MSI P55A-G55 series Manual
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MSI P55A-G55 series Manual

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P55A-G55 series
MS-7668 (v1.x) Mainboard
G52-76681X5

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Summary of Contents for MSI P55A-G55 series

  • Page 1 P55A-G55 series MS-7668 (v1.x) Mainboard G52-76681X5...

  • Page 2: Trademarks

    Alternatively, please try the following help resources for further guidance. ◙ Visit the MSI website for FAQ, technical guide, BIOS updates, driver updates, and other information: http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=service ◙ Contact our technical staff at: http://ocss.msi.com...

  • Page 3: Safety Instructions

    MS-7668 MS-7668 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.

  • Page 4: Fcc-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement

    Preface Preface FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digi- tal device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful inter- ference in a residential installation.

  • Page 5: Weee (Waste Electrical And Electronic Equipment) Statement

    MSI will comply with the product take back requirements at the end of life of MSI-branded prod- ucts that are sold into the EU.
  • Page 6 MSI će poštovati zahtev o preuzimanju ovakvih proizvoda kojima je istekao vek trajanja, koji imaju MSI oznaku i koji su prodati u EU. Ove proiz- vode možete vratiti na lokalnim mestima za prikupljanje.
  • Page 7 MSI si adeguerà a tale Direttiva ritirando tutti i prodotti marchiati MSI che sono stati venduti all’interno dell’Unione Europea alla fine del loro...

  • Page 8: Table Of Contents

    Preface Preface Contents Copyright Notice .................... ii Trademarks ....................ii Revision History..................... ii Technical Support..................ii Safety Instructions ..................iii FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement.......... iv WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Statement ....v Chapter 1 Getting Started................1-1 Mainboard Specifications ..................1-2 Mainboard Layout ....................
  • Page 9 MS-7668 MS-7668 Appendix A Realtek Audio ................A-1 Installing the Realtek HD Audio Driver ..............A-2 Software Configuration ..................A-3 Hardware Default Setting ..................A-5 Appendix B Intel RAID ................B-1 Introduction ......................B-2 BIOS Configuration ....................B-3 Installing Driver ....................B-10 Degraded RAID Array ..................B-12 Appendix C Marvell RAID ................

  • Page 11: Chapter 1 Getting Started

    Chapter 1 Getting Started Thank you for choosing the P55A-G55 Series (MS-7668 v1.X) ATX mainboard. The P55A-G55 Series mainboards are based on Intel P55 chipsets for optimal system effi- ® ciency. Designed to fit the advanced Intel LGA1156 pro- ®...

  • Page 12: Mainboard Specifications

    ■ Intel Core™ i7, Core™ i5 (Lynnfield & Clarkdale), Core™ i3 and Pentium processor ® ® in the LGA1156 package (For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com/index. php?func=cpuform2) Base Clock ■ 133 MHz (OC to 250MHz) Chipset ■...
  • Page 13 3 PCI slots, support 3.3V/ 5V PCI bus Interface Form Factor ■ ATX (30.5cm x 23.0cm) Mounting ■ 6 mounting holes If you need to purchase accessories and request the part numbers, you could search the product web page and find details on our web address below http://www.msi.com/index.php...

  • Page 14: Mainboard Layout

    Bottom: USB2.0 ports Line-In Line-Out T:RS-Out M:CS-Out B:SS-Out PCI _E1 PCI _E2 PCI _E3 PCI _E4 PCI 1 PCI2 JCI1 PCI3 JUSB2 JUSB1 JLPT1 OC_SW1 JCD1 JSP1 JAUD1 JTPM1 JCOM1 JFP1 JFP2 POWER1 JBAT1 FDD 1 P55A-G55 Series (MS-7668 v1.X) Mainboard...

  • Page 15: Packing Checklist

    MS-7668 Packing Checklist MSI Driver/Utility DVD MSI mainboard SATA Cable (Optional) Standard Cable for USB Bracket (Optional) Power Cable IDE Devices User’s Guide Back IO Shield * The pictures are for reference only and may vary from the packing contents of the...

  • Page 17: Chapter 2 Hardware Setup

    Chapter 2 Hardware Setup This chapter provides you with the information about hardware setup procedures. While doing the installa- tion, be careful in holding the components and follow the installation procedures. For some components, if you install in the wrong orientation, the components will not work properly.

