Foxconn A7GMX-K User Manual
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Foxconn A7GMX-K User Manual

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A7GMX/A7VMX Series
Motherboard
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Summary of Contents for Foxconn A7GMX-K

  • Page 1 A7GMX/A7VMX 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

    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 A7VMX-S/A7VMX-K/A7GMX-S/A7GMX-K 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 A7VMX-S/A7VMX-K/A7GMX-S/A7GMX-K Model Name: 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 Install a New Windows XP............90 Setting Up a Non-Bootable RAID Array ........94 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 A7GMX/A7VMX Series motherboard. Foxconn products are engineered to maximize computing power, providing only what you need for break-through performance. With advanced overclocking capability and a range of connec- tivity features for today multi-media computing requirements, A7GMX/A7VMX Series enable you to unleash more power from your computer.

  • Page 9: Product Specifications

    2 x 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets Support up to 4GB of system memory Dual channel DDR2 1066/800/667/533/400MHz architecture Audio Realtek 8-channel audio chip (A7VMX-S / A7GMX-S) Realtek 6-channel audio chip (A7VMX-K / A7GMX-K) High Definition Audio 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel Support for S/PDIF Out Support Jack-Sensing function...
  • Page 10 1 x Parallel port 1 x DVI-D port 4 x USB 2.0 ports 1 x RJ-45 LAN port 8-channel Audio ports (A7VMX-S / A7GMX-S) 6-channel Audio ports (A7VMX-K / A7GMX-K) Hardware Monitor System voltage detection CPU/System temperature detection CPU/System fan speed detection...

  • Page 11: Layout

    1-2 layout 1. 4-pin ATX 12V Power Connector 13. SATA Connectors 2. SYS_FAN Header 14. Clear CMOS Jumper 3. North Bridge: AMD 780V / 780G 15. 24-pin ATX Power Connector 4. PCI Express x1 Slot 16. IDE Connector 5. PCI Express x16 Slot 17.

  • Page 12: Back Panel Connectors

    Microphone PS/2 Keyboard Port VGA Port DVI-D Port USB Ports Audio Ports Back panel of A7VMX-K / A7GMX-K : Line In Line Out Microphone Audio Ports 1. PS/2 Mouse Port Use the upper port (green) to connect a PS/2 mouse.
  • Page 13 Orange Center/Subwoofer Out Center/Subwoofer Out Black Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Grey Side Speaker Out Audio ports of A7VMX-K / A7GMX-K : Port 2-channel 4-channel 5.1-channel Blue Line In Rear Speaker Out* Rear Speaker Out* Green...
  • 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 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 22 PORT1_L AUD_GND Audio Connector : f_AUDIo PORT1_R PRESENCE_J The audio connector supports HD Audio standard. PORT2_R SENSE1_RETURN It provides the Front Audio output choice. SENSE_SEND EMPTY PORT2_L SENSE2_RETURN F_AUDIO 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.
  • Page 23 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” 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 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 oc- cur: 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. ► BIOS Security Features The Supervisor/User password can be set up through this menu to prevent unauthorized use of your computer.

  • Page 28: System Information

    System Information This sub-menu is used to set up the standard BIOS features, such as the date, time, floppy drive and so on. Use the arrow up/down keys to select an item, then use the <+> or <-> keys to change the setting.
  • Page 29 ► Keyboard The system boot will not stop for a keyboard error if you enabled this item. ► Mouse The system boot will not stop for a mouse error if you enabled this item. ► Floppy The system boot will not stop for a floppy error if you enabled this item. ►...

  • Page 30: Advanced Bios Features

    Advanced BIOS Features CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. Advanced BIOS Features IDE Detect Time Out Help Item MPS Revision [1.4] PCI Latency Timer [64] Select the time out Quiet Boot [Enabled] value for detecting Quick Boot [Enabled] ATA/ATAPI device(s) Floppy Drive Seek...
  • Page 31 [Disabled] : Displays the normal POST messages. [Enabled] : Displays OEM customer logo instead of POST messages. ► Quick Boot While Enabled, this option allows BIOS to skip certain tests while booting, this will shorten the time needed to boot the system. ►...

  • Page 32: Fox Central Control Unit

    fox Central Control Unit CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. Fox Central Control Unit [Disabled] Super BIOS Protect [Disabled] Help Item Auto Detect PCI Clock [Disabled] Options ► Smart BIOS [Press Enter] ► Fox Intelligent Stepping [Press Enter] ►...

  • Page 33: Fox Intelligent Stepping

    ► Smart Power LED (Optional) Smart Power LED is a feature built on your motherboard to indicate different states during Power-On Self-Test (POST). The LED is located at the front panel, and it displays POST state by different long-short blinking intervals. You can always leave this state enabled. System Status Power LED Status Normal...
  • Page 34 ► PCI Express Clock This option is used to adjust the speed of PCI Express slot. It may enhance the graphics card speed. ► CPU Multiplier Adjust (Optional only if CPU supports) This option is used to adjust the CPU Clock Ratio. Multiply CPU clock with this ratio, you can get the CPU speed.

