Foxconn A74GA Series User manual

User’s Manual
A74GA Series Motherboard

Statement:
This manual is the intellectual property of Foxconn, Inc. Although the information
in this manual may be changed or modied at any time, Foxconn does not obligate
itself to inform the user of these changes.
Trademark:
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Version:
User’s Manual V1.1 for A74GA Series motherboard.
P/N: 3A222C500-000-G
Symbol description:
Caution : refers to important information that can help you to use motherboard
better, and tells you how to avoid problems.
Warning : indicating a potential risk of hardware damage or physical injury
may exist.
WEEE:
The use of this symbol indicates that this product may not be treated as household
waste. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential
negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could other-
wise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. For more detailed
information about recycling of this product, please contact your local city ofce, your
household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased this product.
More information:
If you want more information about our products, please visit Foxconn’s
website: http://www.foxconnchannel.com
CAUTION
!
© All rights reserved.
All trade names are registered trademarks of respective manufacturers listed.
All images are for reference only, please refer to the physical motherboard for specic features.
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Declaration of conformity
HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY COMPANY LTD
66 , CHUNG SHAN RD., TU-CHENG INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT,
TAIPEI HSIEN, TAIWAN, R.O.C.
declares that the product
Motherboard A74GA
is in conformity with
(reference to the specication under which conformity is declared in
accordance with 89/336 EEC-EMC Directive)
■ EN 55022:1998/A2: 2003 Limits and methods of measurements of radio
disturbance characteristics of information technology
equipment
■ EN 61000-3-2/:2000 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Part 3: Limits
Section 2: Limits for harmonic current emissions
(equipment input current <= 16A per phase)
■ EN 61000-3-3/A1:2001 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Part 3: Limits
Section 2: Limits of voltage uctuations and icker in low
voltage supply systems for equipment with rated current
<= 16A
■ EN 55024/A2:2003 Information technology equipment-Immunity
characteristics limits and methods of measurement
Signature : Place / Date : TAIPEI/2010
Printed Name : James Liang

Declaration of conformity
Trade Name: FOXCONN
Model Name: A74GA
Responsible Party: PCE Industry Inc.
Address: 458 E. Lambert Rd.
Fullerton, CA 92835
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: 714-738-8838
Equipment Classication: FCC Class B Subassembly
Type of Product: Motherboard
Manufacturer: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY
COMPANY LTD
Address: 66 , CHUNG SHAN RD., TU-CHENG
INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, TAIPEI HSIEN,
TAIWAN, R.O.C.
Supplementary Information:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions : (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Tested to comply with FCC standards.
Signature : Date : 2010

Installation Precautions
Please carefully read the following procedures to install your computer :
■ It is suggested to select high-quality, certied fans in order to avoid damage
to the motherboard and CPU due to high temperature. Never turn on the
computer if the CPU fan is not properly installed.
■ We cannot guarantee that your system can operate normally when your
CPU is overclocked. Normal operation depends on the overclocking capac-
ity of your device.
■ If there is any, when connecting USB, audio, RS232 COM, IrDA or S/PDIF
cables to the internal connectors on the motherboard, make sure their
pinouts are matching with the connectors on the motherboard. Incorrect con-
nections might damage the motherboard.
■ When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connec-
tors.
■ If there is a PCI Express x16 graphics card installed in your system, we
recommend using a 24-pin ATX power supply to get the best performance.
■ Before turning on the power, please make sure the power supply AC input
voltage setting has been congured to the local standard.
■ To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact
with the motherboard circuit or its components. Also, make sure there are no
leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or within the
computer casing.
■ If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to
the use of the product, please consult a certied computer technician.
CAUTION
!
■ Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the sudden and momentary electric current
that ows between two objects at different electrical potentials. Normally it
comes out as a spark which will quickly damage your electronic equipment.
Please wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling
components such as a motherboard, CPU or memory.
■ Ensure that the DC power supply is turned off before installing or removing
CPU, memory, expansion cards or other peripherals. It is recommended to
unplug the AC power cord from the power supply outlet. Failure to unplug
the power supply cord may result in serious damage to your system.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 Product Introduction
Product Specications..............................................................................2
Layout.......................................................................................................4
Back Panel Connectors............................................................................5
Chapter 2 Hardware Install
Install the CPU and CPU Cooler ..............................................................8
Install the Memory..................................................................................10
Install an Expansion Card ......................................................................12
Install other Internal Connectors ............................................................13
Jumpers..................................................................................................17
Install driver and utility............................................................................19
Chapter 3 BIOS Setup
Enter BIOS Setup...................................................................................22
Main Menu..............................................................................................22
System Information ................................................................................24
Advanced BIOS Features.......................................................................26
Core Releaser ........................................................................................28
Fox Central Control Unit.........................................................................29
Advanced Chipset Features...................................................................32
Integrated Peripherals............................................................................35
Power Management Setup.....................................................................39
PC Health Status....................................................................................41
BIOS Security Features..........................................................................42
Load Optimal Defaults............................................................................43
Save & Exit Setup ..................................................................................43
Exit Without Saving ................................................................................43
Chapter 4 RAID Conguration
RAID Introduction...................................................................................45
Install SATA Hard Disks..........................................................................46
RAID Conguration ................................................................................46
Create RAID Driver Disk ........................................................................48
Install Windows OS ................................................................................49

