Nexcom NEX 980 User manual

NEXCOM International Co., Ltd.
NEXCOM International Co., Ltd.
Published March 2013 www.nexcom.com
Industrial Computing Solutions
Embedded Computing (Industrial Motherboard)
NEX 980
User Manual

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. ii NEX 881 User Manual
Content
Contents
Preface
Copyright ............................................................................................. iv
Disclaimer.............................................................................................. iv
Acknowledgements ............................................................................... iv
Regulatory Compliance Statements........................................................ iv
Declaration of Conformity...................................................................... iv
RoHS Compliance ................................................................................... v
Warranty and RMA ................................................................................ vi
Safety Information ................................................................................viii
Installation Recommendations...............................................................viii
Safety Precautions.................................................................................. ix
Technical Support and Assistance............................................................ x
Conventions Used in this Manual............................................................ x
Global Service Contact Information........................................................ xi
Package Contents.................................................................................xiv
Ordering Information .............................................................................xv
Chapter 1 : Product Introduction
1.1 Package Contents.......................................................................... 2
1.2 Specifications................................................................................. 3
1.3 Motherboard Layout ...................................................................... 5
1.4 I/O Panel........................................................................................ 7
Chapter 2 : Installation
2.1 Screw Holes ................................................................................... 8
2.2 Pre-installation Precautions............................................................. 8
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) ........................................ 9
2.4 Expansion Slot ............................................................................ 11
2.5 Jumpers Setup ............................................................................. 12
2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors ............................................... 13
2.7 Serial ATA2 (SATA2) / Serial ATA3 (SATA3) Hard Disks Installation . 17
2.8 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA2 / SATA3 HDDs ......... 18
2.9 Driver Installation Guide .............................................................. 19
Chapter 3 : UEFI Setup utility
3.1 Introduction................................................................................... 20
3.1.1 UEFI Menu Bar......................................................................... 20
3.1.2 Navigation Keys....................................................................... 21
3.2 Main Screen................................................................................... 21
3.3 Advanced Screen ........................................................................... 22
3.3.1 CPU Configuration ................................................................. 23
3.3.2 North Bridge Configuration .................................................... 25
3.3.3 South Bridge Configuration.................................................... 26
3.3.4 Storage Configuration............................................................ 27
3.3.5 Intel®Rapid Start Technology .................................................. 28
3.3.6 Intel®Smart Connect Technology............................................ 29
3.3.7 AMT Configuration ................................................................ 30
3.3.8 Super IO Configuration........................................................... 32
3.3.9 ACPI Configuration ................................................................ 33
3.3.10 USB Configuration................................................................. 34

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. iii NEX 881 User Manual
Content
3.3.11 Trusted Computing................................................................ 35
3.3.12 Voltage Configuration ........................................................... 36
3.4 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen ..................................... 37
3.5 Boot Screen ................................................................................... 38
3.6 Security Screen .............................................................................. 39
3.7 Exit Screen..................................................................................... 40
Chapter 4 : Software Support
4.1 Install Operating System................................................................. 41
4.2 Support CD Information................................................................. 41
4.2.1 Running Support CD ............................................................... 41
4.2.2 Drivers Menu........................................................................... 41
4.2.3 Utilities Menu.......................................................................... 41
4.2.4 Contact Information................................................................ 41

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. iv NEX 881 User Manual
Preface
PrefaCe
Regulatory Compliance Statements
This section provides the FCC compliance statement for Class A devices
and describes how to keep the system CE compliant.
Declaration of Conformity
FCC
This equipment has been tested and verified to comply with the limits for
a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of 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 instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equip-
ment in a residential area (domestic environment) is likely to cause harmful
interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference (take adequate measures) at their own expense.
CE
The product(s) described in this manual complies with all applicable Euro-
pean Union (CE) directives if it has a CE marking. For computer systems to
remain CE compliant, only CE-compliant parts may be used. Maintaining
CE compliance also requires proper cable and cabling techniques.
Copyright
This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is
protected under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. No
part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated or transmitted
in any form or by any means without the prior written consent from
NEXCOM International Co., Ltd.
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without prior notice
and does not represent commitment from NEXCOM International Co., Ltd.
However, users may update their knowledge of any product in use by con-
stantly checking its manual posted on our website: http://www.nexcom.
com. NEXCOM shall not be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or
consequential damages arising out of the use of any product, nor for any
infringements upon the rights of third parties, which may result from such
use. Any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular
purpose is also disclaimed.
Acknowledgements
NEX 881 is a trademark of NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All other
product names mentioned herein are registered trademarks of their
respective owners.

