P4M900T M2 (1.0A) Low
P4M900T M2 (1.0A) Low
P4M900T M2 (1.0A) Low
Copyright
This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected
under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor
any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of
the author.
Version 1.0A
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufacturer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and
specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose. The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication and
to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of the
manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or changes.
Trademark Recognition
Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
MMX, Pentium, Pentium-II, Pentium-III, Pentium-4, Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective
owners and are acknowledged.
Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with
this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits governing this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the systems
manufacturer could void the users authority to operate the equipment.
Preface
ii
Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard
Go to
Chapter 2
Go to
Chapter 3
Go to
Chapter 4
Using the Motherboard Software
Setup Guide
page 7
Using BIOS
page 1
Describes installation of
motherboard components.
Chapter 5
page 25
page 41
Preface
page 47
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Installing Hardware.......................................................................13
Installing the Processor.....................................................13
Installing Memory Modules..............................................15
Installing a Hard Disk Drive/CD-ROM/SATA Hard Drive..17
Installing a Floppy Diskette Drive....................................18
Installing Add-on Cards....................................................19
Connecting Optional Devices............................................20
Chapter 3
25
Using BIOS
25
About the Setup Utility.................................................................25
The Standard Configuration.............................................25
Entering the Setup Utility...................................................25
Updating the BIOS............................................................27
Using BIOS.....................................................................................27
Standard CMOS Setup......................................................28
Advanced Setup.................................................................29
Advanced Chipset Setup ...................................................31
iv
Integrated Peripherals.......................................................32
Power Management Setup.................................................34
PCI/PnP Setup...................................................................36
PC Health Status...............................................................36
Frequency/Voltage Control................................................37
Load Default Settings .......................................................38
Supervisor Password........................................................38
User Password..................................................................39
Save & Exit Setup..............................................................39
Exit Without Saving............................................................39
Chapter 4
41
Manual Installation........................................................................46
Utility Software Reference..........................................................46
Chapter 5
47
Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard
Introduction
Thank you for choosing this motherboard. This motherboard is a high performance,
enhanced function motherboard that supports the LGA775 socket * Intel
4/Celeron
CoreTM2
Feature
Processor
This motherboard uses an LGA775 type of * Intel CoreTM 2 Quad/Intel
CoreTM 2 Duo/Pentium 4/Celeron D that carries the following features:
Accommodates * Intel
Chipset
The P4M900 CD Northbridge (NB) and VT8237S Southbridge (SB) chipsets are
based on an innovative and scalable architecture with proven reliability and performance.
P4M900
CD
(NB)
VT8237S
(SB)
Memory
Audio (Optional)
This motherboard may support the following Audio chipset:
Onboard LAN
The onboard LAN controller provides any of the following features:
Expansion Options
The motherboard comes with the following expansion options:
Integrated I/O
The motherboard has a full set of I/O ports and connectors:
BIOS Firmware
This motherboard uses AMI BIOS that enables users to configure system
features including the following:
Power management
Wake-up alarms
CPU parameters
CPU and memory timing
The firmware can also be used to set parameters for different processor clock
speeds.
Motherboard Components
COMPONENTS
This concludes Chapter 1. The next chapter explains how to install the motherboard.
Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard
Safety Precautions
Setting Jumpers
Use the motherboard jumpers to set system configuration options. Jumpers with
more than one pin are numbered. When setting the jumpers, ensure that the jumper
caps are placed on the correct pins.
The illustrations show a 2-pin jumper. When
the jumper cap is placed on both pins, the
jumper is SHORT. If you remove the jumper
cap, or place the jumper cap on just one pin,
the jumper is OPEN.
SHORT
OPEN
Jumper Settings
Jumper
Type
Description
Setting (default)
1-2: NORMAL
CLR_CMOS 3-pin
USBPWR_F2 3-pin
Clear CMOS
Front Panel
USBPower
Select Jumper
1-2: VCC
2-3: 5VSB
1
CLR_CMOS
1
USBPWR_F2
1
USBPWR_R1
10
11
Signal Name
Function
1
2
3
GND
Sense
System Ground
Power +12V
Sensor
PWM
+12V
Users please note that the fan connector supports the CPU cooling
fan of 1.1A~2.2A (26.4W max.) at +12V.
