ECS NFORCE3-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 1.0
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufacturer
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.
TrademarkRecognition
Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
AMD, Athlon, 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.
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 reason-
able 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.
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 manufacturer
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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 interference
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
Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard
Chapter 3
UsingBIOS
Chapter 4
Using the Motherboard Software
Describes features of the motherboard.
Go to Hpage 1
Describes installation of motherboard
components.
Goto Hpage 7
Provides information on using the BIOS
Setup Utility.
Go to Hpage 25
Describes the motherboard software
Go to Hpage 47

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
Features.......................................................................................................2
Motherboard Components.......................................................................4
Chapter 2 77
77
7
Installing the Motherboard 7
SafetyPrecautions......................................................................................7
Choosinga ComputerCase.......................................................................7
InstallingtheMotherboard in a Case......................................................7
CheckingJumperSettings.........................................................................8
Setting Jumpers..............................................................................8
Checking Jumper Settings..............................................................9
Jumper Settings..............................................................................9
ConnectingCase Components...............................................................10
Front PanelHeader.....................................................................12
InstallingHardware...................................................................................13
Installing the Processor...............................................................13
Installing Memory Modules.........................................................14
Installing a Hard Disk Drive/CD-ROM/SATA Hard Drive........17
Installing a Floppy Diskette Drive...............................................19
Installing Add-on Cards..............................................................19
Connecting Optional Devices......................................................21
ConnectingI/ODevices..........................................................................23
Chapter 3 2525
2525
25
UsingBIOS 25
Aboutthe SetupUtility............................................................................25
The Standard Configuration........................................................25
Entering the Setup Utility..............................................................25
Updating the BIOS.......................................................................27
UsingBIOS................................................................................................27
Standard CMOS Features...........................................................28
Advanced BIOS Features.............................................................30
Advanced Chipset Features.........................................................33

iv
Integrated Peripherals.................................................................35
Power Management Setup...........................................................40
PNP/PCI Configurations.............................................................41
PC Health Status..........................................................................42
Voltage Control............................................................................43
Load Optimized Defaults.............................................................44
Set Supervisor/User Password....................................................44
Save & Exit Setup Option.............................................................45
Exit Without Saving......................................................................45
Chapter 4 4747
4747
47
UsingtheMotherboardSoftware 47
AbouttheSoftwareCD-ROM................................................................47
Auto-installingunderWindows98/ME/2000/XP................................47
Running Setup..............................................................................48
ManualInstallation..................................................................................50
UtilitySoftwareReference.......................................................................50

1
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Chapter1
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the NFORCE3-A motherboard. This motherboard is a high perfor-
mance, enhanced function motherboard that supports Socket 754 AMD K8 processors for
high-end business or personal desktop markets.
The NFORCE3-A motherboard is based on NVIDIA™NFORCE®3 250, which is a single-
chip, highly integrated, high performance HyperTransport peripheral controller, un-
matched by any other single chip-device controller. This motherboard supports two DDR
modules at 400/333/266/200 MHz operation with up to 2GB of system memory, high
resolution graphics via an 5 PCI slots, one AGP 8X slot, 10/100 LAN, USB 2.0, and 6-
channel audio.
There is an advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel, including PS/2 mouse and
keyboard connectors, COM1, LPT1, four USB ports, one optional LAN port, and audio
jacks for microphone, line-in, and line-out. This motherboard is designed in an ATX form
factor using a four-layer printed circuit board and measures 295 mm x 205 mm.
™

