MSI MS-7246 975X Platinum Owner's Manual

975X Platinum Series
MS-7246 (v1.X) ATX Mainboard
G52-M7246X1
i
FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested
and found to comply with the
limits for a class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the measures listed below.
=Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
=Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
=Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
=Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.
Notice 1
The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Notice 2
Shielded interface cables and A.C. power cord, if any, must be used in order to
comply with the emission limits.
VOIR LA NOTICE D’INSTALLATION AVANT DE RACCORDER AU RESEAU.
Micro-Star International
MS-7246
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation
ii
Copyright Notice
T he material in this document is the intellec tual property of M ICRO-STAR
INTERNATIONAL. W e take every care in the preparation of this document, but no
guarantee is given as to the correctness of its contents. Our products are under
continual improvement and we reserve the right to make changes without notice.
Trademarks
All trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
AMD, Athlon™64 and Athlon™ FX are registered trademarks of AMD Corporation.
Intel® and Pentium® are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
PS/2 and OS ® /2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. W indows ® 98/2000/NT/
XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, DualNet, and nForce are registered trademarks or trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Netware® is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.
Award® is a registered trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
AMI® is a registered trademark of American Megatrends Inc.
Kensington and MicroSaver are registered trademarks of the Kensington Technology
Group.
PCMCIA and CardBus are registered trademarks of the Personal Computer Memory
Card International Association.
Revision
V1.0
Revision History
First release for PCB 1.X
with Intel 975X & ICH7R
iii
Date
January 2006
Technical Support
If a problem arises with your system and no solution can be obtained from the user’s
manual, please contact your place of purchase or local distributor. Alternatively,
please try the following help resources for further guidance.
† Visit the MSI homepage & FAQ site for technical guide, BIOS updates, driver
updates, and other information: http://www.msi.com.tw & http://www.msi.
com.tw/program/service/faq/faq/esc_faq_list.php
† Contact our technical staff at: [email protected]
Safety Instructions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Always read the safety instructions carefully.
Keep this User’s Manual for future reference.
Keep this equipment away from humidity.
Lay this equipment on a reliable flat surface before setting it up.
The openings on the enclosure are for air convection hence protects the equipment from overheating. Do not cover the openings.
6. Make sure the voltage of the power source and adjust properly 110/220V before connecting the equipment to the power inlet.
7. Place the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not place
anything over the power cord.
8. Always Unplug the Power Cord before inserting any add-on card or module.
9. All cautions and warnings on the equipment should be noted.
10. Never pour any liquid into the opening that could damage or cause electrical
shock.
11. If any of the following situations arises, get the equipment checked by a service
personnel:
† The power cord or plug is damaged.
† Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.
† The equipment has been exposed to moisture.
† The equipment has not work well or you can not get it work according to
User’s Manual.
† The equipment has dropped and damaged.
† The equipment has obvious sign of breakage.
12. Do not leave this equipment in an environment unconditioned, storage
temperature above 60 0 C (140 0F), it may damage the equipment.
CAUT ION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrec tly replac ed.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer.
iv
WEEE Statement
v
vi
vii
CONTENTS
FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement .......................................................... ii
Copyright Notice .............................................................................................................. iii
Technical Support .......................................................................................................... iv
Safety Instructions ......................................................................................................... iv
WEEE Statement .............................................................................................................. v
Chapter 1. Getting Started .................................................................................... 1-1
Mainboard Specifications ................................................................................... 1-2
Mainboard Layout ................................................................................................ 1-4
Packing Contents ................................................................................................. 1-5
Chapter 2. Hardware Setup .................................................................................. 2-1
Quick Components Guide ................................................................................... 2-2
Central Processing Unit: CPU ............................................................................. 2-3
Introduction to LGA 775 CPU ...................................................................... 2-3
CPU & Cooler Installation ............................................................................. 2-4
Memory ................................................................................................................. 2-7
Introduction to DDRII SDRAM ...................................................................... 2-7
Memory Module Population Rules ............................................................... 2-7
Installing DDRII Modules .............................................................................. 2-8
Power Supply ...................................................................................................... 2-9
ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: ATX ............................................................ 2-9
ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW / JPW R .................................................. 2-9
Back Panel ......................................................................................................... 2-10
Mouse/Keyboard Connector .................................................................... 2-10
IEEE 1394 Port (optional) ........................................................................... 2-10
Serial Port Connector: COM Port ............................................................... 2-11
USB Connectors ......................................................................................... 2-11
LAN (RJ-45) Jack ...................................................................................... 2-12
Audio Port Connectors .............................................................................. 2-12
Parallel Port Connector: LPT1 ................................................................... 2-13
Connectors ........................................................................................................ 2-14
Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD ........................................................... 2-14
Fan Power Connectors: CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN / PWR_FAN / NB_FAN 2-14
Hard Disk Connector: IDE1/ IDE2 .............................................................. 2-15
SATAII Connectors controlled by Intel ICH7R: SATA1~SATA4 .............. 2-16
SATAII Connectors controlled by JMicron JMB361: SATA5 ................... 2-16
Front Panel Connectors: JFP1 / JFP2 ...................................................... 2-17
CD-In Connector: JCD1 ............................................................................. 2-17
viii
IrDA Infrared Module Header: JIR ............................................................. 2-17
Front USB Connectors: JUSB1 / JUSB2 .................................................. 2-18
Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1 ...................................................... 2-18
IEEE 1394 Connector: J1394_1(Optional) ................................................ 2-19
Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JCI1 .............................................. 2-19
D-Bracket™ 2 Connector: JLED1 ............................................................. 2-20
Button ................................................................................................................. 2-22
Clear CMOS Button: SW ............................................................................ 2-22
Slots .................................................................................................................... 2-24
PCI Express Slots ...................................................................................... 2-24
ATi CrossFire (Multi-GPU) Technology .................................................... 2-24
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots ...................................... 2-27
PCI Interrupt Request Routing ................................................................... 2-27
Chapter 3. BIOS Setup ............................................................................................ 3-1
Entering Setup ..................................................................................................... 3-2
Control Keys ................................................................................................ 3-2
Getting Help .................................................................................................. 3-2
The Main Menu ..................................................................................................... 3-3
Standard CMOS Features ................................................................................... 3-5
Advanced BIOS Features ................................................................................... 3-7
Advanced Chipset Features ............................................................................ 3-10
Integrated Peripherals ........................................................................................ 3-11
Power Management Setup ............................................................................... 3-15
PNP/PCI Configurations ..................................................................................... 3-18
H/W Monitor ........................................................................................................ 3-20
Cell Menu ............................................................................................................ 3-21
Load Fail-Safe/Optimized Defaults .................................................................. 3-26
BIOS Setting Password .................................................................................... 3-27
Chapter 4. Introduction to DigiCell ..................................................................... 4-1
Main ...................................................................................................................... 4-2
Introduction: ................................................................................................. 4-2
H/W Diagnostic .................................................................................................... 4-4
Communication ..................................................................................................... 4-5
Software Access Point ....................................................................................... 4-6
Terminology .................................................................................................. 4-6
Access Point Mode ..................................................................................... 4-7
WLAN Card Mode ........................................................................................ 4-8
Live Update .......................................................................................................... 4-9
ix
MEGA STICK ....................................................................................................... 4-10
Basic Function ........................................................................................... 4-10
Non-Unicode programs supported ........................................................... 4-12
Core Center ........................................................................................................ 4-14
Left-wing: Current system status ............................................................ 4-15
Right-wing: PC hardware status during real time operation ................. 4-15
Power on Agent ................................................................................................. 4-16
Power On ................................................................................................... 4-16
Power Off / Restart ................................................................................... 4-17
Start W ith .................................................................................................... 4-17
Auto Login .................................................................................................. 4-18
Chapter 5. Intel ICH7R SATA RAID Introduction ............................................... 5-1
BIOS Configuration .............................................................................................. 5-2
Using the Intel Matrix Stroage Manager Option ROM ............................... 5-2
Installing Software .............................................................................................. 5-8
Install Driver in W indows XP / 2000 .......................................................... 5-8
Installation of Intel Matrix Stroage Console ............................................... 5-9
RAID Migration Instructions .............................................................................. 5-14
Create RAID Volume from Existing Disk ................................................... 5-15
Degraded RAID Array ....................................................................................... 5-21
Missing Hard Drive Member ...................................................................... 5-21
Failed Hard Drive Member ........................................................................ 5-21
Chapter 6. JMicron RAID Introduction ............................................................... 6-1
Introduction .......................................................................................................... 6-2
Creating and Deleting RAID sets with BIOS Utility ............................................ 6-3
Creating RAID set ........................................................................................ 6-4
Deleting RAID set ......................................................................................... 6-7
Revert HDD to non-RAID ............................................................................. 6-8
Installing the RAID Driver (For bootable RAID array) ....................................... 6-9
Install Driver in W indows XP / 2000 .......................................................... 6-9
JMicron Raid Configurer ................................................................................... 6-10
Viewing RAID Array Configurations ........................................................ 6-10
Creating RAID .............................................................................................. 6-11
Deleting RAID .............................................................................................. 6-11
Chapter 7. Realtek ALC883 Introduction .......................................................... 7-1
Installing the Realtek HD Audio Driver ................................................................ 7-3
Installation for W indows 2000/XP .............................................................. 7-2
Software Configuration ...................................................................................... 7-4
x
Sound Effect ................................................................................................ 7-5
Mixer ............................................................................................................. 7-8
Audio I/O ..................................................................................................... 7-12
Microphone ................................................................................................ 7-17
3D Audio Demo ........................................................................................... 7-18
Information .................................................................................................. 7-19
Using 2-, 4-, 6- & 8- Channel Audio Function ................................................. 7-21
xi
Getting Started
Chap t er 1 . Ge tting
Started
Getting Started
Thank you for choosing the 975X Platinum Series (MS-7246)
v1.x ATX mainboard. The 975X Platinum Series mainboard is based
on Intel® 975X and Intel® ICH7R chipset for optimal system efficiency.
Designed to fit the advanced Intel® Pentium 4, Pentium D, Pentium 4
Extreme Edition and Pentium Extreme Edition LGA775 processor, the
975X Platinum Series mainboard delivers a high performance and
professional desktop platform solution.
1-1
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Mainboard Specifications
CPU
† Supports Intel® Pentium 4, Pentium D, Pentium 4 Extreme Edition and Pentium Extreme Edition LGA775 processors in LGA775 package.
† Support Cedar Mill Value Processor
† Supports 4-pin CPU Fan pin header with Fan Speed Control.
(For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/program/
products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_cpu_support.php)
Chipset
† Intel® 975X chipset
- Supports FSB 800/ 1066 MHz.
- Supports 2 PCI Express x16 graphics interface (can transfer into 2 PCI Express
x8 ports).
- Supports DDRII 533/667.
† Intel® ICH7R chipset
- Hi-Speed USB (USB2.0) controller, 480Mb/sec, up to 8 ports.
- 4 SATAII ports with transfer rate up to 300 MB/s.
- 1 channel Ultra ATA 66/100 bus Master IDE controller.
- PCI Master v2.3, I/O APIC.
- ACPI 2.0 Compliant.
- Serial ATA RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, RAID 5 and Matrix RAID.
- Integrated AHCI controller.
M ain M emory
† Supports 4 DDRII 533/ DDRII 667 (ECC or Non-ECC, 1.8 V) SDRAM
† Supports up to 8GB memory size.
† Supports Dual channel DDRII memory architecture.
(For the updated supporting memory modules, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/
program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_trp_list.php.)
Slots
† 2 PCI Express x16 slots. (Supports transfering into 2 PCIE x 8 ports).
† 2 PCI Express x1 slots.
† 2 V2.3 Master PCI bus slots (32-bit, 3.3V/5V interface).
On-Board IDE/ SATA
† One Ultra DMA 66/100 IDE controllers integrated in ICH7R.
- Supports PIO, Bus Master operation modes.
- Can connect up to two Ultra ATA drives.
† SATAII controller integrated in ICH7R.
- Up to 300 MB/s transfer speed.
- Can connect up to four SATAII devices.
- Supports AHCI controller with SATA RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, RAID 5 and Matrix
RAID.
1-2
Getting Started
† One PCI Express to PATA/ SATAII Host controller integrated in JMicron JMB361.
- Supports connect up to 1 Ultra ATA drives.
- Supports 1 SATAII drive.
- Supports SATA+PATA RAID 0/ RAID 1 mode.
On-Board Peripherals
† On-Board Peripherals include:
- 1 floppy port supports 1 FDD with 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88Mbytes
- 1 serial port
- 1 parallel port supports SPP/EPP/ECP mode
- 1 Line-In / Line-Out / MIC-In / Rear Speaker Out / Center-Subwoofer Speaker
Out (5 in 1) audio connector, a coaxial SPDIF-Out and a optical SPDIF-Out
- 8 USB ports (Rear * 4/ Front * 4)
- 1 RJ-45 LAN jack
- 2 IEEE 1394 ports (rear*1/ front*1) (optional)
On-board LAN
†Broadcom BCM5751
- Supports 10 / 100 / 1000 Mb/s.
- Compliane with PCI 2.2.
- Supports ACPI Power Management.
1394 (optional)
† Supports two IEEE1394 ports. Transfer rate is up to 400 Mbps.
† Controlled by VIA VT6308P chip.
Audio
† High Definition link controller integrated in Intel® ICH7R chip.
† 7.1 + 2 channels audio codec Realtek ALC883.
- Compliant with Azalia 1.0 Spec.
BIOS
† The mainboard BIOS provides “Plug & Play” BIOS which detects the peripheral
devices and expansion cards of the board automatically.
† The mainboard provides a Desktop Management Interface (DMI) function which
records your mainboard specifications.
M ounting and Dimension
† ATX Form Factor: 24.5 cm (W ) x 30.5 cm (L)
† 9 mounting holes
1-3
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Mainboard Layout
JCI1
Top : mouse
Bottom: keyboard
PWR_FAN
FDD
Winbond
W83627EHG
Top : Paralle l Port
ATX
Bottom:
COM A
1394 Port (opti onal)
SPDIF (Coaxial)
USB ports
CPU_FAN
T: LAN jack
B: USB ports
Intel
975X
JPW
NB_FAN
D IM M3
D IM M4
LAN
Chip
D IM M2
D IM M1
JPWR
IDE2
T:RS-Ou t
M:CS-Out
B:SPDIF Out (Opti cal )
IDE1
T: Line-In
M: Line-Ou t
B: Mic
SYS_FAN
PEG 1
PC I_E1
JCD1
J IR
ALC 883
SATA4
PC I_E2
Intel
IC H7R
BATT
+
JAUD1
SATA3
SATA2
SATA1
PEG 2
PCI1
VIA
VT6308P
Jmicron
JMB361
BIO S
SATA5
JLPC1
PCI2
SW
JUSB2
JUSB1
JFP1 JFP2
JLED1
J1394_2 (optiona l)
975X Platinum (MS-7246) Series v1.X ATX Mainboard
1-4
Getting Started
Packing Contents
MSI motherboard
Power Cable
MSI Driver/Utility CD
SATA Cable
Standard Cable for
Standard Cable for
Floppy Disk
IDE Devices
D-Bracket 2
(Optional)
User’s Guide
Back IO Shield
IEEE1394-Bracket
(Optional)
* The pictures are for reference only and may vary
f rom the pac king c ontents of the product you
purchased.
1-5
Hardware Setup
Chapter 2. Hardware Setup
Hardware Setup
This chapter tells you how to install the CPU, memory modules,
and expansion cards, as well as how to setup the jumpers on the
mainboard. Also, it provides the instructions on connecting the peripheral devices, such as the mouse, keyboard, etc.
W hile doing the installation, be careful in holding the components and follow the installation procedures.
2-1
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Quick Components Guide
CPU, p.2-3
CPU_FAN, p2-14
JPW, p.2-9
NB_FAN, p2-14
PWR_FAN, p2-14
DIMM1/2/3/4, p.2-7
JCI1, p2-19
ATX, p.2-9
FDD, p.2-14
Back Panel,
p.2-10
IDE1/IDE2,
p.2-15
JPWR, p.2-9
PCIE_X16,
p.2-24
SYS_FAN,
p.2-14
JIR, p.2-17
JCD1, p.2-17
SATA1~4,
p.2-16
PCIE_X1,
p.2-24
JAUD1,
p.2-18
SATA5,
p.2-16
SW, p.2-23
PCI 1/2,
p.2-27
JLED1, p.2-20
J1394_2,
p.2-19
2-2
JUSB1/2,
p.2-18
JFP1, p.2-17
JFP2, p.2-17
Hardware Setup
Central Processing Unit: CPU
The mainboard supports Intel® Pentium 4, Pentium D, Pentium 4 Extreme Edition
and Pentium Extreme Edition. The mainboard uses a CPU socket called LGA775.
