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Foxconn 720A Series User Manual

English manual
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720A/730A/M78A Series
Motherboard
User's Manual

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Summary of Contents for Foxconn 720A Series

  • Page 1 720A/730A/M78A Series Motherboard User’s Manual...

  • Page 2: More Information

    Statement: This manual is the intellectual property of Foxconn, Inc. Although the information in this manual may be changed or modified at any time, Foxconn does not obligate itself to inform the user of these changes. Trademark: All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

  • Page 3: Declaration Of Conformity

    HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY COMPANY LTD 66 , CHUNG SHAN RD., TU-CHENG INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, TAIPEI HSIEN, TAIWAN, R.O.C. declares that the product Motherboard 720A/730A-S/M78A-S is in conformity with (reference to the specification under which conformity is declared in accordance with 89/336 EEC-EMC Directive) ■...
  • Page 4 Declaration of conformity Trade Name: FOXCONN Model Name: 720A/730A-S/M78A-S Responsible Party: PCE Industry Inc. Address: 458 E. Lambert Rd. Fullerton, CA 92835 Telephone: 714-738-8868 Facsimile: 714-738-8838 Equipment Classification: FCC Class B Subassembly Type of Product: Motherboard Manufacturer: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY...

  • Page 5: Installation Precautions

    Installation Precautions ■ Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the sudden and momentary electric current that flows between two objects at different electrical potentials. Normally it comes out as a spark which will quickly damage your electronic equipment. Please wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling components such as a motherboard, CPU or memory.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    TAble of CoNTeNTS Chapter 1 Product Introduction Product Specifications ..............2 Layout ................... 4 Back Panel Connectors ..............5 Chapter 2 Hardware Install Install the CPU and CPU Cooler ..........8 Install the Memory ..............10 Install an Expansion Card ............12 Install other Internal Connectors ..........
  • Page 7 Voltage Control ..............57 Fan Control ................58 FOX LiveUpdate Local Update ................. 59 Online Update ............... 61 Configure ................64 About & Help ................. 66 FOX LOGO ................. 67 FOX DMI ..................68 Chapter 5 RAID Configuration RAID Configuration Introduction ..........71 NVIDIA MediaShield Driver............
  • Page 8 Thank you for buying Foxconn 720A/730A/M78A Series mother- board. Foxconn products are engineered to maximize computing power, providing only what you need for break-through perform- ance. With advanced overclocking capability and a range of connec- tivity features for today multi-media computing requirements, 720A/730A-S/M78A-S enables you to unleash more power from your computer.

  • Page 9: Product Specifications

    64 / Sempron HyperTransport 2000/1600MT/s for AM2 CPU Up to 5200MT/s (HT3.0) for AM2+ CPU Chipset NVIDIA nForce 720a (720A) NVIDIA nForce 730a (730A-S) NVIDIA GeForce 8200 (M78A-S) Memory 4 x 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets Support up to 8GB of system memory...
  • Page 10 1 x COM2 connector 1 x IR connector 1 x Chassis intrusion alarm header (INTR) 1 x S/PDIF_OUT connector Back Panel 1 x PS/2 keyboard port Connectors 1 x PS/2 mouse port 1 x VGA port 1 x DVI-D port 1 x HDMI port 4 x USB 2.0 ports 1 x RJ-45 LAN port...

  • Page 11: Layout

    13. SATA Connectors 28. PCI Slots 14. COM Connectors 15. Chipset: NVIDIA nForce 720a (720A) / NVIDIA nForce 730a (730A-S) / NVIDIA GeForce 8200 (M78A-S) Note : The above motherboard layout is for reference only, please refer to the physical mother-...

  • Page 12: Back Panel Connectors

    1-3 back Panel Connectors PS/2 Mouse Port VGA Port LAN Port USB Ports Line Out Line In Rear Speaker Subwoofer Side Speaker Microphone PS/2 Keyboard Port DVI-D Port HDMI Port Audio Ports External SATA Port 1. PS/2 Mouse Port Use the upper port (green) to connect a PS/2 mouse. 2.
  • Page 13 * : Please refer to Chapter 4, and install the Realtek audio driver (in CD) to assign the audio output ports for different applications of 2/4/5.1 channels. The fundamental audio outputs are depicted in the table above. 8. RJ-45 lAN Port The Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 10/100/1000Mb/s data rate.
  • Page 14 This chapter introduces the hardware installation process, including the installation of the CPU, memory, power supply, slots, pin headers and the mounting of jumpers. Caution should be exercised during the installation of these modules. Please refer to the motherboard layout prior to any installation and read the contents in this chapter carefully.

