VIA Mainboard VE-900 User manual

Copyright
Preface
This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is
protected under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this
manual, nor any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without
written consent of the author.
Version 1.0
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The
manufacturer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents
hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or
fitness for any particular purpose. The manufacturer reserves the right to revise
this publication and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof
without obligation of the manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or
changes.
Trademark Recognition
Windows XP® and Windows®7 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
Nano
TM
i s a registered trademarks of VIA Technologies, Inc.
Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their
respective owners and are acknowledged.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
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 in a
residential installation. 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. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Connect the equipment onto an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with
this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits
governing this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
system’s manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Preface
i

Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to
the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation
Canadian Department of Communications
This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement sur
le matériel brouilieur du Canada.
About the Manual
The manual consists of the following:
Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard
Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard
Chapter 3
UsingBIOS
Chapter 4
TroubleShooting
Describes features of the
motherboard.
Goto

page 1
Describes installation of
motherboard components.
Go to

page 7
Provides information on using
the BIOS Setup Utility.
Go to

page 21
Provides basic trouble shooting
tips.
Go to

page 35
Preface
ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface i
Chapter 1 1
IntroducingtheMotherboard 1
Introduction......................................................................................1
Feature...............................................................................................2
MotherboardComponents.............................................................5
Chapter 2 7
Installing the Motherboard 7
SafetyPrecautions............................................................................7
Choosinga ComputerCase.............................................................7
InstallingtheMotherboard in a Case............................................7
CheckingJumperSettings...............................................................8
Setting Jumpers...................................................................8
Checking Jumper Settings...................................................9
Jumper Settings...................................................................9
InstallingHardware........................................................................10
Installing Memory Modules...............................................10
Expansion Slots.................................................................11
Connecting Optional Devices............................................13
Installing aSATAHardDrive..............................................15
ConnectingI/ODevices................................................................16
ConnectingCaseComponents.....................................................17
Front Panel Header...........................................................19
Chapter 3 21
UsingBIOS 21
AbouttheSetupUtility................................................................21
The Standard Configuration..............................................21
Entering the Setup Utility....................................................21
Resetting the Default CMOS Values....................................22
UsingBIOS......................................................................................23
Standard CMOS Setup.......................................................24
AdvancedSetup..................................................................25
Advanced Chipset Setup.....................................................27
Integrated Peripherals........................................................28
Power ManagementSetup..................................................29
iii

PC Health Status................................................................30
Frequency/Voltage Control................................................31
Load Default Settings.........................................................32
Supervisor Password.........................................................32
User Password...................................................................33
Save & Exit Setup...............................................................34
Exit Without Saving............................................................34
Updating the BIOS..............................................................34
Chapter 4 35
TroubleShooting 35
Startupproblemsduringassembly...............................................35
Startupproblemsafterprolonguse..............................................36
Maintenanceandcaretips.............................................................36
BasicTroubleshootingFlowchart.................................................37
i v

Chapter
Introducing the Motherboard
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the VE-900 motherboard. This motherboard is a high
performance, enhanced function motherboard with onboard NANO X2 1.4GHz
processor for high-end business or personal desktop markets.
The motherboard is based on VIA
®
VX900 Express Chipset for best desktop platform
solution. VX900 is a low power single-chip. This motherboard supports a Front Side
Bus (FSB) frequency of 800MHz. The memory controller supports DDR3 memory
DIMM frequencies of 1066/800. It supports two DDR3 sockets with up to maximum
memory of 8 GB. It also supports one PCI slot. It implements an EHCI compliant
interface that provides eight USB 2.0 ports (four USB 2.0 ports and two USB 2.0
headers support additional four USB 2.0 ports). This motherboard integrates a Serial
ATA host controller, supporting two SATA ports with maximum transfer rate up to
3.0 Gb/s each.
The motherboard is equipped with advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel,
including two connectors for PS/2 mouse and keyboard, one HDMI port, one VGA
port, one COM1 port, four USB 2.0 ports, one LAN port, and audio jacks for
microphone, line-in and line-out.
Introducing the Motherboard
1

