Foxconn A9DA Series User Manual
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Foxconn A9DA Series User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Foxconn A9DA Series

  • Page 1 A9DA 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 A9DA-S/A9DA 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: A9DA-S/A9DA 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 ............13 Jumpers ....................17 Chapter 3 bIoS Setup Enter BIOS Setup ...................20...
  • Page 7 Configure ..................64 About & Help ..................66 FOX LOGO .....................67 FOX DMI ....................68 Chapter 5 RAID Configuration RAID Configuration Introduction.............71 Option ROM Utility ..................73 Create a RAID Driver Diskette ...............75 RAID Enable in BIOS ................77 Select a RAID Array for Use ..............77 Install a New Windows XP ..............93 Setting Up a Non-Bootable RAID Array..........97 Appendix - ATI Hybrid CrossFire™...
  • Page 8 With advanced overclocking capability and a range of connectivity features for today multi-media computing requirements, A9DA-S/ A9DA enables you to unleash more power from your computer. This chapter includes the following information: ■...

  • Page 9: Product Specifications

    2 x PCI Express x1 slots 2 x PCI slots Integrated ATI Radeon HD4290 GPU SidePort Memory-DDR3 1333 128MB Memory (only for A9DA-S) Support Full HD HDMI Technology Support Hybrid CrossFire Support CrossFire Dual independent displays support with HDMI/DVI and D-Sub Support DirectX 10.1, Shader Model 4.1, Universal Video Decoder (UVD) 2.0...
  • Page 10 1 x NB fan header (4-pin) 1 x Front panel connector 1 x CD_IN connector 1 x Front Audio connector 1 x 1394a connector (only for A9DA-S) 1 x Speaker connector 1 x COM1 connector Back Panel 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port...

  • Page 11: Layout

    22. North Bridge: RS880D 11. Reset Button (only for A9DA-S) 23. 8-pin ATX 12V Power Connector 12. Power on Button (only for A9DA-S) Note : The above motherboard layout is for reference only, please refer to the physical mother- board for detail.

  • Page 12: Back Panel Connectors

    6. optical S/PDIf out Port This port provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital optical audio. 7. 1394a Port ( only for A9DA-S) This port is used to connect a 1394a device. 8. RJ-45 lAN Port The Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 10/100/1000Mb/s data rate.
  • Page 13 9. Audio Ports For the definition of each audio port, please refer to the table below : 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...
  • 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 DDR3 DIMMs on this motherboard. Notch If you take a look at front side of memory module, it has asymmetric pin counts on both sides separated by a notch in the middle, so it can only fit in one direction.

  • Page 19: Install An Expansion Card

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

  • Page 20: Install Other Internal Connectors

    2-4 Install other Internal Connectors Power Connectors This motherboard uses an ATX power supply. In order not to damage any device, make sure all the devices have been installed properly before applying the power supply. 24-pin ATX power connector : PWR1 PWR1 is the ATX power supply connector.
  • Page 21 Connect a 4-pin power plug We recommend you using an 8-pin ATX 12V power supply. If you are using a 4-pin power supply, you need to align the ATX power connector according to the picture on the right. fan Connectors : CPU_fAN, SYS_fAN, Nb_fAN There are three main fan headers on this motherboard.
  • Page 22 front Panel Connector : fP1 This motherboard includes one connector for connecting the front panel switch and LED Indicators. Hard Disk leD Connector (HDD-leD) HDD-LED PWR-LED Connect to the chassis front panel IDE indicator LED. It RESET-SW PWR-SW indicates the active status of the hard disks. This 2-pin EMPTY connector is directional with +/- sign.
  • Page 23 PORT2_L SENSE2_RETURN F_AUDIO 1394a Connector : f_1394 ( only for A9DA-S ) The 1394a expansion cable can be connected to either the front (provided that the front panel of your chas- sis is equipped with the appropriate interface) or real panel of the chassis.

  • 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: Onboard Button

    2-6 onboard button (only for A9DA-S) Power on button: PoWeR_oN Push the power on button to power on the system. Reset button: ReSeT Push the reset button to reboot the system. PWR_ON...
  • Page 26 This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. You have to run the Setup Program when the following cases oc- cur: 1. An error message appears on the screen during the system Power On Self Test (POST) process.