  • Page 35: Cpu Configuration

    CPU Configuration CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. CPU Configuration CPU Configuration Help Item Module Version : 13.23 AGELA Version : 3.1.5.0 Enable/disable the Physical Count : 1 generation of ACPI Logical Count : 4 _PPC, _PSS, and _PCT objects.

  • Page 36: Advanced Chipset Features

    Advanced Chipset Features CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. Advanced Chipset Features Northbridge Chipset Configuration Help Item ► Memory Configuration [Press Enter] [Press Enter] ► DRAM Timing Configuration [Press Enter] CAS Latency :5 Clk, N/A RAS/CAS Delay :5 ClK, N/A Row Precharge Time :5 ClK, N/A...

  • Page 37: Memory Configuration

    memory at all times, and will no longer be available to the OS. ► GFX Engine Clock It allows you to change the clock rate of graphics engine. ► Surround View SurroundView is the ATI technology that provides multi-graphics controller display capability for both the ATI PCIe-based graphics card and the ATI integrated graphics processor (IGP).
  • Page 38 ► Enable Clock to All DIMMs This setting is to control EMI. When disabled, the system will turn off clock on the empty DIMM slots and to reduce EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference). ► MemClk Tristate C3/ALTVID Enables the DDR memory clocks to be tristated when alternate VID mode is enabled. ►...

  • Page 39: Dram Timing Configuration

    DIMMs exits power down mode by asserting the corresponding clock enable signal when a transaction is scheduled to any DIMM connected to the clock enable signal. There are two CKE pins per DRAM channel. For each channel : [Channel] CKE control. The DRAM channel is placed in power down when all chip selects associated with the channel are idle.
  • Page 40 ► CAS Latency The number of memory clocks it takes a DRAM to return data after the read CAS_L is asserted depends on the memory clock frequency. The value that BIOS programs into the memory controller is a function of the target clock frequency. The target clock frequency is determined from the supported CAS latencies at given clock frequencies of each DIMM.

  • Page 41: Integrated Peripherals

    Integrated Peripherals CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. Integrated Peripherals ► IDE Configuration [Press Enter] [Press Enter] Help Item ► USB Configuration [Press Enter] ► SuperIO Configuration [Press Enter] ► Trusted Computing [Press Enter] Onboard LAN [Enabled] Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]...

  • Page 42: Ide Configuration

    IDE Configuration CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. IDE Configuration IDE Configuration Help Item Onboard PCI IDE Controller [Enabled] [Enabled] Disabled: Disable the OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled] I IDE controller. OnChip SATA Type [Native IDE] Enabled: Enable the IDE controller.

  • Page 43: Usb Configuration

    USB Configuration CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. USB Configuration USB Configuration Help Item Module Version - 2.24.2-13.4 Enables support for legacy USB. USB Devices Enabled : Auto option disables 1 Drive legacy support if Legacy USB Support [Enabled] [Enabled] no USB devices are...

  • Page 44: Superio Configuration

    SuperIO Configuration CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. SuperIO Configuration SuperIO Configuration Help Item Onboard Floppy Controller [Enabled] Allows BIOS to Enable [Enabled] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] or Disable Floppy IR Address [2F8/IRQ3] Controller. IR Mode [IrDA] IR Duplex Mode [Half Duplex]...

  • Page 45: Trusted Computing

    Trusted Computing CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. Trusted Computing Trusted Computing Help Item TCG/TPM support [No] [No] Enable / Disable TPM TCG (TPM 1.1/1.2) support in BIOS ↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help F9:Optimized Defaults ►...

  • Page 46: Power Management Setup

    Power Management Setup CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. Power Management Setup ACPI Suspend Type [S3 (STR)] [S3 (STR)] Help Item PWRON after PWR-Fail [Power Off] HPET Support [Enabled] Select the ACPI Resume by LAN [Disabled] State used for Resume by PCI Card [Disabled]...
  • Page 47 ► 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)” mode, the power will be down after a period of time. The status of the computer before it entering STR will be saved in memory, and the computer can quickly return to previous state when the STR function wakes.

  • Page 48: Pc Health Status

    PC Health Status CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. PC Health Status [Disabled] Warning Temperature [Disabled] Help Item Shut Down Temperature [Disabled] Options Case Open Warning [Disabled] CPU Temperature C/100 System Temperature C/93 Disabled CPU Fan Speed :2848 RPM C/122 System Fan Speed...

  • Page 49: Bios Security Features

    bIoS Security features CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. BIOS Security Features Security Settings Help Item Supervisor Password : Installed Install or change the User Password : Installed password. [Press Enter] Change Supervisor Password [Press Enter] User Access Level [Full Access] Change User Password...

  • Page 50: Load Optimal Defaults

    load optimal Defaults Optimal defaults are the best settings of this motherboard. Always load the Optimal defaults after updating the BIOS or after clearing the CMOS Load Optimal Defaults? values. Select this option and press Enter, it will pop out a dialogue box to let [OK] [OK] [Cancel]...
  • Page 51 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 52: Utility Cd Content

    Utility CD content This motherboard comes with two CDs or one DVD. 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.