Feature
Processor
• Onboard NANO X2 1.4GHz processor
• Supports FSB 800MHz
Chipset
The VX900 chipset is based on an innovative and scalable architecture
with proven reliability and performance.
• Integrated Chrome 9 HD Graphic Processor
• Integrated SATA 3.0 Gb/s Host Controller
• Eight USB 2.0 ports supported
• Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) support
• Enhanced DMA Controller, interrupt controller, and timer functions
Memor y
• Supports DDR3 1066/800 DIMM with single-channel architecture
• Accommodates two unbuffered DIMMs
• 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets support up to 8 GB
Onboard LAN
• Integrated 10/100/1000 transceiver
• Supports Wake-on-LAN
• Fully compliant with IEEE802.3u, IEEE802.3ab
Audio
• 5.1 Channel High DefinitionAudio Codec
• Direct Sound 3D
TM
compatible
Expansion Options
The motherboard comes with the following expansion options:
• One 32-bit PCI v2.3 compliant slot
• Two 7-pin SATA connectors
Introducing the Motherboard
2

Integrated I/O
The motherboard has a full set of I/O ports and connectors:
• Two PS/2 ports for mouse and keyboard
• OneHDMIport
• One VGA port
• One COM1 port
• Four USB 2.0 ports
• One LAN port
• Audio jacks for microphone, line-in and line-out
BIOS irmware
This motherboard uses AMI BIOS that enables users toconfigure many
system features including the following:
• Date and time
• Password
• Power management
• Main chipset functions
1. Some hardware specifications and software items are subject to
change without prior notice.
2. W e recommend thatmotherboard be operated in the ambiance
between 0 and 45° C.
Introducing the Motherboard
3

Specifications
CPU
Chipset
Memory
Expansion
Slots
Storage
• Onboard NANO X2 1.4GHz processor
• Supports FSB 800MHz
• VIA VX900
• Single-channel DDR3 memory architecture
• Two 240-pin DDR3 1066/800 DIMM sockets support up to 8GB
• 1 x PCI slot
• 2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s devices
Graphics • Chrome 9 HD integrated graphic processor
• Pixel shader (SM2.0)
• Microsoft DirectX 7, 8, 9 compatible
• CRTMonitor2048*1536
• 512MB frame buffer size
Audio
LAN
RearPanelI/O
InternalI/O
Connectors &
Headers
SystemBIOS
• Video accelerator
• VT1708S
• RealtekRTL8111E(10M/100M/1G),PXE
• RTL8111E 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet Controller
• 1 x PS/2 keyboard & 1 x PS/2 mouse connectors
• 4 x USB 2.0 ports
• 1 x HDMI port
• 1 x VGA port
• 1 x COM1 port
• 1 x RJ 45 LAN connector
• 1 x Audio port
• 1 x 24-pin ATX Power Supply connector
• 2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
• 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports
• 1 x Clear CMOS header
• 1 x Front panel header
• 1 x Front panel audio header
• 1 x Printer header
• 1 x 4-pin CPU FAN connector
• 1 x 4-pin System FAN connector
• 1 x Speaker header
• AMI BIOS with 8Mb SPI Flash ROM
• Supports Plug and Play, ACPI 3.0, PS2 keyboard or mouse
wake up, Time power on, Hardware monitoring (CPU/Sys-
tem temperature and fan speed, CPU/DIMM voltage), F11
hot key for boot up devices option, Wake on lan, Lan Boot
ROM, Supervisor Password......etc.
Form Factor • Mini-ITX 170mmx170mm
The real memory size may show less than 8GB due to some capacity are used
for BIOS and other functions.
Introducing the Motherboard
4

MotherboardComponents
Table of Motherboard Components
LABEL COMPONENTS
1. CPU_FAN1 CPU cooling fan connector
2. DDR3 240-Pin DDR3 slots
3. SYS_FAN1 System cooling fan connector
4. A XPWR1 Standard 24-pin ATX power connector
5. USB_PWR USB power jumper
6. F_PANEL1 Front panel switch / LED header
7. CLR_CMOS1 Clear CMOS jumper
8. SPEAKER Speaker header
9. PCI1 32-bit add-on card slot
10. SA A1~2 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
11. F_USB1~2 Front panel USB 2.0 headers
12. F_AUDIO1 Front panel audio header
13. PRIN ER1 Printer header
This concludes Chapter 1. The next chapter explains how to install themotherboard.
Introducing the Motherboard
5

