Msi Big Bang Xpower Owner S Manual

2014-07-06

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XPower series
MS-7666 (v1.x) Mainboard

G52-76661X1

Preface

Copyright Notice
The material in this document is the intellectual property of MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL. We take every care in the preparation of this document, but no guarantee is
given as to the correctness of its contents. Our products are under continual improvement and we reserve the right to make changes without notice.

Trademarks
All trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

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MSI® is registered trademark of Micro-Star Int’l Co.,Ltd.
NVIDIA® is registered trademark of NVIDIA Corporation.
ATI® is registered trademark of ATI Technologies, Inc.
AMD® is registered trademarks of AMD Corporation.
Intel® is registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Windows® is registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
AMI® is registered trademark of American Megatrends Inc.
Award® is a registered trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
Sound Blaster® is registered trademark of Creative Technology Ltd.
Realtek® is registered trademark of Realtek Semiconductor Corporation.
JMicron® is registered trademark of JMicron Technology Corporation.
Netware® is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.

Revision History
Revision

Revision History

Date

V1.0

First release for PCB 1.x

April 2010

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.

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Visit the MSI website for FAQ, technical guide, BIOS updates, driver updates,
and other information: http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=service
Contact our technical staff at: http://ocss.msi.com

ii

MS-7666

Safety Instructions
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.

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

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

■ Always Unplug the Power Cord before inserting any add-on card or module.
■ All cautions and warnings on the equipment should be noted.
■ Never pour any liquid into the opening that could damage or cause electrical
shock.

■ If any of the following situations arises, get the equipment checked by service
personnel:

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The power cord or plug is damaged.

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Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.

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The equipment has been exposed to moisture.

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The equipment does not work well or you can not get it work according to User’s
Manual.

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The equipment has dropped and damaged.

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The equipment has obvious sign of breakage.

DO NOT LEAVE THIS EQUIPMENT IN AN ENVIRONMENT UNCONDITIONED,
STORAGE TEMPERATURE ABOVE 600 C (1400F), IT MAY DAMAGE THE EQUIPMENT.
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.
警告使用者:
這是甲類資訊產品,在居住的環境中使用時,可能會造成無線電干擾,在這種情況下,
使用者會被要求採取某些適當的對策。
廢電池請回收
For better environmental protection, waste batteries should be
collected separately for recycling special disposal.

iii

Preface

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Preface

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 instructions, 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-7666
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.

iv

MS-7666

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Statement
ENGLISH
To protect the global environment and as an environmentalist, MSI must remind you that...

DEUTSCH
Hinweis von MSI zur Erhaltung und Schutz unserer Umwelt
Gemäß der Richtlinie 2002/96/EG über Elektro- und Elektronik-Altgeräte dürfen Elektro- und Elektronik-Altgeräte nicht mehr als kommunale Abfälle entsorgt werden. MSI
hat europaweit verschiedene Sammel- und Recyclingunternehmen beauftragt, die in
die Europäische Union in Verkehr gebrachten Produkte, am Ende seines Lebenszyklus
zurückzunehmen. Bitte entsorgen Sie dieses Produkt zum gegebenen Zeitpunkt ausschliesslich an einer lokalen Altgerätesammelstelle in Ihrer Nähe.

FRANÇAIS
En tant qu’écologiste et afin de protéger l’environnement, MSI tient à rappeler ceci...
Au sujet de la directive européenne (EU) relative aux déchets des équipement électriques et électroniques, directive 2002/96/EC, prenant effet le 13 août 2005, que les
produits électriques et électroniques ne peuvent être déposés dans les décharges ou
tout simplement mis à la poubelle. Les fabricants de ces équipements seront obligés de
récupérer certains produits en fin de vie. MSI prendra en compte cette exigence relative
au retour des produits en fin de vie au sein de la communauté européenne. Par conséquent vous pouvez retourner localement ces matériels dans les points de collecte.

РУССКИЙ
Компания MSI предпринимает активные действия по защите окружающей среды,
поэтому напоминаем вам, что....
В соответствии с директивой Европейского Союза (ЕС) по предотвращению
загрязнения окружающей среды использованным электрическим и электронным
оборудованием (директива WEEE 2002/96/EC), вступающей в силу 13
августа 2005 года, изделия, относящиеся к электрическому и электронному
оборудованию, не могут рассматриваться как бытовой мусор, поэтому
производители вышеперечисленного электронного оборудования обязаны
принимать его для переработки по окончании срока службы. MSI обязуется
соблюдать требования по приему продукции, проданной под маркой MSI на
территории EC, в переработку по окончании срока службы. Вы можете вернуть
эти изделия в специализированные пункты приема.


Preface

Under the European Union (“EU”) Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Directive 2002/96/EC, which takes effect on August 13,
2005, products of “electrical and electronic equipment” cannot be discarded
as municipal waste anymore and manufacturers of covered electronic equipment will be obligated to take back such products at the end of their useful life. MSI will
comply with the product take back requirements at the end of life of MSI-branded products that are sold into the EU. You can return these products to local collection points.

Preface

ESPAÑOL
MSI como empresa comprometida con la protección del medio ambiente, recomienda:
Bajo la directiva 2002/96/EC de la Unión Europea en materia de desechos y/o equipos electrónicos, con fecha de rigor desde el 13 de agosto de 2005, los productos
clasificados como “eléctricos y equipos electrónicos” no pueden ser depositados en
los contenedores habituales de su municipio, los fabricantes de equipos electrónicos,
están obligados a hacerse cargo de dichos productos al termino de su período de vida.
MSI estará comprometido con los términos de recogida de sus productos vendidos en
la Unión Europea al final de su periodo de vida. Usted debe depositar estos productos
en el punto limpio establecido por el ayuntamiento de su localidad o entregar a una
empresa autorizada para la recogida de estos residuos.

NEDERLANDS
Om het milieu te beschermen, wil MSI u eraan herinneren dat….
De richtlijn van de Europese Unie (EU) met betrekking tot Vervuiling van Electrische
en Electronische producten (2002/96/EC), die op 13 Augustus 2005 in zal gaan kunnen niet meer beschouwd worden als vervuiling. Fabrikanten van dit soort producten
worden verplicht om producten retour te nemen aan het eind van hun levenscyclus.
MSI zal overeenkomstig de richtlijn handelen voor de producten die de merknaam MSI
dragen en verkocht zijn in de EU. Deze goederen kunnen geretourneerd worden op
lokale inzamelingspunten.

SRPSKI
Da bi zaštitili prirodnu sredinu, i kao preduzeće koje vodi računa o okolini i prirodnoj
sredini, MSI mora da vas podesti da…
Po Direktivi Evropske unije (“EU”) o odbačenoj ekektronskoj i električnoj opremi, Direktiva 2002/96/EC, koja stupa na snagu od 13. Avgusta 2005, proizvodi koji spadaju
pod “elektronsku i električnu opremu” ne mogu više biti odbačeni kao običan otpad i
proizvođači ove opreme biće prinuđeni da uzmu natrag ove proizvode na kraju njihovog
uobičajenog veka trajanja. MSI će poštovati zahtev o preuzimanju ovakvih proizvoda
kojima je istekao vek trajanja, koji imaju MSI oznaku i koji su prodati u EU. Ove proizvode možete vratiti na lokalnim mestima za prikupljanje.

POLSKI
Aby chronić nasze środowisko naturalne oraz jako firma dbająca o ekologię, MSI przypomina, że...
Zgodnie z Dyrektywą Unii Europejskiej (“UE”) dotyczącą odpadów produktów elektrycznych i elektronicznych (Dyrektywa 2002/96/EC), która wchodzi w życie 13 sierpnia
2005, tzw. “produkty oraz wyposażenie elektryczne i elektroniczne “ nie mogą być traktowane jako śmieci komunalne, tak więc producenci tych produktów będą zobowiązani
do odbierania ich w momencie gdy produkt jest wycofywany z użycia. MSI wypełni
wymagania UE, przyjmując produkty (sprzedawane na terenie Unii Europejskiej) wycofywane z użycia. Produkty MSI będzie można zwracać w wyznaczonych punktach
zbiorczych.

vi

MS-7666

TÜRKÇE
Çevreci özelliğiyle bilinen MSI dünyada çevreyi korumak için hatırlatır:

ČESKY
Záleží nám na ochraně životního prostředí - společnost MSI upozorňuje...
Podle směrnice Evropské unie (“EU”) o likvidaci elektrických a elektronických výrobků
2002/96/EC platné od 13. srpna 2005 je zakázáno likvidovat “elektrické a elektronické
výrobky” v běžném komunálním odpadu a výrobci elektronických výrobků, na které se
tato směrnice vztahuje, budou povinni odebírat takové výrobky zpět po skončení jejich životnosti. Společnost MSI splní požadavky na odebírání výrobků značky MSI,
prodávaných v zemích EU, po skončení jejich životnosti. Tyto výrobky můžete odevzdat
v místních sběrnách.

MAGYAR
Annak érdekében, hogy környezetünket megvédjük, illetve környezetvédőként fellépve
az MSI emlékezteti Önt, hogy ...
Az Európai Unió („EU”) 2005. augusztus 13-án hatályba lépő, az elektromos és elektronikus berendezések hulladékairól szóló 2002/96/EK irányelve szerint az elektromos
és elektronikus berendezések többé nem kezelhetőek lakossági hulladékként, és az
ilyen elektronikus berendezések gyártói kötelessé válnak az ilyen termékek visszavételére azok hasznos élettartama végén. Az MSI betartja a termékvisszavétellel kapcsolatos követelményeket az MSI márkanév alatt az EU-n belül értékesített termékek
esetében, azok élettartamának végén. Az ilyen termékeket a legközelebbi gyűjtőhelyre
viheti.

ITALIANO
Per proteggere l’ambiente, MSI, da sempre amica della natura, ti ricorda che….
In base alla Direttiva dell’Unione Europea (EU) sullo Smaltimento dei Materiali Elettrici
ed Elettronici, Direttiva 2002/96/EC in vigore dal 13 Agosto 2005, prodotti appartenenti
alla categoria dei Materiali Elettrici ed Elettronici non possono più essere eliminati come
rifiuti municipali: i produttori di detti materiali saranno obbligati a ritirare ogni prodotto
alla fine del suo ciclo di vita. MSI si adeguerà a tale Direttiva ritirando tutti i prodotti
marchiati MSI che sono stati venduti all’interno dell’Unione Europea alla fine del loro
ciclo di vita. È possibile portare i prodotti nel più vicino punto di raccolta

vii

Preface

Avrupa Birliği (AB) Kararnamesi Elektrik ve Elektronik Malzeme Atığı, 2002/96/EC
Kararnamesi altında 13 Ağustos 2005 tarihinden itibaren geçerli olmak üzere, elektrikli
ve elektronik malzemeler diğer atıklar gibi çöpe atılamayacak ve bu elektonik cihazların
üreticileri, cihazların kullanım süreleri bittikten sonra ürünleri geri toplamakla yükümlü
olacaktır. Avrupa Birliği’ne satılan MSI markalı ürünlerin kullanım süreleri bittiğinde MSI
ürünlerin geri alınması isteği ile işbirliği içerisinde olacaktır. Ürünlerinizi yerel toplama
noktalarına bırakabilirsiniz.

