ECS P67H2-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 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.
TrademarkRecognition
Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
MMX, Pentium, Pentium-II, Pentium-III, Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel
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 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
manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

ii
Preface
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:
Describes features of the
motherboard
Go to Hpage 1
Describes installation of
motherboard components
Go to H
Provides information on using
the BIOS Setup Utility
Go to Hpage 25
Go to H
Describes the ATI CrossfireTM
Technology
page 53
Describes the motherboard soft-
ware
Go to Hpage 57
Chapter 2
Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard
Chapter 3
Using BIOS
Chapter 4
Using the Motherboard Software
Chapter 5
ATI CrossfireTM Technology Support
Describes the Intel®®
®®
®Matrix Stor-
age Manager RAID Configura-
tions
Chapter 8
Intel®®
®®
® Matrix Storage Manager RAID
Configurations
Go to Hpage 77
page 7
Installing the Motherboard
Chapter 6
Hydra Core Technology Support
Describes the Hydra Core
Technology
Go to Hpage 61
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.
• This device must accept any interference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation.
Go to
Chapter 7
Setting Up eJIFFY
Describes the eJIFFY setting
up
Hpage 65

Preface
iii
Chapter 9
Marvell 88SE9128 SATA 6Gb/s RAID
Controller BIOS Setup
Describes the SATA RAID
Setup
Go to Hpage 83
Chapter 10 Provides basic trouble shooting
Trouble Shooting tips
Hpage 89
Go to

iv
Preface
Memo

v
Chapter 2 77
77
7
Installing the Motherboard 7
Safety Precautions............................................................................7
Choosing a Computer Case.............................................................7
Installing the Motherboard in a Case............................................7
Installing Hardware.............................................................................9
Installing the Processor............................................................9
Installing Memory Modules....................................................11
Expansion Slots.......................................................................13
Connecting Optional Devices.................................................15
Installing a SATA Hard Drive.................................................18
Connecting I/O Devices................................................................ 19
Connecting Case Components.......................................................20
Panel Header..........................................................................23
TT
TT
TABLE OF CONTENTSABLE OF CONTENTS
ABLE OF CONTENTSABLE OF CONTENTS
ABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface i
Chapter 1 1
Introducing the Motherboard 1
Introduction...................................................................................1
Feature............................................................................................2
Specifications................................................................................4
Motherboard Components..........................................................5
Chapter 3 25
Using BIOS 25
About the Setup Utility................................................................. 25
The Standard Configuration.......................... ........................25
Entering the Setup Utilities......................................................25
Resetting the Default CMOS Values....................................26
Using BIOS......................................................................................26
BIOS Navigation Key.............................................................27
Main Menu.............................................................................27
Advanced Menu......................................................................28
Chipset Menu..........................................................................41
M.I.B.X(MB Intelligent Bios X) Menu.....................................44
Boot Menu...............................................................................48

vi
Security Menu.........................................................................49
Save & Exit Menu...................................................................50
Updating the BIOS..................................................................52
Chapter 4 5353
5353
53
Using the Motherboard Software 53
About the Software DVD-ROM/CD-ROM...................................53
Auto-installing under Windows XP/Vista/7..................................53
Running Setup.........................................................................54
Manual Installation...........................................................................56
Utility Software Reference.................................................................56
Chapter 8 7777
7777
77
Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configurations 77
Before creating a RAID set............................................................77
Entering Intel®Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility....78
Creating a RAID set........................................................................79
Deleting a RAID set........................................................................81
Resetting disks to Non-RAID.......................................................82
Exiting Setup....................................................................................82
Chapter 5 5757
5757
57
ATI CrossFireTM Technology Support 57
Requirements..................................................................................57
Installing CrossFireTM graphics cards.........................................57
The CatalystTM Control Center Dialog Box.................................59
To Enable CrossFireTM...........................................................59
Chapter 6 6161
6161
61
Hydra Core Technology Support 61
Requirements..................................................................................61
Installing graphics cards...............................................................61
The HYDRALOGIX Control Panel.................................................64
To Enable HydraLogix...........................................................64
Chapter 7 6565
6565
65
Setting Up eJIFFY 65
Introduction.................................................................................... 65
Installation and BIOS Setup..........................................................66
Entering eJIFFY....................................................................................69
Features Icons.....................................................................................70
Usage FAQ...........................................................................................71

