MSI MS-7521 (v2.X) User manual

1-1
Getting Started
Getting Started
Chapter 1
Thank you for choosing the MS-7521 v3.X Micro-ATX
mainboard. The MS-7521 v3.X Micro-ATX mainboard is
based on Intel P43 & ICH10R chipsets for optimal sys-
tem efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced Intel Core
2 Quad, C or e 2 Duo, Pentium Dual-Core an d
Celeron Dual-Core LGA775 processor, the MS-7521
v3.X Micro-ATX mainboard delivers a high performance
and professional desktop platform solution.

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1-2
Mainboard Specifications
Processor Support
- Intel Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo, Pentium Dual-Core and Celeron
Dual-Core processors in the LGA775 package
- Intel next generation 45 nm Multi-core CPU
Supported FSB
- 1333/ 1066/ 800 MHz
Chipset
- North Bridge: Intel P43 chipset
- South Bridge: Intel ICH10R chipset
Memory Support
- 4 DDR2 DIMMs support DDR2 800/ 667 SDRAM (240pin / 1.8V /
16GB Max)
LAN
- Supports PCIE LAN 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet by Realtek 8111C
Audio
- Chip integrated by Realtek ALC888
- Flexible 8-channel audio with jack sensing
- Compliant with Azalia 1.0 Spec
- Meet Microsoft Vista Premium spec
SATA
- 6 SATAII ports by ICH10R
- 1 E-SATA port by JMicron JMB362 (back panel)
- Supports storage and data transfers at up to 3 Gb/s
1394
- Supports 1394 by JMicron JMB381
RAID
- SATA1~6 support RAID 0/ 1/ 5/ 10/ JBOD mode by ICH10R
Connectors
Back panel
- 1 S/PDIF out connector (Coaxial)
- 4 USB 2.0 ports
- 1 1394 port
- 1 E-SATA port
- 1 LAN jack
- 6 flexible audio jacks

1-3
Getting Started
On-Board Pinheaders / Connectors
- 3 USB 2.0 pinheaders
- 1 1394 pinheader
- 1 front audio pinheader
- 1 S/PDIF out pinheader
Slots
- 1 PCI Express x16 slot, supports up to PCI Express 2.0 x16 speed
- 1 PCI Express x1 slot
- 2 PCI slots, support 3.3V/ 5V PCI bus Interface
Form Factor
- Micro-ATX (24.4cm X 24.4cm)
Mounting
- 8 mounting holes

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1-4
MS-7521 v3.X Micro-ATX Mainboard
Mainboard Layout
PCI 2
PCI 1
PCI _E2
PCI _E1
BATT
+
ATX 1
CPU_ FAN1
AUX_ FAN1
DIMM1 DIMM3 DIMM2 DIMM4
JU SB1
JUSB2
JUSB3
JF P1
SATA1SATA4
SATA2
SATA5
SATA3
SATA6
JAUD1
JSPD 1
J13 9 4_ 1
JBAT1 JSP I1
PWR1
T:Li ne-In
M:L ine-O ut
B:S PDIF-out port
T:RS- Out
M:CS-Out
B:S S-Out
T: LAN jack
B: U SB port s
T: 1394
B: U SB ports
Intel
ICH10R
Intel
P43
eS ATA por t
SPDIF1

2-1
Hardware Setup
Hardware Setup
Chapter 2
This chapter provides you with the information about
hardware setup procedures. While doing the installation,
be careful in holding the components and follow the
installation procedures. For some components, if you
install in the wrong orientation, the components will not
work properly.
Use a grounded wrist strap before handling computer
c om ponen ts . S tati c elec t ri c it y m ay da mag e the
components.