Memo
Introducing the Motherboard
6

Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard
SafetyPrecautions
• Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard
• Wear a grounding strap attached to a grounded device to avoid dam-
age from static electricity
• Discharge static electricity by touching the metal case of a
safely grounded object before working on the motherboard
• Leave components in the static-proof bags they came in
• Hold all circuit boards by the edges. Do not bend circuit boards
• Do not press or touch the CPU cooler or Chipset heat sink
Choosinga ComputerCase
There are many types of computer cases on the market. The motherboard complies
with the specifications for the ITX system case. Some features on the
motherboard are implemented by cabling connectors on the motherboard to
indicators and switches on the system case. Make sure that your case supports all the
features required. Make sure that your case has sufficient power and space for all
drives that you intend to install.
Most cases have a choice of I/O templates in the rear panel. Make sure that the
I/O template in the case matches the I/O ports installed on the rear edge of
the motherboard.
This motherboard carries a Mini-ITX form factor of 170 x 170 mm. Choose a
case that accommodates this form factor.
InstallingtheMotherboardina Case
Refer to the following illustration and instructions for installing the motherboard in a
case.
Most system cases have mounting brackets installed in the case, which
correspond the holes in the motherboard. Place the motherboard over the
mounting brackets and secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with
screws.
Ensure that your case has an I/O template that supports the I/O ports and
expansion slots on your motherboard.
Installing the Motherboard
7

Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard.
CheckingJumperSettings
This section explains how to set jumpers for correct configuration of the motherboard.
SettingJumpers
Use the motherboard jumpers to set system configuration options. Jumpers
with more than one pin are numbered. When setting the jumpers, ensure that the
jumper caps are placed on the correct pins.
The illustrations show a 2-pin jumper.
When the jumper cap is placed on
both pins, the jumper is SHORT. If you
remove the jumper cap or place the
jumper cap on just one pin, the jumper
is OPEN.
This illustration shows a 3-pin jumper.
Pins 1 and 2 are SHORT.
SHORT OPEN
Installing the Motherboard
8

Jumper
Type
Description Setting (default)
CLR_CMOS1
3-pin
Clear CMOS
1-2: NORMAL
2-3: CLEAR
Before clearing the
CMOS, make sure to
turn off the system.
1
CLR_CMOS1
USB_PWR
3-pin
USB power
jumper
1-2: S4/S5 power off
2-3: S4/S5 5VSB
USB_PWR
Checking Jumper Settings
The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1
is labeled.
JumperSettings
1
1. To avoid the system instability after clearing CMOS, we
recommend users to enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load
Default Settings” and then “Save and Exit Setup”.
2. Make sure the 5VSB voltage power supply provides enough
current before using the 5VSB function.
Installing the Motherboard
9

InstallingHardware
Installing Memory Modules
This motherboard accommodates two memory modules. It can support two 240-pin
DDR3 1066/800. The total memory capacity is 8 GB.
DDR3 SDRAM memorymodule table
Memory module Memory Bus
DDR3 1066 533 MHz
DDR3 800 400 MHz
You must install at least one module in any of the two slots. Each module can
be installed with 4 GB of memory.
Do not remove any memory module from its antistatic
packaging until you are ready to install it on the motherboard.
Handle the modules only by their edges. Do not touch the
components or metal parts. Always wear a grounding strap when
you handle the modules.
Installation Procedure
Refer to the following to install the memory modules.
1 This motherboard supports unbuffered DDR3 SDRAM .
2 Push the latches on each side of the DIMM slot down.
3 Align the memory module with the slot. The DIMM slots are keyed with
notches and the DIMMs are keyed with cutouts so thatthey can only be
installed correctly.
4 Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge connector match the
notches in the DIMM slot.
5 Install the DIMM module into the slot and press it firmly down until it
seats correctly. The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to
the edges of the DIMM.
Installing the Motherboard
10