  • Page 15: Install The Cpu And Cpu Cooler

    2-1 Install the CPU and CPU Cooler Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU : ■ Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU. ■ Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power supply before installing the CPU to prevent hardware damage.

  • Page 16: Install The Cpu Cooler

    CPU socket lever back to its locked position. Install the CPU Cooler Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler. (The following procedures use Foxconn cooler as the example.) 2. Buckle the heatsink firmly at one 1.

  • Page 17: Install The Memory

    2-2 Install the Memory Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory : ■ Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used. ■...

  • Page 18: Installing A Memory

    Installing a Memory Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module. Be sure to install DDR2 DIMMs on this motherboard. Notch If you take a look at front side of memory module, it has asymmetric pin counts on both sides separated by a notch in the middle, so it can only fit in one direction.

  • Page 19: Install An Expansion Card

    2-3 Install an expansion Card ■ Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that came with your expansion card. ■ Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing an expansion card to prevent hardware damage.

  • Page 20: Install Other Internal Connectors

    2-4 Install other Internal Connectors Power Connectors This motherboard uses an ATX power supply. In order not to damage any device, make sure all the devices have been installed properly before applying the power supply. 24-pin ATX power connector : PWR1 PWR1 is the ATX power supply connector.
  • Page 21 Connect a 4-pin power plug We recommend you using an 8-pin ATX 12V power supply. If you are using a 4-pin power supply, you need to align the ATX power connector according to the picture on the right. Exclusive Graphics power Connector : PWR3 This connector is an auxiliary power for graphics card.
  • Page 22 CD_L GND CD_R Audio Connector : CD_IN CD_IN is a Sony standard audio connector, it can be connected to a CD/DVD-ROM drive through a CD/DVD audio cable. CD_IN PORT1_L AUD_GND Audio Connector : f_AUDIo PORT1_R PRESENCEJ PORT2_R SENSE1_RETURN The audio connector supports HD Audio standard. SENSE_SEND EMPTY It provides the Front Audio output choice.
  • Page 23 Fan Connectors : CPU_FAN, SYS_FAN, NB- There are three fan headers on this motherboard. The fan speed can be controlled and monitored in “PC Health Status” section of the BIOS Setup. These fans can be automatically turned off after the system enters S3, S4 and S5 sleeping states.

  • Page 24: Jumpers

    2-5 Jumpers For some features needed, users can change the jumper settings on this motherboard to modify them. This section explains how to use the various functions of this motherboard by changing the jumper settings. Users should read the following content carefully prior to modifying any jumper setting. Description of Jumpers 1.
  • Page 25 USB device wake-up Jumpers: USB_PWR1/2/3 1. Set the jumper to pins 1-2 (+5V) to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode using the connected USB devices. 2. Set the jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB) to wake up the computer from S3 and S4 sleep modes using the connected USB devices.
  • Page 26 This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. You have to run the Setup Program when the following cases occur : 1. An error message appears on the screen during the system Power On Self Test (POST) process.

  • Page 27: Enter Bios Setup

    enter bIoS Setup The BIOS is the communication bridge between hardware and software, correctly setting up the BIOS parameters is critical to maintain optimal system performance. Power on the computer, when the message "Press [Del] to enter Setup, [eSC] to boot menu" appears at the bottom of the screen, you can press [Del] key to enter Setup.
  • Page 28 ► Power Management Setup All the items related with Green function features can be set up through this menu. ► PC Health Status This setup enables you to read/change Fan speeds, and displays temperatures and voltages of your CPU/System. ► Load Optimized Defaults The optimal performance settings can be loaded through this menu.

  • Page 29: System Information

    System Information Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility System Information Date (mm:dd:yy) Fri, Feb 29 2008 Item Help Time (hh:mm:ss) 17 : 44 : 13 Menu Level ► ► IDE Channel Master [HDS728080PLAT20] IDE Channel Slave [DVD-ROM DDU1642] Change the day, month, SATA Channel 1 Master [ None ] year and century...
  • Page 30 ► SATA Channel 1/2/3/4 Master When SATA Operation Mode is set to [IDE], These items will appear. The relationships between SATA channels and SATA ports on the motherboard are : SATA Channel 1 Master is the SATA port 1 of the motherboard. SATA Channel 2 Master is the SATA port 2.