W hen you are installing the CPU, make sure to install the cooler to prevent
overheating. If you do not have the CPU cooler, contact your dealer to purchase
and install them before turning on the computer.
For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_cpu_support.php.
MSI Reminds You...
Overheating
Overheating will seriously damage the CPU and system, always make
s ure the c ooling fan can work properly to protec t the CPU from
overheating.
Replacing the CPU
While replacing the CPU, always turn off the ATX power supply or unplug
the power supply’s power cord from grounded outlet first to ensure the
safety of CPU.
Introduction to LGA 775 CPU
The pin-pad side of LGA 775
CPU.
Alignment Key
Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator
The surface of LGA 775 CPU.
Remember to apply some silicone heat transfer compound on
it for better heat dispersion.
Alignment Key
Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator
2-3
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
CPU & Cooler Installation
W hen you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a cooler attached on the top to prevent overheating. If you do not have the cooler, contact
your dealer to purchase and install them before turning on the computer. Meanwhile,
do not forget to apply some silicon heat transfer compound on CPU before installing
the heat sink/cooler fan for better heat dispersion.
Follow the steps below to install the CPU & cooler correctly. W rong installation
will cause the damage of your CPU & mainboard.
1. The CPU has a land side cover on the
bottom to protect the CPU contact from
damage. Rotate it to make the pin 1
indicator (yellow triangle) in the leftbottom corner.
2. Take out the accompanying CPU Clip
and rotate it for the same direction
as the CPU (Pin 1 indicator is in the
left-bottom corner).
land side cover
3. Use 2 hands to remove the land side
cover (if any). Please note not to touch
the pins.
4. Align the two pin 1 indicators (the
triangles on the CPU & the CPU Clip),
and use the CPU Clip to clip the CPU
up, pressing the clips on both sides
to the center, as the arrows shown.
MSI Reminds You...
1. Confirm if your CPU cooler is firmly installed before turning on your
system.
2. Do not touch the CPU socket pins to avoid damaging.
3. The availability of the CPU land side cover depends on your CPU
packing.
2-4
Hardware Setup
5. The CPU has a plastic cap on it to
protect the contact from damage.
Before you have installed the CPU,
always cover it to protect the socket
pin.
6. Remove the cap from lever hinge side
(as the arrow shows). The pins of
socket reveal.
7. Lift the load lever up and open the
load plate.
8. Correctly align the triangle of CPU Clip
with the CPU chamfer, and the square
on the CPU Clip to the hook of the
socket.
9. Use your thumb and the middle fingers to push the clips to release the
CPU, then press down the CPU with
your index finger to allow the whole
module to be installed onto the CPU
socket.
10. The CPU is installed well on the CPU
socket.
2-5
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
11. Visually inspect if the CPU is seated
well into the socket, then remove the
CPU Clip with 2 fingers. Then cover
the load plate onto the package.
12. Press down the load lever lightly
onto the load plate, and then secure
the lever with the hook under retention tab.
13. Align the holes on the mainboard with
the cooler. Push down the cooler until
its four c lips get wedged into the
holes of the mainboard.
14. Press the four hooks down to fasten
the cooler. Then rotate the locking
switch (refer to the correct direction
marked on it) to lock the hooks.
locking
switch
15. Turn over the mainboard to confirm
that th e c li p-en ds are c orrec tly
inserted.
Note: If you want to uninstall the CPU,
align the 4 points (see Point 8 for
details) again and push the clip to
lift up the CPU.
MSI Reminds You...
1. Check the information in PC Health Status of H/W M onitor in BIOS
(Chapter 3) for the CPU temperature.
2. Whenever CPU is not installed, always protect your CPU socket pin
with the plastic cap covered (shown in Figure 1) to avoid damaging.
3. Please note that the mating/unmating durability of the CPU is 20 cycles.
Therefore we suggest you do not plug/unplug the CPU too often.
2-6
Hardware Setup
Memory
The mainboard provides 4 slots for 240-pin DDRII DIMM, which supports the
memory size up to 8GB.
Since DDRII modules are not interchangeable with DDR and the DDRII standard is not backward compatible, you should always install DDRII memory module in
the DDRII slot. Otherwise, you are not able to boot up your system and your mainboard
might be damaged.
For the updated supporting memory modules, please visit http://www.msi.
com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_trp_list.php.
DIMM1~DIMM4
(from left (Greem) to right(Orange))
Channel A (DIMM1 & DIMM2): Green
Channel B (DIMM3 & DIMM4): Orange
Introduction to DDRII SDRAM
DDRII is a new technology of memory module, and its speed is the top limit of
current DDR technology. DDRII uses a 1.8V supply for core and I/O voltage, compared to 2.5V for DDR, and requires 28% less power than DDR chips. DDRII truly is
the future of memory, but will require some changes as the technology is not backwardly compatible and only motherboards specifically designed for DDRII memory
will be able to support these chips.
DDRII incorporates new features at the chip level that give it better signal
integrity, thereby enabling higher clock speeds.
DDRII modules have 240 pins, versus 184 pins on a DDR module, and the
length of DDRII module is 5.25”. DDR2 modules have smaller and tighter spaced pins.
The height of DDRII modules varies, but they will typically be less than 1.3” in height.
Memory Module Population Rules
Install at least one DIMM module on the slots. Each DIMM slot supports up to a
maximum size of 2GB. Users can install either single- or double-sided modules to
meet their own needs. Please note that each DIM M can work respectively for
single-channel DDR, while both channels (in different color) populated
with same amount of memory size will work as dual-channel DDR.
2-7
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
GREEN
DIMM1 (Ch A)
GREEN
DIMM2 (Ch A)
256MB~2GB
ORANGE
ORANGE
DIMM3 (Ch B)
DIMM4 (Ch B)
256MB~2GB
256MB~2GB
512MB~4GB
256MB~2GB
256MB~2GB
256MB~2GB
512MB~4GB
256MB~2GB
256MB~2GB
256MB~2GB
256MB~2GB
System Density
512MB~4GB
256MB~2GB
512MB~4GB
256MB~2GB
1GB~8GB
MSI Reminds You...
- Dual-channel DDRII works ONLY in the 5 combinations listed in
the table shown in the previous page.
- Please select the identical memory modules to install on the dual
channel, and DO NOT install three memory modules on three
DIMMs, or it may cause some failure.
- Always insert the memory modules into the GREEN slots first, and
it is strongly recommended not to insert the memory modules into
the ORANGE slots while the GREEN slots are left empty.
- Due to the South Bridge resource deployment, the system density
will only be detected up to 7+GB (not full 8GB) when each DIMM is
installed with an 1GB memory module.
Installing DDRII Modules
1.
2.
3.
The DDRII DIMM has only one notch on the center of module. The module will
only fit in the right orientation.
Insert the DIMM memory module vertically into the DIMM slot. Then push it in
until the golden finger on the memory module is deeply inserted in the socket.
The plastic clip at each side of the DIMM slot will automatically close.
Volt
Notch
MSI Reminds You...
You can barely see the golden finger if the module is properly inserted in the socket.
2-8
Hardware Setup
Power Supply
The mainboard supports ATX power supply for the power system. Before
inserting the power supply connector, always make sure that all components are
installed properly to ensure that no damage will be caused.
ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: ATX
This connector allows you to connect an ATX 24-pin power supply. To
connect the ATX 24-pin power supply, make sure the plug of the power supply is
inserted in the proper orientation and the pins are aligned. Then push down the
power supply firmly into the connector.
Pin Definition
13
1
PIN
SIGNAL
PIN
SIGNAL
1
+3.3V
13
+3.3V
2
3
+3.3V
GND
14
15
-12V
GND
4
5
+5V
GND
16
17
PS-ON#
GND
6
7
+5V
GND
18
19
GND
GND
8
9
PWR OK
5VSB
20
21
NC
+5V
10
11
+12V
+12V
22
23
+5V
+5V
12
+3.3V
24
GND
ATX
12
24
ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW/ JPWR
The JPW 12V power connector is used to provide power to the CPU. And the
JPWR 12V power connector is used to provide power to the PCIEX16 graphics card.
4
8
JPW Pin Definition
JPWR Pin Definition
1
PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL
1
5
JPW
1
GND
2
3
GND
GND
4
GND
5
6
+12V
+12V
7
8
+12V
+12V
JPWR
PIN
SIGNAL
1
5V
2
3
GND
GND
4
12V
MSI Reminds You...
1. These three connectors connect to the ATX power supply and have to
work together to ensure stable operation of the mainboard.
2. Power supply of 450 watts (and above) is highly recommended for
system stability.
3. ATX 12V power connection should be greater than 18A.
2-9
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Back Panel
The back panel provides the following connectors:
L-In RS-Out
Parallel
LAN
M ou se
Keyboard COM Port
IEEE1394 SPDIF
(optional) Out
USB Ports
L-Out CS-Out
SPDIF
Mic
Out
Mouse/Keyboard Connector
The mainboard provides a standard PS/2® mouse/keyboard mini DIN connector
for attaching a PS/2® mouse/keyboard. You can plug a PS/2® mouse/keyboard directly
into this connector. The connector location and pin assignments are as follows:
Pin Definition
6
5
3
4
2
1
PS/2 Mouse / Keyboard
(6-pin Female)
PIN
SIGNAL
DESCRIPTION
1
2
Mouse/Keyboard Data
NC
Mouse/Keyboard data
No connection
3
4
GND
VCC
Ground
+5V
5
6
Mouse/KeyboardClock
NC
Mouse/Keyboard clock
No connection
IEEE 1394 Port (optional)
There is one 1394 port on the back panel providing the connection for 1394
devices.
1394 port
2-10
Hardware Setup
Serial Port Connector: COM Port
The mainboard offers one 9-pin male DIN connector COM Port. It’s a 16550A
high speed communication port that send/receive/ 16 bytes FIFOs. You can attach a
serial mouse or other serial device directly to it.
Pin Definition
1 2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
9-Pin Male DIN Connector
COM Port
PIN
SIGNAL
DESCRIPTION
1
DCD
Data Carry Detect
2
3
SIN
SOUT
Serial In or Receive Data
Serial Out or Transmit Data
4
5
DTR
GND
Data Terminal Ready)
Ground
6
7
DSR
RTS
Data Set Ready
Request To Send
8
9
CTS
RI
Clear To Send
Ring Indicate
USB Connectors
The mainboard provides an OHCI (Open Host Controller Interface) Universal
Serial Bus root for attaching USB devices such as keyboard, mouse or other USBcompatible devices. You can plug the USB device directly into the connector.
USB Port Description
1
5
2
6
3
7
4
8
USB Ports
PIN
SIGNAL
DESCRIPTION
1
VCC
+5V
2
3
-Data 0
+Data0
Negative Data Channel 0
Positive Data Channel 0
4
5
GND
VCC
Ground
+5V
6
7
-Data 1
+Data 1
Negative Data Channel 1
Positive Data Channel 1
8
GND
Ground
2-11
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
LAN (RJ-45) Jack
The mainboard provides 1 standard RJ-45 jack for connection to single Local
Area Network (LAN). This LAN enables data to be transferred at 1000Mbps, 100Mbps
or 10Mbps. You can connect a network cable to it.
Giga-bit LAN Pin Definition
RJ-45 LAN Jack
PIN
SIGNAL
DESCRIPTION
1
D0P
Differential Pair 0+
2
D0N
Differential Pair 0-
3
D1P
Differential Pair 1+
4
D2P
Differential Pair 2+
5
D2N
Differential Pair 2-
6
D1N
Differential Pair 1-
7
D3P
Differential Pair 3+
8
D3N
Differential Pair 3-
Audio Port Connectors
The left 3 audio jacks are for 2-channel mode for stereo speaker output: Line
Out is a connector for Speakers or Headphones. Line In is used for external CD
player, Tape player, or other audio devices. Mic is a connector for microphones.
However, there is an advanced audio application provided by Realtek ALC883
to offer support for 7.1-channel + 2-channel audio operation and can turn rear
audio connectors from 2-channel to 4-/5.1-/7.1- channel audio.
Line In / Line Out
(Surround R/L)
(in 7.1 CH)
Line Out
(Front R/L)
M IC
Rear Speaker Out
(in 7.1CH / 5.1CH)
Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out
( in 7.1CH / 5.1CH)
SPDIF-Out
MSI Reminds You...
For the advanced functions of the audio codec, please refer to Chapter
7: Introduction to Realtek ALC883 Audio Codec for details.
2-12
Hardware Setup
Parallel Port Connector: LPT1
The mainboard provides a 25-pin female centronic connector as LPT. A parallel
port is a standard printer port that supports Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) and Extended Capabilities Parallel Port (ECP) mode.
13
1
14
25
Pin Definition
PIN
SIGNAL
DESCRIPTION
1
2
STROBE
DATA0
Strobe
Data0
3
4
DATA1
DATA2
Data1
Data2
5
6
DATA3
DATA4
Data3
Data4
7
8
DATA5
DATA6
Data5
Data6
9
10
DATA7
ACK#
Data7
Acknowledge
11
12
BUSY
PE
Busy
PaperEnd
13
14
SELECT
AUTO FEED#
Select
AutomaticFeed
15
16
ERR#
INIT#
Error
Initialize Printer
17
18
SLIN#
GND
Select In
Ground
19
20
GND
GND
Ground
Ground
21
22
GND
GND
Ground
Ground
23
24
GND
GND
Ground
Ground
25
GND
Ground
2-13
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Connectors
The mainboard provides connectors to connect to FDD, IDE HDD, case, LAN,
and USB Ports.
Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD
The mainboard provides a standard floppy disk drive connector that supports
360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88M floppy disk types.
F D D
(black)
Fan Power Connectors: CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN / PWR_FAN / NB_FAN
The CPU_FAN (processor fan), SYS_FAN (system fan), PW R_FAN (power fan
) and NB_FAN (NorthBridge Chipset fan) support system cooling fan with +12V. The
CPU_FAN supports four/three-pin head connector. The others support three-pin head
connector. W hen connecting the wire to the connectors, always take note that the
red wire is the positive and should be connected to the +12V, the black wire is
Ground and should be connected to GND. If the mainboard has a System Hardware
Monitor chipset on-board, you must use a specially designed fan with speed sensor
to take advantage of the CPU fan control.
GND
+12V
SENSOR
Control
CPU_ FAN
NC
NC
NC
+12V
GND
+12V
GND
+12V
GND
SYS_ FAN
PW R_ FAN
NB _ F AN
MSI Reminds You...
1. Always consult the vendors for proper CPU cooling fan.
2. Please refer to the recommended CPU fans at Intel® official
website.
2-14
Hardware Setup
Hard Disk Connector: IDE1/ IDE2
The mainboard supports 2 IDE connectors, which supports PIO & Bus Master
operation modes.
IDE1 (blue)
IDE2 (yellow)
IDE1 (Primary IDE Connector)
The first hard drive should always be connected to IDE1. IDE1 can connect a
Master and a Slave drive. You must configure second hard drive to Slave mode by
setting the jumper accordingly.
IDE2 (Secondary IDE Connector)
IDE2 only can connect a Master drive.
MSI Reminds You...
If you install two hard disks on cable, you must configure the second
drive to Slave mode by setting its jumper. Refer to the hard disk
documentation supplied by hard disk vendors for jumper setting
instructions.
2-15
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
SATAII Connectors controlled by Intel ICH7R: SATA1~SATA4
SATAII Connectors controlled by JMicron JMB361: SATA5
The SouthBridge of this mainboard is Intel ICH7R which supports four SATAII
connectors (SATA1~SATA4). JMB361 of this mainboard supports another one SATAII
connector (SATA5).
SATA1~SATA5 are dual high-speed Serial ATA interface ports. Each supports
2nd generation serial ATA data tranfer rates of 300 MB/s. They are fully compliant with
Serial ATA 1.0 specifications. Each Serial ATA connector can connect to 1 hard disk
device.
