Biostar TFORCE 550 SE User manual

TForce 550 SE Setup Manual
FCC Information and Copyright
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of 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
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. There is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
The vendor makes no representations or warranties with respect to the
contents here and specially disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability
or fitness for any purpose. Further the vendor reserves the right to revise this
publication and to make changes to the contents here without obligation to
notify any party beforehand.
Duplication of this publication, in part or in whole, is not allowed without first
obtaining the vendor’s approval in writing.
The content of this user’s manual is subject to be changed without notice and
we will not be responsible for any mistakes found in this user’s manual. All the
brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction.......................................... 1
1.1 Before You Start ................................................................................1
1.2 Package Checklist.............................................................................1
1.3 Motherboard Features......................................................................2
1.4 Rear Panel Connectors (Ver 5.x).....................................................4
1.5 Rear Panel Connectors (Ver 6.x).....................................................4
1.6 Motherboard Layout (Ver 5.x)........................................................5
1.7 Motherboard Layout (Ver 6.x)........................................................6
Chapter 2: Hardware Installation............................ 7
2.1 Installing Central Processing Unit (CPU).......................................7
2.2 FAN Headers......................................................................................9
2.3 Installing System Memory ..............................................................10
2.4 Connectors and Slots .......................................................................12
Chapter 3: Headers & Jumpers Setup.................... 14
3.1 How to Setup Jumpers ....................................................................14
3.2 Detail Settings..................................................................................14
Chapter 4: NVIDIA RAID Functions ...................... 23
4.1 Operation System............................................................................23
4.2 Raid Arrays ......................................................................................23
4.3 How RAID Works.............................................................................23
CHAPTER 5: OverClock Quick Guide...................... 26
5.1 T-Power Introduction .....................................................................26
5.2 T-Power BIOS Feature....................................................................27
5.3 T-Power Windows Feature ............................................................35
Chapter 6: Useful Help .......................................... 44
6.1 Driver Installation Note .................................................................44
6.2 Award BIOS Beep Code ..................................................................45
6.3 Extra Information ...........................................................................45
6.4 Troubleshooting...............................................................................47
Appendencies: SPEC In Other Language............... 48
German .................................................................................................................48
France....................................................................................................................50
Italian ....................................................................................................................52
Spanish ..................................................................................................................54
Portuguese............................................................................................................56
Polish .....................................................................................................................58
Russian ..................................................................................................................60
Arabic ....................................................................................................................62
Japanese................................................................................................................64

TForce 550 SE
1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 BEFORE YOU START
Thank you for choosing our product. Before you start installing the
motherboard, please make sure you follow the instructions below:
Prepare a dry and stable working environment with
sufficient lighting.
Always disconnect the computer from power outlet
before operation.
Before you take the motherboard out from anti-static
bag, ground yourself properly by touching any safely
grounded appliance, or use grounded wrist strap to
remove the static charge.
Avoid touching the components on motherboard or the
rear side of the board unless necessary. Hold the board
on the edge, do not try to bend or flex the board.
Do not leave any unfastened small parts inside the
case after installation. Loose parts will cause short
circuits which may damage the equipment.
Keep the computer from dangerous area, such as heat
source, humid air and water.
1.2 PACKAGE CHECKLIST
FDD Cable X 1
HDD Cable X 1
Serial ATA Cable X 1
Serial ATA Power Cable X 1
Rear I/O Panel for ATX Case X 1
User’s Manual X 1
Fully Setup Driver CD X 1
USB 2.0 Cable X1 (optional)
S/PDIF out Cable X 1 (optional)

