865PE Neo

MS-6742 (v1.X) ATX Mainboard

Version 1.1
G52-M6742X3-K01

i
Manual Rev: 1.1
Release Date: April 2003

FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement

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 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 instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.

Notice 1
The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Notice 2
Shielded interface cables and A.C. power cord, if any, must be used in order to
comply with the emission limits.

VOIR LA NOTICE D’INSTALLATION AVANT DE RACCORDER AU

RESEAU.

Micro-Star International MS-6742

Tested to comply
with FCC Standard

For Home or Office Use

ii
Copyright Notice
The material in this document is the intellectual property of MICRO-STAR
INTERNATIONAL. We take every care in the preparation of this document,
but no guarantee is given as to the correctness of its contents. Our products
are under continual improvement and we reserve the right to make changes
without notice.

Trademarks
All trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

AMD, Athlon™, Athlon™ XP, Thoroughbred™, and Duron™ are registered

trademarks of AMD Corporation.
Intel® and Pentium® are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
PS/2 and OS®/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Windows® 98/
2000/NT/XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, DualNet, and nForce are registered trademarks or
trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Netware® is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.
Award® is a registered trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
AMI® is a registered trademark of American Megatrends Inc.
Kensington and MicroSaver are registered trademarks of the Kensington Tech-
nology Group.
PCMCIA and CardBus are registered trademarks of the Personal Computer
Memory Card International Association.

Revision History
Revision Revision History Date
V1.1 First release for PCB 1.X April 2003
with Intel® 865PE & Intel® ICH4

iii
Safety Instructions

1. Always read the safety instructions carefully.

2. Keep this User’s Manual for future reference.
3. Keep this equipment away from humidity.
4. Lay this equipment on a reliable flat surface before setting it up.
5. The openings on the enclosure are for air convection hence protects the
equipment from overheating. Do not cover the openings.
6. Make sure the voltage of the power source and adjust properly 110/220V
before connecting the equipment to the power inlet.
7. Place the power cord such a way that people can not step on it. Do not
place anything over the power cord.
8. Always Unplug the Power Cord before inserting any add-on card or module.
9. All cautions and warnings on the equipment should be noted.
10. Never pour any liquid into the opening that could damage or cause electri-
cal shock.
11. If any of the following situations arises, get the equipment checked by a
service personnel:
! The power cord or plug is damaged.
! Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.
! The equipment has been exposed to moisture.
! The equipment has not work well or you can not get it work according
to User’s Manual.
! The equipment has dropped and damaged.
! The equipment has obvious sign of breakage.
12. Do not leave this equipment in an environment unconditioned, storage
temperature above 600 C (1400F), it may damage the equipment.

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.

Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer.

iv
 CONTENTS
FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement .......................................... iii
Copyright Notice .......................................................................................... iii
Revision History ........................................................................................... iii
Safety Instructions ....................................................................................... v
Chapter 1. Getting Started ........................................................................ 1-1
Mainboard Specifications .................................................................... 1-2
Mainboard Layout ............................................................................... 1-4
MSI Special Features ........................................................................... 1-5
Fuzzy Logic™ 4 ............................................................................. 1-5
Live BIOS™/Live Driver™ ............................................................ 1-7
Live Monitor™ .............................................................................. 1-7
PC Alert™ 4 ................................................................................... 1-8
D-Bracket (Optional) ................................................................... 1-10
S-Bracket (Optional) .................................................................... 1-12
Chapter 2. Hardware Setup ....................................................................... 2-1
Quick Components Guide .................................................................... 2-2
Central Processing Unit: CPU .............................................................. 2-3
CPU Core Speed Derivation Procedure ......................................... 2-3
CPU Installation Procedures for Socket 478 .................................. 2-5
Installing the CPU Fan .................................................................. 2-5
Memory ................................................................................................ 2-7
Introduction to DDR SDRAM ....................................................... 2-7
DDR DIMM Module Combination ................................................ 2-8
Installing DDR Modules ............................................................... 2-8
Power Supply ....................................................................................... 2-9
ATX 20-Pin Power Connector: ATX1 ............................................ 2-9
ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW1 ................................................ 2-9
Back Panel .......................................................................................... 2-10
Mouse Connector ....................................................................... 2-10

v
 Keyboard Connector ................................................................... 2-11
USB Connectors .......................................................................... 2-11
Serial Port Connectors: COM A and COM B ............................... 2-12
LAN (RJ-45) Jacks: 10/100 LAN .................................................. 2-12
Audio Port Connectors ............................................................... 2-13
Parallel Port Connector: LPT1 ...................................................... 2-14
Connectors ......................................................................................... 2-15
Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1 ........................................... 2-15
Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN1/SYSFAN1/CHFAN1 ............. 2-16
ATA100 Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2 ............................. 2-17
CD-In Connector: CD1 ................................................................ 2-18
S-Bracket (SPDIF) Connector: JSP1 (Optional) ............................ 2-18
Front Panel Connectors: JFP1 & JFP2 ......................................... 2-20
Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1 ........................................ 2-21
Front USB Connectors: JUSB2 .................................................... 2-22
D-Bracket™ 2 Connector: JDB1 (Optional) ................................. 2-23
Jumper ................................................................................................ 2-24
Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1 ........................................................ 2-25
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Setting Jumper: JSP4 ........................ 2-25
Slots ................................................................................................... 2-26
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) Slot ......................................... 2-26
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots .......................... 2-26
PCI Interrupt Request Routing .................................................... 2-27
Chapter 3. BIOS Setup .............................................................................. 3-1
Entering Setup ...................................................................................... 3-2
Selecting the First Boot Device ..................................................... 3-2
Control Keys ................................................................................. 3-3
Getting Help .................................................................................. 3-3
The Main Menu ................................................................................... 3-4

vi
 Standard CMOS Features .................................................................... 3-6
Advanced BIOS Features .................................................................... 3-8
Advanced Chipset Features ............................................................... 3-13
Power Management Features ............................................................. 3-16
PNP/PCI Configurations ..................................................................... 3-20
Integrated Peripherals ........................................................................ 3-23
PC Health Status ................................................................................ 3-26
Frequency/Voltage Control ................................................................ 3-27
Set Supervisor/ User Password .......................................................... 3-29
Load Optimized/Fail-Safe Defaults ..................................................... 3-30
Appendix A. Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function ................................. A-1
Installing C-Media Drivers .................................................................. A-2
Hardware Configuration ...................................................................... A-4
Software Configuration ....................................................................... A-5
Attaching Speakers .................................................................... A-19
Using 2-, 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function ........................................ A-19
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................ T-1
Glossary .................................................................................................... G-1

vii
 Getting Started

Chapter 1. Getting
Started
Getting Started
Thank you for choosing the 865PE Neo (MS-6742) v1.X
ATX mainboard. The 865PE Neo is based on Intel® 865PE and
ICH4 chipsets for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit the
advanced Intel® Pentium® 4 processors in 478 pin package, the
865PE Neo delivers a high performance and professional desktop
platform solution.

1-1
MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Specifications
CPU
! Supports Intel® P4 Northwood (Socket 478) processors.
! FSB 400MHz/533MHz/800MHz depending on the North Bridge integrated.
! Supports up to 3.06GHz or higher speed P4 processor.

Chipset
! Intel® 865PE chipset
- Supports 400/533/800MHz Intel NetBurst micro-architecture bus.
- Supports AGP 8X/4X at 0.8V (AGP 3.0) or 4X at 1.5V (not support 3.3V)
interface.
- Supports PC2100/PC2700 /PC3200 memory.
! Intel® ICH4 chipset
- 6 Hi-Speed USB ports (USB2.0/1.1) controller, 480Mb/sec.
- 2 channel Ultra ATA 100 bus Master IDE controller.
- SMBus 2.0 support.
- Integrated LAN controller.
- AC’97 2.2 interface.

Main Memory
! Supports two 64-bit wide DDR data channels.
! Available bandwidth up to 3.2 GB/s (DDR 400) for single-channel mode and
6.4 GB/s (DDR 400) for dual-channel mode.
! Supports two unbuffered DIMM of 2.5 Volt DDR SDRAM.
! Supports up to 2GB memory size without ECC.
! Supports only x8, x16 DDR devices with 4-bank.

Slots
! One AGP slot supports 8x/4x at 0.8V (AGP 3.0) or 4x at 1.5V (3.3V not
supported).
! Six 32-bit v2.3 Master PCI bus slots (support 3.3v/5v PCI bus interface).

On-Board IDE
! Dual Ultra DMA 66/100 IDE controllers integrated in ICH4.
- Supports PIO, Bus Master operation modes.
- Can connect up to four Ultra ATA drives.

1-2
 Getting Started

On-Board Peripherals
! On-Board Peripherals include:
- 1 floppy port supports 2 FDDs with 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and
2.88Mbytes
- 2 serial ports COM1 & COM2
- 1 VGA port (Optional)
- 1 parallel port supports SPP/EPP/ECP mode
- 6 USB 2.0 ports (Rear * 4/ Front * 2)
- 1 Line-In/Line-Out/Mic-In port
- 1 RJ45 LAN jack (Optional)

Audio
! AC’97 link controller integrated in ICH4
! 6 channels software audio codec C-Media 9739A.
- Compliance with AC97 v2.2 Spec.
- Meet PC2001 audio performance requirement.
- Can support SPDIF Out via S-Bracket only.

LAN (Optional)
! Realtek® 8101L.
- Integrated 10/100 Ethernet MAC and PHY in one chip.
- Supports 10Mb/s and 100Mb/s auto-negotiation operation.
- Compliant with PCI v2.2, mini PCi 1.0 and LAN on Motherboard (LOM)
standard.

BIOS
! The mainboard BIOS provides “Plug & Play” BIOS which detects the
peripheral devices and expansion cards of the board automatically.
! The mainboard provides a Desktop Management Interface (DMI) function
which records your mainboard specifications.

Dimension
! ATX Form Factor: 30.5 cm (L) x 20.0 cm (W).

Mounting
! 6 mounting holes.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Mainboard Layout

Top : mouse
Bottom: keyboard

USB ports

CPUFAN1
ATX Power
Supply

JPW1
CHFAN1
Intel

T:LAN jack
865PE
B:USB ports
chipset
T:Line-In
M: Line-Out
B:Mic
AGP Slot

DIMM 1

DIMM2
BIOS

PCI Slot 1
Winbond
W83627T HF

SYSFAN1
PCI Slot 2

PCI Slot 3 ICH 4

Realtek
RTL8101L
(Optional)
PCI Slot 4

IDE 2
Cd1
PCI Slot 5
Codec IDE 1

PCI Slot 6
BATT
+ FDD1
JB AT1 JFP1
JSP4 JFP2
JSP1 JA UD1 JD B1 JU SB2

865PE Neo (MS-6742 v1.X) ATX Mainboard

1-4
 Getting Started

MSI Special Features

Fuzzy Logic™ 4
The Fuzzy Logic™ 4 utility is a user friendly tool that allows users to
view and adjust the current system status. To overclock the CPU FSB (Front
Side Bus) frequency under the Windows operating system, click FSB and use
the right and left arrow keys to select the desired FSB, and then click Apply to
apply the new setup value. To enable the system running at the specified FSB
every time when you click Turbo, click Save to save the desired FSB first. If
you want to know the maximal CPU overclocking value, click Auto to start
testing. The CPU FSB will automatically increase the testing value until the PC
reboots. After rebooting, click Turbo to apply the test result. Click Default to
restore the default values.

Features:
! MSI Logo links to the MSI Web site
! CPU Speed allows users to adjust the CPU speed through CPU
Multiplier and FSB
! Voltage allows user to adjust the voltage of CPU/Memory/AGP
! MSI Info provides information about the mainboard, BIOS and OS
! CPU Info provides detailed information about the CPU
! CPU Fan Speed shows the current running speed of CPU Fan
! CPU Temp. shows the current CPU temperature

MSI Reminds You...

To adjust the options under CPU Speed and Voltage, use the right
and left arrow keys to select the desired value and then click Apply
to run the setup value.