1
7
Pin Definition
SATA4
SATA2
SATA3
PIN
SIGNAL
PIN
SIGNAL
1
GND
2
TXP
3
5
TXN
RXN
4
6
GND
RXP
7
GND
SATA1
SATA5
7
1
Serial ATA cable
Take out the dust cover and
connect to the hard disk
devices
Connect to serial ATA ports
MSI Reminds You...
Please do not fold the serial ATA cable in a 90-degree angle, since
this might cause the loss of data during the transmission.
2-16
Hardware Setup
Front Panel Connectors: JFP1 / JFP2
The mainboard provides two front panel connectors for electrical connection
to the front panel switches and LEDs. JFP1 is compliant with Intel® Front Panel I/O
Connectivity Design Guide.
JFP1 Pin Definition
Power Power
LED Switch
JFP1
2
1
10
9
HDD Reset
LED Switch
PIN
SIGNAL
DESCRIPTION
1
HD_LED_P
Hard disk LED pull-up
2
3
FP PWR/SLP
HD_LED_N
MSG LED pull-up
Hard disk active LED
4
5
FP PWR/SLP
RST_SW_N
MSG LED pull-up
Reset Switch low reference pull-down to GND
6
7
PWR_SW_P
RST_SW_P
Power Switch high reference pull-up
Reset Switch high reference pull-up
8
9
PWR_SW_N
RSVD_DNU
Power Switch low reference pull-down to GND
Reserved. Do not use.
JFP2 Pin Definition
Speaker
JFP2
2
1
8
7
Power
LED
PIN
SIGNAL
PIN
SIGNAL
1
GND
2
SPK-
3
5
SLED
PLED
4
6
BUZ+
BUZ-
7
NC
8
SPK+
CD-In Connector: JCD1
The connector is for CD-ROM audio connector.
JCD1
R
GND
L
IrDA Infrared Module Header: JIR
The connector allows you to connect to IrDA Infrared module. You must configure the setting through the BIOS setup to use the IR function. JIR1 is compliant with
Intel® Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.
Pin Definition
1
5
2
6
JIR
Pin
Signal
Pin
Signal
1
IRRX
2
IRTX
3
5
GND
NC
4
6
VCC5
NC
2-17
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Front USB Connectors: JUSB1 / JUSB2
The mainboard provides two standard USB 2.0 pin headers JUSB1/ JUSB2.
USB 2.0 technology increases data transfer rate up to a maximum throughput of
480Mbps, which is 40 times faster than USB 1.1, and is ideal for connecting highspeed USB interface peripherals such as USB HDD, digital cameras, MP3 players,
printers, modems and the like.
Pin Definition
10
9
2
1
JUSB1 / JUSB2
(USB 2.0/standard spec)
PIN
SIGNAL
PIN
SIGNAL
1
VCC
2
VCC
3
USB0-
4
USB1-
5
USB0+
6
USB1+
7
GND
8
GND
9
Key
10
USBOC
MSI Reminds You...
Note that the pins of VCC and GND must be connected correctly, or it
may cause some damage.
Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1
The JAUD1 front panel audio connector allows you to connect to the front
panel audio and is compliant with Intel® Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.
2
1
10
9
JAUD1
Pin Definition
2-18
PIN
SIGNAL
DESCRIPTION
1
PORT 1L
Analog Port 1 - Left channel
2
3
GND
PORT 1R
Ground
Analog Port 1 - Right channel
4
PRESENCE#
Active low signal - signals BIOS that a High Definition Audio
dongle is connected to the analog header. PRESENCE# = 0
5
PORT 2R
when a High Definition Audio dongle is connected.
Analog Port 2 - Right channel
6
7
SENSE1_RETIRN
SENSE_SEND
Jack detection return from front panel JACK1
Jack detection sense line from the High Definition Audio CODEC
8
KEY
jack detection resistor network
ConnectorKey
9
10
PORT 2L
SENSE2_RETIRN
Analog Port 2 - Left channel
Jack detection return from front panel JACK2
Hardware Setup
IEEE 1394 Connector: J1394_1(Optional)
The mainboard provides one 1394 pin header that allow you to connect optional IEEE 1394 port.
Pin Definition
2
1
10
J1394_1
PIN
SIGNAL
1
TPA+
PIN
2
SIGNAL
TPA-
3
Ground
4
Ground
5
TPB+
6
TPB-
7
Cable power
8
Cable power
9
Key (no pin)
10
Ground
How to attach the IEEE 1394 Port:
Connected to J1394_1 (Green connector)
IEEE1394 Bracket (Optional)
Foolproof
design
Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JCI1
This connector is connected to a 2-pin chassis switch. If the chassis is opened,
the switch will be short. The system will record this status and show a warning
message on the screen. To clear the warning, you must enter the BIOS utility and
clear the record.
2 1
GND
CINTRU
JCI1
2-19
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
D-Bracket™ 2 Connector: JLED1
The mainboard comes with a JLED1 connector for you to connect to D-Bracket™
2. D-Bracket™ 2 is a USB Bracket that supports both USB1.1 & 2.0 spec. It integrates
four LEDs and allows users to identify system problem through 16 various combinations of LED signals.
Pin Definition
Pin
10
9
2
1
JLED1
Signal
1
2
DBG1 (high for green color)
DBR1 (high for red color)
3
4
DBG2 (high for green color)
DBR2 (high for red color)
5
6
DBG3 (high for green color)
DBR3 (high for red color)
7
8
DBG4 (high for green color)
DBR4 (high for red color)
9
10
Key
NC
D-Bracket™ 2
Connected to JLED1
(Optional)
Connected to JUSB1 or JUSB2
(the USB pinheader in YELLOW color)
LEDs
D-Bracket™ 2 is an external USB bracket integrating four Diagnostic LEDs,
which use graphic signal display to help users understand their system. The LEDs
provide up to 16 combinations of signals to debug the system. The 4 LEDs can debug
all problems that fail the system, such as VGA, RAM or other failures. This special
feature is very useful for the overclocking users. These users can use the feature to
detect if there are any problems or failures.
D-Bracket™ 2 supports both USB 1.1 & 2.0 specification.
D-Bracket™ 2
2-20
1
3
2
4
Hardware Setup
Red
G reen
D-Bracket™ 2
1
2
3
4
Description
System Power ON
The D-LED will hang here if the processor is damaged or
not installed properly.
Early Chipset Initialization
Memory Detection Test
Testing onboard memory size. The D-LED will hang if the
memory module is damaged or not installed properly.
Decompressing BIOS image to RAM for fast booting.
Initializing Keyboard Controller.
Testing VGA BIOS
This will start writing VGA sign-on message to the screen.
Processor Initialization
This will show information regarding the processor (like
brand name, system bus, etc...)
Testing RTC (Real Time Clock)
Initializing Video Interface
This will start detecting CPU clock, checking type of video
onboard. Then, detect and initialize the video adapter.
2-21
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
D-Bracket™ 2
Description
BIOS Sign On
This will start showing information about logo, processor brand name, etc...
Testing Base and Extended Memory
Testing base memory from 240K to 640K and extended
memory above 1MB using various patterns.
Assign Resources to all ISA.
Initializing Hard Drive Controller
This will initialize IDE drive and controller.
Initializing Floppy Drive Controller
This will initialize Floppy Drive and controller.
Boot Attempt
This will set low stack and boot via INT 19h.
Operating System Booting
2-22
Hardware Setup
Button
The motherboard provides the following button for you to set the computer’s
function. This section will explain how to change your motherboard’s function through
the use of button.
Clear CMOS Button: SW
There is a CMOS RAM on board that has a power supply from external battery
to keep the system configuration data. W ith the CMOS RAM, the system can automatically boot OS every time it is turned on. If you want to clear the system configuration,
use the SW (Clear CMOS Button) to clear data. Press the button to clear the data.
SW
MSI Reminds You...
Make sure that you power off the system before clearing CMOS data.
2-23
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Slots
The mainboard provides 2 PCI Express x16 slots, 2 PCI Express x1 slots and 2
PCI bus slots. It supports 2 PCIE x 16 slots transfer into 2 PCIE x 8 ports (CrossFire
Technology).
PCI Express Slots
The PCI Express slots, as a high-bandwidth, low pin count, serial, interconnect technology, support Intel highest performance desktop platforms utilizing the
Intel Pentium 4 processor with HT Technology.
PCI Express architecture provides a high performance I/O infrastructure for
Desktop Platforms with transfer rates starting at 2.5 Giga transfers per second over
a PCI Express x1 lane for Gigabit Ethernet, TV Tuners, 1394 controllers, and general
purpose I/O. Also, desktop platforms with PCI Express Architecture will be designed
to deliver highest performance in video, graphics, multimedia and other sophisticated
applications. Moreover, PCI Express architecture provides a high performance graphics
infrastructure for Desktop Platforms doubling the capability of existing AGP 8x designs with transfer rates of 4.0 GB/s over a PCI Express x16 lane for graphics
controllers.
You can insert the expansion cards to meet your needs. W hen adding or
removing expansion cards, make sure that you unplug the power supply first.
PCI Express x16 slot
PCI Express x1 slot
ATi CrossFire (Multi-GPU) Technology
ATi CrossFire (Multi-GPU) technology is an exciting new technology developed by ATI that allows the power of multiple Graphics. CrossFire requires a CrossFire
Edition graphics card and a compatible standard Radeon (CrossFire Ready) graphics
card from the same series. To utilize this technology, always install the CrossFire
Edition graphics card in the Primary PCIE x16 (PEG1) slot and install the CrossFire
Ready graphics card in the Secondary PCIE x 16 (PEG2) slot. The mainboard can auto
detect the CrossFire mode by software, therefore you don’t have to enable the
CrossFire in BIOS by yourself. Following the process below to complete CrossFire:
1. Install the CrossFire Edition graphics card in the Primary PCI Express x 16
(PEG1) slot. Install the CrossFire Ready graphics card in the Secondary PCI Express x 16 (PEG2) slot.
2-24
Hardware Setup
2.Use the external cable to connect the two graphics cards. The cable is
attached from the CrossFire Ready graphics card’s DVI connector to the CrossFire
Edition high density input connector (DMS). Then connectting a monitor to the left DVI
connector.
The CrossFire Edition
graphics card.
T he Cros sFire Ready
graphics card.
DMS connector
DVI connector
DVI connector (connectting
to the monitor)
MSI Reminds You...
1. Mainboard photos shown in this section are for demonstration only.
The appearance of your mainboard may vary depending on the model
you purchase.
2. Only Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2)& Windows ® XP Profes
-sional x64 Edition support the CrossFire function.
3. Always install the CrossFire Edition graphics card in the Primary
PCIEX16 slot (PEG1), and install the CrossFire Ready graphics card
in the Secondary PCIEX16 slot (PEG2) to make the CrossFire technology functions properly.
2-25
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
3.When all of the hardware and software has been properly set up and installed,
reboot the system. After enter to the O.S., click the “Catalyst™ Control Center”
icon
on the desktop. There is a setting in the Catalyst™ Control Center that needs
to be enabled for CrossFire™ to operate. The following aspect appears in Catalyst™
Control Center:
Select the
Advanced View
f rom t h e view
drop menu.
MSI Reminds You...
A CrossFire™ system has four possible display modes:
• SuperTiling
• Scissor Mode
• Alternate Frame Rendering
• Super Anti-aliasing.
for more details, please consult the graphics card manual from the
manufacturer.
2-26
Hardware Setup
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots
The PCI slots allow you to insert the expansion cards to meet your needs.
W hen adding or removing expansion cards, make sure that you unplug the power
supply first. Meanwhile, read the documentation for the expansion card to make any
necessary hardware or software settings for the expansion card, such as jumpers,
switches or BIOS configuration.
PCI Slots
PCI Interrupt Request Routing
The IRQ, acronym of interrupt request line and pronounced I-R-Q, are hardware lines over which devices can send interrupt signals to the microprocessor. The
PCI IRQ pins are typically connected to the PCI bus INT A# ~ INT D# pins as follows:
Order 1
Order 2
Order 3
Order 4
PCI Slot 1
INT A#
INT B#
INT C#
INT D#
PCI Slot 2
INT B#
INT C#
INT D#
INT A#
2-27
BIOS Setup
Chapter 3. BIOS Setup
BIOS Setup
This chapter provides information on the BIOS Setup program
and allows you to configure the system for optimum use.
You may need to run the Setup program when:
² An error message appears on the screen during system boot up, and
requests you to run SETUP.
² You want to change the default settings for customized features.
MSI Reminds You...
1. The items under each BIOS category described in this chapter are
under c on tinuous update for better s y s tem per formanc e.
Therefore, the description may be slightly different from the latest
BIOS and should be held for reference only.
2. While booting up, the BIOS version is shown in the 1st line appearing after the memory count. It is usually in the format:
example: W7246IMS V1.0 121505
where:
1st digit refers to BIOS maker as A=AMI(R); W=AWARD(R)
2nd - 5th digit refers to the model number.
6th digit refers to Intel chipset
7th - 8th digit refers to the customer, MS=all standard customers.
V1.0 refers to the BIOS version.
121505 refers to the date this BIOS is released.
3-1
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Entering Setup
Power on the computer and the system will start POST (Power On Self Test) process.
W hen the message below appears on the screen, press <DEL> key to enter Setup.
Press DEL to enter SETUP
If the message disappears before you respond and you still wish to enter Setup,
restart the system by turning it OFF and On or pressing the RESET button. You may
also restart the system by simultaneously pressing <Ctrl>, <Alt>, and <Delete> keys.
Control Keys
<↑>
Move to the previous item
<↓>
Move to the next item
<←>
Move to the item in the left hand
<→>
Move to the item in the right hand
<Enter>
Select the item
<Esc>
Jumps to the Exit menu or returns to the main menu
from a submenu
<+/PU>
Increase the numeric value or make changes
<-/PD>
Decrease the numeric value or make changes
<F6>
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
<F7>
Load Optimized Defaults
<F10>
Save all the CMOS changes and exit
Getting Help
After entering the Setup menu, the first menu you will see is the Main Menu.
M ain M enu
The main menu lists the setup functions you can make changes to. You can use the
arrow keys ( ↑↓ ) to select the item. The on-line description of the highlighted setup
function is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Sub-M enu
If you find a right pointer symbol (as shown in the right
view) appears to the left of certain fields, that means a
sub-menu can be launched from this field. A sub-menu
contains additional options for a field parameter. You
can use arrow keys (↓) to highlight the field and press
<Enter> to call up the sub-menu. Then you can use the control keys to enter values
and move from field to field within a sub-menu. If you want to return to the main
menu, just press <Esc >.
General Help <F1>
The BIOS setup program provides a General Help screen. You can call up this screen
from any menu by simply pressing <F1>. The Help screen lists the appropriate keys
to use and the possible selections for the highlighted item. Press <Esc> to exit the
Help screen.
3-2
BIOS Setup
The Main Menu
Once you enter Phoenix-Award® BIOS CMOS Setup Utility, the Main Menu will appear
on the screen. The Main Menu allows you to select from the eleven setup functions
and two exit choices. Use arrow keys to select among the items and press <Enter>
to accept or enter the sub-menu.
Standard CMOS Features
Use this menu for basic system configurations, such as time, date etc.
Advanced BIOS Features
Use this menu to setup the items of AWARD ® special enhanced features.
Advanced Chipset Features
Use this menu to change the values in the chipset registers and optimize your system’s performance.
Integrated Peripherals
Use this menu to specify your settings for integrated peripherals.
Power M anagement Setup
Use this menu to specify your settings for power management.
PNP/PCI Configurations
This entry appears if your system supports PnP/PCI.
H/W Monitor
This entry shows the status of your CPU, fan, warning for overall system status.
Cell M enu
Use this menu to specify your settings for frequency/voltage control and overclocking.
3-3
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Use this menu to load factory default settings into the BIOS for stable system performance operations.
Load Optimized Defaults
Use this menu to load the BIOS values for the best system performance, but the
system stability may be affected.
BIOS Setting Password
Use this menu to set the password for BIOS.
Save & Exit Setup
Save changes to CMOS and exit setup.
Exit Without Saving
Abandon all changes and exit setup.
3-4
BIOS Setup
Standard CMOS Features
The items in Standard CMOS Features Menu includes some basic setup items. Use
the arrow keys to highlight the item and then use the <PgUp> or <PgDn> keys to select
the value you want in each item.
Date (mm:dd:yy)
This allows you to set the system to the date that you want (usually the current date).
