MSI 915G Neo2-FR User manual

i
G52-M7028X1
MS-7028 (v1.X) ATX Mainboard
915P/G Neo2

ii
Manual Rev: 1.0
Release Date: May 2004
FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement
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 when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation
of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which
case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Notice 1
The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Notice 2
Shielded interface cables and A.C. power cord, if any, must be used in order to
comply with the emission limits.
VOIR LA NOTICE D’INSTALLATION AVANT DE RACCORDER AU RESEAU.
Micro-StarInternational
MS-7028
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

iii
Copyright Notice
The material in this document is the intellectual property of MICRO-STAR
INTERNATIONAL. We take every care in the preparation of this document, but no
guarantee is given as to the correctness of its contents. Our products are under
continual improvement and we reserve the right to make changes without notice.
Trademarks
All trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
AMD, Athlon™, Athlon™ XP, Thoroughbred™, and Duron™ are registered
trademarks of AMD Corporation.
Intel®and Pentium®are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
PS/2 and OS®/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Windows®98/2000/NT/
XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, DualNet, and nForce are registered trademarks or trade-
marks of NVIDIA Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Netware®is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.
Award®is a registered trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
AMI®is a registered trademark of American Megatrends Inc.
Kensington and MicroSaver are registered trademarks of the Kensington Technology
Group.
PCMCIA and CardBus are registered trademarks of the Personal Computer Memory
Card International Association.
RevisionHistory
Revision Revision History Date
V1.0 First release for PCB 1.X May 2004
with Intel 915P/G & ICH6R

iv
1. Always read the safety instructions carefully.
2. Keep this User’s Manual for future reference.
3. Keep this equipment away from humidity.
4. Lay this equipment on a reliable flat surface before setting it up.
5. The openings on the enclosure are for air convection hence protects the equip-
ment from overheating. Do not cover the openings.
6. Make sure the voltage of the power source and adjust properly 110/220V be-
fore connecting the equipment to the power inlet.
7. Place the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not place
anything over the power cord.
8. Always Unplug the Power Cord before inserting any add-on card or module.
9. All cautions and warnings on the equipment should be noted.
10. Never pour any liquid into the opening that could damage or cause electrical
shock.
11. If any of the following situations arises, get the equipment checked by a service
personnel:
hThe power cord or plug is damaged.
hLiquid has penetrated into the equipment.
hThe equipment has been exposed to moisture.
hThe equipment has not work well or you can not get it work according to
User’s Manual.
hThe equipment has dropped and damaged.
hThe equipment has obvious sign of breakage.
12. Do not leave this equipment in an environment unconditioned, storage
temperature above 600 C (1400F), it may damage the equipment.
Safety Instructions
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer.
Technical Support
If a problem arises with your system and no solution can be obtained from the user’s
manual, please contact your place of purchase or local distributor. Alternatively,
please try the following help resources for further guidance.
hVisit the MSI homepage & FAQ site for technical guide, BIOS updates, driver
updates, and other information: http://www.msi.com.tw & http://www.msi.
com.tw/program/service/faq/faq/esc_faq_list.php
hContact our technical staff at: [email protected]

v
CONTENTS
FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement ....................................................... iii
Copyright Notice ........................................................................................................... iii
Revision History............................................................................................................ iii
Safety Instructions ...................................................................................................... iv
Technical Support ........................................................................................................ iv
Chapter 1. Getting Started...................................................................................1-1
Mainboard Specifications ................................................................................... 1-3
Packing Contents................................................................................................. 1-5
MSI Special Features .......................................................................................... 1-6
CoreCellTM Chip.........................................................................................1-6
DigiCell.........................................................................................................1-7
Other Features ........................................................................................... 1-8
Chapter 2. Hardware Setup ................................................................................. 2-1
Quick Components Guide....................................................................................2-2
Central Processing Unit: CPU.............................................................................. 2-3
Introduction to LGA 775 CPU ..............................................................................2-3
CPU & Cooler Installation..................................................................................... 2-4
Memory ................................................................................................................ 2-7
Introduction to DDR2 SDRAM.....................................................................2-7
Memory Module Population Rules .............................................................. 2-8
Installing DDR2 Modules .............................................................................2-8
Power Supply.....................................................................................................2-9
ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: ATX1 .........................................................2-9
ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW1............................................................ 2-9
Back Panel ........................................................................................................ 2-11
Mouse/Keyboard Connector....................................................................2-10
VGA Connector (Optional).......................................................................2-10
Serial Port Connector ............................................................................... 2-11
USB Connectors ....................................................................................... 2-11
LAN (RJ-45) Jack .....................................................................................2-12
Audio Port Connectors.............................................................................2-12
Parallel Port Connector: LPT1 ..................................................................2-13
Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1 ........................................................2-14
Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN2/SYSFAN1/NBFAN1/PWRFAN1 .......2-14
Connectors .......................................................................................................2-14
Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1, IDE2 & IDE3 (IDE 2 & IDE3 are optional)...2-15

