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 1.0 Disclaimer The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
ii Declaration of Conformity This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference, and • This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation Canadian Department of Communications This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interferencecausing Equipment Regulations.
iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface i Chapter 1 1 Introducing the Motherboard 1 Introduction...................................................................................1 Feature............................................................................................2 Specifications................................................................................4 Motherboard Components..........................................................
iv PC Health Status...................................................................37 M.I.B (MB Intelligent BIOS).................................................39 Load Default Settings............................................................42 Supervisor Password............................................................42 User Password......................................................................43 Save & Exit Setup..................................................................
1 Chapter 1 Introducing the Motherboard Introduction Thank you for choosing the X58B-A2 motherboard. This motherboard is a high performance, enhanced function motherboard designed to support the LGA1366 socket Intel® CoreTM i7 processor for high-end business or personal desktop markets. The motherboard incorporates the Intel X58 Northbridge (NB) and Intel ICH10R Southbridge (SB) chipsets. The Northbridge supports Intel® QuickPath Interconnect (Intel® QPI) of 4.8 GT/s to 6.
2 Feature Processor The motherboard uses an LGA1366 type of Intel ® Core TM i7 processor that carries the following features: • Accommodates Intel® CoreTM i7 processor • Intel® QuickPath Interconnect (Intel® QPI) of 4.8 GT/s to 6.4 GT/s supporting different routing lengths Chipset The X58 Northbridge (NB) and ICH10R Southbridge (SB) chipsets are based on an innovative and scalable architecture with proven reliability and performance.
3 Expansion Options The motherboard comes with the following expansion options: • • • • • Two PCI Express x16 slots for Graphic Interface One PCI Express x4 slot Two PCI Express x1 slots One 32-bit PCI v2.3 compliant slot Six 7-pin SATA connectors 1394a Fire Wire • • • Compliant with single chip host controller for IEEE Std 1394-1995 and IEEE 1394a-2000 Integrated 400 Mb/s 2-Port PHY for the PCI BUS 3.
4 Specifications CPU • • LGA1366 socket for latest Intel® CoreTM i7 processor Intel® QuickPath Interconnect (Intel® QPI) of 4.8 GT/s to 6.
5 Motherboard Components Table of Motherboard Components LABEL 1. CPU Socket 2. CPU_FAN 3. DDR3_1~6 4. ATX_POWER 5. PWR_BTN 6. RST_BTN 7. SATA1~6 8. SYS_FAN 9. F_PANEL 10. CLR_CMOS 11. F_USB1~3 12. F_1394A 13. COM 14. PWR_FAN 15. SPDIFO 16. F_AUDIO 17. CD_IN 18. PCIE1~2 19. PCIEX16_1 PCIEX16_2 20. PCI 21. PCIE4X1 22. ATX4P 23. NB_FAN 24.
6 Memo Introducing the Motherboard
7 Chapter 2 Installing the Motherboard Safety Precautions • • • • • Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard Wear a grounding strap attached to a grounded device to avoid damage from static electricity Discharge static electricity by touching the metal case of a safely grounded object before working on the motherboard Leave components in the static-proof bags they came in Hold all circuit boards by the edges.
8 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. When setting the jumpers, ensure that the jumper caps are placed on the correct pins. The illustrations show a 2-pin jumper. When the jumper cap is placed on both pins, the jumper is SHORT.
9 Checking Jumper Settings The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is labeled. Jumper Settings Jumper Type Description Setting (default) 1-2: NORMAL CLR_CMOS 3-pin Clear CMOS 2-3: CLEAR CMOS Before clearing the CMOS, make sure to turn off the system. 1 CLR_CMOS To avoid the system unstability after clearing CMOS, we recommend users to enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Default Settings” and then “Save and Exit Setup”.
10 Installing Hardware Installing the Processor Caution: When installing a CPU heatsink and cooling fan make sure that you DO NOT scratch the motherboard or any of the surface-mount resistors with the clip of the cooling fan. If the clip of the cooling fan scrapes across the motherboard, you may cause serious damage to the motherboard or its components. On most motherboards, there are small surface-mount resistors near the processor socket, which may be damaged if the cooling fan is carelessly installed.