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2-2
Quick Components Guide
CPU,
p.2-3
DDR2 DIMMs,
p.2-7
ATX1,
p.2-9
SATA,
p.2-12
J1394_1,
p.2-13
JAUD1,
p.2-14
PCI,
p.2-17
Back Panel,
p.2-10
PWR1,
p.2-9
JFP1,
p.2-14
AUX_FAN1,
p.2-12
CPUFAN1,
p.2-12
PCIE,
p.2-17
JBAT1,
p.2-16
JUSB1~3,
p.2-15
JSPD1,
p.2-13

2-3
Hardware Setup
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
W hen you are installing the CPU, make sure to install the cooler to prevent
overheating. If you do not have the CPU cooler, consult your dealer before turning
on the computer.
Introduction to LGA 775 CPU
The surface of LGA 775 CPU.
Remember to apply some ther-
mal paste 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
Important
Over heating
Overheating will seriously damage the CPU and system. Always make sure
the cooling fan can work properly to protect the CPU from overheating. Make
sure that you apply an even layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) between
the CPU and the heatsink to enhance heat dissipation.
Replacing the CPU
While replacing the CPU, always turn off the ATX power supply or unplug the
power supply s power cord from the grounded outlet first to ensure the safety
of CPU.

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2-4
Important
1. Confirm if your CPU cooler is firmly installed before turning on your system.
2. Do not touch the CPU socket pins to avoid damaging.
3. The availability of the CPU land side cover depends on your CPU packing.
2. Remove the cap from lever hinge
side (as the arrow shows).
1. The CPU socket has a plastic cap on
it to protect the contact from damage.
Before you install the CPU, always
cover it to protect the socket pin.
3. The pins of socket reveal.
CPU & Cooler Installation
When you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a cooler attached on
the top to prevent overheating. Meanwhile, do not forget to apply some thermal
paste on CPU before installing the heat sink/cooler fan for better heat dispersion.
Follow the steps below to install the CPU & cooler correctly. W rong installation will
cause the damage of your CPU & mainboard.
4. Open the load lever.

2-5
Hardware Setup
6. After confirming the CPU direction
for correct mating, put down the
CPU in the socket housing frame.
Be sure to grasp on the edge of
the CPU base. Note that the align-
ment keys are matched.
8. Cover the load plate onto the
package.
5. Lift the load lever up and open the
load plate.
7. Visually inspec t if the CPU is
seated well into the socket. If not,
take out the CPU with pure vertical
motion and reinstall.
alignment
key

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2-6
10. Align the holes on the mainboard
with the heatsink. Push down the
cooler unti l its fou r c lip s g et
wedged int o t he holes of t he
mainboard.
12. Turn over the mainboard to con-
firm that the clip-ends are correctly
inserted.
9. Press down the load lever lightly
onto the load plate, and then se-
cure the lever with the hook under
retention tab.
Important
1. Read the CPU status in BIOS (Chapter 3).
2. Whenever CPU is not installed, always protect your CPU socket pin with the
plastic cap covered (shown in Figure 1) to avoid damaging.
3. Mainboard photos shown in this section are for demonstration of the CPU/
cooler installation only. The appearance of your mainboard may vary depend-
ing on the model you purchase.
11. Press the four hooks down to fasten
the cooler. Then rotate the locking
switch (refer to the correct direction
marked on it) to lock the hooks.
locking
switch
Mainboard
Hook

2-7
Hardware Setup
Memory
These DIMM slots are used for installing memory modules.
DDR2
240-pin, 1.8V
1
DIMM1
DIMM2
DIMM3
DIMM4
2
DIMM1
DIMM2
DIMM3
DIMM4
Dual-Channel Memory Population Rules
In Dual-Channel mode, the memory modules can transmit and receive data with two
data bus lines simultaneously. Enabling Dual-Channel mode can enhance the system
performance. Please refer to the following illustrations for population rules under
Dual-Channel mode.
Empty
Installed
Important
- DDR2 memory modules are not interchangeable with DDR and the DDR2
standard is not backwards compatible. You should always install DDR2
memory modules in the DDR2 DIMM slots.
- In Dual-Channel mode, make sure that you install memory modules of the
same type and density in different channel DIMM slots.
- To enable successful system boot-up, always insert the memory modules
into the DIM M1 first.
- Due to the chipset resource deployment, the system density will only be
detected up to 15+GB (not full 16GB) when each DIMM is installed with a 4GB
memory module.
64x2=128 pin 56x2=112 pin