  • Page 31: Fox Central Control Unit

    fox Central Control Unit Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Fox Central Control Unit Press Enter ► Smart BIOS [Press Enter] Item Help ► Fox Intelligent Overclock [Press Enter] ► Memory Timing Setting [Press Enter] Menu Level ► ► Voltage Options [Press Enter] AMD K8 Cool&Quiet Control [Auto]...

  • Page 32: Smart Bios

    ► K8<->NB HT Width The CPU<->NB HT Width controls the CPU to Northbridge link bandwidth, it is highly recommended to set to [Auto] for overall performance. ► Auto Detect PCI Clk This option is used to auto detect PCI slots. When enabled, the system will turn off clock of the empty PCI slot to reduce EMI (Electromagnetic Interference).

  • Page 33: Memory Timing Setting

    Fox Intelligent Overclock Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Fox Intelligent Overclock CPU Clock [200] Item Help PCIE Clock [100] NPT FID Control [Auto] Menu Level ► ↑↓→←:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help F5: Previous Values F7: Optimized Defaults ►...
  • Page 34 This item allows you to set the system memory's clock value. ► SPD Checksum Restart The Serial Presence Detect (SPD) device is a small EEPROM chip, mounted on a DDR memory module. This item allows you to check if the memory fails when booting. Select [Ignore], the system will not check memory module.
  • Page 35 disabled. ► Bottom of UMA DRAM [31:24] This is a memory allocation method addition to the Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) concept. Normally, select the default value. ► Memory Timing Setting Select [Enabled], you can configure the DRAM timing manually. Select [Disabled], then system will use the DRAM timing provided by the memory vendor. The provision of DRAM timing is done by a SPD device.

  • Page 36: Cpu Voltage

    Voltage Options Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Voltage Options CPU Voltage [Default] Default Item Help Memory Voltage [Default] Menu Level ► ↑↓→←:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help F5: Previous Values F7: Optimized Defaults ► CPU Voltage This option is used to change the CPU voltage. ►...

  • Page 37: Advanced Bios Features

    Advanced BIOS Features Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced BIOS Features ► Removable Device Priority [Press Enter] Press Enter Item Help ► Hard Disk Boot Priority [Press Enter] ► CD-ROM Boot Priority [Press Enter] Menu Level ► First Boot Device [Hard Disk] Select removable boot Second Boot Device...

  • Page 38: Advanced Chipset Features

    Advanced Chipset Features Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Chipset Features Hybrid SLI Disabled Item Help Dispaly Detection Enabled iGPU Frame Buffer Control [Auto] Menu Level ► Auto x Frame Buffer Size Onboard GPU [Enable if NO Ext GPU] MCP78 PCIE Training [Gen2 If Supported] Init Display First...
  • Page 39 the North Bridge. [Enable If No Ext GPU] means if there is no external graphics card on the motherboard, the onboard GPU will be enabled. [Always Enable] means the onboard GPU is always enabled. ► MCP78 PCIE Training [Gen2 If Supported] sets the PCI Express slot working by following Generation II specification. [Only Gen1] sets the PCI Express slot working by following Generation I specification.

  • Page 40: Integrated Peripherals

    Integrated Peripherals Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Integrated Peripherals ► OnChip IDE Devices [Press Enter] Press Enter Item Help ► MCP SATA Mode [Press Enter] ► OnBoard Devices [Press Enter] Menu Level ► ► SuperIO Devices [Press Enter] ► USB Devices [Press Enter] ↑↓→←:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value...
  • Page 41 MCP SATA Mode Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility MCP SATA Mode SATA Operation Mode [IDE] Item Help x SATA Pri-Master RAID Disabled x SATA Pri-Slave RAID Disabled Menu Level ► x SATA Sec-Master RAID Disabled x SATA Sec-Slave RAID Disabled x SATA Thr-Master RAID Disabled...