11 CPU Installation Procedure The following illustration shows CPU installation components. A. Opening of the Load Plate · Put your thumb on the tail of the load plate and press the tail down. · Rotate the load plate to fully open position. B. Disengaging of the Load Lever · Hold the hook of lever and pull it to the left side to clear retention tab. · Rotate the load lever to fully open position. C. Removing the Cap · Be careful not to touch the contact at any time. D.
12 1. To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that you use a high quality fan with 3800 rpm at least. CPU fan and heatsink installation procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan/ heatsink supplied. The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary. 2. DO NOT remove the CPU cap from the socket before installing a CPU. 3. Return Material Authorization (RMA) requests will be accepted only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA1366 socket.
13 1. For best performance and compatibility, we recommend that users give priority to the yellow DIMMs (DDR3_2/DDR3_4/DDR3_6) when installing DIMMs. 2. We suggest users not mix memory type. It is recommended to use the same brand and type memory on this motherboard. Do not remove any memory module from its antistatic packaging until you are ready to install it on the motherboard. Handle the modules only by their edges. Do not touch the components or metal parts.
14 Table A: DDR3 (memory module) QVL (Qualified Vendor List) The following DDR3 1333/1066/800 memory modules have been tested and qualified for use with this motherboard.
15 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 increase the motherboard’s capabilities by adding hardware that performs tasks that are not part of the basic system. PCIE4X1 Slot The PCI Express x4 slot is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Specification revision 2.0.
16 Follow these instructions to install an add-on card: 1 2 3 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. 1.
17 Connecting Optional Devices Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional devices: F_AUDIO: Front Panel Audio header This header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented microphone and lineout ports for easier access.
18 F_USB1~3: Front Panel USB headers The motherboard has six 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.
19 COM: Onboard serial port header Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a second serial port to your system. Pin Signal Name Function 1 DCDB 2 3 4 5 6 7 NSINB Serial Data In NSOUTB Serial Data Out DTRB Data terminal ready RTSB Request to send 8 9 10 CTSB Clear to send Data carry detect GND Ground DSRB Date set ready RI Ring Indicator Key No pin F_1394A: Onboard IEEE 1394a header Connect this header to any device with IEEE 1394a interface.
20 Installing a Hard Disk Drive/CD-ROM/SATA Hard Drive This section describes how to install IDE devices such as a hard disk drive and a CDROM 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. These connectors are well designed and will only fit in one orientation.
21 Connecting I/O Devices The backplane of the motherboard has the following I/O ports: PS2 Mouse Use the upper PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 pointing device. PS2 Keyboard Use the lower PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 keyboard. CLR_CMOS Button Use the CLR_CMOS button to clear CMOS. eSATA Ports Use these ports to connect to external SATA boxes or Serial ATA port multipliers. Before connecting the eSATA cables, make sure to turn off the power of the external enclosure.
22 Connecting Case Components After you have installed the motherboard into a case, you can begin connecting the motherboard components. Refer to the following: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Connect the CPU cooling fan cable to CPU_FAN. Connect the system cooling fan connector to SYS_FAN. Connect the northbridge cooling fan connector to NB_FAN. Connect the power cooling fan connector to PWR_FAN. Connect the case switches and indicator LEDs to the F_PANEL. Connect the standard power supply connector to ATX_POWER.
23 When installing 4-pin power cable, the latch falls on the left side of the ATX12V connector. 4-pin power cable CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN: FAN Power Connector Pin Signal Name GND 1 2 3 4 +12V Sense PWM Function System Ground Power +12V Sensor PWM Users please note that the fan connector supports the CPU cooling fan of 1.1A ~ 2.2A (26.4W max) at +12V.
24 ATX4P: Auxliary Power Connector for Graphics Interface Pin Signal Name 1 2 3 4 NC GND GND +12V Make sure to connect a 4-pin ATX power cable to ATX4P; otherwise, the system will be unstable. 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.
25 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.