The format is <day><month> <date> <year>.
day
Day of the week, from Sun to Sat, determined by BIOS. Readonly.
mon th
The month from Jan. through Dec.
date
The date from 1 to 31 can be keyed by numeric function keys.
year
The year can be adjusted by users.
Time (hh:mm:ss)
This allows you to set the system time that you want (usually the current time). The
time format is <hour> <minute> <second>.
IDE Primary/ Secondary/ Third/ Fourth Master/Slave
Press PgUp/<+> or PgDn/<-> to select [Manual], [None] or [Auto] type. Note that the
specifications of your drive must match with the drive table. The hard disk will not
work properly if you enter improper information for this category. If your hard disk
drive type is not matched or listed, you can use [Manual] to define your own drive
type manually.
If you select [Manual], related information is asked to be entered to the following
items. Enter the information directly from the keyboard. This information should be
provided in the documentation from your hard disk vendor or the system manufacturer.
Access M ode
The settings are CHS, LBA, Large, Auto.
Capacity
The formatted size of the storage device.
Cylinder
Number of cylinders.
Head
Number of heads.
Pr eco mp
W rite precompensation.
Landing Z one
Cylinder location of the landing zone.
Sector
Number of sectors.
3-5
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Drive A
This item allows you to set the type of floppy drive installed. Available options: [None],
[360K, 5.25 in.], [1.2M, 5.25 in.], [720K, 3.5 in.], [1.44M, 3.5 in.], [2.88M, 3.5 in.].
Halt On
The setting determines whether the system will stop if an error is detected at boot.
Available options are:
[All Errors]
[No Errors]
[All, But Keyboard]
[All, But Diskette]
[All, But Disk/Key]
The system stops when any error is detected.
The system doesn’t stop for any detected error.
The system doesn’t stop for a keyboard error.
The system doesn’t stop for a disk error.
The system doesn’t stop for either a disk or a keyboard error.
System Information
Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:
BIOS Version/ CPU Type/ CPU ID/uCode ID / CPU Frequency/ CPU L2
Cache/ Total Physical M emory/ Usage M emory
The items show the CPU type, BIOS version and memory status of your system
(read only).
3-6
BIOS Setup
Advanced BIOS Features
CPU Feature
Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:
Intel(R) SpeedStep(tm) tech (EIST)
The Intel SpeedStep technology allows you to set the performance level of the
microprocessor whether the computer is running on battery or AC power. This
field will appear after you installed the CPU which support speedstep technology.
Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
Delay Prior to Thermal
W hen the CPU temperature reaches a factory preset level, a thermal monitoring
mechanism will be enabled following the appropriate timing delay specified in
this field. With the thermal monitoring enabled, clock modulation controlled by the
processor’s internal thermal sensor is also activated to keep the processor
within allowable temperature limit. Setting options: [4 Min], [8 Min], [16 Min], [32
Min].
Thermal M anagement
W hen CPU’s temperature is higher than the predefined thermal level, the thermal
monitoring mechanism will slow down the CPU speed to the percentage specified in the field. Setting options: [Thermal Monitor 1], [Thermal Monitor 2]
Execute Disable Bit
Excute Bit Support function is designed for memory buffer overflow protection,
it can prevent viruses from proliferating. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
3-7
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Virtualization Technology
W hen enabled, a VMM can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided
by vendor-pool technology. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
Hard Disk Boot Priority
Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:
In the sub-menu, it shows the hard disks information that was installed in the
system, and you can set the hard disk boot priority.
Boot Sequence
Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:
1st/2nd/3rd Boot Device
The items allow you to set the sequence of boot devices where BIOS attempts
to load the disk operating system.
Boot from Other Device
Setting the option to [Enabled] allows the system to try to boot from other device
if the system fails to boot from the 1st/2nd/3rd boot device.
Boot Sector Protection
This function protects the BIOS from accidental corruption by unauthorized users or
computer viruses. W hen enabled, the BIOS’ data cannot be changed when attempting to update the BIOS with a Flash utility. To successfully update the BIOS, you’ll
need to disable this BIOS Sector Protection function.
You should enable this function at all times. The only time when you need to disable
it is when you want to update the BIOS. After updating the BIOS, you should immediately re-enable it to protect it against viruses. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
MSI Reminds You...
Available settings for “1st/2nd/3rd & other Boot Device” vary depending
on the bootable devices you have installed. For example, if you did not
install a floppy drive, the setting “Floppy” will not show up.
3-8
BIOS Setup
Quick Boot
Setting the item to [Enabled] allows the system to boot within 5 seconds since it will
skip some check items. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
Boot Up NumLock LED
This setting is to set the Num Lock status when the system is powered on. Setting to
[On] will turn on the Num Lock key when the system is powered on. Setting to [Off]
will allow users to use the arrow keys on the numeric keypad. Setting options: [On],
[Off].
APIC M ode
This field is used to enable or disable the APIC (Advanced Programmable Interrupt
Controller). Due to compliance with PC2001 design guide, the system is able to run in
APIC mode. Enabling APIC mode will expand available IRQ resources for the system.
Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
M PS Table Version
This field allows you to select which MPS (Multi-Processor Specification) version to
be used for the operating system. You need to select the MPS version supported by
your operating system. To find out which version to use, consult the vendor of your
operating system. Setting options: [1.4], [1.1].
Boot to OS/2
This allows you to run the OS/2® operating system with DRAM larger than 64MB.
W hen you choose [No], you cannot run the OS/2® operating system with DRAM larger
than 64MB. But it is possible if you choose [Yes]. Setting options: [Yes], [No].
Full Screen LOGO Display
This item enables you to show the company logo on the bootup screen. Settings are:
[Enabled]
Shows a still image (logo) on the full screen at boot.
[Disabled]
Shows the POST messages at boot.
3-9
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Advanced Chipset Features
System BIOS Cacheable
Selecting [Enabled] allows caching of the system BIOS ROM at F0000h-FFFFFh,
resulting in better system performance. However, if any program writes to this memory
area, a system error may result. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
Video BIOS Cacheable
Selecting [Enabled] allows caching of the video BIOS ROM at C0000h to C7FFFh,
resulting in better video performance. However, if any program writes to this memory
area, a system error may result. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
M emory Hole At 15M-16M
In order to improve performance, certain space in memory can be reserved for ISA
peripherals. This memory must be mapped into the memory space below 16MB. W hen
this area is reserved, it cannot be cached. Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].
DRAM Data Integrity Mode
Set this option according to the type of DRAM installed in your system: error-correcting code (ECC) or parity (default). Setting optoins: [ECC], [Non-ECC].
PEG Force X1
The field enables or disables the PEG (PCI Express Graphic) port function. Setting
options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
3-10
BIOS Setup
Integrated Peripherals
USB Controller
Select [Enabled] if your system contains a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller and
you have USB peripherals. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
USB 2.0 Controller
Select [Enabled] if your system contains the USB 2.0 controller. Setting options:
[Enabled], [Disabled].
USB Keyboard Support
Select [Enabled] if you need to use a USB-interfaced keyboard or storage device in
the operating system. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
USB M ouse Support
Select [Enabled] if you need to use a USB-interfaced mouse in the operating system.
Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
Azalia / AC97 Audio Selection
This item allows you decide to support Azalia Audio or AC97 Audio. Selecting Enabled for Azalia, Disabled for AC’97. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
Onboard VIA6306 (IEEE1394)
This setting controls the onboard VIA 1394 controller. Setting options: [Enabled],
[Disabled].
Onboard JMB361 M ode (Optional)
This field allows you to select the JMB363 RAID controller mode. Setting options:
[IDE], [RAID], [Disabled].
3-11
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Onboard BCM GB LAN
This field controls the onboard BCM GB LAN controller. Setting options: [Enabled],
[Disabled].
PCI-E Compliancy Mode
This field specify the PCI-E compliable mode. Setting options: [v1.0a], [v1.0].
IO Devices Configuration
Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:
Onboard FDC Controller
Select [Enabled] if your system has a floppy disk controller (FDC) installed on the
system board and you wish to use it. If you install add-on FDC or the system has
no floppy drive, select [Disabled] in this field. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
COM Port
Select an address and corresponding interrupt for the first serial port. Setting
options: [3F8/IRQ4], [2E8/IRQ3], [3E8/IRQ4], [2F8/IRQ3], [Disabled], [Auto].
Onboard Parallel Port
There is a built-in parallel port on the on-board Super I/O chipset that provides
Standard, ECP, and EPP features. It has the following options:
[Disabled]
[3BC/IRQ7]
Line Printer port 0
[278/IRQ5]
Line Printer port 2
[378/IRQ7]
Line Printer port 1
Parallel Port M ode
This field selects the operation mode for the onboard parallel port. Setting options:
[SPP]
Standard Parallel Port
[EPP]
Enhanced Parallel Port
[ECP]
Extended Capability Port
[ECP + EPP]
Extended Capability Port + Enhanced Parallel Port
[Normal]
EPP M ode Select
The onboard parallel port is EPP Spec. compliant, so after the user chooses the
onboard parallel port with the EPP function, the following message will be displayed on the screen: “EPP Mode Select.” At this time either [EPP 1.7] spec or
[EPP 1.9] spec can be chosen.
3-12
BIOS Setup
ECP Mode Use DMA
The ECP mode has to use the DMA channel, so choose the onboard parallel port
with the ECP feature. After selecting it, the following message will appear: “ECP
Mode Use DMA.” At this time, the user can choose between DMA channel [3] or
[1].
IDE Devices Configuration
Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:
IDE HDD Block Mode
Block mode is also called block transfer, multiple commands, or multiple sector
read/write. If your IDE hard drive supports block mode (most new drives do),
select [Enabled] for automatic detection of the optimal number of block read/
writes per sector the drive can support. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
PCI IDE BusMaster
Set this option to [Enabled] to specify that the IDE controller on the PCI local bus
has bus mastering capability. Settings options: [Disabled], [Enabled].
OnChip Primary PCI IDE
The integrated peripheral controller contains an IDE interface with support for
the IDE channel. Choose [Enabled] to activate the channel. Setting options:
[Enabled], [Disabled].
IDE Primary Master/Slave PIO
The four IDE PIO (Programmed Input/Output) fields let you set a PIO mode (0-4)
for each of the four IDE devices that the onboard IDE interface supports. Modes
0 through 4 provide successively increased performance. In [Auto] mode, the
system automatically determines the best mode for each device. Setting options
: [Auto], [Mode 0], [Mode 1], [Mode 2], [Mode 3], [Mode 4].
IDE Primary Master/Slave UDMA
Ultra DMA/33 implementation is possible only if your IDE hard drive supports it
and the operating environment includes a DMA driver (W indows 95 OSR2 or a
third-party IDE bus master driver). If your hard drive and your system software
both support Ultra DMA/33, Ultra DMA/66 and Ultra DMA/100, select Auto to
enable BIOS support. Setting options: [Auto], [Disabled].
3-13
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
SATA Devices Configuration
Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:
SATA Mode, On-Chip Serial ATA
These 2 items allow you to select the SATA and the ATA/IDE configuration.
For the setting options of SATA Mode, select [IDE] if you want to have SATA as
IDE function. Select [AHCI] to allow the SATA to have Advanced Host Controller
Interface (AHCI) feature, which supports improved serial ATA disk performance
with native command queuing & native hot plug. Select [RAID] to use SATA as
RAID function. Setting options: [IDE], [AHCI], [RAID].
For the setting options of On-Chip Serial ATA, select [Disabled] if you want to
disable all SATA controllers. Select [Combined Mode] to use the SATA and P-ATA
devices but it only supports up to 4 devices. Select [Combined Mode] to use all
the SATA and P-ATA devic es . Select [Auto] to let the s ystem arrange
automatically. Select [SATA Only] to let the SATA operate in legacy mode. Refer
to the following tables for details.
On-Chip Serial ATA (Combined)
SATA Only
[SATA 1/3/2/4]
PATA Pri, SATA Sec
[IDE1, SATA2/4]
SATA Pri, PATA Sec
[SATA1/3, IDE1]
PATA Only
[IDE1]
On-Chip Serial ATA (Enhanced)
IDE
[IDE1, SATA 1/2/3/4]
AHCI
[IDE1, SATA 1/2/3/4]
RAID
[IDE1, SATA 1/2/3/4],
[SATA support RAID 0/ 1/ 5/ 10]
SATA PORT Speed Settings
This item let you to select the compatible SATA Spec version. Setting options:
[Disabled], [Force GEN I], [Force GEN II].
PATA IDE Mode
This item allows you to select the parallel ATA channel. Setting options:[Primary],
[Secondary].
SATA Port
This feature allows users to view the SATA port as primary or secondary channel.
3-14
BIOS Setup
Power Management Setup
MSI Reminds You...
S3-related functions described in this section are available only when
your BIOS supports S3 sleep mode.
ACPI Function
This item is to activate the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Management
Interface) Function. If your operating system is ACPI-aware, such as W indows 2000/
XP, select [Enabled]. Setting options: [Enabled] and [Disabled].
ACPI Standby State
This item specifies the power saving modes for ACPI function. If your operating
system supports ACPI, such as W indows 98SE, W indows ME, W indows 2000 and
W indows XP, you can choose to enter the Standby mode in S1(POS) or S3(STR)
fashion through the setting of this field. Setting options are:
[S1 (POS)]
The S1 sleep mode is a low power state. In this state, no system
context is lost (CPU or chipset) and hardware maintains all system
context.
[S3 (STR)]
The S3 sleep mode is a lower power state where the information of
system configuration and open applications/files is saved to main
memory that remains powered while most other hardware compo
nents turn off to save energy. The information stored in memory will
be used to restore the system when a “wake up” event occurs.
Video Off In Suspend
This option enables the monitor to be turned off during the suspend mode. Setting
options: [Yes], [No].
Suspend Time Out (M inute)
If system activity is not detected for the length of time specified in this field, all devices
except CPU will be shut off. Setting options: [Disabled], [1 Min], [2 Min], [4 Min], [8
Min], [10 Min], [20 Min], [30 Min], [40 Min], [1 Hour].
3-15
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Power Button Function
This feature sets the function of the power button. Setting options:
[Power Off]
The power button functions as normal power off button.
[Suspend]
W hen you press the power button, the computer enters the suspend/
sleep mode, but if the button is pressed for more than four seconds,
the computer is turned off.
Restore on AC Power Loss
This setting specifies whether your system will reboot after a power failure or
interrupt occurs. Setting options:
[Off]
Leaves the computer in the power off state.
[On]
Leaves the computer in the power on state.
[Last State]
Restores the system to the previous status before power
failure or interrupt occurred.
Wakeup Event Setup
Press <Enter> and the following sub-menu appears.
Resume by PCI-E Device
The item allows the activity of the PCI-E device to wake up the system. Setting
options: [Disabled], [Enabled].
Resume by PCI Device (PME#)
W hen setting to [Enabled], this setting allows your system to be awakened from
the power saving modes through any event on PME (Power Management Event).
Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].
Resume From S3 by USB
The item allows the activity of the USB device to wake up the system from S3
(Suspend to RAM) sleep state. Setting options: [Disabled], [Enabled].
Resume by RTC Alarm
This is used to enable or disable the feature of booting up the system on a
scheduled time/date from the S3, S4, and S5 power off state. Setting options:
[Disabled], [Enabled].
Date (of M onth) Alarm
The field specifies the date for Resume by RTC Alarm. Setting options: [0]~
[31].
3-16
BIOS Setup
Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm
The field specifies the time for Resume by RTC Alarm. Format is <hour>
<minute><second>.
POWER ON Function
This controls how the PS/2 mouse or keyboard can power on the system.
Setting options: [Password], [Hot KEY], [Mouse Left], [Mouse Right], [any KEY],
[BUTTON ONLY], [Keyboard 98].
KB Power ON Password
If POW ER ON Function is set to Password, then you can set a password in the
field for the PS/2 keyboard to power on the system.
Hot Key Power ON
If POWER ON Function is set to [Hot KEY], you can assign a hot key combination in the field for the PS/2 keyboard to power on the system. Setting options:
[Ctrl-F1] through [Ctrl-F12].
3-17
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
PNP/PCI Configurations
This section describes configuring the PCI bus system and PnP (Plug & Play) feature.
PCI, or Peripheral Component Interconnect, is a system which allows I/O devices to
operate at speeds nearing the speed the CPU itself uses when communicating with
its special components. This section covers some very technical items and it is
strongly recommended that only experienced users should make any changes to the
default settings.
