MSI K8n Sli H Manual

							3-18MS-7100 ATX MainboardMSI Reminds You...
IRQ (Interrupt Request) lines are system resources allocated to I/O
devices. When an I/O device needs to gain attention of the operating
system, it signals this by causing an IRQ to occur. After receiving the
signal, when the operating system is ready, the system will interrupt
itself and perform the service required by the I/O device.** PCI Express relative items **
Maximum Payload Size
This item allows you to set the PCI Express Maximum payload size per time . Settings:
[4096], [128], [256], [512], [1024], [2048]. 
						

							3-19 BIOS Setup H/W Monitor
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.
Chassis Intrusion Detect
The field enables or disables the feature of recording the chassis intrusion status
and issuing a warning message if the chassis is once opened. To clear the warning
message, set the field to [Reset]. The setting of the field will automatically return to
[Enabled] later. Setting options: [Enabled], [Reset], [Disabled].
Smart CPU Fan Target
There are 2 pairs of Temperature/FAN Speed control: System Temperature with
System Fan, and CPU Temperature with CPU Fan. W83627THF provides the Smart
Fan system which can control the fan speed automatically depending on the current
temperature to keep it with in a specific range. Settings: [40o
C/104o
F], [40o
C/104o
F],
[40o
C/104o
F], [Disabled].
PC Health Status
Press  and the following sub-menu appears.
Current System/CPU Temperature, System Fan/CPU Fan Speed, Vcore,
+12.0V, +3.3V, +5.0V, Battery, +5VSB
These items display the current status of all of the monitored hardware de-
vices/components such as CPU voltage, temperatures and all fans’ speeds. 
						

							3-20MS-7100 ATX MainboardCell Menu
The items in Cell Menu includes some important settings of CPU, AGP, DRAM
and overclocking functions.
Current CPU / DDR Clock
These two items show the current clocks of CPU & DDR. Read-only.
DRAM Configuration
Press  to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears:
Timing Mode
This field has the capacity to automatically detect all of the DRAM timing. If you
set this field to [Manual], the following fields will be selectable. The settings are:
[Auto], [Manual].MSI Reminds You...
Change these settings only if you are familiar with the chipset. 
						

							3-21 BIOS SetupMemclock index value (Mhz)
When it is set to Manual in “Timing Mode”, user can place an artificial memory
clock on the system. Please note that memory is prevented from running faster
than this frequency. Setting options: [100], [133], [166], [200].
CAS# Latency (Tcl)
When the Timing Mode is set to [Manual], the field is adjustable.This controls
the CAS latency, which determines the timing delay (in clock cycles) before
SDRAM starts a read command after receiving it. Settings: [Auto], [CL=2.0],
[CL=2.5], [CL=3.0]. [CL=2.0] increases the system performance the most while
[CL=3.0] provides the most stable performance.
Min RAS# Active Time (Tras)
When the Timing Mode is set to [Manual], the field is adjustable. This setting
determines the time RAS takes to read from and write to a memory cell. Setting
options: [Auto], [5T], [6T], [7T], [8T], [9T], [10T], [11T], [12T], [13T], [14T], [15 T].
RAS# to CAS# delay (Trcd)
When the Timing Mode is set to [Manual], the field is adjustable. 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: [Auto], [2T], [3T], [4T], [5T], [6T], [7T].
Row Precharge Time (Trp)
When the Timing Mode is set to [Manual], the field is adjustable. 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, refreshing may be incomplete and DRAM may fail to
retain data. This item applies only when synchronous DRAM is installed in the
system. Available settings: [Auto], [2T], [3T], [4T], [5T], [6T], [7T].
Row to Row delay (Trrd)
When the Timing Mode is set to [Manual], the field is adjustable. Specifies the
active-to-active delay of different banks. Available settings: [Auto], [2T], [3T],
[4T].
Row cycle time (Trc)
When the Timing Mode is set to [Manual], the field is adjustable. The row
cycle time determines the minimum number of clock cycles a memory row takes
to complete a full cycle, from row activation up to the precharging of the active
row. Available settings: [Auto], [2T], [3T], [4T].
Row refresh cyc time (Trfc)
When the Timing Mode is set to [Manual], the field is adjustable. Auto-refresh
-active to RAS#-active or RAS# auto-refresh. Available settings: [Auto], [9T],
[10T] ~ [24T]. 
						

