VIA Technologies VX900 User manual

USER'S MANUAL
For
VlA VX900 Express Chipset
Based Motherboard
Trademark:
* Specifications and Information contained in this documentation are furnished for information use only, and are
subject to change at any time without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by manufacturer.
NO. G03-MVBVX9GSM-F
Rev: 1.0
Release date: November, 2010

i
Environmental Safety Instruction
zAvoid the dusty, humidity and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any
area where it may become wet.
z0 to 40 centigrade is the suitable temperature. (The figure comes from the request of
the main chipset)
zGenerally speaking, dramatic changes in temperature may lead to contact malfunction
and crackles due to constant thermal expansion and contraction from the welding
spots’ that connect components and PCB. Computer should go through an adaptive
phase before it boots when it is moved from a cold environment to a warmer one to
avoid condensation phenomenon. These water drops attached on PCB or the surface
of the components can bring about phenomena as minor as computer instability
resulted from corrosion and oxidation from components and PCB or as major as short
circuit that can burn the components. Suggest starting the computer until the
temperature goes up.
zThe increasing temperature of the capacitor may decrease the life of computer. Using
the close case may decrease the life of other device because the higher temperature in
the inner of the case.
zAttention to the heat sink when you over-clocking. The higher temperature may
decrease the life of the device and burned the capacitor.
Environmental Protection Announcement
Do not dispose this electronic device into the trash while discarding. To minimize pollution
and ensure environment protection of mother earth, please recycle.

ii
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION OF VIA VX900 MOTHERBOARDS
1-1 FEATURES OF MOTHERBOARD................................................................1
1-1.1 SPECIAL FEATURES OF MOTHERBOARD .................................2
1-2 ITEM CHECKLIST.........................................................................................2
1-3 SPECIFICATION...........................................................................................3
1-4 LAYOUT DIAGRAM......................................................................................4
CHAPTER 2 HARDWARE INSTALLATION
2-1 MEMORY MODULE INSTALLATION...........................................................5
2-2 EXPANSION SLOTS.....................................................................................6
CHAPTER 3 CONNCTORS, HEADERS & JUMPERS SETTING
3-1 CONNECTORS .............................................................................................6
3-2 HEADERS .....................................................................................................8
3-3 JUMPER SETTING .......................................................................................11
CHAPTER 4 USEFUL HELP
4-1 HOW TO UPDATE BIOS ..............................................................................12
4-2 TROUBLE SHOOTING .................................................................................12
TABLE OF CONTENT

1
Chapter 1
Introduction of VIA VX900 Motherboards
1-1 Features of Motherboard
The VIA VX900 Express chip based motherboard series are based on VIA VX900
Express chipset technology which supports the embedded VIA Nano™2007L Series
CPU
The VIA VX900 chipset based motherboard series comes with an integrated DDRIII
memory controller for dual channel DDRIII 1066 /DDRIII 1333 MHz system memories
which are expandable to 4 GB capacity and the new generation of PCI Express
interface for the latest graphics AMD cards. The VIA VX900 Express chipset
motherboard series are absolutely the ultimate solution for game enthusiasts and
applications, and it also meets the demanding usage of computing of gaming,
multimedia entertainment and business applications.
The motherboard provides two serial ATA2 interfaces of 3.0 Gb / s data transfer rate
for two serial ATA devices.
The VIA VX900 Express chipset Based motherboard provides Ethernet LAN function
by using Megabit LAN chip which support 10M / 100M data transfer rate. Embedded
6-channel CODEC is fully compatible with Sound Blaster Pro®standards that offer
you with the home cinema quality and absolutely software compatibility.
The VIA VX900 Express chipset based motherboard series offer one PCI-Express2.0
x16 graphics slot and one 32-bit PCI slot guarantee the rich connectivity for the I/O of
peripherals.
Embedded USB controllers as well as capability of expanding to 8 of USB2.0
functional ports delivering 480Mb/s bandwidth of rich connectivity, these
motherboards meet the future USB demands which are also equipped with hardware
monitor function on system to monitor and protect your system and maintain your
non-stop business computing.
Some special features--- CPU Vcore Input & Output OC-CON in this motherboard is
designed for power user to use the over-clocking function in more flexible ways. But
please be caution that the over-clocking may cause the failure in system reliability.
This motherboard provides the guaranteed performance and meets the demands of
the next generation computing. But if you insist to gain more system performance with
variety possibilities of the components you choose, please be careful and make sure
to read the detailed descriptions of these value added product features, please get
them in the coming section.