1
2
3
Signal Name
Function
System Ground
Power +12V
Sensor
GND
+12V
Sense
Signal Name
Pin
Signal Name
1
2
+3.3V
+3.3V
13
14
Ground
15
Ground
+5V
16
PS_ON
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Ground
+5V
Ground
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Ground
Ground
Ground
PWRGD
+5VSB
+12V
+12V
+3.3V
+3.3V
-12V
-5V
+5V
+5V
+5V
Ground
1
2
3
4
Signal Name
Ground
Ground
+12V
+12V
1
2
3
4
Signal Name
VCC
Key
NC
Signal
12
Pin
Signal
Function
Pin
Signal
Function
RST_SW_P
Reset Switch(+)
RSVD
Reserved
10 Key
No pin
Reset Switch
Supporting the reset function requires connecting pin 5 and 7 to a momentarycontact switch that is normally open. When the switch is closed, the board resets and
runs POST.
Power Switch
Supporting the power on/off function requires connecting pins 6 and 8 to a momentary-contact switch that is normally open. The switch should maintain contact for
at least 50 ms to signal the power supply to switch on or off. The time requirement
is due to internal de-bounce circuitry. After receiving a power on/off signal, at least
two seconds elapses before the power supply recognizes another on/off signal.
13
Installing Hardware
Installing the Processor
Caution: When installing a CPU heatsink and cooling fan make
sure that you DO NOT scratch the motherboard or any of the
surface-mount resistors with the clip of the cooling fan. If the clip
of the cooling fan scrapes across the motherboard, you may cause
serious damage to the motherboard or its components.
On most motherboards, there are small surface-mount resistors
near the processor socket, which may be damaged if the cooling
fan is carelessly installed.
Avoid using cooling fans with sharp edges on the fan casing and
the clips. Also, install the cooling fan in a well-lit work area so
that you can clearly see the motherboard and processor socket.
14
G.
15
Memory Bus
DDR2 400
DDR2 533
DDR2 667
200 MHz
266 MHz
333 MHz
You must install at least one module in any of the two slots. Each module can be
installed with 2 GB of memory; total support memory capacity is 4 GB.
Do not remove any memory module from its antistatic packaging
until you are ready to install it on the motherboard. Handle the
modules only by their edges. Do not touch the components or metal
parts. Always wear a grounding strap when you handle the modules.
Installation Procedure
Refer to the following to install the memory modules.
1
2
3
4
5
16
Size
Vendor
TwinMos
Corsair
Elpida
Kingmax
256 MB Nanya
Ramaxel
Ramaxel
Twinmos
Aeneon
Aeneon
Corsair
512 MB Corsair
DDR2 533
Elpida
Hynix
Infineon
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Ramaxel
Ramaxel
Ramaxel
Samsung
Samsung
Twinmos
Twinmos
Apacer
1 GB
GEIL
Infineon
Kingmax
PQI
UMAX
Infineon
256MB
Ramaxel
A-DATA
A-DATA
Apacer
Apacer
APOGEE
Corsair
512MB
Corsair
DDR2 667
Corsair
GEIL
GEIL
Infineon
Infinity
PSC
Ramxel
Samsung
Sync MAX
Transcend
Transcend
Twinmos
Apacer
Apacer
APOGEE
1 GB
Infineon
Infinity
PQI
PSC
LeadMax
2GB
Module Name
M378T3354BZ0-CCC K4T51163QB-ZCCC
M378T6553BG0-CCC K4T51083QB-GCCC
Samsung K4T51083QB-GCCC
VC256MB533D2 4PB11D9CHM
Japan E2508AA-T7F-E
Hynix HY5PS121621
Nanya NT5TU32M16AG-37B
Elpida D5116AF-5C-E
5PB32 D9DCN
Elpida 8D22IB-ED
Aeneon AET93F370 SS
Aeneon AET94F370 DS
VS512MB533D2 64M8CEC
Samsung K4T51083QB-ZCD5
