ECS GF8100VM-M3 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 1.0b
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.
FederalCommunicationsCommission(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 governing
this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system’s manu-
facturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
TrademarkRecognition
Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
AMD, 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
DeclarationofConformity
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 interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation
CanadianDepartmentofCommunications
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.
AbouttheManual
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.
Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard Goto Hpage 7
Chapter 3
UsingBIOS
H
Provides information on us-
ing the BIOS Setup Utility.
Go to page 27
Chapter 4
Using the Motherboard Software
Describes the motherboard
software
Go to Hpage 45
Chapter 5
SettingUpNVIDIARAID Configuration
Provides information about
SATARAIDSetup
Go to Hpage 51
Chapter 6
NVIDIA®®
®®
®HybridSLI®®
®®
®TechnologySupport
Provides information about
Hybrid SLI technology
Go to Hpage 61

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.............................................................5
Chapter 2 77
77
7
Installing the Motherboard 7
SafetyPrecautions...........................................................................7
Choosinga ComputerCase............................................................7
Installingthe Motherboard inaCase............................................7
CheckingJumperSettings...............................................................8
Setting Jumpers...................................................................8
Checking Jumper Settings...................................................9
Jumper Settings...................................................................9
InstallingHardware........................................................................10
Installing the Processor.....................................................10
Installing Memory Modules...............................................11
Expansion Slots..................................................................15
ConnectingI/ODevices................................................................22
Chapter 3 27
UsingBIOS 27
Aboutthe SetupUtility................................................................ 27
The Standard Configuration..............................................27
Entering the Setup Utility...................................................27
UsingBIOS......................................................................................28
BIOS Navigation Keys......................................................28
Standard CMOS Setup......................................................29
Advanced Setup.................................................................31
Advanced Chipset Setup....................................................32
ConnectingCase Components....................................................23
Front Panel Header.............................................................25
Installing a Hard Disk Drive/CD-ROM/SATA Hard Drive...20
Installing a Floppy Diskette Drive......................................21
Connecting Optional Devices..............................................17

iv
Integrated Peripherals.......................................................34
Power Management Setup.................................................35
PCI/PNP Configuration.....................................................37
PC Health Status................................................................38
Frequency/Voltage Control................................................40
Load Default Settings.......................................................41
Supervisor Password........................................................41
User Password..................................................................42
Save & Exit Setup..............................................................42
Exit Without Saving............................................................42
Chapter 4 4545
4545
45
UsingtheMotherboardSoftware 45
Aboutthe SoftwareCD-ROM......................................................45
Auto-installingunderWindowsXP/Vista..................................45
Running Setup....................................................................46
Manual Installation........................................................................50
UtilitySoftwareReference............................................................50
Chapter 5 5151
5151
51
SettingUpNVIDIARAIDConfiguration 51
SettingUp aNon-Bootable RAIDArray....................................51
Setting Upa Bootable RAIDArray.............................................54
Chapter 6 6161
6161
61
NVIDIA®®
®®
®HybridSLI®®
®®
®TechnologySupport 61
KeyFeatures...................................................................................61
HybridSLIProducts......................................................................62
HybridRequirements and Constraints.......................................63
InstallationandUse.......................................................................64
Updating the BIOS.............................................................43

1
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Chapter1
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the GF8100VM-M3 motherboard. This motherboard is a
high performance, enhanced function motherboard that supports socket for AMD
PhenomTM processor (socket AM2+)/AMD AthlonTM 64 X2 Dual-Core/AthlonTM 64/
SempronTM processors for high-end business or personal desktop markets.
This motherboard is based on NVIDIA®GeForce8100 (MCP78V) Premium media
and communications processor (MCP) for best desktop platform solution.
GeForce8100 is a single-chip, highly integrated, high performance HyperTransport
peripheral controller, unmatched by any other single chip-device controller. The
memory controller supports DDR2 memory DIMM frequencies of 1066*1(AM2+)/
800/667/533/400. It supports four DDR2 sockets with maximum memory size of 32
GB*2.High resolution graphics via one PCI Express x16 slot, two PCI Express x1
slots, 12 USB 2.0 ports (6 USB ports and 3 USB 2.0 headers support additional 6 USB
ports) and SATA support with RAID function.
There is an advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel, including PS/2 mouse and
keyboard connectors, COM, one VGA port, one optional DVI port, six USB ports,
one LAN port and audio jacks for microphone, line-in and 6/8-ch (optional) line-out.
This motherboard is designed in a Micro ATX form factor using a four-layer printed
circuit board and measures 244 mm x 244 mm.
2. Due to the DRAM maximum size (2 GB per dimm) at present, the
memory maximum size we have tested is 8 GB.
1. Due to the limitation of AMD CPU spec, please refer to Memory QVL
for more information.
*