2
1-1-1 Special Features of motherboard
CPU Vcore Input and Output adopt OC-CON solid capacitors. (High-polymer
Solid Electrolysis Aluminum Capacitors)
OC-CON solid capacitors make it possible for motherboard to work from 55 degrees
Centigrade below zero to 125 degrees centigrade. OC-CON capacitors possess
superior physical characteristics to prolong product life ten times than corresponding
motherboard without capacitors every time working temperature increases 20
degrees. Life of product of motherboard with solid capacitors declines only 10% of
those without solid capacitors as well under same conditions.
1-2 Item Checklist
5VIA VX900 Chipset based motherboard
5DVD for motherboard utilities
5User’s Manual
5SATA Cable(s)
5I/O back panel shield

3
1-3 Specification
Spec Description
Design zPCB size: 17cmx19cm
Chipset zVIA VX900 Express Chipset
Embedded CPU zVIA Nano™Series 1.6 GHZ Processor
Memory Sockets
zDDRIII module slot x 2
zSupport 2pcs DDRIII 1066/DDRIII 1333 memory modules
expandable to 4 GB
zSupport dual channel function
Expansion Slots z1pcs PCI-Express2.0 x16by8 lane slot
z1pcs 32-bit PCI slot
Serial ATA2 zThe VIA VX900 chipset supports two internal Serial ATA
ports for two SATA devices providing 3.0 Gb/sec data
transfer rate.
Ethernet LAN
zIntegrated PCI-E LAN chip
zSupports Fast Ethernet LAN function provide 10Mb/100Mb
data transfer rate.
6-CH HD Audio z6chanel HD Audio Codec integrated
zSupport 6-channel 3D surround & Positioning Audio
zAudio driver and utility included
BIOS zAMI 32MB SMT Flash ROM
Multi I/O
zHDMI Connector x1
zVGA Connector x1
zSATA connector x2
zUSB2.0 port x6 and header x1
zRJ-45 LAN connector x1
zAudio connector x1 (6-CH Audio)
zFront Panel Audio Header x1
zSerial Port headerx1

4
1-4 Layout Diagram
`
VIA Nano™ L2007 CPU
PCI Slot
CPU FAN1
RJ-45 Over
USB Connecto
r
Power LED Header
Speaker Header
Front Panel Audio Header
USB Headers
SYSFAN1
ATX 12V
Power Connector
RJ-45 LAN
Line-IN
MIC-IN
VGA Connector
DDRIII Slot x 2
HDMI
Connector
USB Connectors
USB Connector
Serial-ATAII Connecto
r
(SATA 1, 2, )
Audio Connector
COM Header
PCI Express
2.0x16by8lane slot
Line-OUT
HDMI
Connector
VGA Connector
JP1
LAN Chip
USB Connecto
r
USB Connectors
6CH HD
Audio Decode
VIA VX900 Chipset
HDMI-SPDIF
Header
Front Panel
Header

5
Chapter 2
Hardware Installation
WARNING! Turn off your power when adding or removing expansion cards or
other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe
damage to both your motherboard and expansion cards.
2-1 Memory Module Installation
This motherboard provides two 240-pin DDR III DUAL INLINE MEMORY MODULES
(DIMM) socket for DDR III memory expansion available to maximum memory volume
of 8 GB DDRIII SDRAM.
Valid Memory Configurations
Bank 240-Pin DIMM PCS Maximum Capacity
DIMM1 DDR III 1066/ DDR III1333 X1 4GB
DIMM2 DDR III 1066/ DDR III1333 X1 4GB
Total System Memory (Max 4GB) 2 8GB
Recommend DIMM Module Combination ：
1. One DDRIII Memory Module ----Plug in DIMMM1.
2. Two DDRIII Memory Modules---Plug in DIMM1 & DIMM2 for Dual channel function
Dual channel Limited!
1. Dual channel function only supports when 2 DIMM Modules plug in either both DIMM1
& DIMM2.
2. Memory modules plugged in the same color DIMM must be of the same type, same
size, and same frequency for dual channel function.
Install DDR SDRAM modules to your motherboard is not difficult, you can refer to
figure below to see how to install DDRIII 1066/DDRIII 1333 SDRAM module.
DIMM2(BANK2+BANK3) DIMM1(BANK0+BANK1)
DIMM1 & DIMM2: Dual Channel
NOTE! When you install DIMM module fully into the DIMM socket the eject
tab should be locked into the DIMM module very firmly and fit into its
indention on both sides.

