.

q USB 2.0 Controller Mode

Allows you to congure the USB 2.0 controller in HiSpeed or Full Speed.

q BIOS EHCI Hand-Off

Allows you to enable support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off
feature.

q Legacy USB1.1 HC Support

Allows you to enable or disable Legacy USB1.1 HC support.

CPU Conguration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically

detects. Press <enter>to display the conguration options:

q Ratio CMOS Setting

Use this option to set CMOS ratio.

q Hardware Prefetcher

Use this item to enable or disable hardware prefetcher (hardware prefetch
mechanism).

q Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch

Use this item to enable or disable the adjacent cache line prefetch mode. If you

disable this item, only one 64-bit line will be prefetched from the 128-bit section
(including the required data). If you enable this item, two lines will be prefetched
whether there is required data or not.

20

Intel H55 series Motherboard

q MPS and ACPI MADT ordering

Use this item to set MPS and ACPI MADT ordering. There are two options in this
item: [Legacy ordering] for Windows 2000 or earlier OSes, and [Modern ordering]
for Windows XP or later OSes.

q Max CPUID Value Limit

Allows you to determine whether to limit CPUID maximum value. Set this item

to [Disable] Windows XP operating system; set this item to [Enable] for legacy
operating system such as Windows NT4.0..

q Intel(R) Virtualization Tech

Hardware Virtualization Technology enables processor feature for running multiple
simultaneous virtual machines allowing specialized software applications to run in

full isolation of each other.

q Execute-Disable Bit Capability

This function enhances protection of your computer , reducing exposure to viruses
and malicious buffer overow attacks when working with its supporting software

and system.

q Intel(R) HT Technology

This item allows you to enable or disable Intel

®

Hyper-Threading technology

support

.

q Active Processor Cores

This item allows you to choose the number of the active processor cores. The
default value is [All].

q A20M

This item allows you to enable or disable A20M.

q Intel(R) SpeedStep(tm) tech

Use this option to enable or disable Intel® SpeedStepTM Technology.

q Intel(R) C-STATE tech

Use this option to enable or disable Intel® C-STATE Technology.

IDE Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to set or change the congurations for the IDE
devices installed in the system. Press <enter>to display the conguration options:

q Congure SATA as

This item allows you to set the SATA to IDE/AHCI mode.

q SATA#1/2 IDE Conguration

The items allow you to congure SATA#1/2.

q Primary, Second, Third and Fourth IDE Master/Slave

This displays the status of auto detection of IDE devices.

q Hard Disk Write Protect

This item will be effective only if device is accessed through BIOS.

q IDE Detect Time Out (Sec)

The item allows you to select the time out value for detecting ATA/ATAPI devices.

q ATA(PI) 80pin cable detection

The item allows you to select the mechanism for detecting 80pin ATA(PI) cable.

AHCI Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to set general AHCI conguration.

21

Conguring the BIOS

Intel TXT(LT) Conguration

The menu allows you to congure Intel TXT(LT) Parameters.

Intel VT-d Conguration

The menu allows you to enable or disable Intel VT-d technology.

ACPI Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to set General ACPI Conguration, Advanced ACPI
Conguration and South Bridge ACPI Conguration.

PCIPnP

The PCIPnP menu shows the congurations of PCI bus system and PnP features.
Press <enter> to display the conguration options:

q Clear NVRAM

The item allows you to select whether clear NVRAM during system boot.

q Plug and Play O/S

When set to [No], BIOS congure all the devices in the system. When set to

[YES] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system

congures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.

q PCI Latency Timer

Allows you to select the value in units of PCI clocks for PCI device latency timer
register.

q Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA

When set to [YES], BIOS assigns an IRQ to PCI VGA card if the requests for an
IRQ. When set to [No], BIOS does not assign an IRQ to the PCI VGA card even
if requested .

q Palette Snooping

When set to [Enabled], the pallete snooping feature informs the PCI devices that
an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the latter can function
correctly.

q PCI IDE BusMaster

When set to [Enabled], BIOS use PCI busmastering for reading /writing to IDE
drives.

q OffBoard PCI/ISA IDE Card

Use this option to set the PCI slot number for some PCI IDE Cards holding.

q IRQ3/4/5/7/9/10/11/14/15

These items allow you to set the Interrupt Request.

q DMA Channel 0/1/3/5/6/7

Use these items to set the Direct Memory Access Channel.

