Preface

Copyright
This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected
under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor
any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of
the author.
Version 1.0

Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufac-
turer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and
specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose. The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication and
to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of the
manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or changes.

Trademark Recognition
Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
nVIDIA is a registered trademark of nVIDIA Corporation.
Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners
and are acknowledged.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

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 installa-
tion. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful inter-
ference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Connect the equipment onto an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with
this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits governing
this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system’s manu-
facturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Preface
ii

Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation

Canadian Department of Communications

This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement sur
le matériel brouilieur du Canada.

About the Manual

The manual consists of the following:

Chapter 1 Describes features of the

motherboard.
Introducing the Motherboard
Go to H page 1

Chapter 2 Describes installation of

motherboard components.
Installing the Motherboard
Go to H page 7

Chapter 3 Provides information on us-

ing the BIOS Setup Utility.
Using BIOS
Go to H page 27

Chapter 4 Describes the motherboard

software
Using the Motherboard Software
Go to H page 45

Chapter 5 Provides information about

SATA RAID Setup
Setting Up NVIDIA RAID Configuration
Go to H page 51

Preface
 iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface i

Chapter 1 1
Introducing the Motherboard 1
Introduction......................................................................................1
Feature ..............................................................................................2
Motherboard Components.............................................................4

Chapter 2 7
Installing the Motherboard 7
Safety Precautions...........................................................................7
Choosing a Computer Case............................................................7
Installing the Motherboard in a Case............................................7
Checking Jumper Settings...............................................................8
Setting Jumpers...................................................................8
Checking Jumper Settings...................................................9
Jumper Settings...................................................................9
Connecting Case Components.....................................................10
Front Panel Header...........................................................12
Installing Hardware........................................................................13
Installing the Processor.....................................................13
Installing Memory Modules...............................................14
Installing a Hard Disk Drive/CD-ROM/SATA Hard Drive...18
Installing a Floppy Diskette Drive....................................19
Installing Add-on Cards....................................................20
Connecting Optional Devices............................................22
Connecting I/O Devices................................................................25

Chapter 3 27
Using BIOS 27
About the Setup Utility................................................................ 27
The Standard Configuration..............................................27
Entering the Setup Utility...................................................27
Updating the BIOS............................................................29
Using BIOS......................................................................................29
Standard CMOS Setup......................................................30
Advanced Setup.................................................................32
Advanced Chipset Setup....................................................33
iv

Integrated Peripherals.......................................................35
Power Management Setup.................................................36
PCI/PNP Configuration.....................................................38
PC Health Status................................................................39
Frequency/Voltage Control................................................41
Load Default Settings.......................................................42
Supervisor Password........................................................42
User Password..................................................................43
Save & Exit Setup..............................................................43
Exit Without Saving............................................................43

Chapter 4 45
Using the Motherboard Software 45
About the Software CD-ROM...............................................................45
Auto-installing under Windows XP/Vista..................................45
Running Setup....................................................................46
Manual Installation........................................................................50
Utility Software Reference............................................................50

Chapter 5 51
Setting Up NVIDIA RAID Configuration 51
Setting Up a Non-Bootable RAID Array....................................51
Setting Up a Bootable RAID Array.............................................54
 1

Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard

Introduction
Thank you for choosing the GF8200A motherboard. This motherboard is a high
performance, enhanced function motherboard that supports socket for AMD
PhenomTM processor (socket AM2+)/AMD AthlonTM 64 X2 Dual-Core/AthlonTM 64/
SempronTM processors for high-end business or personal desktop markets.
This motherboard is based on NVIDIA® GeForce8200 (MCP78S) Premium media and
communications processor (MCP) for best desktop platform solution. GeForce8200
is a single-chip, highly integrated, high performance HyperTransport peripheral
controller, unmatched by any other single chip-device controller. The memory con-
troller supports DDR2 memory DIMM frequencies of 1066*1 (AM2+)/800/667/533/
400. It supports four DDR2 sockets with maximum memory size of 32 GB*2. High
resolution graphics via one PCI Express x16 slot, two PCI Express x1 slots, 12 USB
2.0 ports (6 USB ports and 3 USB 2.0 headers support additional 6 USB ports) and
SATA support with RAID function.
There is an advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel, including PS/2 mouse and
keyboard connectors, one VGA port, one HDMI port, one eSATA port, six USB
ports, one LAN port and audio jacks for microphone, line-in and 6/8-ch (optional)
line-out. This motherboard is designed in an ATX form factor using a four-layer
printed circuit board and measures 305 mm x 220 mm.

* 1. Due to the limitation of AMD CPU spec, please refer to Memory QVL
for more information.
2. Due to the DRAM maximum size (2 GB per dimm) at present, the
memory maximum size we have tested is 8 GB.

Introducing the Motherboard

2

Feature
Processor
This motherboard uses a socket AM2+/AM2 that carries the following features:
• Accommodates AMD PhenomTM processor (socket AM2+)
AMD AthlonTM 64 X2 Dual-Core/AthlonTM 64/SempronTM processors
• Supports HyperTransportTM (HT) 3.0 interface speeds
HyperTransport TM Technology is a point-to-point link between two devices, it
enables integrated circuits to exchange information at much higher speeds than
currently available interconnect technologies.

Chipset
The NVIDIA ® GeForce8200 is a single-chip with proven reliability and perfor-
mance.
• HyperTransport 3.0 x16 up and down links to the AMD socket AM2+/
AM2 CPU
• PCI Express 16-lane link interface for external graphics processors
• PCI Express Generation 2.0 compatible
• Integrated NVIDIA GeForce® Series DirectX 10 Vertex Shader 4.0 graph-
ics processor
• Compliant with PCI v2.3 interface at 33 MHz
• Integrated SATA 3.0 Gb/s Host Controller
• Twelve USB 2.0 ports supported
• Fast ATA-133 IDE controller
• NVIDIA® MediaShieldTM RAID with support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1,
RAID 5, and JBOD
• Integrated Hybird SLI technology, NVIDIA® UltraShadowTM technology,
full NVIDIA® nView® multi-display technology capability

Memory
• Supports DDR2 1066 (AM2+)/800/667/533/400 DDR2 SDRAM with Dual-
channel architecture
• Accommodates four unbuffered DIMMs
• Up to 8 GB per DIMM with maximum memory size up to 32 GB*

Audio (Optional)
The onboard Audio provides either of the following features:

• 5.1 Channel High Definition Audio Codec

• DACs Support 96K/48K/44.1KHz DAC sample rate
• Power support: Digital:3.3V; Analog:5.0V
• WOWTM and Tru SurroundTM from SRS
• Provides single ended CD input with DRM solutions and legacy
OS issues
• 7.1 Channel High Definition Audio Codec
• SPDIF In/Out supports 96K/48K/44.1KHz plus SPDIF OUT sup-
ports 88.2 KHz
• Power support: Digital:3.3V; Analog:5.0V
• MAxx PlayerTM from Waves
• Provides single ended CD input with DRM solutions and legacy
OS issues

Introducing the Motherboard

 3

Onboard LAN (Optional)

The onboard LAN provides either of the following features:

• Integrated Gigabit Ethernet Controller for PCI ExpressTM Applications

• Integrated 10/100/1000 transceiver
• Wake-On-LAN and remote wake-up support
• Integrated Fast Ethernet Controller for PCI ExpressTM Applications
• Integrated 10/100 transceiver
• Wake-On-LAN and remote wake-up support

Expansion Options
: motherboard comes with the following expansion options:
The
• One PCI Express x16 slot for Graphics Interface
• Two PCI Express x1 slots
• Three 32-bit PCI v2.3 compliant slots
• One IDE connector supporting up to two IDE devices
• One floppy disk drive interface
• Five 7-pin SATA connectors
This motherboard supports Ultra DMA bus mastering with transfer rates of 133/
100/66/33 Mb/s.

Integrated I/O
The motherboard has a full set of I/O ports and connectors:
• Two PS/2 ports for mouse and keyboard
• One VGA port
• One HDMI port
• One eSATA port
• Six USB ports
• One LAN port
• Audio jacks for microphone, line-in and 6/8-ch (optional) line-out

BIOS Firmware
The motherboard uses AMI BIOS that enables users to configure many system
features including the following:
• Power management
• Wake-up alarms
• CPU parameters
• CPU and memory timing
The firmware can also be used to set parameters for different processor clock
speeds.
1. Some hardware specifications and software items are subject to change
without prior notice.
2. Due to chipset limitation, we recommend that motherboard be oper-
ated in the ambiance between 0 and 50 ° C.