  • Page 18: Quick Components Guide

    Hardware Setup Hardware Setup Quick Components Guide CPUFAN, p.2-15 DDR3, p.2-8 JPWR2, p.2-10 CPU, p.2-4 Back Panel, p.2-11 SYSFAN1, p.2-15 JPWR1, p.2-10 JCI1, p.2-15 SYSFAN2, p.2-15 SATA1~6, p.2-14 PCIE, p.2-22 IDE1, p.2-13 PCI, p.2-22 SATA7~8, p.2-14 JUSB1~2, p.2-16 JAUD1, p.2-18 JBAT1, p.2-20 JFP1, JFP2, OC_SW1, p.2-19...

  • Page 19: Screw Holes

    MS-7668 MS-7668 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. The side has to toward the rear, the position for the I/O shield of the chassis.

  • Page 20: 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...

  • Page 21: Cpu & Cooler Installation

    MS-7668 MS-7668 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 &...
  • Page 22 Hardware Setup Hardware Setup Visually inspect if the CPU is seated Engage the load lever while pressing well into the socket. If not, take out down lightly onto the load plate. the CPU with pure vertical motion and reinstall. Alignment Key Secure the lever near the hook end Make sure the four hooks are in por- under the retention tab.
  • Page 23 MS-7668 MS-7668 Align the holes on the mainboard with Press the four hooks down to fasten the heatsink. Push down the cooler the cooler. until its four clips get wedged into the holes of the mainboard. Turn over the mainboard to confirm Finally, attach the CPU Fan cable to that the clip-ends are correctly in- the CPU fan connector on the main-...

  • Page 24: Memory

    Hardware Setup 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.

  • Page 25: Installing Memory Modules

    MS-7668 MS-7668 Installing Memory Modules The memory module has only one notch on the center and will only fit in the right orientation. 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.

  • Page 26: Power Supply

    Hardware Setup 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.

  • Page 27: Back Panel

    MS-7668 MS-7668 Back Panel Optical S/PDIF-Out Line-In RS-Out USB 3.0 Port Line-Out CS-Out Mouse/Keyboard USB 2.0 Port USB 2.0 Port SS-Out ▶ Optical S/PDIF-Out This SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interconnect Format) connector is provided for digital audio transmission to external speakers through an optical fiber cable. ▶...
  • Page 28 Hardware Setup Hardware Setup ▶ The standard RJ-45 LAN jack is for connection to Yellow Green/ Orange the Local Area Network (LAN). You can connect a network cable to it. Color LED State Condition Left Yellow LAN link is not established. On(Steady state) LAN link is established.

  • Page 29: Connectors

    MS-7668 MS-7668 Connectors Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1 This connector supports 360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, 1.44MB or 2.88MB floppy disk drive. * The MB layout in this figure is for reference only. IDE Connector: IDE1 This connector supports IDE hard disk drives, optical disk drives and other IDE de- vices.
  • Page 30 Hardware Setup Hardware Setup 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. SATA1~6 supported by Intel P55，the transfer rate is up to 3Gb/s.
  • Page 31 MS-7668 MS-7668 Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN, SYSFAN1, SYSFAN2 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 con- nected 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.
  • Page 32 Hardware Setup Hardware Setup Front USB Connector: JUSB1~2 This connector, compliant with Intel I/O Connectivity Design Guide, is ideal for con- ® necting high-speed USB interface peripherals such as USB HDD, digital cameras, MP3 players, printers, modems and the like. * The MB layout in this figure is for reference only.
  • Page 33 MS-7668 MS-7668 S/PDIF-Out Connector: JSP1 This connector is used to connect S/PDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interconnect Format) interface for digital audio transmission. * The MB layout in this figure is for reference only. S/PDIF-Out Bracket (optional) TPM Module connector: JTPM1 This connector connects to a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) module (optional).
  • Page 34 Hardware Setup Hardware Setup 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. Parallel Port Header: JLPT1 This connector is used to connect an optional parallel port bracket. The parallel port is a standard printer port that supports Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) and Extended Capa- bilities Parallel Port (ECP) mode.

  • Page 35: Switch

    MS-7668 MS-7668 Switch Easy FSB Switch: OC_SW1 You can overclock the FSB to increase the processor frequency by changing the switch. Follow the instructions below to set the FSB. Increase 10% Increase 15% Increase 20% Default speed of FSB speed of FSB speed of FSB Important •...

  • Page 36: Jumpers

    Hardware Setup Hardware Setup Jumpers Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1 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 automati- cally boot OS every time it is turned on. If you want to clear the system configuration, set the jumper to clear data.

