MSI K8NNeo4 Platinum Series User manual

i
MS-7125 (v1.X) ATX Mainboard
K8N Neo4 Series
G52-M7125X1

ii
Manual Rev: 1.0
Release Date: December 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-7125
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 December 2004
with nVidia nForce4 Ultra

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
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]
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer.

v
CONTENTS
Chapter 1. Getting Started...................................................................................1-1
Mainboard Specifications ..................................................................................1-2
Mainboard Layout ..............................................................................................1-5
Packing Contents ...............................................................................................1-6
Chapter 2. Hardware Setup................................................................................. 2-1
Quick Components Guide ..................................................................................2-2
Central Processing Unit: CPU ............................................................................2-3
CPU Installation Procedures for Socket 939.............................................2-4
Installing AMD Athlon64 CPU Cooler Set ...................................................2-5
Memory ...............................................................................................................2-7
Introduction to DDR SDRAM.......................................................................2-7
DIMMModuleCombination ..........................................................................2-7
Recommended Memory Combination List .................................................2-8
Installing DDR Modules ...............................................................................2-9
Power Supply...................................................................................................2-10
ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: ATX1 .......................................................2-10
ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW1..........................................................2-10
Important Notification about Power Issue ............................................... 2-11
Back Panel ........................................................................................................2-12
Mouse Connector (Green) / Keyboard Connector (Purple) ..................2-12
IEEE1394 Port (Optional) ..........................................................................2-12
Serial Port Connector ...............................................................................2-13
USB Connectors .......................................................................................2-13
LAN (RJ-45) Jack .....................................................................................2-14
Audio Port Connectors.............................................................................2-14
Parallel Port Connector: LPT1 ..................................................................2-15
Connectors.......................................................................................................2-16
Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1 ........................................................2-16
Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN1 / SFAN1 / SFAN2 / NBFAN1 ...........2-16
Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1/IDE2 ............................................................2-17
Chassis Intrusion Switch Connectors: JCI1 ...........................................2-17
Serial ATA/Serial ATA RAID Connectors controlled by
nForce4 Ultra: SATA1/SATA2/SATA3/SATA4; Serial ATA/Serial ATA RAID
Connectors controlled by Silicon Image SATARAID5TM: SATA5/SATA6/SATA7/
SATA8 .......................................................................................................2-18
CD-In Connector: JCD1 ............................................................................2-18
Front Panel Connectors: JFP1 / JFP2 ......................................................2-19

vi
Front USB Connectors: JUSB1/JUSB2/JUSB3........................................2-19
Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1 .....................................................2-20
IrDA Infrared Module Header: JIR1 ..........................................................2-20
IEEE 1394 Connectors: J1394_1 (Optional) ............................................2-21
D-BracketTM 2 Connector: JDB1 ..............................................................2-22
Buuton ..............................................................................................................2-24
Clear CMOS Button: SW1.........................................................................2-25
Slots ..................................................................................................................2-26
PCI Express Slots .....................................................................................2-26
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots......................................2-26
PCI Interrupt Request Routing ..................................................................2-27
Chapter 3. BIOS Setup........................................................................................... 3-1
Entering Setup .................................................................................................... 3-2
Selecting the First Boot Device .................................................................3-2
Control Keys ...............................................................................................3-3
Getting Help ................................................................................................3-3
The Main Menu ...................................................................................................3-4
Standard CMOS Features..................................................................................3-6
Advanced BIOS Features..................................................................................3-8
Advanced Chipset Features ...........................................................................3-10
Integrated Peripherals......................................................................................3-14
Power Management Setup ..............................................................................3-19
PNP/PCIConfigurations ....................................................................................3-21
H/W Monitor ......................................................................................................3-23
CellMenu ..........................................................................................................3-24
Optimized Defaults ...........................................................................................3-28
BIOS Setting Password ...................................................................................3-29
Chapter 4. Introduction to DigiCell ....................................................................4-1
Main .....................................................................................................................4-2
H/W Diagnostic ................................................................................................... 4-4
Communication ...................................................................................................4-5
Software Access Point ..................................................................................... 4-6
Terminology................................................................................................. 4-6
Access Point Mode ....................................................................................4-7
WLAN Card Mode ....................................................................................... 4-8
Live Update.........................................................................................................4-9
MEGASTICK .....................................................................................................4-10
Basic Function ..........................................................................................4-10