Technical Support :
Website :
http://www.foxconnchannel.com
Support Website :
http://www.foxconnsupport.com
Worldwide Online Contact Support :
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/inquiry.aspx
CPU Support List :
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/cpusupportlist.aspx
Memory, VGA Compatibility List :
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/complist.aspx
Support

Thank you for buying Foxconn A74GA Series motherboard. Foxconn
products are engineered to maximize computing power, providing
only what you need for break-through performance.
With advanced overclocking capability and a range of connectivity
features for today multi-media computing requirements, A74GA
enables you to unleash more power from your computer.
This chapter includes the following information:
■ Product Specications
■ Layout
■ Back Panel Connectors

1
2
1-1 Product Specications
CPU Support AM3 socket & PhenomTM II processors, Max processor power up to 95W
For the latest CPU information, please visit：
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/cpusupportlist.aspx
HyperTransport 2000MT/s
Chipset North Bridge: AMD RS740G
South Bridge: AMD SB710
Memory 4 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets
Support up to 16GB memory size
Dual channel DDR3 1333/1066MHz architecture
Audio Realtek ALC662 audio chip:
- High Denition Audio
- 2/4/5.1-channel
- Support Jack-Sensing function
LAN Realtek RTL8111DL Gigabit LAN chip
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
3 x PCI slots
Storage SB710 chipset:
- 6 x SATA connectors
- 300MB/s data transfer rate
- Support RAID 0, 1, 10
USB Support hot plug
Support up to 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 rear panel ports, 3 onboard USB
headers supporting 6 extra ports)
Support USB 2.0 protocol up to 480Mb/s
VGA Integrated ATI Radeon2100 Graphics
Support DirectX 9.0
Internal Connectors 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x IDE connector
6 x SATA connectors
3 x USB 2.0 connectors (supporting 6 x USB devices)
1 x CPU fan header (4-pin)
1 x System fan header (4-pin)
1 x NB fan header (4-pin)
1 x Front Audio connector
1 x CD_IN connector
1 x Speaker connector
1 x Front panel connector
1 x Chassis intrusion alarm header (INTR)
1 x LPT header
Back Panel 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
Connectors 1 x PS/2 mouse port

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1 x VGA port
1 x Serial port
6 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x RJ-45 LAN port
6-channel Audio ports
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU/System temperature detection
CPU/System fan speed detection
CPU/System fan speed control
PCI Express x1 Support 250MB/s (500MB/s concurrent) bandwidth
Low power consumption and power management features
PCI Express x16 Support 4GB/s (8GB/s concurrent) bandwidth
Low power consumption and power management features
Green Function Support EuP Function
Support ACPI (Advanced Conguration and Power Interface)
Support S0 (normal), S1 (power on suspend), S3 (suspend to RAM), S4
(suspend to disk), and S5 (soft - off)
Bundled Software FOX ONE
FOX LiveUpdate
FOX LOGO
FOX DMI
Operating System Support for Microsoft®Windows®7/Vista/XP
Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 12 inches x 8.6 inches (30.5cm x 21.8cm)