vi
Serial ATA/Serial ATA RAID Connectors controlled by
Intel ICH6R: SATA1~SATA4 ...........................................................2-16
CD-In Connector: JCD1 ............................................................................2-18
Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD2 .....................................................2-18
FWH/LPC Debugging Pin Header: JLPC1 ................................................2-19
Front USB Connectors: JUSB1 & JUSB2 ................................................2-19
Chassis Intrusion Switch Connector: JCI1 .............................................2-20
IEEE 1394 Connectors: J1394_1, J1394_2, J1394_3.............................2-20
D-Bracket™ 2 Connector: JDB1..............................................................2-21
Jumpers ............................................................................................................2-22
Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1 ....................................................................2-22
Slots ..................................................................................................................2-23
PCI Express Slots .....................................................................................2-23
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots......................................2-23
PCI Interrupt Request Routing..................................................................2-24
Chapter 3. BIOS Setup........................................................................................... 3-1
Selecting the First Boot Device .................................................................3-2
Entering Setup .................................................................................................... 3-3
Control Keys ...............................................................................................3-3
Getting Help ................................................................................................3-3
Main Menu ...................................................................................................3-3
Default Settings ..........................................................................................3-3
The Main Menu ................................................................................................... 3-5
Standard CMOS Features.................................................................................. 3-7
Advanced BIOS Features.................................................................................. 3-9
Integrated Peripherals...................................................................................... 3-11
Power Management Features .........................................................................3-15
H/W Monitor ......................................................................................................3-19
CellMenu ..........................................................................................................3-21
BIOS Setting Password ...................................................................................3-24
Load Fail-Safe/Optimized Defaults .................................................................3-25
Chapter 4. Introduction to DigiCell ....................................................................4-1
Main .....................................................................................................................4-2
Introduction: ................................................................................................4-2
H/W Diagnostic ................................................................................................... 4-4
Communication ...................................................................................................4-5
Software Access Point ..................................................................................... 4-6
Terminology ................................................................................................. 4-6

vii
Access Point Mode ....................................................................................4-7
WLAN Card Mode ....................................................................................... 4-8
Live Update......................................................................................................... 4-9
MEGASTICK .....................................................................................................4-10
Basic Function ..........................................................................................4-10
Non-Unicode programs supported ..........................................................4-12
Core Center (for Pentium 4 CPU) ....................................................................4-14
Left-wing: Current system status ...........................................................4-15
Right-wing: PC hardware status during real time operation .................4-15
Top-side: User mode/Auto mode .............................................................4-15
OC Menu (Optional) ..................................................................................4-15
Audio Speaker Setting .....................................................................................4-16
Power on Agent ...............................................................................................4-18
Power On..................................................................................................4-18
Power Off / Restart..................................................................................4-19
Start With ..................................................................................................4-19
Auto Login.................................................................................................4-20
Chapter 5. Introdction to Intel ICH6R SATA RAID ............................................ 5-1
BIOS Configuration.............................................................................................5-2
Using the Intel RAID Option ROM ............................................................... 5-2
Installing Software .............................................................................................5-8
Install Driver in Windows XP / 2000 .......................................................... 5-8
Installation of Intel Application Accelerator RAID Edition .......................... 5-9
RAID Migration Instructions .............................................................................5-14
Create RAID Volume from Existing Disk ..................................................5-15
Chapter 6. Introduction to VIA VT6410 IDE RAID............................................. 6-1
Introduction .........................................................................................................6-2
RAID 0 (Striping).........................................................................................6-2
RAID Basics................................................................................................6-2
RAID 1 (Mirroring)....................................................................................... 6-3
RAID 0+1 (Striping/Mirroring) .....................................................................6-3
JBOD (Spanning)........................................................................................ 6-3
BIOS Configuration.............................................................................................6-4
Create Disk Array .......................................................................................6-5
Delete Disk Array........................................................................................ 6-8
Create and Delete Spare Hard Drive......................................................... 6-9
Select Boot Array .....................................................................................6-10
View Serial Number of Hard Drive ..........................................................6-10