vii
Chapter 10 8989
8989
89
TroubleShooting 89
Start up problems during assembly..............................................89
Start up problems after prolong use............................................90
Maintenance and care tips..............................................................90
Basic Troubleshooting Flowchart...................................................91
Chapter 9 8383
8383
83
Marvell88SE9128SATA6Gb/sRAIDControllerBIOSSetup 83
To Create Virtual Disks....................................................................83

viii

1
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Chapter1
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Introduction
Thank you for choosing P67H2-A motherboard. This motherboard is a high per-
formance, enhanced function motherboard designed to support the LGA1155 socket
for 2nd Generation Intel® CoreTM Family & Unlock processors to reach the optimum
system performance. Combined with ECS unique M.I.B X*BIOS interface, it
makes a simple, fast and safe O.C platform for high-end business or personal
desktop market.
This motherboard is based on Intel® P67 Chipset for best desktop platform solution.
P67 is a single-chip, highly integrated, high performance Hyper-Threading periph-
eral controller, unmatched by any other single chip-device controller. This
motherboard supports up to 16 GB of system memory with dual channel DDR3
2133(OC)/1866(OC)/1600(OC)/1333/1066 SDRAM. It cooperates with LT24102
chips to generate three of PCIe 16X Gen 2 graphic interface, that allows you install
up to three non-identical graphic cards with multiple GPU running at PCIe Gen 2
speed. It provides two PCI rev 2.3 slots and two PCI Express x1 rev 2.0 slots for
extending usage. It implements an EHCI compliant interface that provides fourteen
USB 2.0 ports (six USB ports and four USB 2.0 headers support additional eight USB
ports and one of Front USB 2.0 headers provide with EZ charger technology, please
reference chapter 2 parts of Front Panel USB headers to check the detail informa-
tion). P67H2-A implements extra USB 3.0 chips which provide four USB3.0 ports at
rear I/O with blue connector and one USB 3.0 header at internal I/O also.
P67H-A implements extra Marvell 88SE9128 SATA 6Gb/s chips, which provide
two eSATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1 configuration, this motherboard delivers
the highest data transfer rate to fulfill the most speed-demanding usage.
The motherboard is equipped with advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel,
including one PS/2 mouse and keyboard combo connector, one CLR_CMOS button,
two eSATA 6Gb/s ports, two Gigabit LAN ports, six USB 2.0 ports, four USB 3.0
ports running at 5 Gb/s, one optical SPDIFO port and audio jacks for microphone,
line-in and 8-ch line-out.
In addition, this motherboard comes with a power button and a reset button.
* ECS M.I.B X stands for extreme O.C BIOS interface. Please refer to
chapter 3 for detailed setup information.

2
Introducing the Motherboard
Feature
• Accommodates 2nd Generation Intel® CoreTM Family & Unlock proces-
sors
• Supports “Hyper-Threading” technology CPU
“Hyper-Threading” technology enables the operating system into thinking
it’s hooked up to two processors, allowing two threads to be run in parallel, both
on separate “logical” processors within the same physical processor.
The motherboard uses an LGA1155 type of socket that carries the following
features:
Processor
Chipset
• Supports DDR3 1333/1066 DDR3 SDRAM with Dual-channel architec-
ture
• Accommodates four unbuffered DIMMs
• Up to 4 GB per DIMM with maximum memory size up to 16 GB
Memory
Audio
• 7.1+2 Channel High Definition Audio 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
The Intel®P67 Chipset is a single-chip with proven reliability and performance.
• Supports PCI Express x16 Gen2 slot
• Compliant with PCI Rev 2.3 interface
• Supports two PCI Express x1 Gen2 slot
• Supports two PCI slots
• Integrated four SATA 3.0 Gb/s Host Controllers and two SATA 6.0 Gb/
s Host Controller
• Fourteen USB 2.0 ports supported
• Four USB 3.0 ports and one USB 3.0 header supported(by NEC chip)
• Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) support
• Enhanced DMA Controller, interrupt controller, and timer functions
• Intel®High Definition Audio Controller
Giga LAN
• Supports PCI ExpressTM 1.1
• Integrated 10/100/1000 transceiver
• Wake-on-LAN and remote wake-up support