  • Page 37: Button

    MS-7668 MS-7668 Button The motherboard provides the following button for you to set the computer’s function. This section will explain how to change your motherboard’s function through the use of button. Power Button: POWER1 This power button is used to turn-on or turn-off the system. Press the button to turn-on or turn-off the system.

  • Page 38: Slots

    Hardware Setup Hardware Setup Slots PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Express Slot The PCI Express slot supports the PCI Express interface expansion card. PCI Express x16 Slot PCI Express 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.

  • Page 39: Led Status Indicators

    MS-7668 MS-7668 LED Status Indicators APS LED APS LED These APS (Active Phase Switching) LED indicates the current CPU power phase mode. Follow the instructions below to read. : ON, : OFF The LED will light blue when CPU is in 2 or 3 phase power mode. The LED will off when CPU is in 1 phase power mode.

  • Page 41: Chapter 3 Bios Setup

    Chapter 3 BIOS Setup This chapter provides information on the BIOS Setup program and allows you to configure the system for op- timum use. You may need to run the Setup program when: ■ An error message appears on the screen during the system booting up, and requests you to run SETUP.

  • Page 42: Entering Setup

    BIOS Setup BIOS Setup Entering Setup Power on the computer and the system will start POST (Power On Self Test) process. When the message below appears on the screen, press <DEL> key to enter Setup. Press DEL to enter SETUP If the message disappears before you respond and you still wish to enter Setup, restart the system by turning it OFF and On or pressing the RESET button.

  • Page 43: Control Keys

    MS-7668 MS-7668 Control Keys <↑> Move to the previous item <↓> Move to the next item <←> Move to the item in the left hand <→> Move to the item in the right hand <Enter> Select the item <Esc> Jumps to the Exit menu or returns to the main menu from a submenu <+/PU>...

  • Page 44: The Main Menu

    BIOS Setup BIOS Setup The Main Menu ▶ Standard CMOS Features Use this menu for basic system configurations, such as time, date etc. ▶ Advanced BIOS Features Use this menu to setup the items of the BIOS special enhanced features. ▶...
  • Page 45 MS-7668 MS-7668 ▶ M-Flash Use this menu to read/ flash the BIOS from storage drive (FAT/ FAT32 format only). ▶ Overclocking Profile Use this menu to save/ load your settings to/ from CMOS for BIOS. ▶ Load Fail-Safe Defaults Use this menu to load the default values set by the BIOS vendor for stable system performance.

  • Page 46: Standard Cmos Features

    BIOS Setup BIOS Setup Standard CMOS Features The items in Standard CMOS Features Menu include some basic setup items. Use the arrow keys to highlight the item and then use the <PgUp> or <PgDn> keys to select the value you want in each item. ▶...
  • Page 47 MS-7668 MS-7668 ▶ SATA1~6 Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu, and the following screen appears. ▶ Device / Vendor / Size It will show the device information that you connected to the SATA connector. ▶ LBA/Large Mode This allows you to enable or disable the LBA Mode. Setting to Auto enables LBA mode if the device supports it and the devices is not already formatted with LBA mode disabled.
  • Page 48 BIOS Setup BIOS Setup ▶ System Information Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu, and the following screen appears. This sub-menu shows the CPU information, BIOS version and memory status of your system (read only).

  • Page 49: Advanced Bios Features

    MS-7668 MS-7668 Advanced BIOS Features ▶ Boot Sequence Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. ▶ Boot Device These items allow you to arrange the order that the BIOS uses to look for a boot device from which to load the operating system during the boot process. ▶...
  • Page 50 BIOS Setup BIOS Setup [Disabled] Shows the POST messages at boot. ▶ Quick Booting Setting the item to [Enabled] allows the system to boot within 10 seconds since it will skip some check items. ▶ Boot Up Num-Lock LED This setting is to set the Num Lock status when the system is powered on. Setting to [On] will turn on the Num Lock key when the system is powered on.

  • Page 51: Integrated Peripherals

    MS-7668 MS-7668 Integrated Peripherals ▶ USB Controller This setting allows you to enable/disable the onboard USB 1.1/ 2.0 controller. ▶ USB Device Legacy Support Select [Enabled] if you need to use a USB-interfaced device in the operating system. ▶ Onboard LAN Controller This setting allows you to enable/disable the onboard LAN controller.
  • Page 52 BIOS Setup BIOS Setup ▶ PCI IDE BusMaster This item allows you to enable/ disable BIOS to used PCI busmastering for reading/ writing to IDE drives. ▶ OnChip SATA Controller This item allows users to enable or disable the SATA controller. ▶...

