Z68A-GD65 (G3) Z68A-GD55 (G3) series MS-7681 (v4.
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 in this manual are properties of their respective owners. ￭ MSI® is registered trademark of Micro-Star Int’l Co.,Ltd.
MS-7681 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 is at 110/220V before connecting the equipment to the power inlet.
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.
MS-7681 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.
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
MS-7681 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.
Preface ▍ Contents Copyright Notice �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ii Trademarks ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ii Revision History �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ii Technical Support ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ii Safety Instructions ��������������������
MS-7681 Updating the BIOS with Live Update ������������������������������������������������������������������ 3-18 SECURITY ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3-19 Appendix A Realtek Audio �������������������������������������������������������������������������� A-1 Installing the Realtek HD Audio Driver �����������������������������������������������������������������A-2 Software Configuration ����������������������������������������
Chapter 1 Getting Started Thank you for choosing the Z68A-GD65 (G3)/ Z68AGD55 (G3) Series (MS-7681 v4.X) ATX mainboard. The Z68A-GD65 (G3)/ Z68A-GD55 (G3) Series mainboards are based on Intel® Z68 (G3) chipsets for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced Intel® LGA1155 processor, the Z68A-GD65 (G3)/ Z68A-GD55 (G3) Series deliver a high performance and professional desktop platform solution.
Getting Started Mainboard Specifications Processor Support ■ Intel® CoreTM i7/ CoreTM i5 /CoreTM i3/ Pentium®/ Celeron® processor in the LGA1155 package (For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com/service/cpu-support) Chipset ■ Intel® Z68 chipset Memory Support ■ 4 DDR3 DIMMs support DDR3 2133(OC)/ 1600(OC)/ 1333/ 1066 DRAM (32GB Max) ■ Supports Dual-Channel mode (For more information on compatible components, please visit http://www.msi.
MS-7681 Connectors Chapter 1 ■ Back panel - 1 PS/2 keyboard/ mouse port - 1 Clear CMOS button - 1 Coaxial S/PDIF-Out port - 1 Optical S/PDIF-Out port - 4 USB 2.0 ports - 1 HDMI port** - 1 VGA port** - 1 DVI-D port** - 1 LAN port - 2 USB 3.0 ports - 6 flexible audio ports **(The VGA, DVI-D & HDMI ports only work with Integrated Graphics Processor) ■ On-Board - 3 USB 2.0 connectors - 1 USB 3.
Getting Started Mainboard Layout Top : mouse/ keyboard Bottom: USB 2.0 ports FV1 CPUFAN Clear CMOS SYSFAN1 JPWR2 Top: Coaxial S/PDIF Buttom: Optical S/PDIF Top: USB 2.0 ports Bottom: HDMI port TURBO1 Top: LAN Jack Bottom: USB 3.
MS-7681 Packing Contents Driver / Utility DVD User Guide Back IO Shield SATA Cable Optional Accessories USB 2.0 Bracket USB 3.0 Bracket S/PDIF Out Bracket eSATA Bracket V-Check Cable M-Connector USB3 to USB2 Connector SATA Power Cable CrossFire Cable SLI Cable eSATA Power Cable * These pictures are for reference only and may vary without notice. * The packing contents may vary according to the model you purchased. * If you need to purchase the optional accessories, please visit http://www.
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 SYSFAN2, p.2-13 JPWR2, p.2-9 CPUFAN, p.2-13 CPU, p.2-4 FV1, p.2-19 DDR3, p.2-7 SYSFAN1, p.2-13 Back Panel, p.2-10 TURBO1, p.2-18 JPWR1, p.2-9 JDLED3, p.2-17 SYSFAN3~4, p.2-13 PCIe, p.2-22 SATA1~8, p.2-12 JBAT1, p.2-21 JCI1, p.2-17 PCI, p.2-22 JTPM1, p.2-16 JFP1, JFP2, p.2-17 JAUD1, p.2-15 JUSB1 / JUSB2 / JUSB3, p.2-14 JSP1, p.2-16 JCOM1, p.2-13 JUSB4, p.2-15 RESET1, p.2-18 POWER1, 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 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 0http://www.msi.com/service/cpu-support 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. Lift the load lever up to fully open position. 3.