Introducing the Motherboard

4

Motherboard Components

Introducing the Motherboard

 5

Table of Motherboard Components

LABEL CO MPO NENTS

Socket for AMD Phenom TM processor (socket AM2+)/AMD
1. CPU Socket
Athlon TM 64 X2 Dual-Core/Athlon TM 64/Sempron TM processors
2. CPU_FAN CPU cooling fan connector
3. DDR2_1~4 240-pin DDR2 SDRAM slots
4. AT X_POWER Standard 24-Pin AT X Power connector
5. IDE Primary IDE connector
6. SPK Internal speaker header
7. SYS_FAN System cooling fan connector
8. SAT A1~5 Serial AT A connectors
9. IR Infrared header
10. RST _BOT Reset button
11. PWR_BOT Power on button
12. CLR_CMOS Clear CMOS jumper
13. F_PANEL Front Panel Switch/LED header
14. NB_FAN Northbridge cooling fan connector
15. USBPWR_F Front Panel USB Power Select jumper
16. F_USB1~3 Front Panel USB headers
17. COM Onboard Serial port header
18. FDD Floppy disk drive connector
19. CD_IN Analog Audio Input connector
20. F_AUDIO Front Panel Audio header
21. SPDIFO SPDIF out header
22. PCI1~3 32-bit add-on card slots
23. PCIE1~2 PCI Express x1 slots
24. PCIEX16 PCI Express x16 graphics card slot
25. PWR_FAN Power cooling fan connector
26. USBPWR_R Rear USB/PS2 Power Select jumper
27. AT X12V 4-pin +12V power connector

This concludes Chapter 1. The next chapter explains how to install the motherboard.

Introducing the Motherboard

6

Memo

Introducing the Motherboard

 7

Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard
Safety Precautions
• Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard
• Wear a grounding strap attached to a grounded device to avoid dam-
age from static electricity
• Discharge static electricity by touching the metal case of a safely
grounded object before working on the motherboard
• Leave components in the static-proof bags they came in
• Hold all circuit boards by the edges. Do not bend circuit boards

Choosing a Computer Case

There are many types of computer cases on the market. The motherboard complies
with the specifications for the ATX system case. Firstly, some features on the
motherboard are implemented by cabling connectors on the motherboard to indica-
tors and switches on the system case. Make sure that your case supports all the
features required. Secondly, this motherboard supports one or two floppy diskette
drives and two enhanced IDE drives. Make sure that your case has sufficient power
and space for all drives that you intend to install.
Most cases have a choice of I/O templates in the rear panel. Make sure that the I/O
template in the case matches the I/O ports installed on the rear edge of the
motherboard.
This motherboard carries an ATX form factor of 305 x 220 mm. Choose a case that
accommodates this form factor.

Installing the Motherboard in a Case

Refer to the following illustration and instructions for installing the motherboard in
a case.
Most system cases have mounting brackets installed in the case, which correspond
the holes in the motherboard. Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets
and secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with screws.
Ensure that your case has an I/O template that supports the I/O ports and expansion
slots on your motherboard.

Installing the Motherboard

8

Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard.

Checking Jumper Settings

This section explains how to set jumpers for correct configuration of the motherboard.

Setting Jumpers
Use the motherboard jumpers to set system configuration options. Jumpers with
more than one pin are numbered. When setting the jumpers, ensure that the jumper
caps are placed on the correct pins.

The illustrations show a 2-pin jumper. When

the jumper cap is placed on both pins, the
jumper is SHORT. If you remove the jumper
cap, or place the jumper cap on just one pin,
the jumper is OPEN. SHORT OPEN

This illustration shows a 3-pin jumper. Pins

1 and 2 are SHORT

Installing the Motherboard

 9

Checking Jumper Settings

The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is
labeled.

Jumper Settings

Jumper Type Description Setting (default)

1-2: NORMAL
1
2-3: CLEAR
CLR_CMOS 3-pin CLEAR CMOS Before clearing the
CMOS, make sure to
turn the system off. CLR_CMOS

Rear USB/PS2 1-2: VCC5

USBPWR_R 3-pin Power Select
2-3: VCC5_DUAL 1
Jumper
USBPWR_R

Front Panel 1-2: VCC5

USBPWR_F 3-pin USB Power
2-3: VCC5_DUAL 1
Select Jumper
USBPWR_F

1. To avoid the system instability after clearing CMOS, we recommend

users to enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Optimized Defaults”
and then “Save & Exit Setup”.
2. Make sure the power supply provides enough VCC5_DUAL voltage
before selecting the VCC5_DUAL function.
3. It is required that users place the USBPWR_F & USBPWR_R cap onto
2-3 pin rather than 1-2 pin as default if you want to wake up the
computer by USB/PS2 KB/Mouse.

Installing the Motherboard

10

Connecting Case Components

After you have installed the motherboard into a case, you can begin connecting the
motherboard components. Refer to the following:
1 Connect the CPU cooling fan cable to CPU_FAN.
2 Connect the system cooling fan connector to SYS_FAN.
3 Connect the standard power supply connector to ATX_POWER.
4 Connect the auxiliary case power supply connector to ATX12V.
5 Connect the case switches and indicator LEDs to the F_PANEL.
6 Connect the power cooling fan connector to PWR_FAN.
7 Connect the northbridge cooling fan connector to NB_FAN.
8 Connec the case speaker cable to SPK.

Connecting 24-pin power cable

Users please note that the 24-pin power cable can be connected to the
ATX_POWER connector.

With ATX v2.x power supply, users please

note that when installing 24-pin power
cable, the latches of power cable and the
ATX_POWER match perfectly.

24-pin power cable

Installing the Motherboard
 11

CPU_FAN: CPU cooling FAN Power Connector

Pin Signal Name Function
1 GND System Ground
2 +12V Power +12V
3 Sense Sensor
4 Control CPU FAN control

Users please note that the fan connector supports the CPU cooling fan of
1.1A ~ 2.2A (26.4W max) at +12V.

SYS_FAN/PWR_FAN/NB_FAN: FAN Power Connectors

Pin Signal Name Function

1 GND System Ground
2 +12V Power +12V
3 Sense Sensor

ATX_POWER: ATX 24-pin Power Connector

Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name
1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V
2 +3.3V 14 -12V
3 Ground 15 Ground
4 +5V 16 PS_ON
5 Ground 17 Ground
6 +5V 18 Ground
7 Ground 19 Ground
8 PWRGD 20 -5V
9 +5VSB 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V 23 +5V
12 +3.3V 24 Ground

ATX12V: ATX 12V Power Connector

Pin Signal Name

1 Ground
2 Ground
3 +12V
4 +12V

Installing the Motherboard

12

SPK: Internal speaker header

Pin Signal Name
1 VCC
2 Key
3 GND
4 Signal

Front Panel Header

The front panel header (F_PANEL) provides a standard set of switch and LED headers
commonly found on ATX or Micro ATX cases. Refer to the table below for informa-
tion:

Pin Signal Function Pin Signal Function

1 HD_LED_P Hard disk LED (+) 2 FP PWR/SLP *MSG LED (+)
3 HD_LED_N Hard disk LED (-) 4 FP PWR/SLP *MSG LED (-)
5 RST_SW_N Reset Switch (-) 6 PWR_SW_P Power Switch (+)
7 RST_SW_P Reset Switch (+) 8 PWR_SW_N Power Switch (-)
9 RSVD Reserved 10 Key No pin
* MSG LED (dual color or single color)

Hard Drive Activity LED

Connecting pins 1 and 3 to a front panel mounted LED provides visual indication
that data is being read from or written to the hard drive. For the LED to function
properly, an IDE drive should be connected to the onboard IDE interface. The LED
will also show activity for devices connected to the SCSI (hard drive activity LED)
connector.

Power/Sleep/Message waiting LED

Connecting pins 2 and 4 to a single or dual-color, front panel mounted LED provides
power on/off, sleep, and message waiting indication.

Reset Switch
Supporting the reset function requires connecting pin 5 and 7 to a momentary-
contact switch that is normally open. When the switch is closed, the board resets and
runs POST.