Preface

▍ Contents
Copyright Notice�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ii
Trademarks���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ii
Revision History�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ii
Technical Support����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ii
Safety Instructions�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������iii
FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement����������������������������������������� iv
WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Statement�������������������� v
Chapter 1 Getting Started���������������������������������������������������������������������������1-1
Mainboard Specifications������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1-2
Mainboard Layout������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 1-4
Packing Checklist������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1-6

Chapter 2 Hardware Setup��������������������������������������������������������������������������2-1
Quick Components Guide������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 2-2
CPU (Central Processing Unit)���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2-3
Memory���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2-7
Power Supply����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2-10
Back Panel��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2-12
Connectors��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2-14
Button����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2-19
Switch����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2-21
Slots������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2-23
LED Status Indicators (optional)������������������������������������������������������������������������ 2-30

Chapter 3 BIOS Setup���������������������������������������������������������������������������������3-1
Entering Setup����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3-2
The Main Menu���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3-4
Standard CMOS Features������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 3-6
Advanced BIOS Features������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 3-8
Integrated Peripherals���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3-10
Power Management Setup��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3-12
H/W Monitor������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3-14
Green Power������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 3-15
BIOS Setting Password�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3-16
Cell Menu����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3-17
M-Flash�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3-26
Overclocking Profile������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3-29
Load Fail-Safe/ Optimized Defaults������������������������������������������������������������������� 3-30
viii

MS-7666

Appendix A Realtek Audio�������������������������������������������������������������������������� A-1
Hardware Setup���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������A-2
Installing the Realtek HD Audio Driver�����������������������������������������������������������������A-6

Introduction����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������B-2
BIOS Configuration����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������B-3
Installing Driver��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������B-10
Degraded RAID Array����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������B-12

Appendix C Marvell RAID��������������������������������������������������������������������������� C-1
RAID Configuration��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� C-2

ix

Preface

Software Configuration�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������A-7

Appendix B Intel RAID�������������������������������������������������������������������������������� B-1

Chapter 1

Getting Started
Thank you for choosing the XPower Series (MS-7666
v1.X) ATX mainboard. The XPower Series mainboards
are based on Intel® X58 & ICH10R chipsets for optimal
system efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced Intel®
BloomfieldTM LGA1366 processor, the XPower Series
deliver a high performance and professional desktop
platform solution.

Getting Started

Mainboard Specifications
Processor Support
■ Intel® BloomfieldTM processor in the LGA1366 package
(For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com/index.
php?func=cpuform2)

QPI
■ Up to 6.4 GT/s

Chipset
■ North Bridge : Intel® X58 chipset
■ South Bridge : Intel® ICH10R chipset

Memory Support
■ 6 DDR3 DIMMs support DDR3 2133*(OC)/ 1800*(OC) /1600*(OC)/ 1333/ 1066 / 800
DRAM (24GB Max)
■ Supports Dual-Channel/ Triple-Channel mode
*(For more information on compatible components, please visit
http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=testreport)

LAN
■ Supports Dual LAN 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet by Realtek® RTL8111DL

IEEE 1394
■ 1 IEEE 1394 port by VIA® VT6315N

QuantumWave Audio Card
■ Realtek® ALC889
■ Compliant with Azalia 1.0 Spec
■ 7.1 Channel High Definition Audio Codec with jack sensing
■ Supports1x S/PDIF out header
■ Supports Coaxial/Optical S/PDIF out ports on rear

SATA
■ 6 SATA 3Gb/s (SATA1~6) ports by Intel® ICH10R
■ 2 SATA 6Gb/s (SATA7~8) ports by Marvell® 88SE9128
■ 1 ESATA & 1ESATA/ USB 2.0 combo port (back panel) by JMicron® JMB362
■ Supports hot plug & asynchronous notification

USB 3.0
■ 2 USB 3.0 ports by NEC® uPD720200F1

RAID
■ SATA1~6 support Intel® Matrix Storage Technology (AHCI/ RAID 0/1/5/10) by Intel®
ICH10R
■ SATA7~8 ports support RAID 0/ 1 mode by Marvell® 88SE9128

1-2

MS-7666

Connectors

Chapter 1

■ Back panel
- 1 PS/2 keyboard port
- 1 PS/2 mouse port
- 1 Clear CMOS button
- 1 D-LED2 panel connector
- 1 1394 port
- 5 USB 2.0 ports
- 1 ESATA port
- 1 ESATA/ USB 2.0 Combo port
- 2 LAN ports
- 2 USB 3.0 ports
■ On-Board
- 2 USB 2.0 connectors
- 1 1394 connector
- 1 Chassis Intrusion connector
- 1 TPM Module connector
- 1 Reset button
- 1 Power button
- 1 GreenPower Genie connector (optional)
- 1 Over-Voltage switch
- 1 set voltage check point
- 1 OC Genie button
- 2 Base clock control buttons
- 1 set Debug LED panel

Slots
■ 6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (PCI_E2 & PCI_E5 support up to PCIE x16 speed, PCI_
E4 & PCI_E6 support up to PCIE x8 speed, PCI_E3 & PCI_E7 support up to PCIE
x4 speed)
■ 1 PCI Express 1.1 x1 slot

Form Factor
■ ATX (24.4cm X 30.5 cm)

Mounting
■ 9 mounting holes

Feature on Focus
■ All Solid Cap design
■ Hi-C Cap on PWM
■ Active Phase Switch feature to save power dynamically
■ OC Genie
■ Heat Pipe design
■ EZ Button
■ USB Save Guard

1-3

Getting Started

Mainboard Layout

JSMB1

OC
Genie

XPower Series (for MS-7666 1.0 only) ATX Mainboard

1-4

MS-7666

Chapter 1

JSMB1

OC
Genie

XPower Series (MS-7666 1.X) ATX Mainboard

1-5

Getting Started

Packing Checklist

MSI mainboard

MSI Driver/Utility DVD

SATA Cable

Power Cable

USB Bracket (Optional)

V-Check Cable

QuantumWave Audio
Card

CrossFireX Video Link
Cable

Back IO Shield

User’s Guide

3-Way SLI bridge cables
(1 long, 2 short)

* The pictures are for reference only and may vary from the packing contents of the
product you purchased. If you need to purchase accessories and request the part numbers, you could search the product web page and find details on our web address
http://www.msi.com/index.php
1-6

Chapter 2

Hardware Setup
This chapter provides you with the information about
hardware setup procedures. While doing the installation, be careful in holding the components and follow the
installation procedures. For some components, if you
install in the wrong orientation, the components will not
work properly.
Use a grounded wrist strap before handling computer
components. Static electricity may damage the components.

Hardware Setup

Quick Components Guide

CPUFAN, p.2-15
SYSFAN3, p.2-15

CPU, p.2-3

JPWR2, p.2-10

DDR3, p.2-7

JPWR3, p.2-10

Back Panel,
p.2-12

JPWR1, p.2-10

JPWR4, p.2-11
PCIE, p.2-23

JSMB1, p.2-18

SATA, p.2-14

V-Check Poiint, p.2-22

JCI1, p.2-16

JFP1, JFP2, p.2-17

SYSFAN1, p.2-15

SYSFAN2, p.2-15

OC
Genie

SYSFAN4, p.2-15

Debug LED Panel, p.2-33

J1394_1, p.2-17

Over-Volatge Switch, p.2-21

JTPM1, p.2-18
Base Clock Control Buttons p.2-20
OC Genie Button, p.2-20

JUSB1~2, p.2-16
Power Button, p.2-19

Reset Button, p.2-19

2-2

MS-7666

CPU (Central Processing Unit)
When you are installing the CPU, make sure to install the cooler to prevent overheating.
If you do not have the CPU cooler, consult your dealer before turning on the computer.
For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com/index.
php?func=cpuform2

Overheating
Overheating will seriously damage the CPU and system. Always make sure the cooling
fan can work properly to protect the CPU from overheating. Make sure that you apply
an even layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) between the CPU and the heatsink to
enhance heat dissipation.
Replacing the CPU
While replacing the CPU, always turn off the ATX power supply or unplug the power
supply’s power cord from the grounded outlet first to ensure the safety of CPU.
Overclocking
This mainboard is designed to support overclocking. However, please make sure your
components are able to tolerate such abnormal setting, while doing overclocking. Any
attempt to operate beyond product specifications is not recommended. We do not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate operation or beyond product specifications.

Introduction to LGA 1366 CPU
The pin-pad side of LGA 1366 CPU.

Alignment Key

Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

The surface of LGA 1366 CPU. Remember to apply some thermal paste on it for
better heat dispersion.

Alignment Key

Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator

2-3

Chapter 2

Important

Hardware Setup

CPU & Cooler Installation
When you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a cooler attached on the top
to prevent overheating. Meanwhile, do not forget to apply some thermal paste on CPU
before installing the heat sink/cooler fan for better heat dispersion.
Follow the steps below to install the CPU & cooler correctly. Wrong installation will
cause the damage of your CPU & mainboard.
1. Open the load level. 	

2. Lift the load lever up and open the
load plate.

3. The CPU socket has a plastic cap on
it to protect the contact from damage.
Before you install CPU, always cover
it to protect the socket pin. Romove
the cap (as the arrow shows).

4. After confirming the CPU direction for
correct mating, put down the CPU in
the socket housing frame. Be sure to
grasp on the edge of the CPU base.
Note that the alignment keys are
matched.

Alignment Key

2-4

MS-7666

6. Cover the load plate onto the package.

7. Press down the load lever lightly onto
the load plate, and then secure the
lever with the hook under retention
tab.

8. Align the holes on the mainboard with
the heatsink. Push down the cooler
until its four clips get wedged into the
holes of the mainboard.

Chapter 2

5. Visually inspect if the CPU is seated
well into the socket. If not, take out
the CPU with pure vertical motion
and reinstall.

Important
• Confirm if your CPU cooler is firmly installed before turning on your system.
• Do not touch the CPU socket pins to avoid damaging.

2-5

Hardware Setup

9. Press the four hooks down to fasten
the cooler.

10. Turn over the mainboard to confirm
that the clip-ends are correctly inserted.

Mainboard

Hook

11. Finally, attach the CPU Fan cable to
the CPU fan connector on the mainboard.

Important
• Read the CPU status in BIOS.
• Whenever CPU is not installed, always protect your CPU socket pin with the plastic
cap covered (shown in Figure 1) to avoid damaging.
• Mainboard photos shown in this section are for demonstration of the CPU/ cooler installation only. The appearance of your mainboard may vary depending on the model
you purchase.
• Please refer to the documentation in the CPU fan package for more details about the
CPU fan installation.

2-6

MS-7666

Memory
These DIMM slots are used for installing memory modules. For more information on
compatible components, please visit http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=testreport
DDR3

240-pin, 1.5V
72x2=144 pin

Memory Population Rule
Please refer to the following illustrations for memory population rules.
Single-Channel mode Population Rule
When you have only one memory module, please always insert it into the DIMM_1
(DIMM_A0 in v1.0) first.
1

	

DIMM_2 (Channel_A)

	

DIMM_1 (Channel_A)

	

DIMM_4 (Channel_B)

	

DIMM_3 (Channel_B)

	

DIMM_6 (Channel_C)

	
		

DIMM_5 (Channel_C)	

Dual-Channel mode Population Rule
In Dual-Channel mode, the memory modules can transmit and receive data with two
data bus lines simultaneously. Enabling Dual-Channel mode can enhance the system
performance. When you have two memory modules, please always insert them as the
figures shown in below.
	

2

	

DIMM_2 (Channel_A)

	

DIMM_1 (Channel_A)

	

DIMM_4 (Channel_B)

	

DIMM_3 (Channel_B)

	

DIMM_6 (Channel_C)

	

DIMM_5 (Channel_C)	

	

Installed
Empty

2-7

Chapter 2

48x2=96 pin

Hardware Setup

Triple-Channel mode Population Rule
In Triple-Channel mode, the memory modules can transmit and receive data with three
data bus lines simultaneously. Enabling Triple-Channel mode can enhance the best
system performance. When you have three or more memory modules, please always
insert them as the figures shown in below.
	