2
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Feature
Processor
HyperTransportTM Technology is a point-to-point link between two devices, it
enables integrated circuits to exchange information at much higher speeds than
currently available interconnect technologies.
• Accommodates AMD PhenomTM processor (socket AM2+)
AMD AthlonTM 64 X2 Dual-Core/AthlonTM 64/SempronTM processors
• Supports HyperTransportTM (HT) 3.0 interface speeds
This motherboard uses a socket AM2+/AM2 that carries the following features:
The NVIDIA®GeForce8100 is a single-chip with proven reliability and perfor-
mance.
• HyperTransport 3.0 x16 up and down links to the AMD socket AM2+/
AM2CPU
• PCI Express 16-lane link interface for external graphics processors
• PCI ExpressGeneration 2.0 compatible
• IntegratedNVIDIAGeForce®SeriesDirectX 10 Vertex Shader4.0graph-
ics processor
• Compliant with PCI v2.3 interface at 33 MHz
• Integrated SATA 3.0 Gb/s Host Controller
• Twelve USB 2.0 ports supported
• Fast ATA-133 IDE controller
• NVIDIA®MediaShieldTM RAIDwith support for RAID0, RAID1, RAID0+1,
RAID5,and JBOD
• Integrated Hybrid SLI technology, NVIDIA®UltraShadowTM technology,
full NVIDIA®nView®multi-display technology capability
Chipset
• SupportsDDR21066 (AM2+)/800/667/533/400DDR2SDRAMwithDual-
channel architecture
• Accommodates four unbuffered DIMMs
• Up to 8GB perDIMM with maximum memory size up to 32GB*
Memory
There are three Hybrid SLI modes for you to select: Save Power,
Boost Performance and Additional Displays.
This board supports CPU up to 95W TDP only

3
IntroducingtheMotherboard
This motherboard supports Ultra DMA bus mastering with transfer rates of 133/
100/66/33 Mb/s.
• One PCI Express x16 slot for Graphics Interface
• Two PCI Express x1 slots
• One 32-bit PCI v2.3 compliant slot
• One IDE connector supporting up to two IDE devices
• One floppy disk drive interface
• Six 7-pin SATA connectors
Expansion Options
Integrated I/O
The motherboard comes with the following expansion options:
• Two PS/2 ports for mouse and keyboard
• One serial port
• One VGA port
• One optionalDVI port
• Six USB ports
• One LAN port
• Audio jacks for microphone, line-in and 6/8-ch (optional) line-out
The motherboard has a full set of I/O ports and connectors:
Onboard LAN (Optional)
The onboard LAN provides either of the following features:
• Compliant with1000Base-T IEEE 802.3ab,100Base-TX IEEE 802.3u
• Supports half/full duplex operation
• IEEE802.3compliantRGMII/MII
• 10/100 full/half duplex operation
• Supports RMII mode, MII, and 7-wire SNI (Serial Network Interface)
• IEEE 802.3/802.3u compliant
Audio (Optional)
The onboard Audio provides either of the following features:
• 5.1 Channel High DefinitionAudio Codec
• DACs Support 96K/48K/44.1KHz DAC sample rate
• Power support: Digital:3.3V; Analog:5.0V
• WOWTM and Tru SurroundTM from SRS
• Provides single ended CD input with DRM solutions and legacy
OS issues
• 7.1 Channel High DefinitionAudio Codec
• SPDIF In/Out supports 96K/48K/44.1KHz plus SPDIF OUT sup-
ports 88.2 KHz
• Power support: Digital:3.3V; Analog:5.0V
• MAxx PlayerTM from Waves
• Provides single ended CD input with DRM solutions and legacy
OS issues

4
IntroducingtheMotherboard
BIOS Firmware
• Power management
• Wake-up alarms
• CPUparameters
• CPUandmemorytiming
1. Some hardware specifications and software items are subject to change
without prior notice.
The motherboard uses AMI BIOS that enables users to configure many system
features including the following:
The firmware can also be used to set parameters for different processor clock
speeds.
2. Due to chipset limitation, we recommend that motherboard be oper-
ated in the ambiance between 0 and 50 °C.