Installing the Motherboard

 13

Power Switch
Supporting the power on/off function requires connecting pins 6 and 8 to a momen-
tary-contact switch that is normally open. The switch should maintain contact for at
least 50 ms to signal the power supply to switch on or off. The time requirement is
due to internal de-bounce circuitry. After receiving a power on/off signal, at least two
seconds elapses before the power supply recognizes another on/off signal.

Installing Hardware
Installing the Processor
Caution: When installing a CPU heatsink and cooling fan make sure that
you DO NOT scratch the motherboard or any of the surface-mount resis-
tors with the clip of the cooling fan. If the clip of the cooling fan scrapes
across the motherboard, you may cause serious damage to the motherboard
or its components.
On most motherboards, there are small surface-mount resistors near the
processor socket, which may be damaged if the cooling fan is carelessly
installed.
Avoid using cooling fans with sharp edges on the fan casing and the clips.
Also, install the cooling fan in a well-lit work area so that you can clearly
see the motherboard and processor socket.

Before installing the Processor

This motherboard automatically determines the CPU clock frequency and system
bus frequency for the processor. You may be able to change these settings by making
changes to jumpers on the motherboard, or changing the settings in the system Setup
Utility. We strongly recommend that you do not over-clock processors or other
components to run faster than their rated speed.
Warning: Over-clocking components can adversely affect the reliability of
the system and introduce errors into your system. Over-clocking can per-
manently damage the motherboard by generating excess heat in compo-
nents that are run beyond the rated limits.

This motherboard has a socket AM2+/AM2 processor socket. When choosing a

processor, consider the performance requirements of the system. Performance is
based on the processor design, the clock speed and system bus frequency of the
processor, and the quantity of internal cache memory and external cache memory.

Installing the Motherboard

14

CPU Installation Procedure

The following illustration shows CPU installation components.

1 Unhook the locking lever of the CPU socket. Pull the

locking lever away from the socket and raising it to
the upright position.
2 Match the pin1 corner marked as the beveled edge
on the CPU with the pin1 corner on the socket.
Insert the CPU into the socket. Do not use force.
3 Push the locking lever down and hook it under the
latch on the edge of socket.
4 Apply thermal grease to the top of the CPU.
5 Install the cooling fan/heatsink unit onto the CPU,
and secure them all onto the socket base.
6 Plug the CPU fan power cable into the CPU fan
connector (CPU_FAN) on the motherboard.

To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that you
use a high quality fan with 4800 rpm at least. CPU fan and heatsink
installation procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan/heatsink sup-
plied. The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary.

Installing Memory Modules

This motherboard accommodates four memory modules. It can support four 240-pin
DDR2 1066 (AM2+)/800/667/533/400. The total memory capacity is 32 GB*.

DDR2 SDRAM memory module table

Memory module Memory Bus

DDR2 400 200 MHz
DDR2 533 266 MHz
DDR2 667 333 MHz
DDR2 800 400 MHz
DDR2 1066 533 MHz

You must install at least one module in any of the four slots. Each module can be
installed with 8 GB of memory; total memory capacity is 32 GB*.

Do not remove any memory module from its antistatic packaging until
you are ready to install it on the motherboard. Handle the modules only
by their edges. Do not touch the components or metal parts. Always
wear a grounding strap when you handle the modules.

Installing the Motherboard

 15

Installation Procedure
Refer to the following to install the memory modules.
1 This motherboard supports unbuffered DDR2 SDRAM only.
2 Push the latches on each side of the DIMM slot down.
3 Align the memory module with the slot. The DIMM slots are keyed with
notches and the DIMMs are keyed with cutouts so that they can only be
installed correctly.
4 Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge connector match the
notches in the DIMM slot.
5 Install the DIMM module into the slot and press it firmly down until it
seats correctly. The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to
the edges of the DIMM.
6 Install any remaining DIMM modules.

For best performance and compatibility, we recommend that users

install DIMMs in the sequence of DIMM3, DIMM4, DIMM1 and
DIMM2.

Recommend configuration for best performance and compatibility

Number of DIMMs DIMM 1 DIMM 2 DIMM 3 DIMM 4 AM2 AM2+ *

1 X X √ X Single Channel Unganged Mode
2 X X √ √ Dual Channel Ganged Mode
3 √ X √ √ Single Channel Unganged Mode
4 √ √ √ √ Dual Channel Ganged Mode

* When Unganged Mode is disabled

Installing the Motherboard

16

Table B: DDR2 (memory module) QVL (Qualified Vendor List)

The following DDR2 1066 (AM2+)/800/667/533/400 memory modules have been
tested and qualified for use with this motherboard.

Type Size Vendor Module Name

256 MB Hynix HYMP532U646-E3 AA
DDR2 400
512 MB N anya NT512T64U88A0F -5A

256 MB Elixir M2U25664TUH4A0F-37B

Aeneon AET660UD00-370A98Z
512 MB
DDR2 533 Infineon HYS64T 64400HU-3.7-A
1 GB Infineon HYS64T 128920HU-3.7- A
256 MB Infineon HYS64T32400HU-3S-A
A- DATA M2OAD5G3H3166I1C52
Apacer 78.91G92.9K5
APOGEE AU 51082-667P005
Cosair VS512MB667D2
Kingston KVR667D2N5/512
512 MB
Micron MT4HTF 6464AY-667E1
N anya NT512T64U88A0BY-3C
PSC AL6E8E63J-6E1
Ramxel RML1520HC38D6F -667
Transcend T ranscend K4T 51083QC ZCE6
A- DATA M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52
Apacer 78.01G9O.9K5
APOGEE AU1G082-667P005
Hynix HYMP112U64CP8-Y5 AB
Micron MT8HTF 12864AY-667E1
DDR2 667
PSC AL7E8E63B- 6E1T
1 GB
PSC AL7E8E63J-6E1
PSC AL7E8F 73C-6E1
Qimonda HYS64T128020HU-3S-B
Ramxel RML1320HC38D7F -667
Samsung M378T 2863D ZS-CE6 0743
T winmos 8D23KK-TT
Aeneon AET860UD00-30DC08S
Aeneon AET 860UD00-30DB08X
Apacer 78.A1G9O.9K4
Hynix HYMP125U64AP8-Y5-AB-A
2 GB Kingston KVR667D2N5/2G
N anya NT2GT64U8HB0JY-3C
PSC AL8E8F 73C-6E1
Qimonda H YS64T256020EU -3S-C2
T winmos 8D-23MK- ED

Installing the Motherboard

 17

Type Size Vendor Module Name

256 MB Infineon HYS64T32000HU-25F-B
A-DATA M2OAD6G3H3160I1E53
Aeneon AET660UD00-25DB98X
APOGEE AU 51082-800P505
Infineon HYS64T64000HU-25F-B
512 MB Infinity 04751208CZ5U2D
Kingston KHX6400D2ULK2/1G
Micron MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4
N anya NT512T64U88B0BY-25C
PSC AL6E8E63H-8E1
Aeneon AET760UD00-25DC08X
Aeneon AET860UD00-25DC08X
Apacer 78.01GA0.9K5
APOGEE AU1G082-800P000
DDR2 800
Infineon HYS64T128020HU-25F-B
Infinity 04701G16CZ5U2G
Kingston KHX6400D2ULK2/2G
1 GB
Micron MT8H TF12864AY-80EE1
U MAX U2S12D30TP-8E
N anya NT1GT64U8HB0BY-25C
NCP NCPT7AUDR-25M48
PSC AL7E8E63H-8E1
PSC AL7E8F73C-8E1
U MAX 53016042-7100B
Apacer 78.A1GA0.9K4
Micron MT16HTF25664AY-800E1
2 GB
PSC AL8E8F73C-8E1
Qimonda HYS64T256020EU-25F-C2
512 MB Aeneon AXT660UD00-19DC97X
Aeneon AXT760UD00-19DC97X
DDR2 1066
1 GB Infinity 04701G16CY5U2A
Qimonda HYS64T128020EU-19F-C

Installing the Motherboard

18

Installing a Hard Disk Drive/CD-ROM/SATA Hard Drive

This section describes how to install IDE devices such as a hard disk drive and a CD-
ROM drive.

About IDE Devices

Your motherboard has one IDE interface. An IDE ribbon cable supporting two IDE
devices is bundled with the motherboard.
You must orient the cable connector so that the pin1 (color) edge of the
cable corresponds to the pin 1 of the I/O port connector.

IDE: IDE Connector

This motherboard supports five high data transfer SATA ports with each runs up to
3.0 Gb/s. To get better system performance, we recommend users connect the CD-
ROM to the IDE channel, and set up the hard drives on the SATA ports.