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1.3 MOTHERBOARD FEATURES
Ver 5.x Ver 6.x
CPU
Socket AM2
AMD Athlon 64 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 x2 /
Sempron processors
AMD 64 Architecture enables 32 and 64 bit
computing
Supports Hyper Transport and Cool=n=Quiet
Socket AM2
AMD Athlon 64 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 x2 /
Sempron processors
AMD 64 Architecture enables 32 and 64 bit
computing
Supports Hyper Transport and Cool=n=Quiet
FSB Support up to 1000 MHz Bandwidth
Support HyperTransport
Support up to 1000 MHz Bandwidth
Support HyperTransport
Chipset nVIDIA nForce 550 nVIDIA nForce 550
Super I/O
ITE 8716F
Provides the most commonly used legacy Super
I/O functionality.
Low Pin Count Interface
Environment Control initiatives,
H/W Monitor
Fan Speed Controller
ITE's "Smart Guardian" function
ITE 8716F
Provides the most commonly used legacy Super
I/O functionality.
Low Pin Count Interface
Environment Control initiatives,
H/W Monitor
Fan Speed Controller
ITE's "Smart Guardian" function
Main
Memory
DIMM Slots x 4
Each DIMM supports 256/512MB & 1GB DDR2
Max Memory Capicity 4GB
Dual Channel Mode DDR2 memory module
Supports DDR2 533 / 667 / 800
Registered DIMM and ECC DIMM is not
supported
DIMM Slots x 4
Each DIMM supports 256/512MB & 1GB DDR2
Max Memory Capicity 4GB
Dual Channel Mode DDR2 memory module
Supports DDR2 533 / 667 / 800
Registered DIMM and ECC DIMM is not
supported
IDE
Integrated IDE Controller
Ultra DMA 33 / 66 / 100 / 133 Bus Master Mode
supports PIO Mode 0~4.
Integrated IDE Controller
Ultra DMA 33 / 66 / 100 / 133 Bus Master Mode
supports PIO Mode 0~4.
SATA II
Integrated Serial ATA Controller
Data transfer rates up to 3 Gb/s.
SATA Version 2.0 specification compliant.
Integrated Serial ATA Controller
Data transfer rates up to 3 Gb/s.
SATA Version 2.0 specification compliant.
LAN Marvell 88E1116 PHY
10 / 100 Mb/s and 1Gb/s Auto-Negotiation
Marvell 88E1116 PHY
10 / 100 Mb/s and 1Gb/s Auto-Negotiation

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Ver 5.x Ver 6.x
Sound
ALC 888
7.1 channels audio out
HD Audio
ALC861VD
5.1 channels audio out
HD Audio
PCI slot x4 PCI slot x4
PCI Express x16 slot x1 PCI Express x16 slot x1
Slots
PCI Express x 1 slot x2 PCI Express x 1 slot x2
Floppy connector x1 Floppy connector x1
Printer Port connector x1 Printer Port connector x1
IDE Connector x1 IDE Connector x1
SATA Connector x4 SATA Connector x4
Front Panel Connector x1 Front Panel Connector x1
Front Audio Connector x1 Front Audio Connector x1
CD-in Connector x1 CD-in Connector x1
S/PDIF out connector x1 S/PDIF out connector x1
CPU Fan header x1 CPU Fan header x1
System Fan header x3 System Fan header x3
Chassis open header (optional) x1 Chassis open header (optional) x1
CMOS clear header x1 CMOS clear header x1
USB connector x2 USB connector x2
Power Connector (24pin) x1 Power Connector (24pin) x1
On Board
Connector
Power Connector (4pin) x1 Power Connector (4pin) x1
Back Panel
I/O
PS/2 Keyboard x1
PS/2 Mouse x1
Serial Port x1
LAN port x1
USB Port x6
Audio Jack x6
PS/2 Keyboard x1
PS/2 Mouse x1
Serial Port x1
LAN port x1
USB Port x6
Audio Jack x3
Board Size 219 x 304 (mm) 219 x 304 (mm)
Special
Features
NVIDIA nTunes
RAID 0 / 1 / 0+1support
NVIDIA nTunes
RAID 0 / 1 / 0+1support
OS Support
Windows 2K / XP / VISTA
Biostar Reserves the right to add or remove
support for any OS With or without notice.
Windows 2K / XP / VISTA
Biostar Reserves the right to add or remove
support for any OS With or without notice.

