ECS A990FXM-A (V1.0) manual

Preface Preface Copyright 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 . V ersion 1.0 Disclaimer The information in this documen[...]

ii Preface 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. • This device must accept any interference received, including interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation. Canadian Department of Communications This [...]

iii T T T T T ABLE OF CONTENTS ABLE OF CONTENTS ABLE OF CONTENTS ABLE OF CONTENTS ABLE OF CONTENTS Preface i Chapter 1 1 Introducing the Motherboard 1 Introduction............................................................................................1 Feature......................................................................................[...]

iv Chapter 4 49 49 49 49 49 Using the Motherboard Software 4 9 About the Software DVD-ROM/CD-ROM.......................................49 Auto-installing under W indows XP/V ista/7.....................................49 Running Setup...............................................................................50 Manual Installation................[...]

1 Introducing the Motherboard Chapter 1 Introducing the Motherboard Introduction Thank you for choosing the A990FXM-A motherboard. This motherboard is a high performance, enhanced function motherboard that supports socket for AMD Phenom TM and later desktop processors (socket AM3+) for high-end business or personal desktop markets. There is an adva[...]

2 Feature Processor HyperT ransport TM T echnology is a point-to-point link between two devices, it enables integrated circuits to exchange information at much higher speeds than currently available interconnect technologies. • Accommodates AMD Phenom TM and later desktop processors (socket AM3+) • Supports HyperTransport TM (HT) 3.0 interface [...]

3 Expansion Options • Three PCI Express x16 slots for Graphics Interface • T wo PCI Express x1 slots • One 32-bit PCI v2.3 compliant slot • Six 7-pin SA T A connectors • One IDE A T A133 connector Integrated I/O The motherboard has a full set of I/O ports and connectors: • One CLR CMOS button • T wo ESA T A port • One Bluetooth • [...]

4 Introducing the Motherboard • NB: AMD 990FX SB: SB950 • AMD Phenom TM and later desktop processors (socket AM3+) • Supports HyperTransport TM (HT) 3.0 interface speeds • 140W TDP • Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture • 4 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets support up to 128 GB • Supports DDR3 DDR3 2133 (OC)/1866/1600/1333 SDRAM • 3 x PC[...]

5 Introducing the Motherboard • AMI BIOS with 32Mb SPI Flash ROM • Supports Plug and Play , STR (S3) / STD (S4) , Hardware monitor , Multi Boot • Supports ACPI & DMI • Audio, LAN, can be disabled in BIOS • F7 hot key for boot up devices option • Supports FSB adjustment, increase in a increase of 1MHz. • Support Over-Clocking • S[...]

6 Introducing the Motherboard Motherboard Components The above image is for reference only; please take the actual motherboard for detailed parts.[...]

7 Introducing the Motherboard T able of Motherboard Components This concludes Chapter 1. The next chapter explains how to install the motherboard. LABEL COMPONENT S 1. CPU S ock et AMD P h enom TM and la te r desk top pr ocesso rs (s ocket AM 3+) 2. CP U_ F AN CP U cool in g fa n conn ect or 3. DD R3_1/2/3/4 240 - pin D D R3 S D RAM sl ots 4. B Z B[...]

8 Introducing the Motherboard Memo[...]

9 Installing the Motherboard Chapter 2 Installing the Motherboard Safety Precautions • 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 wor[...]

10 Installing the Motherboard Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard. Checking Jumper Settings This section explains how to set jumpers for correct configuration of the motherboard. Setting Jumpers Use the motherboard jumpers to set system configuration options. Jumpers with more than one pin are numbered. When setting th[...]

11 Installing the Motherboard Checking Jumper Settings The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is labeled. T o avoid the system unstability after clearing CMOS, we recommend users to enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Default Settings” and then “Save Changes and Exit”. Name T y pe Description S[...]

12 Installing the Motherboard Installing Hardware Installing the Processor Caution: When installing a CPU heatsink and cooling fan make sure that you DO NOT scratch the motherboard or any of the surface-mount resis- tors with the clip of the cooling fan. If the clip of the cooling fan scrapes across the motherboard, you may cause serious damage to [...]

13 Installing the Motherboard 1 Install your CPU. Pull up the lever away from the socket and lift up to 90-degree angle. 2 Locate the CPU cut edge (the corner with the pin hold noticeably missing). Align and insert the CPU correctly . 3 Press the lever down and apply thermal grease on top of the CPU. 4 Put the CPU Fan down on the retention mod- ule[...]

