ECS A75F-A User manual

Preface
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 2.0
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.
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.
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.

ii
Preface
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.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement sur
le matériel brouilieur du Canada.
About the Manual
The manual consists of the following:
Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard
Describes features of the motherboard.
Go to Hpage 1
Describes installation of motherboard
components.
Go to Hpage 9
Provides information on using the BIOS
SetupUtility.
Go to Hpage 27
Describes the motherboard software
Go to Hpage 53
Provides information about SATA RAID
Setup
Go to Hpage 61
Chapter 6
SettingUp AMDA75 RAID
Configuration
page 69
Chapter 7
TroubleShooting
Provides basic troubleshooting tips
Go to H
Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard
Chapter 3
UsingBIOS
Chapter 4
Using the Motherboard Software
page 57
Chapter 5 Describes the ATI CrossFireTM Technol-
ogy
Go to
CrossFireTM Technology[AMD
Dual Graphics] Support H

iii
TT
TT
TABLE OF CONTENTSABLE OF CONTENTS
ABLE OF CONTENTSABLE OF CONTENTS
ABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface i
Chapter 1 1
IntroducingtheMotherboard 1
Introduction............................................................................................1
Feature.....................................................................................................2
MotherboardComponents...................................................................6
Chapter 2 99
99
9
Installing the Motherboard 9
SafetyPrecautions...............................................................................9
ChoosingaComputerCase..................................................................9
Installingthe Motherboardin aCase.................................................9
InstallingHardware.........................................................................10
Installingthe Processor....................................................................10
Installing Memory Modules...........................................................12
Expansion Slots.............................................................................14
Connecting Optional Devices........................................................16
Installing a SATA Hard Drive........................................................20
ConnectingI/ODevices......................................................................21
ConnectingCaseComponents...........................................................22
Front Panel Header.......................................................................25
Chapter 3 2727
2727
27
Using BIOS 27
Aboutthe SetupUtility....................................................................27
The Standard Configuration..........................................................27
Entering the Setup Utilities............................................................27
Resetting the Default CMOS Values............................................28
UsingBIOS........................................................................................28
BIOS Navigation Key....................................................................29
Main Menu....................................................................................31
Advanced Menu............................................................................32
Chipset Menu................................................................................43
M.I.B III (MB Intelligent BIOS III) Menu.........................................45
Boot Menu......................................................................................47
Security Menu...............................................................................48
Save & Exit Menu..........................................................................49
Updating the BIOS.........................................................................51

iv
Chapter 4 5353
5353
53
UsingtheMotherboardSoftware 53
AbouttheSoftwareDVD-ROM/CD-ROM.......................................53
Auto-installingunderWindows XP/Vista/7.....................................53
Running Setup...............................................................................54
ManualInstallation..........................................................................56
Utility SoftwareReference...............................................................56
Chapter 6 6161
6161
61
SettingUpAMDA75RAIDConfiguration 61
SettingUpa BootableRAIDArray....................................................61
Chapter 7 6969
6969
69
TroubleShooting 69
Startup problems during assembly.................................................69
Startup problemsafter prolonguse..................................................70
Maintenanceandcare tips.................................................................70
BasicTroubleshooting Flowchart.....................................................71
Chapter 5 5757
5757
57
CrossFireTM [AMDDualGraphics]Technology Support 57
CrossFireTM Technology..................................................................57

1
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Chapter1
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the A75F-A 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.
There is an advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel, including one PS/2 mouse
and keyboard combo connector, one HDMI port, one D-sub(VGA) port, one DVI
port, four USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, one Giga LAN port, one eSATA 6Gb/s
Port, one Clear CMOS Button, one optical SPDIFO port and audio jacks for micro-
phone, line-in and 8-ch line-out.
The motherboard is based on AMD A75 (Hudson D3) express chipset for best desk-
top platform. A75 is a single-chip, highly integrated, high performance Hyper-
Transport peripheral controller, unmatched by any other single chip-device control-
ler. The memory controller supports DDR3 memory DIMM frequencies of 2400(OC)/
2133 (OC)/1866/1600*1. It supports four DDR3 slots with maximum memory size
of 32 GB. Two PCI Express x16 slots*2, intended for Graphics Interface, are fully
compliant to the PCI Express Gen2 (version 2.0). In addition, two PCI Express x1
slots and three PCI slots are supported.
It integrates USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 interface, supporting up to ten USB 2.0 ports(four
USB 2.0 ports and three USB 2.0 headers support additional six USB 2.0 ports) and
four USB 3.0 ports(two USB 3.0 ports at rear panel and one USB 3.0 header supports
two USB 3.0 ports). The gray USB 2.0 header provides EZ charger technology,
please refer to chapter 2 parts of Front Panel USB 2.0 headers to check the detail
information. This motherboard integrates a Serial ATA host controller, supporting
five SATA ports with maximum transfer rate up to 6Gb/s each.
*1. Due to the limitation of AMD CPU spec, please refer to Memory QVL
for more information.
*2. The 2nd one(PCIEx16_S) runs at x4.