	

3

	

DIMM_2 (Channel_A)

		

DIMM_1 (Channel_A)

		

DIMM_4 (Channel_B)

		

DIMM_3 (Channel_B)

		

DIMM_6 (Channel_C)

		

DIMM_5 (Channel_C)

	
	

4

	

DIMM_2 (Channel_A)

		

DIMM_1 (Channel_A)

		

DIMM_4 (Channel_B)

		

DIMM_3 (Channel_B)

		

DIMM_6 (Channel_C)

		

DIMM_5 (Channel_C)

	

5

	

DIMM_2 (Channel_A)

		

DIMM_1 (Channel_A)

		

DIMM_4 (Channel_B)

		

DIMM_3 (Channel_B)

		

DIMM_6 (Channel_C)

		

DIMM_5 (Channel_C)

	

6

	

DIMM_2 (Channel_A)

		

DIMM_1 (Channel_A)

		

DIMM_4 (Channel_B)

		

DIMM_3 (Channel_B)

		

DIMM_6 (Channel_C)

		

DIMM_5 (Channel_C)

Important
• DDR3 memory modules are not interchangeable with DDR2 and the DDR3 standard
is not backwards compatible. You should always install DDR3 memory modules in
the DDR3 DIMM slots.
• In Triple-Channel/ Dual-Channel mode, make sure that you install memory modules
of the same type and density in different channel DIMM slots.

2-8

MS-7666

• To enable successful system boot-up, always insert the memory modules into the
DIMM_1 (DIMM_A0 in PCB v1.0) first.
• Due to the chipset resource deployment, the system density will only be detected up
to 23+GB (not full 24GB) when each DIMM is installed with a 4GB memory module.

1. The memory module has only one notch on the center and will only fit in the right
orientation.
2. Insert the memory module vertically into the DIMM slot. Then push it in until the
golden finger on the memory module is deeply inserted in the DIMM slot. The plastic
clip at each side of the DIMM slot will automatically close when the memory module
is properly seated.
3. Manually check if the memory module has been locked in place by the DIMM slot
clips at the sides.

Notch

Volt

Important
You can barely see the golden finger if the memory module is properly inserted in the
DIMM slot.

2-9

Chapter 2

Installing Memory Modules

Hardware Setup

Power Supply
ATX 24-pin Power Connector: JPWR1
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.
You may use the 20-pin ATX power supply as you like. If you’d like to use the 20-pin
ATX power supply, please plug your power supply along with pin 1 & pin 13.

d
n
u
ro
V
.G 5 V
4
2 3.+ +5 V
d
2 2. 5 s n d
2 1.+ Re ou un d
2 0. Gr ro un #
2 9. G o N d
1 8. Gr -O un
1 7. PS o
1 6. Gr 2V V
1 5. 1 .3
1 4.- +3
1 3.
1

V
.3
3 V
.+ 2 V
2 1 2
1 .+ +1 B OK
11 0. S R d
1 .5V W un
d
9 .P ro
8 .G 5V un
7 .+ ro nd
6 .G 5V u
5 + o V
r
.
4 .G 3.3 3V
.
3
+
.
3
2 .+
1

ATX 8-pin Power Connector: JPWR2/ JPWR3
These connectors provide 12V power output to the CPUs.

d
n
u d
ro un nd
.G ro u d
4 .G ro un
3 .G ro
2 .G
1
V
2
1 V
.+ 2 V
8 .+1 2 V
7 .+1 12
6 .+
5

2-10

MS-7666

ATX 6-pin Power Connector: JPWR4
This connector is used to provide power to the graphics card.

Chapter 2

Important
• Make sure that all the connectors are connected to proper ATX power supplies to
ensure stable operation of the mainboard.
• Power supply of 450 watts (and above) is highly recommended for system stability.

2-11

Hardware Setup

Back Panel
1394 Port
Mouse

LAN

USB 2.0 Port

LAN

USB 2.0 Port

Clear CMOS Button

Keyboard

ESATA Port
D-LED2 Panel Connector

USB 2.0 Port

USB 3.0 Port

ESATA/ USB 2.0 Combo Port

▶ Mouse/Keyboard
The standard PS/2® mouse/keyboard DIN connector is for a PS/2® mouse/keyboard.
▶ Clear CMOS Button
There is a CMOS RAM on board that has a power supply from external battery to keep
the system configuration data. With 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 button to clear data. Press the button to clear the data.

Important
Make sure that you power off the system before clearing CMOS data.
After pressing this button to clear CMOS data in power off (G3) state, the system will
boot automatically.
▶ D-LED2 Panel Connector
This connector connects to a D-LED2 (Debug-LED2) panel (optional), which shows
information on the panel for you and identify the current status or mode of the connected system. Please refer to the D-LED2 quick guide (optional) for more details and
usages.
▶ IEEE 1394 Port
The IEEE 1394 port on the back panel provides connection to IEEE 1394 devices.
▶ USB 2.0 Port
The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is for attaching USB devices such as keyboard,
mouse, or other USB-compatible devices. Supports data transfer rate up to 480Mbit/s
(Hi-Speed).

2-12

MS-7666

▶ ESATA Port
The ESATA (External SATA) port is for attaching the ESATA hard drive.
▶ ESATA/ USB 2.0 Combo Port
The ESATA/USB 2.0 combo port is for attaching the ESATA external hard drive or USB
device.

Important
If you want to use a USB 3.0 device, you must use the USB 3.0 cable to connect to
the USB 3.0 port.
▶ LAN
The standard RJ-45 LAN jack is for connection to
the Local Area Network (LAN). You can connect a
network cable to it.

Yellow

Green/ Orange

LED

Color

LED State

Condition

Left

Yellow

Off

LAN link is not established.

On(Steady state)

LAN link is established.

On(brighter & pulsing)

The computer is communicating with another computer on the LAN.

Off

10 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

On

100 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

On

1000 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.

Right

Green

Orange

2-13

Chapter 2

▶ USB 3.0 Port
USB 3.0 port is backward-compatible with USB 2.0 devices. Supports data transfer rate
up to 5 Gbit/s (SuperSpeed).

Hardware Setup

Connectors
Serial ATA Connector: SATA1~8
This connector is a high-speed Serial ATA interface port. Each connector can connect
to one Serial ATA device.

* The MB layout in this figure is for reference only.

SATA1_2

SATA1~6 (3Gb/s)
supported by Intel® ICH10R

SATA3_4
SATA5_6
SATA7_8

SATA7/ SATA8 (6Gb/s)
supported by Marvell® 88SE9128

Important
Please do not fold the Serial ATA cable into 90-degree angle. Otherwise, data loss may
occur during transmission.

2-14

MS-7666

Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN,SYSFAN1~4
The fan power connectors support system cooling fan with +12V. When connecting the
wire to the connectors, always 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.

Chapter 2

CPUFAN

SYSFAN1~4

d
n
u
ro 2V or
.G 1 s
1 .+ en
2 .S
3

d
n
u
ro 2V or l
.G 1 s o
1 .+ en tr
2 .S on
3 .C
4

Important
• Please refer to the recommended CPU fans at processor’s official website or consult
the vendors for proper CPU cooling fan.
• CPUFAN support Smart fan control. You can install Control Center utility that will
automatically control the CPUFAN speeds according to the actual CPUFAN temperatures.

2-15

Hardware Setup

Front USB Connector: JUSB1 / JUSB2
This connector, compliant with Intel® I/O Connectivity Design Guide, is ideal for connecting high-speed USB interface peripherals such as USB HDD, digital cameras, MP3
players, printers, modems and the like.

* The MB layout in this figure is for reference only.

USB 2.0 Bracket (optional)

Important
Note that the pins of VCC and GND must be connected correctly to avoid possible
damage.

Chassis Intrusion Connector: JCI1
This connector connects to the chassis intrusion switch cable. If the chassis is opened,
the chassis intrusion mechanism will be activated. 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.

d
n
u RU
ro T
.G IN
2 .C
1

2-16

MS-7666

IEEE1394 Connector: J1394_1
This connector allows you to connect the IEEE1394 device via an optional IEEE1394
bracket.

Chapter 2

* The MB layout in this figure is for reference only.

1394 Bracket (optional)

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1, JFP2
These connectors are for electrical connection to the front panel switches and LEDs.
The JFP1 is compliant with Intel® Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.
P
o
w
e
r

ake

r

r
L
E
D

Buz

zer

.+
8 .
6
+
.
4 .
2

in
P o 8. +
.
.N
6
0
.
4 +
.
2

e

ch

w

it

o

w

1

S

P

JFP2

D D
in E LE
P rL d
o e n
.N w e d
7 .Po sp n
5 Su rou
.
3 .G
1

ch
it
w
d
e tS
rv e
D
s
E
se e
L
e R
D
.R
D
9 .+
H
7 .5
.
3 .+
1

JFP1

Spe

2-17

Hardware Setup

TPM Module connector: JTPM1

This connector connects to a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) module (optional). Please
refer to the TPM security platform manual for more details and usages.

1

in a
P D
o B
.N M
4 .S
2

ta

d c
n o
u Cl
ro B
.G
3 .S M
1

k

2-18

3
in
p 2
ta in
a p 1
d ta pin 0
n
e s & da ta pi
m s & da ta
a
ra re s
F d s & d
C ad dre ss &
P
re s
.L C d d s
3 P a d re
1 .L C a d et
11 .LP C ad es k
9 .LP C R loc
7 LP C C
.
5 .L P C
3 .LP

d
n
u nd
r
ro u n r
e
.G ro Pi we Q r ow
4
1 2 . G o P o IR w e y p
1 .N V ial o b
0
1 .5 er P nd
8 S 3V ta
.
6 3. S
.
4 .3V
2

GreenPower Genie Connector: JSMB1 (optional)

This connector connects to GreenPower Genie (optional).

MS-7666

Button
The mainboard provides the following buttons for you to set the computer’s function.
This section will explain how to change your mainboard’s function through the use of
button.

This button is used to turn-on or turn-off the system. Press the button to turn-on or
turn-off the system.

Reset Button
This button is used to reset the system. Press the button to reset the system.

2-19

Chapter 2

Power Button

Hardware Setup

OC Genie Button
This button is used to auto-overclock for the system. Press this button to enable the
OC Genie function when the system is in power off state, meanwhile, the button will
light and lock. And then the system will automatically detect the optimum values to
overclock after booting the system. To disable the OC Genie function, please press the
button again after power off the system, meanwhile, the button light will off and unlock,
and the system will restore the default for next boot.

Important
• Please install the DDR3 1333 and up memory and equip better heat sink/ cooler with
OC Genie function.
• We do not guarantee the OC Genie overclocking range and the damages or risks
caused by the OC Genie overclocking behavior.
• You can disable the OC Genie function in BIOS setup. And we suggest you to save
the OC Genie configuration to overclocking profile in BIOS for future using.
• The usage of OC Genie is at your own risk. Overclocking is never guaranteed by
MSI.

Base Clock Control Buttons
These buttons are used to increase or decrease the Base clock frequency. Pressing
the Plus/ Minus button once will increase/ decrease the Base clock frequency 0.5 MHz
when the system is in regular operation state.

Plus button

2-20

Minus button

MS-7666

Switch
This mainboard provides the following switch for you to set the computer’s function.
This section will explain how to change your mainboard’s function through the use of
switch.

Over-Voltage Switch

Follow the instructions below to to upgrade the maximum adjustment value of CPU/
QPI/ DDR/ IOH voltage.
Switch 1 : is used to upgrade the CPU voltage adjustment range,
switching it to “ON” will upgrade the CPU voltage adjustment
range in BIOS.