1-5
MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Live BIOS™/Live Driver™

The Live BIOS™/Live Driver™ is a tool used to detect and
update your BIOS/drivers online so that you don’t need to search
for the correct BIOS/driver version throughout the Web site. To
use the function, you need to install the “MSI Live Update 2”
application. After installation, the “MSI Live Update 2” icon (as
shown on the right) will appear on the screen.
Double click the “MSI Live Update 2” icon, and the follow-
ing screen will appear:

Five buttons are placed on the leftmost pane of the screen. Click the desired
button to start the update process.
! Live BIOS – Updates the BIOS online.
! Live Driver – Updates the drivers online.
! Live VGA BIOS – Updates the VGA BIOS online.
! Live VGA Driver – Updates the VGA driver online.
! Live Utility – Updates the utilities online.
If the product you purchased does not support any of the functions listed
above, a “sorry” message is displayed. For more information on the update
instructions, insert the companion CD and refer to the “Live Update Guide”
under the “Manual” Tab.

1-6
 Getting Started

Live Monitor™
The Live Monitor™ is a tool used to schedule the search
for the latest BIOS/drivers version on the MSI Web site. To use
the function, you need to install the “MSI Live Update 2”
application. After installation, the “MSI Live Monitor” icon (as
shown on the right) will appear on the screen. Double click this
icon to run the application.

Double click the “MSI Live Monitor” icon at the lower-right corner
of the taskbar, and the following dialog box will appear. You can specify how
often the system will automatically search for the BIOS/drivers version, or
change the LAN settings right from the dialog box.

You can right-click the MSI Live Monitor icon to perform the functions
listed below:
! Auto Search – Searches for the BIOS/drivers version you need immediately.
! View Last Result – Allows you to view the last search result if there is any.
! Preference – Configures the Search function, including the Search schedule.
! Exit – Exits the Live Monitor™ application.
! FAQ – Provides a link to a database which contents various possible questions
about MSI's products for users to inquire.

1-7
MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

PC Alert™ 4
The PC AlertTM 4 is a utility you can find in the CD-ROM disk. The utility
is just like your PC doctor that can detect the following PC hardware status
during real time operation:
! monitor CPU & system temperatures
! monitor fan speeds
! monitor system voltages
If one of the items above is abnormal, the program main screen will be
immediately shown on the screen, with the abnormal item highlighted in red.
This will continue to be shown until the condition returns to the normal status.

Adjusting Keys

Temperature
Modes

COOLER XP

Users can use the Adjusting Keys to change the minimum and maximum
threshold of each item for the system to send out a warning message. Click
Temperature to select the temperature modes of either Fahrenheit (oF) or Celsius
(oC). The PC Alert™ 4 icon on the Status Area will show the current CPU
temperature.

1-8
 Getting Started

To better protect the CPU from overheating, a new feature, COOLER

XP, has been added to decrease the temperature of AMD Athlon™ XP CPU.
To do so, simply click COOLER XP and the screen will show the Cute skin (as
shown below) with information about the CPU and chipset. Right-click the
mouse to select the skin you want to switch to.

Cute

MSI Reminds You...

1. The new feature COOLER XP will work only if your mainboard
supports AMD Athlon XP CPU.
2. Items shown on PC Alert 4 vary depending on your system’s
status.
3. Whenever the minimum or maximum threshold of each item has
been changed, please close the PC Alert 4 program for the new
settings to take effect.

1-9
MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

D-Bracket™ 2 (Optional)
D-Bracket™ 2 is a USB bracket integrating four Diagnostic LEDs, which
use graphic signal display to help users understand their system. The LEDs
provide up to 16 combinations of signals to debug the system. The 4 LEDs can
detect all problems that fail the system, such as VGA, RAM or other failures.
This special feature is very useful for overclocking users. These users can use
the feature to detect if there are any problems or failures. D-Bracket™ 2 supports
both USB 1.1 & 2.0 spec.
D-Bracket™ 2

1 2
3 4

Red Green

D-Bracket™ 2 Description
System Power ON
1 2 - The D-LED will hang here if the processor is damaged or
3 4
not installed properly.

Early Chipset Initialization

Memory Detection Test

- Testing onboard memory size. The D-LED will hang if the

memory module is damaged or not installed properly.

Decompressing BIOS image to RAM for fast booting.

Initializing Keyboard Controller.

Testing VGA BIOS

- This will start writing VGA sign-on message to the screen.

1-10
 Getting Started

D-Bracket™ 2 Description
Processor Initialization
- This will show information regarding the processor (like

brand name, system bus, etc…)

Testing RTC (Real Time Clock)

Initializing Video Interface

- This will start detecting CPU clock, checking type of video
onboard. Then, detect and initialize the video adapter.

BIOS Sign On
- This will start showing information about logo, processor
brand name, etc….

Testing Base and Extended Memory

- Testing base memory from 240K to 640K and extended
memory above 1MB using various patterns.

Assign Resources to all ISA.

Initializing Hard Drive Controller

- This will initialize IDE drive and controller.

Initializing Floppy Drive Controller

- This will initializing Floppy Drive and controller.

Boot Attempt
- This will set low stack and boot via INT 19h.

Operating System Booting

1-11
MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

S-Bracket (Optional)
S-Bracket is a bracket which provides 2 SPDIF jacks for digital audio
transmission and 2 analog Line-Out connectors for additional 4-channel analog
audio output. With the S-Bracket, your system will be able to perform 6-
channel audio operation for wonderful surround sound effect, or connect to
Sony & Philips Digital Interface (SPDIF) speakers for audio transmission with
better quality.
The S-Bracket offers two types of SPDIF connectors: one for optical
fiber and the other for coaxial connection. Select the appropriate one to meet
your need. For more information on S-Bracket, refer to Appendix. Using 4- or
6-Channel Audio Function.

S-Bracket

SPDIF jack (coaxial)

SPDIF jack (optical) Analog Line-Out jacks

1-12
 Hardware Setup

Chapter 2. Hardware
Setup
Hardware Setup
This chapter tells you how to install the CPU, memory
modules, and expansion cards, as well as how to setup the
jumpers on the mainboard. Also, it provides the instructions on
connecting the peripheral devices, such as the mouse, keyboard,
etc.
While doing the installation, be careful in holding the
components and follow the installation procedures.

2-1
 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Quick Components Guide

CPUFAN1, p.2-16
ATX1, p.2-9 CPU, p.2-3
DDR DIMMs, p.2-7

Back Panel
I/O, p.2-10

JPW1, p.2-9

CHFAN1, p.2-16

AGP Slot, p.2-26

SYSFAN1, p.2-16

PCI Slots, p.2-26

CD1, p.2-18
IDE1, IDE2, p.2-17

FDD1, p.2-15

JFP1, p.2-20
JSP4, p.2-25
JFP2, p.2-20
JSP1, p.2-18 JBAT1, p.2-24
JDB1, p.2-23
JUSB2, p.2-22
JAUD1, p.2-21

2-2
 Hardware Setup

Central Processing Unit: CPU

The mainboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 Northwood processor in the
478 pin package. The mainboard uses a CPU socket called PGA478 for easy
CPU installation. When you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has
a heat sink and a cooling fan attached on the top to prevent overheating.
If you do not find the heat sink and cooling fan, contact your dealer to pur-
chase and install them before turning on the computer.
CPU Core Speed Derivation Procedure

If CPU Clock = 100MHz

Core/Bus ratio = 16
then CPU core speed = Host Clock x Core/Bus ratio
= 100MHz x 16
= 1.6 GHz

MSI Reminds You...

Overheating
Overheating will seriously damage the CPU and system, always
make sure the cooling fan can work properly to protect the CPU
from overheating.
Overclocking
This motherboard is designed to support overclocking. However,
please make sure your components are able to tolerate such
abnormal setting, while doing overclocking. Any attempt to
operate beyond product specifications is not recommended. We
do not guarantee the damages or risks caused by inadequate
operation or beyond product specifications.

2-3
 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

CPU Installation Procedures for Socket 478

1. Please turn off the power and

unplug the power cord before
Open Lever
installing the CPU.

2. Pull the lever sideways away Sliding

90 degree
Plate
from the socket. Make sure
to raise the lever up to a 90-
degree angle.

3. Look for the gold arrow. The

Gold arrow
gold arrow should point to-
wards the lever pivot. The
CPU can only fit in the correct
orientation.

4. If the CPU is correctly

installed, the pins should be
completely embedded into the Correct CPU placement
socket and can not be seen. Gold arrow
Please note that any violation O
of the correct installation
procedures may cause
permanent damages to your
mainboard.
Incorrect CPU placement
Gold arrow
5. Press the CPU down firmly X
into the socket and close the
lever. As the CPU is likely to
move while the lever is being
closed, always close the lever Press down
with your fingers pressing the CPU Close
Lever
tightly on top of the CPU to
make sure the CPU is
properly and completely
embedded into the socket.

2-4
 Hardware Setup

Installing the CPU Fan

As processor technology pushes to faster speeds and higher performance,
thermal management becomes increasingly important. To dissipate heat, you
need to attach the CPU cooling fan and heatsink on top of the CPU. Follow
the instructions below to install the Heatsink/Fan:
1. Locate the CPU and its retention 2. Position the heatsink onto the reten-
mechanism on the motherboard. tion mechanism.
retention mechanism

3. Mount the fan on top of the heatsink. 4. Press the two levers down to fasten
Press down the fan until its four clips the fan. Each lever can be pressed
get wedged in the holes of the reten- down in only ONE direction.
tion mechanism.

levers

2-5
 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

5. Connect the fan power cable from the mounted fan to the 3-pin fan power connector
on the board.

fan power cable

NOTES

2-6
 Hardware Setup

Memory
The mainboard provides 2 slots for 184-pin, 2.5V DDR DIMM modules
and supports the memory size up to 2 GB without ECC,. You can install DDR266/
DDR333 DDR SDRAM modules on the DDR DIMM slots. To operate properly,
at least one DIMM module must be installed.

DIMM1 DIMM2

Introduction to DDR SDRAM

DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM is similar to conventional SDRAM,
but doubles the rate by transferring data twice per cycle. It uses 2.5 volts as
opposed to 3.3 volts used in SDR SDRAM, and requires 184-pin DIMM mod-
ules rather than 168-pin DIMM modules used by SDR SDRAM. Two types
of DDR are available at the time of writing: PC1600 & PC2100. PC1600
DDR SDRAM running at 100MHz will produce about 1.6GB/s memory
bandwidth. PC2100 running at 133MHz will produce 2.1GB/s memory
bandwidth. High memory bandwidth makes DDR an ideal solution for high
performance PC, workstations and servers.

2-7
 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

DDR DIMM Module Combination

Install at least one DIMM module on the slots. Memory modules can be
installed on the slots in any order. You can install either single- or double-side
modules to meet your own needs.
Memory modules can be installed in any combination as follows:
Slot Memory Module Total Memory
DIMM 1
(Bank 0 & 1) S/D 64MB~1GB
DIMM 2
(Bank 2 & 3) S/D 64MB~1GB
Maximum System Memory Supported 64MB~2GB

S: Single Side D: Double Side

Installing DDR Modules

1. The DDR DIMM has only one notch on the center of module. The module
will only fit in the right orientation.
2. Insert the DIMM memory module vertically into the DIMM slot. Then
push it in until the golden finger on the memory module is deeply in-
serted in the socket.
MSI Reminds You...
You can barely see the golden finger if the module is properly
inserted in the socket.
3. The plastic clip at each side of the DIMM slot will automatically close.

Volt Notch

2-8
 Hardware Setup

Power Supply
The mainboard supports ATX power supply for the power system. Be-
fore inserting the power supply connector, always make sure that all compo-
nents are installed properly to ensure that no damage will be caused.

ATX 20-Pin Power Connector: ATX1

This connector allows you to connect to an ATX power supply. To
connect to the ATX power supply, make sure the plug of the power supply is
inserted in the proper orientation and the pins are aligned. Then push down
the power supply firmly into the connector.