6
Installation Tips：
Open the two plastic clips of memory slots then push down the module
vertically into the slot. See to it that the hole of the module fit into the notch of
the slot;
The two plastic clips will automatically close if the memory module is fitted in a
proper way.
2-2 Expansion Slots
The VIA VX900 Express chipset based motherboard series offer one PCI-Express2.0
x16 graphics slot and one 32-bit PCI slot guarantee the rich connectivity for the I/O of
peripherals.
Chapter 3
Connectors, Headers &Jumper Setting
3-1 Connectors
(1) Power Connector (24-pin block): ATXPWR1
ATX Power Supply connector: This is a new defined 24-pins connector that
usually comes with ATX case. The ATX Power Supply allows using soft power
on momentary switch that connect from the front panel switch to 2-pins Power
On jumper pole on the motherboard. When the power switch on the back of the
ATX power supply turned on, the full power will not come into the system board
until the front panel switch is momentarily pressed. Press this switch again will
turn off the power to the system board.
** We recommend that you use an ATX 12V Specification 2.0-compliant power
supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 350W power rating. This type has 24-pin
plugs.
** If you intend to use a PSU with 20-pin and 4-pin power plugs, make sure that the
20-pin power plug can provide at least 15A on +12V and the power supply unit
has a minimum power rating of 350W. The system may become unstable or may
not boot up if the power is inadequate.
PCI-E2.0 x16@8 Lane Slot
PCI slot

7
** If you are using a 20-pin power plug, please refer to Figure1 for power supply
connection. Power plug form power supply and power connectors from
motherboard both adopt key design to avoid mistake installation. You can insert
the power plug into the connector with ease only in the right direction. If the
direction is wrong it is hard to fit in and if you make the connection by force if is
possible.
Figure1：20-pinpowerplug Figure2：24-pin power plug
.
(4) USB Port connector: USB port fromUL1, CN1, USB3
The connectors are 4-pin connectors that connect USB devices with the 480
Mbit / sec data transfer rate to the system board.
(5) LAN Port connector: RJ-45 LAN port from UL1
This connector is standard RJ45 over USB connectors for Network connection.
The connector supports 10MB/100MB/1G B/s data transfer rate
(6) Audio Line-In, Lin-Out, MIC: AUDIO
These Connectors are 3 Phone-Jack for LINE-OUT, LINE-IN, MIC audio
connections.
Line-in: (BLUE) Audio input to sound chip
Line-out: (GREEN) Audio output to speaker
MIC: (PINK) Microphone Connector
Pin
ROW
ROW
24
-
Pin
ROW
ROW
Pin
2
0
-
Pin
PIN ROW1 ROW2
1 3.3V 3.3V
2 3.3V -12V
3 GND GND
4 5V Soft Power On
5 GND GND
6 5V GND
7 GND GND
8 Power OK -5V
9 +5V (for Soft Logic) +5V
10 +12V +5V
11 +12V +5V
12 +3V GND
Line-IN
MIC-IN
VGA Connector USB Connectors
Line-OUT
HDMI
Connector
USB Connectors

8
(7) Serial-ATA2 Port connectors: SATAII-1~SATAII-4
These connectors support the provided Serial ATA hard disk cable to connect the
motherboard and serial ATA2 hard disk drives.
SATA2
SATA1
Serial ATAII Connector
(8) D-Sub 15-pin Connector: VGA
VGA is the 15-pin D-Subminiature female connector; it is for the display devices,
such as the CRT monitor, LCD monitor and so on.
(9) High-Definition Multimedia Interface: HDMI
This point-to-point interface is for audio and video signals designed as a
single-cable solution for home theater and consumer electronics equipment.
NOTE! DVI and HDMI Connector can not be used at the same time.
3-2 Headers
(1) Line-Out/MIC Header for Front Panel (9-pin): FP_AUDIO1
These headers connect to Front Panel Line-out, MIC connector with cable.
Line-Out, MIC Headers
AUDIO
Pin 1
Lineout2-L Lineout2-R
Sense-FB
Audio-GN
D
LINE2-JD
Audio-JD
2
9
10
KEY
MIC2-L
MIC2-JD
MIC2-R
(2) USB Port Headers (9-pin): USB1/USB2
These headers are used for connecting the additional USB port plugs. By attaching
an option USB cable, your can be provided with two additional USB plugs affixed
to the back panel.
USB Port Header
Pin 1
VCC
-DAT
A
GN
D
+DATA
VCC
OC
-DATA
GND
+DATA

