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 6.0
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufacturer 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.
AMD, Athlon, Sempron and Duron are registered trademarks of AMD Corporation.
Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective
owners and are acknowledged.
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
manufacturer could void the users 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:
Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard
Chapter 2
Describes installation of
motherboard components.
Go to
H page 7
Chapter 3
Using BIOS
Chapter 4
Using the Motherboard Software
Chapter 5
Setting Up NVIDIA RAID Configuration
Chapter 6
Trouble Shooting
Go to
Preface
page 61
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Installing Hardware........................................................................10
Installing the Processor.....................................................10
Installing Memory Modules...............................................11
Expansion Slots.................................................................15
Connecting Optional Devices............................................17
Installing a Hard Disk Drive/CD-ROM/SATA Hard Drive...21
Installing a Floppy Diskette Drive....................................22
Chapter 3
27
Using BIOS
27
About the Setup Utility................................................................ 27
The Standard Configuration............................................27
Entering the Setup Utility..................................................27
Resetting the Default CMOS Values..................................28
Using BIOS......................................................................................29
Standard CMOS Features.................................................30
Advanced Setup.................................................................33
Advanced Chipset Setup....................................................35
iv
Integrated Peripherals......................................................36
Power Management Setup.................................................38
PnP/PCI Configurations....................................................40
PC Health Status................................................................40
Frequency/Voltage Control.................................................43
Load Default Settings ........................................................44
Supervisor Password.........................................................44
User Password...................................................................45
Save & Exit Setup................................................................45
Exit Without Saving..............................................................45
Updating the BIOS...............................................................46
Chapter 4
47
Manual Installation........................................................................50
Utility Software Reference............................................................50
Chapter 5
51
Chapter 6
61
Trouble Shooting
61
Start up problems during assembly............................................61
Start up problems after prolong use..........................................62
Maintenance and care tips..........................................................62
Basic Troubleshooting Flowchart...................................................63
Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the NFORCE6M-A motherboard. This motherboard is a
high performance, enhanced function motherboard that supports socket for AM3
Phenom II/AM3 Athlon II/AM3 Sempron/AMD Phenom/Athlon 64 X2 DualCore/Athlon 64/Sempron processors for high-end business or personal desktop
markets.
This motherboard is based on NVIDIA CP61P media and communications processor (MCP) for best desktop platform solution. CP61P is a single-chip, highly
integrated, high performance HyperTransport peripheral controller, unmatched by
any other single chip-device controller. This motherboard supports up to 32 GB of
system memory with DDR2 800/667/533/400. It supports high resolution graphics
via one PCI Express x16 slot, and it also integrates native Gigabit Ethernet LAN
controller, 8 USB 2.0 ports (4 USB ports and 2 USB headers support additional 4 USB
ports) and Serial ATA host controller with maximum transfer rate up to 3.0 Gb/s.
There is an advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel, including PS/2 mouse and
keyboard connectors, COM1, four USB ports, one optional LAN port, one optional
ESATA port and audio jacks for microphone, line-in, and 6/8-channel (optional)
line-out.
Feature
Processor
This motherboard uses Sockets AM2+ that carries the following features:
Chipset
The NVIDIA MCP61P is a single-chip with proven reliability and performance.
Memory
Audio (Optional)
Expansion Options
The motherboard comes with the following expansion options:
Integrated I/O
The motherboard has a full set of I/O ports and connectors:
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.
Some hardware specifications and software items are subject to change
without prior notice.