Security

The security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Press

<enter> to display the conguration options:

q Change Supervisor/User Password

Select this item to set or change the supervisor/user password. The Supervisor/
User Password item on top of the screen shows the default setting: [Not Installed].
After you set a password, this item shows [Installed].

22

Intel H55 series Motherboard

Boot Menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Press <enter> to

display the conguration options:

Boot Settings Conguration

The items allow you to congure Boot settings. Press <enter> To display the
conguration options:

q Quick Boot

Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests while booting
to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled], BIOS
performs all the POST items.

q Fullscreen LOGO Show

Use this item to enable or disable fullscreen logo show.

q AddOn ROM Display Mode

Sets the display mode for option ROM.

q Bootup Num-Lock

Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.

q PS/2 Mouse Support

Allows you to enable or disable support for PS/2 mouse.

q Wait For ‘F1’ If Error

When set to [Enabled], the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error
occurs.

q Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display

When set to [Enabled], the system displays the message “press DEL to run
setup” during POST.

q Interrupt 19 Capture

When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMS to trap interrupt 19.

q Boot Sector Virus Protection

The items allow you to enable or disable booting sector virus protection.

23

Conguring the BIOS

Chipset Menu

The chipset menu items allow you to change the advanced chipset settings. Press
<enter> to display the sub-menu:

North Bridge Conguration

The item allows you to congure north bridge features, including Memory, Graphic,

NB PCIE and so on.

South Bridge Conguration

The item allows you to congure south bridge features, including USB, HDA, SMBUS,

and so on.

Perform Setting Menu

The perform setting menu items allows you to set perform. Changing some settings
could damage your system.

24

Intel H55 series Motherboard

Exit Menu

The exit menu items allow you to load the option or failsafe default values for the BIOS

items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Press <enter> to display
the sub-menu:

Save Changes and Exit

Select this item and press <Enter> to save the changes that you have made in the

BIOS Setup and exit the BIOS Setup. When the diolog box [Save conguration
changes and exit setup?] appears, select [Ok] to save and exit, or select [Cancel] to

return to the main menu.

Discard Changes and Exit

Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you have made

to the setup program. If you made changes to elds other than system date, system
time, and password, the BIOS asks for a conrmation before exiting.

Discard Changes

This option allows you to discard the selections you have made and restore the previ-

ously saved values. After selecting this option, a conrmation window appears. Select

[Ok] to discard any change and load the previously saved values.

Load Optimal Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the

setup menus. When you select this option, a conrmation window appears. Select

[Ok] to load default values. Select [Cancel] to make other changes before saving the
values to the non-volatile RAM.

Load Failsafe Defaults

This option has been set by the manufacturer and represents settings which provide
the minimum requirements for your system to operate.

25

FLASH Update Procedure

The program AFUDOS XX.ROM is included on the driver CD (D:\Utility\AFUDOS

XX.ROM). Please follow the recommended procedure to update the ash BIOS, as

listed below.

1. Create a DOS-bootable oppy diskette. Copy the new BIOS le (just obtained or

downloaded) and the utility program AFUDOS XX.ROM to the diskette.

2. Allow the PC system to boot from the DOS diskette.

3. At the DOS prompt, type

AFUDOS XX.ROM /P /C /B /N /X <ENTER>

Note: XX (the BIOS le name) can be dened by users.

4. Wait until the ash-update is complete.

5. Restart the PC.

- Do not turn off or RESET the computer during the ash process.

- If you are not sure how to upgrade the BIOS, please take your

computer to an Authorized Service Center and have a trained

technician do the work for you.

Warning:

Conguring the BIOS

26

Intel H55 series Motherboard

Installing Drivers and Software

Note: It is important to remember that before installing the driver CD that is
shipped in the kit, you need to load your operating system. The
motherboard supports Windows XP 32 bit/64 bit, Windows Vista 32 bit/64
bit and Windows 7 32bit/64bit.