5
IntroducingtheMotherboard
MotherboardComponents

6
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Table of Motherboard Components
This concludes Chapter 1. The next chapter explains how to install the motherboard.
LABEL COMPONENTS
1. CPU Socket Socket for AMD PhenomTM processor (socket AM2+)/AMD
AthlonTM 64 X2 Dual-Core/AthlonTM 64/SempronTM processors
2. CPU_FAN CPU cooling fan connector
3. DDR2_1~4 240-pin DDR2 SDRAM slots
4. FDD Floppy disk drive connector
5. ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX power connector
6. IDE Primary IDE connector
7. SATA1~6 Serial ATA connectors
8. F_PANEL Front Panel Switch/LED header
9. SPK Speaker header
10. CLR_CMOS Clear CMOS jumper
11. USBPWR_F1~2 Front Panel USB Power Select jumper
12. F_USB1~3 Front Panel USB headers
13. LPT Parallel port header
14. SPDIFO SPDIF out header
15. CD_IN Analog Audio Input connector
16. F_AUDIO Front Panel Audio header
17. PCI 32-bit add-on cardslots
18. PCIEX16 PCI Express x16 graphics card slot
19. PCIE1~2 PCI Express x1 slots
20. SYS_FAN System Fan connector
21. USBPWR_R1~2 Rear USB/PS2 Power Select jumper
22. ATX12V 4-pin +12Vpower connector

7
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 Micro ATX system case. Firstly, some features on the
motherboard are implemented by cabling connectors on the motherboard to indica-
tors and switches on the system case. Make sure that your case supports all the
features required. Secondly, this motherboard supports one floppy diskette drive and
two enhanced IDE drives. 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 a Micro ATX form factor of 244 x 244 mm. Choose a case
that accommodates this form factor.

8
InstallingtheMotherboard
CheckingJumperSettings
This section explains how to set jumpers for correct configuration of the motherboard.
SettingJumpers
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. If you remove the jumper
cap, or place the jumper cap on just one pin,
the jumper is OPEN.
This illustration shows a 3-pin jumper. Pins
1 and 2 are SHORT
SHORT OPEN
Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard.

9
InstallingtheMotherboard
Checking Jumper Settings
The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is
labeled.
JumperSettings
To avoid the system instability after clearing CMOS, we recommend
users to enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Optimized Defaults”
and then “Save & Exit Setup”.
1.
2. Make sure the power supply provides enough VCC5_DUAL voltage
before selecting the VCC5_DUAL function.
3. It is required that users place the USBPWR_F & USBPWR_R cap onto
2-3 pin rather than 1-2 pin as default if you want to wake up the
computer by USB/PS2 KB/Mouse.
Jumper Type Description Setting (default)
CLR_CMOS 3-pin CLEAR CMOS
1-2: NORMAL
2-3: CLEAR
Before clearing the
CMOS, make sure to
turn the system off.
3-pin
USBPWR_R1~2 1-2: VCC5
2-3: VCC5_DUAL
Rear USB/PS2
Power Select
Jumper
3-pin
USBPWR_F1~2 1-2: VCC5
2-3: VCC5_DUAL
Front Panel
USB Power
Select Jumper USBPWR_F1~2
CLR_CMOS
1
USBPWR_R1~2
1
1

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.
This motherboard has a socket AM2+/AM2 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.
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
hardware components.
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 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.
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.

11
InstallingtheMotherboard
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
supplied. The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary.
1 Unhook the locking lever of the CPU socket. Pull the
locking lever away from the socket and raising it to
the upright position.
2 Match the pin1 corner marked as the beveled edge
on the CPU with the pin1 corner on the socket. Insert
the CPU into the socket. Do not use force.
3 Push the locking lever down and hook it under the
latch on the edge of socket.
4 Apply thermal grease to the top of the CPU.
5 Installthe cooling fan/heatsinkunitonto the CPU,and
secure them all onto the socket base.
6 Plug the CPU fan power cable into the CPU fan
connector (CPU_FAN) on the motherboard.
Installing Memory Modules
This motherboard accommodates four memory modules. It can support four 240-pin
DDR2 1066 (AM2+)/800/667/533/400. The total memory capacity is 32 GB*.
DDR2 SDRAM memory module table
You must install at least one module in any of the four slots. Each module can be
installed with 8 GB of memory; total memory capacity is 32 GB*.
Memory module Memory Bus
DDR2 400 200 MHz
DDR2 533 266 MHz
DDR2 667 333 MHz
DDR2 800 400 MHz
DDR2 1066 533 MHz
The four DDR2 memory sockets (DDR2_1, DDR2_2, DDR2_3, DDR2_4) are di-
vided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as following:
ff Channel 0: DDR2_1, DDR2_2
ff Channel 1: DDR2_3, DDR2_4