Hardware Setup 5. Secure the lever near the hook end under the retention tab. 6. Make sure the four hooks are in proper position before you install the cooler. Align the holes on the mainboard with the cooler. Push down the cooler until its four clips get wedged into the holes of the mainboard. 7. Press the four hooks down to fasten the cooler. Turn over the mainboard to confirm that the clip-ends are correctly inserted. 8. Finally, attach the CPU Fan cable to the CPU fan connector on the mainboard.
MS-7681 Memory These DIMM slots are used for installing memory modules. For more information on compatible components, please visit http://www.msi.com/service/test-report DDR3 48x2=96 pin Chapter 2 240-pin, 1.5V 72x2=144 pin 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.
Hardware Setup Installing Memory Modules 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.
MS-7681 Power Supply ATX 24-pin Power Connector: JPWR1 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 This connector is used to provide the power output to the CPU. d n u d ro un nd .G ro u d 4 .G ro un 3 .G ro 2 .
Hardware Setup Back Panel Keyboard/ Mouse Coaxial USB 2.0 Port S/PDIF-Out LAN VGA Port Line-In RS-Out Clear CMOS Button Line-Out CS-Out Mic USB 2.0 Port Optical S/PDIF Port HDMI Port USB 3.0 Port SS-Out DVI-D Port ▶ Mouse/Keyboard The standard PS/2® mouse/keyboard DIN connector is for a PS/2® mouse/keyboard. ▶ USB 2.0 Port The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is for attaching USB devices such as keyboard, mouse, or other USB-compatible devices. ▶ USB 3.0 Port USB 3.
MS-7681 ▶ HDMI Port The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an all-digital audio/video interface capable of transmitting uncompressed streams. HDMI supports all TV format, including standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. ▶ DVI-D Port The DVI-D (Digital Visual Interface-Digital) connector allows you to connect a LCD monitor. It provides a high-speed digital interconnection between the computer and its display device.
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 SATA2 SATA7 SATA8 SATA5 SATA6 SATA3 SATA4 SATA1~2 (6Gb/s) supported by Intel® Z68 SATA3~6 (3Gb/s) supported by Intel® Z68 SATA7~8 (6Gb/s) supported by Marvell® 9128 (optional) Important Please do not fold the Serial ATA cable into 90-degree angle.
MS-7681 Serial Port Connector: JCOM1 This connector is a 16550A high speed communication port that sends/receives 16 bytes FIFOs. You can attach a serial device. I S d .R T n 9 . R r ou T 7 .G U 5 . SO C D 3 .D 1 Chapter 2 in P o .N S 0 T R 1 .C S 8 .D R 6 DT N . 4 SI . 2 Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN,SYSFAN1~4 The fan power connectors support system cooling fan with +12V.
Hardware Setup Front USB Connector: JUSB1 / JUSB2 / JUSB3 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 JUSB1 (red mark) supports the MSI newly Super-Charger technology which provides fast charging function anytime for charging your Smartphone.
MS-7681 Front USB Connector: JUSB4 USB 3.0 port is backward-compatible with USB 2.0 devices. Supports data transfer rate up to 5 Gbit/s (SuperSpeed). 115V 2 N C D C _ P V 3 D DN _ X 3_ _ P B R X C D S _ R _ _ U B3 _ 3 C .F S 3 d X _ 1 .U SB un T 3 2 .U ro 3_ TX 3 .G SB 3_ d 4 .U B n 5 US rou 0. 6 .G BD 0+ D 7 .S 8 .SB C 9 0.N 1 USB 3.0 Bracket (optional) Important • Note that the pins of VCC and GND must be connected correctly to avoid possible damage. • If you want to use a USB 3.
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. TPM module is optional 115V 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 1.L C a dd et 1 .LP C a es k 9 P C R loc L . 7 .LP C C 5 .LP C 3 .LP 1 d n u d r ro un n r e .G ro Pi we Q r ow 4 1 2.G o Po IR we y p 1 0.N V ial o b 1 .
MS-7681 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. Chapter 2 d n u RU ro T .G IN 2 .C 1 Front Panel Connectors: JFP1, JFP2 These connectors are for electrical connection to the front panel switches and LEDs.
Hardware Setup Buttons 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. OC Genie Button: TURBO1 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.