vii
Non-Unicode programs supported ..........................................................4-12
Core Center (for AMD K8 Processor).............................................................4-14
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. nVIDIA RAID Introduction ................................................................. 5-1
Introduction .........................................................................................................5-2
System Requirement ..................................................................................5-2
RAID Arrays................................................................................................5-2
Summary of RAID Configurations..............................................................5-2
RAID Configuration............................................................................................. 5-3
Basic Configuration Instructions ...............................................................5-3
Setting Up the NVRAID BIOS .....................................................................5-3
NVIDIA RAID Untility Installation ......................................................................... 5-7
Installing the RAID Driver (for bootable RAID Array) ...............................5-7
Installing the NVIDIA RAID Software Under Windows
(for Non-bootable RAID Array).................................................................5-9
Initializing and Using the Disk Array ........................................................5-10
RAID Drives Management ................................................................................5-12
Viewing RAID Array Configurations .......................................................5-12
Setting Up a Spare RAID Disk ..................................................................5-14
Rebuilding a RAID Mirrored Array............................................................5-20
Chapter 6. Silicon Image SATARAID5TM Introduction...................................... 6-1
Introduction .........................................................................................................6-2
RAID-Redundant Array of Independent Disks ..........................................6-2
RAID0 (Striping)..........................................................................................6-2
RAID1 (Mirroring)........................................................................................6-2
RAID10 (Disk Mirroring and Striping)......................................................... 6-2
RAID5 (Parrity RAID) ..................................................................................6-3
JBOD (Just Bunch of Disks) ......................................................................6-3
Creating and Deleting Legacy RAID Groups with BIOS Utility.........................6-5

viii
Creating RAID Groups................................................................................6-7
Creating Spare Drive ..................................................................................6-8
Creating JBOD ............................................................................................6-9
Deleting RAID Groups, Spare Drive, and JBOD........................................ 6-9
Rebuild RAID 1 set....................................................................................6-10
Resolving Conflicts...................................................................................6-10
Low Level Formatting ..............................................................................6-13
Logical Drive Information .........................................................................6-13
Reserved Drive and Setting Size for RAID set, Spare Drive, or JBOD.6-14
Installing the RAID Driver (For bootable RAID Array) ....................................6-15
Installing Driver in Windows XP/2000/Server 2003 ...............................6-15
Installing Drivers and GUI ................................................................................6-16
Chapter 7. Installation of Driver & Utility..........................................................7-1
Driver Installation................................................................................................7-2
NVIDIA nForce4 System Driver .................................................................7-2
Realtek AC97 Audio Driver.........................................................................7-5
Utility Installation .................................................................................................7-6

1-1
Getting Started
Chapter 1. Getting
Started
Thank you for choosing the K8N Neo4 Platinum (MS-7125)
v1.X ATX mainboard. The K8N Neo4 Platinum mainboard is based
on nVIDIA®nForce™4 Ultra chipset for optimal system efficiency.
Designed to fit the advanced AMD®K8 Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64
processor, the K8N Neo4 Platinum mainboard delivers a high per-
formance and professional desktop platform solution.
Getting Started

1-2
MS-7125 ATX Mainboard
CPU
hSupports Socket-939 for AMD K8 Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 (Socket939) processor
hSupports up to Athlon64 3500+, 3800+, or higher CPU
(For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://www.msi.com.tw/program/
products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_cpu_support.php)
Chipset
hnVIDIA nForce4 Ultra
- HyperTransport link to the AMD Athlon 64/Athlon 64 FX CPU
- HyperTransport supporting speed up to 1GHz (2000MT/s)
- Supports PCI Express x16/x1/x2 interface
- Two independent SATA controllers, for four drives
- Dual Fast ATA-133 IDE controllers
- IEEE802.3 nVIDIA MAC for 1000BASE-T
Main Memory
hSupports dual channel, eight memory banks DDR 266/333/400, using four 184-
pinDDRDIMMs
hSupports a maximum memory size up to 4GB
hSupports 2.5v DDR SDRAM DIMM
(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)
hOne PCI Express x1 slots (supports PCI Express Bus specification v1.0a
compliant)
hOne PCI Express x4 slots (supports PCI Express x2 device only )
hFour 32-bit Master PCI Bus slots, includes one orange slot which is reserved as
a communication slot.
hSupport 3.3V/5V PCI bus Interface
On-Board IDE
hAn IDE controller on the nVIDIA®nForce4 Ultra chipset provides IDE HDD/CD-
ROM with PIO, Bus Master and Ultra DMA 66/100/133 operation modes
hCan connect up to 4 IDE devices
On-Board SATA
hNV RAID supports 4 SATA ports(SATA1-4). SATAII Transfer rate is up to
300MB/s.
hSilicon Image’s SATARAID5TM supports another 4 SATA ports(SATA5-8). SATA
Transfer rate is up to 150MB/s. (Optional)
Mainboard Specifications