9
(3) Speaker connector: SPEAK
This 4-pin connector connects to the case-mounted speaker. See the figure
below.
(4) Power LED: PWR LED
The Power LED is light on while the system power is on. Connect the Power
LED from the system case to this pin.
(5) IDE Activity LED: HD LED
This connector connects to the hard disk activity indicator light on the case.
(6) Reset switch lead: RESET
This 2-pin connector connects to the case-mounted reset switch for rebooting your
computer without having to turn off your power switch. This is a preferred method
of rebooting in order to prolong the lift of the system’s power supply. See the
figure below.
7) Power switch: PWR BTN
This 2-pin connector connects to the case-mounted power switch to power
ON/OFF the system.
System Case Connections
HDLED
RESET
VCC5
GND
VCC5 PWR LED
PWRBTN
PWRBTN PWRLED
HDDLE
RSTSW
NC GND
JW FP
Pin 1
SPEAK
SPKR
GND
NC
VCC5
Pin 1
PWRLED
Pin 1
(8) FAN Headers: SYSFAN1, (3-pin), CPUFAN1 (4-pin)
These connectors support cooling fans of 350mA (4.2 Watts) or less, depending
on the fan manufacturer, the wire and plug may be different. The red wire should
be positive, while the black should be ground. Please connect the fan’s plug to
the board taking into consideration the polarity of connector.
SYSFAN1
3
1
14
CPUFAN

10
(9) Serial COM Port header: COM1
COM1 is a 9-pin block header.
Serial COMPort 9-pin Block
Pin1
(10) SPDIF Out header: HDMI_SPDIF1
The SPDIF output is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or
compressed AC3 data to an external Dolby digital decoder. Use this feature only
when your stereo system has digital input function.
HDMI_SPDIF Header
1
GND
2
HDMI_SPDIF_OUT

11
3-3 Jumper Setting
(1) CMOS RAM Clear (2-pin): JBAT
A battery must be used to retain the motherboard configuration in CMOS RAM,
short 1-2 pins of JBAT to clear the CMOS data.
To clear the CMOS, follow the procedure below:
1. Turn off the system and unplug the AC power
2. Remove ATX power cable from ATX power connector
3. Locate JBAT and short pins 1-2 for a few seconds, if shorted with the jump cap,
short for a few seconds then pull out the hat.
4. Connect ATX power cable back to ATX power connector
Note: When should clear CMOS
1. Troubleshooting
2. Forget password
3. After over clocking system boot fail
CMOS Clear Setting
1-2 Short：CMOS Clear
JBAT
1-2 Open：Normal
(2) KB/MS Power on Function Enabled/Disabled: JP1
Keyboard/Mouse Power On Setting
2-3 Closed KB
/
MS Power ON Enabled
JP1
JP1
1-2 Closed KB/MS Power ON Disable (Default)

12
Chapter 4
Useful Help
4-1 How to Update BIOS
Step1. Prepare a bootable disk. (You may make one by click START click RUN type
SYS A: click OK)
Step2. Download upgrade tools and the latest BIOS files of the motherboard from
official website and then make a copy of it to your bootable floppy disk after
decompressing these files
Step3. Insert the disk into A: start your computer and then type in
“A:\xxxxxx.BAT”(xxxxxxx being the file name of the latest BIOS )
Step4. Type Enter to update and flash the BIOS. The system will restart
automatically when BIOS is upgraded.
4-2 Trouble Shooting
Problem Solution
No power to the system to the all power light
don’t illuminate, fan inside power supply
doesn’t turn on.
1. Make sure power cable is security
plugged in. 2. Replace cable. 3. Contact
technical support.
System inoperative. Keyboard lights are on ,
power indicator lights are lit, and hard drive
is spinning.
Using ever pressure on both ends of the
DIMM , press down firmly until the module
snaps into places.
System doesn’t boot from hard disk drive,
can be booted from optical drive. 1. Check cable running from disk to disk controller board. .Make sure both ends are
securely plugged in, check the drive type in
the standard CMOS setup. 2. Backing up the
hard drive is extremely important .All hard
disks are capable of breaking down at any
time.
System only boots from optical drive .Hard
disk can be read and applications can be
used but booting from hard disk is
impossible.
1. Back up date and applications files. 2.
Reformat the hard drive. Reinstall
applications and date using backup disks.
Screen message says “Invalid
Configuration” or “CMOS Failure” Review system‘s equipment .Make sure correct information on is in setup.
Can not boot system after installing second
hard drive. 1. Set master /slave jumpers correctly. 2. Run SETUP program and select correct
drive types. Call the drive manufacture for
compatibility with other drives.