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. vNEX 881 User Manual
Preface
RoHS Compliance
NEXCOM RoHS Environmental Policy and Status
Update
NEXCOM is a global citizen for building the digital infra-
structure. We are committed to providing green products
and services, which are compliant with European Union
RoHS (Restriction on Use of Hazardous Substance in Electronic Equipment)
directive 2002/95/EU, to be your trusted green partner and to protect our
environment.
RoHS restricts the use of Lead (Pb) < 0.1% or 1,000ppm, Mercury (Hg)
< 0.1% or 1,000ppm, Cadmium (Cd) < 0.01% or 100ppm, Hexavalent
Chromium (Cr6+) < 0.1% or 1,000ppm, Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) <
0.1% or 1,000ppm, and Polybrominated diphenyl Ethers (PBDE) < 0.1% or
1,000ppm.
In order to meet the RoHS compliant directives, NEXCOM has established an
engineering and manufacturing task force in to implement the introduction
of green products. The task force will ensure that we follow the standard
NEXCOM development procedure and that all the new RoHS components
and new manufacturing processes maintain the highest industry quality
levels for which NEXCOM are renowned.
The model selection criteria will be based on market demand. Vendors and
suppliers will ensure that all designed components will be RoHS compliant.
How to recognize NEXCOM RoHS Products?
For existing products where there are non-RoHS and RoHS versions, the suf-
fix “(LF)” will be added to the compliant product name.
All new product models launched after January 2006 will be RoHS compli-
ant. They will use the usual NEXCOM naming convention.

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. vi NEX 881 User Manual
Preface
Warranty and RMA
NEXCOM Warranty Period
NEXCOM manufactures products that are new or equivalent to new in
accordance with industry standard. NEXCOM warrants that products will
be free from defect in material and workmanship for 2 years, beginning
on the date of invoice by NEXCOM. HCP series products (Blade Server)
which are manufactured by NEXCOM are covered by a three year warranty
period.
NEXCOM Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA)
?Customers shall enclose the “NEXCOM RMA Service Form” with the
returned packages.
?Customers must collect all the information about the problems encoun-
tered and note anything abnormal or, print out any on-screen messages,
and describe the problems on the “NEXCOM RMA Service Form” for
the RMA number apply process.
?Customers can send back the faulty products with or without acces-
sories (manuals, cable, etc.) and any components from the card, such as
CPU and RAM. If the components were suspected as part of the prob-
lems, please note clearly which components are included. Otherwise,
NEXCOM is not responsible for the devices/parts.
?Customers are responsible for the safe packaging of defective products,
making sure it is durable enough to be resistant against further damage
and deterioration during transportation. In case of damages occurred
during transportation, the repair is treated as “Out of Warranty.”
?Any products returned by NEXCOM to other locations besides the
customers’ site will bear an extra charge and will be billed to the
customer.
Repair Service Charges for Out-of-Warranty Products
NEXCOM will charge for out-of-warranty products in two categories, one
is basic diagnostic fee and another is component (product) fee.
System Level
?Component fee: NEXCOM will only charge for main components such
as SMD chip, BGA chip, etc. Passive components will be repaired for
free, ex: resistor, capacitor.
?Items will be replaced with NEXCOM products if the original one cannot
be repaired. Ex: motherboard, power supply, etc.
?Replace with 3rd party products if needed.
?If RMA goods can not be repaired, NEXCOM will return it to the
customer without any charge.
Board Level
?Component fee: NEXCOM will only charge for main components, such
as SMD chip, BGA chip, etc. Passive components will be repaired for
free, ex: resistors, capacitors.
?If RMA goods can not be repaired, NEXCOM will return it to the
customer without any charge.