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2-8
Installing Memory Modules
1. The memory module has only one notch on the center and will only fit in the right
orientation.
2. Insert the memory module vertically into the DIMM slot. Then push it in until the
golden finger on the memory module is deeply inserted in the DIMM slot. The plastic
clip at each side of the DIMM slot will automatically close when the memory module
is properly seated.
3. Manually check if the memory module has been locked in place by the DIMM slot
clips at the sides.
Important
You can barely see the golden finger if the memory module is properly inserted
in the DIMM slot.
Volt Notch

2-9
Hardware Setup
Power Supply
PIN SIGNAL
13 +3.3V
14 -12V
15 GND
16 PS-ON#
17 GND
18 GND
19 GND
20 Res
21 +5V
22 +5V
23 +5V
24 GND
PIN SIGNAL
1 +3.3V
2 +3.3V
3 GND
4 +5V
5 GND
6 +5V
7 GND
8 PWROK
9 5VSB
10 +12V
11 +12V
12 +3.3V
Pin Definition
ATX 24-Pin Power Connector: ATX1
This connector allows you to connect an ATX 24-pin power supply. To connect the
ATX 24-pin power supply, make sure the plug of the power supply is inserted in the
proper orientation and the pins are aligned. Then push down the power supply firmly
into the connector.
ATX 4-pin Power Connector: PWR1
This power connector is used to provide power to the CPU.
1
ATX1
12 24
13
PIN SIGNAL
1 GND
2 GND
3 12V
4 12V
Pin Definition
PWR2
13
42
Important
1. Make sure that all the connectors are connected to proper ATX power sup-
plies to ensure stable operation of the mainboard.
2. Power supply of 350 watts (and above) is highly recommended for system
stability.

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2-10
LED Color LED State Condition
Off LAN link is not established.
Left Yellow On (steady state) LAN link is established.
On (brighter & pulsing) The computeris communicating with another computer on the LAN.
Green Off 10 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.
Right On 100 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.
Orange On 1000 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.
Green / OrangeYellow
Back Panel
S/PDIF-Out (Coaxial)
This SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interconnect Format) connector is provided for
digital audio transmission to external speakers through a coaxial cable.
ESATA Port
The External-SATA port is for attaching the ESATA external hard drive.
1394 Port
The IEEE1394 port on the back panel provides connection to IEEE1394 devices.
USB Port
The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is for attaching USB devices such as keyboard,
mouse, or other USB-compatible devices.
LAN
The standard RJ-45 LAN jack is for connection to the Local Area Network (LAN). You
can connect a network cable to it.
Mic
Line-Out
Line-In
LAN
RS-Out
SS-Out
CS-Out
USB Ports
1394 Port
S/PDIF-Out
(Coaxial)
E-SATA Port

2-11
Hardware Setup
Audio Ports
These audio connectors are used for audio devices. You can differentiate the color
of the audio jacks for different audio sound effects.
Line-In (Blue) - Line In is used for external CD player, tapeplayer or
other audio devices.
Line-Out (Green) - Line Out, is a connector for speakers or headphones.
Mic (Pink) - Mic, is a connector for microphones.
RS-Out (Black) - Rear-Surround Out in 4/ 5.1/ 7.1 channel mode.
CS-Out (Orange) - Center/ Subwoofer Out in 5.1/ 7.1 channel mode.
SS-Out (Gray) - Side-Surround Out 7.1 channel mode.
Important
The Realtek audio driver must be installed for audio function.