2
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Feature
Processor
The nForce®3 250 is a single-chip with proven reliability and performance.
• HyperTransport link to the AMD Athlon 64/Athlon 64 FX CPU
• AGP3.0 8X interface at 533 MT/s
• PCI 2.3 interface, supporting up to six PCI slots
• Two separate SATA controllers with integrated PHYs, each supporting two
drives in master mode
• IEEE 802.3 NVIDIA MAC for 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T Fast Ethernet/Ethernet
• Single USB 2.0 EHCI and Dual USB 1.1 OHCI, supporting up to eight ports
• Dual Fast ATA-133 IDE controllers
• AC’97 2.3 interface, supporting S/PDIF pass-through function
Memory
• 2 x 184-pin, 2.5V, DDR SDRAM DIMM sockets support up to 2GB
• Support DDR400/333/266/200 unbuffered DDR SDRAM
AC’97 Audio CODEC
Chipset
HyperTransport Technology is a point-to-point link between two devices, it enables
integrated circuits to exchange information at much higher speeds than currently avail-
able interconnect technologies.
This motherboard uses a 754-pin socket that carries the following features:
•Accommodates AMD K8 processors
• Supports HyperTransport interface for AMD K8 processors
• Compliant with theAC’97 v2.3 CODEC
• Supports 6-channel audio CODEC designed for PC multimedia systems
• Provides three analog line-level inputs with 5-bit volume control: Line-in, CD,
AUX
• Supports S/PDIF output function
TM
TM
This motherboard supports UltraDMA bus mastering with transfer rates of 133/100/66
MB/s.
The motherboard comes with the following expansion options:
• One AGP 8X slot
• Five 32-bit PCI slots
• Two IDE headers which support four IDE devices
• One floppy disk drive interface
• Two 7-pin SATA connectors
Expansion Options

3
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Onboard LAN (optional)
• Supports 10/100Mbps auto-negotiation
• Supports half/full duplex operation
• Supports MII/7-wire SNI (Serial Network Interface) interface
• IEEE802.3/802.3ucompliant
The onboard LAN provides the following features:
Integrated I/O
The motherboard has a full set of I/O ports and connectors:
• Two PS/2 ports for mouse and keyboard
• One serial port
• One parallel port
• Four USB ports
• One LAN port (optional)
• Audio jacks for microphone, line-in and line-out
BIOS Firmware
The motherboard uses Award BIOS that enables users to configure many system features
including the following:
• Power management
• Wake-up alarms
• CPUparameters
• CPUandmemorytiming
The firmware can also be used to set parameters for different processor clock speeds.
Some hardware specifications and software items are subject to change
without prior notice.

4
IntroducingtheMotherboard
MotherboardComponents

5
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Table of Motherboard Components
5 JSFAN2 System fan connector
12 IR1 Infrared header
7 JUSBV3 Power Source header
LABEL COMPONENT
10 IDE1 Primary IDE connector
4 FDD1 Floppy disk drive connector
2 JCFAN1 CPU cooling fan connector
3 DIMM1~2 184-pin DDR SDRAM slots
This concludes Chapter 1. The next chapter explains how to install the motherboard.
14 JUSB1~2 Front Panel USB headers
1 CPU Socket Socket 754 for AMD K8 processor
8 JCMOS1 Clear CMOS jumper
11 IDE2 Secondary IDE connector
9 SPK1 Speaker header
18 JAUDIO1 Front panel audio header
19 JSATA4~JSATA5 Serial ATA connectors
15 PCI1~5 32-bit add-on card slots
21 JATXPWR2 4-pin +12V power connector
6 AGP1 Accelerated Graphics Port
17 JCDIN1 Analog Audio Input connector
16 JSPDIF_OUT SPDIF out header
20 JATXPWR1 Standard 24-pin ATX power connector
22 JUSBV1 Power Source header
23 JKBMSV1 Power Source header
13 SW1 Front Panel switch/LED header

6
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Memo

7
InstallingtheMotherboard
Chapter2
InstallingtheMotherboard
SafetyPrecautions
• Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard
• Wear a grounding strap attached to a grounded device to avoid damage 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
Choosinga ComputerCase
There are many types of computer cases on the market. The motherboard complies with
the specifications for the ATX system case. First, 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. Secondly, NFORCE3-
A supports one or two floppy diskette drives and four 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 an ATX form factor of 295x205 mm. Choose a case that
accommodates this form factor.
Installingthe Motherboard in a Case
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.