The kit comes with a CD that contains utility drivers and additional INTEL software.

The CD that has been shipped with your Intel® H55 motherboard contains the
following software and drivers:

q Intel chipset Driver

q HDA Sound driver

q Intel Graphics Driver

q Realtek PCIE network Driver

q Intel(R) Management Engine

Note. We reserve the right to update the driver version presented in the manual.
The driver installation pictures shown in this section are for reference
only.

Driver Installation

1. Insert the Intel® H55 driver CD into the drive after loading your operating system,
and then you can see the interface below.

27

2. Left-click Intel chipset Driver, begin loading

Installing Drivers And Software

28

Intel H55 series Motherboard

3. Left-click HDA sound driver, begin loading

29

Installing Drivers And Software

4. Left-click Intel Graphics Driver, begin loading

30

Intel H55 series Motherboard

5. Left-click Realtek PCIE network Driver, begin loading

31

Installing Drivers And Software

6. Left-click Intel(R) Management Engine, begin loading.

32

Intel H55 series Motherboard

At last, you can enter Computer Management that provides information about the
hardware devices on this motherboard to check if the driver installation is complete.

33

Realtek HD Audio Driver Setup

Getting Started

After Realtek HD Audio Driver being installed (insert the driverCD and follow the on­screen instructions), “Realtek HD Audio Manager” icon will show in System tray as
below. Double click the icon and the control panel will appear:

Sound Effect

After clicking on the “Sound Effect” tab, 3 sections “Environment”, “Equalizer” and

“Karaoke” are available for selection.

Environment Simulation

You will be able to enjoy different sound experience by pulling down the arrow, totally

23 kinds of sound effect will be shown for selection. Realtek HD Audio Sound Manager

also provides ve popular settings “Stone Corridor”, “Bathroom”, “Sewer pipe”, “Arena”
and “Audio Corridor” for quick enjoyment.

Installing Drivers And Software

34

Intel H55 series Motherboard

Equalizer Selection

The Equalizer section allows you to create your own preferred settings by utilizing

this tool.

In standard 10 bands of equalizer, ranging from 100Hz to 16KHz are available:

Frequently Used Equalizer Setting

Realtek recognizes the needs that you might have. By leveraging our long experience
at audio eld, Realtek HD Audio Sound Manager provides you certain optimized equal­izer settings that are frequently used for your quick enjoyment.

How to Use

Other than the buttons “Pop” “Live” “Club” & “Rock” shown on the page, to pull down

the arrow in “Others” , you will nd more optimized settings available to you.

Karaoke Mode

Karaoke mode brings Karaoke fun back home by simply using the music you usually

play, Karaoke mode can help you eliminate the vocal of the song or adjust the key to

accommodate your range.

Vocal Cancellation: Single click on “Voice Cancellation”, the vocals of the songs will be
erased, while the background music is still playing which lets you take over the vocal part.

Key Adjustment: Using “Up/Down Arrow” to nd a key which better ts your vocal range.

35

Mixer

Realtek HD Audio Sound Manager integrates Microsoft’s “Volume Control” functions

into the Mixer page. This gives you the advantage to you to create your favorite sound

effect in one single tool.

Installing Drivers And Software

Playback control

Mute

You may choose to mute single or multiple volume controls or to completely mute
sound output.

Tool

√ Show the following volume control
This is to let you freely decide which volume control items to be displayed, total 13

items to be chosen.

√ Advanced controls

√ Enable playback multi-streaming

36

Intel H55 series Motherboard

With this function, you will be able to have an audio chat with your friends via headphone
(stream 1 from front panel) while still have music (stream 2 from back panel) playing.

At any given period, you can have maximum 2 streams operating simultaneously.

Recording control

Mute

You may choose to mute single or multiple volume controls or to completely mute sound input.

Tool

√ Show the following volume controls

This is to let you freely decide which volume control items to be displayed.

√ Advanced controls.

Advanced control is a “Microphone Boost” icon.

Once this item is checked, you will nd “advanced” icon beside “Front Pink In” &

“Mic Volume”. With this, the input signal into “Front Pink In” & “Mic Volume” will be
strengthen.