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. vii NEX 881 User Manual
Preface
Warnings
Read and adhere to all warnings, cautions, and notices in this guide and
the documentation supplied with the chassis, power supply, and accessory
modules. If the instructions for the chassis and power supply are incon-
sistent with these instructions or the instructions for accessory modules,
contact the supplier to find out how you can ensure that your computer
meets safety and regulatory requirements.
Cautions
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage system components. Do the de-
scribed procedures only at an ESD workstation. If no such station is avail-
able, you can provide some ESD protection by wearing an antistatic wrist
strap and attaching it to a metal part of the computer chassis.
Safety Information
Before installing and using the device, note the following precautions:
▪Read all instructions carefully.
▪Do not place the unit on an unstable surface, cart, or stand.
▪Follow all warnings and cautions in this manual.
▪When replacing parts, ensure that your service technician uses parts
specified by the manufacturer.
▪Avoid using the system near water, in direct sunlight, or near a heating
device.
▪The load of the system unit does not solely rely for support from the
rackmounts located on the sides. Firm support from the bottom is highly
necessary in order to provide balance stability.
▪The computer is provided with a battery-powered real-time clock circuit.
There is a danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace
only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufactur-
er. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Installation Recommendations
Ensure you have a stable, clean working environment. Dust and dirt can
get into components and cause a malfunction. Use containers to keep
small components separated.
Adequate lighting and proper tools can prevent you from accidentally
damaging the internal components. Most of the procedures that follow
require only a few simple tools, including the following:
• A Philips screwdriver
• A flat-tipped screwdriver
• A grounding strap
• An anti-static pad
Using your fingers can disconnect most of the connections. It is recom-
mended that you do not use needlenose pliers to disconnect connections
as these can damage the soft metal or plastic parts of the connectors.

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. viii NEX 881 User Manual
Preface
Safety Precautions
1. Read these safety instructions carefully.
2. Keep this User Manual for later reference.
3. Disconnect the equipment from an AC power outlet prior to install-
ing a component inside the chassis.
4. To prevent electrostatic build-up, leave the board in its anti-static bag
until you are ready to install it.
5. Keep the board away from humidity.
6. Put the board on a stable surface. Dropping it or letting it fall may
cause damage.
7. Do not leave the board in either an unconditioned environment or in
a above 60oC storage temperature as this may damage the board.
8. Wear an antistatic wrist strap.
9. Do all preparation work on a static-free surface.
10. Hold the board only by its edges. Be careful not to touch any of the
components, contacts or connections.
11. All cautions and warnings on the board should be noted.
12. Use the correct mounting screws and do not over tighten the screws.
13. Keep the original packaging and the anti-static bag; in case the
board has to be returned for repair or replacement.

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. ix NEX 881 User Manual
Preface
Conventions Used in this Manual
Warning: Information about certain situations, which if not
observed, can cause personal injury. This will prevent injury to
yourself when performing a task.
Caution: Information to avoid damaging components or losing
data.
Note: Provides additional information to complete a task easily.
Technical Support and Assistance
1. For the most updated information of NEXCOM products, visit NEX-
COM’s website at www.nexcom.com.
2. For technical issues that require contacting our technical support team
or sales representative, please have the following information ready
before calling:
– Product name and serial number
– Detailed information of the peripheral devices
– Detailed information of the installed software (operating system,
version, application software, etc.)
– A complete description of the problem
– The exact wordings of the error messages

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. xNEX 881 User Manual
Preface
Headquarters
NEXCOM International Co., Ltd.
15F, No. 920, Chung-Cheng Rd.,
ZhongHe District, New Taipei City, 23586,
Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.nexcom.com
America
USA
NEXCOM USA
2883 Bayview Drive,Fremont CA 94538,
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.nexcom.com
Asia
Taiwan
Central Taiwan Office
16F, No.250, Sec. 2, Chongde Rd.,
Beitun Dist., Taichung City 406, R.O.C.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.nexcom.com.tw
Global Service Contact Information
Japan
NEXCOM Japan
9F, Tamachi Hara Bldg.,4-11-5, Shiba Minato-ku,
Tokyo, 108-0014, Japan
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.nexcom-jp.com
China
NEXCOM China
2F, Block 4, Venus Plaza, Bldg. 21,
ZhongGuanCun Software Park, No. 8,
Dongbeiwang West Rd., Haidian District,
Beijing, 100193, China
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.nexcom.cn
Shanghai Office
Room 1505, Greenland He Chuang Bldg.,
No. 450 Caoyang Rd.,
Shanghai, 200062, China
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.nexcom.cn
Nanjing Office
Hall C, Block 17, Tian Xing Cui Lang Bldg.,
No. 49 Yunnan North Rd.,
Nanjing, 210018, China
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.nexcom.cn
Shenzhen Office
Western Room 708, Block 210,
Tairan Industry & Trading Place,
Futian Area, Shenzhen,
518040, China
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.nexcom.cn
Wuhan Office
1-C1804/ 1805, Mingze Liwan,
No. 519 South Luoshi Rd.,
Hongshan District,
Wuhan, 430070, China
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.nexcom.cn