  • Page 27: Enter Bios Setup

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

  • Page 29: System Information

    [Not Detected] configure the system Date. Halt On [All Errors, But ...] Keyboard [Disabled] Mouse [Enabled] Model Name :A9DA-S/A9DA BIOS ID :994F1D12 BIOS Version : 08.00.15 Memory Size : 2048MB MAC Address :00-00-00-00-00-00 CPU Name : AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 945 Processor ↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select...
  • Page 30 [All Errors] : All errors can result in system halt. [All Errors But...] : All errors but keyboard or mouse or floppy can result in system halt. The halt condition can be enabled/disabled in the next three settings. ► Keyboard The system boot will not stop for a keyboard error if you enabled this item.

  • Page 31: Advanced Bios Features

    Advanced BIOS Features CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. Advanced BIOS Features MPS Revision [1.1] Help Item PCI Latency Timer [64] Quiet Boot [Enabled] Select MPS Revision Quick Boot [Enabled] Bootup Num-Lock [On] ↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help...
  • Page 32 ► Quick Boot While Enabled, this option allows BIOS to skip certain tests while booting, this will shorten the time needed to boot the system. ► Bootup Num-Lock This item defines if the keyboard Num Lock key is active when your system is started. The available settings are: On (default) and Off.

  • Page 33: Fox Central Control Unit

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

  • Page 34: Smart Bios

    Smart bIoS CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. Smart BIOS [Enabled] Smart Power LED [Enabled] Help Item Smart Boot Menu [Enabled] Options Disabled Enabled ↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help F9:Optimized Defaults ► Smart Power LED Smart Power LED is a feature built on your motherboard to indicate different states during Power On Self Test (POST).

  • Page 35: Fox Intelligent Stepping

    Fox Intelligent Stepping CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. Fox Intelligent Stepping CPU Clock [200] Help Item Current CPU Speed :3000MHz CPU Multiplier Adjust [Auto] Current FSB Multiplier :15x CPU-NB HT Link Speed [Auto] Current FSB/HTT Speed :2000MHz Memory Speed Mode [Auto]...
  • Page 36 "Memory Speed Adjust". ► Current DRAM Speed This item displays the current DRAM speed. ► GFX Engine Clock Override This item allows you to enable/disable GFX Engine Clock Override support. ► PCI Express Clock This option is used to adjust the speed of PCI Express slot. It may enhance the graphics card speed.
  • Page 37 Voltage Options CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. Voltage Options Memory Voltage Control [Disabled] Help Item [Disabled] Current DRAM Voltage :1.560V Options CPU Voltage Control [Disabled] Disabled Current CPU Voltage :1.296V +25mV +50mV HT Voltage Control [Disabled] +75mV Current HT Voltage...

  • Page 38: Cpu Configuration

    CPU Configuration CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. CPU Configuration CPU Configuration Help Item Module Version : 14.16 AGESA Version : 6.1.5.0 Enable/disable the Physical Count : 1 generation of ACPI Logical Count : _PPC, _PSS, and _PCT objects.

  • Page 39: 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 :9 CLK, N/A RAS/CAS Delay :9 CLK, N/A Row Precharge Time :9 CLK, N/A...
  • Page 40 within the BIOS. [UMA+SIDePoRT]-The SidePort is a 32-bit DDR memory interface that the integrated graph- ics can use either instead of or alongside the Athlon 64’s memory controller. In this mode, the integrated graphics cores will request data from both the UMA space and SidePort memory. ►...

  • Page 41: Memory Configuration

    Memory Configuration CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. Memory Configuration Memory Configuration Help Item [Always] DCT Unganged Mode This allows selection of unganged DRAM mode (64-bit width). Auto= Ganged mode Always=Unganged mode ↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help F9:Optimized Defaults...

  • Page 42: Dram Timing Configuration

    DRAM Timing Configuration CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. DRAM Timing Configuration DRAM Timing Configuration Help Item Options [Auto] DRAM Timing Mode Auto DCT 0 DCT 1 Both ↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help F9:Optimized Defaults ►...

  • Page 43: Integrated Peripherals

    Integrated Peripherals CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. Integrated Peripherals ► IDE Configuration [Press Enter] [Press Enter] Help Item ► USB Configuration [Press Enter] ► SuperIO Configuration [Press Enter] Configure the IDE OnBoard LAN [Enabled] device(s). OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] HD Audio Controller...

