Abit NF8 Series User manual

NF8 Series
(NF8 Pro/NF8/NF8-V Pro/NF8-V)
Socket 754 System Board
User’s Manual
4200-0432-04
Rev. 1.01

Copyright and Warranty Notice
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on part of the vendor, who assumes no liability or
responsibility for any errors that may appear in this manual.
No warranty or representation, either expressed or implied, is made with respect to the
quality, accuracy or fitness for any particular part of this document. In no event shall
the manufacturer be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential
damages arising from any defect or error in this manual or product.
Product names appearing in this manual are for identification purpose only and
trademarks and product names or brand names appearing in this document are the
property of their respective owners.
This document contains materials protected under International Copyright Laws. All
rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, transmitted or transcribed
without the expressed written permission of the manufacturer and authors of this
manual.
If you do not properly set the motherboard settings, causing the motherboard to
malfunction or fail, we cannot guarantee any responsibility.
NF8 Series

Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction .......................................................................... 1-1
1-1. Features & Specifications ........................................................................1-1
1-2. Layout Diagram (NF8 Pro, NF8, NF8-V Pro, NF8-V)............................1-3
Chapter 2. Hardware Setup.................................................................... 2-1
2-1. Install The Motherboard...........................................................................2-1
2-2. Install CPU and Heatsink.........................................................................2-2
2-3. Install System Memory ............................................................................2-3
2-4. Connectors, Headers and Switches ..........................................................2-4
(1). ATX Power Input Connectors........................................................2-4
(2). FAN Power Connectors .................................................................2-5
(3). CMOS Memory Clearing Header ..................................................2-6
(4). Front Panel Switches & Indicators Headers ..................................2-7
(5). Additional USB Port Headers........................................................2-8
(6). Additional IEEE1394 Port Headers (NF8 Pro, NF8) ....................2-8
(7). Wake-up Header.............................................................................2-9
(8). Front Panel Audio Connection Header ........................................2-10
(9). Internal Audio Connectors ...........................................................2-11
(10). Accelerated Graphics Port Slot....................................................2-11
(11). Floppy and IDE Disk Drive Connectors......................................2-12
(12). Serial ATA Connectors .................................................................2-13
(13). Status Indicators...........................................................................2-13
(14). Back Panel Connectors ................................................................2-14
Chapter 3. BIOS Setup............................................................................ 3-1
3-1. SoftMenu Setup........................................................................................3-2
3-2. Standard CMOS Features.........................................................................3-4
3-3. Advanced BIOS Features.........................................................................3-7
3-4. Advanced Chipset Features......................................................................3-9
3-5. Integrated Peripherals ............................................................................3-11
3-6. Power Management Setup .....................................................................3-14
3-7. PnP/PCI Configurations.........................................................................3-17
3-8. PC Health Status ....................................................................................3-18
3-9. Load Fail-Safe Defaults .........................................................................3-19
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3-10. Load Optimized Defaults .......................................................................3-19
3-11. Set Password ..........................................................................................3-19
3-12. Save & Exit Setup ..................................................................................3-19
3-13. Exit Without Saving...............................................................................3-19
Appendix A. Install NVIDIA nForce Chipset Driver .......................................... A-1
Appendix B. Install Realtek Audio Driver............................................................ B-1
Appendix C. Install USB 2.0 Driver ..................................................................... C-1
Appendix D. Install AMD64 Processor Driver.....................................................D-1
Appendix E. ABIT EQ (The Hardware Doctor Utility) ....................................... E-1
Appendix F. FlashMenu (BIOS Update Utility) .................................................. F-1
Appendix G. NF8 NVRaid Floppy Disk ...............................................................G-1
Appendix H. Troubleshooting (Need Assistance?)...............................................H-1
Appendix I. How to Get Technical Support ......................................................... I-1
NF8 Series