viii
Duplicate Critical RAID 1 Array ................................................................ 6-11
Rebuild Broken RAID 0/0+1 Array ...........................................................6-12
Installing Software ...........................................................................................6-14
Install Driver in Windows 2000/XP ..........................................................6-14
Installation of VIA IDE RAID Utility ............................................................6-15
Using VIA RAID Tool .........................................................................................6-18
Chapter 7. Introduction to CMI9880L Audio Codec ....................................... 7-1
Installing the Audio Codec Driver ...................................................................... 7-2
Software Configuration ..................................................................................... 7-3
Main Setting ................................................................................................7-3
Smart Jack ..................................................................................................7-7
Multi-Stream Function Support & Mixer.....................................................7-8
Effect ........................................................................................................ 7-11
Information ................................................................................................ 7-11

1-1
Getting Started
Chapter 1. Getting
Started
Thank you for choosing the 915P/G Neo2 Platinum (MS-
7028) v1.X ATX mainboard. The 915P/G Neo2 Platinum mainboard
is based on Intel®915P/G and Intel®ICH6R chipset for optimal
system efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced Intel®Pentium 4
Prescott LGA775 processor, the 915P/G Neo2 Platinum mainboard
delivers a high performance and professional desktop platform
solution.
Getting Started

1-2
7028 ATX Mainboard
Mainboard Specifications
CPU
hSupports Intel®Pentium 4 Prescott LGA775 processors in LGA775 package.
hSupports up to Pentium 4 3XX, 5XX & 7XX sequence processor or higher speed.
hSupports Intel Hyper-Threading Technology.
(For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/program/
products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_cpu_support.php)
Chipset
hIntel® 915P/G chipset
- Supports FSB 800MHz.
- Supports PCI Express x16 interface.
- Supports DDR2 400/533 memory interface.
- Integrated graphics controller (for 915G only).
hIntel®ICH6R chipset
- Hi-Speed USB (USB2.0) controller, 480Mb/sec, up to 8 ports.
- 4 Serial ATA ports with transfer rate up to 1.5Gb/s.
- 1 channel Ultra ATA 100 bus Master IDE controller.
- PCI Master v2.3, I/O APIC.
- ACPI 2.0 Compliant.
- Serial ATA 150 RAID 0, RAID 1 and Matrix RAID.
- Integrated AHCI controller.
Main Memory
hSupports four unbuffered DIMM of 1.8 Volt DDR2 SDRAM
hSupports up to 4GB memory size.
hSupports Dual channel DDR2 memory architecture.
hSupports DDR2 400/533 memory interface.
(For the updated supporting memory modules, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/
program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_trp_list.php.)
Slots
hOne PCI Express x16 slot (supports PCI Express Bus specification v1.0a compliant).
hTwo PCI Express x1 slots (supports PCI Express Bus specification v1.0a compliant).
hThree 32-bit v2.3 Master PCI bus slots (support 3.3v/5v PCI bus interface).
On-Board IDE
hOne Ultra DMA 66/100 IDE controllers integrated in ICH6R.
- Supports PIO, Bus Master operation modes.
- Can connect up to Two Ultra ATA drives.
hSerial ATA 150 controller integrated in ICH6R.
- Up to 150MB/sec transfer speed.
- Can connect up to four Serial ATA devices.
- Supports AHCI controller with SATA Raid 0, Raid 1 and Matrix Raid.
- Supports SATA hot plug.