IDE devices enclose jumpers or switches used to set the IDE device as MASTER or
SLAVE. Refer to the IDE device user’s manual. Installing two IDE devices on one
cable, ensure that one device is set to MASTER and the other device is set to SLAVE.
The documentation of your IDE device explains how to do this.

About SATA Connectors

Your motherboard features five SATA connectors supporting a total of five drives.
SATA refers to Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is the standard inter-
face for the IDE hard drives which are currently used in most PCs. These connectors
are well designed and will only fit in one orientation. Locate the SATA connectors on
the motherboard and follow the illustration below to install the SATA hard drives.

Installing Serial ATA Hard Drives

To install the Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives, use the SATA cable that supports the
Serial ATA protocol. This SATA cable comes with an SATA power cable. You can
connect either end of the SATA cable to the SATA hard drive or the connector on the
motherboard.

SATA cable (optional) SATA power cable (optional)

Installing the Motherboard

 19

Refer to the illustration below for proper installation:

1 Attach either cable end to the connector on the motherboard.

2 Attach the other cable end to the SATA hard drive.
3 Attach the SATA power cable to the SATA hard drive and connect the
other end to the power supply.

This motherboard supports the “Hot-Plug” function.

Installing a Floppy Diskette Drive

The motherboard has a floppy diskette drive (FDD) interface and ships with a
diskette drive ribbon cable that supports one or two floppy diskette drives. You can
install a 5.25-inch drive and a 3.5-inch drive with various capacities. The floppy
diskette drive cable has one type of connector for a 5.25-inch drive and another type
of connector for a 3.5-inch drive.

You must orient the cable connector so that the pin 1 (color) edge of
the cable corresponds to the pin 1 of the I/O port connector.

FDD: Floppy Disk Connector

This connector supports the provided floppy drive ribbon cable. After connecting
the single end to the onboard floppy connector, connect the remaining plugs on the
other end to the floppy drives correspondingly.

Installing the Motherboard

20

Installing Add-on Cards

The slots on this motherboard are designed to hold expansion cards and connect
them to the system bus. Expansion slots are a means of adding or enhancing the
motherboard’s features and capabilities. With these efficient facilities, you can
increase the motherboard’s capabilities by adding hardware that performs tasks that
are not part of the basic system.

PCIEX16 Slot The PCI Express x16 slot is used to install an external PCI Express
graphics card that is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Speci-
fication revision 2.0.

PCIE1~2 Slots The PCI Express x1 slots are fully compliant to the PCI Express
Base Specification revision 1.1 as well.

PCI1~3 Slots This motherboard is equipped with three standard PCI slots. PCI
stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect and is a bus standard
for expansion cards, which for the most part, is a supplement of the
older ISA bus standard. The PCI slots on this board are PCI v2.3
compliant.

Before installing an add-on card, check the documentation for the card
carefully. If the card is not Plug and Play, you may have to manually
configure the card before installation.

Installing the Motherboard

 21

Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:

1 Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the
slot you are going to use.
2 Install the edge connector of the add-on card into the expansion slot.
Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot.
3 Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case with a screw.

For some add-on cards, for example graphics adapters and network
adapters, you have to install drivers and software before you can begin
using the add-on card.

Installing the Motherboard

22

Connecting Optional Devices

Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional
devices:

F_AUDIO: Front Panel Audio header (optional)

This header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented microphone and line-
out ports for easier access.

Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name

Pin Signal Name Function
1 PORT 1L 2 AUD_GND
3 PORT 1R 4 PRESENCE#
5 PORT 2R 6 SENSE1_RETURN
7 SENSE_SEND 8 KEY
9 PORT 2L 10 SENSE2_RETURN

SPDIFO: SPDIF out header

This is an optional header that provides an S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface)
output to digital multimedia device through optical fiber or coaxial connector.

Pin Signal Name Function

1 SPDIF SPDIF digital output
2 +5VA 5V analog Power
3 Key No pin
4 GND Ground

Installing the Motherboard

 23

IR: Infrared header

The motherboard supports an Infrared (IR) data port. Infrared ports allow the wire-
less exchange of information between your computer and similarly equipped devices
such as printers, laptops, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and other computers.

Pin Signal Name Function

1 Not Assigned Not assigned
2 Key No pin
3 +5V IR Power
4 GND Ground
5 IR_TX IrDA serial output
6 IR_RX IrDA serial input

F_USB1~3: Front Panel USB headers

The motherboard has six USB ports installed on the rear edge I/O port array. Addi-
tionally, some computer cases have USB ports at the front of the case. If you have
this kind of case, use auxiliary USB connector to connect the front-mounted ports to
the motherboard.

Pin Signal Name Function

1 USBPWR Front Panel USB Power
2 USBPWR Front Panel USB Power
3 USB_FP_P0- USB Port 0 Negative Signal
4 USB_FP_P1- USB Port 1 Negative Signal
5 USB_FP_P0+ USB Port 0 Positive Signal
6 USB_FP_P1+ USB Port 1 Positive Signal
7 GND Ground
8 GND Ground
9 Key No pin
10 NC Not connected

Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as
indicated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system
hang-up.

SATA1~5: Serial ATA connectors

These connectors are used to support the new Serial ATA devices for the highest date
transfer rates (3.0 Gb/s), simpler disk drive cabling and easier PC assembly. It elimi-
nates limitations of the current Parallel ATA interface. But maintains register com-
patibility and software compatibility with Parallel ATA.

Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name

1 Ground 2 TX+
3 TX- 4 Ground
5 RX- 6 RX+
7 Ground - -

Due to the limitation of NVIDIA chipset, SATA 4~5 support AHCI/RAID

Mode only.

Installing the Motherboard

24

CD_IN: Analog Audio Input connector

Pin Signal Name Function

1 CD_L CD In left channel
2 GND Ground
3 GND Ground
4 CD_R CD In right channel

COM: Onboard serial port header

Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a second serial port to
your system.

Pin Signal Name Function

1 DCDB Data Carrier Detect
2 SINB Serial Input
3 SOUTB UART B Serial Output
4 DTRB UART B Data Terminal Ready
5 GND Ground
6 DSRB Data Set Ready
7 RTSB RART B Request to Send
8 CTSB Clear to Send
9 RI Ring Indicator
10 Key No pin

Installing the Motherboard

 25

Connecting I/O Devices

The backplane of the motherboard has the following I/O ports:

PS2 Mouse Use the upper PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 pointing device.

PS2 Keyboard Use the lower PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 keyboard.

VGA Port Connect your monitor to the VGA port.

HDMI Port Connect the HDMI port to the HDMI devices.

USB Ports Use the USB ports to connect USB devices.

eSATA Port Use this port to connect to an external SATA box or a

Serial ATA port multiplier.

It is suggested that users use the eSATA hard disk with

external power.

LAN Port Connect an RJ-45 jack to the LAN port to connect your
computer to the network.

Audio Ports Use the audio jacks to connect audio devices. The D port is
(optional) for stereo line-in signal, while the F port is for microphone
in signal. This motherboard supports 8-channel audio de-
vices that correspond to the A,B, C, and E port respec-
tively. In addition, all of the 3 ports, B, C, and E provide
users with both right & left channels individually. Users
please refer to the following note for specific port function
definition.

A: Center & Woofer D: Line-in

B: Back Surround E: Front Out
C: Side Surround F: Mic_in Rear

The above port definition can be changed to audio input or

audio output by changing the driver utility setting.

Installing the Motherboard

26

This motherboard may adopt 6-channel audio ports.

Use the three audio ports to connect audio devices. The
first jack is for stereo line-in signal. The second jack is for
stereo line-out signal. The third jack is for microphone.

This concludes Chapter 2. The next chapter covers the BIOS.

Installing the Motherboard

 27

Chapter 3
Using BIOS

About the Setup Utility

The computer uses the latest “American Megatrends Inc. ” BIOS with support for
Windows Plug and Play. The CMOS chip on the motherboard contains the ROM
setup instructions for configuring the motherboard BIOS.

The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup Utility displays the system ’ s
configuration status and provides you with options to set system parameters. The
parameters are stored in battery-backed-up CMOS RAM that saves this information
when the power is turned off. When the system is turned back on, the system is
configured with the values you stored in CMOS.