MS-7681 Voltage Check Point Voltage Check Point: FV1 This voltage check point set is used to measure the current CPU/ CPU_VTT/ CPU_ GFX/ DDR/ PCH voltage. CPU_GFX PCH GND 7 1 CPU_VTT 1 CPU 1 CPU_GFX 7 CPU_VTT voltage: measure the current CPU_ VTT voltage with CPU_VTT point and GND point by using a multimeter. 7 CPU_GFX voltage: measure the current CPU Integrated Graphic voltage with CPU_GFX point and GND point by using a multimeter.
Hardware Setup LED Status Indicators CPU Phase LEDs Dual BIOS LED CPU Phase LEDs These LEDs 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. Dual BIOS LED The Dual BIOS LED indicates the BIOS status during system power on. Follow the instructions below to read. Off: Normal.
MS-7681 Jumper Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1 JBAT1 1 Keep Data 1 Clear Data Important You can clear CMOS by shorting 1-2 pin while the system is off, then open it. Avoid clearing the CMOS while the system is on; it will damage the mainboard. 2-21 Chapter 2 There is a CMOS RAM onboard that has a power supply from an external battery to keep the data of system configuration. With the CMOS RAM, the system can automatically boot OS every time it is turned on.
Hardware Setup Slots PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) Slot The PCIe slot supports the PCIe interface expansion card. PCIe x16 Slot PCIe 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.
Chapter 3 BIOS Setup Click BIOS II is developed by MSI that provides a graphical user interface for setting parameters of BIOS by using the mouse and the keybord. With the Click BIOS II, users can change BIOS settings, monitor CPU temperature, select the boot device priority and view system information such as the CPU name, DRAM capacity, the OS version and the BIOS version. Users can import and export parameters data for backup or sharing with friends.
BIOS Setup Entering 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 key to enter Setup Menu, F11 to enter Boot Menu 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.
MS-7681 Boot device priority bar This bar shows the priority of the boot devices. The light icons indicate that the devices are available. High priority Low priority Click and draw the icon to left or right to specify the boot priority.
BIOS Setup Operation Click BIOS II allows you to control BIOS settings with the mouse and the keyboard. The following table lists and describes the hot keys and the mouse operations.
MS-7681 SETTINGS Chapter 3 System Status ▶ System Date This allows you to set the system date that you want (usually the current date). The format is . day Day of the week, from Sun to Sat, determined by BIOS. Read-only. 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. ▶ System Time This allows you to set the system time that you want (usually the current time).
BIOS Setup Advanced ▶ PCI Subsystem Settings Press to enter the sub-menu. ▶ 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. ▶ ACPI Settings Press to enter the sub-menu.
MS-7681 ▶ IGD Multi-Monitor When “Enabled”, the integrated graphics and extra graphics card can be configured as multi-monitor mode. ▶ USB Configuration Press to enter the sub-menu. ▶ USB Controller This item allows you to enable/ disable the USB 2.0 controller. ▶ Legacy USB Support Select [Enabled] if you need to use a USB 2.0-interfaced device in the operating system. ▶ Onboard USB 3.0 Controller This item allows you to enable/ disable the USB 3.0 controller.
BIOS Setup ▶ Restore after AC Power Loss This item specifies whether your system will reboot after a power failure or interrupt occurs. Settings are: [Power Off] Always leaves the computer in the power off state. [Power On] Always leaves the computer in the power on state. [Last State] Restore the system to the status before power failure or interrupt occurred. ▶ Wake Up Event Setup Press to enter the sub-menu.
MS-7681 Save & Exit ▶ Discard Changes and Exit Use this item to abandon all changes and exit setup. ▶ Save Changes and Reboot Use this item to save changes and reset the system. ▶ Discard Changes Use this item to abandon all changes. ▶ Restore Defaults Use this item to load the optimized default values set by the BIOS vendor. == Boot Override == The installed storage devices will appear on this menu, you can select one of them be a boot device. ▶ Built-in EFI Shell Use this item to enter the EFI Shell.
BIOS Setup OC Important Here provides the optimal overclocking settings for you by clicking the “OC Genie II mode” button. Once you click the “OC Genie II” button, some items in OC menu will be fixed and un-adjustable. ▶ Current CPU / DRAM Frequency These items show the current clocks of CPU and Memory speed. Read-only. ▶ CPU Base Frequency [10KHz] This item allows you to set the CPU Base clock (in 10KHz). You may overclock the CPU by adjusting this value.