Switch 2 : is used to upgrade the QPI voltage adjustment range,
switching it to “ON” will upgrade the QPI voltage adjustment
range in BIOS.

Switch 3 : is used to upgrade the DDR voltage adjustment range,
switching it to “ON” will upgrade the DDR voltage adjustment
range in BIOS.

Switch 4 : is used to upgrade the IOH voltage adjustment range,
switching it to “ON” will upgrade the IOH voltage adjustment
range in BIOS.

Important
• While you enable OC Genie to detect your system configuration, please don’t turn on
any parts of V-switch simultaneously. That behavior would offer too much voltage for
device and would be possible to cause some damage of device.
• After you set the CPU/ QPI/ DDR/ IOH voltage in BIOS, you can check the CPU/ QPI/
DDR/ IOH voltage by measuring the Voltage Check Point with multimeter. Please
refer the following instructions to measure these voltages.
2-21

Chapter 2

The switch is used to upgrade the maximum adjustment value of CPU/ QPI/ DDR/ IOH
voltage in BIOS setup. And then you can over-voltage the CPU/ QPI/ DDR/ IOH voltage
in BIOS setup.

Hardware Setup

Voltage Check Point: V-Check Point
This voltage check point set is used to measure the current CPU/ QPI/ DDR/ IOH/ ICH
voltage.
IOH

QPI

CPU

CPU

GND

QPI

GND

DDR

GND

IOH

GND

ICH GND

2-22

DDR

GND

ICH

CPU voltage: measure the current CPU voltage
with CPU point and GND point by using a multimeter.

QPI voltage: measure the current QPI voltage
with QPI point and GND point by using a multimeter.

DDR voltage: measure the current DDR voltage
with DDR point and GND point by using a multimeter.

IOH voltage: measure the current IOH voltage
with IOH point and GND point by using a multimeter.

ICH voltage: measure the current ICH voltage
with ICH point and GND point by using a multimeter.

MS-7666

Slots
PCIE (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) Slot
The PCI Express slot supports the PCI Express interface expansion card.

Chapter 2

PCI Express x16 Slot

PCI Express x1 Slot

Important
When adding or removing expansion cards, make sure that you unplug the power supply first. Meanwhile, read the documentation for the expansion card to configure any
necessary hardware or software settings for the expansion card, such as jumpers,
switches or BIOS configuration.

PCIE x16 slots Population Rule
Please refer to the following illustrations for PCIE x16 population rules. And the following table details the PCIE x16 lanes configuration with/ without installed expansions
card(s).
1 expansion
card

2 expansion
cards

3 expansion
cards

4 expansion
cards

5 expansion
cards

6 expansion
cards

PCI_E2 Lane

x16
@

x16
@

x16
@

x8
@

x8
@

x8
@

x8
@

PCI_E3 Lane

x0

x0

x0

x0

x0

x4
@

x4
@

PCI_E4 Lane

x0

x0

x0

x8
@

x8
@

x4
@

x4
@

PCI_E5 Lane

x16

x16
@

x8
@

x8

x8
@

x8
@

x8
@

PCI_E6 Lane

x0

x0

x8
@

x8
@

x8
@

x8
@

x4
@

PCI_E7 Lane

x0

x0

x0

x0

x0

x0

x4
@

@ : expansion card installed slot

2-23

Hardware Setup

■ The way for installing one expansion card:
PCI_E2
PCI_E3
PCI_E4
PCI_E5
PCI_E6
PCI_E7

	
■ The way for installing two expansion card:

PCI_E2
PCI_E3
PCI_E4
PCI_E5
PCI_E6
PCI_E7

	

	

■ Two ways for installing three expansion card:
PCI_E2
PCI_E3
PCI_E4
PCI_E5
PCI_E6
PCI_E7
	

PCI_E2
PCI_E3
PCI_E4
PCI_E5
PCI_E6
PCI_E7

2-24

MS-7666

■ The way for installing four expansion card:
PCI_E2
PCI_E3
PCI_E4

Chapter 2

PCI_E5
PCI_E6
PCI_E7

	
■ The way for installing five expansion card:

PCI_E2
PCI_E3
PCI_E4
PCI_E5
PCI_E6
PCI_E7

	
■ The way for installing six expansion card:

PCI_E2
PCI_E3
PCI_E4
PCI_E5
PCI_E6
PCI_E7

	
	

Installed
Empty

2-25

Hardware Setup

ATI CrossFireXTM (Multi-GPU) Technology
ATI CrossFireXTM is the ultimate multi-GPU performance gaming platform. Enabling
game-dominating power, ATI CrossFireXTM technology enables two or more discrete
graphics processors to work together to improve system performance. ATI CrossFireXTM technology allows you to expand your system’s graphics capabilities. It allows you
the ability to scale your system’s graphics horsepower as you need it, supporting two or
more ATI RadeonTM HD graphics cards, making this the most scalable gaming platform
ever. The motherboard can auto detect the CrossFireXTM mode by software, therefore
you don’t have to enable the CrossFireXTM in BIOS by yourself. The following details the
2-way CrossFireXTM installation.
1. Install two ATI RadeonTM HD graphics cards into the PCI_E2 & PCI_E5 slots.
2. With two cards installed, an CrossFireXTM Video Link cable is required to connect
the golden fingers on the top of these two graphics cards (refer to the picture below). Please note that although you have installed two or more graphics cards,
only the video outputs on the graphics card installed in first PCIE x16 slot will work.
Hence, you only need to connect a monitor to this graphics card.

CrossFireXTM Video Link cable

Important
• If you intend to install TWO graphics cards for CrossFireXTM mode, make sure that:
a. these two graphics cards are of the same brand and specifications;
b. these two cards are installed on both PCIE x16 slots (PCI_E2 & PCI_E5) that support up to PCIE x16 speed.
• Make sure that you connect an adequate power supply to the JPWR4 connector
(or to the power connector on the graphics card) to ensure stable operation of the
graphics card.
• Only Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2)& Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition, Windows® Vista & Windows® 7 support the CrossFireXTM function.

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MS-7666

3. When all of the hardware and software has been properly set up and installed, reboot the system. After entering the O.S., click the “CatalystTM Control Center” icon
on the desktop. There is a setting in the CatalystTM Control Center that needs to be
enabled for CrossFireXTM to operate. The following aspect appears in CatalystTM
Control Center:

Chapter 2

Select the Advanced View
from the view drop menu.

Important
A CrossFireXTM 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.

2-27

Hardware Setup

NVIDIA® SLI Technology
NVIDIA® SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology allows two GPUs to run in tandem
within a system to achieve up to twice the performance of a single graphics card. To
utilize this technology, the two GPU cards must be connected by an SLI Video Link
card.

SLI Video Link Card
If you intend to use the SLI mode for better graphics performance, please refer to the
following instructions.
1. Install two graphics cards into the PCI_E2 & PCI_E5 slots. With two cards installed,
an SLI Video Link Card is required to connect the golden fingers on the top of
these two graphics cards (refer to the picture below). Please note that although you
have installed two graphics cards, only the video outputs on the first card will work.
Hence, you only need to connect a monitor to the first PCI Express card.

SLI Video Link Card

Important
• The photos shown in this section are for demonstration only. The appearance of your
mainboard may vary depending on the model you purchase.
• If you intend to install TWO x16 graphics cards, make sure that these two graphics
cards are of the same brand and specifications.
• Make sure that you connect an adequate power supply to the JPWR4 connector
(or to the power connector on the graphics card) to ensure stable operation of the
graphics card.

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2. After the hardware installation is completed, restart the system and install the NV
SLI driver/utility. A configuration panel will be provided for Multi-GPU control. Check
the Enable multi-GPU box to enable the SLI function for the onboard graphics cards
(concerning the details of multi-GPU settings, please refer to your graphics card
manual).

Chapter 2

Check the box

3. Restart your system and a pop-up message will show in the system tray confirming
the Multi-GPU has been enabled.

Important
If you want to remove one graphics card and quit the SLI function, make sure the “MultiGPU” function is disabled.

2-29

Hardware Setup

LED Status Indicators (optional)

OC
Genie

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MS-7666

CPU Phase LED panel
These LEDs indicate the current CPU power phase mode. Follow the instructions below
to read.
Lights 	

Off

Chapter 2

CPU is in 1 phase power mode.
CPU is in 2 phase power mode.
CPU is in 3 phase power mode.
CPU is in 4 phase power mode.
CPU is in 5 phase power mode.
CPU is in 6 phase power mode.
CPU is in 7 phase power mode.
CPU is in 8 phase power mode.
CPU is in 9 phase power mode.
CPU is in 10 phase power mode.
CPU is in 11 phase power mode.
CPU is in 12 phase power mode.
CPU is in 13 phase power mode.
CPU is in 14 phase power mode.
CPU is in 15 phase power mode.
CPU is in 16 phase power mode.

QPI Phase LEDs
These LEDs indicate the current QPI power phase mode. Follow the instructions below
to read.
Lights 	

Off

QPI is in 1 phase power mode.

QPI is in 2 phase power mode.

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Hardware Setup

IOH Phase LEDs
These LEDs indicate the current IOH power phase mode. Follow the instructions below
to read.
Lights 	

Off

IOH is in 1 phase power mode.

IOH is in 2 phase power mode.

DDR Phase LEDs
These LEDs indicate the current DDR power phase mode. Follow the instructions below
to read.
Lights 	

Off

DDR is in 1 phase power mode.

DDR is in 2 phase power mode.

HDD LED
Lights when the hard drive is operating.

Power LED
Every time you press the power button and it is functional, the power LED will blink
once.

Reset LED
Every time you press the reset button and it is functional, the reset LED will blink once.

Minus LED
Every time you press the minus button and it is functional, the minus LED will blink
once.

Plus LED
Every time you press the plus button and it is functional, the plus LED will blink once.

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Debug LED Panel
Please refer to the table below to get more information about the Debug LED message.
Status

FF

Power on and first initialize CPU.

C0, C1, C2

Early CPU Initialize.

C4, C6

Initialize chipset.

D4, D5

Initialize memory.

08

Initialize keyboard.

2A, 31

Initialize onboard devices. Load Option ROM (VGA and RAID option
ROM) from BIOS to memory.

37

Displaying sign-on message, CPU information, setup key message
and any OEM specific information.

38

Initialize USB device and different devices.

3C

Mid POST initialization of chipset registers. Detect different devices
(parallel ports, serial ports and coprocessor in CPU...etc.)

75, 78

Initialize INT 13 devices and IPL devices. (include SATA/ PATA HDD
and CD/DVD ROM).

87

Enter setup screen. BIOS setup if needed/ requested.

A4

Wait for user input at configuration display if needed.

A7

Display the system configuration screen if enabled.

B1

Save system context for ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power
Interface).Prepare give control to OS loader (INT 19H).

00

Pass control to OS Loader (typically INT 19H).

AA

Enter OS (Vista or Windows® XP).

Chapter 2

Post

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Chapter 3

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:
■ An error message appears on the screen during
the system booting up, and requests you to run
SETUP.
■ You want to change the default settings for customized features.

BIOS Setup

Entering Setup
Power on the computer and the system will start POST (Power On Self Test) process.
When the message below appears on the screen, press  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 , , and  keys.

Important
• The items under each BIOS category described in this chapter are under continuous
update for better system performance. Therefore, the description may be slightly different from the latest BIOS and should be held for reference only.
• Upon boot-up, the 1st line appearing after the memory count is the BIOS version. It is
usually in the format:	

A7666IMS V1.0 040110 where:
	
	

1st digit refers to BIOS maker as A = AMI, W = AWARD, and P = PHOENIX.

	

2nd - 5th digit refers to the model number.	

	

6th digit refers to the chipset as I = Intel, N = NVIDIA, A = AMD and V = VIA.

