ECS NFORCE6M-A Manual
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ECS NFORCE6M-A Manual

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Copyright
This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected under
international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor any of the
material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of the author.
Version 2.0
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufacturer
makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically
disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes from
time to time in the content hereof without obligation of the manufacturer to notify any
person of such revision or changes.
Trademark Recognition
Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
nVIDIA is a registered trademark of nVIDIA Corporation
Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners and
are acknowledged.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reason-
able protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
•
Connect the equipment onto an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with this
equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits governing this
device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system's manufacturer
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Preface
Preface

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  • Page 1 Preface Copyright This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of the author. Version 2.0 Disclaimer The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

  • Page 2: Declaration Of Conformity

    Declaration of Conformity This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference, and • This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Canadian Department of Communications This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-causing Equipment Regulations.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    T T T T T ABLE OF CONTENTS ABLE OF CONTENTS ABLE OF CONTENTS ABLE OF CONTENTS ABLE OF CONTENTS Preface Chapter 1 Introducing the Motherboard Introduction....................1 Features.......................2 Motherboard Components...............4 7 7 7 7 7 Chapter 2 Installing the Motherboard Safety Precautions..................7 Choosing a Computer Case...............7 Installing the Motherboard in a Case............7...
  • Page 4 Integrated Peripherals..............39 Power Management Setup............43 PNP/PCI Configurations.............45 PC Health Status................46 Load Fail-Safe Defaults..............47 Load Optimized Defaults.............47 Set Supervisor/User Password............47 Save & Exit Setup ................48 Exit Without Saving..............48 49 49 49 49 Chapter 4 Using the Motherboard Software About the Software CD-ROM..............49 Auto-installing under Windows 2000/XP..........49 Running Setup................50 Manual Installation..................52...

  • Page 5: Introducing The Motherboard

    Chapter 1 Introducing the Motherboard Introduction Thank you for choosing the NFORCE6M-A motherboard. This motherboard is a high performance, enhanced function motherboard that supports Socket AM2 AMD Athlon 64 FX/Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core/Athlon 64/Sempron CPUs for high-end business or personal desktop markets.

  • Page 6: Features

    Feature Processor This motherboard uses a Socket AM2 that carries the following features: • Accommodates Athlon 64 FX/Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core/Athlon 64/Sempron processors • Supports up to 2000 MT/s HyperTransport (HT) interface Speeds HyperTransport Technology is a point-to-point link between two devices, it enables integrated circuits to exchange information at much higher speeds than currently avail- able interconnect technologies.
  • Page 7 Expansion Options The motherboard comes with the following expansion options: • One PCI Express x16 for Graphics Interface • One PCI Express x1 slots • Three 32-bit PCI v2.3 compliant slots • One IDE connector supporting up to two IDE devices •...

  • Page 8: Motherboard Components

    Motherboard Components Introducing the Motherboard...
  • Page 9 Table of Motherboard Components LABEL COMPONENTS Socket AM2 for AMD Athlon 64 FX /Athlon 64 X2 1.CPU Socket Dual-Core/Althlon 64/Sempron processors CPU cooling fan connector 2.CPU_FAN Power Fan connector 3.PWR_FAN* 4.DIMM1~4 240-pin DDR2 SDRAM slots Standard 24-pin ATX power connector 5.ATX_POWER1 Primary IDE connector 6.IDE1...
  • Page 10 Memo Introducing the Motherboard...

  • Page 11: Installing The Motherboard

    Chapter 2 Installing the Motherboard Safety Precautions • Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard • Wear a grounding strap attached to a grounded device to avoid damage from static electricity • Discharge static electricity by touching the metal case of a safely grounded object before working on the motherboard •...

  • Page 12: Checking Jumper Settings

    Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard. Checking Jumper Settings This section explains how to set jumpers for correct configuration of the motherboard. Setting Jumpers Use the motherboard jumpers to set system configuration options. Jumpers with more than one pin are numbered.

  • Page 13: Checking Jumper Settings

    Checking Jumper Settings The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is labeled. Jumper Settings Jumper Type Description Setting (default) 1-2: NORMAL 2-3: CLEAR CLR_CMOS 3-pin CLEAR CMOS Before clearing the CMOS, make sure to CLR_CMOS turn the system off.