1
4
1-2 Layout
1. 4-pin ATX 12V Power Connector
2. USB_PWR4 Jumper
3. USB_PWR1 Jumper
4. NB_FAN Header
5. North Bridge: AMD RS740G
6. PCI Express x16 Slot
7. Chassis Intrusion Alarm Header
8. PCI Express x1 Slot
9. PCI Slots
10. CD_IN Connector
11. Front Audio Connector
12. LPT Connector (Optional)
13. Clear CMOS Jumper
14. Front USB Connectors
15. USB_PWR3 Jumper
16. Front Panel Connector
17. USB_PWR2 Jumper
18. SATA Connectors
19. IDE Connector
20. Speaker Connector
21. SYS_FAN Header
22. 24-pin ATX Power Connector
23. South Bridge: AMD SB710
24. DDR3 DIMM Slots
25. CPU_FAN Header
26. CPU Socket
Note : The above motherboard layout is for reference only, please refer to the physical mother-
board for detail.
1
24
14
4
5
17
10
16
18
26
62 3
8
9
11
12
13
15
19 20 21 22 23
25
7

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1-3 Back Panel Connectors
1. PS/2 Mouse Port
Use the upper port (green) to connect a PS/2 mouse.
2. PS/2 Keyboard Port
Use the lower port (purple) to connect a PS/2 keyboard.
3. VGA Port
To connect with external display devices, such as monitor or LCD display.
4. Serial Port
This is output of RS232 COM1 port.
5. USB Ports
The USB ports support the USB 2.0/1.1 specication. Use these ports for USB devices such as
an USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB ash drive and etc.
6. Audio Ports
For the denition of each audio port, please refer to the table below :
Port 2-channel 4-channel 5.1-channel
Blue Line In Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out
Green Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink Microphone In Microphone In Center/Subwoofer Out
PS/2 Keyboard Port
PS/2 Mouse Port
1
VGA Port
4
2
USB Ports
5
Audio Ports
6
LAN Port
7
Microphone
Line Out
Line In
3
Serial Port

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7. RJ-45 LAN Port
The Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 10/100/1000Mb/s data rate.
Active
LED
Link
LED
LAN Type Left: Active Right: Link
Status Description Status Description
1000M
Off No Link Off No Link
Green
Blinking Data Activity
Off 10 Mb/s Connection
Green 100 Mb/s Connection
Orange 1000 Mb/s Connection

This chapter introduces the hardware and software installation proc-
ess, including the installation of the CPU, memory, power supply,
slots, pin headers and the mounting of jumpers. Caution should be
exercised during the installation of these modules. Please refer to the
motherboard layout prior to any installation and read the contents in
this chapter carefully.
This chapter includes the following information :
■ Install the CPU and CPU Cooler
■ Install the Memory
■ Install an Expansion Card
■ Install other Internal Connectors
■ Jumpers
■ Install driver and utility
Please visit the following website for more supporting information about your motherboard.
CPU Support List:
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/cpusupportlist.aspx
Memory, VGA Compatibility List:
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/complist.aspx

2
8
2-1 Install the CPU and CPU Cooler
Install the CPU
Locate the Pin-1 CPU triangle mark and the Pin-1 of the CPU socket.
Pin-1 triangle
marking of CPU
1. Release the CPU socket lever. 2. Align Pin-1 of the CPU with the CPU
socket, and gently put the CPU
onto the socket.
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU:
■ Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.
■ Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power supply before
installing the CPU to prevent hardware damage.
■ Locate the Pin-1 of the CPU. The CPU cannot be inserted if oriented incorrectly.
■ Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the CPU.
■ Do not turn on the computer if the CPU cooler is not installed, otherwise overheating
and damage of the CPU may occur.
■ Set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the CPU specications. It is not
recommended that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specications
since it does not meet the standard requirements for the peripherals. If you want to
set the frequency beyond the standard specications, please do so according to your
hardware specications including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.
CAUTION
!
Pin-1 corner of the
CPU socket

2
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3. When CPU is properly seated,
push the CPU socket lever back
to its locked position.
Install the CPU Cooler
Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler. (The following procedures use Foxconn
cooler as the example.)
1. Apply and spread an even thermal
grease on the surface of CPU.
2. Buckle the heatsink rmly at one
side of the stand.
3. Buckle the heatsink at another
side, and press the fasten lever
down to tightly seat the cooler.
4. Attach the CPU cooler connector
to the CPU fan header on the
motherboard .
Use extreme care when removing the CPU cooler because the thermal grease may
adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cooler may damage the CPU.
CAUTION
!