1-3
Getting Started
VIA6410 IDE Raid Controller
hTwo Ultra DMA 66/100/133 IDE Controllers.
hSupports RAID 0, 1 and 0+1.
hConnect up to 4 Ultra ATA 133 devices.
On-Board Peripherals
hOn-Board Peripherals include:
- 1 floppy port supports 1 FDD with 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88Mbytes
- 1 serial port
- 1 VGA port (for 915G only, Optional)
- 1 parallel port supports SPP/EPP/ECP mode
- 1 Line-In / Line-Out / MIC-In / Rear Speaker Out / Center-Subwoofer Speaker Out
/ SPDIF-Out optical and coaxial audio port
- 8 USB ports (Rear * 4/ Front * 4)
- 1 RJ-45 LAN jack
- 3 IEEE 1394 connectors
LAN
hBroadcom BCM5751 PCI-E Gb LAN Controller
- PCI Express bus Spec 1.0a compliant.
- x1 PCI Express interface with 2.5 Gb/s bandwidth.
- 10/100/1000 IEEE 802.3 compliant.
Audio
hAzalia link controller integrated in Intel®ICH6R chipset.
h8-channel audio codec CMI9880L.
- Compliant with Azalia 1.0 Spec.
- Supports Multi-Streaming function.
- Supports Universal Audio Jack (only Front Audio Jack).
BIOS
hThe mainboard BIOS provides “Plug & Play” BIOS which detects the peripheral
devices and expansion cards of the board automatically.
hThe mainboard provides a Desktop Management Interface (DMI) function which
records your mainboard specifications.
Mounting and Dimension
hATX Form Factor: 24.4 cm (W) x 30.5 cm (L)
h9 mounting holes

1-4
7028 ATX Mainboard
Mainboard Layout
915P/G Neo2 Platinum (MS-7028) v1.X ATX Mainboard
NBFAN1
CPUFAN2 JC11
Intel
915P/G
PWRFAN1
SYSFAN1
JPW1
SATA2
SATA1
SATA4
SATA3
JCD1
BROADCOM
BCM5751KFB
T:
M:
B:
Line-In
Line-Out
Mic
T:RS-Out
M:CS
B:SPDIF Out
-Out
Winbond
W83627THF
VIA
VT6410
VIA
VT6306
ICH6R
BATT
+
DIMM1
DIMM3
DIMM4
DIMM2
ATX1
JLPC1
PCI 3
PCI 2
PCI 1
PCI_E3
PCI _E2
PCI_E1
IDE3
IDE1
FDD1
IDE2
JFP1
JBAT1
JFP2JDB1
JAUD2 JUSB1 JUSB2J1394_2 J1394_3J1394_1
Top : mouse
Bottom: keyboard
T:
B:USB port
SPDIFOut
BIOS
T: LAN jack
B: USB ports
Top : Parallel Port
Bottom:
COM A
VGA port (Optional)
CMI
9880

1-5
Getting Started
Packing Contents
Power Cable
SATA Cable
User’s Guide
MSI motherboard MSI Driver/Utility CD
Round Cable for
IDE Devices
Round Cable for
Floppy Disk
Back IO Shield
D-Bracket 2

1-6
7028 ATX Mainboard
MSI Special Features
Core CellTM Chip
By diagnosing the current system utilization, the CoreCell™
Chip automatically directs your motherboard to the most adequate
state and leads to less noise, longer duration and more power-
saving.
Stealth technology makes you leave
without a trace. Reduce heat and
noise from your system.
Intelligent power saving technique
prevents waste by energy
conservation.
Sophisticated moderate mechanism
could prolong components’ duration
for longer journey.
Empower your system with Dynamic
Overclocking, bestow you ability to
eliminate obstacles ahead.
MSI CoreCell brings you high performance