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. xi NEX 881 User Manual
Preface
Chengdu Office
9F, Shuxiangxie, Xuefu Garden,
No.12 Section 1, South Yihuan Rd.,
Chengdu, 610061, China
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.nexcom.cn
Europe
France
NEXCOM France
La Grande Arche-Paroi Nord,
92044 Paris La Défense, France
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.nexcom.eu
Germany
NEXCOM GmbH
Leopoldstraße Business Centre,
Leopoldstraße 244,
80807 Munich, Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.nexcom.eu
Italy
NEXCOM ITALIA S.r.l
Via Gaudenzio Ferrari 29,
21047 Saronno (VA), Italia
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.nexcomitalia.it
United Kingdom
NEXCOM EUROPE
10 Vincent Avenue,
Crownhill Business Centre,
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK8 0AB,
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.nexcom.eu

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 1NEX 980 User Manual
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
ChaPter 1: ProduCt IntroduCtIon
Thank you for purchasing NEXCOM NEX 980 motherboard, a reliable
motherboard produced under NEXCOM’s consistently stringent quality
control. It delivers excellent performance with robust design conforming to
NEXCOM’s commitment to quality and endurance.
In this manual, chapter 1 and 2 contain introduction of the motherboard and
step-by-step guide to the hardware installation. Chapter 3 and 4 contain the
configuration guide to BIOS setup and information of the Support CD.
Because the motherboard specifications and the BIOS software
might be updated, the content of this manual will be subject to
change without notice.
In case any modifications of this manual occur, the updated
version will be available on NEXCOM website without further
notice. You may find the latest VGA cards and CPU support lists
on NEXCOM website as well.
NEXCOM website http://www.nexcom.com
If you require technical support related to this motherboard,
please visit our website for specific information about the model
you are using.

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 2NEX 980 User Manual
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.1 Package Contents
NEXCOM NEX 980 Motherboard
(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
NEXCOM NEX 980 Driver CD
NEXCOM NEX 980 Jumper setting instruction
1 x I/O Panel Shield
NEXCOM Reminds You...
To get better performance in Windows®8/ 8 64-bit/ 7/ 7
64-bit, it is recommended to set the BIOS option in Storage
Configuration to AHCI mode.

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 3NEX 980 User Manual
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.2 Specifications
Form Factor Dimensions ATX (12.0-in x 9.6-in)
Processor
System
CPU Socket LGA1155 for Intel®Core™ i7/i5/i3/
Celeron®(Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge)
Core
Number (By CPU, Max 4)
Max Speed (By CPU)
L3 Cache (By CPU)
Chipset Q77
BIOS UEFI
Expansion Slot
PCI 4
Mini-PCIE 1
PCIE 1 (x16) + 1 (x1) + 1 (x4)
CF Card
Socket 0
CFast Card
Socket 1
Memory
Technology Dual Channel DDR3 1066/1333/1600 MHz
SDRAM
Max. 32GB
Socket Long DIMM x 4
Graphics
Controller Intel®HD Graphics (By CPU)
VRAM Shared Memory
DSub Support max resolution 2048x1536
LVDS N/A
HDMI Support HDMI 1.4a, max resolution
1920x1200
DVI N/A
Display Port Support max resolution 2560x1600
Multi
Display Yes
Ethernet
Interface 10/100/1000 Mbps
Controller GbE LAN1:Intel®82579LM/V, LAN2:
Intel®82583V
Controller RJ-45 x 2 w/ LED
SATA
Max Data
Transfer
Rate
SATA2 X2 (3.0Gb/S), SATA3 X2 (6.0Gb/S),
Support RAID0/1/5/10
Rear I/O
VGA 1
HDMI 1
DVI 0
Display Port 1
Ethernet 2
USB 6 (USB 2.0 x4, USB 3.0 x2)
Audio 3 (Mic-In, Line-Out, Line-In)
Serial 2 (RS-232/422/485)
PS/2 1 (Combo)
Internal
Connector
USB 7 (USB 2.0 x4, USB 3.0 x2; Vertical Type
x1 )
LVDS/
Inverter 0
VGA 1
Serial 4 (RS-232)
SATA 4 (SATA2 X2, SATA3 X2), Support RAID
0/1/5/10
m-SATA 1
Mini-PCIE 1 (Support half-size card)
Parallel 1
IrDA 0
GPIO 4 x GPI + 4 x GPO
SATA PWR
Output Con 2
Speaker
Header 1