2
Audio
• 7.1+2 Channel High DefinitionAudio Codec
• Meets Microsoft WLP3.x (Windows Logo Program) audio requirements
• All DACs supports 44.1k/48k/96k/192kHz sample rate
• Software selectable 2.5V/3.2V/4.0V VREFOUT
• Direct Sound 3D. compatible
• Power Support: Digital: 3.3V; Analog: 5.0V
Feature
Processor
• Accommodates AMD Llano processors
• Supports CPU up to 100W TDP
This motherboard uses a socket FM1 that carries the following features:
The AMD A75 (Hudson D3) chipset is based on an innovative and scalable
architecture with proven reliability and performance.
Chipset
Memory
• Supports 2400(OC)/2133 (OC)/1866/1600 DDR3 SDRAM with Dual-
channel architecture
• Accommodates four unbuffered DIMMs
• Up to 8 GB per DIMM with maximum memory size up to 32 GB
IntroducingtheMotherboard
• Supports two PCI-Express x16 Gen2 slots(the 2nd one runs at x4)
• Supports two PCI Express x1 slots
• Compliant with PCI 2.3 specification at 33 MHz
• Supports five Serial ATA devices which speeds up to 6 Gb/s and one
eSATA at rear panel
• Integrated USB 3.0 Host Controller supporting up to four USB 3.0 ports
• Integrated USB 2.0 Host Controller supporting up to ten USB 2.0 ports
• Supports integrated RAID 0,1 and RAID 10 functionality across all 6
ports (RAID 10 requires use of 4 or more SATA ports)
•Supports ACPI states S3, S4 and S5
Onboard LAN
The onboard LAN provides the following features:
• Supports PCI ExpressTM 2.0
• Integrated 10/100/1000 transceiver
• Wake-on-LAN and remote wake-up support

3
Expansion Options
• Two PCI Express x16 slots for Graphics Interface(the 2nd one runs at
x4)
• Two PCI Express x1 slots
• Three 32-bit PCI v2.3 compliant slots
• Five 7-pin SATA connectors
Integrated I/O
The motherboard has a full set of I/O ports and connectors:
• One PS/2 keyboard and mouse combo connector
• Four USB 2.0 ports
• One VGA port
• One DVI port
• OneHDMI port
• Two USB 3.0 blue ports
• One RJ45 LAN port
• One eSATA port
• OneClearCMOS Button
• One optical SPDIFO port and audio jacks for microphone, line-in and
8-ch line-out
BIOS Firmware
• Power management
• Wake-up alarms
• CPUparameters
• CPUand memorytiming
The firmware can also be used to set parameters for different processor clock
speeds.
The motherboard uses AMI BIOS that enables users to configure many sys-
tem features including the following:
1. Some hardware specifications and software items are subject to change
without prior notice.
2. Due to chipset limitation, we recommend that motherboard be operated in
the ambiance between 0 and 50°C.
The motherboard comes with the following expansion options:
IntroducingtheMotherboard