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2-2 Install the Memory
Dual Channel Memory Conguration
This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology.
When memory is installed, the BIOS will automatically check the memory in your system.
Four DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels :
Channel 0 : DIMM1, DIMM2
Channel 1 : DIMM3, DIMM4
The combinations of DIMM modules are :
It is recommended that memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be
used and please select dual channel rst to achieve optimum performance.
CAUTION
!
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory :
■ Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory
of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.
■ Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before
installing the memory to prevent hardware damage.
■ Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only
one direction. If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
CAUTION
!
DIMM1 DIMM2 DIMM3 DIMM4
Single Channel DS/SS - - -
Single Channel DS/SS DS/SS -
Single Channel - - DS/SS -
Single Channel - - DS/SS DS/SS
Dual Channel DS/SS - DS/SS -
Dual Channel - DS/SS - DS/SS
Dual Channel DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
(DS : Double Side, SS : Single Side, - : No Memory)

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Installing a Memory
If you take a look at front side of memory module, it has asymmetric pin counts on both sides separated
by a notch in the middle, so it can only t in one direction. Follow the steps below to correctly install
your memory modules into the sockets.
Step 1:
Spread the clips at both ends of the memory socket.
Place the memory module onto the socket, then put
your ngers on top edge of the module, and push
it down rmly and seat it vertically into the memory
socket.
Step 2:
The clips at both ends of the socket will snap into place
when the memory module is securely inserted.
Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the
power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module. Be sure
to install DDR3 DIMMs on this motherboard.
CAUTION
!
144-Pin
96-Pin
Notch

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2-3 Install an Expansion Card
Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.
1. Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis
back panel.
2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.
3. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.
4. Secure the card's metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. After installing all expansion cards, replace the chassis cover.
6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for
your expansion card(s).
7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.
Installing and Removing a PCI Express x16 Graphics Card :
• Installing a Graphics Card:
Gently insert the graphics card into the PCI Express x16 slot. Make
sure the graphics card is locked by the latch at the end of the PCI
Express x16 slot.
• Removing the Card:
Push the latch at the end of the PCI Express x16 slot to release
the card and then pull the card straight up from the slot.
PCI
PCI Express x1
PCI Express x16
■ Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual
that came with your expansion card.
■ Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before
installing an expansion card to prevent hardware damage.
CAUTION
!

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2-4 Install other Internal Connectors
Power Connectors
This motherboard uses an ATX power supply. In order not to damage any device, make sure all the
devices have been installed properly before applying the power supply.
24-pin ATX power connector : PWR1
PWR1 is the ATX power supply connector. Make sure that the power supply cable and pins are
properly aligned with the connector on the motherboard. Firmly plug the power supply cable into the
connector and make sure it is secure.
4-pin ATX 12 V Power Connector : PWR2
Connect the 4-pin ATX 12V power supply to PWR2 and provides power to the CPU.
We recommend you using a 24-pin power supply.
If you are using a 20-pin power supply, you need
to align the ATX power connector according to
the picture.
CAUTION
!
20-Pin Power
Pin No. 24
Pin # Denition
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
4 +12V
3 1
GND
+12V
4 2
PWR2
Pin # Denition Pin # Denition
1 3.3V 13 3.3V
2 3.3V 14 -12V
3 GND 15 GND
4 +5V 16 PS_ON(Soft On/Off)
5 GND 17 GND
6 +5V 18 GND
7 GND 19 GND
8 Power Good 20 NC
9 +5V SB(Stand by +5V) 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V 23 +5V
12 3.3V 24 GND
PWR1
24 13
12 1