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
Jumper Type Description Setting (default)
JCMOS1 3-pin CLEAR CMOS 1-2: NORMAL
2-3: CLEAR
Before clearing the
CMOS, make sure to
turn the system off.
3-pin Power Source
Selection
JUSBV1/
JUSBV3/
JKBMSV1
JCMOS1
1
1-2: +5V
2-3: +5V Standby
Voltage JUSBV3
1
JUSBV1
1
JKBMSV1
1

10
InstallingtheMotherboard
ConnectingCaseComponents
After you have installed the motherboard into a case, you can begin con-
necting the motherboard components. Refer to the following:
1 Connect the CPU cooling fan cable to JCFAN1.
2 Connect the case cooling fan connector to JSFAN2.
3 Connect the case switches and indicator LEDs to the SW1.
4 Connect the standard power supply connector to JATXPWR1
5 Connect the auxiliary case power supply connector to JATXPWR2

11
InstallingtheMotherboard
JCFAN1/JSFAN2: FAN PowerConnectors
1GND Ground
2+12V Power +12V
3FAN RPM rate sense Sensor
Pin Signal Name Function
JATXPWR1: ATX 20-pin Power Connector
1+3.3V 11 +3.3V
2+3.3V 12 -12V
10 +12V 20 +5V
3Ground 13 Ground
4+5V 14 PS ON#
5Ground 15 Ground
6+5V 16 Ground
7Ground 17 Ground
8PW_OK 18 -5V
9Standby Voltage +5V 19 +5V
Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name
JATXWR2:ATX 12V Power Connector
4Ground
3Ground
2+12V
1+12V
Pin Signal Name

12
InstallingtheMotherboard
Front Panel Header
The front panel header (SW1) provides a standard set of switch and LED headers commonly
found on ATX or Micro ATX cases. Refer to the table below for information:
Hard Drive Activity LED
Connecting pins 1 and 3 to a front panel mounted LED provides visual indication that data
is being read from or written to the hard drive. For the LED to function properly, an IDE
drive should be connected to the onboard IDE interface. The LED will also show activity
for devices connected to the SCSI (hard drive activity LED) connector.
Power/Sleep/Message waiting LED
Connecting pins 2 and 4 to a single or dual-color, front panel mounted LED provides power
on/off, sleep, and message waiting indication.
Reset Switch
Supporting the reset function requires connecting pin 5 and 7 to a momentary-contact
switch that is normally open. When the switch is closed, the board resets and runs POST.
Power Switch
Supporting the power on/off function requires connecting pins 6 and 8 to a momentary-
contact switch that is normally open. The switch should maintain contact for at least 50 ms
to signal the power supply to switch on or off. The time requirement is due to internal de-
bounce circuitry. After receiving a power on/off signal, at least two seconds elapses before
the power supply recognizes another on/off signal.
Pin Signal Function Pin Signal Function
1 HD_LED_P Hard disk LED+ 2 FP PWR/SLP *MSG LED+
3 HD_LED_N Hard disk LED-
5 RST_SW_N Reset Switch
7 RST_SW_P Reset Switch
9 RSVD Reserved
4 FP PWR/SLP *MSG LED-
6 PWR_SW_P Power Switch
8 PWR_SW_N Power Switch
10 Key No pin
* MSG LED (dual color or single color)

13
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
resistors 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.
This motherboard has a Socket754 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: Over-clocking components can adversely affect the reliability of
the system and introduce errors into your system. Over-clocking can
permanently damage the motherboard by generating excess heat in
components that are run beyond the rated limits.
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.

14
InstallingtheMotherboard
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 installa-
tion procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan/heatsink supplied. The
form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary.
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 module and
snap the four retention legs of the cooling fan into
place.
5 Flipthe levers over to lockthe heatsink in place and
connect the CPU cooling Fan power cable to the
CPUFAN connector. This completes the installa-
tion.
CPU Installation Procedure
The following illustration shows CPU installation components.
Installing Memory Modules
This motherboard accommodates two 184-pin 2.5V unbuffered DIMM and supports DDR400/
333/266/200 DDR SDRAM. You must install at least one module in any of the four slots.
Each module can be installed with 128 MB to 1 GB of memory; the total memory capacity
is 2 GB.
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.
DDR SDRAM memory module table
Memory module Memory Bus
DDR266 133MHz
DDR333 166MHz
DDR200 100MHz
DDR400 200MHz