26 Press the delete key to access the BIOS Setup Utility. CMOS Setup Utility -- Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc. f Standard CMOS Setup f Advanced Setup f Advanced Chipset Setup f Integrated Peripherals f Power Management Setup f PCI/PnP Setup f PC Health Status fM.I.
27 Using BIOS When you start the Setup Utility, the main menu appears. The main menu of the Setup Utility displays a list of the options that are available. A highlight indicates which option is currently selected. Use the cursor arrow keys to move the highlight to other options. When an option is highlighted, execute the option by pressing . Some options lead to pop-up dialog boxes that prompt you to verify that you wish to execute that option.
28 For the purpose of better product maintenance, we reserve the right to change the BIOS items presented in the manual. The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference only. Please visit our website for updated manual. Standard CMOS Setup This option displays basic information about your system. CMOS Setup Utility -- Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
29 f SATA 1~6 This motherboard supports six SATA channels and each channel allows one SATA device to be installed. Use these items to configure each device on the SATA channel. CMOS SETUP UTILITY – Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc. SATA2 SATA2 Device Vendor Size LBA Mode Block Mode PIO Mode Async DMA Ultra DMA S.M.A.R.T. Help Item : Hard Disk : HDS728080PLA380 : 82.
30 IDE BusMaster (Enabled) This item enables or disables the DMA under DOS mode. We recommend you to leave this item at the default value. Press to return to the main menu setting page. Advanced Setup This page sets up more advanced information about your system. Handle this page with caution. Any changes can affect the operation of your computer. CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
31 Thermal Management (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable the Max CPU ID value limit. TM Status (TM1/TM2) This item displays CPU Monitor status. Limit CPUID MaxVal (Disabled) Use this item to enable or disable the Max CPU ID value limit. When suppports Prescott and LGA775 CPUs, enables this to prevent the system from “rebooting” when trying to install Windows NT 4.0. Enhanced Halt (C1E) (Enabled) This item enables or disables enhanced halt (C1E).
32 Intel VT-d (Disabled) This item enables or disables Intel VT-d support. CPU Revision (C0) This item shows the CPU revision. Current QPI Frequency (6.400GT) This item shows the current QPI (Intel ® QuickPath Interconnect) frequency. QPI Freq. auto detect (Auto) This item is used to detect the QPI frequency automatically. If you set this item to Disabled, the item QPI Frequency will display.
33 fCD/DVD Drives (Press Enter) Scroll to this item and press to view the following screen: CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc. CD/DVD Drives CD/DVD Drives Help Item 1st Drive SONY DVD RWDRU-190 Specifies the boot sequence from the available devices. mnlk : Move Enter : Select F1:General Help +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F9: Load Default Settings Press to return to the Advanced Setup page.
34 Integrated Peripherals This page sets up some parameters for peripheral devices connected to the system. CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
35 Power Management Setup This page sets up some parameters for system power management operation. CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
36 Resume on RTC Alarm (Disabled) The system can be turned off with a software command. If you enable this item, the system can automatically resume at a fixed time based on the system’s RTC (realtime clock). Use the items below this one to set the date and time of the wake-up alarm. You must use an ATX power supply in order to use this feature. Press to return to the main menu setting page.
37 PC Health Status This item lets you monitor the parameters for critical voltages, temperatures and fan speeds. CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc. PC Health Status -=- System Hardware Monitor-=f Smart Fan Function System Temperature CPU Fan Speed System Fan Speed CPU Vcore CPU VTT VDIMM NB Vcore SB VCC SB Vcore -=- PECI Mode -=Offset to TCC Activation Temp. : Help Item Press Enter : 34°C/93°F : 2045 RPM : 0 RPM : 1.200 V : 1.232 V : 1.472 V : 1.120 V : 1.456 V : 1.
38 System Component Characteristics These items display the monitoring of the overall inboard hardware health events, such as System & CPU temperature, CPU & DIMM voltage, CPU & system fan speed,...etc. • • • • • • • • System Temperature CPU/System Fan Speed CPU Vcore CPU VTT VDIMM NB Vcore SB VCC SB Vcore Press to return to the main menu setting page.