Init Display First
This setting specifies which VGA card is your primary graphics adapter. Setting
options are:
[PCI Ex]
The system initializes the PCI Express graphic first. If a PCI Express graphic card is not available, it will initialize the PCI graphic
card.
[PCI Slot] The system initializes the PCI Graphic card first. If a PCI Graphic
card is not available, it will initialize the PCI Express graphic.
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop
W hen set to Enabled, multiple VGA devices operating on different buses can handle
data from the CPU on each set of palette registers on every video device. Bit 5 of the
command register in the PCI device configuration space is the VGA Palette Snoop bit
(0 is disabled). For example, if there are two VGA devices in the computer (one PCI
and one ISA):
VGA Palette Snoop
Bit Setting
3-18
Action
Dis abled
Data read or written by the CPU is only directed to the PCI
VGA device’s palette registers.
Enabled
Data read or written by the CPU is directed to both the PCI
VGA device’s palette registers and the ISA VGA device’s
palette registers, permitting the palette registers of both
VGA devices to be identical.
BIOS Setup
The setting must be set to Enabled if any ISA bus adapter in the system requires VGA
palette snooping.
INT Pin 1/2 Assignment
The items let you assign an IRQ line to INT Pin#1~2 separately. Selecting Auto allows
BIOS to determine the appropriate IRQ for each INT Pin.
**PCI Express relative items**
M aximum Payload Size
This item allows you to set the maximum TLP (transaction layer packet) payload size
for the PCI Express devices. Setting options: [128], [256], [512], [1024], [2048], [4096].
3-19
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
H/W Monitor
This section shows the status of your CPU, fan, overall system status, etc. Monitor
function is available only if there is hardware monitoring mechanism onboard.
CPU Smart Fan Temperature
W hen the current temperature of the CPU fan reaches the value you specify here, the
CPU fan will speed up for cooling down to avoid the CPU damage; on the contrary, if
the CPU fan current temperature is lower than the specified value, the CPU fan will
slow down its speed to keep the temperature stable.
CPU Temperature Tolerance
You can select a fan tolerance value here for the specific range for the CPU Smart
Fan Temperature item. If the current temperature of the CPU fan reaches the
maximum threshold (the temperature set in the CPU Smart Fan Temperature plus
the tolerance value you set here), the fan will speed up for cooling down. On the
contrary if the current temperature reaches the minimum threshold (the set temperatures minus the tolerance value), the fan will slow down to keep the temperatures
stable.
System/CPU Temperature, Current System/CPU Fan Speed, Vcore(V), +5
V, +12V, VBAT(V), 5VSB
These items display the current status of all of the monitored hardware devices/
components such as CPU voltage, temperatures and all fans’ speeds.
3-20
BIOS Setup
Cell Menu
The items in Cell Menu includes some important settings of voltage, frequency and
overclocking functions.
MSI Reminds You...
Change these settings only if you are familiar with the chipset.
Current CPU/ FSB Clock
These three items show the current clocks of CPU/ FSB/ DRAM. Read-only.
Dynamic OverClocking
Dynamic Overclocking Technology is the automatic overclocking function, included in
the MSITM ’s newly developed CoreCellTM Technology. It is designed to detect the load
balance of CPU while running programs, and to adjust the best CPU frequency
automatically. W hen the motherboard detects CPU is running programs, it will speed
up CPU automatically to make the program run smoothly and faster. When the CPU is
temporarily suspending or staying in the low load balance, it will restore the default
settings instead. Usually the Dynamic Overclocking Technology will be powered only
when users' PC need to run huge amount of data like 3D games or the video process,
and the CPU frequency need to be boosted up to enhance the overall performance.
Setting options:
[Disabled]
Disable Dynamic Overclocking.
[Private]
1st level of overclocking, increasing the CPU frequency by 1%.
[Sergeant]
2nd level of overclocking, increasing the CPU frequency by 3%.
[Captain]
3rd level of overclocking, also the default value of "Load High
Performance Defaults", increasing the CPU frequency by 5%.
[Colonel]
4th level of overclocking, increasing the CPU frequency by 7%.
[General]
5th level of overclocking, increasing the CPU frequency by 10%.
3-21
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
MSI Reminds You...
Even though the Dynamic Overclocking Technology is more stable than
manual overclocking, basically, it is still risky. We suggest user to make
sure that your CPU can afford to overclocking regularly first. If you find
the PC appears to be unstable or reboot incidentally, it's better to disable the Dynamic Overclocking or to lower the level of overclocking
options. By the way, if you need to conduct overclocking manually,
you also need to disable the Dynamic OverClocking first.
M emory Function Control
Press <Enter> and the following sub-menu appears.
DRAM Timing Selectable
Selects whether DRAM timing is controlled by the SPD (Serial Presence Detect)
EEPROM on the DRAM module. Setting to [By SPD] enables the following fields
automatically to be determined by BIOS based on the configurations on the SPD.
Selecting [Manual] allows users to configure following fields manually.
CAS Latency Time
This controls the timing delay (in clock cycles) before SDRAM starts a read
command after receiving it. Setting options: [3], [4], [5], [6], [Auto].
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay
This field allows you to set the number of cycles for a timing delay between the
CAS and RAS strobe signals, used when DRAM is written to, read from or
refreshed. Fast speed offers faster performance while slow speed offers more
stable performance. Setting options: [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [Auto].
DRAM RAS# Precharge
This item controls the number of cycles for Row Address Strobe (RAS) to be
allowed to precharge. If insufficient time is allowed for the RAS to accumulate
its charge before DRAM refresh, refresh may be incomplete and DRAM may fail
to retain data. This item applies only when synchronous DRAM is installed in the
system. Setting options: [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [Auto].
Precharge Delay (tRAS)
The field specifies the idle cycles before precharging an idle bank. Setting options:
[4~15], [Auto] .
3-22
BIOS Setup
FSB & Memory Clock Ratio
These settings control the ratio of FSB Clock and Memory Clock to enable the CPU &
Memory to run at different frequency combinations. Please note that the setting
options vary according to the CPU FSB Clock preset. Memory speed = FSB x Memory
Ratio x Double Data Rate (ex. 880 MHz = 266 x 1.66 x 2). Setting options: [Auto], [1:1],
[1:1.25], [1:1.33], [1:1.66].
M emory Clock Setting
This item shows the memory clock. Read only.
M emory Voltage
Adjusting the memory voltage can increase the memory speed. Any changes made to
this setting may cause a stability issue, so changing the memory voltage for
long-term purpose is NOT recommended.
Adjust CPU Ratio
This item allows you to adjust the CPU ratio. It is available only when the processor
supports this function.
CPU FSB Frequency
This item allows you to select the CPU Front Side Bus clock frequency (in MHz) and
overclock the processor by adjusting the FSB clock to a higher frequency. CPU Clock
= CPU FSB Frequency * CPU Ratio. Setting options: [133 MHz]~[450 MHz].
PCI-E Frequency
This item allows you to select the PCI-E clock frequency (in MHz) and overclock the
processor by adjusting the PCI-E clock to a higher frequency. Setting options: [100]~
[150].
CPU Voltage
The settings are used to adjust the CPU clock multiplier (ratio) and CPU core voltage
(Vcore). These settings offer users a tool to overclock the system. Setting options:
[Current Voltage], [+12.5mV]~[+400mV].
PCI Express Voltage
PCI Express voltage is adjustable in the individual fields, allowing you to increase the
performance of your PCI Express card when overclocking, but the stability may be
affec ted.
Auto Detect PCI Clk
This item is used to auto detect the PCI slots. W hen set to [Enabled], the system will
remove (turn off) clocks from empty PCI slots to minimize the electromagnetic interference (EMI). Settings: [Enabled], [Disabled].
3-23
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
MSI Reminds You...
The settings shown in different color in CPU Voltage, Memory Voltage and PCI Express Voltage help to verify if your setting is proper for
your system.
G ray: Default setting.
Yellow: High performance setting.
Red:
Not recommended setting and the system may be
unstable.
Changing CPU Voltage, Memory Voltage and PCI Express Voltage may result in the instability of the system; therefore, it is NOT
recommended to change the default setting for long-term usage.
Spread Spectrum
W hen the motherboard’s clock generator pulses, the extreme values (spikes) of the
pulses creates EMI (Electromagnetic Interference). The Spread Spectrum function
reduces the EMI generated by modulating the pulses so that the spikes of the pulses
are reduced to flatter curves. If you do not have any EMI problem, leave the setting at
[Disabled] for optimal system stability and performance. But if you are plagued by EMI,
select the desired range for EMI reduction. Remember to disable Spread Spectrum
function if you are overclocking, because even a slight jitter can introduce a temporary boost in clock speed which may just cause your overclocked processor to lock
up.
MSI Reminds You...
1. If you do not have any EMI problem, leave the setting at [Disabled] for
optimal system stability and performance. But if you are plagued by
EMI, select the value of Spread Spectrum for EMI reduction.
2. The greater the Spread Spectrum value is, the greater the EMI is
reduced, and the system will become less stable. For the most suitable Spread Spectrum value, please consult your local EMI regulation.
3. Remember to disable Spread Spectrum if you are overclocking because even a slight jitter can introduce a temporary boost in clock
speed which may just cause your overclocked processor to lock up.
3-24
BIOS Setup
CPU and Memory Clock Overclocking
The Dynamic OverClocking / FSB & Memory Clock Ratio/ Adjust CPU Ratio/
CPU FSB Frequency are the items for you to overclock the CPU and the Memory.
Please refer to the descriptions of these fields for more information.
MSI Reminds You...
1. CPU Clock = FSB Frequency * Adjust CPU Ratio
2. Memory speed = FSB Frequency x Memory Ratio x Double Data
Rate
3. This motherboard supports overclocking greatly. However, please
make sure your peripherals and components are bearable for some
special settings. Any operation that exceeds product specification is
not recommended. Any risk or damge resulting from improper operation will not be under our product warranty.
Two ways to save your system from failed overclocking...
Reboot
1. Press the Power button to reboot the system three times. Please note that, to
avoid electric current to affect other devices or components, we suggest an
interval of more than 10 seconds among the reboot actions.
2. At the fourth reboot, BIOS will determine that the previous overclocking is failed
and restore the default settings automatically. Please press any key to boot the
system normally when the following message appears on screen.
W arning !!! The previous performance of overclocking is failed,
and the system is restored to the defaults setting.
Please press any key to continue...
Clear CM OS
- Please refer to “chapter 2” for more information about how to clear CMOS data.
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M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Load Fail-Safe/Optimized Defaults
The two options on the main menu allow users to restore all of the BIOS settings to
the default Fail-Safe or Optimized values. The Optimized Defaults are the default
values set by the mainboard manufacturer specifically for optimal performance of the
mainboard. The Fail-Safe Defaults are the default values set by the BIOS vendor for
stable system performance.
W hen you select Load Fail-Safe Defaults, a message as below appears:
Pressing Y loads the BIOS default values for the most stable, minimal system
performance.
W hen you select Load Optimized Defaults, a message as below appears:
Pressing Y loads the default factory settings for optimal system performance.
3-26
BIOS Setup
BIOS Setting Password
W hen you select this function, a message as below will appear on the screen:
Type the password, up to six characters in length, and press <Enter>. The password
typed now will replace any previously set password from CMOS memory. You will be
prompted to confirm the password. Retype the password and press <Enter>. You
may also press <Esc> to abort the selection and not enter a password.
To clear a set password, just press <Enter> when you are prompted to enter the
password. A message will show up confirming the password will be disabled. Once
the password is disabled, the system will boot and you can enter Setup without
entering any password.
W hen a password has been set, you will be prompted to enter it every time you try to
enter Setup. This prevents an unauthorized person from changing any part of your
system configuration.
3-27
Introduction to DigiCell
Chapter 4. Intrpdictopm
Introduction to
to DigiCell
DigiCell
Introduction to DigiCell
DigiCell, the most useful and powerful utility that MSI has spent much
research and efforts to develop, helps users to monitor and configure all the
integrated peripherals of the s ystem, s uch as audio program, power
management, MP3 files management and communication / 802.11g W LAN
settings. Moreover, with this unique utility, you will be able to activate the MSI
well-known features, Live Update and Core Center, which makes it easier to
update the BIOS/drivers online, and to monitor the system hardware status
(CPU/Fan temperature and speed) or to overclock the CPU/memory.
Once you have your DigiCell installed (locate the setup source file in
the setup CD accompanying with your mainboard, path: Utility --> MSI Utility
--> MSI DigiCell), it will have an icon
in the system tray, a short cut icon
on the desktop, and a short cut path in your “Start-up” menu. You may doubleclick on each icon to enable DigiCell.
short-cut icon in the system tray
short-cut path in the start-up menu
(path: Start-->Programs-->MSI-->DigiCell)
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M S-7246MATX
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SI Feature
Main
Before using this utility, it is required to have all the integrated peripherals/cards (LAN
card, W ireless LAN card, MegaStick... etc.) and all the necessary drivers (onboard
LAN driver, audio driver, CoreCenter, Live Update... etc.) installed correctly.
The icon representing each item will be lit up if it is inserted/installed correctly and
properly. Otherwise, the icon will remain gray and user is not able to view the
functionality/connection of that item.
Introduction:
Click on each icon appearing above to enter the sub-menu to make further configuration.
M SI
Click on this button to link to MSI website:
http://www.msi.com.tw.
Quick Guide
Click on this button and the quick guide of DigiCell will be displayed for you
to review.
H/W Diagnostic
In this sub-menu, it provides the information of each DigiCell button for you to
check if the representing peripherals/cards/drivers are correctly installed.
Comm.
In this sub-menu, you can see the configuration details for communication
products, including the status, strength, speed and channel of the connection of the Ethernet LAN & W ireless LAN.
Software Access Point
In this sub-menu, you can change your connection mode, and configure the
advanced settings for each mode, such as the authentication encryption...
etc.
4-2
Introduction to DigiCell
Live Update
You can take advantage of Live Update to detect and update BIOS and
drivers online.
Core Center
You can take advantage of Core Center to monitor the health status of your
system and to overclock under W indows O S if your sys tem s upports
overclocking function.
M EGA STICK
If you have your MEGA STICK connected to your system, this icon will be lit
up. Click this blue icon to turn DigiCell into a MP3 player, and then you can load
media files from your MEGA STICK or the system, and edit the preferred
playlist.
Audio Speaker Setting
In this sub-menu, you can configure and test the multi-channel audio function,
speakers, sound effect and environment.
Power on Agent
In this sub-menu, you can configure date, time and auto-executed programs
of the power-on, power-off and restarting features.
MSI Reminds You...
Click on back button in every sub-menu and it will bring you back to the
main menu.
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SI Feature
H/W Diagnostic
In the H/W Diagnostic sub-menu, you can see the information, status and note of
each DigiCell. You may double check the connection and installation of the item
marked as gray.
You may also click on the Mail to MSI button to send your questions or suggestions
to MSI’s technical support staff.
4-4
Introduction to DigiCell
Communication
In the Communication sub-menu, you can see the status of all the LAN / W LAN /
Bluetooth on the screen if the hardware is installed. The first icon indicates the
onboard LAN on your system, the second icon indicates the wireless LAN status,
and the third one is the information about the bluetooth on your system. Click on each
item for details.
This icon indicates the information and connection status of onboard LAN,
which is read-only.
The second icon indicates the wireless connection. You may click this icon
to configure the advanced settings in the WLAN Card Mode dialogue box
(see the image on p.4-8). Please note that it is only available when the
Software Access Point is set to WLAN Card Mode.
The third icon indicates the connection using bluetooth devices. If your
system is connected to a bluetooth device, the icon will light up.
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SI Feature
Software Access Point
In the Software Access Point sub-menu, you can see the communication status on
your system and choose the desired software access point mode by clicking on the
desired icon. The default settings are configured for your usage. The default software access point mode is set to WLAN Card Mode. For more advanced security
settings and channels switching, click on “Setting” button to enter its sub-menu.
Terminology
Here are the introduction of W LAN / AP communication terminology.
WEP Key
In the wireless network environment, the administrator can set up password
(Network Key) to protect the network from being attacked or unauthorized
access. W hen building the network, you can set up 4 sets of W EP keys,
which can be 5 characters (10 hexadecimal digital) or 13 characters (26
hexadecimal digital) and specify one of them to use.