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2-12
Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN1, AUX_FAN1
The fan power connectors support system cooling fan with +12V. W hen connecting
the wire to the connectors, always note that the red wire is the positive and should
be connected to the +12V; the black wire is Ground and should be connected to GND.
CPUFAN1
SE NS OR
+1 2V
GND
Control
Serial ATA Connector: SATA1~6
This connector is a high-speed Serial ATA interface port. Each connector can connect
to one Serial ATA device.
SATA2
SATA5
Connectors
SATA3 SATA1
SATA6 SATA4
AUX_FAN1
SE NS OR
+1 2V
GND
Control
Important
1. Please refer to the recommended CPU fans at processor s official website
or consult the vendors for proper CPU cooling fan.
2. Fan cooler set with 3 or 4 pins power connector are both available for
CPUFAN1 or AUX_FAN1.
Important
Please do not fold the Serial ATA cable into 90-degree angle. Otherwise,
data loss may occur during transmission.

2-13
Hardware Setup
IEEE1394 Connector: J1394_1
This connector allows you to connect the IEEE1394 device via an optional IEEE1394
bracket.
Pin Definition
PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL
1 TPA+ 2 TPA-
3 Ground 4 Ground
5 TPB+ 6 TPB-
7 Cable power 8 Cable power
9 Key(no pin) 10 Ground
J1394_1
1
2
9
10
SPDIF-Out Connector: JSPD1
This connector is used to connect S/PDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interconnect Format)
interface for digital audio transmission.
JSPD1
VCC
SPDIF
GND

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2-14
HD Audio Pin Definition
PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
1 LINEout_JD Jack detection return from front panel JACK2
2 LINE out_L Analog Port - Left channel
3 NC No control
4 Front_JD Jack detection sense line from the High Definition Audio CODEC
5 MIC_JD Jack detection return from front panel microphone JACK1
jack detection resistor network
6 LINEout_R Analog Port - Right channel
7 NC
8 MIC_R Microphone - Right channel
9 GND Ground
10 MIC_L Microphone - Left channel
JAUD1
PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
1 HD_LED + Hard disk LED pull-up
2 FPPWR/SLP MSG LED pull-up
3 HD_LED - Hard disk active LED
4 FPPWR/SLP MSG LED pull-up
5 RST_SW - Reset Switch low reference pull-down to GND
6 PWR_SW+ Power Switch high reference pull-up
7 RST_SW + Reset Switch high reference pull-up
8 PWR_SW- PowerSwitch lowreference pull-down to GND
9 RSVD_DNU Reserved. Do not use.
JFP1 Pin Definition
Front Panel Connectors: JFP1
The connector is for electrical connection to the front panel switches and LEDs. The
JFP1 is compliant with Intel Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.
1
2
9
10
JFP1
HDD
LED
Reset
Switch
Power
LED
Power
Switch
++
+
- -
-
1
2
9
10
Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1
This connector allows you to connect the front panel audio and is compliant with
Intel Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.

2-15
Hardware Setup
Front USB Connector: JUSB1~3
These connectors, compliant with Intel I/O Connectivity Design Guide, is ideal for
connecting high-speed USB interface peripherals such as USB HDD, digital cameras,
MP3 players, printers, modems and the like.
PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL
1 VCC 2 VCC
3 USB0- 4 USB1-
5 USB0+ 6 USB1+
7 GND 8 GND
9 Key(no pin) 10 NC
Pin Definition
Important
Note that the pins of VCC and GND must be connected correctly to avoid
possible damage.
JUSB1~3
1
2
9
10

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2-16
Jumper
Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1
There is a CMOS RAM onboard that has a power supply from an external battery to
keep the data of system configuration. With the CMOS RAM, the system can auto-
matically boot OS every time it is turned on. If you want to clear the system configuration,
set the jumper to clear data.
Important
You can clear CMOS by shorting 2-3 pin while the system is off. Then return
to 1-2 pin position. Avoid clearing the CMOS while the system is on; it will
damage the mainboard.
JBAT1
1Clear Data
1 3
Keep Data
1 3