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1.4 REAR PANEL CONNECTORS (VER 5.X)
PS/2
Mouse
PS/2
Keyboard
COM1 USBX2USBX2
LAN
Line In
Line Out
Mic In
Center
Rear
Side
USBX2
1.5 REAR PANEL CONNECTORS (VER 6.X)
PS/2
Mouse
PS/2
Keyboard
COM1 USBX2USBX2
LAN
USBX2
Line In/
Surround
Line Out
Mic In 1/
Bass/ Center

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1.6 MOTHERBOARD LAYOUT (VER 5.X)
JKBMS1
JUSB4
JUSB3
JAUDIO1
JUSBLAN1
BIOS
PEX1_1
PCI1
FDD1
BAT1
JCOM1
JUSBV2
JCDIN1
Codec
LAN
JSPDIF_OUT
JATXPWR2
JPRNT1
PCI2
Super I/O
JUSBV1
JUSB2 JUSB1
DDR2A1
JSFAN1
JCI1
JCMOS1
JPANEL1
IDE1
JATXPWR1
JCFAN1
JSATA4
JSATA3
JSFAN2
JNFAN1
JDDRII_2.4V
LED1 LED2
DDR2B1 DDR2B2 DDR2A2
Socket A M2
JKBMSV1
PEX16_1
PEX1_2
PCI4
PCI3
nForce 550
JSATA2
JSATA1
JAUDIOF1 PWRSW1RSTSW1
Note: ■represents the 1st pin.

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1.7 MOTHERBOARD LAYOUT (VER 6.X)
JKBMS1
JUSB4
JUSB3
JAUDIO1
JUSBLAN1
BIOS
PEX1_1
PCI1
FDD1
BAT1
JCOM1
JUSBV2
JCDIN1
Codec
LAN
JSPDIF_OUT
JATXPWR2
JPRNT1
PCI2
Super I/O
JUSBV1
JUSB2 JUSB1
DDR2A1
JSFAN1
JCI1
JCMOS1
JPANEL1
IDE1
JATXPWR1
JCFAN1
JSATA4
JSATA3
JSFAN2
JNFAN1
JDDRII_2.4V
LED1 LED2
DDR2B1 DDR2B2 DDR2A2
Socket A M2
JKBMSV1
PEX16_1
PEX1_2
PCI4
PCI3
nForce 550
JSATA2
JSATA1
JAUDIOF1 PWRSW1RSTSW1
Note: ■represents the 1st pin.

TForce 550 SE
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CHAPTER 2: HARDWARE INSTALLATION
2.1 INSTALLING CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
Step 1: Remove the socket protection cap.
Step 2: Pull the lever toward direction A from the socket and then raise the
lever up to a 90-degree angle.
Step 3: Look for the white triangle on socket, and the gold triangle on
CPU should point forwards this white triangle. The CPU will fit
only in the correct orientation.

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Step 4: Hold the CPU down firmly, and then close the lever toward direct
B to complete the installation.
Step 5: Put the CPU Fan on the CPU and buckle it. Connect the CPU
FAN power cable to the JCFAN1. This completes the installation.

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2.2 FAN HEADERS
These fan headers support cooling-fans built in the computer. The fan
cable and connector may be different according to the fan manufacturer.
Connect the fan cable to the connector while matching the black wire to
pin#1.
JCFAN1: CPU Fan Header
Pin
Assignment
1 Ground
2 +12V
3FAN RPM
rate sense
4
1
JCFAN1
4SmartFan
Control
JSFAN1/JSFAN2: System Fan Header
JSFAN1
Pin Assignment
1 Ground
2 Smart Fan
Control
3 FAN RPM rate
sense
JSFAN2
Pin Assignment
1 Ground
2 +12V
1
3
1
3
JSFAN2
JSFAN1
3 NC
JNFAN1: North Bridge Fan Header
Pin
Assignment
1 Ground
2 +12V
3
1
JNFAN1
3FANRPM
rate sense
Note:
The JSFAN1/JSFAN2 and JNFAN1 support 3-pin head connector. When connecting with
wires onto connectors, please note that the red wire is the positive and should be
connected to pin#2, and the black wire is Ground and should be connected to GND.