Ad-hoc M ode
An Ad-hoc network is a local area network or other small network, especially
one with wireless or temporary plug-in connections, in which some of the
network devices are part of the network only for the duration of a communications session. Users in the network can share files, print to a shared
printer, and access the Internet with a shared modem. In this kind of network,
new devices can be quickly added; however, users can only communicate
with other wireless LAN computers that are in this wireless LAN workgroup,
and are within range.
Infrastructure M ode
The difference between Infrastructure network and Ad-hoc network is that
the former one includes an Access Point. In an Infrastructure network, the
Access Point can manage the bandwidth to maximize bandwidth utilization.
Additionally, the Access Point enables users on a wireless LAN to access an
existing wired network, allowing wireless users to take advantage of the
wired networks resources, such as Internet, email, file transfer, and printer
sharing. The scale and range of the Infrastructure networking are larger and
wider than that of the Ad-hoc networking.
4-6
Introduction to DigiCell
Access Point Mode
Click on “Setting” button of the Access Point Mode and the following screen will
display.
IP Sharing
Click on this icon to enable/disable the IP sharing. The default of this setting is disabled.
Disabled.
Enabled.
Enabling/disabling IP sharing depends on the different situation. For example:
1. If your family and you are getting on Internet at home with multi computers, and
your ISP only provides one IP for you, you may need to enable IP Sharing
function in order to use this one IP to get on Internet with multi computers
simultaneously.
2. If you are getting on Internet in office, usually the LAN card will automatically get
the IP this computer uses. In this case you don’t have to enable this function.
SSID
Means Service Set Identifier, a unique name shared among all points in a wireless
network. It must be identical for all points in the network. Then the card will be able
to connect to an access point with the same SSID.
Channel
Specifies the operating radio frequency channel in Infrastructure mode, which
should be set to an available one (ex: with less traffic to ensure the stable and better
connection).
Associated Client List
This option is to display information of stations that are currently associated to your
wireless gateway.
Association Control
This option allows you to control which PC can connect to the wireless LAN. If you
enable this feature, only PCs with MAC address located in Association Control List
can connect to the wireless LAN.
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SI Feature
M AC Address
MAC stands for Media Access Control. A MAC address is the hardware address of
a device connected to a network.
Security
This option allows you to enable/disable the authentication function.
Authentication
Communicates the key across the network.
Open:
Shared: Devices must have identical W EP settings to communicate.
WLAN Card Mode
Click on “Setting” button of the WLAN Card Mode for the WEP status of your APs.
If the AP you are selecting (the highlighted one) is not encrypted (Disabled shown in
the Encryption column), the screen will display as below. You can click “Connect”
to make connection to that AP, click “Cancel” to close this dialogue box, or click
“Refresh” button to update the available W LAN connections.
If the network you are selecting is encrypted (WEP shown in the Encryption column),
the screen will display as below. You need to enter the correct W EP key defined by
AP in the specified WEP Key 1~4 fields to make the connection.
4-8
Introduction to DigiCell
Live Update
Click on the Live Update icon in the main menu and the Live Update program will be
enabled.
The Live Update 3™ is a tool used to detect and update your
BIOS/drivers/VGA BIOS/VGA Driver/Utility online so that you don’t
need to search for the correct BIOS/driver version throughout the
whole Web site. To use the function, you need to install the “MSI
Live Update 3” application. After the installation, the “MSI Live
Update 3” icon (as shown on the right) will appear on the screen.
Double click the “MSI Live Update 3” icon, and the following screen
will appear:
Several buttons are placed on the left column of the screen. Click the desired button
to start the update process.
Live BIOS – Updates the BIOS online.
Live Driver – Updates the drivers online.
Live VGA BIOS – Updates the VGA BIOS online.
Live VGA Driver – Updates the VGA driver online.
Live Utility – Updates the utilities online.
If the product you purchased does not support any of the functions listed above, a
“sorry” message is displayed. For more information on the update instructions, insert
the companion CD and refer to the “Live Update Guide” under the “Manual” Tab.
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SI Feature
MEGA STICK
In the MEGA STICK sub-menu, you can configure the settings of MSI MEGA STICK
and the media files (*.m3u, *.mp3, *.wav, *.cda, *.wma) on your system.
Basic Function
Here you can edit your own play list with the buttons “load”, “save”, “delete”,
“shuttle”, “repeat” & “print”.
Load
Save
Del ete
Shuffle
Repeat
Print
4-10
To load media files or the playlist of mp3 files (*.m3u) on your system or
on your MEGA STICK.
To save a loaded playlist of mp3 files (*.m3u) on your system or on
your MEGA STICK.
Click on the media files in the Play List: field and use “Delete” button
to remove the media file from the play list. You may remove multi media
files simultaneously by using “Ctrl” to select multi files.
To play the media file in the Play List: in a random order.
To repeat the selected files in the Play List:.
This button has 2 functions:
1. To print out the details of current play list through your printer with
the following information:
Song title --- Song length --- Singer name
2. To save the details of current play list and save the file in the plain
text file format in the \\Program files\MSI\DigiCell\MyMusic.txt for
your reference. The MyMusic.txt file is with the following information:
Song title --- Song length --- Singer name
Introduction to DigiCell
There is also a toolbar for you to execute some basic function, like play, stop, pause,
previous/next song, song info and volume adjust. There is also a scroll bar on the top
for you to forward/rewind.
previous
pause
next
forward/rewind
bar
stop
song’s information
play
Right-click on the MP3 file and choose “Info”, a MP3 Info dialogue
will pop up to show the information of the file, including the title, artist,
album, release year and others. You may also add your own comment
in the comment field. Then click “Save” to save the changes, click
“Cancel” to discard the changes, or click “Remove” to remove all
information.
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SI Feature
Non-Unicode programs supported
If you are using an operating system in European languages, and you’d like to play the
media files in MEGA STICK with East-Asian languages (such as Chinese, Japanese...
etc.), it is possible that the file names will display incorrectly.
You can install the Supplemental Language Support provided by Microsoft to
solve this problem. You need to have your Microsoft Setup CD prepared in the CDROM. The system will start to install the necessary components after the settings are
configured here. Follow the steps described below.
1. Go to [Control Panel] and choose [Regional and Languages Options].
2. Go to the [Languages] tab and enable the check box of [Install files for East
Asian languages]. A dialogue box will pop up to remind you the above selection
is chosen.
4-12
Introduction to DigiCell
3. Then go to the [Advanced] tab and select the language you want to be
supported (the language of the filename in the MegaStick) from the dropdown list in the [Language for non-Unicode programs], then click [Apply]. The
system will install the necessary components from your Microsoft Setup CD
immediately.
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SI Feature
Core Center
Click on the Core Center icon in the main menu and the Core Center program will
be enabled.
CoreCenter is just like your PC doctor that can detect, view and adjust the PC
hardware and system status during real time operation.
In the left side it shows the current system status including the Vcore, 3.3V, +5V and
12V. In the right side it shows the current PC hardware status such as the CPU &
system temperatures and all fans speeds.
W hen you click the red triangles in the left and right sides, two sub-menus will open
for users to adjust the thresholds of system to send out the warning messages.
4-14
Introduction to DigiCell
Left-wing: Current system status
In the left sub-menu, you can configure the settings of FSB, Vcore, Memory Voltage
and AGP Voltage by clicking the radio button next to each item and make it available
(the radio button will be lighted as yellow when selected), use the “+” and “-” buttons
to adjust, then click “OK” to apply the changes. Then you can click “Save” to save
the values you just configured.
Also you may click “Auto” to start testing the maximum CPU overclocking value. The
CPU FSB will automatically increase the testing value until the PC reboots. Or you may
click “Default” to restore the default values.
Right-wing: PC hardware status during real time operation
In the right sub-menu, you can configure the PC hardware status such as CPU &
system temperatures and fan speeds. You may use the scroll bars to adjust each
item, then click “OK” to apply the changes. The values you set for the temperatures
are the maximum thresholds for the system warnings, and the value for fan speeds
are the minimum thresholds.
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SI Feature
Power on Agent
In the Power on Agent sub-menu, you can configure setting of power-on, poweroff and restarting status.
In the screen below, you can set the date, time, start-up programs respectively for
power-on, power-off and restarting.
Power On
Here are the available settings for Power On function:
Date
Use the drop-down list to select the date for power-on.
T im e
Use the arrow keys to select the hour/minute/second for power-on,
power-off and restarting. Then click “Apply” to save the changes. As
you click “Apply”, the following dialogue will appear to show you the
next power-on schedule, and the system will start to count down to
restart. Click “OK” to restart the computer right away or click “Later”
to restart your computer later.
MSI Reminds You...
Please note that the new setting will not take effect until you restart your
computer.
4-16
Introduction to DigiCell
Power Off / Restart
You may configure the time (in the format hh:mm:ss) for the next power-off / restart.
Start With
Use the button “+Add” to add the start-up programs as DigiCell is activated next time. For example,
you may like to have Outlook activated or a specified website linked when you get to the office every
morning.
Step 1: Click on the Program: field and click “>>
add the desired start” button to browse for the path of Outwith program
look or Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on “OK” to apply the setting.
Step 3: For specified file or specified website,
you may enter the file name with the complete path or the website link in the Parameters: field.
To activate Outlook as DigiCell
To activate a specified website
is enabled next time
as DigiCell is enabled next time
Of course you may use the button “-Delete” to remove the added programs, or you
can right-click on the selected program and click Delete.
delete the added program
MSI Reminds You...
You can also enable the Every turn on function, which will enable the
specified program(s) and file(s) every time the Digi Cell utility runs.
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SI Feature
Auto Login
Since the Power On function allows the system to power on automatically, you may
have to enable this Auto Login function in the following situations:
1. If you are using a computer belonging to a domain in office, and you need to
enter your user name & password everytime when you boot up your computer.
2. If there are multi users using the same computer and you’d like to power on the
computer automatically with one specific user.
Enable Auto Login
Enable this setting if you want to use the Auto Login feature. It supports the
following operating systems: W in9X, W indows ME, W indows 2000 & W indows XP.
Default User Name
It is only available for W indows 2000 & W indows XP.
-- If you are using a computer belonging to a domain in office, please enter your
login user name in this field.
-- If you are using a computer with multi users (for Windows XP operating system),
please enter the user name you’d like to auto power-on in this field.
Default Password
It is only available for W indows 2000 & W indows XP.
-- If you are using a computer belonging to a domain in office, please enter your
login password in this field.
-- If you are using a computer with multi-users (for Windows XP operating system),
please enter the password for the user name you’d like to auto power-on in
this field.
4-18
Introduction to Intel ICH7R SATA RAID
Chapter 5. Intel ICH7R SATA
RAID Introduction
Intel ICH7R SATA RAID
Introduction
The optional southbridge ICH7R provides a hybrid solution that combines four independent SATAII ports for support of up to four Serial ATAII
(Serial ATAII RAID) drives.
Serial ATAII (SATAII) is the latest generation of the ATA interface.
SATA hard drives deliver blistering transfer speeds up to 3 Gb/sec. Serial
ATA uses long, thin cables, making it easier to connect your drive and
improving the airflow inside your PC. The most outstanding features are:
1. Supports 3 Gb/s transfers with CRC error checking.
2. Supports Hot-plug-n-play feature.
3. Data handling optimizations including tagged command queuing,
elevator seek and packet chain command.
Intel® ICH7R offers RAID level 0 (Striping), RAID level 1 (Mirroring
and Duplexing), RAID level 5 (Block Interleaved Distributed Parity), RAID
level 10 (A Stripe of Mirrors) and Intel® Martix Storage Technology.
RAID 0 breaks the data into blocks which are written to separate
hard drives. Spreading the hard drive I/O load across independent channels greatly improves I/O performance. RAID 1 provides data redundancy
by mirroring data between the hard drives and provides enhanced read
performance. RAID 5 Provides data striping at the byte level and also stripe
error correction information. This results in excellent performance and good
fault tolerance. Level 5 is one of the most popular implementations of RAID.
RAID 10 Not one of the original RAID levels, multiple RAID 1 mirrors are
created, and a RAID 0 stripe is created over these. Intel Matrix RAID
Technology is the advanced ability for two RAID volumes to share the
combined space of two hard drives being used in unison.
MSI Reminds You...
The minimum number of hard drives for RAID 0, RAID 1 or Matrix mode
is 2. The minimum number of hard drives for RAID 10 mode is 4. And
the minimum number of hard drives for RAID 5 mode is 3.
All the information/volumes listed in your system might differ from the
illustrations in this appendix.
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BIOS Configuration
The Intel Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM should be integrated with the system
BIOS on all motherboards with a supported Intel chipset. The Intel Matrix Stroage
Manager Option ROM is the Intel RAID implementation and provides BIOS and DOS
disk services. Please use <Ctrl> + <I> keys to enter the “Intel(R) RAID for Serial ATA”
status screen, which should appear early in system boot-up, during the POST
(Power-On Self Test). Also, you need to enable the RAID function in BIOS (please
refer to “Chapter 3” SATA Mode <RAID> for details) to create, delete and reset RAID
volumes.
Using the Intel Matrix Stroage Manager Option ROM
1. Creating, Deleting and Resetting RAID Volumes:
The Serial ATA RAID volume may be configured using the RAID Configuration utility
stored within the Intel RAID Option ROM. During the Power-On Self Test (POST), the
following message will appear for a few seconds:
MSI Reminds You...
The “Driver Model”, “Serial #” and “Size” in the following example might
be different from your system.
After the above message shows, press <Ctrl> and <I> keys simultaneously
to enter the RAID Configuration Utility.
MSI Reminds You...
The following procedure is only available with a newly-built system or if
you are reinstalling your OS. It should not be used to migrate an existing system to RAID.
5-2
Introduction to Intel ICH7R SATA RAID
After pressing the <Ctrl> and <I> keys simultaneously, the following window will
appear:
(1) Create RAID Volume
1.
2.
Select option 1 “Create RAID Volume” and press <Enter> key. The following
screen appears. Then in the Name field, specify a RAID Volume name and
then press the <TAB> or <Enter> key to go to the next field.
Use the arrow keys to select the RAID level best suited to your usage model
in RAID Level.
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M S-7246 ATX M ainboard
3.
In the Disk field, press <Enter> key and the following screen appears. Use
<Space> key to select the disks you want to create for the RAID volume, then
click <Enter> key to finish selection.
4.
Then select the strip value for the RAID array by using the “upper arrow” or
“down arrow” keys to scroll through the available values, and pressing the
<Enter> key to select and advance to the next field. The available values
range from 4KB to 128 KB in power of 2 increments. The strip value should be
chosen based on the planned drive usage. Here are some typical values:
RAID0 – 128KB
RAID10 – 128KB
RAID5 – 64KB
Then select the capacity of the volume in the Capacity field. The default
value is the maximum volume capacity of the selected disks.
5.
5-4
Introduction to Intel ICH7R SATA RAID
MSI Reminds You...
Since you want to create two volumes (Intel Matrix RAID Technology),
this default size (maximum) needs to be reduced. Type in a new size for
the first volume. As an example: if you want the first volume to span the
first half of the two disks, re-type the size to be half of what is shown by
default. The second volume, when created, will automatically span the
remainder of two hard drives.
6. Then the following screen appears for you to confirm if you are sure to
create the RAID volume. Press <Y> to continue.
7. Then the following screen appears to indicate that the creation is finished.
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(2) Delete RAID Volume
Here you can delete the RAID volume, but please be noted that all data on RAID
drives will be lost.
MSI Reminds You...
If your system currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume
in the Intel RAID Option ROM, your system will become unbootable.
Select option 2 Delete RAID Volume from the main menu window and press
<Enter> key to select a RAID volume for deletion. Then press <Delete> key to delete
the selected RAID volume. The following screen appears.
Press <Y> key to accept the volume deletion.
5-6
Introduction to Intel ICH7R SATA RAID
(3) Reset Disks to Non-RAID
Select option 3 Reset Disks to Non-RAID and press <Enter> to delete the RAID
volume and remove any RAID structures from the drives. The following screen
appears:
Press <Y> key to accept the selection.
MSI Reminds You...
1. You will lose all data on the RAID drives and any internal RAID
structures when you perform this operation.
2. Possible reasons to ‘Reset Disks to Non-RAID’ could include issues
such as incompatible RAID configurations or a failed volume or
failed disk.