  • Page 53: Power Management Setup

    MS-7668 MS-7668 Power Management Setup Important S3-related functions described in this section are available only when the BIOS sup- ports S3 sleep mode. ▶ ACPI Function This item is used to activate the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Manage- ment Interface) Function. If your operating system is ACPI-aware, such as Windows 98SE/ 2000/ ME/ XP, select [Enabled].
  • Page 54 BIOS Setup BIOS Setup ▶ S4/S5 PowerOn Wait (Sec) This item allows you to select a waiting period when system wake-up from power state S4/S5. ▶ Restore On AC Power Loss This item specifies whether your system will reboot after a power failure or interrupt occurs.

  • Page 55: H/W Monitor

    MS-7668 MS-7668 H/W Monitor ▶ Chassis Intrusion The field enables or disables the feature of recording the chassis intrusion status and issuing a warning message if the chassis is once opened. To clear the warning mes- sage, set the field to [Reset]. The setting of the field will automatically return to [Enabled] later.

  • Page 56: Green Power

    BIOS Setup BIOS Setup Green Power ▶ CPU Phase Control When set to [Enabled], the hardware will auto adjust the CPU power phase according to the loading of CPU to reach the best power saving function. ▶ Motherboard LED Control This item is used to control the power phase LEDs of the motherboard.
  • Page 57 MS-7668 MS-7668 BIOS S ettIng aSSwOrd ▶ U-Key This item is used to enable/ disable USB driver device as a key. ▶ Make U-Key at This item is used to specify the USB driver device as a key. ▶ Change Supervisor Password This item is used to set the supervisor password.
  • Page 58 BIOS Setup BIOS Setup Important Type the password, up to eight characters in length, and press <Enter>. The password typed now will replace any previously set password. You will be prompted to confirm the password. Retype the password and press <Enter>. You may also press <Esc> to abort the selection and not enter a password.

  • Page 59: Cell Menu

    MS-7668 MS-7668 Cell Menu Important Change these settings only if you are familiar with the chipset. ▶ Current CPU / DRAM / QPI Frequency These items show the current clocks of CPU, Memory and CPU-NB speed. Read-only. ▶ CPU Specifications Press <Enter>...
  • Page 60 BIOS Setup BIOS Setup ▶ CPU Technology Support Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears. This sub- menu shows the technologies that the installed CPU supported. ▶ CPU Feature Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears: ▶...
  • Page 61 MS-7668 MS-7668 ▶ Intel C-STATE C-state is a power management state that significantly reduces the power of the processor during idle. This field will appear after you installed the CPU which sup- ports c-state technology. ▶ C State Package Limit Setting This feild allows you to select a C-state level.
  • Page 62 BIOS Setup BIOS Setup ▶ Intel Virtualization Tech This item is used to enable/disable the Intel Virtualization technology. For further information please refer to Intel’s official website. ▶ Intel VT-d Tech This item is used to enable/disable the Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d).
  • Page 63 MS-7668 MS-7668 ▶ Auto OverClock Technology This item is used to enable/ disable Auto OverClock Technology. ▶ Memory-Z Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears. ▶ DIMM1~4 Memory SPD Information Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. The sub-menu displays the informations of installed memory.
  • Page 64 BIOS Setup BIOS Setup This setting determines the time RFC takes to read from and write to a memory cell. ▶ CH1/ CH2 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. ▶...
  • Page 65 MS-7668 MS-7668 ▶ Adjust PCI-E Frequency (MHz) This field allows you to select the PCIE frequency (in MHz). ▶ Auto Disable PCI Frequency When set to [Enabled], the system will remove (turn off) clocks from empty PCI slots to minimize the electromagnetic interference (EMI). ▶...
  • Page 66 BIOS Setup BIOS Setup Important Failed Overclocking Resolution This motherboard supports overclocking greatly. However, please make sure your peripherals and components are bearable for some special settings. Any operation that exceeds product specification is not recommended. Any risk or damge resulting from improper operation will not be under our product warranty.
  • Page 67 MS-7668 MS-7668 laSh == BIOS Update or Boot 2nd BIOS From USB drive== ▶ M-Flash function as M-Flash function allows you to flash BIOS from USB drive/ storage drive (FAT/ FAT32 format only), or allows the system to boot from the BIOS file inside USB drive (FAT/ FAT32 format only).
  • Page 68 BIOS Setup BIOS Setup Important • Please refer to the block diagram below about the M-Flash function. • Due to the special design of some graphics cards will cause dark screen during M- flash operation, and you may refer the beeps from the system to confirm the current M-flash process.
  • Page 69 MS-7668 MS-7668 ▶ Load BIOS source file from When the M-Flash function as sets to [Boot] or [BIOS Update], this item is selectable. Use this item to select particular BIOS file from the USB/ Storage (FAT/32 format only) drive. == Backup BIOS to USB drive == The following fields are used to read the onboard BIOS ROM data, and save it to USB drive/ storage drive.
  • Page 70 BIOS Setup BIOS Setup verclOckIng rOFIle ▶ Overclocking Profile 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6 These items are used to save the currect settings to selected profile, and they are also used to load the settings from the selected profile. ▶...
  • Page 71 MS-7668 MS-7668 PtIMIzed eFaultS The two options on the main menu allow users to restore all of the BIOS settings to the default Fail-Safe or Optimized values. The Optimized Defaults are the default values set by the mainboard manufacturer specifically for optimal performance of the mainboard. The Fail-Safe Defaults are the default values set by the BIOS vendor for stable system performance.