The BIOS Setup Utility enables you to configure:

• Hard drives, diskette drives and peripherals

• Video display type and display options
• Password protection from unauthorized use
• Power Management features

The settings made in the Setup Utility affect how the computer performs. Before
using the Setup Utility, ensure that you understand the Setup Utility options.

This chapter provides explanations for Setup Utility options.

The Standard Configuration

A standard configuration has already been set in the Setup Utility. However, we
recommend that you read this chapter in case you need to make any changes in the
future.

This Setup Utility should be used:

• when changing the system configuration
• when a configuration error is detected and you are prompted to make
changes to the Setup Utility
• when trying to resolve IRQ conflicts
• when making changes to the Power Management configuration
• when changing the password or making other changes to the Security
Setup

Entering the Setup Utility

When you power on the system, BIOS enters the Power-On Self Test (POST)
routines. POST is a series of built-in diagnostics performed by the BIOS. After the
POST routines are completed, the following message appears:

Using BIOS
28

Press DEL to enter SETUP

Press the delete key to access the BIOS Setup Utility.

CMOS Setup Utility -- Copyright (C) 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

f Standard CMOS Setup fFrequency/Voltage Control

f Advanced Setup Load Default Settings
f Advanced Chipset Setup fSupervisor Password
f Integrated Peripherals fUser Password
f Power Management Setup Save & Exit Setup
f PCI/PnP Setup Exit Without Saving
f PC Health Status
mn < > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit
F1:General Help F9: Load Default settings

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Mega trends, Inc.

BIOS Navigation Keys

The BIOS navigation keys are listed below:

KEY FUNCTION
ESC Exits the current menu
mn < > Scrolls through the items on a menu
+/-/PU/PD Modifies the selected field’s values
Enter Select
F9 Load a default optimized setting
F10 Saves the current configuration and exits setup
F1 Displays a screen that describes all key functions

Using BIOS
 29

Updating the BIOS

You can download and install updated BIOS for this motherboard from the
manufacturer’s Web site. New BIOS provides support for new peripherals, improve-
ments in performance, or fixes for known bugs. Install new BIOS as follows:
1 If your motherboard has a BIOS protection jumper, change the setting to
allow BIOS flashing.
2 If your motherboard has an item called Firmware Write Protect in Ad-
vanced BIOS features, disable it. (Firmware Write Protect prevents
BIOS from being overwritten.)
3 Create a bootable system disk. (Refer to Windows online help for
information on creating a bootable system disk.)
4 Download the Flash Utility and new BIOS file from the manufacturer’s
Web site. Copy these files to the system diskette you created in Step 3.
5 Turn off your computer and insert the system diskette in your computer’s
diskette drive. (You might need to run the Setup Utility and change the
boot priority items on the Advanced BIOS Features Setup page, to
force your computer to boot from the floppy diskette drive first.)
6 At the A:\ prompt, type the Flash Utility program name and the file name
of the new bios and then press <Enter>. Example: AMINF340.EXE
040706.ROM
7 When the installation is complete, remove the floppy diskette from the
diskette drive and restart your computer. If your motherboard has a
Flash BIOS jumper, reset the jumper to protect the newly installed BIOS
from being overwritten. The computer will restart automatically.

Using BIOS
When you start the Setup Utility, the main menu appears. The main menu of the
Setup Utility displays a list of the options that are available. A highlight indicates
which option is currently selected. Use the cursor arrow keys to move the highlight
to other options. When an option is highlighted, execute the option by pressing
<Enter>.

Some options lead to pop-up dialog boxes that prompt you to verify that you wish to
execute that option. Other options lead to dialog boxes that prompt you for infor-
mation.

Some options (marked with a triangle f) lead to submenus that enable you to change
the values for the option. Use the cursor arrow keys to scroll through the items in the
submenu.

In this manual, default values are enclosed in parenthesis. Submenu items are denoted
by a triangle f .

Using BIOS
30

Standard CMOS Setup

This option displays basic information about your system.
CMOS Setup Utility -- Copyright (C) 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
Standard CMOS Setup

Date Tue 03/10/2008 Help Item

Time 00:06:58
User [Enter], [TAB]
f Primary IDE Master Not Detected
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
f Primary IDE Slave Not Detected
select a field.
IDE BusMaster Enabled
Use [+] or [-] to
Drive A: 1.44 MB 31/2” configure system Date.

mn < > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit
F1: General Help F9: Load Default settings

Date & Time

The Date and Time items show the current date and time on the computer. If you are
running a Windows OS, these items are automatically updated whenever you make
changes to the Windows Date and Time Properties utility.

f Primary IDE Master/Slave

Your computer has one IDE channel which can be installed with one or two devices
(Master and Slave). In addition, this motherboard supports five SATA channels and
each channel allows one SATA device to be installed. Use these items to configure
each device on the IDE channel.
CMOS SETUP UTILITY - Copyright (C) 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
Primary IDE Master

Primary IDE Master

Help Item
Device : Not Detected
Select the type
Type Auto of device connected
LBA/Large Mode Auto to the system.
Block Mode Auto
PIO Mode Auto
DMA Mode Auto
S.M.A.R.T Auto
32Bit Data Transfer Enabled

mn < > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit
F1: General Help F9: Load Default settings

Using BIOS
 31

Type (Auto)
Use this item to configure the type of the IDE device that you specify. If the feature
is enabled, it will enhance hard disk performance by reading or writing more data
during each transfer.
LBA/Large Mode (Auto)
Use this item to set the LAB/Large mode to enhance hard disk performance by
optimizing the area the hard disk is visited each time.
Block Mode (Auto)
If the feature is enabled, it will enhance hard disk performance by reading or writing
more data during each transfer.
PIO Mode (Auto)
Use this item to set the PIO mode to enhance hard disk performance by optimizing
the hard disk timing.
DMA Mode (Auto)
DMA capability allows user to improve the transfer-speed and data-integrity for
compatible IDE devices.
S.M.A.R.T. (Auto)
The S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) system is a
diagnostics technology that monitors and predicts device performance. S.M.A.R.T.
software resides on both the disk drive and the host computer.
32Bit Data Transfer (Enabled)
Use this item to set the onboard SATA-IDE channel to be disabled, IDE, or RAID.

Press <Esc> to return to the Standard CMOS Setup page.

IDE BusMaster (Enabled)

This item enables or disables the DMA under DOS mode. We recommend you to leave
this item at the default value.

Drive A: (1.44 MB 31/2”)

This item defines the characteristics of any diskette drive attached to the system.
You can connect one or two diskette drives.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Using BIOS
32

Advanced Setup
This page sets up more advanced information about your system. Handle this page
with caution. Any changes can affect the operation of your computer.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
Advanced Setup

Help Item
HT Frequency Auto Auto
AMD C&Q Enabled
Quick Power on Self Test Enabled HT frequency selection
Boot Up Numlock Status ON by CPU capability and
APIC Mode Enabled SouthBridge to CPU
1st Boot Device Hard Drive frequency selection
2nd Boot Device CD/DVD
3rd Boot Device 1st FLOPPY DRIVE
f Removable Drives Press Enter
Boot Other Device Yes

mn < > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit
F1: General Help F9: Load Default settings

HT Frequency Auto (Anto)

This item enables users to manually set up the HyperTransport frequency, ranging
from Auto, 1x, to 5x.
AMD C&Q (Enaled)
This item helps the system to lower the frequency when CPU idles. When the
frequency decreases, the temperature will drop automatically as well.
Quick Power on Self Test (Enabled)
Enable this item to shorten the power on testing (POST) and have your system start
up faster. You might like to enable this item after you are confident that your system
hardware is operating smoothly.
Boot Up Numlock Status (ON)
This item defines if the keyboard Num Lock key is active when your system is
started.
APIC Mode (Enabled)
This item allows you to enable or disable the APCI (Advanced Programmable Inter-
rupt Controller) mode. APIC provides symmetric multi-processing (SMP) for sys-
tems, allowing support for up to 60 processors.
1st/2nd/3rd Boot Device (Hard Drive/CD/DVD/1st FLOPPY DRIVE)
Use this item to determine the device order the computer used to look for an
operating system to load at start-up time. The devices showed here will be different
depending on the exact devices installed on your motherboard.

Using BIOS
 33

f Removable Drives (Press Enter)

Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen:
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
Removable Drives

Removable Drives Help Item

1st Drive 1st FLOPPY DRIVE Specifies the boot

sequence from the
available devices.

mn < > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit
F1: General Help F9: Load Default settings

Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Setup page.

