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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 1.0A
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufac-
turer 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.
AMD, Llano, Phenom, Athlon, Sempron and Duron are registered trademarks of
AMD 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 reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installa-
tion. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful inter-
ference 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 govern-
ing 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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Summary of Contents for ECS A55F-A2

  • 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 1.0A 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. • This device must accept any interference received, including interfer- ence 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 Feature.....................2 Motherboard Components..............6 Chapter 2 9 9 9 9 9 Installing the Motherboard Safety Precautions................9 Choosing a Computer Case.............9 Installing the Motherboard in a Case..........9...
  • Page 4 Security Menu................60 Save & Exit Menu.................61 Updating the BIOS...............63 Chapter 4 53 53 Using the Motherboard Software About the Software DVD-ROM/CD-ROM........53 Auto-installing under Windows XP/Vista/7........53 Running Setup................54 Manual Installation................56 Utility Software Reference...............56 Chapter 5 57 57 57 57 57 Trouble Shooting Start up problems during assembly..........57 Start up problems after prolong use..........58 Maintenance and care tips..............58...
  • Page 5: Introducing The Motherboard

    Chapter 1 Introducing the Motherboard Introduction Thank you for choosing the A55F-A2 motherboard. This motherboard is a high performance, enhanced function motherboard that supports socket FM1 for AMD Llano processors for high-end business or personal desktop markets. The motherboard is based on AMD A55 (Hudson D2) express chipset for best desk- top platform.
  • Page 6: Feature

    Feature Processor This motherboard uses a socket FM1 that carries the following features: • Accommodates AMD Llano processors • Supports CPU up to 100W TDP Chipset The AMD A55 (Hudson D2) chipset is based on an innovative and scalable architecture with proven reliability and performance. •...
  • Page 7: Bios Firmware

    Expansion Options The motherboard comes with the following expansion options: • One PCI Express x16 slot for Graphics Interface • Three PCI Express x1 slots • Three 32-bit PCI v2.2 compliant slots • Six 7-pin SATA connectors Integrated I/O The motherboard has a full set of I/O ports and connectors: •...
  • Page 8: Specifications

    Specifications • FM1 for AMD Llano processors • Supports CPU up to 100W TDP Chipset • AMD A55 (Hudson D2) Memory • Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture • 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets support up to 32 GB • Supports 2600(OC)/2400(OC)/2133 (OC)/1866/1600 DDR3 SDRAM...
  • Page 9 System BIOS • Supports Multi-language BIOS Utility • Supports ECS M.I.B III Utility • Support Non-disk utility Form Factor • ATX Size, 305mm x 190mm *1. Users can download all ECS supporting software on ECS official website. http://www.ecs.com.tw Introducing the Motherboard...
  • Page 10: Motherboard Components

    Motherboard Components Introducing the Motherboard...
  • Page 11 Table of Motherboard Components LABEL COMPONENTS 1. CPU Socket Socket FM1 for AMD Llano processors 2. CPU_FAN CPU cooling fan connector 3. DDR3_1~2 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM slots 4. ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX power connector 5. PWR_FAN Power cooling fan connector 6.
  • Page 12 Memo Introducing the Motherboard...
  • Page 13: 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 dam- age from static electricity • Discharge static electricity by touching the metal case of a safely grounded object before working on the motherboard •...
  • Page 14: 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 15: Jumper Settings

    Checking Jumper Settings The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is labeled. Jumper Settings Type Jumper 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 off the system.
  • Page 16: 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 compo- nents.
  • Page 17: Installing Memory Modules

    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 18: Installation Procedure

    Installation Procedure Refer to the following to install the memory modules. This motherboard supports unbuffered DDR3 SDRAM only. Push the latches on each side of the DIMM slot down. Align the memory module with the slot. The DIMM slots are keyed with notches and the DIMMs are keyed with cutouts so that they can only be installed correctly.
  • Page 19: Expansion Slots

    Expansion Slots 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 in- crease the motherboard’s capabilities by adding hardware that performs tasks that are not part of the basic system.
  • Page 20 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 21: Connecting Optional Devices

    Connecting Optional Devices Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional devices: SATA1~6: Serial ATA connectors These connectors are used to support the new Serial ATA devices for the highest data transfer rates (3.0 Gb/s), simpler disk drive cabling and easier PC assembly. It elimi- nates limitations of the current Parallel ATA interface.
  • Page 22 F_USB1~2: Front Panel USB 2.0 headers The motherboard has four USB ports installed on the rear edge I/O port array. Additionally, some computer cases have USB ports at the front of the case. If you have this kind of case, use auxiliary USB connector to connect the front-mounted ports to the motherboard.
  • Page 23 LPT: 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 PRNINIT SLIN GND1 GND2 GND3 GND4 GND5 BUSY GND6 GND7 SLCT COM: Onboard serial port header Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a second serial port to your system.
  • Page 24: Installing A Sata Hard Drive