  • Page 73: Appendix A Realtek Audio

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

  • Page 74: Installing The Realtek Hd Audio Driver

    Realtek Audio 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 sys- tems.

  • Page 75: Software Configuration

    MS-7668 MS-7668 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. It is also available to enable the audio driver by clicking the Realtek HD Audio Manager from the Control Panel.

  • Page 76: Auto Popup Dialog

    Realtek Audio 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.

  • Page 77: Hardware Default Setting

    MS-7668 MS-7668 Hardware Default Setting The following diagrams are audio back panel default setting. ■ Backpanel audio jacks to 2-channel speakers diagram F r o ■ Backpanel audio jacks to 4-channel speakers diagram F r o R e a...
  • Page 78 Realtek Audio ■ Backpanel audio jacks to 6-channel speakers diagram F r o C e n R e a t e r & S u b w o o f ■ Backpanel audio jacks to 8-channel speakers diagram F r o C e n R e a t e r...

  • Page 79: Appendix B Intel Raid

    Appendix B Intel RAID This appendix will assist users in configuring and en- abling RAID functionality on platforms...

  • Page 80: Introduction

    Intel RAID Intel RAID Introduction The mainboard comes with the Intel RAID controller that allows you to configure SATA hard drives as RAID sets. SATA hard drives deliver blistering transfer speeds up to 3 Gb/s. Serial ATA uses long, thin cables, making it easier to connect your drive and improving the airflow inside your PC.

  • Page 81: Bios Configuration

    MS-7668 MS-7668 BIOS Configuration The Intel Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM should be integrated with the system BIOS on all motherboards with a supported Intel chipset. The Intel Matrix Stroage Man- ager Option ROM is the Intel RAID implementation and provides BIOS and DOS disk services.
  • Page 82 Intel RAID Intel RAID After pressing the <Ctrl> and <I> keys simultaneously, the following window will ap- pear: ■ Create RAID Volume Select option 1 Create RAID Volume” and press <Enter> key. The following screen appears. Then in the Name field, specify a RAID Volume name and then press the <TAB>...
  • Page 83 MS-7668 MS-7668 In the Disk field, press <Enter> key and the following screen appears. Use <Space> key to select the disks you want to create for the RAID volume, then click <Enter> key to finish selection. Then select the strip value for the RAID array by using the “upper arrow” or “down arrow”...
  • Page 84 Intel RAID Intel RAID Important Since you want to create two volumes (Intel Matrix RAID Technology), this default size (maximum) needs to be reduced. Type in a new size for the first volume. As an ex- ample: if you want the first volume to span the first half of the two disks, re-type the size to be half of what is shown by default.
  • Page 85 MS-7668 MS-7668 ■ Delete RAID Volume Here you can delete the RAID volume, but please be noted that all data on RAID drives will be lost. Important If your system currently boots to RAID and you delete the RAID volume in the Intel RAID Option ROM, your system will become unbootable.
  • Page 86 Intel RAID Intel RAID ■ Reset Disks to Non-RAID Select option 3 Reset Disks to Non-RAID and press <Enter> to delete the RAID volume and remove any RAID structures from the drives. The following screen appears: Press <Y> key to accept the selection. Important •...
  • Page 87 MS-7668 MS-7668 ■ Recovery Volume Options Select option 4 Recovery Volume Options and press <Enter> to change recovery volume mode. The following screen appears: Recovery mode will change from Continuous Update to On-Request after you en- able “Only Recovery Disk” or “Only Master Disk”.