	

7th - 8th digit refers to the customer as MS = all standard customers.

	

V1.0 refers to the BIOS version.

	

040110 refers to the date this BIOS was released.

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MS-7666

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



Select the item



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



General Help



Enter the CPU Spec. menu, and read the CPU information



Enter the Memory-Z menu, and read the memory information



Load Optimized Defaults



Load Fail-Safe Defaults



Save all the CMOS changes and exit

Chapter 3

<↑>

Getting Help
After entering the Setup menu, the first menu you will see is the Main Menu.
Main Menu
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-Menu
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  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 the .

General Help 
The BIOS setup program provides a General Help screen. You can call up this screen
from any menu by simply pressing . The Help screen lists the appropriate keys to
use and the possible selections for the highlighted item. Press  to exit the Help
screen.

3-3

BIOS Setup

The Main 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 the BIOS special enhanced features.
▶ Integrated Peripherals
Use this menu to specify your settings for integrated peripherals.
▶ Power Management Setup
Use this menu to specify your settings for power management.
▶ H/W Monitor
This entry shows your PC health status.
▶ Green Power
Use this menu to specify the power phase.
▶ BIOS Setting Password
Use this menu to set the password for BIOS.
▶ Cell Menu
Use this menu to specify your settings for frequency/voltage control and overclocking.

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MS-7666

▶ M-Flash
Use this menu to read/ flash the BIOS from storage drive (FAT/ FAT32 format only).
▶ Overclocking Profile
Use this menu to save/ load your settings to/ from CMOS for BIOS.

▶ Load Optimized Defaults
Use this menu to load the default values set by the mainboard manufacturer specifically
for optimal performance of the mainboard.
▶ Save & Exit Setup
Save changes to CMOS and exit setup.
▶ Exit Without Saving
Abandon all changes and exit setup.

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Chapter 3

▶ Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Use this menu to load the default values set by the BIOS vendor for stable system
performance.

BIOS Setup

Standard CMOS Features
The items in Standard CMOS Features Menu include some basic setup items. Use the
arrow keys to highlight the item and then use the  or  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]		
Day of the week, from Sun to Sat, determined by BIOS. Readonly.
[month]	
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   .

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MS-7666

▶ SATA1~6/ E-SATA1~2
Press  to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:

Chapter 3

▶ Device / Vendor / Size
It will show the device information that you connected to the SATA connector.

Important
SATA1~6 & E-SATA1~2 are appearing when you connect the HD devices to the SATA
connectors on the mainboard.
Standard CMOS Features Menu does not display SATA 7 and SATA 8 items, which
are supported by the external controller chip. For how to setup HDDs with the external
controller, please refer to Appendix.
▶ Hold On
The setting determines whether the system will stop of an error is detected at boot.
When the system stops of the errors preset, it will halt on for 15 seconds and then automatically resume its operation. Available options are:
	 [All Error]	
The system stops when any error is detected.
	 [No Error]	
The system doesn’t stop for any detected error.
▶ System Information
Press  to enter the sub-menu, and the following screen appears.

This sub-menu shows the CPU information, BIOS version and memory status of your
system (read only).

3-7

BIOS Setup

Advanced BIOS Features

▶ Boot Sequence
Press  to enter the sub-menu.
▶ 1st/ 2nd/ 3rd/ --- Boot Device
These items allow you to set the first/ second/ third boot device where BIOS attempts to load the disk operating system.
▶ Boot From Other Device
Setting the option to [Yes] allows the system to try to boot from other device, if the
system fails to boot from 1st boot device.
▶ BIOS Flash Protection
This function protects the BIOS from accidental corruption by unauthorized users or
computer viruses. When enabled, the BIOS’ data cannot be changed when attempting to update the BIOS with a Flash utility. To successfully update the BIOS, you will
need to disable this Flash BIOS 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.
▶ Full Screen Logo Display
This item enables this system to show the company logo on the boot-up screen. Settings are:
[Enabled]	
Shows a still image (logo) on the full screen at boot.
[Disabled]	
Shows the POST messages at boot.

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MS-7666

▶ Quick Booting
Setting the item to [Enabled] allows the system to boot within 10 seconds since it will
skip some check items.

▶ IOAPIC Function
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.
▶ MPS 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.
▶ PCI Latency Timer
This item controls how long each PCI device can hold the bus before another takes
over. When set to higher values, every PCI device can conduct transactions for a longer
time and thus improve the effective PCI bandwidth. For better PCI performance, you
should set the item to higher values.
▶ HPET
The HPET (High Precision Event Timers) is a component that is part of the chipset. You
can to enable it, and will provide you with the means to get to it via the various ACPI
methods.
▶ TCG/TPM SUPPORT
After installing the Trusted Platform Module, this field bacomes available. Setting the
option to [Yes] enables TPM (Trusted Platform Module) for the system.

3-9

Chapter 3

▶ Boot Up Num-Lock 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.

BIOS Setup

Integrated Peripherals

▶ USB Controller
This setting allows you to enable/disable the onboard USB controller.
▶ USB Device Legacy Support
Select [Enabled] if you need to use a USB-interfaced device in the operating system.
▶ Onboard LAN Controller
This setting allows you to enable/disable the onboard LAN controller.
▶ Onboard 2nd LAN Controller
This setting allows you to enable/disable the onboard 2nd LAN controller.
▶ LAN Option ROM
This item is used to decide whether to invoke the Boot ROM of the onboard LAN.
▶ Onboard IEEE1394 Controller
This setting allows you to enable/disable the onboard IEEE1394 controller.
▶ Onboard E-SATA Controller Mode
This item is used to select mode for E-SATA connectors.
▶ SATA 6Gb/s Controller Mode
This item is used to select mode for SATA 6Gb/s devices. When you set “Disabled” in
this field, the 6Gb/s controller will be disabled.
▶ Onboard USB 3.0 Controller
This setting is used to enable/disable the onboard USB 3.0 controller.

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MS-7666

▶ On-Chip ATA Devices
Press  to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:

▶ On-Chip SATA Controller
This item allows users to enable or disable the on-chip SATA controller.
▶ RAID Mode
This item is used to select mode for on-chip SATA connectors.

3-11

Chapter 3

▶ PCI IDE BusMaster
This item allows you to enable/ disable BIOS to used PCI busmastering for reading/
writing to IDE drives.

BIOS Setup

Power Management Setup

Important
S3-related functions described in this section are available only when the 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, select [Enabled].
▶ ACPI Standby State
This item specifies the power saving modes for ACPI function.
▶ EuP 2013
This item is designed for Energy Using Products Lot 6 2013 (EuP) aka Energy Related
Products (ErP). To reduce Power Consumption when system off or standby mode.
Note: When “Enabled” EuP 2013 setting, system don’t support RTC wake up event
function.
▶ S4/S5 PowerOn Wait (Sec)
This item allows you to select a waiting period when system wake-up from power state
S4/S5.

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MS-7666

▶ Wake Up Event Setup
Press  and the following sub-menu appears.

▶ Wake up Event By
Setting to [BIOS] activates the following fields, and use the following fields to set the
wake up events. Setting to [OS], the wake up events will be defined by OS.
▶ Resume From S3 By USB Device
The item allows the activity of the USB device to wake up the system from S3 (Suspend to RAM) sleep state.
▶ Resume From S3 By PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse
These items determine whether the system will be awakened from what power saving modes when input signal of the PS/2 keyboard/ mouse is detected.
▶ Resume By PCI-E Device
When set to [Enabled], the feature allows your system to be awakened from the
power saving modes through any event on PCIE device.
▶ Resume By RTC Alarm
The field is used to enable or disable the feature of booting up the system on a
scheduled time/date.
▶ Date/ HH:MM:SS
If Resume By RTC Alarm is set to [Enabled], the system will automatically resume
(boot up) on a specific date/hour/minute/second specified in these fields (using the
<+> and <-> to select the date & time settings). Available settings for each item
are:
[Date]				
01 ~ 31, Every Day
[HH:MM:SS]			
00 ~ 23 : 00 ~ 59 : 00 ~ 59

3-13

Chapter 3

▶ Restore On AC Power Loss
This item specifies whether your system will reboot after a power failure or interrupt
occurs. Settings are:
[Off]		
Always leaves the computer in the power off state.
[On]		
Always leaves the computer in the power on state.
[Last State]	
Restore the system to the status before power failure or interrupt
occurred.

BIOS Setup

H/W Monitor

▶ Chassis Intrusion
The field enables or disables the feature of recording the chassis intrusion status and
issuing a warning message if the chassis is once opened. To clear the warning message, set the field to [Reset]. The setting of the field will automatically return to [Enabled]
later.
▶ CPU Smart FAN Target
The mainboard provides the Smart Fan function which can control the CPU fan speed
automatically depending on the current temperature to keep it with in a specific range.
You can enable a fan target value here. If the current CPU fan temperature reaches to
the target value, the smart fan function will be activated. It provides several sections to
speed up for cooling down automatically.
▶ SYS FAN 1/ 2/ 3/ 4 Control
These items allow users to select how percentage of speed for the SYSFAN1/ 2/ 3/ 4.
▶ PC Health Status
▶ CPU/ System Temperature, CPU FAN/ SYS FAN 1/ 2/ 3/ 4 Speed, CPU Vcore,
3.3V, 5V, 12V
These items display the current status of all of the monitored hardware devices/components such as CPU voltage, temperatures and all fans’ speeds.

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MS-7666

Green Power

Chapter 3
▶ CPU Phase Control
When set to [Auto], the hardware will auto adjust the CPU power phase according to the
loading of CPU to reach the best power saving function.
▶ QPI Phase Control
When set to [Auto], the hardware will auto adjust the QPI power phase according to the
loading of QPI to reach the best power saving function.
▶ IOH Phase Control
When set to [Auto], the hardware will auto adjust the IOH power phase according to the
loading of IOH to reach the best power saving function.
▶ DDR Phase Control
When set to [Auto], the hardware will auto adjust the DDR power phase according to the
loading of DDR to reach the best power saving function.
▶ Motherboard LED Control
This item is used to turn on (Auto)/ turn off (Disabled) the power phase LEDs of the
mainboard.
----- GreenPower Genie----▶ Icore/ I12V/ Vcore/ V12V
These items show the amperage of I core/ V core/ I12V/ V12V. Read only.
▶ Pout/ Efficiency
These items show the power consumption & efficiency of the system. Read only.

3-15

BIOS Setup

BIOS Setting Password
When you select this function, a message as below will appear on the screen:

▶ U-Key	
This item is used to enable/ disable USB driver device as a key.
▶ Make U-Key at
This item is used to specify the USB driver device as a key.
▶ Change Supervisor Password	
This item is used to set the supervisor password.

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MS-7666

Cell Menu

Chapter 3
3-17

BIOS Setup

Important
Change these settings only if you are familiar with the chipset.
▶ Current CPU / DRAM / QPI Frequency	
These items show the current frequencies of CPU, Memory and QPI. Read-only.
▶ CPU Specifications
Press  to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears. This submenu
shows the information of installed CPU.

▶ CPU Technology Support
Press  to enter the sub-menu. In this sub-menu, it shows the installed CPU
technologies. Read only.
▶ CPU Feature
Press  to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:

▶ Intel EIST
The Enhanced 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 supports speedstep technology.
▶ Intel C-STATE
C-state is a power management state that significantly reduces the power of the
processor during idle. This field will appear after you installed the CPU which supports c-state technology.

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MS-7666

▶ C State package limit Setting
This feild allows you to select a C-state level. We recommand that you leave this
setting to Auto.
▶ C1E Support
To enable this item to read the CPU power consumption while idle. Not all processors
support Enhanced Halt state (C1E).