Boot Other Device (Yes)

When enabled, the system searches all other possible locations for an operating
system if it fails to find one in the devices specified under the First, Second and Third
boot devices.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Advanced Chipset Setup

This page sets up more advanced information about your system. Handle this page
with caution. Any changes can affect the operation of your computer.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
Advanced Chipset Setup

Help Item
Share Memory Auto Detection Auto
DRAM Frequency Auto
DRAM Timing Mode Auto iGPU Frame Buffer Size
DCT Unganged Mode Auto Auto Detect
Memory Hole Remapping Enabled
HDMI AUDIO Enabled

Hybrid SLI support Disabled

mn < > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit
F1: General Help F9: Load Default settings

Using BIOS
34

Share Memory Auto Detection (Auto)

Disable this item to set the Share Memory Size. And if the item is set to Auto, Share
Memory Size can be controlled according to the dram size. When the dram size is
less than 512 MB, Share Memory Size should be set to 64 MB. While between 512
MB and 1 GB, it should be set to 128 MB. When more than 1 GB, it should be set to
256 MB.
DRAM Frequency (Auto)
This item enables users to adjust the DRAM frequency. The default setting is auto and
we recommend users leave the setting unchanged. Modify it at will may cause the
system to be unstable.
DRAM Timing Mode (Auto)
This item enables you to specify the DRAM timing mode to be configured automati-
cally or manually.
DCT Unganged Mode (Auto)
This item is used to select the DCT mode (DRAM Controller mode).
Memory Hole Remapping (Enabled)
This item allows users to enable or disable memory hole remapping.
HDMI AUDIO (Enabled)
This item is used to enable or disable the NB HDMI audio support.
Hybrid SLI support (Disabled)
This item allows users to enable or disable the NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI technology.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Using BIOS
 35

Integrated Peripherals
This page sets up some parameters for peripheral devices connected to the system.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
Integrated Peripherals

Onboard IDE Controller Enabled Help Item

OnChip S-ATA Controller Enabled
SATA Mode select AHCI Mode
f AHCI Configuration Press Enter

Onboard AUDIO Function Enabled

Onboard LAN Function Enabled
Onboard LAN Boot ROM Disabled
Serial Port1 Address 3F8/IRQ4
OnBoard IR Disabled
USB Controller Enabled
Legacy USB Support Enabled

mn < > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit
F1: General Help F9: Load Default settings

OnBoard IDE Controller (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the onboard IDE interface.
Onboard S-ATA Controller (Enabled)
This item allows you to enable or disable the onboard SATA controller.
SATA Mode select (AHCI Mode)
Use this item to select the mode of the Serial ATA.

fAHCI Configuration (Press Enter)

Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen:
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
AHCI Configuration

AHCI Settings Help Item

AHCI CD/DVD Boot Time out 35 Some SATA CD/DVD in

AHCI mode need to
f AHCI Port0 Not Detected wait ready longer.
f AHCI Port1 Not Detected
f AHCI Port2 Not Detected
f AHCI Port3 Not Detected
f AHCI Port4 Not Detected
f AHCI Port5 Not Detected

mn < > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit
F1: General Help F9: Load Default settings

Press <Esc> to return to the Integrated Peripherals page.

Using BIOS
36

OnBoard AUDIO Function (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the onboard Audio function.
OnBoard LAN Function (Enabled)
Use this item to enable or disable the onboard LAN function.
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM (Disabled)
Use this item to enable or disable the booting from the onboard LAN or a network
add-in card with a remote boot ROM installed.
Serial Port1 Address (3F8/IRQ4)
Use this item to enable or disable the onboard COM1 serial port, and to assign a port
address.
OnBoard IR (Disabled)
Use this item to enable or disable the onboard infrared port, and to assign a port
address.
USB Controller (Enabled)
Use this item to enable or disable the USB function.
Legacy USB Support (Enabled)
Use this item to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Power Management Setup

This page sets up some parameters for system power management operation.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
Power Management Setup

Help Item
ACPI Suspend Type S3
Soft-off by PWR-BTTN Instant Off
PWRON After PWR-Fail Power Off Select the ACPI
Resume by RING Disabled state used for
Resume By PCI/PCI-E/Lan PME Disabled System Suspend.
Resume By PS2 KB (S3) Disabled
Resume By PS2 MS (S3) Disabled
Resume by USB (S3) Disabled
Resume on RTC Alarm Disabled

mn < > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit
F1: General Help F9: Load Default settings

ACPI Suspend Type (S3)

Use this item to define how your system suspends. In the default, S3, the suspend
mode is a suspend to RAM, i.e, the system shuts down with the exception of a refresh
current to the system memory.

Using BIOS
 37

Soft-off by PWR-BTTN (Instant off)

Under ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power management Interface) you can
create a software power down. In a software power down, the system can be resumed
by Wake Up Alarms. This item lets you install a software power down that is con-
trolled by the power button on your system. If the item is set to Instant-Off, then the
power button causes a software power down. If the item is set to Delay 4 Sec, then
you have to hold the power button down for four seconds to cause a software power
down.
PWRON After PWR-Fail (Power Off)
This item enables your computer to power off, automatically restart or return to its
previous status after abnormal power lost.
Resume By RING (Disabled)
The system can be turned off with a software command. If you enable this item, the
system can automatically resume if there is an incoming call on the Modem. You
must use an ATX power supply in order to use this feature.
Resume By PCI/PCI-E/Lan PME (Disabled)
The system can be turned off with a software command. If you enable this item, the
system can automatically resume if there is an incoming call on the PCI Modem or
PCI LAN card. You must use an ATX power supply in order to use this feature. Use
this item to do wake-up action if inserting the PCI card.
Resume By PS2 KB (S3) (Disabled)
This item enables or disables you to allow keyboard activity to awaken the system
from S3 mode.
Resume By PS2 MS (S3) (Disabled)
This item enables or disables you to allow mouse activity to awaken the system from
S3 mode.
Resume By USB (S3) (Disabled)
This item allows you to enable/disable the USB device wakeup function from S3
mode.
Resume on RTC Alarm (Disabled)
The system can be turned off with a software command. If you enable this item, the
system can automatically resume at a fixed time based on the system’s RTC (realtime
clock). Use the items below this one to set the date and time of the wake-up alarm.
You must use an ATX power supply in order to use this feature.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Using BIOS
38

PCI / PnP Setup

This page sets up some parameters for devices installed on the PCI bus and those
utilizing the system plug and play capability.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
PCI / PnP Setup

Help Item
iGPU and Ext-VGA Selection Single
Init Display First PCI
Select Internal VGA or
External VGA CARD to
display

mn < > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit
F1: General Help F9: Load Default settings

iGPU and Ext-VGA Selection (Single)

Use this item to select internal VGA or external VGA card to display.
Init Display First (PCI)
Use this item to select which graphics controller to use as the primary boot devices.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Using BIOS
 39

PC Health Status
On motherboards support hardware monitoring, this item lets you monitor the
parameters for critical voltages, temperatures and fan speeds.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
PC Health Status

Help Item
Hardware Health Event Monitoring
f Smart Fan Function Press Enter
ShutDown Temperature Disabled

Vcore : 1.248V
VDIMM : 1.872V
VNB : 1.080V
VHT : 1.184V
CPU FAN Speed : 5273 RPM
SYS FAN Speed : 0 RPM
CPU Temperature : 40°C/48°F
System Temperature : 30°C/86°F

mn < > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit
F1: General Help F9: Load Default settings

f Smart Fan Function

Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen:
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
Smart Fan Function

Help Item
CPU SMART FAN Control Enabled
TargetTemp Value 060
Tolerance Value 03 Options
StartUp Value 150 Disabled
Stop Value 100 Enabled
StopTime Value 060

mn < > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit
F1: General Help F9: Load Default settings

CPU SMART FAN Control (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the control of the CPU fan speed by
changing the CPU temperature.

Press <Esc> to return to the PC Health Status page.

Using BIOS
40

ShutDown Temperature (Disabled)

Enable you to set the maximum temperature the system can reach before powering
down.
System Component Characteristics
These items display the monitoring of the overall inboard hardware health events,
such as System & CPU temperature, CPU & DIMM voltage, CPU & system fan
speed,...etc.