14 Installing the Motherboard Installation Procedure Refer to the following to install the memory modules. 1 This motherboard supports unbuffered DDR3 SDRAM only . 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 that they ca[...]

15 Installing the Motherboard 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. W ith these ef ficient facilities, you can in- crease the motherboard’s capab[...]

16 Installing the Motherboard 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 c[...]

17 Installing the Motherboard SPDIFO: SPDIF out header This is an optional header that provides an S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) output to digital multimedia device through optical fiber or coaxial connector . Connecting Optional Devices Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional devices: SA T A1~6: [...]

18 Installing the Motherboard F_AUDIO: Front Panel Audio header This header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented microphone and line- out ports for easier access. F_USB1~2: Front Panel USB 2.0 headers The motherboard has six USB ports installed on the rear edge I/O port array . Addi- tionally , some computer cases have USB ports at t[...]

19 Installing the Motherboard 1 Vbus Front Panel USB Power 2 IntA_P1_SSRX- USB3 ICC Port1 SuperSpeed Rx- 3 IntA_P2_SSRX+ USB3 ICC Port1 SuperSpeed Rx+ 4 GND GND 5 IntA_P1_SSTX- USB3 ICC Port1 SuperSpeed Tx- 6 IntA_P1_SSTX+ USB3 ICC Port1 SuperSpeed Tx+ 7 GND GND 8 IntA_P1_D- USB3 ICC Port1 D- 9 IntA_P1_D+ USB3 ICC Port1 D+ 10 ID USBOC- Over Current[...]

20 Installing the Motherboard About SA T A Connectors Y our motherboard features six SA T A connectors supporting a total of six drives. SA T A refers to Serial A T A (Advanced T echnology Attachment) is the standard inter- face for the IDE hard drives which are currently used in most PCs. These connectors are well designed and will only fit in one[...]

21 Installing the Motherboard Refer to the illustration below for proper installation: This motherboard supports the “Hot-Plug” function. 1 Attach either cable end to the connector on the motherboard. 2 Attach the other cable end to the SA T A hard drive. 3 Attach the SA T A power cable to the SAT A hard drive and connect the other end to the p[...]

22 Installing the Motherboard Connecting I/O Devices The backplane of the motherboard has the following I/O ports: USB 3.0 Ports Use the USB 3.0 ports to connect USB3.0 devices. LAN Ports Connect an RJ-45 jack to the LAN port to connect your computer to the network. Bluetooth Used to connect to Bluetooth devices. eSA T A Ports Use these ports to co[...]

23 Installing the Motherboard Connecting Case Components After you have installed the motherboard into a case, you can begin connecting the motherboard components. Refer to the following: 1 Connect the CPU cooling fan cable to CPU_F AN . 2 Connect the standard power supply connector to A TX_POWER . 3 Connect the case switches and indicator LEDs to [...]

24 Installing the Motherboard CPU_F AN: Cooling FAN Power Connector Users please note that the fan connector supports the CPU cooling fan of 1.1A~2.2A (26.4W max.) at +12V . 1 G N D System Ground 2 +12V Power +12V 3 Sense Sensor 4 PW M CPU F AN control Function Pin Signal Name A TX_POWER: A TX 24-pin Power Connector 1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V 2 +3.3V 14 -12V[...]

25 Installing the Motherboard SYS_F AN: F AN Power Connector Pi n Signal Name Function 1 GND System Ground 2 +12V Power +12V 3 Sense Sensor A TX12V : A TX 12V Power Connector Pin Signal Name 4 Ground 3 Ground 2 Ground 1 Ground Pin Signal Name 5 +12V 6 +12V 7 +12V 8 +12V PWR_F AN: F AN Power Connector Pi n Signal Name Function 1 GND System Ground 2 [...]

26 Installing the Motherboard Reset Switch Supporting the reset function requires connecting pin 5 and 7 to a momentary- contact switch that is normally open. When the switch is closed, the board resets and runs POST . Power Switch Supporting the power on/off function requires connecting pins 6 and 8 to a momen- tary-contact switch that is normally[...]

27 Using BIOS Chapter 3 Using BIOS About the Setup Utility The computer uses the latest “American Megatrends Inc. ” BIOS with support for W indows Plug and Play. The CMOS chip on the motherboard contains the ROM setup instructions for configuring the motherboard BIOS. The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup Utility displays the system’[...]

28 Using BIOS Press the delete key to access the BIOS Setup Utility . Resetting the Default CMOS V alues When powering on for the first time, the POST screen may show a “CMOS Settings Wrong” message. This standard message will appear following a clear CMOS data at factory by the manufacturer . Y ou simply need to Load Default Settings to reset [...]