▶ Hyper-Threading Function
The processor uses Hyper-Threading technology to increase transaction rates and
reduces end-user response times. The technology treats the two cores inside the
processor as two logical processors that can execute instructions simultaneously. In
this way, the system performance is highly improved. If you disable the function, the
processor will use only one core to execute the instructions. Please disable this item
if your operating system doesn’t support HT Function, or unreliability and instability
may occur.

Important
Enabling the functionality of Hyper-Threading Technology for your computer system
requires ALL of the following platform Components:
• CPU: An Intel® Processor with HT Technology;
• Chipset: An Intel® Chipset that supports HT Technology;
• BIOS: A BIOS that supports HT Technology and has it enabled;
• OS: An operating system that supports HT Technology.

For more information on Hyper-threading Technology, go to:
http://www.intel.com/products/ht/hyperthreading_more.htm
▶ Execute Bit Support
Intel’s Execute Disable Bit functionality can prevent certain classes of malicious
“buffer overflow” attacks when combined with a supporting operating system. This
functionality allows the processor to classify areas in memory by where application
code can execute and where it cannot. When a malicious worm attempts to insert
code in the buffer, the processor disables code execution, preventing damage or
worm propagation.
▶ Set Limit CPUID MaxVal to 3
The Max CPUID Value Limit is designed limit the listed speed of the processor to
older operating systems.
▶ Intel Virtualization Tech
This item is used to enable/disable the Intel Virtualization technology. For further
information please refer to Intel’s official website.

3-19

Chapter 3

▶ OverSpeed Protection
Overspeed Protection function can monitor the current CPU draws as well as its
power consumption. If it exceeds a certain level, the processor automatically reduces
its clock speed. If you want to overclock your CPU, set it to [Disabled].

BIOS Setup

▶ Intel VT-d
This item is used to enable/disable the Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed
I/O (VT-d). For further information please refer to Intel’s official website.
▶ Active Processor Cores
This item allows you to select the number of active processor cores.
▶ Intel EIST
The Enhanced 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 supports speedstep technology.
▶ C1E Support
To enable this item to read the CPU power consumption while idle. Not all processors
support Enhanced Halt state (C1E).
▶ Intel Turbo Boost
This item will appear when you install a CPU with Intel Turbo Boost technology. This
item is used to enable/ disable Intel Turbo Boost technology. It can scale processor
frequency higher dynamically when applications demand more performance and TDP
headroom exists. It also can deliver seamless power scalability (Dynamically scale up,
Speed-Step Down). It is the Intel newly technology within i7 CPU.
▶ Adjust CPU Base Frequency (MHz)
This item allows you to set the CPU Base clock (in MHz). You may overclock the CPU
by adjusting this value. Please note the overclocking behavior is not guaranteed.
▶ OC Stepping
This item will be enabled after you set the overclocking frequency in the “Base Clock
(MHz)”. And the following items will appear. This items will help the system to overclock
step by step after system booting up.
▶ Start OC Stepping From (MHz)
This item is used to set the initial base clock. The system will boot with the initial base
clock, and start to overclock from initial base clock to set base clock that you set in
“Base Clock (MHz)” step by step.
▶ OC Step
This item is used to set how many steps for base colck overclocking.
▶ OC Step Count Timer
This item is used to set the buffer time for every step.
▶ Adjust CPU Ratio
This item allows you to adjust the CPU ratio.
▶ Adjusted CPU Frequency (MHz)
It shows the adjusted CPU frequency (Base clock x Ratio). Read-only.
▶ OC Genie Button Operation
This item is used to enable/ disable the OC Genie button function.
▶ Base Clock Button
This item is used to enable/ disable the base clock button function.

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MS-7666

▶ MEMORY-Z
Press  to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears.

▶ Current DRAM Channel1/2/3 Timing
It shows the installed DRAM Timing. Read-only.
▶ DRAM Timing Mode
Select whether DRAM timing is controlled by the SPD (Serial Presence Detect) EEPROM on the DRAM module. Setting to [Auto] enables DRAM timings and the following
“Advance DRAM Configuration” sub-menu to be determined by BIOS based on the configurations on the SPD. Selecting [Manual] allows users to configure the DRAM timings
and the following related “Advance DRAM Configuration” sub-menu manually.
▶ Advance DRAM Configuration
Press  to enter the sub-menu.

▶ CH1/ CH2/ CH3 or CH1-3 1T/2T Memory Timing
This item controls the SDRAM command rate. Selecting [1] makes SDRAM signal
controller to run at 1N (N=clock cycles) rate. Selecting [2] makes SDRAM signal
controller run at 2N rate.
3-21

Chapter 3

▶ DIMM1~6 Memory SPD Information
Press  to enter the sub-menu. The sub-menu displays the informations of
installed memory.

BIOS Setup

▶ CH1/ CH2/ CH3 or CH1-3 CAS Latency (CL)
This controls the CAS latency, which determines the timing delay (in clock cycles)
before SDRAM starts a read command after receiving it.
▶ CH1/ CH2/ CH3 or CH1-3 tRCD
When DRAM is refreshed, both rows and columns are addressed separately. This
setup item allows you to determine the timing of the transition from RAS (row address strobe) to CAS (column address strobe). The less the clock cycles, the faster
the DRAM performance.
▶ CH1/ CH2/ CH3 or CH1-3 tRP
This setting 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.
▶ CH1/ CH2/ CH3 or CH1-3 tRAS
This setting determines the time RAS takes to read from and write to memory cell.
▶ CH1/ CH2/ CH3 or CH1-3 tRFC
This setting determines the time RFC takes to read from and write to a memory
cell.
▶ CH1/ CH2/ CH3 or CH1-3 tWR
Minimum time interval between end of write data burst and the start of a precharge
command. Allows sense amplifiers to restore data to cells.
▶ CH1/ CH2/ CH3 or CH1-3 tWTR
Minimum time interval between the end of write data burst and the start of a column-read command. It allows I/O gating to overdrive sense amplifiers before read
command starts.
▶ CH1/ CH2/ CH3 or CH1-3 tRRD
Specifies the active-to-active delay of different banks.
▶ CH1/ CH2/ CH3 or CH1-3 tRTP
Time interval between a read and a precharge command.
▶ CH1/ CH2/ CH3 or CH1-3 tFAW
This item is used to set the tFAW timing.
▶ Current CH1/ CH2/ CH3 or CH1-3 tdrRdTRd/ tddRdTRd/ tsrRdTWr/ tdrRdTWr/
tddRdTWr/ tsrWrTRd/ tdrWrTRd/ tddWrTRd/ tdrWrTWr/ tddWrTWr/ tsrRdTRd/
tsrWrTWr
These item show the advanced DRAM timings.
▶ Channel 1/ Channel 2/ Channel 3 or Channel 1-3 Advance Timing
Setting to [Auto] enables the advance memory timing automatically to be determined
by BIOS. Setting to [Manual] allows you to set the following advanced memory timings.

3-22

MS-7666

▶ Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.)
This item is used to enable/ disable the Intel Extreme Memory Porfile (X.M.P.). For
further information please refer to Intel’s official website.
▶ Memory Ratio
This item allows you to set the memory multiplier.

Chapter 3

▶ Adjusted DRAM Frequency (MHz)
It shows the adjusted DRAM frequency. Read-only.
▶ Uncore Ratio
This item allows you to set the uncore multiplier.
▶ Adjusted Uncore Frequency (MHz)
It shows the adjusted uncore frequency. Read-only.
▶ QPI Links Speed
This item is used to select the QPI link speed mode.
▶ QPI Frequency
This item allows you to set the QPI frequency.
▶ Adjusted QPI Frequency (MHz)
It shows the adjusted QPI frequency. Read-only.
▶ ClockGen Tuner
Press  to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears.

▶ CPU Amplitude Control/ PCI Express Amplitude Control
These items are used to select the CPU/ PCI Express clock amplitude.
▶ CPU CLK Skew/ MCH CLK Skew
These items are used to select the CPU/ MCH chipset clock skew. They can help
CPU to reach the higher overclocking performance.
▶ Adjust PCI-E Frequency (MHz)
This field allows you to select the PCIE frequency (in MHz).
▶ VDroop Control
This item is used to select the VDroop control mode.
▶ CPU Voltage (V)/ CPU PLL Voltage (V)/ QPI Voltage (V)/ DRAM Voltage (V)/ DDR_
VREF_CA_A (V)/ DDR_VREF_CA_B (V)/ DDR_VREF_CA_C (V)/ DDR_VREF_DQ_A
(V)/ DDR_VREF_DQ_B (V)/ DDR_VREF_DQ_C (V)/ IOH Voltage (V)/ IOH PCIE Voltage (V)/ ICH Voltage (V)
These items are used to adjust the voltage of CPU, Memory and chipset.

3-23

BIOS Setup

▶ Spread Spectrum
When the mainboard’s clock generator pulses, the extreme values (spikes) of the pulses
create 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.

Important
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

MS-7666

Important

Two ways to save your system from failed overclocking...
• Reboot
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.

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.
Warning !!! The previous overclocking had failed,
and system will restore its defaults setting,
Press any key to continue.......
• Clear CMOS

Please refer to “Chapter 2” for more information about how to clear CMOS data.

3-25

Chapter 3

Failed Overclocking Resolution
This mainboard 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.

BIOS Setup

M-Flash

== BIOS Update or Boot 2nd BIOS From USB drive==
▶ M-Flash function as
M-Flash function allows you to flash BIOS from USB drive/ storage drive (FAT/ FAT32
format only), or allows the system to boot from the BIOS file inside USB drive (FAT/
FAT32 format only).
[Disabled]	
Disable M-Flash function.
[BIOS Update]	 Flash BIOS via the USB/ Storage drive directly. Update BIOS ROM
chip data from selected file, which was be download from official
website and must be saved in the root directory of the USB/ Storage drive. It only supports particular file name, which is the official
BIOS file name from us.
[Boot]		
After allocated particular BIOS file, system will boot from this BIOS
file which saved in the root directory of USB drive. System will skip
MB ROM chip data and boot with this particular BIOS inside USB
drive. Note: this option is for USB drive only.

3-26

MS-7666

Important
• Please refer to the block diagram below about the M-Flash function.

Chapter 3
• Due to the special design of some graphics cards will cause dark screen during Mflash operation, and you may refer the beeps from the system to confirm the current
M-flash process.

3-27

BIOS Setup

▶ Load BIOS source File from
When the M-Flash function as sets to [BIOS Update], this item is selectable. Use
this item to select particular BIOS file from the USB/ Storage (FAT/32 format only)
drive.
▶ Boot 2nd BIOS from USB Drive
When the M-Flash function as sets to [Boot] ], this item is selectable. Use this item
to select particular BIOS file from the USB drive.
== Backup BIOS to USB Drive ==
The following fields are used to read the onboard BIOS ROM data, and save it to USB
drive/ storage drive.
▶ Save File to Selected Device
Please setup a specific folder in specific USB drive/ storage drive to save BIOS file from
BIOS ROM chip data. Note: it only supports FAT/ FAT32 file system drive.
▶ Save File Name as
Please setup a specific name for the BIOS file, which will be saved into the USB drive/
storage drive. Note: we suggest you using the official name as the default name.
▶ Save Extend File Name as
Please setup a specific extend name for the BIOS file, which will be saved into the USB
drive/ storage drive. Note: we suggest you using [ROM] as default name.
▶ Start to Save File
Press “Enter” and select “OK” the system will stare to save the onboard ROM chip data
to the selected USB drive/ storage drive.