  • Page 42: Onboard Devices

    SATA Pri-Slave RAID is the SATA port 2. SATA Sec-Master RAID is the SATA port 3. SATA Sec-Slave RAID is the SATA port 4. SATA Thr-Master RAID is the SATA port 5. SATA Thr-Slave RAID is the External SATA port located on the back panel. The Installation procedures for AHCI and RAID drivers are the same, they are : ■...
  • Page 43 SuperIO Devices Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility SuperIO Devices OnBoard FDC Controller [Enabled] Item Help Enabled OnBoard Serial Port 1 [3F8/IRQ4] OnBoard Serial Port 2 [2F8/IRQ3] Menu Level ► Serial Port 2 Mode Select [Normal] x IrDA Duplex Mode Half ↑↓→←:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value...
  • Page 44 USB Devices Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility USB Devices USB 1.1 Controller Item Help Enabled USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled] USB Operation Mode [High Speed] Menu Level ► USB Keyboard Support [Enabled] USB Mouse Support [Enabled] [Enable] or [Disable] USB Storage Support [Enabled] universal host controller interface...

  • Page 45: Power Management Setup

    Power Management Setup Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power Management Setup ACPI Function [Enabled] Enabled Item Help ACPI Suspend Type [S3(STR)] Power Button [Instant-Off] Menu Level ► PWRON After PWR-Fail [Off] HPET Support [Enabled] ** Power Management Events ** Wake Up by PCI/PCIE PME [Disabled] USB Resume from S3...
  • Page 46 ► ACPI Function This item is used to enable or disable the ACPI function. ► ACPI Suspend Type This item is used to set the energy saving mode of the ACPI function. When you select “S1 (POS)” mode, the power is always on and computer can be resumed at any time. When you select “S3 (STR)”...
  • Page 47 [Any KEY], and [Keyboard 98]. ► KB Resume Password When "PS/2 KB Resume from S3" is set to [Password], this item allows you to input a password to wake up the system from S3 mode. ► Hot Key Resume Wen "PS/2 KB Resume from S3" is set to [Hot KEY], this item allows you to press a [Ctrl] + Function key to wake up the system from S3 mode.

  • Page 48: Pc Health Status

    PC Health Status Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility PC Health Status Case Open Warning [Disabled] Disabled Item Help Shutdown Temperature [Disabled] CPU Vcore 1.28 V Menu Level ► VTT(V) 1.89 V +3.3V 3.31 V + 5V 5.25 V + 12V 11.50 V 5VSB(V) 5.12V...

  • Page 49: Load Optimized Defaults

    Load Optimized Defaults Select this option and press [Enter]. A dialogue pops out, input [Y] then press [Enter] to load the defaults; press [N] to skip. Load Optimized Defaults (Y/N)? N By this default, BIOS have set the optimized performance parameters of system to improve the performances of system components.
  • Page 50 The utility CD that came with the motherboard contains useful software and several utility drivers that enhance the motherboard features. This chapter includes the following information: ■ Utility CD content ■ Install driver and utility ■ FOX ONE ■ FOX LiveUpdate ■...

  • Page 51: Utility Cd Content

    Utility CD content This motherboard comes with one DVD. You can simply put it into your DVD-ROM drive, and the main menu will be displayed on your PC screen to guide you how to install. 1. Install Driver Use these options to install all the drivers for your system. You should install the drivers in order, and you need to restart your computer after all the drivers have been installed.

  • Page 52: Install Driver And Utility

    Click to visit Select to Select to Browse CD Drop to System Tray Foxconn's Install Utilities Install Drivers website 2. Install NVIDIA Azalia/HDMI Audio Device After PC restarts, in Windows, browse the driver CD again to run the Setup. A new "NVIDIA Azalia/HDMI Audio Driver"...
  • Page 53 3. Install Utility You can select the specific utility to install.

  • Page 54: Fox One

    foX oNe FOX ONE is a powerful utility for easily modifying system settings. It also allows users to monitor various temperature values, voltage values, frequencies and fan speeds at any time. With FOX ONE, you can : ■ Modify system performance settings, such as the CPU and memory bus speeds, CPU voltages, fan speeds, and other system performance options.