3
IntroducingtheMotherboard
The motherboard comes with the following expansion options:
• Three PCI Express x16 slots for Graphic Interface (x16, x8, x8) or
(x16, x16)
• Two PCI Express x1 slots
• Two 32-bit PCI v2.3 compliant slots
• Six 7-pin SATA connectors
Expansion Options
The motherboard has a full set of I/O ports and connectors:
Integrated I/O
• One CLR_COMS button
• Two LAN ports
• Six USB 2.0 ports
• Four USB 3.0 ports
• Two eSATA ports
• One optical SPDIFO port
• Audio jacks for microphone, line-in and 8-ch line-out
The firmware can also be used to set parameters for different processor clock
speeds.
• Power management
• Wake-up alarms
• CPU parameters
• CPU and memory timing
BIOS Firmware
This motherboard uses AMI BIOS that enables users to configure many system
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.

4
IntroducingtheMotherboard
• Intel®P67 Chipset
• LGA1155 socket for 2nd Generation Intel® CoreTM Family &
Unlock processors
• Supports “Hyper-Threading” technology CPU
• DIM 5.0 GT/S
• Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture
• 4 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets support up to 16 GB
• Supports 1333 DDR3 SDRAM
• 3 x PCI Express Gen2 x16 slots
• 2 x PCI Express x1 slots
• 2 x PCI slots
• Supported by Intel®P67 Chipset
• 4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s Host Controllers
• 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s Host Controllers
• 2 x eSATA 6.0 Gb/s
• Realtek ALC892 8-Ch HD audio CODEC
• Compliant with HD audio specification
• 1 x PS/2 keyboard & PS/2 mouse combo connector
• 1 x CLR CMOS button
• 4 x USB3.0 ports(Compatible with 4 x USB2.0 ports)
• 6 x USB2.0 ports
• 2 x eSATA ports
• 2 x RJ45 LAN connectors
• 1 x Audio port with 6 audio jacks (Center/ Subwoofer
Speaker Out/ Rear Speaker Out / Side Speaker Out / Line
in, microphone in, line out, and optical SPDIF out)
• 1 x 24-pin ATX Power Supply connector, 8-pin 12V connec-
tor
• 2 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors
• 4 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors
• 1 x USB3.0 header
• 4 x USB2.0 headers support additional 8 USB ports (F_USB1
supports EZ Charger)
• 1 x Front panel audio header
• 1 x SPDIF out header
• 1 x Panel header
• 1 x ME UNLOCK header
• 1 x Reset button
• 1 x Power button
• 1 x COM header
• CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN/PWR_FAN connectors
Chipset
Memory
Expansion
Slots
Storage
Audio
Giga LAN
Internal I/O
Connectors &
Headers
• AMI BIOS with 32 Mb SPI Flash ROM
• Supports ECS M.I.B X Utility
• Supports ACPI&DMI, Plug and Play, STR(S3)/STR(S4)/S1,
Hardware monitor
• Audio, LAN, can be disabled in BIOS
• F7 hot key for boot up devices option
System BIOS
Form Factor • ATX Size, 305mm x 244mm
CPU
Specifications
Rear Panel I/O
• Dual Realteck 8111E Gigabit Lan

5
IntroducingtheMotherboard
MotherboardComponents

6
IntroducingtheMotherboard
Table of Motherboard Components
This concludes Chapter 1. The next chapter explains how to install the motherboard.
LABEL COMPONENTS
LGA1155 socket for 2nd Generation Intel®CoreTM Family &
Unlock processors
2. CPU_FAN CPU cooling fan connector
3. DDR3_1~4 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM slots
4. PWR_FAN Power cooling fan connector
5. ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX power connector
6. BZ Buzzer
7. RST_BTN Reset button
8. PWR_BTN Power on button
9. SATA1~6 Serial ATA connectors (SATA1~2 support SATA 6Gb/s)
10. USB3F Front panel USB 3.0 header
11. ME_UNLOCK ME unlock header-for factory use only
12. PANEL Front panel switch/LED header
13. F_USB1~4 Front panel USB headers (F_USB1 supports EZ Charger)
14. SPI_DEBUG SPI debug header-factory use only
15. SYS_FAN System cooling fan connector
16. COM Onboard serial port header
17. SPDIFO SPDIF out header
18. F_AUDIO Front panel audio header
19. PCIE16X1~3 PCI Express slot for graphics interface
20. PCI1~2 32-bit add-on card slots
21. PCIE1~2 PCI Express x1 slots
22. ATX12V 8-pin +12V power connector
1. CPU Socket