Elpida 04180WB01
Hynix HY5PS12821
HY818T512800AF37 33346778
Hynix HYB18T512800AF37
Hynix HY5PS12821
Nanya NT5TU64M8AE037B
Elpida E5108AG-5C-E
6AD11 D9GCT
5PB32 D9DCN
PC2-4200U-4444-10-B1 K4T51083QF-ZCD5
PC2-4200U-4444-12-DS K4T51083QC
Elpida E5108AB-5C-E
Samsung 8D22JB-KM
Elpida
A016E2864T2AG8AKT5H120001
HY818T512800AF37 33344539
KKEA88E4AAKG-37
PQB2648D38R0651
U2S12D30TP-5C
HYS64T325001HU-3-A HYB18T256
5NB31 D9DCG
AD29608A88-3EG
Eipida M20EL5G3H3160B100Z E5108AE-6E-E
Apacer AM4B5708AIJS0703 512MB
AU512E667C5KBGY
AU51082-667P005
Corsair K4T5108QC
VALUESELECT 32M8CEC
64M8CFE PS1000545
GL2L64M088BA18W
GL2L64M088BA30AW
Infineon Aeneon HYS647128020HU-3S-A
0547W64M8 PC5300
AL6E8E63B-6E1T
5LB31 D9DCL
K4T51083QC
04400WB01 R050008A
JetRam J12Q3AB-6
SEL520ZCE6 K4T51083QC
TMM6208G8M30B
AM4B5708GQJS7E0631F
Elpida 1GB AM4B5708GEWS7E-0637F
AU51082-667P005
Aeneon AET93E30RB-0650 1GB
HYB18T512800BF3S
PQI PQB2648D38R0648 1GB
AL6E8E63B-6E1T
LeadMax LD5PS1G831
17
IDE devices enclose jumpers or switches used to set the IDE device as MASTER or
SLAVE. Refer to the IDE device users manual. Installing two IDE devices on one
cable, ensure that one device is set to MASTER and the other device is set to SLAVE.
The documentation of your IDE device explains how to do this.
SATA cable
(optional)
(optional)
18
Refer to
1
2
3
19
PCIEX16 Slot
The PCI Express x16 slot is used to install an external PCI Express graphics card that is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base
Specification revision 1.1.
PCIEX1 Slot
PCI1~2
Slots
20
Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:
1
2
3
For some add-on cards, for example graphics adapters and network
adapters, you have to install drivers and software before you can begin
using the add-on card.
21
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Pin
Pin
1
3
5
7
9
Signal Name
AUD_MIC
AUD_GND
Function
Front Panel Microphone input signal
Ground used by Analog Audio Circuits
AUD_F_R
AUD_RET_ R
REVD
Reserved
Key
No Pin
AUD_F_L
AUD_RET_ L
Signal Name
Signal Name
PORT 1L
Signal Name
Function
AUD_GND
PORT 1R
PRESENCE#
PORT 2R
SENSE1_RETURN
SENSE_SEND
8
10
KEY
PORT 2L
Pin
SENSE2_RETURN
Signal Name
Function
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
USBPWR
USBPWR
USB_FP_P0-
USB_FP_P1-
USB_FP_P0+
USB_FP_P1+
GND
Ground
8
9
10
GND
Ground
Key
No pin
USB_FP_OC0
Overcurrent signal
22
Signal Name
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
STROBE
Pin
Signal Name
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
PD0
PD1
PD2
PD3
PD4
PD5
PD6
PD7
ACK
BUSK
PE
SLCT
ALF
ERROR
INIT
SLCTIN
Ground
Ground
Ground
Ground
Ground
Ground
Ground
Ground
Key
1
3
5
7
Signal Name
Signal Name
Ground
Pin
TX-
2
4
RXGround
6
-
Signal Name
Function
TX+
Ground
RX+
-
Signal Name
Function
1
2
SPDIF
+5VA
5V analog Power
3
4
Key
GND
No pin
Ground
1
2
3
4
Signal Name
Function
CD_L
GND
Ground
GND
CD_R
Ground
Right CD-in signal
23
Signal Name
NC
2
3
4
5
6
Key
+5V
GND
IRTX
IRRX
24
PS2 Mouse
PS2 Keyboard
VGA Port
LAN Port
USB Ports
Audio Ports
D: Line-in
E: Front Out
F: Mic_in Rear
25
Chapter 3
Using BIOS
About the Setup Utility
The computer uses the latest American Megatrends BIOS with support for Windows
Plug and Play. The CMOS chip on the motherboard contains the ROM setup instructions for configuring the motherboard BIOS.