  • Page 44: Ide Configuration

    IDE Configuration CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. IDE Configuration IDE Configuration Help Item [Enabled] OnChip SATA Channel Disabled OnChip SATA Type [Native IDE] I Enabled OnChip IDE Type [Legacy IDE] SATA IDE Combined Mode [Enabled] ↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save...

  • Page 45: Usb Configuration

    USB Configuration CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. USB Configuration USB Configuration Help Item Module Version - 2.24.5-13.4 Enables support for legacy USB. USB Devices Enabled : Auto option disables None legacy support if no USB devices are Legacy USB Support [Enabled] connected.

  • Page 46: Superio Configuration

    SuperIO Configuration CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. SuperIO Configuration SuperIO Configuration Help Item Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows BIOS to select serial port1 base address. ↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help F9:Optimized Defaults ► Serial Port1 Address This item is used to assign the I/O address and interrupt request (IRQ) for the onboard serial port 1.

  • Page 47: Power Management Setup

    Power Management Setup CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. Power Management Setup ACPI Suspend Type [S3(STR)] Help Item Energy-using Products [Enabled] Resume by LAN [Disabled] Select the ACPI Resume by PCI Card [Disabled] state used for Resume by PCIE Card [Disabled] System Suspend.
  • Page 48 computer before it entering STR will be saved in memory, and the computer can quickly return to previous state when the STR function wakes. When you select [Auto], it means OS will automatically take care and assign which mode is the most suitable now. ►...

  • Page 49: Pc Health Status

    PC Health Status CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. PC Health Status Warning Temperature [Disabled] Help Item [Disabled] Shut Down Temperature [Disabled] Options CPU Temperature C/147 System Temperature C/80 Disabled CPU Fan Speed :2206 RPM C/122 System Fan Speed :N/A C/131...

  • Page 50: Bios Security Features

    bIoS Security features CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. BIOS Security Features Scurity Settings Help Item Supervisor Password : Not Installed Enter or change the User Password : Not Installed password. [Press Enter] Change Supervisor Password [Press Enter] ↑↓←→:Move Enter:Select +/-/:Value...
  • Page 51 The utility CD that came with the motherboard contains useful software and several utility drivers that enhance the mother- board 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 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 53: 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 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 Show current CPU Setting 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 - NB Fan This page lets you to set NB fan low limit rpm and enable the alert function. Show current NB fan rpm value Enable alert function when the NB fan runs slower than low limit rpm value Show current low limit rpm value of NB fan...

  • 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.

  • 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 JPG 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: Chapter 5 Raid Configuration

    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: Option Rom Utility

    option RoM Utility The Option ROM Utility supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID5 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. You can input a volume label for this diskette, click on "Start" to format. 7. Click on "OK" to go through this warning message. 8. Format finished. Click "OK" to continue copying of RAID driver into this diskette. 9. Check if the diskette contains the driver files.