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2.3 INSTALLING SYSTEM MEMORY
DDR2A1 DDR2B1 DDR2B2 DDR2A2
1. Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the retaining clips outward. Align a
DIMM on the slot such that the notch on the DIMM matches the
break on the Slot.
2. Insert the DIMM vertically and firmly into the slot until the retaining
chip snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.
B. Memory Capacity
DIMM Socket
Location DDR/DDR2 Module Total Memory Size
DDR2A1 256MB/512MB/1GB *1
DDR2B1 256MB/512MB/1GB *1
DDR2A2 256MB/512MB/1GB *1
DDR2B2 256MB/512MB/1GB *1
Max is 4GB.

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C. Dual Channel Memory installation
To trigger the Dual Channel function of the motherboard, the memory module
must meet the following requirements:
Install memory module of the same density in pairs, shown in the following
table.
Duual Channel Status DDR2A1 DDR2B1 DDR2A2 DDR2B2
Enabled O O X X
Enabled X X O O
Enabled O O O O
(O means memory installed, X means memory not installed.)
The DRAM bus width of the memory module must be the same (x8 or
x16)

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2.4 CONNECTORS AND SLOTS
FDD1: Floppy Disk Connector
The motherboard provides a standard floppy disk connector that supports 360K,
720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88M floppy disk types. This connector supports the
provided floppy drive ribbon cables.
34 33
12
IDE1: Hard Disk Connectors
The motherboard has a 32-bit Enhanced PCI IDE Controller that provides PIO
Mode 0~4, Bus Master, and Ultra DMA 33/66/100/133 functionality. It has two
HDD connectors IDE1 (primary) and IDE2 (secondary).
The IDE connectors can connect a master and a slave drive, so you can
connect up to four hard disk drives. The first hard drive should always be
connected to IDE1.
21
3940
IDE1

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PEx16-1: PCI-Express x16 Slot
-PCI-Express 1.0a compliant.
-Maximum theoretical realized bandwidth of 4GB/s simultaneously per
direction, for an aggregate of 8GB/s totally.
PEx1_1/PEx1_2: PCI-Express x1 slots
-PCI-Express 1.0a compliant.
-Data transfer bandwidth up to 250MB/s per direction; 500MB/s in total.
-PCI-Express supports a raw bit-rate of 2.5Gb/s on the data pins.
-2X bandwidth over the traditional PCI architecture.
PEX1_1
PEX16-1
PEX1_2
PCI1~PCI4: Peripheral Component Interconnect Slots
This motherboard is equipped with 4 standard PCI slots. PCI stands for
Peripheral Component Interconnect, and it is a bus standard for expansion
cards. This PCI slot is designated as 32 bits.
PCI1
PCI2
PCI4
PCI3

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CHAPTER 3: HEADERS & JUMPERS SETUP
3.1 HOW TO SETUP JUMPERS
The illustration shows how to set up jumpers. When the jumper cap is
placed on pins, the jumper is “close”, if not, that means the jumper is
“open”.
Pin opened Pin closed Pin1-2 closed
3.2 DETAIL SETTINGS
JPANEL1: Front Panel Header
This 16-pin connector includes Power-on, Reset, HDD LED, Power LED, Sleep
button and speaker connection. It allows user to connect the PC case’s front
panel switch functions.
18
16
SLP
PWR_LED
On/Off
RST
HLED
SPK
++
+
9
-
-
Pin Assignment Function Pin Assignment Function
1 +5V 9 Sleep control
2 N/A 10 Ground
Sleep button
3 N/A 11 N/A N/A
4 Speaker
Speaker
Connector
12 Power LED (+)
5 HDD LED (+) 13 Power LED (+)
6 HDD LED (-)
Hard drive
LED 14 Power LED (-)
Power LED
7 Ground 15 Power button
8 Reset control Reset button 16 Ground Power-on button
This 16-pin connector includes Power-on, Reset, HDD LED, Power LED, Sleep
button and speaker Connection. It allows user to connect the PC case’s front
panel switch functions.