    Installing a SATA Hard Drive This section describes how to install a SATA hard drive. About SATA Connectors Your motherboard features six SATA connectors supporting a total of six drives. SATA refers to Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is the standard interface for the IDE hard drives which are currently used in most PCs.
  • Page 25: Connecting I/O Devices

    Connecting I/O Devices The backplane of the motherboard has the following I/O ports: Use the upper PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 pointing device. PS/2 mouse Use the lower PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 keyboard. PS/2 keyboard HDMI Port Connect the HDMI port to the HDMI devices.
  • Page 26: 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 standard power supply connector to ATX_POWER. Connect the case switches and indicator LEDs to the PANEL. Connect the system cooling fan connector to SYS_FAN.
  • Page 27: Connecting 8-Pin Power Cable

    Connecting 8/4-pin power cable Users please note that the 8-pin and 4-pin power cables can both be con- nected to the ATX12V connector. When installing 8-pin power cable, the latches of power cable and the ATX12V connector match perfectly. * For reference only 8-pin power cable When installing 4-pin power cable, the latch falls on the left side of the...
  • Page 28 SYS_FAN: FAN Power Connector Signal Name Function System Ground Power +12V +12V Sense Sensor PWR_FAN: FAN Power Connector Signal Name Function System Ground Power +12V +12V Sense Sensor ATX12V: ATX 12V Power Connector Signal Name Ground Ground +12V +12V SPK: Internal speaker Signal Name Signal Installing the Motherboard...
  • Page 29: Front Panel Header

    Front Panel Header The front panel header (F_PANEL) provides a standard set of switch and LED headers commonly found on ATX or Micro ATX cases. Refer to the table below for informa- tion: Signal Function Signal Function HD_LED_P Hard disk LED (+) 2 FP PWR/SLP *MSG LED (+) HD_LED_N Hard disk LED (-) FP PWR/SLP *MSG LED (-)
  • Page 30 Memo Installing the Motherboard...
  • Page 31: Using Bios

    Chapter 3 Using BIOS About the Setup Utility The computer uses the latest “American Megatrends Inc. ” 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 configuration status and provides you with options to set system parameters.
  • Page 32: Resetting The Default Cmos Values

    Press the delete key to access BIOS Setup Utility. Resetting the Default CMOS Values When powering on for the first time, the POST screen may show a “CMOS Settings Wrong” message. This standard message will appear following a clear CMOS data at factory by the manufacturer. You simply need to Load Default Settings to reset the default CMOS values.
  • Page 33: Bios Navigation Key

    In this manual, default values are enclosed in parenthesis. Submenu items are denoted by a icon . The default BIOS setting for this motherboard apply for most conditions with optimum performance. We do not suggest users change the default values in the BIOS setup and take no responsibility to any damage caused by changing the BIOS settings.
  • Page 34 Default Select the default icon and press <Enter> or double click the left key of the mouse to display the the following screen. Then you can load optimized defaults or not. Boot Select the boot icon and press <Enter> or double click the left key of the mouse to display the the following screen.
  • Page 35: Main Menu

    Adanced Select the advanced icon and press <Enter> or double click the left key of the mouse to display the the following screen. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit BIOS Information Choose the system default language System Language English System Date Tue 08/23/2011...
  • Page 36: Advanced Menu

    Advaned Menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit Legacy OpROM Support LAN Configuration Launch PXE OpROM Disabled Parameters. Launch Storage OpROM Disabled Enabled LAN Configuration PC Health Status...
  • Page 37: Lan Configuration

    LAN Configuration The item in the menu shows the LAN-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit LAN Configuration Enable or Disabe Onboard Onboard LAN Controller Enabled Network Boot Protocol Boot Order Int 18h Int 18h : Select Screen /Click: Select Item...
  • Page 38: Pc Health Status

    PC Health Status On motherboards support hardware monitoring, this item lets you monitor the paeameters for critical voltages, temperatures and fan speeds. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit Smart Fan Function CPU Tctl CPU Fan Speed 1432 RPM CPU Voltage +1.368 V DIMM Voltage...
  • Page 39 Smart Fan Mode (Normal) This item allows you to select the fan mode (Normal, Quiet, Silent, or Manual) for a better operation environment. If you choose Normal mode, the fan speed will be auto adjusted depending on the CPU temperature. If you choose Quite mode, the fan speed will be auto minimized for quiet environment.
  • Page 40: Power Management Setup

    Power Management Setup This page sets up some parameters for system power management operation. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit Power Management Setup About Resume by Ring Resume By RING Disabled Resume By PME Disabled Resume By USB1.x/2.0 (S3) Disabled Resume By PS2 KB (S3) Disabled...
  • Page 41: Acpi Configuration

    ACPI Configuration The item in the menu shows the highest ACPI sleep state when the system enters suspend. Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2011 American Megatrends, Inc. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit ACPI Setting Select the highest ACPI sleep state the system ACPI Sleep State S3 (Suspend to RAM)
  • Page 42: Cpu Configuration