1-7
Getting Started
DigiCell
DigiCell is a powerful utility developed by MSI, which provides the easiest way
to conduct your digital home and the central cell of multiple digital devices.
For detailed instruction please refer to Chapter 4: Introduction to DigiCell.
Connectivity Upgrade by DigiCell
The outstanding features of DigiCell contain:
Activate Software Gateway
* Share one broadband access with all clients
* Save the cost of physical WLAN gateway
Connect with MEGA Stick
* Plug-n-Play, Drag-n-Drop
* Edit and print play list at convenience
* Connected by USB or Bluetooth

1-8
7028 ATX Mainboard
Automatic Voltage Compensation Mechanism
* Adjust the Vcore to minimize Vcore voltage inaccuracy
* Supplemental circuit gives a more precise voltage
* Enhanced Compatibility & Reliability
* Painless BIOS recovery from corruption
* Restore BIOS from backup area in single flash ROM
* Contains all the necessary BIOS options for tweaking
and overclocking
(Please check Chapter 3: BIOS Setup for details)
Other Features

2-1
Hardware Setup
Chapter 2. Hardware Setup
This chapter tells you how to install the CPU, memory modules,
and expansion cards, as well as how to setup the jumpers on the
mainboard. Also, it provides the instructions on connecting the periph-
eral devices, such as the mouse, keyboard, etc.
While doing the installation, be careful in holding the compo-
nents and follow the installation procedures.
Hardware Setup

2-2
MS-7028 ATX Mainboard
Quick Components Guide
BATT
+
DDR DIMMs, p.2-7
IDE2, IDE3,
p.2-15
JFP2, p.2-17
Back Panel
I/O, p.2-10
CPUFAN2, p.2-14
ATX1, p.2-9
JFP1, p.2-17
PCI Slots 1~3,
p.2-23
JUSB1, JUSB2, p.2-19
JAUD2, p.2-18
SATA1~SATA4,
p.2-16
JDB1, p.2-21
J1394_1, J1394_2,
J1394_3, p.2-20
SYSFAN1,p.2-14
JCI1, p.2-20
JLPC1, p.2-19
JBAT1,p.2-22
JPW1, p.2-9
PCI Express x1,
p.2-23
PCI Express x16,
p.2-23
JCD1, p.2-18
PWRFAN1,p.2-14
NBFAN1, p.2-14
FDD1, p.2-14
IDE1,p.2-15

2-3
Hardware Setup
Central Processing Unit: CPU
The mainboard supports Intel®Pentium 4 Prescott processor. The mainboard
uses a CPU socket called LGA775. When you are installing the CPU, make sure to
install the cooler to prevent overheating. If you do not have the CPU cooler,
contact your dealer to purchase and install them before turning on the computer.
For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/
program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_cpu_support.php.
MSI Reminds You...
Overheating
Overheating will seriously damage the CPU and system, always make
sure the cooling fan can work properly to protect the CPU from
overheating.
Replacing the CPU
While replacing the CPU, always turn off the ATX power supply or
unplug the power supply’s power cord from grounded outlet first to
ensure the safety of CPU.
Overclocking
This motherboard is designed to support overclocking. However, please
make sure your components are able to tolerate such abnormal setting,
while doing overclocking. Any attempt to operate beyond product speci-
fications is not recommended. We do not guarantee the damages
or risks caused by inadequate operation or beyond product
specifications.
Introduction to LGA 775 CPU The surface of LGA 775 CPU.
Remember to apply some sili-
cone heat transfer compound on
it for better heat dispersion.
Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator
The pin-pad side of LGA 775
CPU.
Yellow triangle is the Pin 1 indicator
Alignment Key Alignment Key

2-4
MS-7028 ATX Mainboard
2. Remove the cap from lever hinge
side (as the arrow shows).
1. The CPU has a plastic cap on it to
protect the contact from damage.
Before you have installed the CPU,
always cover it to protect the socket
pin.
CPU & Cooler Installation
When you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a cooler at-
tached on the top to prevent overheating. If you do not have the cooler, contact
your dealer to purchase and install them before turning on the computer. Meanwhile,
do not forget to apply some silicon heat transfer compound on CPU before installing
the heat sink/cooler fan for better heat dispersion.
Follow the steps below to install the CPU & cooler correctly. Wrong installation
will cause the damage of your CPU & mainboard.
4. Open the load lever.3. The pins of socket reveal.