29 Using BIOS BIOS Navigation Keys The BIOS navigation keys are listed below: Using BIOS When you start the Setup Utility , the main menu appears. The main menu of the Setup Utility displays a list of the options that are available. A highlight indicates which option is currently selected. Use the cursor arrow keys to move the highlight to other op[...]

30 Using BIOS When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the main menu appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Select an item and press <Enter> to display the submenu. Main Menu Date & Time The Date and T ime items show the current date and time on the computer . If you are running a Windows OS, these items are automa[...]

31 Using BIOS The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system. Advanced Menu      LAN Configuration The item in the menu shows the LAN-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Launch PXE OpROM (Disabled) Use this item to enable or disable the PXE OpROM. Launch Storage OpROM (Enabl[...]

32 Using BIOS      PC Health Status On motherboards support hardware monitoring, this item lets you monitor the parameters for critical voltages, temperatures and fan speeds. CPU/System Smart F AN Control (Enabled) This item allows you to enable/disable the control of the CPU/system fan speed by chang-ing the fan voltage.  Smart F[...]

33 Using BIOS • CPU T control • CPU F AN Speed • System FAN Speed • CPU Vcore • DIMM V oltage • NB V oltage System Component Characteristics These items display the monitoring of the overall inboard hardware health events, such as System & CPU temperature, CPU & DIMM voltage, CPU & system fan speed,... etc. Smart Fan Mode (N[...]

34 Using BIOS      Power Management Setup This page sets up some parameters for system power management operation. Resume By PME (Disabled) These items specify whether the system will be awakened from power saving modes when activity or input signal of the specified hardware peripheral or component is detected. Power LED T ype (Dual [...]

35 Using BIOS      ACPI Configuration The item in the menu shows the highest ACPI sleep state when the system enters suspend. ACPI Sleep State (S3(Suspend to RAM)) This item allows user to enter the ACPI S3 (Suspend to RAM) Sleep State(default). Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. ACPI Configuration ACPI Sleep Stat[...]

36 Using BIOS      CPU Configuration Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen: CPU Configuration Socket0: AMD Athlon (tm) II X3 440 Processor 0 Max Speed: 3000 MHZ Intended Speed:3000 MHZ Microcode Patch Level:10000c6 -- Information de cachette par noyau -- L1 Instruction Cache: 64 KB/2-way L1 Data Cac[...]

37 Using BIOS      SA T A Configuration Use this item to show the mode of serial-A T A configuration options. Serial-A T A Controller (Enabled) This item allows you to enable or disable the onboard SA T A controller . SA T A Mode (IDE Mode) Use this item to select SA T A mode. SA T A Port 1~6 (Not Present) This motherboard supports s[...]

38 Using BIOS      USB Configuration Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen: All USB Devices (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable all USB devices. USB 3.0 Support (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable USB 3.0 controller . W e recommand users keep the default value. Disabling it might c[...]

39 Using BIOS South Bridge Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off] Audio Configuration Azalia HD Audio [Enabled] Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Save & Exit +/- : Change Opt. Enter : Select F1:General Help [...]

40 Using BIOS M.I.B X (MB Intelligent BIOS X) Processor Power Planes and Voltage Controls Memory Control HT Control Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk [Enabled] CPU/HT Reference Clock (MHz) 2 0 0 CPU Unclock [Disabled] CPU Voltage [Default] NB Voltage [Default] VDIMM Voltage [Default] SB Voltage [Default] CPU Current Voltage 1.452 VDIMM Current Voltage 1.572[...]

41 Using BIOS AltVid (0) This item specifies the VID driven to the VDD power plane(s) while in the low power state 0:24N:3xDC[6:0]. VSSlamTime (Auto) This item specifies the time to wait for voltage stabilization during altvid transitions if a new VID is provided to the voltage regulator without ramping. 0:24N:3xDC [31:29] Slam Time Mode (Auto) Thi[...]

42 Using BIOS Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk (Enabled) When this item is enabled, BIOS will disable the clock signal of free DIMM/PCI slots. CPU/HT Reference Clock (MHz) (200) Use this item to set the CPU/HT Reference Clock through clock gen. CPU Unlock (Disabled) This item allows you to enable or disable CPU unlock function. It works depends on your CPU[...]