ATX 12V Power Connector: JPW1

This 12V power connector is used to provide power to the CPU.
11 1

3 4
1 2

JPW1 20 10

ATX1

ATX1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL
1 3.3V 11 3.3V
JPW1 Pin Definition
2 3.3V 12 -12V
PIN SIGNAL 3 GND 13 GND
1 GND 4 5V 14 PS_ON
2 GND 5 GND 15 GND
3 12V 6 5V 16 GND
4 12V 7 GND 17 GND
8 PW_OK 18 -5V
9 5V_SB 19 5V
10 12V 20 5V

2-9
 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Back Panel
The back panel provides the following connectors:

LAN
Parallel L-in
(Optional)
Mouse

USB Ports

Keyboard COM A COM B USB Ports L-out

MIC

Mouse Connector
The mainboard provides a standard PS/2® mouse mini DIN connector
for attaching a PS/2® mouse. You can plug a PS/2® mouse directly into this
connector. The connector location and pin assignments are as follows:

Pin Definition
PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
6 5
1 Mouse DATA Mouse DATA
4 3 2 NC No connection
3 GND Ground
4 VCC +5V
2 1
5 Mouse Clock Mouse clock
PS/2 Mouse (6-pin Female) 6 NC No connection

2-10
 Hardware Setup

Keyboard Connector
The mainboard provides a standard PS/2® keyboard mini DIN connec-
tor for attaching a PS/2® keyboard. You can plug a PS/2® keyboard directly
into this connector.

Pin Definition
6 5 PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
1 Keyboard DATA Keyboard DATA
4 3
2 NC No connection
3 GND Ground
2 1 4 VCC +5V
5 Keyboard Clock Keyboard clock
PS/2 Keyboard (6-pin Female)
6 NC No connection

USB Connectors
The mainboard provides a UHCI (Universal Host Controller Interface)
Universal Serial Bus root for attaching USB devices such as keyboard, mouse
or other USB-compatible devices. You can plug the USB device directly into
the connector.

USB Port Description

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 VCC +5V
1 2 3 4
2 -Data 0 Negative Data Channel 0
3 +Data0 Positive Data Channel 0
4 GND Ground
5 6 7 8 5 VCC +5V
6 -Data 1 Negative Data Channel 1
7 +Data 1 Positive Data Channel 1
8 GND Ground
USB Ports

2-11
 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Serial Port Connectors: COM A and COM B

The mainboard offers two 9-pin male DIN connectors as serial port COM
A. The ports are 16550A high speed communication ports that send/receive16
bytes FIFOs. You can attach a serial mouse or other serial devices directly to
the connectors.
Pin Definition
1 2 3 4 5 PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 DCD Data Carry Detect

2 SIN Serial In or Receive Data
3 SOUT Serial Out or Transmit Data
4 DTR Data Terminal Ready)
6 7 8 9
5 GND Ground
9-Pin Male DIN Connector 6 DSR Data Set Ready
7 RTS Request To Send
8 CTS Clear To Send
9 RI Ring Indicate

LAN (RJ-45) Jacks: 10/100 LAN

The mainboard provides a standard RJ-45 jacks for connection to Local
Area Network (LAN). It enables data to be transferred at 100 or 10Mbps. You
can connect a network cable to either LAN jack.

10/100 LAN Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 D0P Differential Pair 0+

2 D0N Differential Pair 0-
3 D1P Differential Pair 1+
RJ-45 LAN Jack 4 NC Not used
5 NC Not used
6 D1N Differential Pair 1-
7 NC Not used
8 NC Not used

2-12
 Hardware Setup

Audio Port Connectors

Line Out is a connector for Speakers or Headphones. Line In is used for
external CD player, Tape player, or other audio devices. Mic is a connector for
microphones.

Line In

1/8” Stereo Audio Connectors Line Out

MIC

MSI Reminds You...

For advanced audio application, CMedia 9739A is provided
to offer support for 6-channel audio operation and can turn
rear audio connectors from 2-channel to 4-/6-channel audio.
For more information on 6-channel audio operation, please
refer to Appendix. Using 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function.

2-13
 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Parallel Port Connector: LPT1

The mainboard provides a 25-pin female centronic connector as LPT.
A parallel port is a standard printer port that supports Enhanced Parallel Port
(EPP) and Extended Capabilities Parallel Port (ECP) mode.

13 1

25 14

Pin Definition
PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
1 STROBE Strobe
2 DATA0 Data0
3 DATA1 Data1
4 DATA2 Data2
5 DATA3 Data3
6 DATA4 Data4
7 DATA5 Data5
8 DATA6 Data6
9 DATA7 Data7
10 ACK# Acknowledge
11 BUSY Busy
12 PE Paper End
13 SELECT Select
14 AUTO FEED# Automatic Feed
15 ERR# Error
16 INIT# Initialize Printer
17 SLIN# Select In
18 GND Ground
19 GND Ground
20 GND Ground
21 GND Ground
22 GND Ground
23 GND Ground
24 GND Ground
25 GND Ground

2-14
 Hardware Setup

Connectors
The mainboard provides connectors to connect to FDD, IDE HDD, LAN,
USB Ports, and CPU/System/Power Supply FAN.

Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1

The mainboard provides a standard floppy disk drive connector that
supports 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88M floppy disk types.

FDD1

2-15
 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Fan Power Connectors: CPUFAN1/SYSFAN1/CHFAN1

The CPUFAN1 (processor fan), SYSFAN1 (system fan) and CHFAN1
(NorthBridge Chipset fan) support system cooling fan with +12V. It supports
three-pin head connector. When connecting the wire to the connectors, always
take note that the red wire is the positive and should be connected to the +12V,
the black wire is Ground and should be connected to GND. If the mainboard
has a System Hardware Monitor chipset on-board, you must use a specially
designed fan with speed sensor to take advantage of the CPU fan control.

GND
+12V
SENSOR

CPUFAN1

GND
+12V
NC

CHFAN1
SENSOR
+12V
GND

SYSFAN1

MSI Reminds You...

1. Always consult the vendors for proper CPU cooling fan.
2. CPUFAN1 supports the fan control. You can install the PC
Alert utility that will automatically control the CPU fan speed
according to the actual CPU temperature.

2-16
 Hardware Setup

ATA100 Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2

The mainboard has a 32-bit Enhanced PCI IDE and Ultra DMA 66/100
controller that provides PIO mode 0~4, Bus Master, and Ultra DMA 66/100
function. You can connect up to four hard disk drives, CD-ROM, 120MB
Floppy and other devices.
The Ultra ATA100 interface boosts data transfer rates between the
computer and the hard drive up to 100 megabytes (MB) per second. The new
interface is one-third faster than earlier record-breaking Ultra ATA/100
technology and is backwards compatible with the existing Ultra ATA interface.

IDE2

IDE1

IDE1 (Primary IDE Connector)

The first hard drive should always be connected to IDE1. IDE1 can
connect a Master and a Slave drive. You must configure second hard
drive to Slave mode by setting the jumper accordingly.
IDE2 (Secondary IDE Connector)
IDE2 can also connect a Master and a Slave drive.

MSI Reminds You...

If you install two hard disks on cable, you must configure the
second drive to Slave mode by setting its jumper. Refer to the
hard disk documentation supplied by hard disk vendors for
jumper setting instructions.

2-17
 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

CD-In Connector: CD1

The connector is for CD-ROM audio connector.

S-Bracket (SPDIF) Connector: JSP1 (Optional)

The connector allows you to connect a S-Bracket for Sony & Philips
Digital Interface (SPDIF). The S-Bracket offers 2 SPDIF jacks for digital
audio transmission (one for optical fiber connection and the other for coaxial),
and 2 analog Line-Out jacks for 4-channel audio output.
To attach the fiber-optic cable to optical SPDIF jack, you need to remove
the plug from the jack first. The two SPDIF jacks support SPDIF output only.
For more information on the S-Bracket, refer to Appendix: Using 4- or 6-Channel
Audio Function.

CD1

GND
L

2 12
1 11

JSP1

2-18
 Hardware Setup

JSP1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 VCC5 VCC 5V 2 VDD3 VDD 3.3V

3 SPDFO S/PDIF output 4 (No Pin) Key

5 GND Ground 6 SPDFI S/PDIF input

7 LFE-OUT Audio bass output 8 SOUT-R Audio right surrounding output

9 CET-OUT Audio center output 10 SOUT-L Audio left surrounding output

11 GND Ground 12 GND Ground

Optional S-Bracket
Analog Line-Out jack

Connect to JSP1

SPDIF jack (optical) SPDIF jack (coaxial)

MSI Reminds You...

Before connecting to the S-Bracket, be sure to remove the JSP4
jumpers (see p.2-25 for details) and power off the system first, then
you can attach your S-Bracket to the JSP1 connector. Your
mainboard may be damaged seriously if not following the
instruction above.

2-19
 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Front Panel Connectors: JFP1 & JFP2

The mainboard provides two front panel connectors for electrical
connection to the front panel switches and LEDs. JFP1 is compliant with Intel®
Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.

Power Power
LED Switch

2 10
JFP1 1 9

HDD Reset
LED Switch

Speaker

2 8
JFP2 1 7

Power
LED

JFP1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 HD_LED_P Hard disk LED pull-up
2 FP PWR/SLP MSG LED pull-up
3 HD_LED_N Hard disk active LED
4 FP PWR/SLP MSG LED pull-up
5 RST_SW_N Reset Switch low reference pull-down to GND
6 PWR_SW_P Power Switch high reference pull-up
7 RST_SW_P Reset Switch high reference pull-up
8 PWR_SW_N Power Switch low reference pull-down to GND
9 RSVD_DNU Reserved. Do not use.

JFP2 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 GND 2 SPK-
3 SLED 4 BUZ+
5 PLED 6 BUZ-
7 NC 8 SPK+

2-20
 Hardware Setup

Front Panel Audio Connector: JAUD1

The JAUD1 front panel audio connector allows you to connect to the
front panel audio and is compliant with Intel® Front Panel I/O Connectivity
Design Guide.

2 10

1 9
JAUD1

JAUD1 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 AUD_MIC Front panel microphone input signal

2 AUD_GND Ground used by analog audio circuits
3 AUD_MIC_BIAS Microphone power
4 AUD_VCC Filtered +5V used by analog audio circuits
5 AUD_FPOUT_R Right channel audio signal to front panel
6 AUD_RET_R Right channel audio signal return from front panel
7 HP_ON Reserved for future use to control headphone amplifier
8 KEY No pin
9 AUD_FPOUT_L Left channel audio signal to front panel
10 AUD_RET_L Left channel audio signal return from front panel

MSI Reminds You...

If you don’t want to connect to the front audio 6 10
header, pins 5 & 6, 9 & 10 have to be jumpered in
order to have signal output directed to the rear 5 9
audio ports. Otherwise, the Line-Out connector on
the back panel will not function.

2-21
 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Front USB Connectors: JUSB2

The mainboard provides one USB 2.0 pin header JUSB2 that is compliant
with Intel® I/O Connectivity Design Guide. USB 2.0 technology increases
data transfer rate up to a maximum throughput of 480Mbps, which is 40
times faster than USB 1.1, and is ideal for connecting high-speed USB inter-
face peripherals such as USB HDD, digital cameras, MP3 players, printers,
modems and the like.

2 10
1 9
JUSB2
(USB 2.0/Intel spec)

JUSB2 Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

1 VCC 2 VCC

3 USB0- 4 USB1-

5 USB0+ 6 USB1+

7 GND 8 GND

9 Key (no pin) 10 USBOC

2-22
 Hardware Setup

D-Bracket™ 2 Connector: JDB1 (Optional)

The mainboard comes with a JDB1 connector for you to connect to D-
Bracket™ 2. D-Bracket™ 2 is a USB Bracket that supports both USB1.1 & 2.0
spec. It integrates four LEDs and allows users to identify system problem
through 16 various combinations of LED signals. For definitions of 16 signal
combinations, please refer to D-Bracket™ 2 in Chapter 1.

JDB1 Pin Definition

Pin Signal
1 DBG1 (high for green color)
2 DBR1 (high for red color)
3 DBG2 (high for green color)
4 DBR2 (high for red color)
5 DBG3 (high for green color)
6 DBR3 (high for red color)
7 DBG4 (high for green color)
8 DBR4 (high for red color)
9 Key
10 NC

2 10
1 9
JDB1

Depending on the optional bracket you buy, please

note there might be a Bluetooth Sticker to cover one of
the port, which marks “Do no remove, when using
bluetooth”.
Connected to JDB1 D-Bracket™ 2

Connected to JUSB2 (the USB LEDs

pinheader in yellow color)

2-23
 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Jumpers
The motherboard provides the following jumpers for you to set the
computer’s function. This section will explain how to change your
motherboard’s function through the use of jumpers.

Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1

There is a CMOS RAM on board that has a power supply from external
battery to keep the data of system configuration. With the CMOS RAM, the
system can automatically boot OS every time it is turned on. If you want to
clear the system configuration, use the JBAT1 (Clear CMOS Jumper ) to clear
data. Follow the instructions below to clear the data:

1 1

3 3

Keep Data Clear Data

JBAT1

MSI Reminds You...