  • Page 55: Main Page

    1. Main Page Show CPU Toolbar Information Alert Lamp Switch Button Skin Button Exit Minimum Configuration Homepage Monitor Frequency/Voltage/Fan speed/Temperature value Toolbar Use the toolbar to navigate to other pages. Alert lamp When the system is in healthy state, the color of alert lamp is green. When the system is in abnormal state, the alert lamp color is red.
  • Page 56 Click this button to exit the program. Minimum Click this button to drop the FOX ONE to Windows system tray located at the lower right corner of your screen. Homepage Click this button to visit Foxconn motherboard website : http://www.foxconnchannel.com...
  • Page 57 Configuration This menu allows you to configure : 1). Monitor interval (ms) : This is to define the interval of different messages of system settings which are to be displayed on Simple Mode screen. Minimum value is 1 second. 2). Simple Mode : To select which message of system settings are to be displayed in the Simple Mode.
  • Page 58 Step 1 : Click Calibration icon, a message pops out to ask for continue. Select Yes. Step 2 : After data is collected, it will ask you to restart your computer now. Later on, when the FOX ONE program is activated, and F.I.S. feature (in CPU Page) is also enabled, FOX ONE will automatically adjust your CPU clock according to your system loadings.

  • Page 59: Cpu Control

    2. CPU Page - CPU Control This page lets you select (or overclock) CPU clock to meet the current performance level of the system. The fastest and suitable CPU clock running for current system can be calculated by FOX ONE automatically or manually input by yourselves. Manual : You can press the up/down button to adjust your CPU clock.
  • Page 60 You can see the system is raising CPU clock until the system hangs. Push RESET button on the front panel of your system to restart the computer. Run FOX ONE program again, it will inform you the previous test found that 255MHz is the recommended CPU clock for your system.

  • Page 61: Frequency Control

    FOX Intelligent Stepping (F.I.S., Optional) Select FOX Intelligent Stepping will allow your system to automatically adjust your CPU clock rate based on different system loadings. For example, if you select Power Gaming, CPU clock will be driven to run at its maximum speed. While in Energy Saving, CPU will lower down its speed to a minimum.

  • Page 62: Limit Setting

    4. Limit Setting 4.1 Limit Setting - CPU Temperature This page lets you to set CPU high limit temperature and enable the alert function. Go to Limit Setting Show current CPU page temperature value Enable alert function when the CPU temperature is higher than high limit value Show current high...
  • Page 63 4.3 Limit Setting - CPU Fan This page lets you to set CPU fan low limit rpm and enable the alert function. Show current CPU fan rpm value Enable alert function when the CPU fan runs slower than the low limit rpm value Show current low limit rpm value of CPU fan...

  • Page 64: Voltage Control

    4.5 Limit Setting - FAN1 Fan This page lets you to set FAN1 fan low limit rpm and enable the alert function. Show current FAN1 fan rpm value Enable alert function when the FAN1 fan runs slower than low limit rpm value Show current low limit rpm value of FAN1 fan Set low limit rpm by...

  • Page 65: Fan Control

    6. Fan Page - Fan Control This page lets you enable Smart Fan function or set the fan speed by manual. When Smart Fan is selected, you must use a 4-pin CPU cooler in your system. Go to Fan page Enable or disable smart fan function Set fan speed by...

  • Page 66: Fox Liveupdate

    FOX LiveUpdate FOX LiveUpdate is a useful utility to backup and update your system BIOS, drivers and utilities by local or online. Supporting Operating Systems : ■ Windows 2000 ■ Windows XP (32-bit and 64-bit) ■ Windows 2003 (32-bit and 64-bit) ■...
  • Page 67 1-2 local Update - backup This page can backup your system BIOS. You can click “Backup”, and key in a file name, then click “Save” to finish the backup operation. The extension of this backup file is ".BIN" for Award BIOS and ".ROM"...

  • Page 68: Online Update

    2. online Update 2-1 online Update - Update bIoS This page lets you update your system BIOS from Internet. Click “start”, it will search the new BIOS from Internet. Then follow the wizard to finish the update operation. Click here Current information Search new BIOS from Internet...
  • Page 69 Select the driver to update Browse detailed information Install the selected driver Close the window 2-3 online Update - Update Utility This page lets you update utilities from Internet. Click “start”, it will search the new utilities from Internet. Then follow the wizard to finish the update operation. Click here Current information Search new utilities...
  • Page 70 2-4 online Update - Update All This page lets you update your system drivers from Internet. Click “start”, it will search all new BIOS/drivers/utilities from Internet. Then follow the wizard to finish the update operation. Click here Current information Search all new BIOS/ drivers/utilities from Internet Browse detailed...