  • 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, " LD View Menu" appears. Option ROM Utility (c) 2008 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ LD View Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] <...
  • Page 86 4. Another message prompts. Press [Ctrl-Y] to erase the RAID array. Option ROM Utility (c) 2008 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No LD Name RAID Mode LD 1 Logical Drive 1 RAID 0 Stripe Block: 64 KB...
  • Page 87 6. Press [Ctrl-Y]. Input 80GB to select the first logical drive (LD1) and press [Enter]. Option ROM Utility (c) 2008 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No LD Name RAID Mode Capacity(GB) LD 1 Logical Drive 1...
  • Page 88 8. You can see in the previous example, about 40GB of Channel 1 and 2 hard disks were allocated. Select the remaining spaces from them for RAID 0 again. Option ROM Utility (c) 2008 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No LD Name RAID Mode...
  • Page 89 10. Another message prompts. Press [Ctrl-Y] to erase the RAID array. Option ROM Utility (c) 2008 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No LD Name RAID Mode LD 2 Logical Drive 2 RAID 0 Stripe Block: 64 KB...
  • Page 90 Create RAID 1 (Mirror) 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, and " LD View Menu" appears. Then press [Crtl-C], the screen appears as below, select RAID 1. 2.
  • Page 91 4. The screen appears as below. Press any key to use the maximum capacity. Option ROM Utility (c) 2008 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No LD Name RAID Mode LD 1 Logical Drive 1 RAID 1 Stripe Block:...
  • Page 92 Create RAID 5 (Parity) Here, we will show you how to create one Mirrored Logical Drives (LD) by using three hard disks. 1. Select [2] from the main menu, and " LD View Menu" appears. Then press [Crtl-C], the screen appears as below, select RAID 5. 2.
  • Page 93 4. The screen appears as below. Press any key to use the maximum capacity. Option ROM Utility (c) 2008 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No LD Name RAID Mode LD 1 Logical Drive 1 RAID 5 Stripe Block:...
  • Page 94 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, and " LD View Menu" appears. Then press [Crtl-C], the screen appears as below, select RAID 10.
  • Page 95 4. The screen appears as below. Press any key to use the maximum capacity. Option ROM Utility (c) 2008 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No LD Name RAID Mode LD 1 Logical Drive 1 RAID 10 Stripe Block:...
  • Page 96 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 97 3. Another message prompts. Press [Ctrl-Y] to erase the RAID array. Option ROM Utility (c) 2008 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No LD Name RAID Mode LD 1 Logical Drive 1 RAID READY Stripe Block: Fast Init:...
  • Page 98 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, and " LD View Menu" appears. Then press [Crtl-C], the screen appears as below, select RAID JBOD. Option ROM Utility (c) 2008 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
  • Page 99 3. Another message prompts. Press [Ctrl-Y] to erase the RAID array. Option ROM Utility (c) 2008 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] [ Define LD Menu ] LD No LD Name RAID Mode LD 1 Logical Drive 1 RAID JBOD Stripe Block: Fast Init:...

  • Page 100: 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 101 5. After some files are copied to your system, the following picture appears, press <S> to continue the specific driver installation. Windows Setup Setup could not determine the type of one or more mass storage devices installed in your system, or you have chosen to manually specify an adapter. Currently, Setup will load support for the following mass storage device(s): <none>...
  • Page 102 7. There are two drivers, 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 103 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 104: 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 105 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 Option ROM Utility and configure the mirrored RAID array as described in the 5-3 section.
  • Page 106 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 107 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 108 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 109 17. The format of disk array (Disk1) is in processing. 18. Format completed, now you can start using your RAID array.

  • Page 110: Appendix - Ati Hybrid Crossfire™ Technology

    Appendix - ATI Hybrid Crossfire™ Technology Introduction AMD’s pioneering ATI Hybrid CrossFire™ Technology can be used for scalable gaming action. The ATI Hybrid CrossFire™ Technology can provide significant performance boost to AMD based systems by enabling the ability for both discrete GPU and IGP graphics cores to render simultaneously in CrossFire™...
  • Page 111 3. Then you may use the ATI Catalyst(TM) Control Center. Using an add-on graphics card 1. Right-click on the desktop, then click ATI Catalyst(TM) Control Center from the shortcut menu. The ATI Catalyst(TM) Control Center screen appears. 2.Click “Graphics Settings-> CrossFire ™”, then select the “Enable CrossFire™”...
  • Page 112 7. Click "Graphics Settings>CrossFire™”, then select the "Enable CrossFire™” check box. When a confirmation message pops up, click "Yes". The screen backs out for about one minute 8. Click “OK”. The onboard graphics card is set to be the main monitor. If you are using both an add-on and the onboard graphics cards at the same time and want to set the onboard card as your main monitor, follow the instructions below.

  • Page 113: Appendix - Ati Crossfire Technology

    Catalyst Control Center : ■ CrossFire Ready motherboard, such as Foxconn’s A9DA-S. ■ CrossFire Edition graphics card that works as the master graphics card. ■...
  • Page 114 4. Connect an auxiliary power source from the power supply to the graphics card. Power Extension Cable 5. Connect the DMS-59 cable to the DVI monitor connector and two graphics cards that you install as shown. Connect to master graphics card DMS connector Connect to monitor Connect to slave...
  • Page 115 9. Double-click on the ATI Catalyst Control Center icon to launch it. Click “View”-->Select “Advanced View” -->Click “CrossFire ”-->Set “Enable CrossFire ” to Yes. Now you can enjoy the advanced CrossFire technology. It is recommended using 400-450 Watt power supply or above to enjoy the ■...

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