12
InstallingtheMotherboard
Installation Procedure
Refer to the following to install the memory modules.
1 This motherboard supports unbuffered DDR2 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, DIMM4, DIMM1 and
DIMM2.
Recommend configuration for best performance and compatibility
Number of DIMMs DIMM 1 DIMM 2 DIMM 3 DIMM 4 AM2 AM2+ *
1Single Channel Unganged Mode
2Dual Channel Ganged Mode
3Single Channel Unganged Mode
4Dual Channel Ganged Mode
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.
:operation with normal performance
:operation with the best performance

13
InstallingtheMotherboard
TableA: DDR2 (memory module) QVL(Qualified Vendor List)
The following DDR2 1066 (AM2+)/800/667/533/400 memory modules have been
tested and qualified for use with this motherboard.
Type Size Vendor Module Name
256 MB Samsung M378T3354BZ0-CCC
K4T51163QB-ZCCC
Samsung M378T6553BG0-CCC
K4T51083QB-GCCC
Tw inMos Samsung K4T51083QB-GCCC
Corsair VC256MB533D2 4PB11D9CHM
Elpida Japan E2508AA-T7F-E
Kingmax Hynix HY5PS121621
Nanya Nanya NT5TU32M16AG-37B
5PB42 D9DCD
Elpida D5116AF-5C-E
AET93F370 SS
AET94F370 DS
Samsung K4T51083QB-ZCD5
VS512MB533D2 64M8CEC
Elpida Elpida 04180WB01
Hynix Hynix HY5PS12821
Infineon HY818T512800AF37 33346778
Hynix HY5PS12821
Nanya NT5TU64M8AE-37B
5PB32 D9DCN
6AD11 D9GCT
Elpida E5108AG-5C-E
PC2-4200U-4444-10-B1
K4T51083QF-ZCD5
PC2-4200U-4444-12-DS
K4T51083QC
Elpida E5108AB-5C-E
Samsung 8D22JB-KM
Apacer Elpida E5108AB-5C-E
GEIL A016E2864T2AG8AKT5H120001
Infineon HY818T512800AF37 33344539
Kingmax KKEA88E4AAKG-37
UMAX U2S12D30TP-5C
DDR2 400 512 MB
Samsung
Tw inMos
512 MB
1 GB
DDR2 533
256 MB
Ramaxel
Aeneon
Corsair
Kingston
Ramaxel

14
InstallingtheMotherboard
Memory
Recommend Volt
KVR1066D2N7/512 1.8V /
9905315-094.A00LF
Apacer 78.0AG9S.9K4 1.9 V
KVR1066D2N7/1G 1.8V /
9905316-106.A01LF
Micron MT8HTF12864AY-1GAE1 1.9 V
OCZ OCZ2RPR10662GK 1.9 V ~ 2.3 V
Qimonda HYS64T128020EU-19F-C 1.9 V
Apacer 78.AAGAL.9KF 1.9V
Micron MT16HTF25664AY-1GAE1 1.9 V
1.8 V
1.8 VKingston
2 GB
1 GB
Module Name
Kingston
Type Size Vendor
512 MB
DDR2 1066
Type Size Vendor Module Name
256 MB Ramaxel 5NB31 D9DCG
A-DATA AD29608A88-3EG
Corsair VALUESELECT 32M8CEC
GEIL GL2L64M088BA18W
Ramxel 5LB31 D9DCL
K4T51083QC
PC35300U-25331-Z
K4T56083QF-ZCE6
Sync MAX 04400WB01 R050008A
Transcend JetRam J12Q3AB-6
Tw inmos TMM6208G8M30B
Kingston KVR667D2N5/1G
Samsung K4T51083QC
UMAX U2S12030TP-6E TBF614-L93G
Infineon Infineon HYB18T256 800AF25
Infinity 04751208CZ5U2D
Kingston KVR800D2N5/512
Apacer Apacer AM4B5708BPJS8E0634E
Infinity 04701G16CZ5U2G
Kingston KVR800D2N5/1G
UMAX U2S12D30TP-8E
1 GB
DDR2 800
512 MB
Samsung
512 MB
1 GB
DDR2 667
Due to the Phenom CPU and memory module limitation, the DRAM may
need to adjust the voltage for supporting DDR2 1066. The memory modules
which can be used stably are listed in the above QVL table for reference.