Introduction 1-1
Chapter 1. Introduction
1-1. Features & Specifications
1. CPU
• Supports AMD Socket 754 Athlon 64/Sempron Processor with 1.6GHz system bus using
Hyper Transport™Technology
• Supports AMD K8 CPU Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology
2. Chipset
• NVIDIA NF3 250Gb single chip
• Integrated NVIDIA Gigabit Ethernet and NVIDIA Firewall
• Supports NV RAID
3. Memory
• Two 184-pin DIMM sockets
• Supports DDR400/333/266 non-ECC un-buffered memory
• Supports maximum memory capacity up to 2GB
4. ABIT Engineered
• ABIT SoftMenu™Technology
• ABIT CPU ThermalGuard™Technology
5. SATA NV RAID
• Serial ATA 1.5Gbps data transfer rate
• Supports SATA RAID 0/1 JBOD
6. GbE LAN
• NVIDIA Gigabit Ethernet Controller
7. IEEE 1394 (NF8 Pro/NF8)
• Supports 2 Ports IEEE 1394 at 100/200/400 Mb/s transfer rate
8. Audio
• Onboard 6-channel Audio CODEC
• Supports auto jack sensing
• Optical S/P DIF In/Out (NF8 Pro/NF8-V Pro)
9. Internal I/O Connectors
• 1x AGP 8X/4X slot
• 5x PCI slots
• 1x Floppy port supports up to 2.88MB
• 2x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 IDE connectors
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1-2 Chapter 1
• 2x SATA 150 connectors
• 2x USB 2.0 headers
• 1x IEEE 1394 header (NF8 Pro/NF8)
• 1x CD-IN header
10. Back Panel I/O
• 1x PS/2 keyboard, 1x PS/2 mouse
• 1x Parallel Port, 1x Serial Port
• 1 x S/P DIF Output, 1 x S/P DIF Input (NF8 Pro/NF8-V Pro)
• 1x AUDIO1 connector (Rear-Left / Rear-Right, Center/Subwoofer)
• 1x AUDIO2 connector (Mic-In, Line-In, Front-Left/Front-Right)
• 4x USB 2.0, 1x RJ-45 LAN Connector
• 1x IEEE 1394 Connector (NF8 Pro/NF8)
11. Miscellaneous
• ATX form factor: 305 x 245 mm
12. Order Information
Model Features
NF8 Pro IEEE 1394, S/P DIF In/Out
NF8 IEEE1394
NF8-V Pro S/P DIF In/Out
NF8-V
! Specifications and information contained herein are subject to change without notice.
NF8 Series

Introduction 1-3
1-2. Layout Diagram (NF8 Pro, NF8, NF8-V Pro, NF8-V)
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1-4 Chapter 11-4 Chapter 1
NF8 Series NF8 Series

Hardware Setup 2-1
Chapter 2. Hardware Setup
Before the Installation: Turn off the power supply switch (fully turn off the +5V standby power), or
disconnect the power cord before installing or unplugging any connectors or add-on cards. Failing to do
so may cause the motherboard components or add-on cards to malfunction or damaged.
2-1. Install The Motherboard
Most computer chassis have a base with many mounting holes to allow motherboard to be securely
attached on and at the same time, prevented from short circuits. There are two ways to attach the
motherboard to the chassis base:
1. use with studs
2. or use with spacers
In principle, the best way to attach the board is to
use with studs. Only if you are unable to do this
should you attach the board with spacers. Line up
the holes on the board with the mounting holes on
the chassis. If the holes line up and there are
screw holes, you can attach the board with studs.
If the holes line up and there are only slots, you
can only attach with spacers. Take the tip of the
spacers and insert them into the slots. After doing
this to all the slots, you can slide the board into
position aligned with slots. After the board has been positioned, check to make sure everything is OK
before putting the chassis back on.
ATTENTION: To prevent shorting the PCB circuit, please REMOVE the metal studs or spacers if they
are already fastened on the chassis base and are without mounting-holes on the motherboard to align with.
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2-2 Chapter 2
2-2. Install CPU and Heatsink
This motherboard provides a ZIF (Zero Insertion
Force) Socket 754 to install AMD Socket 754
CPU. The CPU you bought should contain with a
kit of heatsink, cooling fan, retention frame and
backplate. If that’s not the case, buy one specially
designed for Socket 754.
Please refer to the figure shown here to install
CPU and heatsink. (For reference only. Your
Heatsink & Fan Assembly may not be exactly the
same as this one.)
1. Locate the Socket 754 on this motherboard.
Pull the CPU release lever sideways to
unlatch and then raise it all the way up.
2. Drop the processor with its pin side down into
the CPU socket. Do not use extra force to
insert CPU; it only fits in one direction. Close
the CPU release lever.
3. Align the Backplate Standoffs with the
mounting holes on motherboard. Position the
backplate onto motherboard.
4. Place the Retention Frame onto the
motherboard and align it with the Backplate
Standoffs.
5. Place heatsink on top of CPU, and make sure
the heatsink fits properly on the retention
frame.
6. Hook both sides of the Spring Clip onto the
Mounting Tabs of Retention Frame. Tighten
screws until the Spring Clip is fully installed.
7. Attach the fan connector of Heatsink & Fan
Assembly with the CPU-FAN connector on
the motherboard.
ATTENTION: Do not forget to set the correct
bus frequency and multiple for your processor.
NF8 Series