    CPU Configuration The item in the menu shows the CPU. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit CPU Configuration Enable/disable C6 Node0: AMD Engineering Sample Max Speed: 2300 MHZ Intended Speed: 2300 MHZ Microcode Patch Level: 3000014 --------- Cache per Core --------- L1 Instruction Cache: 64 KB/2-way : Select Screen L1 Data Cache: 64KB/2-way...
  • Page 43: Sata Configuration

    SATA Configuration Use this item to show the mode of serial SATA configuration options. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit SATA Configuration (1) IDE Mode. (2) RAID Serial-ATA Controller Enabled Mode. (3) AHCI Mode. SATA Mode IDE Mode SATA Port1 Not Present SATA Port2...
  • Page 44: Usb Configuration

    USB Configuration Use this item to show the information of USB configuration. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit USB Configuration All USB Devices Enabled Legacy USB Support Enabled : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
  • Page 45: Super Io Configuration

    Super IO Configuration Use this item to show the information of Super IO configuration. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit Super IO Configuration Set Parameters of Serial Port 0 (COMA) Serial Port 0 Configuration Parallel Port Configuration : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
  • Page 46: Parallel Port Configuration

    Parallel Port Configuration Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen: Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit Parallel Port Configuration Enable or Disable Parallel Port (LPT/LPTE) Parallel Port Enabled Device Settings IO=378h; IRQ=5; Change Settings Auto Device Mode Standard and Bi-dir...
  • Page 47: Chipset Menu

    Chipset Menu The chipset menu items allow you to change the settings for the North chipset, South chipset and other system. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit North Bridge North Bridge Parameters South Bridge : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
  • Page 48: South Bridge

    South Bridge Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit South Bridge Enabled/Disabled Azalia HD Audio Restore AC Power Loss Power Off Audio Configuration Azalia HD Audio Enabled Azalia Internal HDMI codec Enabled : Select Screen...
  • Page 49 M.I.B III (MB Intelligent BIOS III) Menu This page enables you to set the clock speed and system bus for your system. The clock speed and system bus are determined by the kind of processor you have installed in your system. Main Advanced Chipset...
  • Page 50 Memory Clock DCT1 is:(DDR-1333/667 Mhz) This item shows current memory clock of DCT1. Command Rate (1T) This item allows users to set command rate. CAS#Latency(tcl) (9 CLK) This item determines the operation of DDR SDRAM memory CAS(colulmn address strobe). It is recommanded that you leave this item at the default value. The 2T setting requires faster memory that specifically supports this mode.
  • Page 51: Mb Intelligent Bios Iii) Menu

    Boot Menu This page enables you to set the keyboard NumLock state. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit Boot Configuration Select the keyboard NumLock state Bootup NumLock State Quiet Boot Enabled Set Boot Priority 1st Boot Hard Disk 2nd Boot CD/DVD : Select Screen...
  • Page 52: Security Menu

    Security Menu This page enables you to set setup administrator password and user password. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit Administrator Password Set Setup Administrator User Password Password Security Check Setup : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
  • Page 53: Save & Exit Menu

    Save & Exit Menu This page enables you to exit system setup after saving or without saving the changes. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Exit Back to EZ Mode Go back to EZ Mode. Go back to EZ Mode. Save Changes and Exit Discard Changes and Exit Save Changes and Reset...
  • Page 54 Load Non Disk Utility This item enables you to load non disk utility. Boot Override Use this item enables you to set the device order. Using BIOS...
  • Page 55: Updating The Bios

    Updating the BIOS You can download and install updated BIOS for this motherboard from the manufacturer’s Website. New BIOS provides support for new peripherals, improve- ments 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 56 Memo Using BIOS...
  • Page 57: Using The Motherboard Software

    Chapter 4 Using the Motherboard Software About the Software DVD-ROM/CD-ROM The support software DVD-ROM/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 58: Running Setup

    Drivers Click the Setup button to run the software installation program. Setup Select from the menu which software you want to install. Click the Utilities button to display the application software and Utilities other software utilities that are available on the disk. Select the sofware you want to install then follow installation procedure.
  • Page 59 Click Next. The following screen appears: Check the box next to the items you want to install. The default options are recom- mended. 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 60: Manual Installation

    Windows Vista/7 will appear below UAC (User Account Control) message after the system restart. You must select “Allow” to install the next driver. Continue this process to complete the drivers installation. Manual Installation Insert the disk in the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive and locate the PATH.DOC file in the root directory.
  • Page 61: Trouble Shooting

    Chapter 5 Trouble Shooting Start up problems during assembly After assembling the PC for the first time you may experience some start up problems. Before calling for technical support or returning for warranty, this chapter may help to address some of the common questions using some basic troubleshooting tips.
  • Page 62: Start Up Problems After Prolong Use

    2. From the BIOS setting, try to disable the Smartfan function to let the fan run at default speed. Doing a Load Optimised Default will also disable the Smartfan. Start up problems after prolong use After a prolong period of use your PC may experience start up problems again. This may be caused by breakdown of devices connected to the motherboard such as HDD, CPU fan, etc.
  • Page 64 Memo Trouble Shooting...

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