You can clear CMOS by shorting 2-3 pin while the system is off.
Then return to 1-2 pin position. Avoid clearing the CMOS while
the system is on; it will damage the mainboard.

2-24
 Hardware Setup

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Setting Jumper: JSP4

This jumper helps to configure the center and subwoofer audio signals.
If you have the optional S-Bracket with your mainboard, be sure to remove the
jumper, otherwise the 6-channel audio will not work probably. If you do not
have S-Bracket, keep the jumper on to use the 6-channel audio.
For more information on the S-Bracket, please refer to p.2-18 S-Bracket
(SPDIF) Connector: JSP1 (Optional) and the Appendix: Using 4- or 6-
Channel Audio Function.

JSP4

Remove the jumper if your Factory default setting. Keep

mainboard has the optional the jumper if your mainboard
S-Bracket. do not have the optional S-
Bracket.

MSI Reminds You...

Be sure to shut down your computer before removing the JSP4
jumper and installing the S-Bracket, or your mainboard may
be damaged.

2-25
 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Slots
The motherboard provides one AGP slot and six 32-bit PCI bus slots.

AGP Slot

PCI Slots

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) Slot

The AGP slot allows you to insert the AGP graphics card. AGP is an
interface specification designed for the throughput demands of 3D graphics.
It introduces a 66MHz, 32-bit channel for the graphics controller to directly
access main memory. The slot supports 8x/4x AGP card.

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) Slots

The PCI slots allow you to insert the expansion cards to meet your needs.
When adding or removing expansion cards, make sure that you unplug the
power supply first. Meanwhile, read the documentation for the expansion card
to make any necessary hardware or software settings for the expansion card,
such as jumpers, switches or BIOS configuration.

2-26
 Hardware Setup

PCI Interrupt Request Routing

The IRQ, acronym of interrupt request line and pronounced I-R-Q, are
hardware lines over which devices can send interrupt signals to the
microprocessor. The PCI IRQ pins are typically connected to the PCI bus INT
A# ~ INT D# pins as follows:

Order 1 Order 2 Order 3 Order 4

PCI Slot 1 INT A# INT B# INT C# INT D#
PCI Slot 2 INT B# INT C# INT D# INT A#
PCI Slot 3 INT C# INT D# INT A# INT B#
PCI Slot 4 INT D# INT A# INT B# INT C#
PCI Slot 5 INT B# INT C# INT D# INT A#
PCI Slot 6 INT A# INT B# INT C# INT D #

2-27
 BIOS Setup

Chapter 3. BIOS Setup

BIOS Setup
This chapter provides information on the BIOS Setup
program and allows you to configure the system for optimum
use.
You may need to run the Setup program when:
” An error message appears on the screen during the system
booting up, and requests you to run SETUP.
” You want to change the default settings for customized
features.

3-1
MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Entering Setup
Power on the computer and the system will start POST (Power On Self
Test) process. When the message below appears on the screen, press <DEL>
key to enter Setup.

DEL:Setup F11:Boot Menu F12:Network boot TAB:Logo

If the message disappears before you respond and you still wish to enter
Setup, restart the system by turning it OFF and On or pressing the RESET
button. You may also restart the system by simultaneously pressing <Ctrl>,
<Alt>, and <Delete> keys.

Selecting the First Boot Device

You are allowed to select the 1st boot device without entering the BIOS
setup utility by pressing <F11>. When the same message as listed above
appears on the screen, press <F11> to trigger the boot menu.
The POST messages might pass by too quickly for you to respond in
time. If so, restart the system and press <F11> after around 2 or 3 seconds to
activate the boot menu similar to the following.

Select First Boot Device

Floppy : 1st Floppy

IDE-0 : IBM-DTLA-307038
CDROM : ATAPI CD-ROM DRIVE 40X M

[Up/Dn] Select [RETURN] Boot [ESC] cancel

The boot menu will list all the bootable devices. Select the one you want
to boot from by using arrow keys and then pressing <Enter>. The system will
boot from the selected device. The selection will not make changes to the
settings in the BIOS setup utility, so next time when you power on the system,
it will still use the original first boot device to boot up.

3-2
 BIOS Setup

Control Keys
↑ Move to the previous item
↓ Move to the next item
← Move to the item in the left hand
→ Move to the item in the right hand
<Enter> Select the item
<Esc> Jumps to the Exit menu or returns to the main menu from a submenu
<+/PU> Increase the numeric value or make changes
<-/PD> Decrease the numeric value or make changes
<F6> Load Setup Original values
<F7> Load Fail Safe values
<F8> BIOS Languages switch
<F10> Save all the CMOS changes and exit

Getting Help
After entering the Setup utility, the first screen you see is the Main
Menu.

Main Menu
The main menu displays the setup categories the BIOS supplies. You
can use the arrow keys ( ↑↓ ) to select the item. The on-line description for
the selected setup category is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Default Settings
The BIOS setup program contains two kinds of default settings: the
BIOS Setup and High Performance defaults. BIOS Setup defaults provide
stable performance settings for all devices and the system, while High Perfor-
mance defaults provide the best system performance but may affect the sys-
tem stability.

3-3
MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

The Main Menu

Once you enter AMIBIOS NEW SETUP UTILITY, the Main Menu
will appear on the screen. The Main Menu displays twelve configurable func-
tions and two exit choices. Use arrow keys to move among the items and
press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.

Standard CMOS Features

Use this menu for basic system configurations, such as time, date etc.

Advanced BIOS Features

Use this menu to setup the items of AMI® special enhanced features.

Advanced Chipset Features

Use this menu to change the values in the chipset registers and optimize your
system’s performance.

Power Management Features

Use this menu to specify your settings for power management.

PNP/PCI Configurations
This entry appears if your system supports PnP/PCI.

3-4
 BIOS Setup

Integrated Peripherals
Use this menu to specify your settings for integrated peripherals.

PC Health Status
This entry shows your PC health status.

Frequency/Voltage Control
Use this menu to specify your settings for frequency/voltage control.

Set Supervisor Password

Use this menu to set Supervisor Password.

Set User Password

Use this menu to set User Password.

Load Optimal Defaults

Use this menu to load factory default settings into the BIOS for stable system
performance operations.

Load Fail Safe Defaults

Use this menu to load the BIOS values for the best system performance, but
the system stability may be affected.

Save & Exit Setup

Save changes to CMOS and exit setup.

Exit Without Saving

Abandon all changes and exit setup.

3-5
MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Standard CMOS Features

The items inside STANDARD CMOS SETUP menu are divided into 9
categories. Each category includes none, one or more setup items. Use the
arrow keys to highlight the item you want to modify and use the <PgUp> or
<PgDn> keys to switch to the value you prefer.

System Time
This allows you to set the system time that you want (usually the current
time). The time format is <hour> <minute> <second>.
System Date
This allows you to set the system to the date that you want (usually the current
date). The format is <day><month> <date> <year>.
day Day of the week, from Sun to Sat, determined by
BIOS. Read-only.
month The month from Jan. through Dec.
date The date from 1 to 31 can be keyed by numeric
function keys.
year The year can be adjusted by users.

3-6
 BIOS Setup

Primary/Secondary IDE Master/Slave

Press PgUp/<+> or PgDn/<-> to select the hard disk drive type. The specification
of hard disk drive will show up on the right hand according to your selection.
Type Select how to define the HDD parameters
Cylinders Enter cylinder number
Heads Enter head number
Write Precompensation Enter write precomp cylinder
Sectors Enter sector number
Maximum Capacity Read the maximal HDD capacity
LBA Mode Select Auto for a hard disk > 512 MB un-
der Windows and DOS, or Disabled un-
der Netware and UNIX
Block Mode Select Auto to enhance the hard disk
performance
Fast Programmed I/O Select Auto to enhance hard disk perfor-
Modes mance by optimizing the hard disk timing
32 Bit Transfer Mode Enable 32 bit to maximize the IDE hard disk
data transfer rate

Floppy Drive A:/B:

This item allows you to set the type of floppy drives installed. Available
options: Not Installed, 1.2 MB 5¼, 720 KB 3½, 1.44 MB 3½ and 2.88 MB 3½.

3-7
MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Advanced BIOS Features

Quick Boot
Setting the item to Enabled allows the system to boot within 5 seconds since
it will skip some check items. Available options: Enabled, Disabled.

Boot Device Select

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu screen.

Boot Device Priority: 1st/2nd/3rd

The items allow you to set the sequence of boot devices where AMIBIOS
attempts to load the operating system. The settings are:
IDE-0 The system will boot from the first HDD.
IDE-1 The system will boot from the second HDD.
IDE-2 The system will boot from the third HDD.
IDE-3 The system will boot from the fourth HDD.
Floppy The system will boot from floppy drive.
ARMD-FDD The system will boot from any ARMD device, such as
LS-120 or ZIP drive, that functions as a floppy drive.

3-8
 BIOS Setup

ARMD-HDD The system will boot from ARMD device, such as MO

or ZIP drive, that functions as hard disk drive.
CD/DVD-0 The system will boot from the first CD-ROM.
CD/DVD-1 The system will boot from the secon CD-ROM.
CD/DVD-2 The system will boot from the third CD-ROM.
CD/DVD-3 The system will boot from the 4th CD-ROM.
Legacy SCSI The system will boot from the SCSI.
Legacy NETWORK
The system will boot from the Network drive.
BBS-0 The system will boot from the first BBS (BIOS Boot
Specification) compliant device.
BBS-1 The system will boot from the second BBS (BIOS Boot
Specification) compliant device.
BBS-2 The system will boot from the third BBS (BIOS Boot
Specification) compliant device.
BBS-3 The system will boot from the fourth BBS (BIOS Boot
Specification) compliant device.
BBS-4 The system will boot from the 5th BBS (BIOS Boot
Specification) compliant device.
BBS-5 The system will boot from the 6th BBS (BIOS Boot
Specification) compliant device.
BBS-6 The system will boot from the 7th BBS (BIOS Boot
Specification) compliant device.
BBS-7 The system will boot from the 8th BBS (BIOS Boot
Specification) compliant device.
BBS-8 The system will boot from the 9th BBS (BIOS Boot
Specification) compliant device.
BBS-9 The system will boot from the 10 BBS (BIOS Boot
Specification) compliant device.
USB FDD The system will boot from USB-interfaced floppy drive.
USB CDROMThe system will boot from the USB-interfaced CD-ROM.
USB HDD The system will boot from the USB-interfaced HDD.
USB RMD-FDD The system will boot from any USB-interfaced ARMD
device, such as LS-120 or ZIP drive, that functions as a
floppy drive.
USB RMD-HDD The system will boot from USB-interfaced ARMD
device, such as MO or ZIP drive, that functions as hard
disk drive.
Disabled Disable this sequence

3-9
MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

MSI Reminds You...

.
Available settings for “1st/2nd/3rd Boot Device” vary depend-
ing on the bootable devices you have installed. For example, if
you did not install a floppy drive, the setting “Floppy” does not
show up.
Try Other Boot Device
Setting the option to Yes allows the system to try to boot from other
devices if the system fails to boot from the 1st/2nd/3rd boot device.

Full Screen LOGO Show

This item enables you to show the company logo on the bootup screen. Settings
are:
Enabled Shows a still image (logo) on the full screen at boot.
Disabled Shows the POST messages at boot.

S.M.A.R.T. for Hard Disks

This allows you to activate the S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring Analysis &
Reporting Technology) capability for the hard disks. S.M.A.R.T is a utility that
monitors your disk status to predict hard disk failure. This gives you an
opportunity to move data from a hard disk that is going to fail to a safe place
before the hard disk becomes offline. Settings: Enabled, Disabled.

BootUp Num-Lock
This item is to set the Num Lock status when the system is powered on. Setting
to On will turn on the Num Lock key when the system is powered on. Setting to
Off will allow end users to use the arrow keys on the numeric keypad. Setting
options: On, Off.

Floppy Drive Swap

Setting to Enabled will swap floppy drives A: and B:.

Floppy Drive Seek

This setting causes the BIOS to search for floppy disk drives at boot time.
When enabled, the BIOS will activate the floppy disk drives during the boot
process: the drive activity light will come on and the head will move back and
forth once. First A: will be done and then B: if it exists. Setting options:
Disabled, Enabled.