  • Page 14: Connecting Case Components

    Connecting Case Components After you have installed the motherboard into a case, you can begin connecting the motherboard components. Refer to the following: Connect the CPU cooling fan cable to CPU_FAN. Connect the power cooling fan connector to PWR_FAN (optional). Connect the system cooling fan connector to SYS_FAN.
  • Page 15 CPU_FAN: CPU Cooling FAN Power Connector Signal Name Function Ground System Ground +12V Power +12V SENSE Sensor CONTROL CPU FAN control Users please note that the fan connector supports the CPU cooling fan of 1.1A~2.2A (26.4W max.) at +12V. PWR_FAN (optional)/SYS_FAN: Cooling FAN Power Connectors Signal Name Function System Ground...

  • Page 16: Front Panel Header

    Front Panel Header The front panel header (PANEL1) provides a standard set of switch and LED headers commonly found on ATX or Micro ATX cases. Refer to the table below for information: Pin Signal Name Function Pin Signal Name Function HD_LED_P Hard disk LED(+) 2 FP PWR/SLP *MSG LED(+)

  • Page 17: Installing Hardware

    Installing Hardware Installing the Processor Caution: When installing a CPU heatsink and cooling fan make sure that you DO NOT scratch the motherboard or any of the surface-mount resistors with the clip of the cooling fan. If the clip of the cooling fan scrapes across the motherboard, you may cause serious damage to the motherboard or its components.

  • Page 18: Cpu Installation Procedure

    CPU Installation Procedure The following illustration shows CPU installation components. Install your CPU. Pull up the lever away from the socket and lift up to 90-degree angle. Locate the CPU cut edge (the corner with the pin hold noticeably missing). Align and insert the CPU correctly.

  • Page 19: Installing Memory Modules

    Installing Memory Modules This motherboard accommodates four 240-pin unbuffered DIMMs and supports DDR2 800 /667/533/400 DDR2 SDRAM. You must install at least one module in any of the four slots. Each module can be installed with 8 GB of memory; the total memory capacity is 32 GB. DDR2 SDRAM memory module table Memory module Memory Bus...
  • Page 20 Table A: DDR2 (memory module) QVL (Qualified Vendor List) The following DDR2 memory modules have been tested and qualified for use with this motherboard. Type Size Vendor Module Name 256 MB SAMSUNG K4T5163QB-ZCCC DDR2 400 512 MB TwinMos SAMSUNG K4T51083QB-GCCC CORSAIR VC256MB533D2 4PB11D9CHM CORSAIR...
  • Page 21 Type Size Vendor Module Name Infineon HYS64T325001HU-3-A 256 MB Ramaxel 5NB31 D9DCG A-DATA Eipida E5108AE-6E-E A-DATA AD29608A88-3EG CORSAIR VALUESELECT 32M8CEC CORSAIR 64M8CFEPS1000545 GEIL GL2L64MO88BA18W GEIL GL2L64M088BA30AW Infinity 0547W64M8 512 MB Ramaxel 6AD11 D9GCT SAMSUNG K4T51083QC SAMSUNG K4T56083QF-ZCE6 DDR2 667 SyncMAX 04400WB01 R050008A Transcend K4T5108AE-6E-E...

  • Page 22: Installing A Hard Disk Drive/Cd-Rom/Sata Hard Drive

    Installing a Hard Disk Drive/CD-ROM/SATA Hard Drive This section describes how to install IDE devices such as a hard disk drive and a CD-ROM drive. About IDE Devices Your motherboard has one IDE channel interface. An IDE ribbon cable supporting two IDE devices is bundled with the motherboard.

  • Page 23: Installing A Floppy Diskette Drive

    Refer to the illustration below for proper installation: Attach either cable end to the connector on the motherboard. Attach the other cable end to the SATA hard drive. Attach the SATA power cable to the SATA hard drive and connect the other end to the power supply.

  • Page 24: Installing Add-On Cards

    Installing Add-on Cards The slots on this motherboard are designed to hold expansion cards and connect them to the system bus. Expansion slots are a means of adding or enhancing the motherboard’s features and capabilities. With these efficient facilities, you can increase the motherboard’s capabili- ties by adding hardware that performs tasks that are not part of the basic system.
  • Page 25 Follow these instructions to install an add-on card: Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the slot you are going to use. Install the edge connector of the add-on card into the expansion slot. Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot. Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case with a screw.