  • Page 71: Configure

    3. Configure 3-1 Configure - option This page lets you set auto search options. After you enable the auto search function, FOX LiveUpdate will start its searching from Internet and if any qualified item found, it will pop out a message on the task bar to inform you to do the next step.
  • Page 72 When you enable "Auto Search FOX LiveUpdate", if your FOX LiveUpdate version is older, it will auto search from internet and prompt you to install the new version. Prompt you to install the new FOX LiveUpdate 3-2 Configure - System This page lets you set the backup BIOS location and change different skin of the FOX LiveUpdate utility.

  • Page 73: About & Help

    3-3 Configure - Advance This page lets you select to flash BIOS / Boot Block and clear CMOS. If you choose Flash Boot Block, it means BIOS is not protective, and you must make sure the flash process is continuous and without any interruption.

  • Page 74: Fox Logo

    foX loGo FOX LOGO is a simple and useful utility to backup, change and delete the boot time Logo. The boot Logo is the image that appears on screen during POST (Power-On Self-Test). You can prepare a bitmap image (1024x768) file, then use FOX LOGO to open it and change the boot time Logo.

  • Page 75: Fox Dmi

    foX DMI FOX DMI is a full Desktop Management Interface viewer, and it provides three DMI data formats : Report, Data Fields and Memory Dump. With DMI information, system maker can easily analyze and troubleshoot your motherboard if there is any problem occurred. Supporting Operating Systems : ■...
  • Page 76 This chapter will cover two topics : ■ Creating a Bootable Array - Installing a new Windows XP (Vista) in a brand new RAID system. ■ Creating a Non-Bootable Array - Existing Windows XP (Vista) system with new RAID built as data storage. It includes the following information : ■...

  • Page 77: Creating A Non-Bootable Array - Existing Windows Xp (Or Vista)

    Creating a Bootable Array - Installing a new Windows XP (or Vista) in a brand new RAID system. 1. Follow 5-1 to create two RAID driver diskettes. 2. Follow 5-2 to set RAID enabled in BIOS. 3. Follow 5-3 to select a RAID array for use. 4.

  • Page 78: Raid Configuration Introduction

    RAID Configuration Introduction RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a method for computer data storage schemes that divide and/or replicate data among multiple hard drives. RAID can be designed to provide increased data reliability (fault tolerance) or increased I/O (input/ output) performance, or both.
  • Page 79 RAID 0 (Striped) RAID 0 reads and writes sectors of data interleaved among multiple drives. If any disk member fails, it affects the entire array. The disk array data capacity is equal to the number of drive members times the capacity of the smallest member. RAID 0 does not support fault tolerance.

  • Page 80: Nvidia ® Mediashield Driver

    NVIDIA MediaShield Driver ® The NVIDIA MediaShield driver supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 0+1 ® functions. It allows you to get high performance with fault tolerance, big capacity, or data safety provided by different RAID functions. Here, we will use four SATA hard disks as an example to guide you how to select your RAID system.
  • Page 81 Port 0.3 is the SATA port 4. Port 0.4 is the SATA port 5. Port 0.5 is the e-SATA port. MediaShield BIOS Jul 27 2007 - Define a New Array - Optimal RAID Mode: Mirrored Stripe Block: Optimal Striped Free Disks Array Disks Port Disk Model Capacity...

  • Page 82: Create Two Raid Driver Diskettes

    5-1 Create two RAID Driver Diskettes If you want to install a brand new Windows XP on a RAID system, you need to create two RAID driver floppy diskettes which will be used during Windows XP installation later. 1. Find a PC, put a diskette into its floppy drive A:, this diskette will be formatted later.
  • Page 83 6. Insert a diskette, click "OK" to continue. 7. You can input a volume label for this diskette, click on "Start" to format. 8. Click on "OK" to go through this warning message. 9. Format finished. Click "OK", then click "Close" to continue copying of RAID driver into this diskette.

  • Page 84: Raid Enable In Bios

    5-2 RAID enable in bIoS 1. Enter the BIOS setup by pressing [DEL] key when boot up. 2. Select the “Integrated Peripherals” from the “Main menu”, then select the “MCP SATA Mode” menu and press [Enter] to go to the configuration items. 3.