Motherboard Components
COMPONENTS
AM3 PhenomTM II/AM3 AthlonTM II/AM3 SempronTM/
1.CPU Socket
AMD PhenomTM/AthlonTM 64 X2 Dual-Core/
AthlonTM 64/SempronTM processors
2.CPU_FAN
CPU cooling fan connector
3.PWR_FAN*
Power Fan connector
4.DDR2_1~4
240-pin DDR2 SDRAM slots
5.ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX power connector
6.IDE
Primary IDE connector
7.SATA1~4
Serial ATA connectors
8.SPK
Speaker header
9.LPT
Onboard Parallel Port header
10.USBPWR_F Front USB Power Select jumper
11.F_PANEL
Front panel switch/LED header
12.F_USB1~2
Front Panel USB headers
13.TPM*
TPM Module header
14.IRDA*
Infrared header
15.FDD
Floppy disk drive connector
16.COM2
Onboard serial port header
17.SPDIFO
SPDIF out header
18.CD_IN
Analog audio input connector
19.F_AUDIO
Front panel audio header
20.WOL*
Wake On LAN Connector
21.PCI1~3
32-bit add-on card slots
22.PCIE
PCI Express x1 slot
23.CLR_CMOS Clear CMOS jumper
24.PCIEX16
PCI Express x16 slot for graphics interface
25.W-USB*
USB Wireless Card header
26.SYS_FAN
System cooling fan connector
27.USBPWR_R Rear USB Power Select jumper
Standard 4-Pin ATX Power connector
28.ATX12V
Memo
Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard
Safety Precautions
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
Jumper Settings
Jumper
Type
Description
USBPWR_R 3-pin
USB Power
Select Jumper
Setting (default)
1-2: NORMAL
2-3: CLEAR
1
Before clearing the
CMOS, make sure to CLR_CMOS
turn the system off.
1-2: VCC5
2-3: VCC5_DUAL
1
USBPWR_R
1
USB Power
USBPWR_F 3-pin
Select Jumper
1-2: VCC5
2-3: VCC5_DUAL
USBPWR_F
10
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
resistors 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.
11
3
4
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 supplied. The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary.
Memory Bus
DDR2 400
DDR2 533
DDR2 667
DDR2 800
200
266
333
400
MHz
MHz
MHz
MHz
You must install at least one module in any of the two or four slots. Each module can
be installed with 8 GB of memory.
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.
12
Installation Procedure
Refer to the following to install the memory modules.
1
2
3
4
5
DIMM 1
DIMM 2
DIMM 3
DIMM 4
1
2
3
4
AM2
Single Channel
AM2+ *
Unganged Mode
Dual Channel
Ganged Mode
Single Channel
Unganged Mode
Dual Channel
Ganged Mode
13
Type
DDR2 533
Size
Vendor
Module Name
512MB
Kingston
HY5PS12821 F-C4
1GB
A-data
Vitesta
512 MB
Micron
MT4HTF6464AY-667E1
Apacer
Corsair
1 GB
AU01GE667C5KBGC
78.01G9O.9K5
VS1GB667D2
Kingston
KVR667D2N5
Micron
MT8HTF12864AY-667E1
AL7E8E63B-6E1T
DDR2 667
PSC
AL7E8F63J-6E1
AL7E8F73C-6E1
Samsung
Hynix
2 GB
Kingston
KVR667D2N5/2G
LeadMax
PC2-5300U
14
Type
Size
Vendor
Module Name
A-DATA
M2GVD6G3I41P0U1E5E
AU01GE800C5KBGC
Apacer
78.01GA0.9L5
78.01GA0.9K5
1GB
Geil
Geil Millenary
Hynix
HYMP112U64CP8-S6 AB
KingMax
KLDD48F-B8KU5 NGES
Kingston
Nanya
NT1GT64U88D0BY-AD
054.A01LF
Ramaxel
Samsung
Silicon Power
DDR2 800
SP001GBLRU800S01
DIMM 5-5-5
Unifosa
GU341G0ALEPR6B2C6CE
A-DATA
CORSAIR
CM2X2048-6400C5
Geil
Hynix
HYMP125U64CP8-S6 AB
KingMax
KLDE88F-B8KU5 NHES
Kingston
KVR800D2N5/2G
KVR800D2N6/2G-SP
Micron
MT16HTF25664AY-800E1
Nanya
NT2GT64U8HD0BY-AD
PSC
AL8E8F73C-8E1
Samsung
DDR2 1066
M378T2863EHS-CF7 0849
Transcend
Apacer
2 GB
RML1320EH38D7F-800
Golden Bar M378T2953EZ3-CE7 0726
M378T5663QZ3-CF7
M378T5663EH3-CF7
Silicon Power
SP002GBLRU800S01
Unifosa
GU342G0ALEPR692C6CE
4 GB
Samsung
M378T5263AZ3-CF7 0819
1GB
Micron
MT8HTF12864AY-1GAE1
2GB
Micron
MT16HTF25664AY-1GAE1
15
Expansion Slots
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
motherboards features and capabilities. With these efficient facilities, you can increase the motherboards 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
Specification revision 1.1.