3-10
 BIOS Setup

Password Check
This specifies the type of AMIBIOS password protection that is implemented.
Setting options are described below.

Option Description
Setup The password prompt appears only when end users try to
run Setup.
Always A password prompt appears every time when the com-
puter is powered on or when end users try to run Setup.
Boot To OS/2
This allows you to run the OS/2® operating system with DRAM larger than
64MB. When you choose No, you cannot run the OS/2® operating system
with DRAM larger than 64MB. But it is possible if you choose Yes.

Hyper Threading Function

This field is used to enable or disable the Hyper Threading function. Setting
to Enabled will increase the system performance. Settings: Enabled, Disabled.
MSI Reminds You...
Enabling the functionality of Hyper-Threading Technology for
your computer system requires ALL of the following platform
Components:
*CPU: An Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with HT Technology;
*Chipset: An Intel® Chipset that supports HT Technology;
*BIOS: A BIOS that supports HT Technology and has it enabled;
and
*OS: An operating system that supports HT Technology.
For more information on Hyper-threading Technology, go to:
www.intel.com/info/hyperthreading

MPS Revision
This field allows you to select which MPS (Multi-Processor Specification)
version to be used for the operating system. You need to select the MPS
version supported by your operating system. Settings: 1.4 and 1.1.

3-11
MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

APIC ACPI SCI IRQ

This field is used to enable or disable the APIC (Advanced Programmable
Interrupt Controller). Due to compliance to PC2001 design guide, the system is
able to run in APIC mode. Enabling APIC mode will expand available IRQs
resources for the system. Settings: Enabled and Disabled.
CPU L1 & L2 Cache
Cache memory is additional memory that is much faster than conventional
DRAM (system memory). When the CPU requests data, the system transfers
the requested data from the main DRAM into cache memory, for even faster
access by the CPU. The setting controls the internal cache (also known as L1
or level 1 cache). Setting to WriteBack will speed up the system performance.

System BIOS Cacheable

Selecting Enabled allows caching of the system BIOS ROM at F0000h-FFFFFh,
resulting in better system performance. However, if any program writes to this
memory area, a system error may result. Setting options: Enabled, Disabled.

C000, 32k Shadow

This item specifies how the contents of the adapter ROM named in the item are
handled. Settings are described below:
Option Description
Disabled The specified ROM is not copied to RAM.
Enabled The contents of specified ROM are copied to RAM
for faster system performance.
Cached The contents of specified ROM are not only copied
to RAM, the contents of the ROM area can be writ-
ten to and read from cache memory.

Flash Protection
This function protects the BIOS from accidental corruption by unauthorized
users or computer viruses. When enabled, the BIOS’ data cannot be changed
when attempting to update the BIOS with a Flash utility. To successfully update
the BIOS, you’ll need to disable this Flash BIOS Protection function.
You should enable this function at all times. The only time when you need to
disable it is when you want to update the BIOS. After updating the BIOS, you
should immediately re-enable it to protect it against viruses. Setting options:
Disabled, Enabled.

3-12
 BIOS Setup

Advanced Chipset Features

MSI Reminds You...

Change these settings only if you are familiar with the chipset.

DRAM Timing Setting...

Press <Enter> and to enter the sub-menu screen.

DRAM Frequency
Use this field to configure the clock frequency of the installed DRAM.
Settings are: SPD, 266MHz, 333MHz, Auto.

Configure SDRAM Timing by SPD

Selects whether DRAM timing is controlled by the SPD (Serial Presence
Detect) EEPROM on the DRAM module. Setting to Enabled enables the
following fields automatically to be determined by BIOS based on the

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

configurations on the SPD. Selecting Disabled allows users to configure

these fields manually.

CAS# Latency
This controls the timing delay (in clock cycles) before SDRAM starts
a read command after receiving it. Settings: 2, 2.5 (clocks). 2 (clocks)
increases the system performance the most while 2.5 (clocks) provides
the most stable performance.

RAS# Precharge
This item controls the number of cycles for Row Address Strobe
(RAS) to be allowed to precharge. If insufficient time is allowed for
the RAS to accumulate its charge before DRAM refresh, refresh may
be incomplete and DRAM may fail to retain data. This item applies
only when synchronous DRAM is installed in the system. Available
settings: 2 clocks, 3 clocks.

RAS# to CAS# Delay

When DRAM is refreshed, both rows and columns are addressed
separately. This setup item allows you to determine the timing of the
transition from RAS (row address strobe) to CAS (column address
strobe). The less the clock cycles, the faster the DRAM performance.
Setting options: 3 clocks, 2 clocks.

Precharge Delay
This setting controls the precharge delay, which determines the timing
delay for DRAM precharge. Settings: 5 clocks, 6 clocks, 7 clocks.

Burst Length
This setting allows you to set the size of Burst-Length for DRAM.
Bursting feature is a technique that DRAM itself predicts the address
of the next memory location to be accessed after the first address is
accessed. To use the feature, you need to define the burst length,
which is the actual length of burst plus the starting address and
allows internal address counter to properly generate the next memory
location. The bigger the size, the faster the DRAM performance.
Available settings: 4, 8.

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 BIOS Setup

AGP Aperture Size (MB)

This setting controls just how much system RAM can be allocated to AGP for
video purposes. The aperture is a portion of the PCI memory address range
dedicated to graphics memory address space. Host cycles that hit the aperture
range are forwarded to the AGP without any translation. The option allows the
selection of an aperture size of 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, and
256 MB.

3-15
MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Power Management Features

MSI Reminds You...

S3-related functions described in this section are available only
when your BIOS supports S3 sleep mode.

ACPI Standby State

This item specifies the power saving modes for ACPI function. If your operating
system supports ACPI, such as Windows 98SE, Windows ME and Windows
2000, you can choose to enter the Standby mode in S1(POS) or S3(STR) fashion
through the setting of this field. Options are:

S1/POS The S1 sleep mode is a low power state. In this state, no

system context is lost (CPU or chipset) and hardware
maintains all system context.
S3/STR The S3 sleep mode is a lower power state where the in
formation of system configuration and open applications/
files is saved to main memory that remains powered
while most other hardware components turn off to save
energy. The information stored in memory will be used
to restore the system when a “wake up” event occurs.
Auto BIOS determines the best mode automatically.

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 BIOS Setup

Re-Call VGA BIOS at S3 Resuming

Selecting Enabled allows BIOS to call VGA BIOS to initialize the VGA card
when system wakes up (resumes) from S3 sleep state. The system resume time
is shortened when you disable the function, but system will need an AGP
driver to initialize the VGA card. Therefore, if the AGP driver of the card
does not support the initialization feature, the display may work abnormally
or not function after resuming from S3.

Power Management/APM
Setting to Enabled will activate an Advanced Power Management (APM)
device to enhance Max Saving mode and stop CPU internal clock. Settings:
Disabled, Enabled.

Suspend Time Out (Minute)

After the selected period of system inactivity, all devices except the CPU shut
off. Settings: Disabled, 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60.

Power Button Function

This feature sets the function of the power button. Settings are:
On/Off The power button functions as normal power off button.
Suspend When you press the power button, the computer enters
the suspend/sleep mode, but if the button is pressed for
more than four seconds, the computer is turned off.

Restore on AC/Power Loss

This setting specifies whether your system will reboot after a power failure or
interrupt occurs. Available settings are:
Power Off Leaves the computer in the power off state.
Power On Reboots the computer.
Last State Restores the system to the previous status before power
failure or interrupt occurred.

Set Monitor Events

Press <Enter> and the following sub-menu appears.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

FDC/LPT/COM Ports, Primary/Secondary Master/Slave IDE

These items specify if the BIOS wil monitor the activity of the specified
hardware peripherals or components. If set to Monitor, any activity
detected on the specified hareware peripherals or components will wake
up the system or prevent the system from entering the power saving
modes. Settings: Monitor, Ignore.

Set WakeUp Events

Press <Enter> and the following sub-menu appears.

USB Device Wakeup From S3/S4

This item allows the activity of the USB device to wake up the system
from S3 (suspend to RAM) and S4 (suspend to disk) sleep state. Setting:
Enabled, Disabled.

Keyboard PowerOn Function

This controls how the PS/2 keyboard can power on the system. Settings:
Password, Any Key, Specific Key, Disabled.

Specific Key for PowerOn

Specify the password to enable for the “Keyboard Wakeup From S3 “
while setting to Specific Key.

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 BIOS Setup

Mouse PowerOn Function

This controls how the PS/2 mouse can power on the system. Settings:
Left-button, Right-button, Disabled.

Resume On PME#
This field specifies whether the system will be awakened from power
saving modes when activity or input signal of the specified hardware
peripheral or component is detected. Settings: Enabled, Disabled.

Resume On RTC Alarm

This is used to enable or disable the feature of booting up the system on
a scheduled time/date from the soft off (S5) state. Settings: Enabled,
Disabled.

RTC Alarm Date/Hour/Minute/Second

If Resume On RTC Alarm is set to Enabled, the system will automatically
resume (boot up) on a specific date/hour/minute/second specified in these
fields. Available settings for each item are:
Alarm Date 01 ~ 31, Every Day
Alarm Hour 00 ~ 23
Alarm Minute 00 ~ 59
Alarm Second 00 ~ 59

MSI Reminds You...

If you have changed this setting, you must let the system boot up
until it enters the operating system, before this function will work.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

PNP/PCI Configurations

This section describes configuring the PCI bus system and PnP (Plug
& Play) feature. PCI, or Peripheral Component Interconnect, is a system which
allows I/O devices to operate at speeds nearing the speed the CPU itself uses
when communicating with its special components. This section covers some
very technical items and it is strongly recommended that only experienced
users should make any changes to the default settings.

Clear NVRAM
The ESCD (Extended System Configuration Data) NVRAM (Non-volatile
Random Access Memory) is where the BIOS stores resource information for
both PNP and non-PNP devices in a bit string format. When the item is set to
Yes, the system will reset ESCD NVRAM right after the system is booted up
and then set the setting of the item back to No automatically.

PCI Latency Timer (PCI Clocks)

This item controls how long each PCI device can hold the bus before another
takes over. When set to higher values, every PCI device can conduct
transactions for a longer time and thus improve the effective PCI bandwidth.
For better PCI performance, you should set the item to higher values. Settings
range from 32 to 248 at a 32 increment.

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 BIOS Setup

Init. Graphics Adapter Priority

This setting specifies which VGA card is your primary graphics adapter. Setting
options are:
AGP/PCI The system initializes the installed AGP card first.
If an AGP card is not available, it will initialize the
PCI VGA card.
PCI/AGP The system initializes the installed PCI VGA card
first. If a PCI VGA card is not available, it will
initialize the AGP card.
PCI IDE BusMaster
Set this option to Enabled to specify that the IDE controller on the PCI local
bus has bus mastering capability. Setting options: Disabled, Enabled.

PCI Slot1/Slot6 IRQ Priority, PCI Slot2/Slot5 IRQ Priority, PCI Slot3 IRQ
Priority, PCI Slot4 IRQ Priority
These items specify the IRQ line for each PCI slot. Setting options: 3, 4, 5, 7,
9, 10, 11, Auto. Selecting Auto allows BIOS to automatically determine the
IRQ line for each PCI slot.

Set IRQs to PCI or ISA

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:

IRQ 3/4/5/7/9/10/11/14/15
These items specify the bus where the specified IRQ line is used.
The settings determine if AMIBIOS should remove an IRQ from the pool
of available IRQs passed to devices that are configurable by the system
BIOS. The available IRQ pool is determined by reading the ESCD NVRAM.
If more IRQs must be removed from the IRQ pool, the end user can use
these settings to reserve the IRQ by assigning an ISA/EISA setting to it.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Onboard I/O is configured by AMIBIOS. All IRQs used by onboard I/O

are configured as PCI/PnP. If all IRQs are set to ISA/EISA, and IRQ 14/15
are allocated to the onboard PCI IDE, IRQ 9 will still be available for PCI
and PnP devices. Available settings: ISA/EISA and PCI/PnP.

Set DMAs to PnP or ISA

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:

DMA Channel 0/1/3/5/6/7

These items specify the bus that the system DMA (Direct Memory Access)
channel is used.
The settings determine if AMIBIOS should remove a DMA from the
available DMAs passed to devices that are configurable by the system
BIOS. The available DMA pool is determined by reading the ESCD
NVRAM. If more DMAs must be removed from the pool, the end user
can reserve the DMA by assigning an ISA/EISA setting to it.