1-3
Getting Started
USB Interface
h10 USB ports
- Controlled by nForce4 Ultra chipset
- 4 ports in the rear I/O, 6 ports via the external bracket
NV RAID (Software)
hSupports up to 4 SATA and 4 ATA133 Hard drives
- RAID 0 or 1, 0+1, JBOD is supported
- RAID function available for PATA+SATA H/D drives
Silicon Image’s SATARAID5TM (Software) (Optional)
hRAID 0 or 1, RAID5, RAID10, and JBOD groups are supported
hSupport up to 4 SATA devices connected to a single controller
Dual LAN (Optional)
hSupports dual LAN jacks
- 1st LAN supports 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet by Marvell 88E1111
- 2nd LAN supports 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet by Marvell 88E8053
IEEE 1394 (Optional)
hSupports up to two 1394 ports (rear panel x 1, pinheader x 1). Transfer rate is
up to 400Mbps
Audio
hChip integrated by Realtek ALC850
- Direct Sound AC97 audio
- 7.1 Channel output
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 parallel port supporting SPP/EPP/ECP mode
- 1 Audio jack(5-in-1), coaxial/fiber SPDIF out
- 1 IrDA pinheader
- 1 CD-In pinheader
- 1 D-Bracket2 pinheader
- 2 IEEE1394 ports (Rear * 1 / Front * 1)(Optional)
- 10 USB1.1/2.0 ports (Rear * 4 / Front * 6)

1-4
MS-7125 ATX Mainboard
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.
hSupports boot from LAN, USB Device 1.1 & 2.0, and SATA HDD.
Dimension
hATX Form Factor (30.4 cm X 24.4 cm)
Mounting
h9 mounting holes
MSI Reminds You...
1. Now the nVidia nForce4 system driver is only available for Windows
2000 and Windows XP.
2. To create a bootable RAID volume for a Windows 2000 environment,
Microsoft’s Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 (SP4) is required. As the
end user cannot boot without SP4, a combination installation CD
must be created before attempting to install the operating system
onto the bootable RAID volume.
To create the combination installation CD, please refer to the follow-
ing website:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/
servicepacks/sp4/HFdeploy.htm

1-5
Getting Started
Mainboard Layout
K8N Neo4 Platinum (MS-7125 v1.X) ATX Mainboard
CPUFAN1
NBFAN1
S1W
SFAN2
JPW1
FDD1
SATA3
SATA5 SATA8
SATA6 SATA7
SATA4
SATA1
SATA2
JCD1
T:
M:
B:
Line-In
Line-Out
Mic
T:RS-Out
M:CS
B:SPDIF Out
-Out
T: LAN jack
B: USB ports
(Optional)
T: LAN jack
B: USB ports
(Optional)
Winbond
W83627THF
Silicon Image
SATALink
Sil3114CT176
(Optional)
VIA
VT6307
(Optional)
88E1111-RCJ
(Optional)
BATT
+
DIMM 1
SFAN1
DIMM 3 DIMM 2 DIMM 4
ATX1
PCISlot3
PCISlot2
PCISlot1
PCI_E3
PCI_E2
PCI_E1
IDE 2 IDE 1
JFP1
JDB1
JFP2
JIR1JIR1
JCI1
JLPC1
JAUD1 JUSB2 JUSB3
JUSB1
J1394_1
(Optional)
Top : Parallel Port
Bottom:
COM Port
1394 Port(Optional)
SPDIF OUT
Top : mouse
Bottom: keyboard
MSI
CoreCell
BIOS
Codec
PCISlot4
88E8053-NNC
(Optional)
NForce4
Ultra
(
Optional
)