Hardware Setup 2-3
2-3. Install System Memory
This system board provides two 184-pin DDR DIMM slots for DDR 400 memory modules with memory
expansion size up to 2GB.
Bank Memory Module Total Memory
Bank 0, 1 (DIMM1) 256MB, 512MB, 1GB 256MB ~ 1GB
Bank 2, 3 (DIMM2) 256MB, 512MB, 1GB 256MB ~ 1GB
Total System Memory 256MB ~ 2GB
NOTE: Usually there is no hardware or BIOS setup require after adding or removing memory modules,
but you will have to clear the CMOS memory first if any memory module related problem occurs.
Power off the computer and unplug the AC
power cord before installing or removing
memory modules.
1. Locate the DIMM slot on the board.
2. Hold two edges of the DIMM module
carefully, keep away of touching its
connectors.
3. Align the notch key on the module with the
rib on the slot.
4. Firmly press the module into the slots until the ejector tabs at both sides of the slot automatically
snaps into the mounting notch. Do not force the DIMM module in with extra force as the DIMM
module only fit in one direction.
5. To remove the DIMM modules, push the two ejector tabs on the slot outward simultaneously, and
then pull out the DIMM module.
ATTENTION: Static electricity can damage the electronic components of the computer or optional
boards. Before starting these procedures, ensure that you are discharged of static electricity by touching a
grounded metal object briefly.
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2-4 Chapter 2
2-4. Connectors, Headers and Switches
Here we will show you all of the connectors, headers and switches, and how to connect them. Please read
the entire section for necessary information before attempting to finish all the hardware installation inside
the computer chassis. A complete enlarged layout diagram is shown in Chapter 1 for all the position of
connectors and headers on the board that you may refer to.
WARNING: Always power off the computer and unplug the AC power cord before adding or removing
any peripheral or component. Failing to so may cause severe damage to your motherboard and/or
peripherals. Plug in the AC power cord only after you have carefully checked everything.
ATX Power Input Connectors (1).
This motherboard provides two power connectors to connect ATX12V power supplier.
NOTE: This 24-pin power connector “ATXPWR1” is compliant to the former 20-pin type. Pay attention
to the orientation when doing so (Pin-11, 12, 23, and 24 should be left un-connected).
NF8 Series

Hardware Setup 2-5
(2). FAN Power Connectors
These connectors each provide power to the cooling fans installed in your system.
• CPUFAN1: CPU Fan Power Connector
• SYSFAN1: System Fan Power Connector
• AUXFAN1, AUXFAN2, PWRFAN1: Auxiliary Fan Power Connector
WARNING: These fan connectors are not jumpers. DO NOT place jumper caps on these connectors.
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2-6 Chapter 2
(3). CMOS Memory Clearing Header
This header uses a jumper cap to clear the CMOS memory.
• Pin 1-2 shorted (default): Normal operation.
• Pin 2-3 shorted: Clear CMOS memory.
WARNING: Turn the power off first (including the +5V standby power) before clearing the CMOS
memory. Failing to do so may cause your system to work abnormally or malfunction.
NF8 Series