							3-22MS-7100 ATX Mainboard
Read to Write delay (Trwt)
When the Timing Mode is set to [Manual], the field is adjustable. This is not a
DRAM-specified timing parameter, but must be considered due to routing laten-
cies on the clock forwarded bus. It is counted from the first address bus slot
that was not associated with part of the read burst. Available settings: [Auto],
[1T], [2T], [3T], [4T], [5T], [6T].
Write recovery time (Twr)
When the Timing Mode is set to [Manual], the field is adjustable. It specifies
the amount of delay (in clock cycles) that must elapse after the completion of a
valid write operation, before an active bank can be precharged. This delay is
required to guarantee that data in the write buffers can be written to the
memory cells before precharge occurs. Available settings: [Auto], [2T], [3T].
Write to Read delay (Twtr)
When the Timing Mode is set to [Manual], the field is adjustable.  This item
controls the Write Data In to Read Command Delay memory timing. This consti-
tutes the minimum number of clock cycles that must occur between the last
valid write operation and the next read command to the same internal bank of
the DDR device. Available settings: [Auto], [1T], [2T].
Refresh period (Tref)
When the Timing Mode is set to [Manual], the field is adjustable. Specifies the
refresh rate of the DIMM requiring the most frequent refresh. Available settings:
[Auto], [1x1552], [1x2064], [1x2592], [1x3120], [1x3632], [1x4128], [1x4672],
[2x1552], [2x2064], [2x2592], [2x3120], [2x3632], [2x4128], [2x4672], [4x1552],
[4x2064], [4x2592], [4x3120], [4x3632], [4x4128], [4x4672], [128].
User Config mode
This field has the capacity to automatically detect all of the following 4 fields
default value.. If you set this field to [Manual], the following fields will be selectable.
The settings are: [Auto], [Manual].
Bottom of 32-bit [ 31:24] IO
When the User Config mode is set to [Manual], the field is adjustable. This field
specifies the memory which could be remapped to another address higher than
00E0. (This item only activities in 64-bit OS)  The settings are: [0000~00E0].
1T/ 2T Memory Timing
When the User Config mode is set to [Manual], the field is adjustable. This field
controls the SDRAM command rate. Selecting [1T] makes SDRAM signal con-
troller to run at 1T (T=clock cycles) rate. Selecting [2T] makes SDRAM signal
controller run at 2T rate. Setting options: [1T], [2T].
Read Preamble value
When the User Config mode is set to [Manual], the field is adjustable. The time
prior to the max-read DQS-return when the DQS receiver should be turned on. 
						

							3-23 BIOS SetupThis is specified in units of 0.5ns. The controller needs to know when to enbale
its DQS receiver in anticipation of the DRAM DQS driver truning on for a read.
The controller will disable its DQS receiver until the read preamble time and then
enable its DQS receiver while the DRAM asserts DQS. Setting options: [2ns], [2.
5ns], [3ns], [3.5ns], [4ns], [4.5ns], [5ns], [5.5ns], [6ns], [6.5ns], [7ns], [7.5ns],
[8ns], [8.5ns], [9ns], [9.5ns].
Async Latency value
When the User Config mode is set to [Manual], the field is adjustable. This field
should be loaded with 4-bit value equal to the maximum asynchronous latency
in the DRAM read round-trip loop. Setting options: [2ns], [3ns], [4ns], [5ns],
[6ns], [7ns], [8ns], [9ns], [10ns], [11ns].
S/W & H/W memory hole Remapping
This field enables software/hardware  to remap the physical memory to the
address higher than 00E0. (This item only activities in 64-bit OS) Setting options:
[Disabled], [Enabled].
MTRR Mapping Mode
This field allows you to control the MTRR mapping Mode. Setting options:
[Disabled], [Continuous].
Aggressive timing
This item allows you to enable or disable the memory clock. When [Enabled] is selected,
the timing delay of memory will be shorten to increase the performance. Setting
options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
Dynamic Overclocking
Dynamic Overclocking Technology is the automatic overclocking function, included in
the MSITM
’s newly developed CoreCellTM 
Technology. It is designed to detect the load
balance of CPU while running programs, and to adjust the best CPU frequency
automatically. When the motherboard detects CPU is running programs, it will speed
up CPU automatically to make the program run smoothly and faster. When the CPU is
temporarily suspending or staying in the low load balance, it will restore the default
settings instead. Usually the Dynamic Overclocking Technology will be powered only
when users PC need to run huge amount of data like 3D games or the video process,
and the CPU frequency need to be boosted up to enhance the overall performance.
Setting options:
[Disabled]Disable Dynamic Overclocking function.
[Private]1st level of overclocking, increasing the CPU frequency by 1%.
[Sergeant]2nd level of overclocking, increasing the CPU frequency by 3%.
[Captain]3rd level of overclocking, also the default value of Load High
Performance Defaults, increasing the CPU frequency by 5%.
[Colonel]4th level of overclocking, increasing the CPU frequency by 7%.
[General]5th level of overclocking, increasing the CPU frequency by 9%.
[Commander]6th level of overclocking, increasing the CPU frequency by 11%. 
						