Expansion Slots
Installing Add-on Cards
The slots on this motherboard are designed to hold expansion cards and
connect them to the system bus. Expansion slots are a means of adding or
enhancing the motherboard’s features and capabilities. With these efficient
facilities, you can increase the motherboard’s capabilities by adding hardware that
performs tasks that are not part of the basic system.
PCI1 Slot This motherboard is equipped with one standard PCI slot. PCI stands
for Peripheral Component Interconnect and is a bus standard
for expansion cards, which for the most part, is a supplement
of the older ISA bus standard. The PCI slot on this board is
PCI v2.3 compliant.
Before installing an add-on card, check the documentation for the
card carefully. If the card is not Plug and Play, you may have
to manually configure the card before installation.
Installing the Motherboard
11

Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:
1 Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the
slot you are going to use.
2 Install the edge connector of the add-on card into the expansion slot.
Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot.
3 Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case with a screw.
* For reference only
1. For some add-on cards, for example graphics adapters and network
adapters, you have to install drivers and software before you can begin
using the add-on card.
2. The onboard PCI interface does not support 64-bit SCSI
cards.
Installing the Motherboard
12

1
Ground
2
TX+
3
TX-
4
Ground
5
RX-
6
RX+
7
Ground
-
-
Connecting Optional Devices
Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional
devices:
SATA1~2: SerialATA connectors
These connectors are used to support the Serial ATA devices for data transfer
rates (3.0 Gb/s), simpler disk drive cabling and easier PC assembly. It eliminates
limitations of the current Parallel ATA interface. But maintains register
compatibility and software compatibility with Parallel ATA.
Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name
F_AUDIO1: FrontPanel Audio headerfor Azalia
This header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented microphone and
line- out ports for easier access.
Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name
1
PORT 1L
2
AUD_GND
3
PORT 1R
4
PRESENCE#
5
PORT 2R
6
SENSE_PORT1
7
SENSE_RETURN
8
KEY
9
PORT 2L
10
SENSE_PORT2
Installing the Motherboard
13

F_USB1~2:Front Panel USBheaders
The motherboard has four USB 2.0 ports installed on the rear edge I/O port
array. Additionally, some computer cases have USB 2.0 ports at the front of the case.
If you have this kind of case, use auxiliary USB 2.0 connector to connect
the front-mounted ports to the motherboard.
Pin Signal Name Function
1
USBPWR Fron Panel USB Power
2
USBPWR Fron Panel USB Power
3
USB_FP_P0- USB Por 0 Nega ive Signal
4
USB_FP_P1- USB Por 1 Nega ive Signal
5
USB_FP_P0+ USB Por 0 Posi ive Signal
6
USB_FP_P1+ USB Por 1 Posi ive Signal
7
GND Ground
8
GND Ground
9
Key No pin
10
GND Ground
Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as
indicated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system
hang-up.
PRINTER1:Onboardparallelportheader
This is a header that can be used to connect to the printer.
Pin Signal Name Pin Signal Name
1
STROBE 14 ALF
2
PD0 15 ERROR
3
PD1 16 INTT
4
PD2 17 SLCTIN
5
PD3 18 Ground
6
PD4 19 Ground
7
PD5 20 Ground
8
PD6 21 Ground
9
PD7 22 Ground
10
ACK 23 Ground
11
BUSK 24 Ground
12
PE 25 Ground
13
SLCT 26 Key
Installing the Motherboard
14

Installing a SATAHard Drive
This section describes how to install a SATA Hard drive.
AboutSATAConnectors
Your motherboard features two SATA connectors supporting a total of two
drives. SATA refers to Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is the
standard interface for the IDE hard drives which are currently used in most PCs.
These connectors are well designed and will only fit in one orientation. Locate the SATA
connectors on the motherboard and follow the illustration below to install the
SATA hard drives.
Installing SerialATAHard Drives
To install the Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives, use the SATA cable that supports
the Serial ATA protocol. This SATA cable comes with an SATA power cable. You
can connect either end of the SATA cable to the SATA hard drive or the connector on
the motherboard.
Refer to the illustration below for proper installation:
1 Attach either cable end to the connector on the motherboard.
2 Attach the other cable end to the SATA hard drive.
3 Attach the SATA power cable to the SATA hard drive and connect the
other end to the power supply.
* For reference only
This motherboard does not support the “Hot-Plug” function.
Installing the Motherboard
15