Hardware Setup 2-7
(4). Front Panel Switches & Indicators Headers
This header is used for connecting switches and LED indicators on the chassis front panel.
Watch the power LED pin position and orientation. The mark “+” align to the pin in the figure below
stands for positive polarity for the LED connection. Please pay attention to connect these headers. A
wrong orientation will only cause the LED not lighting, but a wrong connection of the switches could
cause system malfunction.
• HLED (Pin 1, 3):
Connects to the HDD LED cable of chassis front panel.
• RST (Pin 5, 7):
Connects to the Reset Switch cable of chassis front panel.
• SPKR (Pin 13, 15, 17, 19):
Connects to the System Speaker cable of chassis.
• SLED (Pin 2, 4):
Connects to the Suspend LED cable (if there is one) of chassis front panel.
• PWR (Pin 6, 8):
Connects to the Power Switch cable of chassis front panel.
• PLED (Pin 16, 18, 20):
Connects to the Power LED cable of chassis front panel.
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2-8 Chapter 2
(5). Additional USB Port Headers
These headers each provide 2 additional USB 2.0 ports connection through an USB cable designed for
USB 2.0 specifications.
Pin Pin Assignment Pin Pin Assignment
1 VCC 2 VCC
3 Data0 - 4 Data1 -
5 Data0 + 6 Data1 +
7 Ground 8 Ground
9 NC 10 NC
Additional IEEE1394 Port Headers (NF8 Pro, NF8) (6).
This header provides one additional IEEE1394 port connection through an extension cable and bracket.
Pin Pin Assignment Pin Pin Assignment
1 TPA0 + 2 TPA0 -
3 GND 4 GND
5 TPB0 + 6 TPB0 -
7 +12V 8 +12V
9 NC 10 GND
NF8 Series

Hardware Setup 2-9
(7). Wake-up Header
These headers use a jumper cap to enable/disable the wake-up function.
• KB-PWR1:
Pin 1-2 shorted (default): Disable wake-up function support at Keyboard/Mouse port.
Pin 2-3 shorted: Enable wake-up function support at Keyboard/Mouse port.
• USBPWR1:
Pin 1-2 shorted: Disable wake-up function support at USB1 port.
Pin 2-3 shorted (default): Enable wake-up function support at USB1 port.
• USBPWR2:
Pin 1-2 shorted: Disable wake-up function support at USB2 port.
Pin 2-3 shorted (default): Enable wake-up function support at USB2 port.
• USBPWR3:
Pin 1-2 shorted: Disable wake-up function support at FP-USB1 port.
Pin 2-3 shorted (default): Enable wake-up function support at FP-USB1 port.
• USBPWR4:
Pin 1-2 shorted: Disable wake-up function support at FP-USB2 port.
Pin 2-3 shorted (default): Enable wake-up function support at FP-USB2 port.
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2-10 Chapter 2
(8). Front Panel Audio Connection Header
This header provides the connection to audio connector at front panel.
• To use the audio connector at front panel, remove all the jumpers on this header, and then
connect to front panel by the extension cable provided with the chassis.
• To use the audio connector at rear panel, disconnect the extension cable, attach the jumpers back
at pin 5-6, and pin 9-10 (default setting).
Pin Pin Assignment Pin Pin Assignment
1 Audio Mic. 2 Ground
3 Audio Mic. Bias 4 VCC
5 Speaker Out Right
Channel 6 Speaker Out Right Channel Return
7 X 8 NC
9 Speaker Out Left
Channel 10 Speaker Out Left Channel Return
NF8 Series

Hardware Setup 2-11
(9). Internal Audio Connectors
This connector connects to the audio output of internal CD-ROM drive or add-on card.
(10). Accelerated Graphics Port Slot
This slot supports an optional AGP graphics card up to AGP 8X mode.
ATTENTION: This motherboard does not support 3.3V AGP cards. Use only 1.5V or 0.8V AGP cards.
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2-12 Chapter 2
(11). Floppy and IDE Disk Drive Connectors
The FDC1 connector connects up to two floppy drives with a 34-wire, 2-connector floppy cable. Connect
the single end at the longer length of ribbon cable to the FDC1 on the board, the two connectors on the
other end to the floppy disk drives connector. Generally you need only one floppy disk drive in your
system.
NOTE: The red line on the ribbon cable must be aligned with pin-1 on both the FDC1 port and the floppy
connector.
Each of the IDE port connects up to two IDE drives at
Ultra ATA/100 mode by one 40-pin, 80-conductor, and
3-connector Ultra ATA/66 ribbon cables.
Connect the single end (blue connector) at the longer
length of ribbon cable to the IDE port of this board, the
other two ends (gray and black connector) at the shorter
length of the ribbon cable to the connectors of your hard
drives.
NOTE: Make sure to configure the “Master” and “Slave” relation before connecting two drives by one
single ribbon cable. The red line on the ribbon cable must be aligned with pin-1 on both the IDE port and
the hard-drive connector.
NF8 Series