4
IntroducingtheMotherboard
• AMD A75 (Hudson D3)
•FM1 for AMD Llano processors
• Supports CPU up to 100W TDP
• Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture
• 4 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets support up to 32 GB
• Supports 2400(OC)/2133 (OC)/1866/1600 DDR3 SDRAM
• 2 x PCI Express Gen2 x16 slots(the 2nd one runs at x4)
• 2 x PCI Express x1 slots
• 3 x PCI slots
• Supported by AMD A75 (Hudson D3)
-5 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s Host Controllers
-1 x eSATA 6.0Gb/s devices
• ALC8928-ChHighDefinitionaudioCODEC
• Compliant with HD audio specification
• Realtek 8111E VL-CG Gigabit Lan
• 1 x D-sub (VGA) port
• 1 x HDMI port
• 1 x PS/2 keyboard and mouse combo connector
• 4 x USB 2.0 ports
• 2 x USB 3.0 blue ports
• 1 x RJ45 LAN port
• 1 x DVI Port
• 1 x eSATA Port
• 1 x Clear CMOS Button
• 1xopticalSPDIFOportandaudio jacks for microphone, line-
in and 8-ch line-out
• 1 x 24-pin ATX Power Supply connector
• 1 x 8-pin ATX Power Supply connector
• 1 x 4-pin CPU_FAN connector
• 1 x 3-pin SYS_FAN connector
• 1 x 3-pin PWR_FAN connector
• 3 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 6 USB 2.0 ports
(F_USB1 supports EZ charger)
• 1 x USB 3.0 header support additional 2 USB 3.0 ports
• 5 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors
• 1 x COM header
• 1 x LPT header
• 1 x Front panel audio header
• 1 x Speaker header
• 1 x Front panel switch/LED header
• 1 x SPDIF out header
Chipset
Memory
Expansion
Slots
Storage
Audio
LAN
RearPanel I/O
InternalI/O
Connectors &
Headers
CPU
Specifications

5
IntroducingtheMotherboard
• AMIBIOSwith32MbSPIFlashROM
• Supports Multi-language BIOS Utility
• SupportsECS M.I.BIII Utility
SystemBIOS
Form Factor • ATX Size, 305mm x 220mm
• Support eBLU
• Support eDLU
• Support eSF
• Support EZ Charger
• SupportUEFIBIOSGUI
• Support eOC
AP Support

6
IntroducingtheMotherboard
MotherboardComponents

7
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Table of Motherboard Components
This concludes Chapter 1. The next chapter explains how to install the motherboard.
LABE
L
COMPONENTS
1. CPU Socket Socket FM1 for AMD Llano processors
2. CPU_FAN CPU cooling fan connector
3. DDR3_1~4 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM slots
4. ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX power connector
5. SYS_FAN System cooling fan connector
6. PWR_FAN Power cooling fan connector
7. SATA1~5 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
8. F_USB1 Front panel USB 2.0 header（with EZ Charge function）
9. F_USB2~3 Front panel USB 2.0 headers
10. USB3F Front panel USB 3.0 header
11. F_PANEL Front panel switch/LED header
12. LPT Onboard parallel port header
13. SPK Speaker header
14. SPDIFO SPDIF out header
15. COM Onboard serial port header
16. PCI1~3 32-bit add-on card slots
17. PCIEX16_S PCI Express x 4 slot
18. PCIE1~2 PCI Express x1 slots
19. PCIEX16 PCI Express slot for graphics interface
20. F_AUDIO Front panel audio header
21. ATX12V 8-pin +12V power connector

8
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Memo

9
InstallingtheMotherboard
Chapter2
InstallingtheMotherboard
SafetyPrecautions
• 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
• Leave components in the static-proof bags they came in
• Hold all circuit boards by the edges. Do not bend circuit boards
ChoosingaComputerCase
There are many types of computer cases on the market. The motherboard complies
with the specifications for the ATX system case. Some features on the motherboard
are implemented by cabling connectors on the motherboard to indicators and switches
on the system case. Make sure that your case supports all the features required. Make
sure that your case has sufficient power and space for all drives that you intend to
install.
Most cases have a choice of I/O templates in the rear panel. Make sure that the I/O
template in the case matches the I/O ports installed on the rear edge of the
motherboard.
This motherboard carries an ATX form factor of 305 X 220 mm. Choose a case that
accommodates this form factor.
InstallingtheMotherboard in aCase
Refer to the following illustration and instructions for installing the motherboard in
a case.
Most system cases have mounting brackets installed in the case, which correspond
the holes in the motherboard. Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets
and secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with screws.
Ensure that your case has an I/O template that supports the I/O ports and expansion
slots on your motherboard.

10
InstallingtheMotherboard
InstallingHardware
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 resis-
tors 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.
Avoid using cooling fans with sharp edges on the fan casing and the clips.
Also, install the cooling fan in a well-lit work area so that you can clearly
see the motherboard and processor socket.
Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard.

