Foxconn M7VMX series User Manual
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Foxconn M7VMX series User Manual

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  • Page 1 M7VMX Series Motherboard User’s Manual...
  • Page 2 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

    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 M7VMX/M7VMX-K/M7VMX-S Motherboard 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: M7VMX/M7VMX-K/M7VMX-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 .................. 11 Install an Expansion Card ..............12 Install other Internal Connectors ............13 Jumpers ....................17 Chapter 3 bIoS Setup Enter BIOS Setup ...................19...
  • Page 7 Select a RAID Array for Use ..............74 Install a New Windows XP ..............90 Setting Up a Non-Bootable RAID Array..........95 Technical Support : Support Website : http://www.foxconnchannel.com Support Website : http://www.foxconnchannel.com/support/online.aspx or http://www.foxconnsupport.com Worldwide e-mail Support : pcebg-cisg-support@foxconn.com CPU, Memory, VGA Compatibility Supporting Website : http://www.foxconnchannel.com/product/Motherboards/compatibility.aspx...
  • Page 8 Thank you for buying Foxconn M7VMX Series motherboard. Foxconn products are engineered to maximi�e computing power, providing only what you need for break-through performance. With advanced overclocking capability and a range of connectivity features for today multi-media computing requirements, M7VMX Series enables you to unleash more power from your computer.

  • Page 9: Product Specifications

    1-1 Product Specifications Support LGA775 socket Intel ® CPU: Core 2 Quad / Core 2 Extreme / Core 2 Duo / Pentium ® Dual-Core / Celeron ® processors Future-proof supporting for 45nm processors Front Side Bus 1333/1066/800 MH� FSB Chipset NVIDIA GeForce 7050 / nForce 610i Memory 2 x 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets...
  • Page 10 Back Panel 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port Connectors 1 x PS/2 Mouse port 1 x Serial port 1 x Parallel port 4 x USB 2.0 ports 1 x RJ-45 LAN port 1 x VGA port 6-channel audio ports (M7VMX / M7VMX-K) 8-channel audio ports (M7VMX-S) Hardware Monitor System voltage detection...

  • Page 11: Layout

    1-2 layout 1. 4-pin ATX 12V Power Connector 13. Chassis Intrusion Alarm Header 2. Front USB Connectors 14. Front Panel Connector 3. SYS_FAN Header 15. SATA Connectors 4. PCI Express x1 Slot 16. IDE Connector 5. PCI Express x16 Slot 17.

  • Page 12: Back Panel Connectors

    1-3 back Panel Connectors Back Panel of M7VMX-S: PS/2 Mouse Port Parallel Port Port LAN Port Line Out Line In Rear Speaker Subwoofer Side Speaker Microphone In PS/2 Keyboard Serial Port VGA Port USB Ports Audio Ports Port Back Panel of M7VMX / M7VMX-K: Line In Line Out Microphone In...
  • Page 13 Audio Ports of M7VMX-S: Port 2-channel 4-channel 5.1-channel 7.1-channel Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In Green Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Microphone In Microphone In Microphone In Microphone In Orange Center/Subwoofer Out Center/Subwoofer Out Black...
  • 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 Follow the steps to install the CPU onto the CPU socket : Before installing the CPU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the CPU. 1. Remove protective socket cover. Remove protective socket cover.

  • Page 17: Install The Cpu Cooler

    Install the CPU Cooler Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the motherboard. (The following procedures use Foxconn cooler as the example.) 1. Apply and spread an even thermal 2. Place the four bolts of the CPU grease on the surface of CPU.

  • Page 18: 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 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 Audio Connector : f_AUDIo PORT1_L AUD_GND The audio connector supports HD Audio standard. It PORT1_R PRESENCEJ provides the Front Audio output choice. PORT2_R SENSE1_RETURN SENSE_SEND EMPTY PORT2_L SENSE2_RETURN F_AUDIO S/PDIf oUT Connector : SPDIf_oUT EMPTY The connector is used for S/PDIF output. SPDIF_OUT SPDIF_OUT Floppy Disk Drive Connector : FLOPPY...
  • Page 22 front Panel Connector : fP1 This motherboard includes one connector for connecting the front panel switch and LED Indicators. HDD-LED PWR-LED Hard Disk leD Connector (HDD-leD) RESET-SW PWR-SW Connect to the chassis front panel IDE indicator LED. It EMPTY indicates the active status of the hard disks. This 2-pin connector is directional with +/- sign.
  • Page 23 Audio Connector : CD_IN CD_L GND CD_R 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 Fan Connectors : CPU_FAN, SYS_FAN There are two main fan headers on this motherboard. The fan speed can be controlled and monitored in “PC Health Status”...