1-6
MS-7125 ATX Mainboard
Packing Contents
Power Cable
SATA Cable (Optional)
User’s Guide Test Report
D-Bracket 2 (Optional)
MSI motherboard
MSI Driver/Utility CD
SATA RAID Driver
Diskette
Round Cable of
IDE Devices
Back IO Shield
Quick Guide
1394 Cable (Optional)
Round Cable of
Floppy Disk

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-7125 ATX Mainboard
Quick Components Guide
DDR DIMMs, p.2-7
JDB1, p.2-22
JFP1, p.2-19
Back Panel
I/O, p.2-12
JPW1, p.2-10
IDE1/2, p.2-17
ATX1, p.2-10
JFP2, p.2-19
PCI_E2, p.2-26
PCI Slots 1~4,
p.2-26
JUSB1~3, p.2-19
SATA1~4,
p.2-18
J1394_1, p.2-21
(Optional)
NBFAN1,
p.2-16
CPUFAN1, p.2-16
JAUD1, p.2-20
SW1, p.2-25
FDD1, p.2-16
SFAN1, p.2-16
JCD1, p.2-18
JCI1, p.2-7
JIR1, p.2-20
SFAN2,
p.2-16
SATA5~8,
p.2-18
PCI_E1, p.2-26
PCI_E3, p.2-26
CPU, p.2-3

2-3
Hardware Setup
Central Processing Unit: CPU
The mainboard supports AMD®Athlon64 processor. The mainboard uses a CPU socket
called Socket-939 for easy CPU installation. When you are installing the CPU, make
sure the CPU has a heat sink and a cooling fan attached on the top to
prevent overheating. If you do not have the heat sink and cooling fan, 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.

2-4
MS-7125 ATX Mainboard
CPU Installation Procedures for Socket 939
1. Please turn off the power and
unplug the power cord before
installing the CPU.
2. Pull the lever sideways away
from the socket. Make sure to
raise the lever up to a 90-de-
gree angle.
3. Look for the gold arrow. The gold
arrow should point towards the
lever pivot. The CPU can only fit
in the correct orientation.
4. If the CPU is correctly installed,
the pins should be completely
embedded into the socket and
can not be seen. Please note
that any violation of the correct
installation procedures may
cause permanent damages to
your mainboard.
5. Press the CPU down firmly into
the socket and close the lever.
As the CPU is likely to move while
the lever is being closed, al-
ways close the lever with your
fingers pressing tightly on top of
the CPU to make sure the CPU is
properly and completely embed-
ded into the socket.
OpenLever
90 degree
Sliding
Plate
Gold arrow
Gold arrow
Gold arrow
CorrectCPUplacement
O

2-5
Hardware Setup
Installing AMD Athlon64 CPU Cooler Set
When you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a heat sink and a
cooling fan attached on the top to prevent overheating. If you do not have the
heat sink and cooling fan, contact your dealer to purchase and install them before
turning on the computer.
1. Detach the shield of the backplate’s
paster.
2. Turn over the mainboard, and install
the backplate to the proper position.
3. Turn over the mainboard again, and
place the mainboard on the flat
surface.
Locate the two screw holes of the
mainboard.
4. Align the retention mechanism and
the backplate.
Fix the retention mechanism and the
backplate with two screws.
retention mechanism

2-6
MS-7125 ATX Mainboard
6. Locate the Fix Lever, Safety Hook
and the Fixed Bolt.
Lift up the intensive fixed lever.
5. Position the cooling set onto the re-
tention mechanism.
Hook one end of the clip to hook first,
and then press down the other end
of the clip to fasten the cooling set on
the top of the retention mechanism.
7. Fasten down the lever.
8. Make sure the safety hook completely
clasps the fixed bolt of the retention
mechanism.
Safety Hook
Fixed Bolt
Fixed Lever
9. Attach the CPU Fan cable to the CPU
fan connector on the mainboard.
MSI Reminds You...
While disconnecting the Safety Hook from the fixed bolt, it is neces-
sary to keep an eye on your fingers, because once the Safety Hook is
disconnected from the fixed bolt, the fixed lever will spring back instantly.