3-22
 BIOS Setup

Integrated Peripherals

Please note that the options showed on your BIOS might be different
depending on the motherboard you buy.

USB Controller
This setting is used to enable/disable the onboard USB controllers.

USB 1.1 Device Legacy Support

Set to All Device if your need to use any USB 1.1/2.0 device in the operating
system that does not support or have any USB 1.1/2.0 driver installed, such as
DOS and SCO Unix. Set to No Mice only if you want to use any USB device
other than the USB mouse. Setting options: Disabled, No Mice, All Device.

OnboardLAN
This setting is used to enable/disable the onboard LAN. Setting options:
Disabled, Enabled.
AC’97 Audio
Auto allows the motherboard’s BIOS to detect whether you’re using any audio
device. If so, the onboard audio controller will be enabled. If not, the onboard
audio controller will be disabled. If you want to use different controller cards
to connect audio connectors, set the field to Disabled. Setting options:
Disabled, Auto.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Set Super I/O

Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:

OnBoard FDC
Select Enabled if your system has a floppy disk controller (FDD) installed
on the system board and you wish to use it.
Option Description
Auto BIOS will automatically determine whether to enable the
onboard Floppy controller or not.
Enabled Enables the onboard Floppy controller.
Disabled Disables the onboard Floppy controller.

Onboard Serial Port A/B

These items specify the base I/O port addresses of the onboard Serial
Port 1 (COM A)/Serial Port 2 (COM B). Selecting Auto allows AMIBIOS
to automatically determine the correct base I/O port address. Settings:
Auto, 3F8/COM1, 2F8/COM2, 3E8/COM3, 2E8/COM4 and Disabled.

Onboard Parallel Port

This field specifies the base I/O port address of the onboard parallel port.
Selecting Auto allows AMIBIOS to automatically determine the correct
base I/O port address. Settings: Auto, 378, 278, 3BC and Disabled.
Parallel Port Mode
This item selects the operation mode for the onboard parallel port:
ECP, Normal, Bi-Dir or EPP.
EPP Version
The item selects the EPP version used by the parallel port if the port
is set to EPP mode. Settings: 1.7 and 1.9.

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 BIOS Setup

Parallel Port IRQ

When Onboard Parallel Port is set to Auto, the item shows Auto
indicating that BIOS determines the IRQ for the parallel port
automatically.
Parallel Port DMA Channel
This feature needs to be configured only when Parallel Port Mode is
set to the ECP mode. When Parallel Port is set to Auto, the field will
show Auto indicating that BIOS automatically determines the DMA
channel for the parallel port.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

PC Health Status
This section shows the status of your CPU, fan, overall system status,
etc. Monitor function is available only if there is hardware monitoring
mechanism onboard.

CPU/System Temperature, CPU/System Fan Speed, Vcore, 3.3V, +5.0V, +12.

0V, -12.0V, -5.0V, Battery, +5V SB
These items display the current status of all of the monitored hardware devices/
components such as CPU voltages, temperatures and all fans’ speeds.

3-26
 BIOS Setup

Frequency/Voltage Control
Use this menu to specify your settings for frequency/voltage control.

CPU Ratio Selection

This setting controls the multiplier that is used to determine the internal clock
speed of the processor relative to the external or motherboard clock speed.

Spread Spectrum
When the motherboard’s clock generator pulses, the extreme values (spikes)
of the pulses creates EMI (Electromagnetic Interference). The Spread Spectrum
function reduces the EMI generated by modulating the pulses so that the
spikes of the pulses are reduced to flatter curves. If you do not have any EMI
problem, leave the setting at No for optimal system stability and performance.
But if you are plagued by EMI, setting to Enabled for EMI reduction. Remember
to disable Spread Spectrum if you are overclocking because even a slight jitter
can introduce a temporary boost in clockspeed which may just cause your
overclocked processor to lock up.

Adjust CPU Bus Clock

This item allows you to select the CPU Bus clock frequency (in MHz) and
overclock the processor by adjusting the FSB clock to a higher frequency.
Also the setting you choose will change color for warning if the value is of
overspecification.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

DDR Clock (Mhz)

This item allows you to view the current DDR clock.

Adjust AGP/PCI Clock (Mhz)

This item allows you to select the AGP/PCI clock frequency (in MHz) by
adjusting the AGP/PCI clock to a higher frequency.

CPU Vcore Adjust

The setting allows you to adjust the CPU Vcore voltage. Available options:
Yes, No.

CPU Vcore
The setting is adjustable if you set the”CPU Vcore Adjust” to “Yes”.
MSI Reminds You...
Changing CPU Ratio/Vcore could result in the instability of the
system; therefore, it is NOT recommended to change the default
setting for long-term usage.

DDR Power Voltage

Adjusting the DDR voltage can increase the DDR speed. Any changes made
to this setting may cause a stability issue, so changing the DDR voltage for
long-term purpose is NOT recommended.

AGP Power Voltage

AGP voltage is adjustable in the field, allowing you to increase the performance
of your AGP display card when overclocking, but the stability may be affected.

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 BIOS Setup

Set Supervisor/User Password

When you select this function, a message as below will appear on the
screen:

Type the password, up to six characters in length, and press <Enter>.

The password typed now will replace any previously set password from CMOS
memory. You will be prompted to confirm the password. Retype the password
and press <Enter>. You may also press <Esc> to abort the selection and not
enter a password.
To clear a set password, just press <Enter> when you are prompted to
enter the password. A message will show up confirming the password will be
disabled. Once the password is disabled, the system will boot and you can
enter Setup without entering any password.
When a password has been set, you will be prompted to enter it every
time you try to enter Setup. This prevents an unauthorized person from changing
any part of your system configuration.
Additionally, when a password is enabled, you can also have AMIBIOS
to request a password each time the system is booted. This would prevent
unauthorized use of your computer. The setting to determine when the password
prompt is required is the PASSWORD CHECK option of the ADVANCED BIOS
FEATURES menu. If the PASSWORD CHECK option is set to Always, the
password is required both at boot and at entry to Setup. If set to Setup, password
prompt only occurs when you try to enter Setup.

MSI Reminds You...

About Supervisor Password & User Password:
Supervisor password: Can enter and change the settings of
the setup menu.
User password: Can only enter but do not have the
right to change the settings of the setup
menu.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Load Optimized/Fail-Safe Defaults

The two options on the main menu allow users to restore all of the BIOS
settings to the default Fail-Safe or Optimized values. The Optimized Defaults
are the default values set by the mainboard manufacturer specifically for optimal
performance of the mainboard. The Fail-Safe Defaults are the default values set
by the BIOS vendor for stable system performance.
When you select Load Optimized Defaults, a message as below appears:

Pressing Y loads the default factory settings for optimal system

performance.
When you select Load Fail-Safe Defaults, a message as below appears:

Pressing Y loads the BIOS default values for the most stable, minimal
system performance.

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 Using 2-, 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Appendix.
Appendix A: Using 4- 4-
Using 2-, oror6-Channel
6-Channel
Audio Function
Audio Function
The motherboard comes with C-Media 9739A AC’97 audio chip, which
provides exclusive Xear 3DTM technology, a value-add PC audio total solution.
In addtion, C-Media designs a Universal Driver Architecture (UDA driver)
which has a flexible interface so that it can be applied to different platforms and
all C-Media audio chips. C-Media 9739A allows the board to attach 4 or 6
speakers for better surround sound effect. The section will tell you how to
install and use 2-/4-/6-channel audio function on the board.

A-1
MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Installing C-Media Drivers

The mainboard is able to transform the audio connectors on the back panel
from 2-channel to 4-/6-channel. To use the function, you need to install the C-
Media UDA driver.
The UDA driver supports all Windows, C-Midia AC’97 CODEC, and audio
controllers (south bridges) on board, and of course you can also download the
updated driver from C-Media website (http://www.cmedia.com.tw). Moreover,
there is no operation barrier when switching to other C-Media’s products.

Main Features of UDA Driver V.029:

1. Xear 3D - 5.1 Virtual SPEAKER SHIFTER:
h It allows users to enjoy multi-channel surround sound system with any
kind of appliances including earphone (we call it 5.1 Xearphone feature), 2,
2.1 to 5.1 speakers.
h It has an user-friendly interface to shifting virtual speakers just like
moving the physical speakers literally to break through any spatial placement
limitation.
h Users can adjust the best field dynamically adapted to different appliances
and sound sources.
h A new multi-channel listening mode is provided: Earphone plus. You can
use open-aired earphones in place of rear speakers to save the cost and
setup trouble of rear speakers.
2. HRTF 3D Positional Audio : Xear 3D integrated world-standard Sensaura’s
CRL3DTM engine for providing the best HRTF (Head-Related Transfer
Function) 3D positional audio and related features as follows. They are
necessary for gaming and interactive applications:
h EAXTM 1.0 & 2.0 (Creative Environment Audio eXtension has been a
world-wide standard for high-quality games.)
h A3DTM 1.0
h Compatible with Microsoft DirectSound 3DTM H/W & S/W
3. Sound Effects - Environment: It provides 27 options for simulating the
listening environment and get more magic and different sould field.
4. Sound Effects - Environment Size: It provides Small, Medium and Large
space for every type of Environment.
5. Sound Effects - Equalizer: It offers 10-band Equalizer and 12 pre-set models
like “Live”, “Jazz” and so on for users to modify the frequency response of

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 Using 2-, 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

sound singals. There is also “User Defined” list for users to save their own
settings.
6. Demo Program - Play3D Demo: It provides 5 sound sources and moving
path for playing for 3D audio playing. You can feel 3D positional sound and
also use this program to adjust your virtual speakers before playing 3D
audio applications like gaming.
7. Demo Program - Multi-channel Music: Multi-channel Music Demo
Program has three 5.1-channel melodies for playing. You can also click on
the speakers respectively to test each channel and adjust virtual speakers
before playing multi-channel audio applications like DVD.

To install C-Media drivers:

1. Insert the companion CD into the CD-ROM drive. The setup screen will
automatically appear.
2. Click on C-Media Sound Drivers.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
4. Restart the system.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Hardware Configuration
After installing the audio driver, you are able to use the 4-/6-channel
audio feature now. To enable 4- or 6-channel audio operation, first connect 4 or
6 speakers to the appropriate audio connectors, and then select 4- or 6-channel
audio setting in the software utility.
There are two ways to utilize the function and connect the speakers to
your computer:
„ Use the optional S-Bracket. If your motherboard supports S-Bracket
and you have installed S-Bracket in the computer, you can connect
two speakers to back panel’s Line-Out connector, and the rest of
speakers to S-Bracket.
„ Use the back panel only (without S-Bracket). If you do not have
a S-Bracket, you can connect all speakers to the audio connectors
on the back panel.
After installing the C-Media drivers, you can attach the speakers for 4-
/6-channel audio output. Always connect the speakers to the LINE OUT
connectors. Different connector configurations for 2-/4-/6-channel operations
are listed below:

Line In Line In Line In

Line Out Line Out Line Out

MIC MIC MIC

2-Channel 4-Channel 6-Channel

In 2-channel configuration, When set to 4-channel When set to 6-channel
Line Out, Line In and MIC configuration, LINE IN configuration, LINE IN
functions all exist. function DOES NOT and MIC functions DO
WORK any more. NOT WORK anymore.

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 Using 2-, 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Software Configuration
To have 4-/6-channel audio work, you must set appropriate configuration in
the C-Media software application. Click the C-Media Mixer icon from the
window tray on the bottom, and choose Open.
Then the “C-Media 3D Audio Configuration” will appear . Click on the
Speaker Output tab to configure the audio.

Speaker Output

1. Without the optional S-Bracket:

h Bass Enhancement: You may enable the Bass Enhancement option to enhance
the bass signal effect, in particular for Earphone Plus Mode. It is available in 4
& 6CH setting.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

h Center/Bass Output Swap: Enabling this option will exchange the center/
bass output channel. PC speaker manufactures define typically that the center
signal is delivered by tip of the stereo plug and the bass signal is by ring of it,
as the figure showed below. However, some speakers have opposite definition.
Please use this option to solve the possible trouble.

Center Bass Bass Center

In the left side, check the radio button next to the speaker to fit your audio
devices. In the Audio Jacks tab in the right side, the audio will function as it
shows. Please confirm you have connected your hardware to correct jacks
before using.