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 4NEX 980 User Manual
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Watchdog
Timer
Output Output from super I/O to drag RESETCON#
Interval 256 Segments, 0,1,2…255 Sec/Min
Power
Requirements
Input PWR ATX PWR (8 + 24)
Power On
AT/ATX Supported
-AT : Directly PWR on as power input ready
-ATX : Press button to PWR on after power
input ready
Environment Temperature 0ºC – 60ºC

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
5
NEX 980 User Manual
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.3 Motherboard Layout
AT XPWR1
Intel
Q7 7
DDR3_A2 (64 bi t , 2 40 -pi n m od ule )
DDR3_A1 (64 bi t , 2 4 0- pin mo du le )
DDR3_B2 (64 bi t , 2 4 0-p in mo dul e )
DDR3_B1 (64 bi t , 2 4 0-p in mo dul e )
PCI1
PCIE 1
1
HD_AUDIO1
COM6
1
COM5
1
COM3
1
COM4
1
CMOS
Battery
HDLEDRESET
PLED PWRBTN
PANEL1
1
Supe r
I/O
SA TA 2_2
SA TA 3_0
SA TA 3_1SATA2_3
CLRCMOS 1
1
CHA_F AN2
64Mb
BIOS
CPU_FAN1
CPU_FAN2
24.4cm(9.6in)
30.5cm (12.0 in)
USB8_9
1
USB10_11
1
1
CI 1
1
CI 2
JGPIO_PWR1
1
PWR_JP 1
1
1
LPT1
SET_CM1
1
1
SET_CM2
SET_CM6
1
SET_CM5
1
BUZZ1
MINI_S AT A1
JPWR 1JPWR 2
USB12
1
JG PIO1
USB3_2_3
12345679
10
11
8
12
13
14
16
15
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
3031
323334
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
43
42
44
45
46
47
48
49
RoHS
Top:
RJ-45
US B2.0
T: USB4
B: USB 5
Top:
RJ-45
US B3.0
T: USB 0
B: USB 1
US B2.0
T: USB 6
B: USB 7
HDM I
Top:
Line In
Center:
Line Out
Bottom:
MicIn
COM2
VGA1
COM1
PS2
Keyboard
/Mouse
DISPL AY 1
MINI_PCIE1
PCIE 2
PCIE 3
PCI2
PCI3
AT X 1 2V 1
CHA_F AN1
TPM1
1
SET_CM4
1
SET_CM3
1
PCI4
AUDI O
CODE C
LA N
LA N
50
51
1 COM Port Signal/Power Setting Jumper (For COM1)
2 COM Port Signal/Power Setting Jumper (For COM2)
3 ATX 12V Power Connector
4 3-Pin CPU FAN Connector (+12V)
5 4-Pin CPU FAN Connector (+12V)
6 CPU Socket
7 Flash Memory (64Mb)
8 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots (DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1)
9 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots (DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2)
10 24-pin ATX Power Input Connector
11 RS232 Port 4 Pin Header (COM6)
12 RS-232 Port 4 Pin Header (COM5)
13 RS-232 Port 4 Pin Header (COM4)
14 RS-232 Port 4 Pin Header (COM3)
15 COM Port Signal/Power Setting Jumper (For COM6)
16 COM Port Signal/Power Setting Jumper (For COM4)
17 COM Port Signal/Power Setting Jumper (For COM3)
18 COM Port Signal/Power Setting Jumper (For COM5)
19 Mini-PCIe Slot
20 Digital Input/ Output Power Select
21 Mini-SATA Slot
22 ATX/AT Mode Selection
23 CFast Card Socket
24 System Panel Header
25 SATA Power Connector 2
26 SATA Power Connector 1
27 SATA2 Connector (SATA2_2)
28 SATA2 Connector (SATA2_3)
29 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_1)
30 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_0)
31 TPM Header