MS-7681 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. ▶ DRAM Frequency This item allows you to adjust the DRAM frequency. Please note the overclocking behavior is not guaranteed. ▶ Adjusted DRAM Frequency It shows the adjusted DRAM frequency. Read-only. ▶ DRAM Timing Mode Select whether DRAM timing is controlled by the SPD (Serial Presence Detect) EEPROM on the DRAM module.
BIOS Setup ▶ tRAS This setting determines the time RAS takes to read from and write to memory cell. ▶ tRFC This setting determines the time RFC takes to read from and write to a memory cell. ▶ 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. ▶ tWTR Minimum time interval between the end of write data burst and the start of a columnread command.
MS-7681 overclocked processor to lock up. ▶ VDroop Control This item is used to select the VDroop control mode. ▶ Current CPU Core Voltage/ Current CPU I/O Voltage/Current DRAM Voltage/ Current GPU Voltage These items show current CPU/ DRAM/ GPU voltage. Read-only. ▶ Overclocking Profiles Press to enter the sub-menu. ▶ Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6 Press to enter the sub-menu. ▶ Set Name for Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6 Give a name by typing in this item.
BIOS Setup ▶ Limit CPUID Maximum It is designed to limit the listed speed of the processor to older operating systems. ▶ Execute Disable Bit 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.
MS-7681 ECO Chapter 3 Important Here provides the optimal power saving settings for you by clicking the “ECO mode” button. Once you click the “ECO” button, some items in ECO menu will be fixed and un-adjustable. ▶ EuP 2013 This item is designed for energy using products lot 6 2013 (EuP) aka energy related products (ErP); to reduce power consumption during system off or standby mode. Note: Enabling EuP 2013 will disable support for RTC Wake Up Event.
BIOS Setup BROWSER Please install the MSI "Winki" application first in the Windows operating system with the MSI Driver Disc before using the browser. Then you can click the BROWSER to access the Internet, e-mail and message. Installing Winki To install Winki, follow the steps below: 1. Power on your computer and enter Windows operating system. 2. Insert MSI Driver Disc into the optical drive. The setup screen will automatically appear. 3. Click Driver tab. 4. Click OTHERS button. 5.
MS-7681 UTILITIES Chapter 3 ▶ HDD Backup This item is used to backup hard disk. Hard disk backup and restore is one of the most common and important task. It consists of backing up all the partition on image files. When the data is lost or problems occur, you can restore the partition image to keep your system. ▶ Live Update Live Update is a tool used to detect and update your BIOS online so that you don’t need to search for the correct BIOS version throughout the website.
BIOS Setup ▶ Select one file to update BIOS This item allows you to select a particular BIOS file from the USB/ Storage (FAT/ 32 format only) drive for updating BIOS. Updating the BIOS with Live Update This section tells you how to update the BIOS by using the Live Update utility before entering Operating System. Live Update will update the BIOS automatically when connecting to the Internet. To update the BIOS with the Live Update utility: 1. Click Live Update button installed).
MS-7681 SECURITY Chapter 3 ▶ Administrator Password This item is used to set the administrator password. When a administrator password has been set, you will be prompted to enter it every time you try to enter BIOS Setup. ▶ User Password This item is used to set the user password. When a user password has been set, you will be prompted to enter it every time you try to enter the operating system.
BIOS Setup ▶ Multi BIOS Auto Update When “Enabled”, and the primary BIOS has failed, the system will allow the secondary BIOS to reflash the primary BIOS for booting successfully, and the screen will show the progress message as below. Multi BIOS auto update starting. Flashing... XX% Do not press any buttons to shutdown or restart the computer during the BIOS flashing operation. ▶ Chassis Intrusion Configuration Press to enter the sub-menu.
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 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.
MS-7681 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. Appendix A double click the icon It is also available to enable the audio driver by clicking the Realtek HD Audio Manager from the Control Panel. Software panel overview The following figure describes the function of the Realtek HD Audio Manager 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.
MS-7681 Hardware Default Setting The following diagrams are audio back panel default setting.
Realtek Audio ■ Backpanel audio jacks to 6-channel speakers diagram Fro nt Cen ■ ter ubw Rea oof r er Backpanel audio jacks to 8-channel speakers diagram Fro nt Cen ter S id A-6 &S &S eS ubw urro Rea oof er und r
Appendix B Intel RAID This appendix will assist users in configuring and enabling RAID functionality and accelerating system 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 6 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 or 6 Gb/s transfers with CRC error checking. 2. Supports Hot-plug-n-play feature. 3.