							3-24MS-7100 ATX Mainboard
Adjust CPU FSB Frequency
This item allows you to select the CPU Front Side Bus clock frequency (in MHz).
Select the number between [200]~[400] for needed frequency.
HT Frequency
This setting specifies the maximum operating frequency of the link’s transmitter clock.
Setting options: [1x], [1.5x], [2x], [2.5x], [3x], [4x], [5x].
HT Width
This field allows you to set the HT Width between CPU & Chip.­ mark means Chip to
CPU HT Width. And ¯ mark means CPU to Chip HT Width. Setting options: [ ¯ 8 ­ 8], [
¯ 16 ­ 8], [¯ 8 ­16], [ ¯16  ­16].
CPU Spread Spectrum
This setting is used to enable or disable the CPU Spread Spectrum feature. When
overclocking the CPU, always set it to [Disabled]. Setting options: [Center Spread],
[Disabled].
SATA Spread Spectrum
This setting is used to enable or disable the SATA Spread Spectrum feature. Setting
options: [Disabled], [Down Spread].
PCIE Spread Spectrum
This setting is used to enable or disable the PCIE Spread Spectrum feature. Setting
options: [Disabled], [Down Spread].
PCIE Clock
This item allows you to select the PCIE Bus clock frequency (in MHz).   Select the
number between [100]~[145] for needed frequency.
SSE/ SSE2 Instructions
This setting disables/enables the SSE/SSE2 Instructions. The Streaming SIMD Exten-
sions (SSE) were introduced in the Pentium III processor. The SSE extensions con-
sist of a new set of instructions and a new set of registers. These instructions and
registers are designed to allow Single-Instruction Multiple-Data (SIMD) computations
to be made on single-precision floating-point numbers.
The Streaming SIMD Extensions 2 (SSE2) were introduced in the Pentium 4 and IntelMSI Reminds You...
Even though the Dynamic Overclocking Technology is more stable
than manual overclocking, basically, it is still risky. We suggest user
to make sure that your CPU can afford to overclocking regularly first.
If you find the PC appears to be unstable or reboot incidentally, its
better to disable the Dynamic Overclocking or to lower the level of
overclocking options. By the way, if you need to conduct overclocking
manually, you also need to disable the D.O.T Ranger first. 
						

							3-25 BIOS SetupXeon processors. They consist of a new set of instructions that operate on the XXM
and MXCSR registers and perform SIMD operations on double-precision floating-
point values and on integer values.Several of these new SSE/SSE2 instructions also
operate in the MMX registers. Setting options: [Enabled], [Disabled].
Cool’n’Quiet control
This feature is especially designed for AMD Athlon processor, which provides a CPU
temperature detecting function to prevent your CPU’s from overheating due to the
heavy working loading. Setting options: [Disabled], [Auto].
Adjust CPU Ratio
This item lets you adjust the CPU ratio. Setting to [Startup] enables the CPU running at
the fastest speed which is detected by system. Setting options are: [Startup], [x4]~
[x25].
Adjust CPU VID
This item lets you adjust the CPU VID. Setting to [Startup] enables the CPU running at
the default VID which is detected by system. Setting options are: [Startup], [0.825V],
[0.850V],[0.875V],~, [1.550V].
CPU Voltage
This feature allows you to trim the voltage of CPU.
Memory 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.
NF4 Voltage
NF4 voltage is adjustable in the field.MSI Reminds You...
The settings shown in different color in CPU Voltage, Memory Volt-
age and NF4 Voltage help to verify if your setting is proper for your
system.
Gray:Default setting.
Yellow:High performance setting.
Red:Not recommended setting and the system may be
unstable.
Changing CPU Voltage, Memory Voltage and NF4 Voltage may
result in the instability of the system; therefore, it is NOT recom-
mended to change the default setting for long-term usage.MSI Reminds You...
For the purpose of ensuring the stability of CoolnQuiet function, it is
always recommended to have the memories plugged in DIMM1. 
						

							3-26MS-7100 ATX MainboardLoad Fail-Safe/Optimized 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 Fail-Safe Defaults, a message as below appears:
Pressing Y loads the BIOS default values for the most stable, minimal system
performance.
When you select Load Optimized Defaults, a message as below appears:
Pressing Y loads the default factory settings for optimal system performance. 
						

							3-27 BIOS SetupBIOS Setting 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 . 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
. You may also press  to abort the selection and not enter a password.
To clear a set password, just press  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.