  • Page 26: Connecting Optional Devices

    Connecting Optional Devices Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional devices: F_AUDIO1: Front Panel Audio header (Optional) This header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented microphone and 6/8-channel (optional) line-out ports for easier access. Signal Name Signal Name Function AUD_MIC...
  • Page 27 SATA1~4: Serial ATA connectors These connectors are used to support the new Serial ATA devices (SATA 3 and 4 are optional) for the highest date transfer rates (3.0 Gb/s), simpler disk drive cabling and easier PC assembly. It eliminates limitations of the current Parallel ATA interface. But maintains register compatibility and software compatibility with Parallel ATA.
  • Page 28 CD_IN1: Analog Audio Input header Signal Name Function CD_Right CD In right channel CD_GND Ground CD_GND Ground CD _Left CD In left channel TPM: TPM Module Header (Optional) Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a published specification detailing a microcontroller that can store secured information, and implementations of that specification. Pin Signal Name Signal Name TPM_CLK...
  • Page 29 LPT1: Onboard parallel port header This is a header that can be used to connect to the printer, scanner or other devices. Signal Name Signal Name STROBE ERROR INIT SLCTIN Ground Ground Ground Ground Ground Ground BUSK Ground Ground SLCT COM2: Onboard serial port header Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a second serial port to your system.

  • Page 30: Connecting I/O Devices

    Connecting I/O Devices The backplane of the motherboard has the following I/O ports: PS2 Mouse Use the upper PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 pointing device. PS2 Keyboard Use the lower PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 keyboard. ESATA Port Use this port to connect to an external SATA box or a Serial ATA (Optional) portmultiplier...

  • Page 31: Using Bios

    Chapter 3 Using BIOS About the Setup Utility The computer uses the latest Award BIOS with support for Windows Plug and Play. The CMOS chip on the motherboard contains the ROM setup instructions for configuring the motherboard BIOS. The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup Utility displays the system’s configura- tion status and provides you with options to set system parameters.

  • Page 32: Bios Navigation Keys

    Press DEL to enter SETUP Pressing the delete key accesses the BIOS Setup Utility: Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility: Standard CMOS Features Load Fail-Safe Defaults Advanced BIOS Features Load optimized Defaults Advanced Chipset Features Set Supervisor Password Integrated Peripherals Set User Password Save &...

  • Page 33: Updating The Bios

    Updating the BIOS You can download and install updated BIOS for this motherboard from the manufacturer’s Web site. New BIOS provides support for new peripherals, improvements in performance, or fixes for known bugs. Install new BIOS as follows: If your motherboard has a BIOS protection jumper, change the setting to allow BIOS flashing.

  • Page 34: Standard Cmos Features

    Standard CMOS Features This option displays basic information about your system. Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Standard CMOS Features Date (mm:dd:yy) Wed, Jan.1 2006 Item Help Time (hh:mm:ss) 0 : 54 : 28 IDE Channel 0 Master [PIONEER DVD-ROM DVD] Menu Level IDE Channel 0 Slave [None]...
  • Page 35 IDE HDD Auto-Detection Press <Enter> while this item is highlighted to prompt the Setup Utility to automatically detect and configure an IDE device on the IDE channel. If you are setting up a new hard disk drive that supports LBA mode, more than one line will appear in the parameter box.

  • Page 36: Advanced Bios Features

    Advanced BIOS Features This option defines advanced information about your system. Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced BIOS Features CPU Feature [Press Enter] Item Help Removable Device Priority [Press Enter] Hard Disk Boot Priority [Press Enter] Menu Level CD-ROM Boot Priority [Press Enter] Network Boot Priority [Press Enter]...
  • Page 37 Removable Device Priority (Press Enter) Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen: Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Removable Device Priority Item Help 1. Floppy Disks Menu Level Use < > or < > to select a device, then press <+>...
  • Page 38 CD-ROM Boot Priority (Press Enter) Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen: Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility CD-ROM Boot Priority Item Help 1. Ch0 M. : PIONEER DVD-ROM DVD-126P Menu Level Use < > or < >...
  • Page 39 Boot Other Device (Enabled) When enabled, the system searches all other possible locations for an operating system if it fails to find one in the devices specified under the First, Second, and Third boot devices. Boot Up Floppy Seek (Disabled) If this item is enabled, it checks the size of the floppy disk drives at start-up time.

  • Page 40: Advanced Chipset Features

    Advanced Chipset Features These items define critical timing parameters of the motherboard. You should leave the items on this page at their default values unless you are very familiar with the technical specifications of your system hardware. If you change the values incorrectly, you may introduce fatal errors or recurring instability into your system.
  • Page 41 DRAM Configuration (Press Enter) Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen: Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility DRAM Configuration Item Help Timing Mode [Auto] Memclock index value or Limi DDR2 400 Menu Level DQS Training Control [Skip DQS] CKE base power down mode [Disabled] CKE based powerdown [Per channel]...
  • Page 42 PCIE Spread Spectrum (Disabled) This item, when enabled, can significantly reduce the EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) generated by the PCIE. SATA Spread Spectrum (Disabled) This item, when enabled, can significantly reduce the EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) generated by the SATA. HT Spread Spectrum (Disabled) This item, when enabled, can significantly reduce the EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) generated by the HT.