PCIE Slot
The PCI Express x1 slot is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base
Specification revision 1.1 as well.
PCI1~3 Slots
16
Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:
1
2
3
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.
17
1
3
5
7
9
Signal Name
Pin
Signal Name
PORT 1L
AUD_GND
PORT 1R
PRESENCE#
PORT 2R
SENSE1_RETURN
SENSE_SEND
8
10
KEY
PORT 2L
SENSE2_RETURN
1
3
5
7
Signal Name
Pin
Ground
2
4
6
-
TXRXGround
Signal Name
TX+
Ground
RX+
-
18
Signal Name
Function
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
USBPWR
USBPWR
USB_FP_P0-
USB_FP_P1-
USB_FP_P0+
USB_FP_P1+
GND
Ground
8
9
10
GND
Ground
Key
No pin
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.
SignalName
Name
Signal
Function
Function
1
2
3
Not assigned
KEY
+5V
IR Power
4
5
6
GND
Ground
Not assigned
No pin
IRTX
IRRX
Signal Name
1
2
3
4
CD_Right
CD In right channel
CD_GND
Ground
CD_GND
Ground
CD _Left
CD In left channel
Function
19
Pin
Signal Name
LAD0
LAD2
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
VCC3
19
LPCPD#
20
RESERVE2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TPM_CLK
9
10
LAD1
GND
LFRAME#
KEY
LREST#
VCC5
LAD3
GND
RESERVE0
RESERVE1
VCC3_DUAL
SERIRQ
GND
CLKRUN#
1
2
3
4
5
6
USB Power
USB Power
USBPAUSBPBUSBPA+
USBPB+
Pin
Signal Name
7
8
9
10
11
12
GND
GND
KEY
USBOC#
PME#
VCC3_DUAL
1
2
3
4
Signal Name
Function
SPDIF
+5VA
5V analog Power
Key
No pin
GND
Ground
20
Signal Name
Pin
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
STROBE
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
PD0
PD1
PD2
PD3
PD4
PD5
PD6
PD7
ACK
BUSK
PE
SLCT
Signal Name
ALF
ERROR
INIT
SLCTIN
Ground
Ground
Ground
Ground
Ground
Ground
Ground
Ground
Key
Signal Name
Function
DCDB
2
3
4
5
6
7
NSINB
Serial Data In
NSOUTB
DTRB
GND
Ground
DSRB
RTSB
Request to send
8
9
10
CTSB
Clear to send
RI
Ring Indicator
Key
No pin
Signal Name
Function
5VSB
GND
Ground
Wake_up
21
IDE devices enclose jumpers or switches used to set the IDE device as MASTER or
SLAVE. Refer to the IDE device users 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.
SATA cable
(optional)
(optional)
22
Refer to
1
2
3
23
PS2 Mouse
PS2 Keyboard
ESATA Port
(Optional)
Serial Port
(COM1)
LAN Port
(Optional)
USB Ports
Audio Ports
(Optional)
D: Line-in
E: Front Out
F: Mic_in Rear
24
25
Signal Name
Function
1
2
3
Ground
System Ground
+12V
Power +12V
SENSE
Sensor
CONTROL
Users please note that the fan connector supports the CPU
cooling fan of 1.1A~2.2A (26.4W max.) at +12V.
Signal Name
Function
GND
2
3
+12V
Power +12V
Sense
Sensor
System Ground
1
2
3
4
Signal Name
VCC
Key
GND
Signal
Signal Name
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
+3.3V
10
11
12
+12V
+3.3V
COM
+5V
COM
+5V
COM
PWR OK
5VSB
Pin
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
+12V
+3.3V
Signal Name
+3.3V
-12V
COM
PS_ON
COM
COM
COM
-5V
+5V
+5V
+5V
COM
1
2
3
4
Signal Name
Ground
Ground
+12V
+12V
26
Function
FP PWR/SLP
RST_SW_N
7
9
Function
*MSG LED(+)
FP PWR/SLP
*MSG LED(-)
Reset Switch(-)
PWR_SW_N
Power Switch(-)
RST_SW_P
Reset Switch(+)
PWR_SW_P
Power Switch(+)
RSVD
Reserved
10 Key
No pin
Reset Switch
Supporting the reset function requires connecting pin 5 and 7 to a momentarycontact switch that is normally open. When the switch is closed, the board resets and
runs POST.