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
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.
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 244 mm. Choose a case that
accommodates this form factor.
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.
ChoosingaComputer Case
Installingthe Motherboard inaCase

8
InstallingtheMotherboard
Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard.

9
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.
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.
This motherboard has an LGA1155 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.
Fail-Safe Procedures for Over-clocking
When end-users encounter failure after attempting over-clocking, please take the
following steps to recover from it.
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Press and hold the “Page Up Key (PgUp)” of the keyboard, and then boot the PC
up.
3. Two seconds after the PC boots up, release the “Page Up Key (PgUp)”.
4. The BIOS returns to the default setting by itself.

10
InstallingtheMotherboard
A. Opening of the Load Plate
· Put your thumb on the tail of the load
plate and press the tail down.
· Rotate the load plate to fully open
position.
B. Disengaging of the Load Lever
· Hold the hook of lever and pull it to the
left side to clear retention tab.
· Rotate the load lever to fully open
position.
C. Removing the Cap
· Be careful not to touch the contact at
any time.
D. Inserting the Package
· Grasp the package. Ensure to grasp on
the edge of the substrate.
· Make sure pin 1 indicator is on your
bottom-left side.
· Aim at the socket and place the package
carefully into the socket by purely
vertical motion.
E. Closing the Load Plate
· Rotate the load plate onto the package
IHS (Intergraded Heat Spreader).
· Engage the load lever while pressing
down lightly onto the load plate.
· Secure the load lever with the hook
under retention tab.
F. Fasten the cooling fan supporting base
onto the CPU socket on the motherboard.
G. Make sure the CPU fan is plugged to the
CPU fan connector. Please refer to the
CPU cooling fan user’s manual for more
detail installation procedure.
CPU Installation Procedure
The following illustration shows CPU installation components.

11
InstallingtheMotherboard
Installing Memory Modules
This motherboard accommodates four memory modules. It can support four 240-pin
DDR3 2133 (OC)/DDR3 1866 (OC)/1600 (OC)/1333/1066 SDRAM. The total
memory capacity is 16 GB.
You must install at least one module in any of the four slots. Total memory capacity
is 16 GB.
ff Channel A: DDR3_1, DDR3_3
Channel B: DDR3_2, DDR3_4
The four DDR3 memory sockets (DDR3_1, DDR3_2, DDR3_3 and DDR3_4) are
divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as following:
1. To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that
you use a high quality fan with 3800 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.
2. DO NOT remove the CPU cap from the socket before installing a
CPU.
3. Return Material Authorization (RMA) requests will be accepted
only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA1155 socket.
Due to Intel CPU spec definition, the system will not boot if only one
DIMM is installed in DDR3_1 or DDR3_3. Follow the table above for
recommended memory configuration.
Recommend memory configuration
ff
DDR3_1 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4
1 DIMM -- Populated -- --
1 DIMM -- -- -- Populated
2 DIMMs -- Populated -- Populated
3 DIMMs Populated Populated -- Populated
3 DIMMs -- Populated Populated Populated
4 DIMMs Populated Populated Populated Populated
Mode Sockets

12
InstallingtheMotherboard
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.
Installation Procedure
Refer to the following to install the memory modules.
1 This motherboard supports unbuffered DDR3 SDRAM .
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 Install any remaining DIMM modules.
1. For best performance and compatibility, we recommend that users
give priority to the white DIMMs (DDR3_2/DDR3_4 when installing
DIMMs.
2. We suggest users not mix memory type. It is recommended to use
the same brand and type memory on this motherboard.
* For referenceonly