3-28

MS-7666

Overclocking Profile

Chapter 3
▶ Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6
These items are used to save the currect settings to selected profile, and they are also
used to load the settings from the selected profile.
▶ OC Retry Count
When the overclocking is failed, setting this item to [3/5] will allow system to reboot 3/ 5
times with the overclocking configuration. If the overclocking was failed every time, the
system will restore the defaults.

3-29

BIOS Setup

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.
When you select Load Fail-Safe Defaults, a message as below appears:

Selecting Ok and pressing Enter loads the BIOS default values for the most stable,
minimal system performance.

When you select Load Optimized Defaults, a message as below appears:

Selecting Ok and pressing Enter loads the default factory settings for optimal system
performance.

3-30

Appendix A

Realtek Audio
The Realtek audio provides 10-channel DAC that simultaneously supports 7.1 sound playback and 2 channels
of independent stereo sound output (multiple streaming)
through the Front-Out-Left and Front-Out-Right channels.

Realtek Audio

Hardware Setup
Installing the Card
The interface of this Audio Card is PCIE x1. And you can install it to the PCIE x1
(PCI_E1) slot only.
Follow the steps below to install the audio card, then you can activate the advanced
function and enjoy the audio effect.
1. Turn off your computer and disconnect the power cord.
2. Open and remove the case of the computer.
3. Find the PCIE x1 (PCI_E1) slot. Only the PCIE x1 slot supports installing the audio
card.
4. Remove the bracket which may obstruct the installed PCIE x1 slot.
5. Gently but firmly install the Audio Card to the PCIE x1 slot and secure the card
bracket with a screw.
6. Replace and secure the case. Reconnect the power cord to the computer.

A-2

MS-7666

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1
This connector allows you to connect the front panel audio and is compliant with Intel®
Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.

n

Appendix A

io
ct
te
e
D
e
n
o
n
h
io
P
ct #
d
e E
a
e Pin et C
N
D
.H
E
0 o
1 . N I C ES d
8 M
n
.
6 .PR ou
4 Gr
.
2
L
e D
n
o N
h E R
P _S ne
d
o
a E h
e NS P
.H E d
9 . S ea R
7 .H IC L
5 .M I C
3 .M
1

CD-In Connector: CD_IN1
This connector is provided for external audio input.

d
n
u nd
.L ro u
1 .G ro
2 G
.
3 .R
4

SPDIF-Out Connector: JSPD1
This connector is used to connect SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interconnect Format)
interface for digital audio transmission.

A-3

Realtek Audio

Connecting the Speakers
When 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.
■

2-Channel Mode for Stereo-Speaker Output

1]
2]
3]
4]
5]
6]
7]
8]

MIC
Line Out (Front channels)
No function
No function
No function
Line In
S/PDIF Out - Optical
S/PDIF Out - Coaxial

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

1

8

2
3
4
5
6
7
8

A-4

■

4-Channel Mode for Stereo-Speaker Output

1]
2]
3]
4]
5]
6]
7]
8]

MIC
Line Out (Front channels)
No function
Line Out (Rear channels)
No function
Line In
S/PDIF Out - Optical
S/PDIF Out - Coaxial

MS-7666

6-Channel Mode for Stereo-Speaker Output

1]
2]
3]
4]
5]
6]
7]
8]

MIC
Line Out (Front channels)
Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel)
Line Out (Rear channels)
No function
Line In
S/PDIF Out - Optical
S/PDIF Out - Coaxial

1

Appendix A

■

2
3
4
5
6
7

1

8

2
3

■

8-Channel Mode for Stereo-Speaker Output

4

1]
2]
3]
4]
5]
6]
7]
8]

MIC
Line Out (Front channels)
Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel)
Line Out (Rear channels)
Line Out (Side channels)
Line In
S/PDIF Out - Optical
S/PDIF Out - Coaxial

5
6
7
8

Important
To enable 7.1 channel audio-out function on Windows Vista / Windows 7 operating
system, you have to install the Realtek Audio Driver. Or, the mainboard will support 5.1
channel audio-out only.
A-5

Realtek Audio

Installing the Realtek HD Audio Driver
You need to install the HD audio driver for Realtek audio codec to function properly
before you can get access to 2-, 4-, 6-, 8- channel or 7.1+2 channel audio operations.
Follow the procedures described below to install the drivers for different operating systems.

Installation for Windows®

For Windows® XP, you must install Windows® XP Service Pack3 or later before installing
the driver.
The following illustrations are based on Windows® 7 environment and could look slightly
different if you install the drivers in different operating systems.
1. Insert the application DVD into the DVD-ROM drive. The setup screen will automatically appear.
2. Click Driver tab.
3. Click Audio button.

Click here

4. Select Realtek HD Audio Drivers to start installing the drivers.
5. Click Next to install the Realtek High Definition Audio Driver.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to install drivers.
7. Click Finish to restart the system.

Important
The HD Audio Configuration software utility is under continuous update to enhance audio applications. Hence, the program screens shown here in this section may be slightly
different from the latest software utility and shall be held for reference only.

A-6

MS-7666

Software Configuration
After installing the audio driver, the “Realtek HD Audio Manager” icon will appear at the
notification area (lower right of the screen). You may double click the icon and the GUI
will pop up accordingly.

Software panel overview
The following figure describes the function of the Realtek HD Audio Manager panel.

Device Selection

Volume Adjustment

Application Enhancement

Jack status panel

A-7

Appendix A

It is also available to enable the audio driver by clicking the Realtek HD Audio Manager
from the Control Panel.

Realtek Audio

■ Device Selection
Here you can select a audio output source to change the related options. the “check”
sign (in orange) indicates the devices as default.
■ Volume Adjustment
You can control the volume or balance the right/left side of the speakers that you
plugged in front or rear panel by adjust the bar.
■ Application Enhancement
The array of options will provide you a complete guidance of anticipated sound effect for
both output and input device.
■ Jack status panel
This panel depicts all render and capture devices currently connected with your computer. Additionally, more applications would be found at the option of “Device Advanced
Settings”.

Auto popup dialog
When you plug into the device at the jack, a dialogue window will pop up asking you
which device is current connected.

As you know, each jack corresponds to its default setting, you can refer to the next section “Hardware Default Setting”.

A-8

Appendix B

Intel RAID
This appendix will assist users in configuring and enabling RAID functionality on platforms

Intel RAID

Introduction
The mainboard comes with the Intel RAID controller that allows you to configure SATA
hard drives as RAID sets.
SATA hard drives deliver blistering transfer speeds up to 3 Gb/s. 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® RAID controller 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) , Intel® Martix Storage Technology and Intel® Rapid Recover 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.
Intel® Rapid Recover Technology utilizes RAID 1 functionality to copy data from a designated Master drive to a designated Recovery drive. The size of the Master drive must
be less than or equal to the size of the Recovery drive. When a Recovery volume is
created, complete capacity of the Master drive will be used as the Master volume. Only
one Recovery Volume can exist on a system. There are 2 methods of updating the
data on the Master to the Recovery drive. They are Continuous Update Policy and On
Request Update Policy.

Important
The least number of hard drives for RAID 0, RAID 1, Recovery or Matrix mode is 2. The
least number of hard drives for RAID 10 mode is 4. And the least number of hard drives
for RAID 5 mode is 3.
All the information/ volumes/ pictures listed in your system might differ from the illustrations in this appendix.

B-2

MS-7666

BIOS Configuration

Using the Intel Matrix Stroage Manager Option ROM

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:

Important
The “Drvice Model”, “Serial #” and “Size” in the following example might be different
from your system.

After the above message shows, press  and  keys simultaneously to enter the
RAID Configuration Utility.

Important
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.

B-3

Appendix B

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  +  keys to enter the “Intel® 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 to create, delete and reset
RAID volumes.

Intel RAID

After pressing the  and  keys simultaneously, the following window will appear:

■ Create RAID Volume
1. Select option 1 Create RAID Volume” and press  key. The following screen
appears. Then in the Name field, specify a RAID Volume name and then press the
 or  key to go to the next field.
2. Use the arrow keys to select the RAID level best suited to your usage model in
RAID Level.

B-4

MS-7666

3. In the Disk field, press  key and the following screen appears. Use 
key to select the disks you want to create for the RAID volume, then click 
key to finish selection.

Appendix B
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
 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 - 64KB / RAID5 - 64KB.
5. Then select the capacity of the volume in the Capacity field. The default value is the
maximum volume capacity of the selected disks.

B-5

Intel RAID

Important
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  to continue.

7. Then the following screen appears to indicate that the creation is finished.

B-6

MS-7666

■ Delete RAID Volume
Here you can delete the RAID volume, but please be noted that all data on RAID
drives will be lost.

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 
key to select a RAID volume for deletion. Then press  key to delete the
selected RAID volume. The following screen appears.

Press  key to accept the volume deletion.

B-7

Appendix B

Important

Intel RAID

■ Reset Disks to Non-RAID
Select option 3 Reset Disks to Non-RAID and press  to delete the RAID
volume and remove any RAID structures from the drives. The following screen 	
appears:

Press  key to accept the selection.

Important
• You will lose all data on the RAID drives and any internal RAID structures when you
perform this operation.
• Possible reasons to “Reset Disks to Non-RAID” could include issues such as incompatible RAID configurations or a failed volume or failed disk.

B-8

MS-7666

■ Recovery Volume Options
Select option 4 Recovery Volume Options and press  to change recovery
volume mode. The following screen appears:

Appendix B
Recovery mode will change from Continuous Update to On-Request after you enable “Only Recovery Disk” or “Only Master Disk”.

B-9

Intel RAID

Installing Driver
■ New Windows 7/ Vista / XP Installation
The following details the installation of the drivers while installing operating system.
1. When you start installing Windows XP, you may encounter a message stating,
“Setup could not determine the type of one or more mass storage devices installed
in your system”. If this is the case, then you are already in the right place and are
ready to supply the driver. If this is not the case, then press F6 when prompted at
the beginning of Windows setup.
2. Press the “S” key to select “Specify Additional Device”.
3. You should be prompted to insert a floppy disk containing the Intel® RAID driver
into the A: drive. 							
Note: 	For Windows XP, you can use the USB floppy drive only.			
	
For Windows Vista/ Windows 7 you can use CD/ DVD/ USB drive.

Important
Please follow the instruction below to make an “Intel® RAID Driver” for yourself.
• Insert the MSI DVD into the DVD-ROM drive.
• Click the “Browse DVD” on the Setup screen.
• Copy all the contents in \\RAID\ Intel\ ICH10R\ floppy\ f6flpy32 or f6flpy64 to a formatted floppy diskette.
• The driver diskette for Intel® ICH10R RAID Controller is done.

4. For Windows Vista/ Windows 7:						
During the Operating system installation, after selecting the location to install Vista
/ Windows 7 click on “Load Driver” button to install a third party SCSI or RAID
driver.
5. When prompted, insert the floppy disk or media (CD/DVD or USB) you created in
step 3 and press Enter.
6. You should be shown a list of available SCSI Adapters.
7. Select the appropriate Intel RAID controller and press ENTER.
8. The next screen should confirm that you have selected the Intel® RAID controller.
Press ENTER again to continue.
9. You have successfully installed the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager driver, and Windows setup should continue.
10. Leave the disk in the floppy drive until the system reboots itself. Windows setup will
need to copy the files from the floppy again after the RAID volume is formatted, and
Windows setup starts copying files.

B-10

MS-7666

■ Existing Windows Vista/ Windows 7/ XP Driver Installation
1. Insert the MSI DVD into the DVD-ROM drive.
2. The DVD will auto-run and the setup screen will appear.
3. Under the Driver tab, click on Intel RAID Drivers.
4. The drivers will be automatically installed.