The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup Utility displays the systems
configuration status and provides you with options to set system parameters. The
parameters are stored in battery-backed-up CMOS RAM that saves this information
when the power is turned off. When the system is turned back on, the system is
configured with the values you stored in CMOS.
The BIOS Setup Utility enables you to configure:
The settings made in the Setup Utility affect how the computer performs. Before
using the Setup Utility, ensure that you understand the Setup Utility options.
This chapter provides explanations for Setup Utility options.
Using BIOS
26
Frequency/Voltage Control
Load Default Settings
Supervisor Password
User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
ESC: Exit
+/-/PU/PD
F1
F9
FUNCTION
Exits the current menu
Scrolls through the items on a menu
Modifies the selected fields values
Displays a screen that describes all key functions
Loads an optimized setting for better performance
F10
ESC
Using BIOS
27
If your motherboard has an item called Firmware Write Protect in Advanced BIOS features, disable it. (Firmware Write Protect prevents
BIOS from being overwritten.
Download the Flash Utility and new BIOS file from the manufacturers
Web site. Copy these files to the system diskette you created in Step 3.
Turn off your computer and insert the system diskette in your computers
diskette drive. (You might need to run the Setup Utility and change the
boot priority items on the Advanced BIOS Features Setup page, to
force your computer to boot from the floppy diskette drive first.)
At the A:\ prompt, type the Flash Utility program name and the filename
of the new bios and then press <Enter>. Example: AMINF340.EXE
040706.ROM
When the installation is complete, remove the floppy diskette from the
diskette drive and restart your computer. If your motherboard has a
Flash BIOS jumper, reset the jumper to protect the newly installed BIOS
from being overwritten. The computer will restart automatically.
Using BIOS
When you start the Setup Utility, the main menu appears. The main menu of the
Setup Utility displays a list of the options that are available. A highlight indicates
which option is currently selected. Use the cursor arrow keys to move the highlight
to other options. When an option is highlighted, execute the option by pressing
<Enter>.
Some options lead to pop-up dialog boxes that prompt you to verify that you wish to
execute that option. Other options lead to dialog boxes that prompt you for information.
Some options (marked with a triangle ) lead to submenus that enable you to change
the values for the option. Use the cursor arrow keys to scroll through the items in the
submenu.
In this manual, default values are enclosed in parenthesis. Submenu items are denoted
by a triangle .
Using BIOS
28
Help Item
Wed 07/18/2007
03:08:56
ATAPT CDROM
Not Detected
Hard Disk
Hard Disk
IDE BusMaster
Enabled
Drive A:
1.44 MB 3 1/2
Enter : Select
F10: Save
+/-/: Value
F9: Optimized Defaults
ESC: Exit
Using BIOS
29
Advanced Setup
This page sets up more advanced information about your system. Handle this page
with caution. Any changes can affect the operation of your computer.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
Advanced Setup
TM Status
Limit CPUID MaxVal
Hyper-Treading Technology
Quick Power on Self Test
Boot Up Numlock Status
APIC Mode
Ist Boot Device
2nd Boot Device
3rd Boot Device
Hard Disk Drives
Removable Drives
CD/DVD Drives
Boot Other Device
BIOS Protect
TM1
Disabled
Enabled
Enabled
On
Enabled
1st FLOPPY DRIVE
ST3120023AS
DVD-ROM DDU1632
Press Enter
Press Enter
Press Enter
Yes
Disabled
Enter : Select
F10: Save
+/-/: Value
F9: Optimized Defaults
Help Item
Disabled for WindowsXP
ESC: Exit
TM Status (TM1/TM2)
This item displays CPU Thermal Monitor status.
Limit CPUID MaxVal (Disabled)
This item can support Prescott CPUs for old OS. Users please note that under NT
4.0, it must be set Enabled, while under WinXP, it must be set Disabled
Hyper-Threading Technology (Enabled)
This item is only available when the chipset supports Hyper-Threading and you
areusing a Hyper-Threading CPU.
Quick Power On Self Test (Enabled)
Enable this item to shorten the power on self testing (POST) and have your
system start up faster. You might like to enable this item after you confident that
your system hardware is operating smoothly.
Boot Up NumLock Status (On)
This item determines if the NumLock key is active or inactive at system start-up
time.
APIC Mode (Enabled)
This item allows you to enable or disable the APIC (Advanced Programmable
Interrupt Controller) mode. APIC provides symmetric multi-processing (SMP) for
systems, allowing support for up to 60 processors.
