v
CONTENTS
FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement ............................................ii
Copyright Notice ...........................................................................................iii
Revision History ........................................................................................... iii
Safety Instructions .......................................................................................iv
Chapter 1. Getting Started ........................................................................ 1-1
Mainboard Specifications .................................................................... 1-2
Mainboard Layout ...............................................................................1-4
MSI Special Features ........................................................................... 1-5
Color Management ........................................................................ 1-5
CoreCenter .................................................................................... 1-6
Core Cell
TM
Chip ............................................................................ 1-8
Round Cable ..................................................................................1-9
CPU Thermal Protection ................................................................1-9
D-Bracket™ 2 .............................................................................. 1-10
Live Monitor™ ............................................................................ 1-12
Live BIOS™/Live Driver™ .......................................................... 1-13
Chapter 2. Hardware Setup ....................................................................... 2-1
Quick Components Guide .....................................................................2-2
Central Processing Unit: CPU .............................................................. 2-3
CPU Core Speed Derivation Procedure.......................................... 2-3
Memory Speed/CPU FSB Support Matrix ..................................... 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 Population Rules ...................................................................2-7
Installing DDR Modules ................................................................2-8
Power Supply ....................................................................................... 2-9
ATX 20-Pin Power Connector: ATX1 ............................................ 2-9