  • 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 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 26: 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>...
  • Page 27 ► 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 28: System Information

    System Information Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility System Information Date (mm:dd:yy) Wed, Dec 12 2007 ▲ Item Help Time (hh:mm:ss) 17 : 44 : 13 █ █ Menu Level ► ► IDE Channel Master [HDS728080PLAT20] [HDS728080PLAT20] █ HDS728080PLAT20 ► IDE Channel Slave [DVD-ROM DDU1642] [DVD-ROM DDU1642] █...
  • Page 29 ► 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 30: 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 ► Memory Timing Setting [Press Enter] ► Fox Intelligent Overclock [Press Enter] Menu Level ► ► Voltage Options [Press Enter] ►...

  • Page 31: Memory Timing Setting

    ► Smart Boot Menu This item is used to enable or disable the smart boot menu. Selet [Enter] will provide a timer to let user control boot devices easily. ► Smart Power LED Smart Power LED is a feature built on your motherboard to indicate different states during Power On Self Test (POST).
  • Page 32 ► Command Per Clock (CMD) This item allows you to set the Command timing (per clock unit) which is the delay between chip select and command. ** Advanced Memory Settings ** ► tRRD - RAS# to RAS# Delay This item allows you to select a delay time (in clock cycles) between the RAS# and RAS# strobe signals.
  • Page 33 ► MEM (DDR), MHz When “FSB - Memory Clock Mode” is set to “Linked”, memory speed will proportionally change. When “FSB - Memory Clock Mode” is set to “Unlinked”, you can set the memory speed manually. ► CPU Clock Ratio Unlock This item is used to enable or disable CPU clock ratio unlock function.

  • Page 34: Cpu Configuration

    CPU Configuration Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility CPU Configuration Thermal Management [Thermal Monitor 1] Thermal Monitor 1 Item Help EIST Function [Enabled] C1E Function [Auto] Menu Level ► Execute Disable Bit [Enabled] Vander pool Technology [Enabled] Core Multi-Processing [Enabled] ↑↓→←:Move Enter:Select ←:Move Enter:Select :Move Enter:Select...
  • Page 35 ► Execute Disable Bit This item is used to enable/disable the Execute Disable Bit feature. Intel's Execute Disable Bit functionality can help prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow attacks when combined with a supporting operating system. Execute Disable Bit allows the processor to classify areas in memory by where application code can execute and where it cannot.

  • Page 36: 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 ► CD-ROM Boot Priority [Press Enter] Menu Level ► First Boot Device [Hard Disk] Second Boot Device...

  • Page 37: Advanced Chipset Features Advanced Chipset Features

    Advanced Chipset Features Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Chipset Features Frame Buffer Si�e Frame Buffer Si�e [128M] Item Help] 128M Init Display First [PCIEx] Menu Level ► ↑↓→←:Move Enter:Select ←:Move Enter:Select :Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help ESC:Exit F1:General Help ESC:Exit F1:General Help...

  • Page 38: 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 ←:Move Enter:Select...
  • Page 39 Recommend leaving this BIOS feature at the default [Enabled] setting. ► SATA Controller This option is used to enable/disable function of SATA drives connected to the SATA ports. MCP SATA Mode Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility MCP SATA Mode SATA Operation Mode [IDE] Item Help...

  • Page 40: Onboard Devices

    The Installation procedures for AHCI and RAID drivers are the same, they are : ■ Creating a bootable drive (or RAID array). Creating a bootable drive (or RAID array). ■ Creating a non-bootable drive (or RAID array). Creating a non-bootable drive (or RAID array). In Chapter 5, only RAID is introduced.
  • Page 41 SuperIO Devices Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility SuperIO Devices OnBoard FDC Controller [Enabled] Item Help Enabled OnBoard Serial Port 1 [3F8/IRQ4] IR IO/IRQ Select [2F8/IRQ3] Menu Level ► UART Mode Select [IrDA] IrDA Duplex Mode [Half] OnBoard Parallel Port [378/IRQ7] Parallel Port Mode [SPP]...
  • Page 42 USB Devices Phoenix - AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility USB Devices USB Operation Mode [V1.1+V2.0] Item Help V1.1+V2.0 USB Keyboard Support [Disabled] USB Mouse Support [Disabled] Menu Level ► USB Storage Support [Enabled] Select USB devices operation mode. [V1.1+V2.0] Support both USB1.1 and 2.0.