43 Using BIOS NB V oltage (Default) This item allows user to adjust NB voltage when enabled. CPU Current V oltage (1.452V) This item shows the current CPU voltage. NB Current V oltage (N/A) This item shows the current NB voltage. VDIMM Current V oltage (1.572V) This item displays the current DIMM voltage. SB V oltage (Default) This item allows user[...]

44 Using BIOS Boot Configuration Bootup Numlock State [On] Quiet Boot [Enabled] Set Boot Priority 1st Boot [CD/DVD] 2n d Bo ot [Hard Disk] 3rd Boot [USB Floppy] 4thBoot [USB CD/DVD] 5th Boot [USB Hard Disk] 6th Boot [USB KEY] 7th Boot [Network] 8th Boot [UEFI] Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Version 2.10.1208. Cop[...]

45 Using BIOS Administrator Password Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Save & Exit +/- : Change Opt. Enter : Select F1:General Help   :Select Screen :Select Item F2:Previous V alue F3:Optimized[...]

46 Using BIOS Save Changes and Exit Discard Changes and Exit Save Changes and Reset Discard Changes and Reset Save Options Save Changes Discard Changes Restore Defaults Save as User Defaults Restore User Defaults Boot Override Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrend[...]

47 Using BIOS Updating the BIOS Y ou can download and install updated BIOS for this motherboard from the manufacturer’s W eb site. New BIOS provides support for new peripherals, improve- ments in performance, or fixes for known bugs. Install new BIOS as follows: 1 If your motherboard has a BIOS protection jumper , change the setting to allow BIOS[...]

48 Using BIOS Memo[...]

49 Using the Motherboard Software Chapter 4 Using the Motherboard Software Auto-installing under W indows XP/V ista/7 The Auto-install DVD-ROM/CD-ROM makes it easy for you to install the drivers and software for your motherboard. If the Auto-install DVD-ROM/CD-ROM does not work on your system, you can still install drivers through the file manager [...]

50 Using the Motherboard Software Drivers Setup Click the Setup button to run the software installation program. Select from the menu which software you want to install. Browse CD The Browse CD button is the standard Windows command that allows you to open Windows Explorer and show the contents of the support disk. Before installing the software fr[...]

51 Using the Motherboard Software 2. Click Next. The following screen appears: 3. Check the box next to the items you want to install. The default options are recom- mended. 4. Click Next run the Installation Wizard. An item installation screen appears: 5. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the items. Drivers and software are automati[...]

52 Using the Motherboard Software Manual Installation Insert the disk in the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive and locate the P A TH.DOC file in the root directory . This file contains the information needed to locate the drivers for your motherboard. Look for the chipset and motherboard model; then browse to the directory and path to begin installing the drive[...]

53 AMD RAID Configuration Setting Up a bootable RAID Array This section explains how to configure a bootable AMD RAID array . Setting Up the BIOS Use the arrow keys to select Advanced menu (see Figure 1.1), then select SA T A Configuration and press Enter . The Integrated Peripherals screen (or a screen similar to it) appears. Figure 1.2 SA T A Con[...]

54 AMD RAID Configuration 5 Enter the RAID BIOS Setup by pressing Ctrl-F when prompted, and proceed to set up the AMD RAID BIOS as described in the next section. The PC reboots. Press F4 to save the configuration and exit. Configuring the AMD RAID BIOS (Windows XP Installation) The AMD RAID BIOS set up lets you choose the RAID type and which hard d[...]

55 AMD RAID Configuration Select [2], then select LD 1 in the following page. 3 The Define LD Menu screen appears (Figure 1.4). Figure 1.4 Define LD Menu Using the Define a New Array Screen If necessary , press the tab key to move from field to field until the appropriate field is highlighted. • Selecting the RAID Mode By default, this is set to [...]

56 AMD RAID Configuration Assigning the Disks 1. Select the Assignment to Y to designate a free disk to be used as a RAID array disk. Figure 1.5 illustrates the Define a New Array screen after two disks have been assigned as RAID 0 array disks. Figure 1.5 FastBuild Utility—Array Disks Assigned 2. Press Ctrl-Y to save the configuration and exit. T[...]

57 AMD RAID Configuration Figure 1.7 Main Menu Press ESC to exit. 4 Press Y to reboot. 3. The Main Menu screen appears (Figure 1.7). Figure 1.8 The following screen appears (Figure 1.8). View Drive Assignments..................[ 1 ] Define LD..........................................[ 2 ] Define LD..........................................[ 3 ] Con[...]

58 AMD RAID Configuration 1 Copy all files in " ...RAIDA TISB950FloppyWin3264" to a floppy disk. After you complete the RAID BIOS setup, boot from the Windows CD. Figure 1.10 Windows Setup—Specify Devices Installing the RAID Drivers Y our system may come with a W indows install CD that already includes AMD RAID drivers. If so, then[...]