  • Page 43: Integrated Peripherals

    Integrated Peripherals These options display items that define the operation of peripheral components on the system’s input/output ports. Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Integrated Peripherals Item Help IDE Function Setup [Press Enter] RAID Config [Press Enter] Onboard Device Setup [Press Enter] Super IO Device [Press Enter] Menu Level...
  • Page 44 Primary Master/Slave UDMA (Auto) Each IDE channel supports a master device and a slave device. This motherboard supports UltraDMA technology, which provides faster access to IDE devices. If you install a device that supports UltraDMA, change the appropriate item on this list to Auto.
  • Page 45 Onboard Device Setup (Press Enter) Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen: Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Onboard Device Setup Onchip USB [V1.1 + V2.0] Item Help USB Keyboard Support [Enabled] USB Mouse Support [Enabled] Menu Level HD Audio [Auto]...
  • Page 46 SuperIO Device (Press Enter) Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen: Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Super IO Device Item Help Onboard FDC Controller [Enabled] Onboard Serial Port 1 [3F8/IRQ4] Onboard Serial Port 2 [2F8/IRQ3] Menu Level Onboard Parellel Port [378/IRQ7]...

  • Page 47: Power Management Setup

    Power Management Setup This option lets you control system power management. The system has various power- saving modes including powering down the hard disk, turning off the video, suspending to RAM, and software power down that allows the system to be automatically resumed by certain events.
  • Page 48 Resume by PCI PME (Disabled) This system can be turned off with a software command. If you enable this item, the system can automatically resume if there is an incoming call on the PCI Modem card or PCI LAN card. You must use an ATX power supply inorder to use this feature. Use this item to do wake-up action if inserting the PCI card.

  • Page 49: Pnp/Pci Configurations

    PNP/PCI Configurations These options configure how PnP (Plug and Play) and PCI expansion cards operate in your system. Both the the ISA and PCI buses on the motherboard use system IRQs (Interrup ReQuests) and DMAs (Direct Memory Access). You must set up the IRQ and DMA assignments correctly through the PnP/PCI Configurations Setup utility for the motherboard to work properly.

  • Page 50: Pc Health Status

    PC Health Status On motherboards that support hardware monitoring, this item lets you monitor the parameters for critical voltages, temperatures and fan speeds. Phoenix-Award WorkstationBIOS CMOS Setup Utility PC Health Status Item Help Shutdown Temperature [Disabled] Warning Temperature [Disabled] Menu Level System Temperature 29°C CPU Tcontrol...

  • Page 51: Load Fail-Safe Defaults

    Load Fail-Safe Defaults This option opens a dialog box that lets you install fail-safe defaults for all appropriate items in the Setup Utility: Press <Y> and then <Enter> to install the defaults. Press <N> and then <Enter> to not install the defaults. The fail-safe defaults place no great demands on the system and are generally stable.

  • Page 52: Save & Exit Setup

    Save & Exit Setup Highlight this item and press <Enter> to save the changes that you have made in the Setup Utility and exit the Setup Utility. When the Save and Exit dialog box appears, press <Y> to save and exit, or press <N> to return to the main menu. Exit Without Saving Highlight this item and press <Enter>...

  • Page 53: Using The Motherboard Software

    Chapter 4 Using the Motherboard Software About the Software CD-ROM The support software CD-ROM that is included in the motherboard package contains all the drivers and utility programs needed to properly run the bundled products. Below you can find a brief description of each software program, and the location for your motherboard version.

  • Page 54: Running Setup

    Setup Tab Setup Click the Setup button to run the software installation program. Select from the menu which software you want to install. Browse CD The Browse CD button is the standard Windows command that allows you to open Windows Explorer and show the contents of the support Before installing the software from Windows Explorer, look for a file named README.TXT, INSTALL.TXT or something similar.
  • Page 55 Click Next. The following screen appears: Check the box next to the items you want to install. The default options are recommended. Click Next run the Installation Wizard. An item installation screen appears: Follow the instructions on the screen to install the items. Drivers and software are automatically installed in sequence.

  • Page 56: Manual Installation

    Manual Installation Insert the CD in the CD-ROM drive and locate the PATH.DOC file in the root directory. This file contains the information needed to locate the drivers for your motherboard. Look for the chipset and motherboard model; then browse to the directory and path to begin installing the drivers.

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