1st/2nd/3rd Boot Device (1st FLOPPY DRIVE/ST3120023AS/DVD-ROM
DDU1632)
Use these items to determine the device order the computer used to look for an
operating system to load at start-up time. The devices showed here will be different
depending on the exact devices installed on your motherboard.
Using BIOS
30
ST340016A
WDC WD2500JS-08NCB1
F10: Save
< > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value
F1:General Help
F9: Optimized Defaults
ESC: Exit
Removable Drives
1st Drive
F10: Save
< > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value
F1:General Help
F9: Optimized Defaults
Using BIOS
ESC: Exit
31
CD/DVD Drives (Press Enter)
Enter this item, the system will show you the removable drives option.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
CD/DVD Drives
Help item
CD/DVD Drives
1st Drive
DVD-ROM DDU1632
F10: Save
< > : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value
F1:General Help
F9: Optimized Defaults
ESC: Exit
Auto
256MB
DRAM Timing
VGA Share Memory Size
Enter : Select
Help Item
Options
Manual
Auto
Turbo
Ultra
F10: Save
+/-/: Value
F9: Optimized Defaults
ESC: Exit
Using BIOS
32
VGA Share Memory Size (256MB)
This item shows the VGA memory size borrowed from main memory capability. In
this case, 256MB is borrowed, which in the meanwhile the same the main memory
loses.
Press <Esc> to return to the main menu setting page.
Integrated Peripherals
This page sets up some parameters for peripheral devices connected to the system.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
Integrated Peripherals
OnBoard Floppy Controller
Serial Port1 Address
Serial Port2 Adress
Serial Port2 Mode
Parallel Port Address
Parallel Port Mode
ECP Mode DMA Channel
Parallel Port IRQ
SATA Controller
HDAC Audio Controller
LAN Controller
LAN Option ROM
OnBoard USB Function
USB Function For DOS
Enter : Select
Enabled
3F8/IRQ4
2F8/IRQ3
Normal
378
ECP
DMA3
IRQ7
IDE
Auto
Enabled
Disabled
Enabled
Enabled
F10: Save
+/-/: Value
F9: Optimized Defaults
Help Item
Allow BIOS to Enable or
Disable Floppy Controller.
ESC: Exit
Using BIOS
33
ECP Mode DMA Channel (DMA3)
Use this item to assign the DMA Channel under ECP Mode function.
Parallel Port IRQ (IRQ7)
Use this item to assign IRQ to the parallel port.
SATA Controller (IDE)
Use this item to enable or disable the onboard SATA controller.
HDAC Audio Controller (Auto)
Use this item to enable or disable the onboard Audio controller.
LAN Controller (Enabled)
This option allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN controller.
LAN Option ROM (Disabled)
Use this item to enable or disable the booting from the onboard LAN with a remote
boot ROM installed.
Onboard USB Function (Enabled)
Enable this item if you plan to use the USB ports on this motherboard.
USB Function For DOS (Enabled)
Enable this item if you plan to use the USB ports on this motherboard in a DOS
environment.
Using BIOS
34
S1
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Enabled
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Power Off
Instant Off
Enabled
Disabled
Any Key
ESC: Exit
Using BIOS
35
Resume by PCI-E PME (Disabled)
This item specifies whether the system will be awakened from power saving modes
when activity or input signal of the specified WOL device is detected.
PWRON After PWR-Fail (Power Off)
This item enables your computer to automatically restart or return to its last
operating status.
Soft-Off By PWR- BTTN (Instant Off)
If the item is set to Instant-Off, then the power button causes a software power
down. If the item is set to Delay 4 Sec. then you have to hold the power button down
for four seconds to cause power down.
USB Device Wakeup Function (Enabled)
This item allows you to enable or disable the USB device Wakeup function.
Resume On KBC (Disabled)
This item enables or disables you to allow keyboard activity to awaken the system.
Using BIOS
36
Help item
PCI
Yes
Options
PCI
PCI Express Card
Enter : Select
F10: Save
+/-/: Value
F9: Optimized Defaults
ESC: Exit
PC Health Status
This page sets up some parameters for the hardware monitoring function of this
motherboard.
