DFI EC300 Series User manual

EC300/310/320/321
Series
User’s Manual
A22100221

Copyright
This publication contains information that is protected by copyright. No part of it
may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any transfor-
mation/adaptation without the prior written permission from the copyright hold-
ers.
This publication is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer
makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents or use
of this manual and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. The user will assume the
entire risk of the use or the results of the use of this document. Further, the
manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication and make changes to
its contents at any time, without obligation to notify any person or entity of such
revisions or changes.
© 2012. All Rights Reserved.
Trademarks
Product names or trademarks appearing in this manual are for identification pur-
pose only and are the properties of the respective owners.

FCC and DOC Statement on Class B
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 when the equipment
is operated in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference 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 televi-
sion 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 into 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.
Notice:
1. The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
2. Shielded interface cables must be used in order to comply with the emission
limits.

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Introduction
Table of Contents
Copyright...........................................................................................2
Trademarks........................................................................................2
FCC and DOC Statement on Class B..............................................3
About this Manual .............................................................................7
Warranty ..........................................................................................7
Static Electricity Precautions.............................................................8
Safety Measures.................................................................................8
Safety Precautions .............................................................................9
About the Package .......................................................................... 10
Before Using the System................................................................. 10
Chapter 1 - Introduction ................................................................ 11
Overview..................................................................................... 11
Key Features ............................................................................... 14
Specifications................................................................................ 15
Getting to Know the EC300/310/320/321 Series ............................ 17
Mechanical Dimensions ................................................................ 26
Chapter 2 - Getting Started ........................................................... 29
Preparing the System .................................................................... 29
Installing Devices .......................................................................... 29
Configuring the BIOS .................................................................... 29
Installing the Operating System...................................................... 29
Installing the Drivers..................................................................... 30
Chapter 3 - Installing Devices......................................................... 31
Removing the Chassis Cover ......................................................... 31
Installing a SODIMM ..................................................................... 33
Installing a SATA Drive.................................................................. 36
Installing a CompactFlash Card ...................................................... 40
Installing a Mini PCIe and/or mSATA Card ...................................... 41
Installing the PCI and PCIe Expansion Cards................................... 46

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Introduction
Connecting Cables to Terminal Blocks ............................................ 49
Chapter 4 - Jumper Settings ........................................................... 51
Jumper Settings - System Board ..................................................... 51
Clear CMOS Data ..................................................................... 51
PS/2 Power Select.................................................................... 52
USB Power Select..................................................................... 53
COM1 and COM2 RS232/422/485 Select..................................... 54
COM1 and COM2 RS232/Power Select ........................................ 55
Power-on Select....................................................................... 56
Mini PCIe/mSATA Power Select .................................................. 57
Mini PCIe/mSATA Select............................................................ 58
Reset/Power on Select...............................................................59
Factory Testing ........................................................................ 60
Jumper Settings - I/O Board .......................................................... 61
Chapter 5 - Ports and Connectors ................................................ 70
Front Panel I/O Ports.................................................................... 70
USB Ports................................................................................ 71
Rear Panel I/O Ports..................................................................... 73
LAN Ports................................................................................ 79
USB Ports................................................................................ 80
VGA Port................................................................................. 81
Speaker-out ............................................................................ 82
Digital Input/Output ................................................................. 83
COM Ports............................................................................... 84
COM 3-10 RS232/422/485 Select (CRA060)................................ 85
COM 6-7 RS232/Power Select.................................................... 86
COM 3-6 RS232/422/485 Select (CR6880).................................. 87
COM 3-6 RS232/Power Select.................................................... 88
COM 3-6 RS232/422/485 Select (CR6G60) ................................. 89
COM 3-6 RS232/Power Select.................................................... 90
I/O Connectors............................................................................ 91
Chassis Intrusion Connector ...................................................... 91
SATA (Serial ATA) Connectors.................................................... 92
HDD Power.............................................................................. 93
Mini PCIe Slot.......................................................................... 94
Cooling Fan Connector.............................................................. 95
PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Connector ............................................... 96
Front Panel Connector .............................................................. 97
Battery ................................................................................... 98
CompactFlash Socket................................................................ 99
Chapter 6 - Mounting Options..................................................... 100
Wall Mounting............................................................................ 100

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Introduction
Chapter 7 - BIOS Setup................................................................ 103
Overview .................................................................................. 103
AMI BIOS Setup Utility .............................................................. 105
Main ......................................................................................... 105
Advanced ............................................................................................................106
Chipset ................................................................................................................126
Boot .....................................................................................................................134
Security ...............................................................................................................136
Save and Exit......................................................................................................140
Updating the BIOS...................................................................... 141
Chapter 8 - Supported Software .................................................. 142
Appendix A - NLITE and AHCI Installation Guide ....................... 174
Appendix B - Watchdog Timer...................................................... 186
Appendix C - System Error Message............................................ 189
Appendix D - Troubleshooting...................................................... 191