39 M.I.B (MB Intelligent BIOS) 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. CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005 American Megatrends, Inc. M.I.B (MB Intelligent BIOS) 1.23750V Disabled 1.120 V Disabled 1.232 V Disabled 1.
40 Manufacturer (Intel) This item displays the information of current manufacturer of the CPU installed in your computer. Ratio Status/Ratio Actual Value These items show the Locked ratio status and the actual ratio of the CPU installed in your system. BCLK Speed (133MHz) This item shows the speed of BCLK. Performance Level (Standard) If the item is set to Standard, the system will run at its basic performance level.
41 DRAM Frequency (Auto) This item allows users to adjust the DRAM frequency. Configure DRAM Timing by SPD (Enabled) When this item is set to enable, the DDR timing is configured using SPD. SPD (Serial Presence Detect) is located on the memory modules, BIOS reads information coded in SPD during system boot up. SPD eXtreme Memory Profile (Standard) Use this item to select the SPD eXtreme Memory Profile. If the item is set to Standard, the memory will work under the standard mode.
42 Load Default Settings This option opens a dialog box that lets you install stability-oriented defaults for all appropriate items in the Setup Utility. Select [OK] and then press to install the defaults. Select [Cancel] and then press to not install the defaults. Supervisor Password This page helps you install or change a password. CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc.
43 User Password This page helps you install or change a password. CMOS Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 1985-2005, American Megatrends, Inc. User Password User Password : Not Installed Help Item mnlk : Move Enter : Select +/-/: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help F9: Optimized Defaults User Password (Not Installed) This item indicates whether a user password has been set. If the password has been installed, Installed displays. If not, Not Installed displays.
44 Updating the BIOS You can download and install updated BIOS for this motherboard from the manufacturer’s Web site. New BIOS provides support for new peripherals, improvements in performance, or fixes for known bugs. Install new BIOS as follows: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 If your motherboard has a BIOS protection jumper, change the setting to allow BIOS flashing. If your motherboard has an item called Firmware Write Protect in Advanced BIOS features, disable it.
45 Chapter 4 Using the Motherboard Software About the Software CD-ROM The support software CD-ROM that is included in the motherboard package contains all the drivers and utility programs needed to properly run the bundled products. Below you can find a brief description of each software program, and the location for your motherboard version. More information on some programs is available in a README file, located in the same directory as the software.
46 Setup Tab Setup Click the Setup button to run the software installation program. Select from the menu which software you want to install. Browse CD The Browse CD button is the standard Windows command that allows you to open Windows Explorer and show the contents of the support CD. Before installing the software from Windows Explorer, look for a file named README.TXT, INSTALL.TXT or something similar. This file may contain important information to help you install the software correctly.
47 2. Click Next. The following screen appears: 3. Check the box next to the items you want to install. The default options are recommended. 4. Click Next run the Installation Wizard. An item installation screen appears: 5. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the items. 1. Drivers and software are automatically installed in sequence. Follow the onscreen instructions, confirm commands and allow the computer to restart a few times to complete the installation. 2.
48 Method 1. Run Reboot Setup Windows Vista will block startup programs by default when installing drivers after the system restart. You must select taskbar icon Run Blocked Program and run Reboot Setup to install the next driver, until you finish all drivers installation. Method 2. Disable UAC (User Account Control) * For administrator account only. Standard user account can only use Method 1.
49 2. Select Classic View. 3. Set User Account. 4. Select Turn User Account Control on or off and press Continue.
50 5. Disable User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer item and press OK, then press Restart Now. Then you can restart your computer and continue to install drivers without running blocked programs. Manual Installation Insert the CD in the CD-ROM drive and locate the PATH.DOC file in the root directory. This file contains the information needed to locate the drivers for your motherboard.
51 Chapter 5 ATI CrossFireTM Technology Support This motherboard supports the ATI CrossFire TM Technology that allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this section. Requirements 1 2 3 4 You should have a CrossFireTM Ready motherboard, a CrossFireTM Edition graphics card and a CrossFireTM ready graphics card. You would need a CrossfireTM bridge cable.