2. With the optional S-Bracket:

Attach the optional S-bracket and the audio output will function as the
screen showed.

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 Using 2-, 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

When you choose 6CH, the audio output will function as the screen showed
below.

Check the Speaker Test tab in the right side. It shows the speaker figure and
test environment complying with your speaker type settings as follows. You
can click Auto Test button or just click each speaker for testing your audio
connection. The sound will repeat unless you click Stop.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

S/PDIF
Click on the S/PDIF tab and the following screen appears.

h Playing Audio (48 kHz Output): Playing Digital Audio to Digital S/PDIF
Output. Choosing this option allows the output digital playing audio from
your computer like DVD, VCD, digital CD, MP3, Wave... etc through S/PDIF
in 48KHz sample rate.
h Analog Input to S/PDIF-Out: Convert Analog Input to Digital S/PDIF Out.
This function is to convert analog input audio like Line-in, CD-in,
Microphone-in signal to S/PDIF digital output in real time. This is useful to
transfer the analog audio from one device to the S/PDIF interface of another
such as the external decoder or the amplifier of Home Theater.
h No Output: C-Media AC’97 CODECs supports S/PDIF output with analog
output at the same time. When choosing this option, S/PDIF output signal
will be terminated. Otherwise, it would be transmitted all the time.
h Serial Copy Protection Option: When this option is enabled, the copyright
of S/PDIF output audio data will be asserted. Therefore it can be only
recoreded once but can’t be copied again according to SCMS (Serial Copy
Management System) mandated by Audio Home Recording Act of U.S. in
1992.

A-8
 Using 2-, 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Choose the Analog Input to S/PDIF-Out and then click the Select Source
button. Then the Select Source window appears.

h Select Source: Since the analog input signal needs to be recorded and
converted to digital format, you have to click Select Source button and
select one analog source in the “Select Source” window. Actually the selected
item synchronizes with the recording panel of Microsoft.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Volumn Control
Click on the Volumn Control tab and the following screen appears.

Reset all to
default value
(0dB)

You may regulate each volumn to the speaker for current playing digital
sound sources. If you use 2-channel speaker, only Front Left and Front Right
bars are available for you to configure. If you use 4-channel speaker, only
Front Left, Front Right, Rear Left and Rear Right bars are available. In 6-channel
mode, you may adjust all the speakers as showed above.

h Loudness (AGC): Loudness w/Auto-Gain-Control: When you want a higher

volume level of digital audio, you can enable Loudness (AGC). It provides
extra +3dB to +12dB gain to all channels. The driver has also been designed
with a sophisticated auto gain control minimizing the signal clipping
distortion. However, it is not recommended to
enhance the volume too much here if you want a
best sound quality. The best way is to increase the
volume of external speakers or just to increase the
Master Volume in Microsoft Volume Control.

Left-click Microsoft “Volume

Control” icon once and you’ll
get the Master Volume control
slider.

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 Using 2-, 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Microphone
Click on the Microphone tab and the following screen appears.

h Mute Microphone: Check this item to disable microphone inputs.

h Microphone Selection: You may select the microphone input you are going
to use. But if your system does not support 2 microphone inputs, then you
won’t see two items.
The real-panel microphone jack is sometimes shared by center/subwoofer
output and will be grayed as below: when you set 6CH speaker output. At
this moment, you can still use front-panel microphone.

h Microphone Boost: Check this them to enhance microphone volume by

+20dB.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Xear 3D
Click on the Xear 3D tab and the following screen appears.

C-Media UDA driver now supports Xear 3D-5.1 Virtual SPEAKER

SHIRFTER and sound effects. Just click the left button in Xear 3D tab and
the new friendly/fancy graphic user interface will pop up as follows.

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 Using 2-, 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

1. Sound Effect
From this part, you may choose the sound effect you like from 27 environ-
ment effects, 3 environment sizes and 10-band pre-set equalizer.

You may choose the

Listening Environ- provided environ-
ment Size. ments by clicking the
buttons (Bathroom,
Concert Hall, Sewer
Pipe and Music Pub)
or use the drop-down
lists to choose more.

12 Pre-set Equalizer
Models.

10-Band Equalizer.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

2. Demo Program
This part contains multi-channel music (including speakers testing) demo
program.

3 pieces of 5.1-channel
music for your selection.

5.1-channel speaker
environmenmt.

You may click each speaker to get one channel sound. If it has sound, it will
be lighted up. You may also click each speaker to test your connection/
configuration. Moreover, it can help you to adjust your virtual speakers for
multi-channel audio applications, like DVD.

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 Using 2-, 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

3. Xear 3D-5.1 Virtual SPEAKER SHIFTER

This part provides an advanced, amazing and considerate feature-
dynamically adjustable multi-channel sound system no matter what listening
appliance you are using and what application you are running.
The default setting for SPEAKER SHIFTER is OFF, thus you have to click
on it to make it ON, in which all the speakers are available to adjust.

You may move Front-Left, Front-Right, Rear-Left, Rear-Right virtual speakers

to anywhere. Center is ususally for Voice in DVD and just suitable to move in
vertical to keep the sound in the center. Subwoofer signal is directionless low-
frequency sound to human ears. Thus, please move it horizontally to express
strength or weakness.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Xear 3D- Play3D Demo

Xear 3D Advanced Program also provides interesting Play3D demo programs
for helping you configure your audio environment.
If you click One Touch Setup during the setup procedure when you insert
the MSI software driver, you may only see the Sound Effect tab in the Xear 3D
Advanced Program. Demo Program will not be installed automatically. Please
click C-Media Sound Drivers again for the complete installation of C-Media
applications. Please note the Setup screen may be different as showed as
following depending on the mainboard you purchase.

Click here for the complete installation

of C-Media applications.

After installing the program, you will find the program from the path: Start->
Programs->C-Media 3D Audio->Play3D Demo Program.

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 Using 2-, 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

The Xear3D Sound - Play3D Demo program is showed as follows:

Five built-in Sound Sources.

Five Moving Paths.

Six Envornment Effects,

which will synchronize with
the Environment setting on
“Sound Effect” part.

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

In the Moving Path selection, you may adjust your virtual speakers before
playing 3D audio applications like gaming. When clicking each of the Moving
Path icons (Drag Path, Horizontal Circle, Vertical Circle, Z Path and Random
Curve), a rea moving ball indicates the 3D source source position. The Drag
Path is recommended becuase it’s the most flexible one.

3D Sound Source position

indicator.

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 Using 2-, 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Using 2-, 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

Attaching Speakers
To perform multichannel audio operation, connect multiple speakers to
the system. You should connect the same number of speakers as the audio
channels you will select in the software utility.

Using S-BRACKET connectors:

S-Bracket is an optional accessory. It gives access to analog and digital
audio output by integrating both SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interface) and
analog LINE OUT connectors. To use the S-Bracket, you should select correct
setting in the software utility. For information about the setting, refer to
Selecting 2-, 4- or 6-Channel Setting later in the section.
Connector configurations for 2-, 4- and 6-channel using S-Bracket are
described below:

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

2-Channel Analog Audio Output

We recommend that you should still attach the speakers to BACK PANEL’s
Line Out connector during 2-channel audio mode even though S-Bracket’s
Line Out connectors function properly.
Back Panel

1 MIC
3
2 Line Out (Front channels)
3 Line In
2

4-Channel Analog Audio Output

1 MIC Description:
2 Line Out (Front channels) Connect two speakers to back panel’s Line Out
3 Line In connector and two speakers to one Line Out
4 Optical SPDIF jack connector of S-Bracket.
5 Coaxial SPDIF jack
6 Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel, but no functioning in this mode)
7 Line Out (Rear channels)

S-Bracket
Back Panel

4
2
5
6
1
7

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 Using 2-, 4- or 6-Channel Audio Function

6-Channel Analog Audio Output

1 MIC
Description:
2 Line Out (Front channels) Connect two speakers to back panel’s Line Out
3 Line In connector and four speakers to both Line Out
4 Optical SPDIF jack connectors of S-Bracket.
5 Coaxial SPDIF jack
6 Line Out (Center and Subwoofer channel)
7 Line Out (Rear channels)

S-Bracket

Back Panel

4
3
5
6
2
7

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MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Digital Audio Output (2-Channel only)

For digital audio output, use the SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interface)
connectors supplied by S-Bracket. First, connect the SPDIF speakers to the
appropriate SPDIF jack, and then select the audio channel you desire through
the control panel of speakers. The SPDIF connectors support 2-channel audio
operation only.
S-Bracket offers two types of SPDIF jacks: one for fiber-optic cable and
the other for coaxial cable. Select the connector according to the type of your
SPDIF speakers.

1 Optical SPDIF jack

Description:
2 Coaxial SPDIF jack Select the correct type of SPDIF jack to connect
3 Line Out SPDIF speakers. For optical connection,
4 Line Out remove the plug from the S-Bracket before
inserting the fiber-optic cable to it.

S-Bracket

2
3
4

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 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Q: Where will I find the model number of the mainboard?
A: There are two places where you can find the model number of the mainboard:
1. Somewhere between the PCI slots you shall find MS-xxxx or the marketing
name like “K7T Turbo”. You can also find the version number beside it. 2. At
the back cover of the user's manual.

Q: What do you mean by PCB version 1?

A: PCB is printed circuit board. Saying PCB version 1 is the same as saying
motherboard version 1.

Q: Why does my AMD 133FSB cannot be autodetected by the mainboard?

A: Due to AMD CPU design, CPU FSB 133 will not be autodetected by the
motherboard. So user need to set the FSB manually to 133.

Q: Why my motherboard BIOS sticker is "Phoenix BIOS" but when I boot

up my system I saw that "Award BIOS" is being used?
A: Phoenix & Award already merged as one company. All MSI motherboard
using Award BIOS comes with Phoenix logo sticker.

Q: How do I know what MSI D-LED or D-bracket light mean?

A: Please follow the special tech issue, http://www.msi.com.tw/support/
techexpress/special_tech/smartled.htm

Q: I have got MSI Motherboard and when it says detecting drives, it detects
them but says an error saying "Primary IDE Channel no 80 Conductor
Cable Installed"
A: This is not a problem. It merely means that you're using an ATA-66 or ATA-
100 HDD, but you're using the conductor 40 ATA-33 cable.

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 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

Q: I have high speed CPU cooling fan like Taisol CGK760092, Vantec CCK-
6035D & GlobalWin WBK38. Can I install the fan directly to the
motherboard?
A: We strongly recommend that you do NOT connect those described CPU
fan directly to your motherboard, as it draws so much power, that it could
damage it. Please use a 3-Pin to 4-Pin Cable that comes together with the fan.

Q: Can I use more than 512MB memory on Win9x or WinME?

A: No, you can’t. You can only use more than 512MB memory on Win2000 or
WinXP. This is a Microsoft OS issue. Please check http://support/microsoft.
com/support/kb/articles/Q108/0/79.ASP

Q: I have tried to download the MSI Live Update utility from http://www.msi.
com.tw/support/liveupdate/livedriver.htm but it keeps on failing?
A: This can be solved by one of the following suggestions: 1. Dont install
zonealarm 2. Disable "WebTrap" of PC-cillion 2000 3. Disable any web based
anti-virus Software.

Q: Can Live Update Series support WinXP?

A: Live Update Series version 215 can support WinXP. Download it from http:/
/www.msi.com.tw/support/liveupdate/livedriver.htm

Q: After flashing the BIOS, my system for unknown reason dont want to boot,
what should I do?
A: Please refer to the following suggestions: 1. Try the BIOS boot recovery
feature as described in http://www.msi.com.tw/support/bios/boot.htm 2. Try
to clear the CMOS If problem still persists, ask your reseller for new BIOS
chip or contact one of MSI office near your place for new BIOS chip http://
www.msi.com.tw/contact/main.htm

T-2
 Troubleshooting

Q: Should I update my BIOS, once a new BIOS is released?

A: A new BIOS is usually released due to the following reasons:
1. New function is supported
2. New BIOS source code
3. Bugs are found
4. Customer-specific request
When we release a new BIOS, there's usually a release note attached which
lists the reason for the release. Refer to this release note and decide for
yourself if upgrading to the new BIOS will be worth it. A word of advice,
though, do not upgrade to the new BIOS, unless you really have to.

Q: How do I update the BIOS?