  • Page 85: Create Raid 0 (Striped)

    Create RAID 0 (Striped) 1. Select "Striped" from the RAID Mode. The menu appears : MediaShield BIOS Jul 27 2007 - Define a New Array - Optimal RAID Mode: Mirrored Stripe Block: Optimal Striped Free Disks Array Disks Port Disk Model Capacity Port Disk Model Capacity...
  • Page 86 4. The stripe value should be selected based on different applications. It ranges from 4KB to 128KB. Some suggested choices are : 16K - Best for sequential transfer. 64K - Good general purpose strip size. 128K - Best performance for most desktops and workstations. Keep it at Optimal default value.
  • Page 87 6. The screen displays a STRIPE array of 153.38GB, which is twice the size of the smallest hard disk. That is, 2*76.69GB = 153.38GB. If you want to build a new Operating System (such as Windows XP) in this RAID system, please press [B] to select it as bootable.

  • Page 88: Create Raid 1 (Mirrored)

    Create RAID 1 (Mirrored) 1. Select “Mirrored” from the RAID Mode. MediaShield BIOS Jul 27 2007 - Define a New Array - Optimal RAID Mode: Mirrored Mirrored Stripe Block: Optimal Free Disks Array Disks Port Disk Model Capacity Port Disk Model Capacity 0.0 WDC WD1200JD-9 111.79GB 0.0 WDC WD1200JD-9 111.79GB...
  • Page 89 4. The stripe block value is fixed and not changeable. Press [F7] to finish the setting. MediaShield BIOS Jul 27 2007 - Define a New Array - Optimal RAID Mode: Mirrored Mirrored Stripe Block: Optimal Free Disks Array Disks Port Disk Model Capacity Port Disk Model Capacity...
  • Page 90 6. The screen displays a MIRRORED array of 232.88GB, which is the size of the smallest hard disk. That is, 232.88GB. If you want to build a new Operating System (such as Windows XP) in this RAID system, please press [B] to select it as bootable. You can then press [Ctrl]+[X] keys to exit the setup program, and restart your PC.
  • Page 91 Create RAID 0+1 (Striped Mirror) 1. Select “Striped Mirror” from the RAID Mode. The menu appears : MediaShield BIOS Jul 27 2007 - Define a New Array - Optimal RAID Mode: Mirrored Striped Mirror Stripe Block: Optimal Free Disks Array Disks Port Disk Model Capacity Port Disk Model...
  • Page 92 4. The stripe value should be selected based on different applications. It ranges from 4KB to 128KB. Some suggested choices are : 16K - Best for sequential transfer. 64K - Good general purpose strip size. 128K - Best performance for most desktops and workstations. Keep it at Optimal default value.
  • Page 93 6. The screen displays a RAID 0+1 array of 153.38GB, which is twice the size of the smallest hard disk. That is, 2*76.69= 153.38GB. If you want to build a new Operating System (such as Windows XP) in this RAID system, please press [B] to select it as bootable.

  • Page 94: Create Raid

    Create RAID 5 1. Select “RAID5” from the RAID Mode. The menu appears : MediaShield BIOS Jul 27 2007 - Define a New Array - Optimal RAID Mode: Mirrored Stripe Block: Optimal RAID5 Free Disks Array Disks Port Disk Model Capacity Port Disk Model Capacity...
  • Page 95 4. The stripe value should be selected based on different applications. It ranges from 4KB to 128KB. Some suggested choices are : 16K - Best for sequential transfer. 64K - Good general purpose strip size. 128K - Best performance for most desktops and workstations. Keep it at Optimal default value.
  • Page 96 6. The screen displays a RAID5 array of 153.38GB, which is twice the size of the smallest hard disk. That is, 2*76.69= 153.38GB. Another hard disk is used for parity check. If you want to build a new Operating System (such as Windows XP) in this RAID system, please press [B] to select it as bootable.

  • Page 97: Create Spanned Raid

    Create Spanned RAID 1. Select “Spanned” from the RAID Mode. The menu appears : MediaShield BIOS Jul 27 2007 - Define a New Array - Optimal RAID Mode: Mirrored Spanned Stripe Block: Optimal Free Disks Array Disks Port Disk Model Capacity Port Disk Model Capacity...
  • Page 98 4. The stripe block value is fixed and not changeable. Press [F7] to finish the setting. MediaShield BIOS Jul 27 2007 - Define a New Array - Optimal RAID Mode: Mirrored Spanned Stripe Block: Optimal Free Disks Array Disks Port Disk Model Capacity Port Disk Model Capacity...
  • Page 99 6. The screen displays a Spanned RAID array of 421.36GB, which is the total sizes of these three hard disks. That is, 111.79+76.69+232.88= 421.36GB. We recommend not setting it to bootable as it will be impossible to recover if crashed. You can then press [Ctrl]+[X] keys to exit the setup program, and restart your PC.