52 3. Connect the cable from your monitors to the CrossFire TM ready graphics card installed on the PCIEX16_1 slot. Monitor Cable 4. Connect an auxiliary power source from the power supply to the graphics cards.
53 The CatalystTM Control Center Dialog Box View The CatalystTM Control Center provides two views; one is Standard view for beginners, the other is Advance view for advanced users to access and configure the complete features of the software. To enable CrossFireTM: • • • • Set the view to Advance. Click the CrossFireTM item in Graphics Settings. In the CrossFireTM Setting dialog, tick the box opposite Enable CrossFireTM. Click OK to effect the setting.
54 Memo ATI CrossFireTM Technology Support
55 Chapter 6 Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configurations The Intel® Matrix Storage Manager allows you to configure RAID 0, and 1 sets on the external Serial ATA hard disk drives. Before creating a RAID set Prepare the following items: 1. 2. 3. 4. One SATA HDD. A write-enabled floppy disk. Microsoft® Windows® OS installation disk (Windows XP/Vista). Motherboard support CD with Intel® Matrix Storage Manager driver. Complete the following steps before you create a RAID set: 1.
56 Entering Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility 1. During POST, press to enter the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu. 2. The main Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu appears. 3. Use the arrow keys to move the color bar and navigate through the items.
57 Creating a RAID set 1. In the main Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu, highlight Create RAID Volume using the up/down arrow key then press . 2. When the RAID Level item is highlighted, use the up/down arrow key to select the RAID set that you want to create. When more than two HDDs are installed in your computer, the Disks item will be selectable. Then users can select the HDD that you want to belong to the RAID set.
58 4. When done, press to confirm the creation of the RAID set. A dialogue box appears to confirm the action. Press to confirm; otherwise, press . Pressing deletes all the data in the HDDs. 5. The following screen appears, displaying the relevant information about the RAID set you created. Users please be noted that RAID 0 (Stripe) is set to accelerate the data access, and RAID 1 (Mirror) is set to provide the data backup.
59 Deleting a RAID set 1. In the main Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu, highlight Delete RAID Volume using the up/down arrow key then press . 2. Use the space bar to select the RAID set you want to delete. Press the key to delete the set. 3. A dialogue box appears to confirm the action. Press to confirm; otherwise, press . Pressing deletes all the data in the HDDs.
60 Resetting disks to Non-RAID An HDD that has been previously configured as part of another RAID set in another platform is called a broken RAID HDD. When you install a broken RAID HDD, you cannot select this disk when configuring a RAID set through the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager option. If you still want to use this broken RAID HDD as part of the RAID set configured through the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager, you may do so by resetting the disk to Non-RAID.
61 Bootblock Initialization Code Checkpoints The Bootblock initialization code sets up the chipset, memory and other components before system memory is available. The following table describes the type of checkpoints that may occur during the bootblock initialization portion of the BIOS : Checkpoint Before D1 D1 D0 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 DA E1-E8 EC-EE Description Early chipset initialization is done. Early super I/O initialization is done including RTC and keyboard controller. NMI is disabled.
62 POST Code Checkpoints The POST code checkpoints are the largest set of checkpoints during the BIOS preboot process. The following table describes the type of checkpoints that may occur during the POST portion of the BIOS : Checkpoint 03 04 05 06 08 C0 C1 C2 C5 C6 C7 0A 0B 0C 0E 13 24 30 2A 2C 2E 31 Description Disable NMI, Parity, video for EGA, and DMA controllers. Initialize BIOS, POST, Runtime data area. Also initialize BIOS modules on POST entry and GPNV area.
63 33 37 38 39 3A 3B 3C 40 50 52 60 75 78 7A 7C 84 85 87 8C 8D 8E 90 A0 A1 A2 A4 A7 A8 A9 AA AB AC B1 00 61-70 module for initialization. Initialize language and font modules for ADM. Activate ADM module. Initializes the silent boot module. Set the window for displaying text information. Displaying sign-on message, CPU information, setup key message, and any OEM specific information. Initializes different devices through DIM. See DIM Code Checkpoints section of document for more information.
64 Memo