MS-7681 Using Intel Rapid Storage Technology 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 “Device Model”, “Serial #” and “Size” in the following example might be different from your system. RAID Volumes None defined.
Intel RAID After pressing the and keys simultaneously, the following window will appear: [ [ MAIN MAIN MENU ] ] 1. 2. 3. 4. Recovery Volume Options Create RAID Volume 5. Acceleration Options Delete RAID Volume 6. Exit Reset Disks to Non-RAID [ DISK / VOLUME INFORMATION ] RAID Volumes : None defined. Physical Devices : Port Device Model 1 XXXX-XXXXXXXX 2 XXXX-XXXXXXXX [ ↑↓] - Select Serial # XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX [ESC] - Exit Size Type/Status (Vol ID) XXX.XGB Non-RAID Disk XXX.
MS-7681 3. In the Disk field, press key and use key to select the disks you want to create for the RAID volume, then click key to finish selection. This field will become available according to the selected RAID level. 5. Then select the capacity of the volume in the Capacity field. The default value is the maximum volume capacity of the selected disks. [ CREATE VOLUME MENU ] Name : RAID Level : Disks : Strip Size : Capacity : Sync : Volume0 RAID1(Mirror) Select Disks N/A XXX.
Intel RAID 6. Go to the Create Volume field and press , the following screen appears for you to confirm if you are sure to create the RAID volume. Press to continue. [ CREATE VOLUME MENU ] Name : RAID Level : Disks : Strip Size : Capacity : Sync : Volume0 RAID1(Mirror) Select Disks N/A XXX.X GB N/A Create Volume WARNING : ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST. Are you sure you want[ toHELP create] this volume? (Y / N) : Press ENTER to create the specified volume.
MS-7681 ■ 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 un-bootable. Select option 2 Delete RAID Volume from the main menu screen and press key to select a RAID volume for deletion. Then press key to delete the selected RAID volume. The following screen appears.
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: [ MAIN MENU 1. 2. ] 4. Recovery Volume Options Create RAID Volume 4. ] Recovery Volume Options Delete RAID Volume [ RESET RAID DATA 5. remove Exit its RAID structures Resetting RAID disk will VOLUME INFORMATION and revert [ it DISK to a / non-RAID disk.
MS-7681 ■ Recovery Volume Options Select option 4 Recovery Volume Options and press to change recovery volume mode. The following screen appears: [ RECOVERY VOLUME OPTIONS ] Enable Only Recovery Disk Enable Only Master Disk Appendix B 1. 2. [ HELP ] Enable Only Recovery Disk - enables recovery disk if available and disables master disk. Enable Only Master Disk - enables master disk if available and disables recovery disk. Actions will result in change from Continuous Update mode to On-Request.
Intel RAID Installing Driver ■ New Windows 7/ Windows Vista / Windows 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.
MS-7681 ■ Existing Windows 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) SATA RAID Controller should appear. B-11 Appendix B ■ Confirming Windows Driver Installation 1.
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.
MS-7681 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 Rapid Storage Technology application 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.
Intel RAID System Acceleration Intel® Rapid Storage Technology use a SSD as a cache. Which can store frequently used data without having to use a slow virtual disk or depend on RAM. The SSD cache with the advantages of high-speed read/write and non-volatile memory to accelerate the system performance. Important Check your SSD manufacturer's website, upgrade firmware in order to support Intel® Rapid Storage Technology. Intel® Rapid Storage Technology can only work with RAID mode.
MS-7681 11. Run Intel® Rapid Storage Technology application. 12. Click "Enable acceleration" under Accelerate. Appendix B Click here 13. Select the acceleration options. 14. Click OK and reboot the system. The page refreshes and reports the new acceleration configuration in the Acceleration View. Important You can click “More help on this page” or "More help" of the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology application to view more information.
Intel RAID RST Synchronization If you are using Maximized mode as the Acceleration mode, the data on the hard disk is not always synchronized with the data in the SSD cache. In some situations, you may want to manually sync the disks for avoiding data loss. Follow these steps to sync manually. 1. Reboot system, during the Power-On Self Test (POST) press, press and keys simultaneously to enter the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM. 2.