CMOS SETUP UTILITY Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
PC Health Status
Help Item
Hardware Health Event Monitoring
Vcore
Vdimm
Vcc5V
CPU FAN Speed
CPU Temperature
CPU SMART Fan Control
: Move
<>
F1:General Help
Enter : Select
:
:
:
:
:
1.296V
1.592V
1.296V
1962 RPM
62C/143F
Disabled
F10: Save
+/-/: Value
F9: Optimized Defaults
Using BIOS
Options
Disabled
Enabled
ESC: Exit
37
System Component Characteristics
These fields provide you with information about the systems current operating
status. You cannot make changes to these fields.
Vcore
Vdimm
Vcc5V
CPU Temperature
Frequency/Voltage Control
This page helps you manually configure the CPU of this motherborad. The system
will automatically detect the type of installed CPU and make the appropriate adjustments to these items on this page.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
Frequency/Voltage Control
Manufacturer : Intel
Ratio Actual Value : 15
DRAM Frequency
CPU Over-clocking Func.:
CPU Frequency
:
Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk
Spread Spectrum
Help Item
Auto
Disabled
200MHz
Enabled
Enabled
Options
Auto
400 MHz
533 MHz
667 MHz
ESC: Exit
Manufacturer (Intel)
This item indicates the brand of the CPU installed in your system.
Ratio Actual Value (15)
This item determinese the actual value of ratio.
DRAM Frequency (Auto)
This item enables users to adjust the DRAM frequency. The default setting is auto and
we recommend users leave the setting unchanged. Modify it at will may cause the
system to be unstable.
Using BIOS
38
CPU Over-clocking Func. (Disabled)
This item decides the CPU over-clocking function/frequencyinstalled in your system. If the over-clocking fails, please turn offthe system power. And then, hold the
PageUp key (similar to theClear CMOS function) and turn on the power, the BIOS
willrecover the safe default.
CPU Frequency (200MHz)
This item indicates the current CPU frequency. Users can not make any change to
this item. Please noted that the frequency will be varied with different CPU.
Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk (Enabled)
When this item is enabled, BIOS will disable the clock signal of free DIMM/PCI slots.
Spread Spectrum (Enabled)
If you enable spread spectrum, it can significantly reduce the EMI (Electro-Magnetic
interface) generated by the system.
Supervisor Password
This page helps you install or change a password.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
Supervisor Password
Help item
: Move
<>
F1:General Help
Press Enter
Enter : Select
F10: Save
+/-/: Value
F9: Optimized Defaults
ESC: Exit
Using BIOS
39
User Password
This page helps you install or change a password.
CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
User Password
Help item
Press Enter
Install or Change the
password.
: Move
<>
F1:General Help
Enter : Select
F10: Save
+/-/: Value
F9: Optimized Defaults
ESC: Exit
Using BIOS
40
Memo
Using BIOS
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Chapter 4
Using the Motherboard Software
About the Software CD-ROM
The support software CD-ROM that is included in the motherboard package contains
all the drivers and utility programs needed to properly run the bundled products.
Below you can find a brief description of each software program, and the location for
your motherboard version. More information on some programs is available in a
README file, located in the same directory as the software. Before installing any
software, always inspect the folder for files named README.TXT, INSTALL.TXT,
or something similar. These files may contain important information that is not
included in this manual.
1.Never try to install all software from folder that is not specified for use
with your motherboard.
2.The notice of Intel HD audio installation (optional): The Intel High
Definition audio functionality unexpectedly quits working in Windows Server
2003 Service Pack 1 or Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. Users need
to download and install the update packages from the Microsoft Download Center before installing HD audio driver bundled in the Driver CD.
Please log on to http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;enus;901105#appliesto for more information.
If the opening screen does not appear; double-click the file setup.exe
in the root directory.
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Setup Tab
Setup
Browse CD The Browse CD button is the standard Windows command that allows you to open Windows Explorer and show the contents of the
support CD.
Before installing the software from Windows Explorer, look for a file
named README.TXT, INSTALL.TXT or something similar. This
file may contain important information to help you install the software correctly.
Some software is installed in separate folders for different operating
systems, such as Windows 2000/XP/Vista. Always go to the correct
folder for the kind of OS you are using.
In install the software, execute a file named SETUP.EXE or
INSTALL.EXE by double-clicking the file and then following the
instructions on the screen.