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Introduction
About this Manual
An electronic file of this manual is included in the CD. To view the user’s manual
in the CD, insert the CD into a CD-ROM drive. The autorun screen (Main Board
Utility CD) will appear. Click “User’s Manual” on the main menu.
Warranty
1. Warranty does not cover damages or failures that arised from misuse of the
product, inability to use the product, unauthorized replacement or alteration
of components and product specifications.
2. The warranty is void if the product has been subjected to physical abuse,
improper installation, modification, accidents or unauthorized repair of the
product.
3. Unless otherwise instructed in this user’s manual, the user may not, under
any circumstances, attempt to perform service, adjustments or repairs on the
product, whether in or out of warranty. It must be returned to the purchase
point, factory or authorized service agency for all such work.
4. We will not be liable for any indirect, special, incidental or consequencial
damages to the product that has been modified or altered.

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Introduction
Static Electricity Precautions
It is quite easy to inadvertently damage your PC, system board, components
or devices even before installing them in your system unit. Static electrical dis-
charge can damage computer components without causing any signs of physical
damage. You must take extra care in handling them to ensure against electro-
static build-up.
1. To prevent electrostatic build-up, leave the system board in its anti-static bag
until you are ready to install it.
2. Wear an antistatic wrist strap.
3. Do all preparation work on a static-free surface.
4. Hold the device only by its edges. Be careful not to touch any of the compo-
nents, contacts or connections.
5. Avoid touching the pins or contacts on all modules and connectors. Hold
modules or connectors by their ends.
Important:
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage your processor, disk drive and
other components. Perform the upgrade instruction procedures described
at an ESD workstation only. If such a station is not available, you can
provide some ESD protection by wearing an antistatic wrist strap and
attaching it to a metal part of the system chassis. If a wrist strap is
unavailable, establish and maintain contact with the system chassis
throughout any procedures requiring ESD protection.
Safety Measures
To avoid damage to the system:
• Use the correct DC input voltage range.
To reduce the risk of electric shock:
• Unplug the power cord before removing the system chassis cover for instal-
lation or servicing. After installation or servicing, cover the system chassis
before plugging the power cord.
Battery:
• Danger of explosion if battery incorrectly replaced.
• Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommend by the manufac-
turer.
• Dispose of used batteries according to local ordinance.

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Introduction
Safety Precautions
• Use the correct DC input voltage range.
• Unplug the power cord before removing the system chassis cover for installa-
tion or servicing. After installation or servicing, cover the system chassis be-
fore plugging the power cord.
• Danger of explosion if battery incorrectly replaced.
• Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommend by the manufac-
turer.
• Dispose of used batteries according to local ordinance.
• Keep this system away from humidity.
• Place the system on a stable surface. Dropping it or letting it fall may cause
damage.
• The openings on the system are for air ventilation to protect the system from
overheating. DO NOT COVER THE OPENINGS.
• Place the power cord in such a way that it will not be stepped on. Do not place
anything on top of the power cord. Use a power cord that has been approved
for use with the system and that it matches the voltage and current marked
on the system’s electrical range label.
• If the system will not be used for a long time, disconnect it from the power
source to avoid damage by transient overvoltage.
• If one of the following occurs, consult a service personnel:
- The power cord or plug is damaged.
- Liquid has penetrated the system.
- The system has been exposed to moisture.
- The system is not working properly.
- The system dropped or is damaged.
- The system has obvious signs of breakage.
• The unit uses a three-wire ground cable which is equipped with a third pin to
ground the unit and prevent electric shock. Do not defeat the purpose of this
pin. If your outlet does not support this kind of plug, contact your electrician
to replace the outlet.
• Disconnect the system from the DC outlet before cleaning. Use a damp cloth.
Do not use liquid or spray detergents for cleaning.

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Introduction
About the Package
The system package contains the following items. If any of these items are
missing or damaged, please contact your dealer or sales representative for as-
sistance.
1 System unit
1 SATA data/power cable
1 120W power adapter
1 Quick Installation guide
1 CD includes:
- Drivers
- Manual
The system and accessories in the package may not come similar to the informa-
tion listed above. This may differ in accordance to the sales region or models in
which it was sold. For more information about the standard package in your re-
gion, please contact your dealer or sales representative.
Optional Items
1 Wall mount kit
1 Power cord
Before Using the System
Before powering-on the system, prepare the basic system components.
If you are installing the system board in a new system, you will need at least the
following internal components.
• Memory module
• Storage devices such as hard disk drive, CD-ROM, etc.
You will also need external system peripherals you intend to use which will nor-
mally include at least a keyboard, a mouse and a video display monitor.