Power Switch
Supporting the power on/off function requires connecting pins 6 and 8 to a momentary-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.
This concludes Chapter 2. The next chapter covers the BIOS.
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:
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.
Using BIOS
28
Press the delete key to access the BIOS Setup Utility.
CMOS Setup Utility -- Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
fFrequency/Voltage Control
Load Default Settings
fSupervisor Password
fUser Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
mnlk : Move
ESC: Exit
Using BIOS
29
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 information.
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 .
The default BIOS setting for this motherboard apply for most conditions
with optimum performance. We do not suggest users change the default
values in the BIOS setup and take no responsibility to any damage caused
by changing the BIOS settings.
mnlk
FUNCTION
Exits the current menu
Scrolls through the items on a menu
+/Enter
F9
F10
F1
Using BIOS
30
For the purpose of better product maintenances, we reserve the right to
change the BIOS items presented in the manual. The BIOS setup screens
shown in this chapter are for reference only. Please visit our website for
updated manual.
Tue 07/28/2009
00 : 12 : 01
Not Detected
Not Detected
Not Detected
Not Detected
Not Detected
Not Detected
IDE BusMaster
Enabled
Drive A:
1.44 MB 31/2
Help Item
User [Enter], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a field.
Use [+] or [-] to
configure system Date.
mnlk: Move
Using BIOS
31
f Primary IDE Master/Slave, SATA 1~4
Your computer has one IDE channel which can be installed with one or two devices
(Master and Slave). In addition, this motherboard supports four 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) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
Primary IDE Master
Help Item
Not Detected
Type
LBA/Large Mode
Block (Multi-Sector Transfer
PIO Mode
DMA Mode
S.M.A.R.T.
32Bit Data Transfer
Auto
Auto
Auto
Auto
Auto
Auto
Enabled
mnlk: Move
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 (Multi-Sector Transfer) (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 enable or disable the 32Bit Data Transfer.
Press <Esc> to return to the Standard CMOS Setup page.
Using BIOS
32
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.
Only one diskette drive is supported.
Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.
Using BIOS
33
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) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
Advanced Setup
HT Frequency
AMD C&Q
Quick Power on Self Test
Boot Up Numlock Status
APIC Mode
1st Boot Device
2nd Boot Device
3rd Boot Device
fHard Disk Drives
f Removable Drives
Boot Other Device
Auto
Enabled
Enabled
On
Enabled
USB Flash Disk
CD/DVD
1st FLOPPY DRIVE
Press Enter
Press Enter
Yes
Help Item
MCP61 (SB) to K8(CPU)
frequency selection
by CPU capability
mnlk: Move
HT Frequency (Auto)
This item enables users to manually set up the HyperTransport frequency. If Manual,
the HT Frequency Value will display, and the options are 200 MHz, 400 MHz, 600
MHz, 800 MHz and 1000 MHz.
AMD C&Q (Enabled)
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 Interrupt Controller) mode. APIC provides symmetric multi-processing (SMP) for systems, allowing support for up to 60 processors.
1st/2nd/3rd Boot Device (USB Flash Disk/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
34
fHard Disk Drives (Press Enter)
Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen:
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
Hard Disk Drives
Help Item
ST31500341AS
USB Flash Disk
mnlk: Move
Help Item
1st Drive
mnlk: Move
Using BIOS
35
Auto
Auto
Always
Options
Auto
Limit
Manual
mnlk: Move
Using BIOS
36
Integrated Peripherals
This page sets up some parameters for peripheral devices connected to the system.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
Integrated Peripherals
Onboard IDE Controller
Serial-ATA 0
SATA Configuration
Enabled
Enabled
SATA Mode
Press Enter
Enabled
Enabled
Disabled
3F8/IRQ4
2F8/IRQ3
378
ECP
DMA3
IRQ7
Enabled
Enabled
Help Item
DISABLED: disables the
integrated IDE Controller.
PRIMARY: enables only
the Primary IDE Controller.
SECONDARY: enables
only the Secondary IDE
Controller.
BOTH: enables both IDE
Controllers.
mnlk: Move
Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen:
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
nVidia RAID Setup
Help Item
RAID Setup
mnlk: Move
Using BIOS
37
Onboard AUDIO Function (Enabled)
Use this item to enable or disable the onboard audio device.