• Vcore
• VDIMM
• VNB
• VHT
• CPU FAN Speed
• SYS FAN Speed
• CPU Temperature
• SYS Temperature

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Using BIOS
 41

Frequency/Voltage Control
This page enables you to set the clock speed and system bus for your system. The
clock speed and system bus are determined by the kind of processor you have in-
stalled in your system.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
Frequency/Voltage Control

Auto Detect DIMM/PCI CIK Enabled Help item

CPU/LDT Spread Spectrum Enabled
PCI Spread Spectrum Enabled Options
Memory Voltage 1.90V
NB Voltage 1.13V Disabled
HT Voltage 1.20V Enabled
CPU Voltage Disabled
CPU Frequency, MHz 200

mn < > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit
F1: General Help F9: Load Default settings

Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk (Enabled)

When this item is enabled, BIOS will disable the clock signal of free DIMM/PCI slots.
CPU/LDT Spread Spectrum (Enabled)
If you enable spread spectrum, it can significantly reduce the EMI (Electro-Magnetic
Interference) generated by CPU/LDT.
PCI Spread Spectrum (Enabled)
If you enable spread spectrum, it can significantly reduce the EMI (Electro-Magnetic
Interference) generated by PCI.
Memory Voltage (1.90V)
This item allows users to adjust the DDR memory voltage.
NB Voltage (1.13V)
This item allows users to adjust the Northbridge voltage.
HT Voltage (1.20V)
This item allows users to adjust the HyperTransport voltage.
CPU Voltage (Disabled)
This item allows users to adjust the CPU voltage.
CPU Frequency, MHz (200)
This item indicates the current CPU frequency. Users can not make any change to
this item. Please noted that the frequency will be varied with different CPU.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Using BIOS
42

Load Default Settings

This option opens a dialog box to ask if you are sure to install optimized defaults or
not. You select [OK], and then <Enter>, the Setup Utility loads all default values; or
select [Cancel], and then <Enter>, the Setup Utility does not load default values.

Supervisor Password
This page helps you install or change a password.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
Supervisor Password

Help item
Supervisor Password :Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password Press Enter Install or Change the

password.

mn < > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit
F1: General Help F9: Load Default settings

Supervisor Password (Not Installed)

This item indicates whether a supervisor password has been set. If the password has
been installed, Installed displays. If not, Not Installed displays.
Change Supervisor Password (Press Enter)
You can select this option and press <Enter> to access the sub menu. You can use the
sub menu to change the supervisor password.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Using BIOS
 43

User Password
This page helps you install or change a password.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
User Password

User Password : Not Installed Help item

Change User Password Press Enter Install or Change the

password.

mn < > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit
F1: General Help F9: Load Default settings

User Password (Not Installed)

This item indicates whether a user password has been set. If the password has been
installed, Installed displays. If not, Not Installed displays.
Change User Password (Press Enter)
You can select this option and press <Enter> to access the sub menu. You can use the
sub menu to change the user password.

Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.

Save & Exit Setup

Highlight this item and press <Enter> to save the changes that you have made in the
Setup Utility and exit the Setup Utility. When the Save and Exit dialog box appears,
select [OK] to save and exit, or select [Cancel] to return to the main menu.

Exit Without Saving

Highlight this item and press <Enter> to discard any changes that you have made in
the Setup Utility and exit the Setup Utility. When the Exit Without Saving dialog
box appears, select [OK] to discard changes and exit, or select [Cancel] to return to
the main menu.

If you have made settings that you do not want to save, use the “Exit Without
Saving” item and select [OK] to discard any changes you have made.

This concludes Chapter 3. Refer to the next chapter for information on the software
supplied with the motherboard.

Using BIOS
44

Memo

Using BIOS
 45

Chapter 4
Using the Motherboard Software
About the Software CD-ROM
The support software CD-ROM that is included in the motherboard package contains
all the drivers and utility programs needed to properly run the bundled products.
Below you can find a brief description of each software program, and the location for
your motherboard version. More information on some programs is available in a
README file, located in the same directory as the software. Before installing any
software, always inspect the folder for files named README.TXT, INSTALL.TXT,
or something similar. These files may contain important information that is not
included in this manual.
1. Never try to install all software from folder that is not specified for use with
your motherboard.
2. The notice of Intel HD audio installation (optional): The Intel High Defi-
nition audio functionality unexpectedly quits working in Windows Server
2003 Service Pack 1 or Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. Users need
to download and install the update packages from the Microsoft Download
Center “before” installing HD audio driver bundled in the Driver CD.
Please log on to http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-
us;901105#appliesto for more information.
Auto-installing under Windows XP/Vista
The Auto-install CD-ROM makes it easy for you to install the drivers and software
for your motherboard.

If the Auto-install CD-ROM does not work on your system, you can still
install drivers through the file manager for your OS (for example, Win-
dows Explorer). Refer to the Utility Folder Installation Notes later in this
chapter.
The support software CD-ROM disc loads automatically under Windows XP/Vista.
When you insert the CD-ROM disc in the CD-ROM drive, the autorun feature will
automatically bring up the install screen. The screen has three buttons on it, Setup,
Browse CD and Exit.

If the opening screen does not appear; double-click the file “setup.exe”
in the root directory.
Using the Motherboard Software
46

Setup Tab

Setup Click the Setup button to run the software installation program.
Select from the menu which software you want to install.
Browse CD The Browse CD button is the standard Windows command that
allows you to open Windows Explorer and show the contents of
the support CD.
Before installing the software from Windows Explorer, look for
a file named README.TXT, INSTALL.TXT or something simi-
lar. This file may contain important information to help you
install the software correctly.
Some software is installed in separate folders for different operat-
ing systems, such as Windows XP/Vista. Always go to the correct
folder for the kind of OS you are using.
In install the software, execute a file named SETUP.EXE or
INSTALL.EXE by double-clicking the file and then following the
instructions on the screen.
Exit The EXIT button closes the Auto Setup window.

Application Tab
Lists the software utilities that are available on the CD.

Read Me Tab
Displays the path for all software and drivers available on the CD.

Running Setup
Follow these instructions to install device drivers and software for the motherboard:
1. Click Setup. The installation program begins:

The following screens are examples only. The screens and driver lists
will be different according to the motherboard you are installing.

The motherboard identification is located in the upper left-hand corner.

Using the Motherboard Software
 47

2. Click Next. The following screen appears:

3. Check the box next to the items you want to install. The default options are recom

mended.
4. Click Next run the Installation Wizard. An item installation screen appears:

5. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the items.

1. Drivers and software are automatically installed in sequence. Follow

the onscreen instructions, confirm commands and allow the computer
to restart a few times to complete the installation.

2. During the Windows Vista Driver Auto Setup Procedure, users should
use one of the following two methods to install the driver after the
system restart.

Using the Motherboard Software

48

Method 1. Run Reboot Setup

Windows Vista will block startup programs by default when installing drivers after the
system restart. You must select taskbar icon Run Blocked Program and run Reboot
Setup to install the next driver, until you finish all drivers installation.

Method 2. Disable UAC (User Account Control)

* For administrator account only. Standard user account can only use Method 1.

Disable Vista UAC function before installing drivers, then use CD driver to install
drivers, it will continue to install drivers after system restart without running blocked
programs.

Follow these instructions to Disable Vista UAC function:

1. Go to Control Panel.

Using the Motherboard Software

 49

2. Select Classic View.

3. Set User Account.

4. Select Turn User Account Control on or off and press Continue.

Using the Motherboard Software

50

5. Disable User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer item and
press OK, then press Restart Now. Then you can restart your computer and continue to install
drivers without running blocked programs.

Manual Installation
Insert the CD in the CD-ROM drive and locate the PATH.DOC file in the root
directory. This file contains the information needed to locate the drivers for your
motherboard.
Look for the chipset and motherboard model; then browse to the directory and path
to begin installing the drivers. Most drivers have a setup program (SETUP.EXE) that
automatically detects your operating system before installation. Other drivers have
the setup program located in the operating system subfolder.
If the driver you want to install does not have a setup program, browse to the
operating system subfolder and locate the readme text file (README.TXT or
README.DOC) for information on installing the driver or software for your oper-
ating system.

Utility Software Reference

All the utility software available from this page is Windows compliant. They are
provided only for the convenience of the customer. The following software is fur-
nished under license and may only be used or copied in accordance with the terms of
the license.

1. These software(s) are subject to change at anytime without prior notice.

Please refer to the support CD for available software.
2. Please go to ECS website to download AMD Cool’n’QuietTM technology.

This concludes chapter 4.