  • Page 43: 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 ** Resume by PCI Card [Disabled] USB KB/MS Resume from S3 [Disabled]...
  • Page 44 ► 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 45 feature requires an ATX power supply. The setting values: [Disabled]; [Password]; [Hot KEY]; [Any KEY], and [Keyboard 98]. ► KB Resume Password Wen "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.

  • Page 46: 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 1.29 V Menu Level ► VTT(V) 1.82 V +3.3V 3.31 V 4.99 V +12V 11.84 V 5VSB(V) 4.94V Voltage of Battery...

  • Page 47: Load Optimi�Ed Defaults Optimi�Ed Defaults Defaults

    Load Optimized Defaults Select this option and press <Enter>. A dialogue pops out, select <Y> then press <Enter> to load the defaults; press <N> to skip. Load Optimi�ed Defaults (Y/N)? N By this default, BIOS have set the optimi�ed performance parameters of system to improve the performances of system components.
  • Page 48 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 49: Chapter 4 Cd Instruction Utility Cd Content Utility Cd Content

    Utility CD content This motherboard comes with one Utility CD. You can simply put it into your CD/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 50: Install Driver And Utility

    Step by Step Automatic Installation by One Click. Exit the program Drop to System Tray Click to visit Select to Install Select to Browse CD Foxconn's Utilities Install Drivers website 2. Install Utility You can select the specific utility to install.

  • Page 51: 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 52: 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 53 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 54 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 which are to are to be displayed on Simple Mode screen. Minimum value is 1 second. 2).
  • Page 55 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 56: 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 57 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 58: 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 59: 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 Show current CPU Setting page temperature value Enable alert function when the CPU temperature is higher than high limit value Show current high...
  • Page 60 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 61: 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 62: 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 63: 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 64 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 65: 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 66 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 67 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 68: 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 69 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 70: 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 71: 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 JPG image (1024x768) file, then use FOX LOGO to open it and change the boot time Logo.

  • Page 72: 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 analy�e and troubleshoot your mother- board if there is any problem occurred. Supporting Operating Systems : ■...
  • Page 73 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 74: 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 a RAID driver diskette. 2. Follow 5-2 to set RAID enabled in BIOS. 3. Follow 5-3 to select a RAID array for use. 4.

  • Page 75: 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 76 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 77: 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 78 In section 5-3 later, you will know the relationships between port numbers in the MediaShield BIOS and SATA ports on the motherboard. We put their descriptions here for better arrangement. They are : Port 0.0 is the SATA port 1 of the motherboard. Port 0.2 is the SATA port 2.

  • Page 79: Create A Raid Driver Diskette

    5-1 Create a RAID Driver Diskette If you want to install a brand new Windows XP on a RAID system, you need to create a RAID driver floppy diskette 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 80 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" to continue copying of RAID driver into this diskette.

  • Page 81: 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 82: 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 Striped Stripe Block: Optimal Free Disks Array Disks Port Disk Model Capacity Port Disk Model Capacity...
  • Page 83 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 84 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 85: 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 Stripe Block: Optimal Mirrored 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 86 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 87 6. The screen displays a MIRRORED array of 232.88GB, which is the si�e 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 88 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 Stripe Block: Optimal Striped Mirror Free Disks Array Disks Port Disk Model Capacity Port Disk Model...
  • Page 89 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 90 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 91: 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 RAID5 Stripe Block: Optimal Free Disks Array Disks Port Disk Model Capacity Port Disk Model Capacity...
  • 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 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 94: 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 Stripe Block: Optimal Spanned Free Disks Array Disks Port Disk Model Capacity Port Disk Model Capacity...
  • Page 95 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 96 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 97: Install A New Windows Xp

    5-4 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 98 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 99 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 100 9. Use [↓] key to select "NVIDIA nForce Storage Controller (required)", then press [Enter]. 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 101 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 102: 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 moherboard.
  • Page 103 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 104 5. 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" message is prompting you to reboot again. Click "Yes" to restart your computer.
  • Page 105 7. After PC starts, the RAID array is now ready to be initiali�ed 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 Initiali�e and Convert Disk Wi�ards appears.
  • Page 106 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 Wi�ard instrucrtions.
  • Page 107 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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