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Installing Software
Install Driver in Windows XP / 2000
† New Windows XP / 2000 Installation
The following details the installation of the drivers while installing W indows XP /
2000.
1. Start the installation:
Boot from the CD-ROM. Press F6 when the message "Press F6 if you need
to install third party SCSI or RAID driver" appears.
2. W hen the W indows XP Setup window is generated, press S to specify an
Additional Device(s).
3. Insert the driver diskette Intel IAA RAID XP Driver For ICH7R (NH82801GR)
into drive A: and press <Enter>.
4. Choose the driver Intel(R) 82801GR SATA RAID Controller from the dropdown list that appears on W indows XP Setup screen, and press the <Enter>
key.
5. Press <Enter> to continue with installation or if you need to specify any
additional devices to be installed, do so at this time. Once all devices are
specified, press <Enter> to continue with installation.
6. From the W indows XP/2000 Setup screen, press the <Enter> key. Setup will
now load all device files and then continue the Windows XP/2000 installation.
† Existing Windows XP/2000 Driver Installation
1. Insert the MSI CD into the CD-ROM drive.
2. The CD will auto-run and the setup screen will appear.
3. Under the Driver tab, click on Intel IAA RAID Edition.
4. The drivers will be automatically installed.
† Confirming Windows XP/2000 Driver Installation
1. From W indows XP/2000, open the Control Panel from My Computer followed by the System icon.
2. Choose the Hardware tab, then click the Device M anager tab.
3. Click the "+" in front of the SCSI and RAID Controllers hardware type. The
driver Intel(R) NH82801GR SATAII RAID Controller should appear.
5-8
Introduction to Intel ICH7R SATA RAID
Installation of Intel Matrix Stroage Console
The Intel Application Accelerator RAID Edition driver may be used to operate
the hard drive from which the system is booting or a hard drive that contains important data. For this reason, you cannot remove or un-install this driver from the system
after installation; however, you will have the ability to un-install all other non-driver
components.
Insert the MSI CD and click on the Intel IAA RAID Edition to install the software.
Click on this item
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The InstallShield Wizard will begin automatically for installation showed as
following:
Click on the Next button to proceed the installation in the welcoming window.
5-10
Introduction to Intel ICH7R SATA RAID
The window shows the components to be installed. Click Next button to continue.
After reading the license agreement in the following window, click Yes button to
continue.
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Select the folder in which you want the program to be installed in the following
window, and click Next button to start installation.
Select a program folder in the following window where you want Setup to add the
program icon.
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Introduction to Intel ICH7R SATA RAID
The following window appears to show the Intel Application Accelerator RAID
Edition Setup installation status.
Once the installation is complete, the following window appears.
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RAID Migration Instructions
The Intel Matrix Storage Console offers the flexibility to upgrade from a single
Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive to RAID configuration when an additional SATA hard
drive is added to the system. This process will create a new RAID volume from an
existing disk. However, several important steps must be followed at the time the
system is first configured in order to take advantage of RAID when upgrading to a
second SATA hard drive:
1. BIOS must be configured for RAID before installing W indows XP on the
single SATA hard drive. Refer to SATA Devices Configuration for properly setting of the BIOS.
2. Install the Intel Application Accelerator RAID Driver during W indows Setup.
Refer to Installing Software for instructions on installing the driver
during W indows Setup.
3. Install the Intel Matrix Storage Console after the operating system is installed.
To create a volume from an existing disk, complete the following steps:
MSI Reminds You...
A Create from Existing Disk operation will delete all existing data
from the added disk and the data cannot be recovered. It is critical to
backup all important data on the added disk before proceeding. However,
during the migration process, the data on the source disk is preserved.
After the Intel Matrix Storage Console has been successfully installed and
the system has rebooted, click on the Intel Application Accelerator shortcut link (Start
--> All Programs --> Intel M atrix Storage M anager --> Intel Matrix Storage
Console) and the following window will appear:
5-14
Introduction to Intel ICH7R SATA RAID
Create RAID Volume from Existing Disk
To create a RAID volume from an existing disk, choose Action --> Create
RAID Volume from Existing Hard Drive.
The Create RAID Volume from Existing Hard Drive Wizard pops up to lead
you for the following procedure. Click Next to continue.
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M S-7246 ATX M ainboard
(1) Step 1: Configure Volume
Here you can configure the new RAID volume by entering the volume name,
selecting the RAID level and strip size.
† RAID Volume Name:
A desired RAID volume name needs to be typed in where the ‘RAID_Volume0’ text
currently appears above. The RAID volume name has a maximum limit of 16 characters.
The RAID volume name must also be in English alphanumeric ASCII characters.
† RAID Level:
Select the desired RAID level:
RAID 0 (Performance) – A volume optimized for performance will allow you to
access your data more quickly.
RAID 1 (Redundancy) – A volume optimized for data redundancy will provide
you with a realtime duplicate copy of your data. Note:
Only half of the available volume space will be available for data storage.
RAID 5 (Useful) –
RAID 5 can be used on three or more disks, with zero
or more spare-disks. The resulting RAID-5 device size
will be (N-1)*S, where N is the how many drive, S is the
size of the smallest drive in the array. If one of the disks
fail, all data are still intact. It can rebuild the disk from
the parity information. If spare disks are available,
reconstruction will begin immediately after the device
failure. If two disks fail simultaneously, all data are lost.
RAID-5 can survive one disk failure, but not two or
more. Both read and wri te perf ormanc e us ually
increase, but can be hard to predict how much. Reads
are similar to RAID-0 reads, writes can be either rather
5-16
Introduction to Intel ICH7R SATA RAID
expensive (requiring read-in prior to write, in order to
be able to calculate the correct parity information), or
similar to RAID-1 writes. The write efficiency depends
heavily on the amount of memory in the machine, and
the usage pattern of the array. Heavily scattered writes
are bound to be more expensive.
RAID 10 (Mirrored Stripes) – A RAID 1 array of two RAID 0 arrays.
† Strip Sizes:
Select the desired strip size setting. As indicated, the optimal setting is 128KB. Selecting any other option may result in performance degradation. Even though 128KB
is the recommended setting for most users, you should choose the strip size value
which is best suited to your specific RAID usage model. The most typical strip size
settings are:
4KB: For specialized usage models requiring 4KB strips
8KB: For specialized usage models requiring 8KB strips
16KB: Best for sequential transfers
32KB: Good for sequential transfers
64KB: Good general purpose strip size
128KB: Best performance for most desktops and workstations
(2) Select the source disk
Then select the source disk that you wish to use and then click “--->” to
move it to the Selected field. Then click Next to continue.
It is very important to note which disk is the source disk (the one containing all
of the information to be migrated) and which one is the target disk. On a RAID Ready
system, this can be determined by making a note during POST of which port (e.g. Port
0 or Port 1) the single disk is attached to.
You can also use the Intel Application Accelerator RAID Edition utility before
the second disk is installed to verify the Port and serial number of the drive that
contains all the data.
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(3) Select Member Hard Drive(s)
Then select the member disk (the target disk) that you wish to use and then
click “--->” to move it to the Selected field. Then click Next to continue.
Please note that the existing data on the selected hard drive(s) will be deleted
permanently. Do not forget to back up all the important data before continuing.
5-18
Introduction to Intel ICH7R SATA RAID
(4) Specify Volume Size
Specify the amount of available array space to be used by the new RAID
volume. You may enter the amount in the space or use the slider to specify. It is
recommended you use 100% of the available space for the optimized usage. For
RAID 0 volume, if you do not specify 100% of the hard drive space, the rest hard
drive space will be worked as RAID 1 volume, which is the new technology called
Intel Matrix RAID. Then click Next to continue.
(5) Start Creating RAID Volume from Existing Hard Drive Wizard
Before you continue the procedure of RAID volume creation from existing
hard drive, read the dialogue box below carefully. Please note that once you click
Finish, the existing data on the selected hard drive(s) will be deleted permanently
and this operation cannot be undone. It is critical that you backup all important data
before selecting Finish to start the migration process.
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(6) Start Migration
The migration process may take up to two hours to complete depending on
the size of the disks being used and the strip size selected. A dialogue window will
appear stating that the migration process may take considerable time to complete,
meanwhile a popup dialogue at the taskbar will also show the migration status. W hile
you can still continue using your computer during the migration process, once the
migration process starts, it cannot be stopped. If the migration process gets interrupted and your system is rebooted for any reason, it will pick up the migration
process where it left off. You will be provided with an estimated completion time (the
remaining time will depend on your system) once the migration process starts.
T he following sc reen appears if the migration proc es s is c ompleted
successfully. Then you have to reboot your system to use the full capacity of the
new volume.
5-20
Introduction to Intel ICH7R SATA RAID
Degraded RAID Array
A RAID 1, RAID 5 or RAID 10 volume is reported as degraded when one of its
hard drive members fails or istemporarily disconnected, and data mirroring is lost. As
a result, the system can only utilize the remaining functional hard drive member. To
re-establish data mirroring and restore data redundancy, refer to the procedure
below that corresponds to the current situation.
Missing Hard Drive Member
1. Make sure the system is powered off.
2. Reconnect the hard drive.
3. Reboot the system to W indows; the rebuild will occur automatically.
Failed Hard Drive Member
1. Make sure the system is powered off.
2. Replace the failed hard drive with a new one that is of equal or greater
capacity.
3. Reboot the system to Intel RAID Option ROM by press <Ctrl> and <I> keys
simultaneously during the Power-On Self Test (POST).
4. Select the port of the destination disk for rebuilding, and then press ENTER.
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5. Exit Intel RAID Option ROM, and then reboot to W indows system.
6. W hen prompted to rebuild the RAID volume, click 'Yes'.
7.The Intel(R) Storage Utility will be launched. Right-click the new hard drive and
select 'Rebuild to this Disk'. The 'Rebuild W izard' will be launched which will
guide you through the process of rebuilding to the new hard drive.
5-22
JM icron RAID Introduction
Chapter 6. JMicron RAID
Introduction
JMicron RAID Introduction
JMicron’s RAID provides Serial ATA RAID 0 (Striping) , RAID 1 (Mirroring) and
JBOD functionality to enhance the industry’s leading PCI Express-to-SATAII &
PATA host controller products. Two major challenges facing the storage industry today are (1): keeping pace with the increasing performance demands of
computer systems by improving disk I/O throughput, and (2): providing data
accessibility in the face of hard disk failures while utilizing full disk capacity.
JMicron PCI Express-to-SATAII/ PATA provide 1 SATAII port and 1 PATA port
with RAID to slove both of these problems.
t
MSI Reminds You...
All the information/pictures illustrations in this chapter might differ
from the listed in your system.
6-1
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Introduction
RAID - Redundant Array of Independent Disks
RAID technology manages multiple disk drives to enhance I/O performance and provide redundancy in order to withstand the failure of any individual member, without
loss of data. RAID provides two RAID Set types, Striping (RAID 0) and Mirroring (RAID
1).
RAID 0 (Striping)
Striping is a performance-oriented, non-redundant data mapping technique. W hile
Striping is discussed as a RAID Set type, it actually does not provide fault tolerance.
Striping arrays use multiple disks to form a larger virtual disk.
RAID 1 (Mirroring)
Disk mirroring creates an identical twin for a selected disk by having the data simultaneously written to two disks. This redundancy provides instantaneous protection
from a single disk failure. If a read failure occurs on one drive, the system reads the
data from the other drive.
JBOD (Concatenate)
JBOD provides a method for combining drives of different sizes into one large disk
6-2
JM icron RAID Introduction
Creating and Deleting RAID sets with BIOS Utility
Be sure to set RAID mode for the Onboard JMB361 Mode of Integrated Peripherals in BIOS before configuring the JMicron BIOS utility. After that press F10 to save
the configuration and exit. During boot up (POST), press CTRL+J to enter the JMicorn
BIOS RAID utility.
The RAID Utility menu screen will be displayed. A brief description of each section is
presented below.
M ain M enu
The Main Menu in the upper left corner is used to choose the operation to be
performed. The selections are:
Create RAID set - is used to create a new legacy RAID set.
Delete RAID set - is used to delete a legacy RAID set.
Revert HDD to non-RAID - is used to revert an existed-RAID HDD to non-RAID.
Save And Exit Setup - save all settings and exit the BIOS utility.
Exit W ithout Saving - exit the BIOS utiltiy without any saving.
Hard Disk Driver List
The menu shows the model number and capacities of the drives physically
attached to the SATAII & PATA ports.
RAID Disk Driver List
The menu shows the current configuration of RAID set.
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M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Creating RAID set
1. Select “Create RAID Disk Drive”. Then press <Enter>.
2. Then in the Name field, specify a RAID set name and then press the <Enter> to go
to the next field.
3. Choose a 0-Striped, a 1-Mirror, or a JBOD-Concatenate combination set and then
press <Enter> to go to the next step.
6-4
JM icron RAID Introduction
4. In the Hard Disk Disk List menu, use <Space> key to select the disks you want
to create for the RAID set, then click <Enter> key to finish selection.
5. Then select the strip value for the RAID array by using the “upper arrow” or “down
arrow” keys to scroll through the available values, and pressing the <Enter> key to
select and advance to the next field. The available values range from 4KB to 128 KB.
The default and typical value for RAID 0 is 128KB. (This field only available for RAID
0 mode.)
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M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
6. Then select the capacity of the RAID set in the Size field. The default value is the
maximum capacity of the selected disks. Then press <Enter> to the Confirm Creation
field.
7. The Creation field will display a message to ask you to confirm the creation. Then
press <Y> key to proceed with the RAID set creation.
8. Then the following screen appears to indicate that the creation is finished.
8. Go to the Save And Exit Setup field and press <Enter>, a message will display to
ask you to confirm the setup. Then press <Y> key to save the setting and exit the
BIOS utility.
6-6
JM icron RAID Introduction
Deleting RAID set
1. Select “Delete RAID Disk Drive”. Then press <Enter>.
2. In the RAID Disk Driver List menu, use <Space> key to select the RAID set you
want to delete. Then press <Del> key.
3. Press “Y” to accept the deletion when a deletion message is appeared.
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M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Revert HDD to non-RAID
Select Revert HDD to non-RAID and press <Enter>. In the Hard Disk Driver List
menu use <Space> key to select the disks you want to revert then click <Enter> key.
The following screen appears, press <Y> key to remove any RAID structures from
the drives.
MSI Reminds You...
1. You will lose all data on the RAID drives and any internal RAID structures
when you perform this operation.
2. Possible reasons to ‘Revert HDD to non-RAID’ could include issues
such as incompatible RAID configurations or a failed volume or failed
disk.
6-8
JM icron RAID Introduction
Installing the RAID Driver (For bootable RAID array)
Install Driver in Windows XP / 2000
† New Windows XP / 2000 Installation
The following details the installation of the drivers while installing W indows XP /
2000.
1. Start the installation:
Boot from the CD-ROM. Press F6 when the message "Press F6 if you
need to install third party SCSI or RAID driver" appears.
2. W hen the W indows XP/2000 Setup window is generated, press <S> key to
specify an Additional Device(s).
3. Insert the driver diskette JMicron RAID Driver For Win2K/XP driver
into drive A: and press <Enter>.
MSI Reminds You...
The Silicon Image JMicron RAID Driver Installation Disk should be
accompanied in the mainboard package. You may make the Serial ATA
RAID driver by yourself by following the instruction below.
1. Insert the MSI CD into the CD-ROM drive.
2. Click the “Browse CD” botton on the Setup Screen.
3. Copy all the contents in the \\IDE \ JMicron \ Floppy to a formatted
floppy disk.
4. The driver disk for JM icron RAID Controller is done.
4. Choose the driver JM icron RAID Controller that appears on W indows
XP/2000 Setup screen, and press the <Enter> key.
5. Press <Enter> to continue with installation or if you need to specify any
additional devices to be installed, do so at this time. Once all devices are
specified, press <Enter> to continue with installation.
6. From the W indows XP/2000 Setup screen, press the <Enter> key. Setup
will now load all device files and then continue the W indows XP/2000
installation.
† Installing OS on RAID Drive
1. After setup examines your disks, it will copy files to W indows installation
folders and restart the system.
2. The setup program will continue and finish the installation after restarting.
3. W ait until W indows XP/2000 finishes installing devices, regional settings,
networking settings, components, and final set of tasks, then reboot the
system if necessary.
† Confirming Windows XP/2000 Driver Installation
1. From W indows XP/2000, open the Control Panel from My Computer
followed by the System icon.