Using the Motherboard Software

 51

Chapter 5
Setting Up NVIDIA RAID Configuration
Setting Up a Non-Bootable RAID Array
RAID arrays can be created/deleted using both MediaShield RAID BIOS and the
MediaShield RAID Manager from Windows. This section only covers basic BIOS
setup required for non-bootable array. See the section "Setting Up a Bootable RAID
Array” for instructions on configuring the RAID array in BIOS. See sections on using
the MediaShield RAID Manager for details on configuring non-bootable RAID from
Windows.
Setting Up the BIOS
1 Start your computer, then press Delete to enter the BIOS setup.
The BIOS CMOS Setup Utility window appears.

Figure 2.1 BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Window

2 Use the arrow keys to select Integrated Peripherals (see Figure 2.1), then
press Enter.
The Integrated Peripherals window appears.

Figure 2.2 Integrated Peripherals Window

NVIDIA RAID Configuration
52

3 Use the arrow keys to select the RAID Config (see Figure 2.2), then press
Enter.
The RAID Config window appears.

Figure 2.3 RAID Config Window

4 From the RAID Config window, globally enable RAID, then enable the
SATA ports with disks that you want to use for RAID.
If RAID is enabled globally but not enabled on the individual SATA port,
disks on that port can only be used for non-RAID applications.
In the example in Figure 2.3, three SATA ports are enabled, so the non-
bootable RAID array can include up to 3 SATA disks. If there is a disk
Connected to "SATA 2 Secondary", it can not be used for RAID.

5 Press F10 to save the configuration and exit.

The PC reboots.

Installing the NVIDIA RAID Software Under Windows

This section describes how to run the setup application and install the RAID soft-
ware.
1 Start the nForce Setup program to open the NVIDIA Windows nForce
Drivers page.

Figure 2.4 nForce Driver Installation Window

NVIDIA RAID Configuration
 53

2 Select the modules that you want to install.

Make sure that the “NVIDIA IDE Driver” is selected.
3 You must install the NVIDIA IDE driver in order to enable NVIDIA RAID.
If you do not install the NVIDIA IDE driver, NVIDIA RAID will not be
enabled.

4 Click Next and then follow the instructions.After the installation is com-
pleted, be sure to reboot the PC.

5 After the reboot, initialize the newly created array.

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

54

Setting Up a Bootable RAID Array

This section explains how to configure a bootable NVIDIA RAID array.

Setting Up the BIOS

1 Start your computer, then press Delete to enter the BIOS setup.
The BIOS CMOS Setup Utility screen appears.

Figure 2.5 BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Screen

2 Use the arrow keys to select Integrated Peripherals (see Figure 2.5), then
press Enter.
The Integrated Peripherals screen (or a screen similar to it) appears.

Figure 2.6 Integrated Peripherals Screen

3 Use the arrow keys to select the RAID Config (see Figure 2.6).

4 Press Enter.

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

 55

The RAID Config window appears.

Figure 2.7 RAID Config Screen

5 From the RAID Config window, globally enable RAID, then enable the SATA
ports with disks that you want to use for RAID.
If RAID is enabled globally but not enabled on the individual SATA port,
disks on that port can only be used for non-RAID applications.
In the example in Figure 2.7, three SATA ports are enabled, so the non-
bootable RAID array can include up to 3 SATA disks. If there is a disk
Connected to "SATA 2 Secondary", it can not be used for RAID.

6 Press F10 to save the configuration and exit.

The PC reboots.

7 Enter the RAID BIOS Setup by pressing F10 when prompted, and proceed
to set up the NVIDIA RAID BIOS as described in the next section.

Configuring the NVIDIA RAID BIOS

The NVIDIA RAID BIOS set up lets you choose the RAID type and which hard drives
you want to make part of the array.

Entering the RAID BIOS Setup:

1 Wait until you see the RAID software prompting you to press F10.

The RAID prompt appears as part of the system POST and boot process
prior to loading of the OS. You have a few seconds to press F10 before the
screen disappears.

2 Press F10.

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

56

The NVIDIA RAID Utility—Define a New Array screen appears (Figure

2.8).

Figure 2.8 NVIDIA RAID Utility

By default, RAID Mode is set to Mirroring and Striping Block is set to Optimal.

Using the Define a New Array Screen

If necessary, press the tab key to move from field to field until the appropriate field
is highlighted.

• Selecting the RAID Mode

By default, this is set to Mirroring. To change to a different RAID mode,
press the down arrow key until the mode that you want appears in the RAID
Mode box—either Mirroring, Striping, Spanning, Stripe Mirroring or RAID
5.
Note: Not all RAID levels are supported on all platforms.
• Selecting the Strping Block Size
Striping block size is given in kilobytes, and affects how data is arranged on
the disk. It is recommended to leave this value at the default Optimal, which
is 64KB, but the values can be between 4 KB and 128 KB (4, 8, 16, 32, 64,
and 128 KB)

Assigning the Disks

The disks that you enabled from the RAID Config BIOS setup page appear in the Free
Disks block. These are the drives that are available for use as RAID array disks.
To designate a free disk to be used as a RAID array disk,
1 Tab to the Free Disks section.
The first disk in the list is selected
2 Move it from the Free Disks block to the Array Disks block by pressing the
right-arrow key (—>).
The first disk in the list is moved, and the next disk in the list is selected and
ready to be moved.
3 Continue pressing the right-arrow key (—>) until all the disks that you want
to use as RAID array disks appear in the Array Disks block.
NVIDIA RAID Configuration
 57

Figure 2.9 illustrates the Define a New Array screen after two disks have been
assigned as RAID1 array disks.

Figure 2.9 MediaShield Utility—Array Disks Assigned

Completing the RAID BIOS Setup

1 After assigning your RAID array disks, press F7.
The Clear disk array prompt appears.

Figure 2.10 Clear Disk Data Prompt

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

58

2 Press Y to clear the disk data.

The Array List screen appears, where you can review the RAID arrays that
you have set up.

Figure 2.11 Array List Window

3 Use the arrow keys to select the array that you want to set up, then press B
to specify the array as bootable.
4 Press Enter to view and verify details.
The Array Detail screen appears.

Figure 2.12 Array Detail Screen

The Array Detail screen shows various information about the array that you
selected, such as Striping Block used, RAID Mode, Striping Width, Disk
Model Name, and disk capacity.

5 If you want to mark this disk as empty and wipe out all its contents, press C.

6 At the prompt, press Y to wipe out all the data, otherwise press N.

7 Press Enter again to go back to the previous screen and then press F10 to exit
the RAID setup.

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

 59

Installing the RAID Drivers

Your system may come with a Windows install CD that already includes NVIDIA
RAID drivers. If so, then this section is not relevant.
If that is not the case (or you are trying to install a new version of Windows), then
you will need an NVIDIA RAID driver F6 install floppy. Check to see if one came
with your system. If not, you can create one by downloading the appropriate driver
package and following the steps in this section.

1 Create an F6 install floppy by using the "-x" option, then copy all files in
"…\IDE\WinXP\sataraid" to a floppy disk. (For Windows 2000, substitute
"Win2K" in the path.)
2 After you complete the RAID BIOS setup, boot from the Windows CD.
The Windows Setup program starts.
3 Press F6 and wait a few moments for the Windows Setup screen to
appear.

Figure 2.13 Windows Setup—Specify Devices

4 Specify the NVIDIA drivers.
a Insert the floppy that has the RAID driver, press S, then press Enter.

The following Windows Setup screen appears:

Figure 2.14 Windows Setup—Selected SCSI Adapter

NVIDIA RAID Configuration

60

b Select “NVIDIA RAID CLASS DRIVER (required)” and then press Enter.

c Press S again at the Specify Devices screen, then press Enter.

d Select “NVIDIA NForce Storage Controller (required)” and then press

Enter.
The following Windows Setup screen appears listing both drivers:.

Figure 2.15 Windows Setup—NVIDIA drives listed

5 Press Enter to continue with Windows XP Installation.

Be sure to leave the floppy disk inserted in the floppy drive until the blue
screen portion of Windows XP installation is completed, then take out the
floppy.
6 Follow the instructions on how to install Windows XP.
After Windows XP is completely installed, it is recommended that you
install the ForceWare software in order to access the MediaShield RAID
Management tool.

Note: Each time you add a new hard drive to a RAID array, the RAID driver
will have to be installed under Windows once for that hard drive. After
that, the driver will not have to be installed.

NVIDIA RAID Configuration