Exit
Application Tab
Lists the software utilities that are available on the CD.
Read Me Tab
Displays the path for all software and drivers available on the CD.
Running Setup
Follow these instructions to install device drivers and software for the motherboard:
1.
The following screens are examples only. The screens and driver lists will be
different according to the motherboard you are installing.
The motherboard identification is located in the upper left-hand corner.
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2.
3.
Check the box next to the items you want to install. The default options are recommended.
4.
Click Next run the Installation Wizard. An item installation screen appears:
5.
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Go to Control Panel.
45
2.
3.
4.
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5. Disable User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer item and
press OK, then press Restart Now. Then you can restart your computer and continue to install
drivers without running blocked programs.
Manual Installation
Insert the CD in the CD-ROM drive and locate the PATH.DOC file in the root
directory. This file contains the information needed to locate the drivers for your
motherboard.
Look for the chipset and motherboard model; then browse to the directory and path
to begin installing the drivers. Most drivers have a setup program (SETUP.EXE) that
automatically detects your operating system before installation. Other drivers have
the setup program located in the operating system subfolder.
If the driver you want to install does not have a setup program, browse to the
operating system subfolder and locate the readme text file (README.TXT or
README.DOC) for information on installing the driver or software for your operating system.
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Chapter 5
VIA VT8237 SATA RAID Setup Guide
VIA RAID Configurations
The motherboard includes a high performance Serial ATA RAID controller integrated in the VIA VT8237 Southbridge chipset. It supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and
JBOD with two independent Serial ATA channels.
RAID: (Redundant Array of Independent Disk Drives) use jointly several hard drives
to increase data transfer rates and data security. It depends on the number of drives
present and RAID function you select to fulfill the seurity or performance pruposes
or both.
RAID 0 (called data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and
write data in parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a
single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus
improving data access and storage.
RAID 1 (called data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from
one drive to a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software
directs all applications to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the
data in the other drive. This RAID configuration provides data protection and
increases fault tolerance to the entire system.
JBOD: (Just a Bunch of Drives) Also known as Spanning. Two or more hard
drives are required. Several hard disk types configured as a single hard disk. The hard
drives are simply hooked up in series. This expands the capacity of your drive and
results in a useable total capacity. However, JBOD will not increase any performance
or data security.
If you are creating a RAID 1 (mirroring) array for protection, you can
use two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive (the new
drive must be of the same size or larger than the existing drive). If you
use two drives of different sizes, the smaller capacity hard disk will be
the base storage size. For example, one hard disk has an 80GB storage capacity and the other hard disk has 60GB storage capacity, the
maximum storage capacity for the RAID 1 set is 60GB.
Follow these steps to install the SATA hard disks for RAID configuration.
i
ii
Before setting up your new RAID array, verify the status of your hard
disks. Make sure the Master/Slave jumpers are configured properly.
Both the data and power SATA cables are new cables. You cannot
use older 40-pin 80-conductor IDE or regular IDE power cables with
Serial ATA drives. Installing Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks require the
use of new Serial ATA cable (4-conductor) which supports the Serial
ATA protocol and a Serial ATA power cable.
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iii
Either end of the Serial ATA data cable can be connected to the SATA
hard disk or the SATA connector on the motherboard.
1
2
Install the Serial ATA hard disks into the drive bays.
Connect one end of the Serial ATA cable to the motherboards primary
Serial ATA connector (SATA1).
Connect the other end of Serial ATA cable to the master Serial ATA hard
disk.
Connect one end of the second Serial ATA cable to the motherboards
secondary Serial ATA connector (SATA2).
Connect the other end of Serial ATA cable to the secondary Serial ATA
hard disk.
Connect the Serial ATA power cable to the power connector on each
drive.
Proceed to section Entering VIA Tech RAID BIOS Utility for the next
procedure.
3
4
5
6
7
The RAID BIOS information on the setup screen shown is for reference
only. What you see on your screen may not by exactly the same as shown.
On the upper-right side of the screen is the message and legend box. The keys on the
legend box allow you to navigate through the setup menu options. The message
describes the function of each menu item. The following lists the keys found in the
legend box with their corresponding functions.
F1
View Array
mn
Enter
ESC
Exit
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Create Array
1
In the VIA RAID BIOS utility main menu, select Create Array then press
the <Enter> key. The main menu items on the upper-left corner of the
screen are replaced with create array menu options.