59 AMD RAID Configuration b Select “A T I AHCI Compatible RAID Controller -x86 platform” and press Enter for 32-bit OS or Select “A TI AHCI Compatible RAID Controller-x64 platform” and press Enter for 64-bit OS. The following Windows Setup screen appears listing both drivers:. Figure 1.12 Windows Setup—AMD drives listed Press Enter to con[...]

60 AMD RAID Configuration Memo[...]

61 A TI CrossFire TM T echnology Support Chapter 6 A TI CrossFireX TM T echnology Suppor t This motherboard supports the A TI CrossFireX TM T echnology that allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this section. Requirements 1 T wo or three identical CrossFireX TM ready graphi[...]

62 A TI CrossFire TM T echnology Support 4. Connect an auxiliary power source from the power supply to the graphics cards. 3. Connect the cable from your monitors to the CrossFireX TM ready graphics card installed on the PCIEX16_1 slot. Monitor Cable B. For 3-way configuration, two CrossFire TM Bridges are needed to connect the three graphic cards.[...]

63 A TI CrossFire TM T echnology Support The Catalyst TM Control Center Dialog Box T o enable CrossFireX TM : • Install A TI graphic card driver . • Enter the Catalyst TM Control Center Dialog Box. • check the “Enable CrossFireX TM ” item. • Click OK to apply .[...]

64 A TI CrossFire TM T echnology Support Memo[...]

65 Trouble Shooting Chapter 7 Trouble Shooting Start up problems during assembly After assembling the PC for the first time you may experience some start up problems. Before calling for technical support or returning for warranty , this chapter may help to address some of the common questions using some basic troubleshooting tips. a) System does no[...]

66 Trouble Shooting Y our computer , like any electrical appliance, requires proper care and maintenance. Here are some basic PC care tips to help prolong the life of the motherboard and keep it running as best as it can. 1. Keep your computer in a well ventilated area. Leave some space between the PC and the wall for suf ficient airflow . 2. Keep [...]

u B r e w o P d e s s e r p s i n o . t r a t s o t s l i a f C P t u b s e Y y l p p u S r e w o P f i k c e h C t i n U g n i k r o w s i ) U S P ( No No d n u o s p e e B y n A No k c e h c d n a S O M C R L C r e w o p V 2 1 U P C f i d e t c e n n o c s i C P e h t t r a t s e R ? d r a o b r o U S P h t i w m e l b o r P A M R t c a t n o c &[...]

68 Trouble Shooting Memo[...]

69 POST Code Checkpoints The POST code checkpoints are the largest set of checkpoints during the BIOS pre-boot process. The following table describes the type of checkpoints that may occur during the POST portion of the BIOS : Check poin t Des cr ipt ion 01-0F SE C S tatus C o d e s & Erro rs 10 - 2F P E I e x e cut i o n up t o and i nc lud i [...]

70 3 5 CPU p ost -me mor y in itia l i za tion . Boot Str ap Proc ess or (B SP) s el ection 3 6 CPU p ost -m em ory in it ial iza tion . Sys te m M an a gem en t M ode (SM M) i n itia l izat ion 3 7 Post -M emor y N ort h Brid ge in it ial izat ion is s ta r ted 3 8 Post -M emor y N ort h Brid ge in it ial izat ion (Nor th B rid ge m odu l e s peci[...]

71 FB-FF Re serv e d fo r f utu re AMI error c o de s 1 M e m o r y no t Ins ta lle d 1 M em ory was in s ta l le d twice (I n s ta ll Pe iMem ory r ou tin e in PEI Cor e ca l le d twice) 2 R e c o v e r y s t a r t e d 3 D X E I P L w as no t f o und 3 DX E C o re Fi rmw are Vo lu me w as not fo un d 7 Re se t PP I i s not av ai lable 4 R e c o v [...]

72 9E-9F Reserv ed fo r fu tur e AM I code s A 0 I DE init ia liza tion is st ar ted A1 ID E R e se t A2 ID E D e te c t A3 ID E E nab le A 4 SCSI in itia l i zat ion is s ta rt ed A 5 SCSI R eset A 6 SCSI Det ect A 7 SCSI En abl e A8 S e tup Ve ri f yi ng P a ssw o rd A 9 Sta rt of Set up AA Re se r v e d f o r AS L ( se e AS L S tatus C o d e s s[...]