Chapter 1 Getting Started Thank you for choosing the 7681 v3.2 Series (MS-7681) ATX mainboard. The series mainboards are based on Intel® P67 chipsets for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced Intel® LGA1155 processor, the series deliver a high performance and professional desktop platform solution.
Getting Started Mainboard Specifications Processor Support ■ Intel® Sandy Bridge processor in the LGA1155 package Chipset ■ Intel® P67 chipset Memory Support ■ 4 DDR3 DIMMs support DDR3 2133(Over Clocking)/ 1600(Over Clocking)/ 1333/ 1066 DRAM (32GB Max) ■ Supports Dual-Channel mode LAN ■ Supports LAN 10/100/1000 by Realtek® RTL8111E IEEE 1394 ■ 2 IEEE 1394 ports by VIA® VT6308P (pinheader x1, rear panel x1) Audio ■ Chip integrated by Realtek® ALC892 ■ Flexible 8-channel audio with jack sensing ■ Comp
MS-7681 Connectors/ Ports Chapter 1 ■ Back panel - 1 PS/2 keyboard/mouse port - 1 Clear CMOS button - 1 Coaxial S/PDIF-Out - 1 Optical S/PDIF-Out - 1 IEEE 1394 port - 8 USB 2.0 ports - 2 USB 3.0 ports - 2 eSATA ports - 1 LAN port - 6 flexible audio ports ■ On-Board - 1 USB 2.0 connector - 1 IEEE 1394 connector - 1 Front Panel Audio connector - 1 OC switch /LED connector - 2 USB 3.0 ports Slots ■ 1 PCIE 2.0 x16 slot (PCI_E2) ■ 1 PCIE 2.0 x8 slot (in x16 slot)(PCI_E5) ■ 3 PCIE 2.
Getting Started Mainboard Layout CPUFAN Top : mouse orkeyboard Bottom: USB ports JPWR2 Clear CMOS Top: Coaxial S/PDIF Buttom: Optical S/PDIF SYSFAN4 SYSFAN3 T: 1394 port M: USB ports B:e SATA port Top : USB ports Bottom: eSATA port Top: LAN Jack Bottom: USB 2.
Chapter 2 Hardware Setup This chapter provides you with the information about hardware setup procedures. While performing the installation, be careful in holding the components and following 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 CPU, p.2-4 JPWR2, p.2-10 CPUFAN, p.2-14 DDR3, p.2-8 Back Panel, p.2-11 SYSFAN3~4, p.2-14 JPWR1, p.2-10 JBAT1, p.2-18 SYSFAN2, p.2-14 SYSFAN1, p.2-14 BATT + PCIE, p.2-19 SATA1~8, p.2-13 PCI, p.2-19 JFP1, p.2-14 JAUD1, p.2-16 JFP3, p.2-17 USB3/4, p.2-15 J1394_1, p.2-16 JUSB1, p.
MS-7681 Screw Holes When you install the mainboard, you have to place the mainboard into the chassis in the correct direction. The locations of screws holes on the mainboard are shown as below. Chapter 2 BATT + The side has to toward the rear, the position for the I/O shield of the chassis. Screw holes Refer above picture to install standoffs in the appropriate locations on chassis and then screw through the mainboard screw holes into the standoffs.
Hardware Setup 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 Important Overheating Overheating will seriously damage the CPU and system. Always make sure the cooling fan can work properly to protect the CPU from overheating.
MS-7681 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. 2. Open the load level. 3. Lift the load lever up to fully open position. 4.
Hardware Setup 6. Engage the load lever while pressing down lightly onto the load plate. 8. Make sure the four hooks are in porper position before you install the cooler. 7. Secure the lever near the hook end under the retention tab. 9. 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. Important • Confirm if your CPU cooler is firmly installed before turning on your system.
MS-7681 10. Press the four hooks down to fasten the cooler. 11. Turn over the mainboard to confirm that the clip-ends are correctly inserted. Chapter 2 Mainboard Hook 12. 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 to avoid damaging. • Mainboard photos shown in this section are for demonstration of the CPU/ cooler installation only.
Hardware Setup 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 48x2=96 pin 72x2=144 pin Memory Population Rule Please refer to the following illustrations for memory population rules. Dual-Channel mode Population Rule In Dual-Channel mode, the memory modules can transmit and receive data with two data bus lines simultaneously.
MS-7681 Installing Memory Modules 1. The memory module has only one notch on the center and will only fit in the right orientation. 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 2. Insert the memory module vertically into the DIMM slot.
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 .
MS-7681 Back Panel IEEE 1394 Port Mouse/ Keyboard Coaxial S/PDIF-Out USB 2.0 Port LAN RS-Out Chapter 2 Line-In Line-Out CS-Out USB 2.0 Port Optical S/PDIF-Out USB 2.0 Port eSATA Port Mic SS-Out USB 3.0 Port Clear CMOS Button ▶ 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.
Hardware Setup ▶ USB 2.0 Port The USB 2.0 port is for attaching USB devices such as keyboard, mouse, or other USBcompatible devices. Supports data transfer rate up to 480Mbit/s (Hi-Speed). ▶ USB 3.0 Port USB 3.0 port is backward-compatible with USB 2.0 devices. It supports data transfer rate up to 5 Gbit/s (SuperSpeed). 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.
MS-7681 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. Chapter 2 * The MB layout in this figure is for reference only. SATA1_2 SATA3_4 SATA5_6 SATA1~2 & SATA7~8 (6Gb/s) SATA3~6 (3Gb/s) SATA7_8 Important Please do not fold the Serial ATA cable into a 90-degree angle. Otherwise, data loss may occur during transmission.
Hardware Setup 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. CPUFAN SYSFAN1~4 d n u ro 2V or .G 1 s 1 .
MS-7681 Front USB 2.0 Connector: JUSB1 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. Chapter 2 115V d C un + .N o 1 0 r B 11 .G 8 S B .U S 6 .U C 4 VC . 2 in P nd o u + .N ro 0 9 .G SB 07 U B . S 5 .U CC 3 .V 1 * The MB layout in this figure is for reference only.
Hardware Setup IEEE1394 Connector: J1394_1 This connector allows you to connect the IEEE1394 device via an optional IEEE1394 bracket. * The MB layout in this figure is for reference only. 1394 Bracket (optional) 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. ct te e D e n o n h io P ct d e a e in et .H P D 0 o 1 .N IC d 8 M n . C u 6 N o . 4 Gr .
MS-7681 OC switch /LED Connector: JFP3 This connector is for electrical connection to the overclocking switch and LED. l o tr n co o T+ + .N S - D 9 .R T E D 7 .RS C L E 5 O CL . 3 .O 1 Chapter 2 in P o +.N W 0 S W 1 W S + .P W C 8 .P .O C 6 4 .
Hardware Setup Jumpers Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1 There is a CMOS RAM on board with an external battery power supply to preserve 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, set the jumper to clear data. 1 JBAT1 1 Keep Data 1 Clear Data Important You can clear CMOS by shorting 2-3 pin while the system is off. Then return to 12 pin position.
MS-7681 Slots PCIE (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) Slot The PCIE slot supports the PCIE interface expansion card. Chapter 2 PCIE x16 Slot PCIE x1 Slot PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slot The PCI slot supports LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other add-on cards that comply with PCI specifications. 32-bit PCI Slot Important When adding or removing expansion cards, make sure that you unplug the power supply first.
Hardware Setup LED Status Indicators BATT + APS LEDs APS LED The APS (Active Phase Switching) LED indicate the current CPU power phase mode. Follow the instructions below to read. : Lights : Off 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.