Select the second option item Array Mode, then press the <Enter>
key. The RAID system setting pop-up menu appears.
Select RAID 0 for performance from the menu and press <Enter>.
From this point, you may choose to auto-configure the RAID array by
selecting Auto Setup for Performance or manually configure the RAID
array for stripped sets. If you want to manually configure the RAID
array continue with next step, otherwise, proceed to step #5.
Select Select Disk Drives, then press <Enter>. Use arrow keys to
select disk drive/s, then press <Enter> to mark selected drive. An
asterisk is placed before the selected drive.
Select Block Size, then press <Enter> to set array block size. Lists of
valid array block sizes are displayed on a pop-up menu.
Tip
Use arrow keys to move selection bar on items and press <Enter> to select.
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Select Start Create Process and press <Enter> to setup hard disk for
RAID system. The following confirmation appears:
The same confirmation message appears when the
Auto Setup for Performance option is selected.
Select the second option item Array Mode, then press the <Enter> key.
The RAID system setting pop-up menu appears.
Select RAID 1 for data protection from the menu and press <Enter>.
Select next task from pop-up menu. The task Create only creates the
mirrored set without creating a backup. Create and duplicate creates
both mirrored set and backup.
Select task and press <Enter>. The screen returns to Create Array
menu items. From this point, you may choose to auto-configure the
RAID array by selecting Auto Setup for Data Security or manually
configure the RAID array for mirrored sets. If you want to manually
configure the RAID array continue with next step, otherwise, proceed
to step #5.
Select Select Disk Drives, then press <Enter>. Use arrow keys to
select disk drive/s, then press <Enter> to mark selected drive. (An
asterisk is placed before a selected drve.)
Select Start Create Process and press <Enter> to setup hard disk for
RAID system. The following confirmation message appears:
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Delete Array
1
In the VIA RAID BIOS utility main menu, select Delete Array then press
the <Enter> key. The focus is directed to the list of channel used for IDE
RAID arrays.
Press the <Enter> key to select a RAID array to delete. The following
confirmation message appears.
In the VIA RAID BIOS utility main menu, select Select Boot Array then
press the <Enter> key. The focus is directed to the list of channel used
for IDE RAID arrays.
Press the <Enter> key to select a RAID array for boot. The Status of the
selected array will change to Boot. Press <ESC> key to go return to
menu items. Follow the same procedure to deselect the boot array.
In the VIA RAID BIOS utility main menu, select Serial Number View then
press the <Enter> key. The focus is directed to the list of channel used
for IDE RAID arrays. Move the selection bar on each item and the serial
number is displayed at the bottom of the screen. This option is useful
for identifying same model disks.
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If user selects Continue to boot, it will enable duplicating the array after booting
into OS.
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Highlight the target hard drive and press <Enter>, a warning message will appear.
Press Y to use that hard drive to rebuild, or press N to cancel. Please note selecting
option Y will destroy all the data on the selected hard drive.
4. Continue to boot:
This item enables BIOS to skip the problem and continue booting into OS.
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2
3
4
55
The InstallShield Wizard will begin automatically for installation. Click on the
Next button to proceed the installation in the welcoming window.
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Put a check mark in the check box to install the feature you want. Then click Next
button to proceed the installation.
After the software is finished installation, it will automatically started every time Windows is initiated. You may
double-click on the
icon shown in the system tray of
the tool bar to launch the VIA RAID Tool utility.
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The main interface is divided into two windows and the toolbar above contain the
main functions. Click on these toolbar buttons to execute their specific functions.
The left windowpane displays the controller and disk drives and the right windowpane displays the details of the controller or disk drives. The available features are
as following:
View by Controller
View by Devices
Help Topics
It means that VT8237 SATA RAID only has the feature of monitoring the statuses
of RAID 0 and RAID 1.
Click on
or
button to determine the viewing type of left windowpane.
There are two viewing types: By controllers and by device. Click on the object in the
left windowpane to display the status of the object in the right windowpane. The
following screen shows the status of Array 0-RAID 0.
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Click on the plus (+) symbol next to Array 0--RAID 0 to see the details of each disk.
or
RAID 1.
59
Click on the plus (+) symbol next to Array 0; RAID 1 to see the details of each disk.
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Memo