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 6NEX 980 User Manual
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
32 Intel®Q77 Chipset
33 Printer Port Header
34 USB2.0 Port (USB12)
35 USB3.0 Header (USB3_2_3)
36 USB2.0 Header (USB10_11)
37 USB2.0 Header (USB8_9)
38 Chassis Intrusion Header 2
39 Clear CMOS Header
40 Front Panel Audio Header
41 Chassis Intrusion Header 1
42 PCI Slot
43 PCI Express Slot
44 PCI Slot
45 PCI Slot
46 PCI Express Slot
47 PCI Slot
48 Digital Input/ Output Pin Header
49 PCI Express Slot
50 4-Pin Chassis FAN Connector (+12V)
51 3-Pin Chassis FAN Connector (+12V)

Copyright © 2013 NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 7NEX 980 User Manual
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Activity/ Link LED SPEED LED
Status Description Status Description
Off No Link Off 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection
On Link Green 1Gbps connection
LAN Port LED Indications
ACT/LINK
LED
SPEED
LED
LAN Port
* There are two LED next to the LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED
indications.
1.4 I/O Panel
1 COM Port (COM1)
2 COM Port (COM2)
* 3 LAN RJ-45 Port
4 USB 2.0 Ports (USB67)
* 5 LAN RJ-45 Port
6 Line In (Light Blue)
7 Line out (Lime)
8 Microphone (Pink)
9 USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_01)
10 HDMI Port (HDMI1)
11 USB 2.0 Ports (USB45)
12 D-Sub Port (VGA1)
13 PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard Port
** 14 DisplayPort (DP1)
14
35
6
7
8
9
10
11
13
14
2
12

Copyright © 2013NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 8NEX 980 User Manual
Chapter 2 : Installation
ChaPter 2 : InstallatIon
This is an ATX form factor (12.0” x 9.6”, 30.5 x 24.4 cm) motherboard.
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis
to ensure that the motherboard fits into it.
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or
removing the motherboard. Failure to do so may cause physical
injuries to you and damages to motherboard components.
2.2 Pre-installation Precautions
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard
components or change any motherboard settings.
▪Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
components.
▪To avoid damaging the motherboard’s components due to static electricity,
NEVER place your motherboard directly on the carpet or the like. Also
2.1 Screw Holes
Place screws into the holes to secure the motherboard to the chassis.
Do not over-tighten the screws! Doing so may damage the
motherboard.
remember to use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safety grounded
object before you handle the components.
▪Hold components by the edges and do not touch the ICs.
▪Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic
pad or in the bag that comes with the component.
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the
power is switched off or the power cord is detached from the
power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the
motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.

Copyright © 2013NEXCOM International Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 9NEX 980 User Manual
Chapter 2 : Installation
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules
(DIMM)
This motherboard provides four 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) DIMM
slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. For dual channel
configuration, you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed,
size and chip-type) DDR3 DIMM pair in the slots of the same color. In
other words, you have to install identical DDR3 DIMM pair in Dual Channel
(DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1; Blue slots) or identical DDR3 DIMM pair in Dual
Channel (DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2; White slots), so that Dual Channel
Memory Technology can be activated. This motherboard also allows you to
install four DDR3 DIMMs for dual channel configuration, and please install
identical DDR3 DIMMs in all four slots. You may refer to the Dual Channel
Memory Configuration Table below.
Dual Channel Memory Configuration
DDR3_A1
(Blue Slot)
DDR3_A2
(White Slot)
DDR3_B1
(Blue Slot)
DDR3_B2
(White Slot)
(1) Populated - Populated -
(2) - Populated - Populated
(3)* Populated Populated Populated Populated
* For configuration (3), please install identical DDR3 DIMMs in all four slots.
1. If you want to install two memory modules, for optimal
compatibility and reliability, it is recommended to install them
in the slots of the same color. In other words, install them
either in the set of blue slots (DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1), or in
the set of white slots (DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2).
2. If only one memory module or three memory modules are
installed in the DDR3 DIMM slots on this motherboard, it is
unable to activate the Dual Channel Memory Technology.
3. If a pair of memory modules is NOT installed in the same Dual
Channel, for example, installing a pair of memory modules
in DDR3_A1 and DDR3_A2, it is unable to activate the Dual
Channel Memory Technology .
4. It is not allowed to install a DDR or DDR2 memory module
into DDR3 slot; otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may
be damaged.
5. Some DDR3 1GB double-sided DIMMs with 16 chips may not
work on this motherboard. It is not recommended to install
them on this motherboard.