2. Choose the Hardware tab, then click the Device Manager tab.
3. Click the “+” in front of the SCSI and RAID Controllers hardware type. The driver
Intel(R) ICH10R SATA RAID Controller should appear.

B-11

Appendix B

■ Confirming Windows Vista/ Windows 7/ XP Driver Installation
1. From Windows 7/ Vista/ XP, open the Control Panel from My Computer followed
by the System icon.

Intel 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 is temporarily 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 Windows; 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  and  keys simultaneously during the Power-On Self Test (POST).

4. Select the port of the destination disk for rebuilding, and then press ENTER.

B-12

MS-7666

5. Exit Intel RAID Option ROM, and then reboot to Windows system.
6. When 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 Wizard’ will be launched which will guide
you through the process of rebuilding to the new hard drive.

Appendix B
B-13

Appendix C

Marvell RAID
This chapter provides an overview of the Marvell RAID
Driver and Utility, also describes the installation procedure.

Marvell RAID

RAID Configuration
During bootup, a screen similar to the one below will appear for about few seconds.
Press + to enter Marvell BIOS setup utility.
Press + to enter BIOS Setup or  to continue

Important
Be sure to enable the RAID function for SATA device in mainboard BIOS before configuring the Marvell BIOS setup utility.
The RAID setup utility menu screen will appear. The Main Menu shows as below.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) xxxx Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Topology
HBA 0: Marvell 0
Virtual Disks
Free physical Disks
PD 0: ST3750330MS
PD 8: ST3750330MS

Information
Vendor ID
Device ID
Revision ID
BIOS Version
Firmware Version
PCIe Speed Rate
Configure SATA as

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

1848
91xx
81
1.0.0.1008
2.1.0.1316
5.0Gbps
AHCI Mode

Help
Marvell RAID on chip controller.
ENTER: Operation
F10: Exit/ Save

ESC: Return

■ Topology - this pane used a tree view to list and show the relationships between
the various physical/ virtual devices attached to system.
■ Information - this pane is populated based on the selection in the Topology pane.
■ Help - this pane is used to display important information relevant to the selection.
It may contain short descriptions on selections, messages on setting list items,
default values for settings, among others.

C-2

MS-7666

Creating Virtual Disks
This topic describes the procedure for creating virtual disks by using the Marvell BIOS
setup utility.

Marvell BIOS Setup (c) xxxx Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Topology

Information

HBA 0: Marvell 0
Vendor ID
[Configuration Wizard]
Virtual Disks
Device ID
Free physical Disks
[Int13: Enable] Revision ID
PD 0: ST3750330MS
BIOS Version
PD 8: ST3750330MS
Firmware Version
PCIe Speed Rate
Configure SATA as

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

1848
91xx
81
1.0.0.1008
2.1.0.1316
5.0Gbps
AHCI Mode

Help
Select free disks to create array and continue to create virtual disk on
this array.
ENTER: Operation
F10: Exit/ Save
ESC: Return

2. Press Space to select the disk, use the arrow keys to scroll the list of free disks.
After select the required disks as shown below, press Enter to continue.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) xxxx Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Configure -> Select free disks
HBA 0: Marvell 0
Virtual Disks
Free physical Disks
*
PD 0: ST3750330MS
*
PD 8: ST3750330MS

Port ID
PD ID
Type
Status
Size
Feature Support
Current Speed
Model
Serial
FW Version

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

1
8
SATA PD
Unconfigured
953869MB
NCQ 6G 48Bits
6G
ST37503330MS
ST-XXXXXX
05.01D05

Help
Select free disks to create array and continue to create virtual disk on
this array.
ENTER: Operation
F10: Exit/ Save
ESC: Return

C-3

Appendix C

1. In the Topology pane, scroll to [HBA 0: Marvell 0] and press Enter. A menu pops-up
as shown below. Select “Configuration Wizard” and press Enter to begin creating
the virtual disk.

Marvell RAID

3. Create virtual disk by configuring its settings in the “Information” pane. as shown
below. And refer the description below to configure the virtual disk settings.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) xxxx Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Configure -> Select free disks Create Virtual Disk
HBA 0: Marvell 0
Virtual Disks
Free physical Disks
*
PD 0: ST3750330MS
*
PD 8: ST3750330MS

RAID Level
PD ID
Stripe Size
Gigabyte Rounding
Quick Init
VD Name
Current Speed
Next

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

RAID 0
1987739
64KB
1G
YES
Default
0 8

Help
Virtual disk configurations.
ENTER: Operation
F10: Exit/ Save

ESC: Return

■ RAID Level, select a RAID level (RAID 0, RAID 1).
■ Max Size (MB), is the size of the RAID virtual disk as determined by the selected
RAID level. It is property of the virtual disk that cannot be edited.
■ Stripe Size, specifies the size (32K, 64K) of single data block on the virtual disk.
The larger the stripe size, the longer it takes for the controller to read from and
write to data blocks on the physical disks. In general, a larger stripe size is recommended for most applications. The default size is 64K.
■ Gigabyte Rounding, define the flexibility in size for a replacement physical disk
that is used to rebuild a degraded virtual disk. It is applicable to RAID 1 level only.
Although the selection remains available for RAID 0, it only affects the size of the
RAID 0 virtual disk (because RAID 0 does not offer redundancy).
■ Quick Init, enable or disable quick initialization of the virtual disk. The default setting for [Quick Init] is “Yes”.
■ VD Name, type a new virtual disk name.
■ Disk ID, lists the IDs of the physical disks comprising the virtual disk. It is property
of the virtual disk that cannot be edited.

C-4

MS-7666

4. After configure all settings for the virtual disk, scroll to the [Next] and press Enter to
continue. And the screen shows as below, press Y to confirm the creation for the
virtual disk.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) xxxx Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Configure -> Select free disks Create Virtual Disk
RAID Level
:
PD ID
:
Stripe Size
:
Gigabyte Rounding :
Quick Init
:
VD Name
:
:
Create Virtual DiskCurrent Speed
Next this virtual disk
Do you want to create
	

Yes 	

Appendix C

HBA 0: Marvell 0
Virtual Disks
Free physical Disks
*
PD 0: ST3750330MS
*
PD 8: ST3750330MS

RAID 1
1987739
64KB
1G
YES
MRAID1
0 8
?

No

Help
Virtual disk configurations.
ENTER: Operation
F10: Exit/ Save

ESC: Return

5. The creation is done. The virtual disk is now listed in [Topology] pane, as shown
below.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) xxxx Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Topology
HBA 0: Marvell 0
Virtual Disks
VD 0: MRAID1
PD 0: ST3750330MS
PD 8: ST3750330MS
Free Physical Disks

Information
Vendor ID
Device ID
Revision ID
BIOS Version
Firmware Version
PCIe Speed Rate
Configure SATA as

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

1848
91xx
81
1.0.0.1008
2.1.0.1316
5.0Gbps
AHCI Mode

Help
Marvell RAID on chip controller.
ENTER: Operation
F10: Exit/ Save

ESC: Return

C-5

Marvell RAID

Deleting Virtual Disk
This topic describes the procedure to delete a virtual disk by using the Marvell BIOS
setup utility.

Important
Using “Delete” permanently erases all data on the virtual disk.
1. In the [Topology] pane, select “Virtual Disk” (VD 0: MRAID1, shown as below) and
press Enter.
2. Select “Delete” to delete the virtual disk, shown as below.
3. Press Y to confirm the request when prompted Do you want to delete this virtual
disk?.
4. Press Y to confirm the request when prompted Do you want to delete MBR from
this virtual disk?.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) xxxx Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Topology
HBA 0: Marvell 0
Virtual Disks
VD 0: MRAID1
PD 0: ST3750330MS
[Delete]
PD 8: ST3750330MS
Free Physical Disks

Information
ID
Namd
Status
Stripe Size
RAID Mode
Size
BGA Status
Number of PDs
Members

Help
Delect the selected virtual disk.
ENTER: Operation
F10: Exit/ Save

C-6

ESC: Return

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

0
MRAID1
Functional
64K
RAID1
953344MB
N/A
2
0 8

MS-7666

Rebuilding Virtual Disk
This topic describes the procedure to manually rebuild a degraded virtual disk by using
the Marvell BIOS setup utility. This is applicable to the RAID 1 virtual disk.

Important

1. When a virtual disk is degraded, the “Status” of a virtual disk is changed from Functional to Degrade.
2. Replace the faulty physical disk with an identical physical disk. (Note: If an identical disk is unavailable, use a replacement physical disk of larger size or one with
a slightly smaller size as determined the Gigabyte Rounding setting for the virtual
disk.) The BIOS detects the new physical disk and lists the device under “Free
Physical Disks” in the [Topology] pane.
3. In the [Topology] pane, scroll to “Virtual Disk” (VD 0: XXXX), and press Enter to
select. A menu pops-up as shown below. Scroll to “Rebuild” and press Enter to
configure the rebuild process.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) xxxx Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Topology
HBA 0: Marvell 0
Virtual Disks
VD 0: MRAID1
PD 8: ST3750330MS
[Delete]
Free Physical Disks [Rebuild]
PD 0: ST3750XXX

Information
ID
Namd
Status
Stripe Size
RAID Mode
Size
BGA Status
Number of PDs
Members

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

0
MRAID1
Degrade
64K
RAID1
953344MB
N/A
2
0 8

4. Scroll through the list of free disks, and press Space to select a replacement physical disk. Press Enter to continue.
5. Press Y to confirm the request when prompted Do you want to rebuild with selected
physical disk on this vd?.
6. The status of the rebuild process is reflected in the properties of the virtual disk.

C-7

Appendix C

The rebuild process is both initiated and completed in the Marvell BIOS setup. The Marvell RAID Utility (MRU), which runs in as OS environment, cannot be used to either initiate, resume, or complete the rebuild process Spare physical disks are not supported.

Marvell RAID

Installing the RAID Driver (for bootable RAID Array)

Important
Only when you set the “AHCI” mode in Integrated Peripherals menu (the default is
IDE mode) of mainboard BIOS setup, you have to install the RAID Driver for the SATA
devices.
1. After you complete the RAID BIOS setup, boot from the Windows CD, and the Windows Setup program starts.
2. Press F6 and wait for the Windows Setup screen to appear.
3. Insert the floppy that contains the RAID driver, press the “S” key to select “Specify
Additional Device”.
Note: for Windows Vista/ Windows 7, you can copy the files to a medium (floppy/
CD/ DVD or USB)

Important
Please follow the instruction below to make a SATA RAID driver for yourself.
• Insert the MSI DVD into the DVD-ROM drive.
• Click the “Browse CD” on the Setup screen.
• Copy all the contents in the : \\RAID\Marvell9128 sp1116\miniport\Floppy32 or Floppy 64
• The driver disk for RAID controller is done.
4. When prompted, insert the medium disk and press Enter.
For Windows Vista/ Windows 7:						
During the Operating system installation, after selecting the location to install Vista/
Windows 7 click on “Load Driver” button to load RAID drive.
5. You should be shown a list of available RAID controller(s).
6. Select the compatible RAID controller for 32-bit/ 64-bit version system and then
press ENTER.
7. The next screen should confirm that you have selected the RAID controller. Press
ENTER again to continue.
8. You have successfully installed the RAID driver, and Windows setup should continue.
9. Leave the medium until the system reboots itself. Windows setup will need to copy
the files from the medium again after the RAID volume is formatted, and Windows
setup starts copying files.

C-8

MS-7666

Installing the RAID Driver Under Windows
(for Non-bootable RAID Array)
1. Insert the MSI DVD into the DVD-ROM drive.
2. The DVD will auto-run and the setup screen will appear.

Appendix C

3. Under the Driver tab, click on Marvell 91XX SATA Driver.
4. The driver will be automatically installed.

C-9



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