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 Port1/2 Address (3F8/IRQ4/2F8/IRQ3)
Use this item to enable or disable the onboard COM1 serial port, and to assign a port
address.
Parallel Port Address (378)
Use this item to enable or disable the onboard Parallel port, and to assign a port
address.
Parallel Port Mode (ECP)
Use this item to select the parallel port mode. You can select Normal (Standard
Parallel Port), ECP (Extended Capabilities Port), EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port), or
BPP (Bi-Directional Parallel Port).
ECP Mode DMA Channel (DMA3)
Use this item to assign the DMA Channel under ECP Mode function.
Parallel Port IRQ (IRQ7)
Use this item to assign IRQ to the parallel port.
USB Functions (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. Setting to Auto
allows the system to detect the presence of USB device at startup. If detected, the
USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB
support is disabled.
Using BIOS
38
S3 (STR)
Power Off
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
mnlk: Move
Help Item
Select the ACPI
state used for
System Suspend.
ESC: Exit
Using BIOS
39
Resume By 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 systems 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.
Using BIOS
40
PCI
Help Item
Options
PCI
PCI Express
mnlk: Move
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) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
PC Health Status
Help Item
Press Enter
Disabled
:40C/104F
:32C/89F
:0 RPM
:1.304V
:1.488V
mnlk: Move
Using BIOS
41
Enabled
Normal
040
03
102
051
Options
Normal
Quiet
Silent
Manual
mnlk
+/-/: Value
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F9: Optimized Defaults
mnlk
Enabled
Quiet
060
03
076
038
020
Options
Normal: auto adjusts
depending on the CPU
temperature.
Quiet: auto minimizes
fan speed for quiet
environment operation.
+/-/: Value
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F9: Optimized Defaults
Using BIOS
42
Enabled
Silent
065
03
051
030
020
Options
Normal: auto adjusts
depending on the CPU
temperature.
Quiet: auto minimizes
fan speed for quiet
environment operation.
mnlk
+/-/: Value
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F9: Optimized Defaults
Enabled
Manual
065
03
051
030
020
Options
Normal: auto adjusts
depending on the CPU
temperature.
Quiet: auto minimizes
fan speed for quiet environment operation.
mnlk
+/-/: Value
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F9: Optimized Defaults
Using BIOS
43
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.
CPU Tcontrol
System Temperature
CPU Fan Speed
CPU Vcore
VDIMM
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 installed in your system.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
Frequency/Voltage Control
Help Item
Enabled
Enabled
Options
Disabled
Enabled
mnlk: Move
Using BIOS
44
Supervisor Password
This page helps you install or change a password.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
Supervisor Password
Supervisor Password
Help Item
:Not Installed
Press Enter
mnlk: Move
Using BIOS
45
User Password
This page helps you install or change a password.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
User Password
User Password
Help Item
: Not Installed
Press Enter
mnlk: Move
Using BIOS
46
4
5
This concludes Chapter 3. Refer to the next chapter for information on the software
supplied with the motherboard.
Using BIOS
47
Chapter 4
Using the Motherboard Software
About the Software CD-ROM/DVD-ROM
The support software CD-ROM/DVD-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, 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 Definition 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;enus;901105#appliesto for more information.
If the opening screen does not appear; double-click the file setup.exe
in the root directory.
48
Drivers Tab
Setup
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 disk.
Before installing the software from Windows Explorer, look for a file
named README.TXT, or something similar. This file may contain
important information to help you install the software correctly.
Some software is installed in separate folders for different operating
systems, such as Windows XP/Vista/7. Always go to the correct folder
for the kind of OS you are using.
In install the software, execute a file named SETUP.EXE by doubleclicking the file and then following the instructions on the screen.
Exit
Utilities Tab
Lists the software utilities that are available on the disk.
Information Tab
Displays the path for all software and drivers available on the disk.
Running Setup
Follow these instructions to install device drivers and software for the motherboard:
1.
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.
49
2.
3.
Check the box next to the items you want to install. The default options are recommended.
4.
Click Next run the Installation Wizard. An item installation screen appears:
5.
50
Windows Vista/7 will appear below UAC (User Account Control) message
after the system restart. You must select Allow to install the next driver.