√ Enable recording multi-streaming

At any given period, you can have maximum 2 streams operating simultaneously.

37

Installing Drivers And Software

Audio I/O

Realtek HD Audio Manager frees you from default speaker settings. Different from

before, for each jack, they are not limited to perform certain functions. Instead, now
each jack is able to be chosen to perform either output (i.e. playback) function or input

(i.e. Recording) function, we call this “Retasking”.

Audio I/O aims to help you setting jacks as you wish. Moreover, other than blue to blue,
pink to pink, the way that you used to do, Audio I/O would guide you to other right jacks

that can also serve as microphone / speaker / headphone.

6-Channel or 8-Channel

38

Intel H55 series Motherboard

Speaker Conguration

Step 1: Plug in the device in any available jack.
Step 2: Dialogue “connected device” will pop up for your selection. Please select the

device you are trying to plug in.

* If the device is being plugged into the correct jack, you will be able to nd the icon
beside the jack changed to the one that is same as your device.

* If not correct, Realtek HD Audio Manager will guide you to plug the device into the

correct jack.

6-Channel or 8-Channel

39

Installing Drivers And Software

Connector Settings

Click to access connector settings

√ Mute rear panel when front headphone plugged in

Once this option is checked, when front headphone is plugged, the music that is
playing from the back panel, will be stopped.

√ Disable front panel jack detection (option)

Did not nd any function on front panel jacks?
Please check if front jacks on your system are so-called AC’97 jacks. If so, please
check this item to disable front panel jack detection.

√ Enable auto popup dialogue, when device has been plugged in.

Once this item checked, the dialog “Connected device” would automatically pop up
when device plugged in.

S/PDIF

Short for Sony/Philips Digital Interface, a standard audio le transfer format. S/PDIF
allows the transfer of digital audio signals from one device to another without having

to be converted rst to an analog format. Maintaining the viability of a digital signal

prevents the quality of the signal from degrading when it is converted to analog.

40

Intel H55 series Motherboard

√ Output Sampling Rate

- 44.1KHz: This is recommended while playing CD

- 48KHz: This is recommended while playing DVD or Dolby.

- 96KHz: This is recommended while playing DVD-Audio.

√ Output Source

- Output digital audio source: The digital audio format (such as .wav, .mp3, .midi
etc) will come out through S/PDIF-Out.

Speaker Calibration

After you have successfully plugged in speakers and assigned to the right jacks, you are
only one more step to go to enjoy the intended sound. We provide “Speaker Calibration”

to help you check if the speakers are located in the correct position.

41

Installing Drivers And Software

Microphone

This page is designed to provide you better microphone/recording quality.

Below picture indicates both “Noise Suppression” & “Acoustic Echo Cancellation” are
both enabled.

Noise Suppression

If you feel that the background noise, especially the sound generated from the fan
inside PC, is too loud? Try “Noise Suppression”, which allows you to cut off and sup­press disturbing noise.

Beam Forming

Also known as “directional recording”, this option lets you do the following: Once
beam forming is enabled; only the sound from certain direction will be recorded. You
will get the best quality if you chose 90° position, which we recommend you to use,
this effectively means that you speak right into the microphone.

Note: A Stereo Microphone is required when using Beam Forming function.

Acoustic Echo Cancellation

This function prevents playback sound from being recorded by microphone together

with your sound. For example, you might have chance to use VOIP function through

Internet with your friends. The voice of your friend will come out from speakers (play­back). However, the voice of your friend might also be recorded into your microphone
then go back to your friend through Internet. In that case, your friend will hear his/her
own voice again. With AEC (Acoustic Echo Cancellation) enabled at your side, your

friend can enjoy the benet with less echo.

42

Intel H55 series Motherboard

3D Audio Demo

The section “3D Audio Demo” grants you another possibility to enjoy your sound. The
Audio Demo allows you to listen to sound in an extraordinary way.

This section provides information about your current system audio device.

Information

291-MA142-01

43

Intel H55 series Motherboard

44

Intel H55 series Motherboard