  • Page 53: Install Driver And Utility

    Step Automatic Installation by One Click. Exit the program Click to visit Select to Browse CD Drop to System Tray Foxconn's Select to Install Drivers website Install Utilities 2. 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 mother- board 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 (or Vista) in a brand new RAID system. ■ Creating a Non-Bootable Array - Existing Windows XP (or 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 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 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: Fastbuild Driver

    FastBuild Driver The FastBuild driver supports RAID 0 ,RAID 1 and RAID10 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 through how to configure your RAID system.
  • Page 81 Two topics will be covered in the following sections : 1). Creating a Bootable Array - Installing a new Windows XP in a brand new RAID system. 2). Creating a Non-Bootable Array - Existing Windows XP system with new RAID built as data storage.

  • Page 82: 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 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" 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 “IDE Configuration” menu and press <Enter> to go to the configuration items. 3.

  • Page 85: Hard Disks

    Create RAID 0 (Striped) Here, we will show you how to create two RAID 0 Logical Drives (LD) by using two hard disks. 1. Select [2] from the main menu, "Define LD Menu" appears. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2007 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No...
  • Page 86 5. A message prompts. Fast Initialization Option has been selected Press [Ctrl-Y] to erase the RAID array. It will erase the MBR data of the disks, <Press Ctrl-Y Key if you are sure to erase it> <Pres any other key to ignore this option> 6.
  • Page 87 8. When LD2 is selected, press [Enter] to continue. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2007 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No RAID Mode Total Drv Capacity(GB) Status LD 1 RAID 0 79.99 Functional LD 2...
  • Page 88 10. A message prompts. Press [Ctrl-Y] to erase the RAID array. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2007 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No RAID Mode Total Drv LD 1 RAID 0 Stripe Block: 64 KB Fast Init:...

  • Page 89: Create Raid 1 (Mirrored)

    Create RAID 1 (Mirrored) Here, we will show you how to create one Mirrored Logical Drives (LD) by using two hard disks. 1. Select [2] from the main menu, "Define LD Menu" appears. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2007 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No...
  • Page 90 5. A message prompts. Fast Initialization Option has been selected Press [Ctrl-Y] to erase the RAID array. It will erase the MBR data of the disks, <Press Ctrl-Y Key if you are sure to erase it> <Pres any other key to ignore this option> 6.
  • Page 91 Create RAID 10 (Striped Mirror) Here, we will show you how to create one Striped Mirror Logical Drives (LD) by using four hard disks. 1. Select [2] from the main menu, "Define LD Menu" appears. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2007 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No...
  • Page 92 5. A message prompts. Fast Initialization Option has been selected Press [Ctrl-Y] to erase the RAID array. It will erase the MBR data of the disks, <Press Ctrl-Y Key if you are sure to erase it> <Pres any other key to ignore this option> 6.
  • Page 93 Create RAID Ready A "RAID Ready" system is a specific system configuration that, with the addition of a second Serial ATA hard drive, can be seamlessly migrated to a configuration that provides either improved storage performance or data protection from a single hard drive failure.
  • Page 94 5. A message prompts. Press [Ctrl-Y] to erase the RAID array. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2007 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No RAID Mode Total Drv LD 1 RAID READY Stripe Block: Fast Init: Gigabyte Boundary:...
  • Page 95 Create JboD Here, we will show you how to create a JBOD Logical Drives (LD) by using four hard disks. 1. Select [2] from the main menu, "Define LD Menu" appears. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2007 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No...
  • Page 96 5. A message prompts. Press [Ctrl-Y] to erase the RAID array. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2007 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No RAID Mode Total Drv LD 1 JBOD Stripe Block: 64 KB Fast Init: Gigabyte Boundary:...

  • Page 97: Install A New Windows Xp

    5-4 Install a New Windows XP Assume a Mirrored array (249.99GB) 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, for your 32-bit XP system, press [Enter] to select the first driver - "AMD AHCI Compatible RAID Controller-x86 platform". 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. 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 238410MB. You can press [C] to create partitions as many as you wish, assign them C:, D: or E: logical drive names.

  • Page 101: 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 HDS728090PLAT20 (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 HDT725025VLA3, (250.05GB) connected to SATA port2 of the motherboard.
  • Page 102 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 [Ctrl-F]. Press [Ctrl-F] to enter the FastBuild BIOS setup and configure the mirrored RAID array as described in the 5-3 section.
  • Page 103 5. After the AMD RAID driver is installed, it will ask you to click "Finish" to restart your computer. 6. When Windows starts, a message is prompting you to reboot again. Click "Yes" to restart your computer.
  • Page 104 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 Wizard appears.
  • Page 105 11. The Computer Management window appears. The actual disks listed will depend on your system. In below figure, you can see there is a 232.82 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 106 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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