Continue this process to complete the drivers installation.
Manual Installation
Insert the disk in the CD-ROM/DVD-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 operating system.
51
Chapter 5
Setting Up NVIDIA RAID Configuration
There are two ways to setup NVIDIA RAID Configuration: one is to create a RAID
1 Array for backup or a RAID 0 Array for increased performance just by adding
additional disk array without changing the original OS (Non-Bootable RAID Array);
while the other is to configure the RAID Array disks when reinstalling the OS
(Bootable RAID Array).
Start your computer, then press Delete to enter the BIOS setup.
The BIOS CMOS Setup Utility window appears.
Figure 1.1
2
Use the arrow keys to select Integrated Peripherals (see Figure 1.1), then
press Enter.
The Integrated Peripherals window appears.
Figure 1.2
52
From the Integrated Peripherals Window, globally set SATA Mode select to
RAID Mode (see Figure 1.2).
Press F10 to save the configuration and exit (F10 is the navigation key to
save the current configuration and exit setup in BIOS setting).
The PC reboots.
Start the nForce Setup program to open the NVIDIA Windows nForce
Drivers page.
Figure 1.3
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.
Click Next and then follow the instructions.After the installation is completed, be sure to reboot the PC.
53
Start your computer, then press Delete to enter the BIOS setup.
The BIOS CMOS Setup Utility screen appears.
Figure 1.4
2
Use the arrow keys to select Integrated Peripherals (see Figure 1.4), then
press Enter.
The Integrated Peripherals screen (or a screen similar to it) appears.
Figure 1.5
3
From the Integrated Peripherals Window, globally set SATA Mode select to
RAID Mode (see Figure 1.5).
54
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.
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 (see Figure 1.6).
Figure 1.6
2
55
Figure 1.7
MediaShield BIOS
By default, RAID Mode is set to Mirroring and Striping Block is set to Optimal.
56
Figure 1.8 illustrates the Define a New Array screen after one disk have been
assigned as RAID 0 array disk.
Figure 1.8
Figure 1.9
57
Figure 1.10
Use the arrow keys to select the array that you want to set up, then press B
to specify the array as bootable.
If you want to mark this disk as empty and wipe out all its contents, press C.
At the prompt, press Y to wipe out all the data, otherwise press N.
Press Enter again to go back to the previous screen and then press F10 to exit
the RAID setup.
58
After you complete the RAID BIOS setup, boot from the Windows CD.
The Windows Setup program starts.
Press F6 and wait a few moments for the Windows Setup screen to
appear.
Figure 1.11
4
Insert the floppy that has the RAID driver, press S, then press Enter.
Figure 1.12
59
Select NVIDIA RAID CLASS DRIVER (required) and then press Enter.
Figure 1.13
5
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.
60
Memo
61
Chapter 6
Trouble Shooting
Start up problems during assembly
After assembling the PC for the first time you may experience some start up
problems. Before calling for technical support or returning for warranty, this chapter
may help to address some of the common questions using some basic troubleshooting
tips.
a) System does not power up and the fans are not running.
1.Disassemble the PC to remove the VGA adaptor card, DDR memory, LAN, USB
and other peripherals including keyboard and mouse. Leave only the motherboard,
CPU with CPU cooler and power supply connected. Turn on again to see if the
CPU and power supply fans are running.
2. Make sure to remove any unused screws or other metal objects such as screwdrivers
from the inside PC case. This is to prevent damage from short circuit.
3. Check the CPU FAN connector is connected to the motherboard.
4. For Intel platforms check the pins on the CPU socket for damage or bent. A bent
pin may cause failure to boot and sometimes permanent damage from short circuit.
5. Check the 12V power connector is connected to the motherboard.
6. Check that the 12V power & ATX connectors are fully inserted into the
motherboard connectors. Make sure the latches of the cable and connector are
locked into place.
Trouble Shooting
62
Trouble Shooting
Yes
Yes
Yes
Power Bu on is pressed
but PC fails to start.
need to CLRCMOS.
HDD problem.
No
No
No
- If 3 short beeps:
Yes
No
Yes
Check if monitor
has display
Restart the PC
is connected
Board problem
-> contact RMA
No
Yes
and restart.
No
63
64
Memo
Trouble Shooting