11
InstallingtheMotherboard
This motherboard has a socket FM1 processor socket. When choosing a processor,
consider the performance requirements of the system. Performance is based on the
processor design, the clock speed and system bus frequency of the processor, and the
quantity of internal cache memory and external cache memory.
Before installing the Processor
This motherboard automatically determines the CPU clock frequency and system
bus frequency for the processor. You may be able to change these settings by making
changes to jumpers on the motherboard, or changing the settings in the system Setup
Utility. We strongly recommend that you do not over-clock processors or other
components to run faster than their rated speed.
Warning:
1. Over-clocking components can adversely affect the reliability of the
system and introduce errors into your system. Over-clocking can perma-
nently damage the motherboard by generating excess heat in components
that are run beyond the rated limits.
2. Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the
power outlet before installing or removing the motherboard or other hard-
ware components.

12
InstallingtheMotherboard
1 Install your CPU. Pull up the lever away from
the socket and lift up to 90-degree angle.
2 Locate the CPU cut edge (the corner with
the pin hold noticeably missing). Align and
insert the CPU correctly.
3 Press the lever down and apply thermal
grease on top of the CPU.
4 Put the CPU Fan down on the retention mod-
ule and snap the four retention legs of the
cooling fan into place.
5 Flip the levers over to lock the heat sink in
placeandconnecttheCPUcoolingFanpower
cable to the CPU FAN connector. This com-
pletes the installation.
CPU Installation Procedure
The following illustration shows CPU installation components.
To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that you
use a high quality fan with 4800 rpm at least. CPU fan and heatsink
installation procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan/heatsink sup-
plied. The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary.
Installing Memory Modules
This motherboard accommodates four memory modules. It can support four 240-pin
DDR3 2400(OC)/2133 (OC)/1866/1600. The total memory capacity is 32 GB.
DDR3 SDRAM memory module table
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. Always
wear a grounding strap when you handle the modules.
You must install at least one module in any of the four slots. Each module can be
installed with 8 GB of memory.
Memory module Memory Bus
DDR3 1600 800 MHz
1. Due to the limitation of AMD CPU spec, please refer to Memory QVL
for more information.
*
DDR3 1866 933 MHz
DDR3 2133 1067 MHz
* For reference only
DDR3 2400 1200 MHz

13
InstallingtheMotherboard
Installation Procedure
Refer to the following to install the memory modules.
1 This motherboard supports unbuffered DDR3 SDRAM only.
2 Push the latches on each side of the DIMM slot down.
3 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.
4 Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge connector match the
notches in the DIMM slot.
5 Install the DIMM module into the slot and press it firmly down until it
seats correctly. The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to
the edges of the DIMM.
6 Installany remaining DIMM modules.
For best performance and compatibility, we recommend that users install
DIMMs in the sequence of DIMM3, DIMM1, DIMM4 and DIMM2.
* For reference only

14
InstallingtheMotherboard
Expansion Slots
InstallingAdd-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.
PCIEX16_S
Slot
PCI1~3 Slots This motherboard are equipped with three standard PCI slots.
PCI stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect and is a
bus standard for expansion cards, which for the most part, is
a supplement of the older ISA bus standard. The PCI slots on
this board are PCI v2.3 compliant.
The PCI Express x1 slots are fully compliant to the PCI
Express Gen2 (version 2.0).
PCIE1~2 Slots
Before installing an add-on card, check the documentation
for the card carefully. If the card is not Plug and Play, you
may have to manually configure the card before installa-
tion.
The PCI Express x4 slot is fully compliant to the PCI Ex-
press Base Specification revision 2.0.
The PCI Express x16 slot is used to install external PCI
Express graphics cards that are fully compliant to the PCI
Express Gen2 (version 2.0).
PCIEX16 Slot

15
InstallingtheMotherboard
Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:
1 Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the
slot you are going to use.
2 Install the edge connector of the add-on card into the expansion slot.
Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot.
3 Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case with a screw.
* For reference only

16
InstallingtheMotherboard
SPDIFO:SPDIF out header
This is an optional header that provides an S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface)
output to digital multimedia device through optical fiber or coaxial connector.
Connecting Optional Devices
Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional
devices:
SATA1~5: SerialATAconnectors
These connectors are used to support the new Serial ATA devices for the highest data
transfer rates (6.0 Gb/s), simpler disk drive cabling and easier PC assembly. It elimi-
nates limitations of the current Parallel ATA interface. But maintains register com-
patibility and software compatibility with Parallel ATA.
1Ground 2 TX+
3TX- 4 Ground
5RX- 6 RX+
7Ground --
Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name
2+5VA 5V analog Power
3 Key No pin
4GND Ground
Pin Signal Name Function
1SPDIF SPDIF digital output