  • Page 100: Install A New Windows Xp

    Creating a Bootable Array- Install a New Windows XP Assume a Mirrored array (232.88GB) was created as introduced in section 5-3, after the system restarts : 1. Press [DEL] to enter BIOS Setup during POST. 2. Insert the Windows installation CD into the optical drive. 3.
  • Page 101 5. After some files are copied to your system, the following picture appears, press [S] to continue the specific driver installation. Windows Setup Setup could not determine the type of one or more mass storage devices installed in your system, or you have chosen to manually specify an adapter. Currently, Setup will load support for the following mass storage device(s): <none>...
  • Page 102 7. There are two drivers, all these two drivers must be installed. Press [Enter] to select the first driver - "NVIDIA RAID Driver (required)". Windows Setup You have chosen to configure a SCSI Adapter for use with Windows, using a device support disk provided by an adapter manufacturer. Select the SCSI Adapter you want from the following list, or press ESC to return to the previous screen.
  • Page 103 9. Use [↓] key to select "NVIDIA nForce Storage Controller (required)", then press [Enter]. Still, The RAID floppy diskette 1 is inside the floppy drive. Windows Setup You have chosen to configure a SCSI Adapter for use with Windows, using a device support disk provided by an adapter manufacturer. Select the SCSI Adapter you want from the following list, or press ESC to return to the previous screen.
  • Page 104 11. Windows will display the partition of your system. As we are using a Mirrored RAID array as an example, its size 232.88GB is now displayed as 238473MB. You can press [C] to create partitions as many as you wish, assign them C:, D: or E: logical drive names.
  • Page 105 13. The Windows XP install processes will ask you to format your hard disk, select quick formatting using NTFS file system, press [ENTER]. Windows XP Professional Setup The partition you selected is not formatted. Setup will now format the partition. Use the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to select the file system you want, and then press ENTER.
  • Page 106 15. After Setup copies files from RAID floppy diskette 2 to the Windows installation folders, it then will ask you to insert the first RAID diskette into floppy drive again. Press [Enter] to continue when it is done. Windows Setup Insert the disk labeled : NVIDIA RAID DRIVER (SCSI) disk 1 into drive A:...

  • Page 107: Setting Up A Non-Bootable Raid Array

    5-5 Setting Up a Non-Bootable RAID Array This section assumes the following setup : ■ Boot Disk with Windows XP installed : One hard disk HDS728080PLAT20 (80GB) is connected to the IDE channel, and set to Master. ■ A Mirrored RAID Array Disk : Two SATA hard disks are configured as a mirrored RAID1 array, they are : Hitachi HDT725025VLA, (232.88GB) connected to SATA port2 of the motherboard.
  • Page 108 2. Select a RAID array for use (also can refer to section 5-3) After rebooting your computer, you will see the RAID software prompting you to press [F10]. Press [F10] to enter the NVIDIA MediaShield BIOS setup and configure the mirrored RAID array as described in the 5-3 section.
  • Page 109 5. The installation of driver may take a while, after the NVIDIA driver is installed, it will ask you to click "Finish" to restart your computer. 6. When Windows starts, a "Found New Hardware Wizard" appears. Click on "Cancel" to ignore it.
  • Page 110 7. After PC starts, the RAID array is now ready to be initialized under Windows. Launch Computer Management by clicking Start -> Settings -> Control Panel then open the Administrative Tools folder and double click on Computer Management. Click Disk Management (under the Storage section). The Initialize and Convert Disk Wizards appears.
  • Page 111 11. The Computer Management window appears. The actual disks listed will depend on your system. In below figure, you can see there is a 232.88 GB unallocated partition. You must format the unallocated disk space before using it. Right click "Unallocated space", select "New Partition…" and follow the Wizard instructions.
  • Page 112 17. The format of disk array (Disk1) is in processing. 18. Format completed, now you can start using your RAID array.

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