  • Page 88: Installing Driver

    RAID Driver” for yourself. ® • Insert the MSI DVD into the DVD-ROM drive. • Click the “Browse DVD” on the Setup screen. Copy all the contents in \\RAID\ Intel\ PCH\ f6flpy 32 or f6flpy 64 to a formatted floppy •...
  • Page 89 MS-7668 ■ Existing Windows Vista/ Windows 7/ XP Driver Installation Insert the MSI DVD into the DVD-ROM drive. The DVD will auto-run and the setup screen will appear. Under the Driver tab, click on Intel RAID Drivers. The drivers will be automatically installed.

  • Page 90: Degraded Raid Array

    Intel RAID 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.
  • Page 91 MS-7668 MS-7668 Exit Intel RAID Option ROM, and then reboot to Windows system. When prompted to rebuild the RAID volume, click ‘Yes’. The Intel(R) Storage Utility will be launched. Right-click the new hard drive and select ‘Rebuild to this Disk’. The ‘Rebuild Wizard’ will be launched which will guide you through the process of rebuilding to the new hard drive.

  • Page 93: Appendix C Marvell Raid

    Appendix C Marvell RAID This chapter provides an overview of the Marvell RAID Driver and Utility, also describes the installation proce- dure.

  • Page 94: Raid Configuration

    Marvell RAID Marvell RAID RAID Configuration During bootup, a screen similar to the one below will appear for about few seconds. Press <Ctrl>+<M> to enter Marvell BIOS setup utility. Press <Ctrl>+<M> to enter BIOS Setup or <Space> to continue Important Be sure to enable the RAID function for SATA device in mainboard BIOS before config- uring the Marvell BIOS setup utility.
  • Page 95 MS-7668 MS-7668 Creating Virtual Disks This topic describes the procedure for creating virtual disks by using the Marvell BIOS setup utility. In the Topology pane, scroll to [HBA 0: Marvell 0] and press Enter. A menu pops-up as shown below. Select “Configuration Wizard” and press Enter to begin creating the virtual disk.
  • Page 96 Marvell RAID Marvell RAID Create virtual disk by configuring its settings in the “Information” pane. as shown below. And refer the description below to configure the virtual disk settings. Marvell BIOS Setup (c) xxxx Marvell Technology Group Ltd. Configure -> Select free disks Create Virtual Disk HBA 0: Marvell 0 RAID Level...
  • Page 97 MS-7668 MS-7668 After configure all settings for the virtual disk, scroll to the [Next] and press Enter to continue. And the screen shows as below, press Y to confirm the creation for the virtual disk. Marvell BIOS Setup (c) xxxx Marvell Technology Group Ltd. Create Virtual Disk Configure ->...
  • Page 98 Marvell RAID Marvell RAID Deleting Virtual Disk This topic describes the procedure to delete a virtual disk by using the Marvell BIOS setup utility. Important Using “Delete” permanently erases all data on the virtual disk. In the [Topology] pane, select “Virtual Disk” (VD 0: MRAID1, shown as below) and press Enter.
  • Page 99 MS-7668 MS-7668 Rebuilding Virtual Disk This topic describes the procedure to manually rebuild a degraded virtual disk by using the Marvell BIOS setup utility. This is applicable to the RAID 1 virtual disk. Important The rebuild process is both initiated and completed in the Marvell BIOS setup. The Mar- vell RAID Utility (MRU), which runs in as OS environment, cannot be used to either initi- ate, resume, or complete the rebuild process Spare physical disks are not supported.

  • Page 100: Installing The Raid Driver (For Bootable Raid Array)

    Important Please follow the instruction below to make a SATA RAID driver for yourself. • Insert the MSI DVD into the DVD-ROM drive. • Click the “Browse CD” on the Setup screen. Copy all the contents in the : \\RAID\Marvell9128 sp1116\miniport\Floppy32 or Flop- •...
  • Page 101 MS-7668 Installing the RAID Driver Under Windows (for Non-bootable RAID Array) Insert the MSI DVD into the DVD-ROM drive. The DVD will auto-run and the setup screen will appear. Under the Driver tab, click on Marvell 91XX SATA Driver. The driver will be automatically installed.

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