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JATXPWR1: ATX Power Source Connector
This connector allows user to connect 24-pin power connector on the ATX
power supply.
Pin Assignment
1 +3.3V
2 +3.3V
3 Ground
4 +5V
5 Ground
6 +5V
7 Ground
8 PW_OK
9 Standby
Voltage +5V
10 +12V
11 +12V
12 +3.3V
13 +3.3V
14 -12V
15 Ground
16 PS-ON
17 Ground
18 Ground
19 Ground
20 NC
21 +5V
22 +5V
23 +5V
1 13
12
24
24 Ground
JATXPWR2: ATX Power Source Connector
By connecting this connector, it will provide +12V to CPU power circuit.
Pin
Assignment
1 +12V
2 +12V
3 Ground
1
2
34
4 Ground

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JUSB1/JUSB2: Headers for USB 2.0 Ports at Front Panel
This header allows user to connect additional USB cable on the PC front panel,
and also can be connected with internal USB devices, like USB card reader.
Pin
Assignment
1 +5V (fused)
2 +5V (fused)
3 USB-
4 USB-
5 USB+
6 USB+
7 Ground
8 Ground
9 Key
1
2
9
10
JUSBV1/JUSBV2/JKBMSV1: Power Source Headers for USB Ports
Pin 1-2 Close:
JUSBV1: +5V for USB ports at front panel (JUSB1/JUSB2).
JUSBV2: +5V for USB ports at JUSBLAN1, JUSB3 / JUSB4.
JKBMSV1: 5V for PS/2 keyboard and mouse.
Pin 2-3 Close:
JUSBV1: USB ports at front panel (JUSB1/JUSB2) are powered by +5V
standby voltage.
JUSBV2: USB ports at JUSBLAN1, JUSB3 / JUSB4 are powered by +5V
standby voltage.
JKBMSV1: PS/2 mouse and keyboard are powered with +5V standby
voltage.
3
1
1
3
Pin 1-2 close
13
1
3
JUSBV1
JUSBV2
JKBMSV1
3
1
1
3
Pin 2-3 close
Note:
In order to support this function “Power-On system via USB device,” “JUSBV1/ JUSBV2”
jumper cap should be placed on Pin 2-3 individually.

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JAUDIOF1: Front Panel Audio Header
This header allows user to connect the front audio output cable with the PC front
panel. It will disable the output on back panel audio connectors.
Pin Assignment
1 Mic Left in
2 Ground
3 Mic Right in
4 GPIO
5 Right line in
6 Jack Sense
7 Front Sense
8 Key
9 Left line in
10 Jack Sense
19
210
JCDIN1: CD-ROM Audio-in Connector
This connector allows user to connect the audio source from the variaty devices,
like CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, PCI sound card, PCI TV turner card etc.
Pin
Assignment
1 Left Channel
Input
2 Ground
3 Ground
14
4 Right Channel
Input

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JCMOS1: Clear CMOS Header
By placing the jumper on pin2-3, it allows user to restore the BIOS safe setting
and the CMOS data, please carefully follow the procedures to avoid damaging
the motherboard.
13
Pin 1-2 Close:
Normal Operation
(default).
13
13
Pin 2-3 Close:
Clear CMOS data.
※Clear CMOS Procedures:
1. Remove AC power line.
2. Set the jumper to “Pin 2-3 close”.
3. Wait for five seconds.
4. Set the jumper to “Pin 1-2 close”.
5. Power on the AC.
6. Reset your desired password or clear the CMOS data.
JCI1: Chassis Open Header (optional)
This connector allows system to monitor PC case open status. If the signal has
been triggered, it will record to the CMOS and show the message on next
boot-up.
Pin
Assignment
1 Case open
signal
12
2 Ground