A: Please refer to http://www.msi.com.tw/support/bios/note.htm for details.

Q: How do I identify the BIOS version?

A: Upon boot-up, the 1st line appearing after the memory count is the BIOS
version. It is usually in the format:
1. For older model number:
AG76 091096 where:
1st digit refers to BIOS maker as A = AMI(R) W = AWARD(R) P = PHOENIX
(R).
2nd digit refers to the internal chipset code.
3rd digit refers to the processor class as 5 = 486, 7 = 586, 8 = 686.
4th digit is incremental.
091096 refers to the date this BIOS is released.
2. For newer model number:
W5139MS V1.0 091096 where:
1st digit refers to BIOS maker as A = AMI(R) W = AWARD(R) P = PHOENIX
(R).
2nd - 5th digit refers to the model number.

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 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

6th - 7th digit refers to the customer as MS = all standard customers.

V1.0 refers to the BIOS version.
091096 refers to the date this BIOS is released.

Q: After flashing the bios and rebooting the system, the screen went blank.
A: For AMI BIOS
Rename the desired AMI BIOS file to AMIBOOT.ROM and save it on a
floppy disk. e.g. Rename A569MS23.ROM to AMIBOOT.ROM
Insert this floppy disk in the floppy drive. Turn On the system and press
and hold Ctrl-Home to force update. It will read the AMIBOOT.ROM file
and recover the BIOS from the A drive.
When 4 beeps are heard you may remove the floppy disk and restart the
computer.

For Award BIOS

Make a bootable floopy disk
Copy the Award flash utility & BIOS file to the said floppy disk
Create an autoexec.bat with "awdfl535 biosfilename" in the content e.g.
awdfl535 a619mj21.bin
Boot up system with the said floppy (it will take less than 2 minutes before
screen comes out)
Re-flash the BIOS & reboot.

T-4
 Glossary

Glossary
Glossary
ACPI (Advanced Configuration & Power Interface)
This power management specification enables the OS (operating system) to control the
amount of power given to each device attached to the computer. Windows 98/98SE,
Windows 2000 and Windows ME can fully support ACPI to allow users managing the
system power flexibly.

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)

A new, high-speed graphics interface that based on PCI construction and designed
especially for the throughput demands of 3-D graphics. AGP provides a direct channel
(32-bit wide bus) between the display controller and main memory for high graphics
quality and performance.

Bluetooth
Bluetooth refers to a worldwide standard for the wireless exchange of data between two
devices. Bluetooth requires that a low-cost transceiver chip be included in each device.
The tranceiver transmits and receives in a previously unused frequency band of 2.45
GHz that is available globally (with some variation of bandwidth in different countries).
In addition to data, up to three voice channels are available. Each device has a unique 48-
bit address from the IEEE 802 standard. Connections can be point-to-point or
multipoint. The maximum range is 10 meters. Data can be exchanged at a rate of 1
megabit per second (up to 2 Mbps in the second generation of the technology).

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

On PCs, an essential software that contains all the control code of input/output inter-
face (such as keyboard, disk drives, etc.). It executes hardware test on booting the
system, starts the OS, and provides an interface between the OS and the components.
The BIOS is stored in a ROM chip.

Bus
A set of hardware lines within the computer system, through which the data is trans-
ferred among different components. In a PC, the term bus usually refers to a local bus
that connects the internal components to the CPU and main memory.

Cache
A special memory subsystem that is used to speed up the data transfer. It stores the

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 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

contents of frequently accessed RAM locations and the addresses where these data
items are stored.

Chipset
A collection of integrated chips designed to perform one or more related functions. For
example, a modem chipset contains all the primary circuits for transmitting and receiv-
ing data; a PC chipset provides the electronic interfaces between all subsystems.

Clock Cycle
Clock cycle (or tick) is the smallest unit of time recognized by a device. For personal
computers, clock cycles generally refer to the main system clock, which runs at 66
MHz. This means that there are 66 million clock cycles per second. Since modern
CPUs run much faster (up to 533 MHz), the CPU can execute several instructions in a
single clock tick.

CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor)

CMOS is a widely used type of semiconductor, which features high speed and low
power consumption. PCs usually contain a small amount of battery-powered CMOS
memory to retain the date, time, and system setup parameters.

DRAM (Dynamic RAM)

A most common type of computer memory. It usually uses one transistor and a
capacitor to represent a bit. As the development of technology, the memory type and
specification used in computer becomes variety, such as SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, and
RDRAM. For further instruction, please see the table below:

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Memory Technologies

Type First Used Clock Rate Bus* Width Peak Volts
Bandwidth
FPM (60,70ns) 1990 25MHz 64 bits 200 MBps 5v
EDO (50,60,70ns) 1994 40MHz 64 bits 320 MBps 5v
SDRAM (66MHz) 1996 66MHz 64 bits 528 MBps 3.3v
SDRAM (100MHz) 1998 100MHz 64 bits 800 MBps 3.3v
SDRAM (133MHz) 1999 133MHz 64 bits 1.1 GBps 3.3v
RDRAM (Direct Rambus) 1999 400MHz 16 bits 1.6 GBps 2.5v
DDR SDRAM (100MHz) 2000 100MHz 64 bits 1.6 GBps 3.3v
DDR SDRAM (133MHz) 2000 133MHz 64 bits 2.1 GBps 3.3v
* Memory channel width (64 bits started with 75MHz Pentium)

Source: Computer Desktop Encyclopedia

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 Glossary

ECC Memory (Error Correcting Code Memory)

A type of memory that contains special circuitry for testing the accuracy of data and
correcting the errors on the fly.

EEPROM
Acronym for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. An EEPROM
is a special type of PROM that can be erased by exposing it to an electrical charge. Like
other types of PROM, EEPROM retains its contents even when the power is turned
off. Also like other types of ROM, EEPROM is not as fast as RAM. EEPROM is
similar to flash memory (sometimes called flash EEPROM). The principal difference is
that EEPROM requires data to be written or erased one byte at a time whereas flash
memory allows data to be written or erased in blocks. This makes flash memory faster.

EIDE
Short for Enhanced IDE, a newer version of the IDE mass storage device interface
standard developed by Western Digital Corporation. It supports data rates of between
4 and 16.6 MBps, about three to four times faster than the old IDE standard. In
addition, it can support mass storage devices of up to 8.4 gigabytes, whereas the old
standard was limited to 528 MB. Because of its lower cost, enhanced EIDE has
replaced SCSI in many areas. There are four EIDE modes defined. The most common
is Mode 4, which supports transfer rates of 16.6 MBps. There is also a new mode,
called ATA-3 or Ultra ATA, that supports transfer rates of 33 MBps.

EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture)

EISA is a standard bus (computer interconnection) architecture that extends the ISA
standard to a 32-bit interface. It was developed in part as an open alternative to the
proprietary Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) that IBM introduced in its PS/2
computers. EISA data transfer can reach a peak of 33 megabytes per second.

ESCD (Extended System Configuration Data)

It is a format for storing information about Plug-and-Play (PnP) devices in the BIOS.
Windows and the BIOS access the ESCD area each time you re-boot your computer

External Cache
Short for Level 2 cache, cache memory that is external to the microprocessor. In
general, L2 cache memory, also called the secondary cache, resides on a separate chip
from the microprocessor chip. Although, more and more microprocessors are including
L2 caches into their architectures.

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 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics)

A type of disk-drive interface widely used to connect hard disks, CD-ROMs and tape
drives to a PC, in which the controller electronics is integrated into the drive itself,
eliminating the need for a separate adapter card. The IDE interface is known as the
ATA (AT Attachment) specification.

IEEE 1394
A new, high speed external bus standard, also known as FireWire or iLink, which
supports data transfer rates of up to 400 Mbps for connecting up to 63 external
devices.

Internal Cache
Short for Level 1 cache, a memory cache built into the microprocessor. The L1 cache is
also called the primary cache.

IrDA (Infrared Data Association)

A group of device vendors, including computer, component and telecommunications,
who have developed a standard for transmitting data via infrared light waves. This
enables you to transfer data from one device to another without any cables.

IRQ (Interrupt Request Line)

IRQs are hardware lines over which devices can send interrupt signals to the
microprocessor. When you add a new device to a PC, you sometimes need to set its
IRQ number by setting a DIP switch. This specifies which interrupt line the device
may use. IRQ conflicts used to be a common problem when adding expansion boards,
but the Plug-and-Play specification has removed this headache in most cases.

ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)

ISA is a standard bus (computer interconnection) architecture that is associated with
the IBM AT motherboard. It allows 16 bits at a time to flow between the motherboard
circuitry and an expansion slot card and its associated device(s). Also see EISA and
MCA.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A computer network that covers a relatively smaller area, such as in a building or an
enterprise. It is made up of servers, workstations, shared resources, a network operat-
ing system and a communications link. These individual PCs and devices on a LAN are
known as “nodes”, and are connected by cables to access data and devices anywhere on
the LAN, so that many users can share expensive devices and data.

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 Glossary

LBA (Logical Block Addressing)

Logical block addressing is a technique that allows a computer to address a hard disk
larger than 528 megabytes. A logical block address is a 28-bit value that maps to a
specific cylinder-head-sector address on the disk. 28 bits allows sufficient variation to
specify addresses on a hard disk up to 8.4 gigabytes in data storage capacity. Logical
block addressing is one of the defining features of Enhanced IDE (EIDE), a hard disk
interface to the computer bus or data paths.

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

A semiconductor device that converts electrical energy into light. Since it lights up
(usually red) when electricity is passed through it, it is usually used for the activity
lights on computer’s component, such as disk drivers.

LPT (Line Printer Terminal)

Logical device name for a line printer; a name reserved by the MS-DOS for up to three
parallel printer ports: LPT1, LPT2, and LPT3. It is frequently used by the OS to
identify a printer.

Overclocking
Overclocking is resetting your computer so that the microprocessor runs faster than the
manufacturer-specified speed (for example, setting an Intel 166 MHz (megahertz)
microprocessor to run at 200 Mhz).

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)

A local bus standard developed by Intel that first appeared on PCs in late 1993. PCI
provides “plug and play” capability and allows IRQs to be shared. The PCI controller
can exchange data with the system's CPU either 32 bits or 64 bits at a time.

PnP (Plug and Play)

A set of specifications that allows a PC to configure itself automatically to work with
peripherals. The user can "plug" in a peripheral device and "play" it without configur-
ing the system manually. To implement this useful feature, both the BIOS that sup-
ports PnP and a PnP expansion card are required.

POST (Power On Self Test)

During booting up your system, the BIOS executes a series of diagnostic tests, include
checking the RAM, the keyboard, the disk drives, etc., to see if they are properly
connected and operating.

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 MS-6742 ATX Mainboard

PS/2 Port
A type of port developed by IBM for connecting a mouse or keyboard to a PC. The
PS/2 port supports a mini DIN plug containing just 6 pins. Most modern PCs equipped
with PS/2 ports so that the special port can be used by another device, such as a
modem.

RAID
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks; originally Redundant Array of Inex-
pensive Disks) is a way of storing the same data in different places (thus, redundantly)
on multiple hard disks. By placing data on multiple disks, I/O operations can overlap in
a balanced way, improving performance. Since multiple disks increases the mean time
between failure (MTBF), storing data redundantly also increases fault-tolerance.

SCSI
Acronym for Small Computer System Interface. Pronounced "scuzzy," SCSI is a par-
allel interface standard used by Apple Macintosh computers, PCs, and many UNIX
systems for attaching peripheral devices to computers. SCSI interfaces provide for
faster data transmission rates (up to 80 megabytes per second) than standard serial and
parallel ports. In addition, you can attach many devices to a single SCSI port, so that
SCSI is really an I/O bus rather than simply an interface.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

A hardware interface for low-speed peripherals such as the keyboard, mouse, joystick,
etc. USB provides a maximum bandwidth of 12 Mbit/sec (Mbps) for connecting up to
127 peripheral devices to PC. USB features hot swap capability and multiple data
streams, allows external devices to be plugged in and unplugged without turning the
system off.

Virus
A program or a piece of code that infects computer files by inserting in those files
copies of itself. The virus code is buried within an existing program, and is activated
when that program is executed. All the viruses are man-made, and often have damaging
side effects.

WLAN
Acronym for wireless local-area network. Also referred to as LAWN. A type of local-
area network that uses high-frequency radio waves rather than wires to communicate
between nodes.

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