2. Choose the Hardware tab, then click the Device M anager tab.
3. Click the "+" in front of the SCSI and RAID Controllers hardware type.
The driver should appear.
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JMicron Raid Configurer
There is an application called JMicron Raid Configurer which helps you perform the
following tasks of nVDIA RAID.
• Viewing RAID Array Configurations
View an array configuration (mirrored, striped)
• Creating RAID Arrays
• Deleting a RAID Array
Viewing RAID Array Configurations
To view your RAID configuration from W indows, launch the JMicron Raid Configurer
utility by clicking =>Programs => JMicron Technology Corp => JMRaid Tool.
Left-click the “Show Disks” button and the information of all hard disks will display
on the right side of the window.
MSI Reminds You...
The information in the figures in this part may very from what it is shown
in your system.
6-10
JM icron RAID Introduction
Creating RAID
JMRaidTool supports the creation of RAID 0 and 1.
1. Left-click the “New Disk Array” button.
2. A wizard dialogue will display on the screen, following the description of every
step to complete the creation.
Deleting RAID
1. Right-click the name of the disk array you want to delete and the “Remove” menu
will appear.
2. A warning message appears to remind you that the data will be lost. Press the
“Yes” button if you really want to delete the disk array.
6-11
Introduction to Realtek ALC 883
Chapter 7.
Chapter
4.
Introduction
ALC883
to
Chapter
4.Realtek
Itroduction
to
Introduction
DigiCell
Realtek
ALC880
Realtek ALC883
Introduction
The mainboard is equipped with Realtek ALC883 chip, which provides support for 7.1+2 channel audio output, including 2 Front, 2 Rear, 2 Side, 1
Center, 1 Subwoofer and 2 Front Pannel channel. ALC883 allows the board
to attach 2, 4, 6 or 8 speakers for better surround sound effect. The section
will tell you how to install and use 2-, 4-, 6- or 8-channel audio function on
the board.
7-1
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Installing the Realtek HD Audio Driver
You need to install the driver for Realtek ALC883 codec to function properly before
you can get access to 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- channel audio operations. Follow the procedures described below to install the drivers for different operating systems.
Installation for Windows 2000/XP
For W indows ® 2000, you must install W indows ® 2000 Service Pack4 or later
before installing the driver. And for W indows ® XP, you must install W indows ® XP
Service Pack1 or later before installing the driver.
The following illustrations are based on Windows ® XP environment and could
look slightly different if you install the drivers in different operating systems.
1. Insert the companion CD into the CD-ROM drive. The setup screen will automatically appear.
2. Click Realtek HD Audio Driver.
Click here
MSI Reminds You...
The HD Audio Configuration
software utility is under continuous
update to enhance audio applications. Hence, the program screens
shown here in this appendix may be slightly different from the latest
software utility and shall be held for reference only.
7-2
Introduction to Realtek ALC 883
3. Click Next to install the Realtek High Definition Audio Driver.
Click here
4. Click Finish to restart the system.
Select this
option
Click here
7-3
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Software Configuration
After installing the audio driver, you are able to use the 2-, 4-, 6- or 8- channel
audio feature now. Click the audio icon
from the system tray at the lower-right
corner of the screen to activate the HD Audio Configuration. It is also available to
enable the audio driver by clicking the Azalia HD Sound Effect Manager from the
Control Panel.
Double click
7-4
Introduction to Realtek ALC 883
Sound Effect
Here you can select a sound effect you like from the Environment list.
Load EQ Setting
Reset EQ Setting
EQ Setting On/Off
Save Preset
Delete EQ
Setting
You may choose the provided sound effects, and the equalizer will adjust
automatically. If you like, you may also load an equalizer setting or make an new
equalizer setting to save as an new one by using the “Load EQ Setting” and “Save
Preset” button, click “Reset EQ Setting” button to use the default value, or click
“Delete EQ Setting” button to remove a preset EQ setting.
There are also other pre-set equalizer models for you to choose by clicking
“Others” under the Equalizer part.
Environment Simulation
You will be able to enjoy different sound experience by pulling down the arrow, totally
23 kinds of sound effect will be shown for selection. Realtek HD Audio Sound Manager
also provides five popular settings “Stone Corridor”, “Bathroom”, “Sewer pipe”, “Arena”
and “Audio Corridor” for quick enjoyment.
7-5
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Equalizer Selection
Equalizer frees users from default settings; users may create their owned
preferred settings by utilizing this tool.
10 bands of equalizer, ranging from 100Hz to 16KHz.
Save
The settings are saved
permanently for future
Reset
10 bands of equalizer
would go back to the
use
default setting
Enable / Disable
To disable, you can
temporarily stop the
sound effect without
losing the settings
Lo ad
W henever you would like to
use preload settings, simply
click this, the whole list will
be shown for your
selection.
Delete
To delete the pre-saved settings which are created from previous steps.
7-6
Introduction to Realtek ALC 883
Frequently Used Equalizer Setting
Realtek HD Audio Sound Manager provides you certain optimized equalizer settings
that are frequently used for your quick enjoyment.
[How to Use It]
Other than the buttons “Pop” “Live” “Club” & “Rock” shown on the page, to pull down
the arrow in “Others” , you will find more optimized settings available to you.
Karaoke M ode
Karaoke mode brings Karaoke fun back home. Simply using the music you
usually play, Karaoke mode can help you eliminate the vocal of the song or adjust the
key to accommodate your range.
1.Vocal Cancellation: Single click on “Voice Cancellation”, the vocal of the song would
be eliminated, while the background music is still in place, and you can be that singer!
2.Key Adjustment: Using “Up / Down Arrow” to find a key which better fits your vocal
range.
Remov e the
Raise the key
human voice
Lower the key
7-7
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Mixer
In the Mixer part, you may adjust the volumes of the rear and front panels
individually.
1. Playback
You can adjust the volume of the speakers that you pluged in front or rear
panel by select the Realtek HD Audio rear output or Realtek HD Audio front
output items.
MSI Reminds You...
Before set up, please make sure the playback devices are well plugged
in the jacks on the rear or front panel. The Realtek HD Audio front
output item will appear after you pluging the speakers into the jacks on
the front panel.
2. Multi-Stream Function
ALC883 supports an outstanding feature called Multi-Stream, which means
you may play different audio sources simultaneously and let them output respectively
from the indicated real panel or front panel. This feature is very helpful when 2
people are using the same computer together for different purposes.
Click the
button and the Mixer ToolBox menu will appear. Then check the
Enable playback multi-streaming and click OK to save the setup.
MSI Reminds You...
If you use AC97 front panel, the device have to be plugged into the jacks
on the panel before enable the multi-stream function.
7-8
Introduction to Realtek ALC 883
W hen you are playing the first audio source (for example: use W indows
Media Player to play DVD/VCD), the output will be played from the rear panel, which
is the default setting.
Then you must to select the Realtek HD Audio front output from the
scroll list first, and use a different program to play the second audio source (for
example: use W inamp to play MP3 files). You will find that the second audio source
(MP3 music) will come out from the Line-Out audio jack of Front Panel.
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M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
3. Playback control
Playback device
Tool
Mute
This function is to let you freely decide which ports to
output the sound. And this is essential when multistreaming playback enabled.
- Realtek HD Audio Rear Output
- Realtek HD Audio Front Output
M u te
You may choose to mute single or multiple volume controls or to completely mute sound
output.
Tool
- Show the following volume controls
This is to let you freely decide which volume control items to be displayed, total 13 items
to be chosen.
- Advanced controls
- Enable playback multi-streaming
W ith this function, you will be able to have an audio chat with your friends via headphone (stream 1 from front panel) while still have music (stream 2 from back panel) in
play. At any given period, you can have maximum 2 streams operating simultaneously.
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Introduction to Realtek ALC 883
4. Recording control
Tool
Mute
M u te
Recording device
-Back Line in/Mic, Front Lin in
-Realtek HD Audio Digital Input
You may choose to mute single or multiple volume controls or to completely mute sound
input.
Tool
- Show the following volume controls
This is to let you freely decide which volume control items to be displayed.
- Advanced controls.
Advanced control is a “Microphone Boost” icon.
Once this item is checked, you will find “advanced” icon beside “Front Pink In” & “Mic
Volume”. With this, the input signal into “Front Pink In” & “Mic Volume” will be
strengthen.
- Enable recording multi-streaming
MSI Reminds You...
ALC883 allows you to record the CD, Line, Mic and Stereo Mix channels
simultaneously, frees you from mixing efforts. At any given period, you
may choose 1 of following 4 channels to record.
7-11
M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Audio I/O
In this tab, you can easily configure your multi-channel audio function and
speakers.
You can choose a desired multi-channel operation here.
a. Headphone for the common headphone
b. 2CH Speaker for Stereo-Speaker Output
c. 4CH Speaker for 4-Speaker Outputc.
d. 6CH Speaker for 5.1-Speaker Output
e. 8CH Speaker for 8-Speaker Output (default setting)
Realtek HD Audio Manager frees you from default speaker settings. Different from
before, for each jack, they are not limited to perform certain functions. Instead, now
each jack is able to be chosen to perform either output (i.e. playback) function or input
(i.e. Recording) function, we call this “Retasking”.
Audio I/O aims to help you set jacks right. Moreover, other than blue to blue, pink to pink,
the way that you used to do, Audio I/O would guide you to other right jacks that can also
serve as microphone / speaker / headphone.
Speaker Configuration
Step 1: Plug in the device in any available jack.
Step 2: Dialogue “connected device” will pop up for your selection. Please select the
device you are trying to plug in.
If the device is being plugged into the correct jack, you will be able to find the icon
beside the jack changed to the one that is same as your device.
If not correct, Realtek HD Audio Manager will guide you to plug the device into the
correct jack.
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Introduction to Realtek ALC 883
Correct M essage
Assume to plug a headphone in the Green jack at back panel. The icon beside
green jack become visible and the dialogue “connected device” pops up.
Check the headphone, then click OK. As soon as OK is clicked, the icon
beside green jack becomes “headphone” as your selection.
Error M essage
Assume to plug a headphone in the Blue jack at back panel. The icon beside
Blue jack becomes visible and the dialogue “connected device” pops up (the
default setting of blue jack is “Line-in”. Check the headphone anyway, then
click OK. You should notice the icon beside blue jack remains the same
without any change and the error message pops.
Pop-screen check list
2CH Speakers configutaion - check the Front Speaker Out anyway.
4CH Speakers configuration - check the Front Speaker Out & Rear Speaker
Out anyway.
6CH Speakers configuraion - check the Front Speaker Out / Rear Speaker
Out & Center/ Subwoofer Speaker out
anyway.
8CH Speakers configuraion - check the Front Speaker Out / Rear Speaker
Out / Center/Subwoofer Speaker out & Side
Speaker Out anyway.
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Global Connector Settings
Click
to access global connector settings.
1. Disable front panel jack detection
Find no function on front panel jacks? Please check if front jacks on your system are
so-called AC’97 jacks. If so, please check this item to disable front panel jack
detection.
2. Enable auto popup dialogue, when device has been plugged in
Once this item checked, the dialog “Connected device” would not automatically pop
up when device plugged in.
7-14
Introduction to Realtek ALC 883
S/PDIF
Short for Sony/Philips Digital Interface, a standard audio file transfer format. S/
PDIF allows the transfer of digital audio signals from one device to another without
having to be converted first to an analog format. Maintaining the viability of a digital
signal prevents the quality of the signal from degrading when it is converted to analog.
1. Output Sampling Rate
44.1KHz: This is recommend while playing CD
48KHz: This is recommended while playing DVD or Dolby.
96KHz: This is recommended while playing DVD-Audio.
2. Output Source
Output digital audio source: The digital audio format (such as .wav, .mp3,.midi etc)
will come out through S/PDIF-Out.
S/PDIF-in to S/PDIF -out pass though mode: The data from S/PDIF-In can be real-time
played from S/PDIF-Out.
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Test Speakers
You can select the speaker by clicking it to test its functionality. The one you
select will light up and make testing sound. If any speaker fails to make sound, then
check whether the cable is inserted firmly to the connector or replace the bad
speakers with good ones. Or you may click the auto test
button to test the
sounds of each speaker automatically.
Center
Front Left
Front Right
Side Right
Side Left
Rear Left
7-16
Subwoofer
Rear Right
Introduction to Realtek ALC 883
Microphone
In this tab you may set the function of the microphone. Select the Noise Suppression to remove the possible noise during recording, or select Acoustic Echo
Cancelltion to cancel the acoustic echo druing recording.
Acoustic Echo Cancelltion prevents playback sound from being recorded by
microphone together with your sound. For example, you might have chance to use
VOIP function through Internet with your friends. The voice of your friend will come
out from speakers (playback). However, the voice of your friend might also be
recorded into your microphone then go back to your friend through Internet. In that
case, your friend will hear his/her own voice again. W ith AEC(Acoustic Echo
Cancellation) enabled at your side, your friend can enjoy the benefit with less echo.
Also, please use the drop-down list to choose the recording source from Realtek
HD Audio real input or Realtek HD Audio front input.
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M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
3D Audio Demo
In this tab you may adjust your 3D positional audio before playing 3D audio
applications like gaming. You may also select different environment to choose the
most suitable environment you like.
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Introduction to Realtek ALC 883
Information
In this tab it provides some information about this HD Audio Configuration utility,
including Audio Driver Version, DirectX Version, Audio Controller & Audio Codec. You
may also select the language of this utility by choosing from the Language
list.
Also there is a selection Show icon in system tray. Switch it on and an icon
will
show in the system tray. Right-click on the icon and the Audio Accessories dialogue box will appear which provides several multimedia features for you to take
advantage of.
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M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
Before you begin using the front panel function, please complete the following steps:
1. Please install the JAUD1 pin headers for the front panel according to Chapter2
Hardware Setup.
2. Select Enable for Azalia, Disable for AC’97 in the Azalia/AC97 Audio Select
BIOS setting. Please refer to Chapter 3.
3. If you are using Azalia setting, the microphone function on the front panel is fixed,
but the headphone jack will auto detect the device you connect and pop-up the
selection window.
4. If you are using AC97 setting, both microphone and headphone on the front panel
are fixed.
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Introduction to Realtek ALC 883
Using 2-, 4-, 6- & 8- Channel Audio Function
Connecting the Speakers
W hen you have set the Multi-Channel Audio Function mode properly in the software
utility, connect your speakers to the correct phone jacks in accordance with the
setting in software utility.
n 2-Channel M ode for Stereo-Speaker Output
Refer to the following diagram and caption for the function of each phone jack on the
back panel when 2-Channel Mode is selected.
Back Panel
1
4
2
5
3
6
1
Line In
2
Line Out (Front channels)
3
MIC
4
Line Out (Rear channels, but no functioning in this mode)
5
Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel, but no functioning in this mode)
6
S/PDIF Out-Optical(in 7.1CH / 5.1CH)
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M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
n 4-Channel M ode for 4-Speaker Output
1
4
2
5
3
6
4-Channel Analog Audio Output
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1
Line In
2
Line Out (Front channels)
3
MIC
Description:
Connect two speakers to back
panel’s Line Out connector and
two speakers to the real-channel Line Out connector.
4
Line Out (Rear channels)
5
Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel, but no functioning in this mode)
6
S/PDIF Out-Optical(in 7.1CH / 5.1CH)
Introduction to Realtek ALC 883
n 6-Channel M ode for 6-Speaker Output
1
2
4
5
3
6
6-Channel Analog Audio Output
1
Line In
2
Line Out (Front channels)
3
MIC
4
Line Out (Rear channels)
5
Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel)
6
S/PDIF Out-Optical(in 7.1CH / 5.1CH)
Description:
Connect two speakers to back
panel’s Line Out connector, two
speakers to the rear-channel
and two speakers to the center/subwoofer-channel Line Out
connectors.
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M S-7246 ATX Mainboard
n 8-Channel M ode for 8-Speaker Output
1
2
3
8-Channel Analog Audio Output
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1
Line Out (Side channels)
2
Line Out (Front channels)
3
MIC
4
Line Out (Rear channels)
5
Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel)
6
Optical SPDIF jack
4
5
6
Description:
Connect two speakers to back
panel’s Line Out connector, two
speakers to the rear-channel,
two speakers to the c enter/
subwoofer-channel Line Out
connectors, and two speakers
to the side-channel Line Out
connectors.

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