ECS A990FXM-A (V1.0) Specification

Brand: ECS

Model: A990FXM-A (V1.0)

Category: Motherboards

Type: Specification

Preface

This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected

any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of

the author.

Version 1.0

Disclaimer

The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufac-

turer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and

specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any

particular purpose. The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication and

to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of the

manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or changes.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

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 in a residential installa-

tion. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if

not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful inter-

ference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference

will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful

interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the

equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one

or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

• Connect the equipment onto an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with

this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits govern-

ing this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system’s

manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Trademark Recognition

Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

AMD, Phenom, Athlon, Sempron and Duron are registered trademarks of AMD

Corporation.

Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective

owners and are acknowledged.

Preface

Declaration of Conformity

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the

following conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference.

• This device must accept any interference received, including interfer-

ence that may cause undesired operation.

Canadian Department of Communications

This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-

causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement sur

le matériel brouilieur du Canada.

About the Manual

The manual consists of the following:

Chapter 1

Introducing the Motherboard

Describes features of the motherboard.

Go to

page 1

Describes installation of motherboard

components.

Go to

page 9

Provides information on using the BIOS

Setup Utility.

Go to

page 27

Describes the motherboard software

Go to

page 49

Provides information about SATA RAID

Setup

Go to

page 53

Chapter 5

Setting Up AMD SB950 RAID

Configuration

page 65

Chapter 7

Trouble Shooting

Provides basic troubleshooting tips

Go to

Chapter 6

ATI CrossFireX

Technology

Support

Describes the ATI Crossfire

Technol-

ogy

Go to

page 61

Chapter 2

Installing the Motherboard

Chapter 3

Using BIOS

Chapter 4

Using the Motherboard Software

iii

ABLE OF CONTENTSABLE OF CONTENTS

ABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface i

Chapter 1 1

Introducing the Motherboard 1

Introduction............................................................................................1

Feature.....................................................................................................2

Motherboard Components...................................................................6

Chapter 2

Installing the Motherboard 9

Safety Precautions...............................................................................9

Choosing a Computer Case..................................................................9

Installing the Motherboard in a Case.................................................9

Checking Jumper Settings..................................................................10

Setting Jumpers.............................................................................10

Checking Jumper Settings................................................................11

Installing Hardware.........................................................................12

Installing the Processor....................................................................12

Installing Memory Modules...........................................................13

Expansion Slots.............................................................................15

Connecting Optional Devices........................................................17

Installing a Hard Disk Drive/CD-ROM/SATA Hard Drive..........20

Connecting I/O Devices......................................................................22

Connecting Case Components...........................................................23

Front Panel Header.......................................................................26

Chapter 3

27 27

Using BIOS 27

About the Setup Utility.................................................................... 27

The Standard Configuration..........................................................27

Entering the Setup Utilities...........................................................27

Resetting the Default CMOS Values............................................28

Using BIOS........................................................................................29

BIOS Navigation Key....................................................................29

Main Menu...................................................................................30

Advanced Menu............................................................................31

Chipset Menu................................................................................39

M.I.B.X(MB Intelligent Bios X) Menu...........................................40

Boot Menu....................................................................................44

Security Menu...............................................................................45

Chapter 4

49 49

Using the Motherboard Software 49

About the Software DVD-ROM/CD-ROM.......................................49

Auto-installing under Windows XP/Vista/7.....................................49

Running Setup...............................................................................50

Manual Installation..........................................................................52

Utility Software Reference...............................................................52

Chapter 5

53 53

Setting Up AMD SB950 RAID Configuration 53

Setting Up a Bootable RAID Array....................................................53

Chapter 6

61 61

ATI CrossFire

Technology Support 61

Requirements....................................................................................61

Installing CrossFire

graphics cards............................................61

The Catalyst

Control Center Dialog Box....................................63

To Enable CrossFire

.................................................................63

Chapter 7

65 65

Trouble Shooting 65

Start up problems during assembly.................................................65

Start up problems after prolong use..................................................66

Maintenance and care tips.................................................................66

Basic Troubleshooting Flowchart.....................................................67

Save & Exit Menu.........................................................................46

Updating the BIOS.......................................................................47

POST Code Checkpoints 69

Introducing the Motherboard

Chapter 1

Introducing the Motherboard

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the A990FXM-A motherboard. This motherboard is a high

performance, enhanced function motherboard that supports socket for AMD

Phenom

and later desktop processors (socket AM3+) for high-end business or

personal desktop markets.

There is an advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel, including one PS/2 mouse

and keyboard combo connector, one Bluetooth, two ESATA ports, one CLR_CMOS

button, eight USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, two LAN ports, one optical SPDIFO

port and audio jacks for microphone, line-in and 8-ch line-out.

The motherboard incorporates the AMD 990FX Northbridge (NB) and SB950

Southbridge (SB) chipsets. The Northbridge supports the HyperTransport

3.0 in-

terface. The memory controller supports DDR3 memory DIMM frequencies of

2133 (OC)/1866/1600/1333*. It supports four DDR3 slots with maximum memory

size of 128 GB*. Three PCI Express x16 slots, intended for Graphics Interface, are

fully compliant to the PCI Express Gen2 (version 2.0). In addition, two PCI Express

x1 slots are supported.

* Due to the limitation of AMD CPU spec, please refer to Memory QVL

for more information.

The SB950 Southbridge supports one PCI slot which is PCI v2.3 compliant. It

integrates USB 2.0 interface, supporting up to twelve USB 2.0 ports (eight USB ports

and two USB 2.0 headers support additional four USB 2.0 ports) and one USB 3.0

header. The Southbridge integrates a Serial ATA host controller, supporting six SATA

ports with maximum transfer rate up to 6 Gb/s each, and two eSATA3 6.0 Gb/s

connector at Real connector.

In addition, the mainboard assembles extra USB3.0 chip, which supports two USB 3.0

ports at rear panel with high speed of 5Gb/s.

Feature

Processor

HyperTransport

Technology is a point-to-point link between two devices, it

enables integrated circuits to exchange information at much higher speeds than

currently available interconnect technologies.

• Accommodates AMD Phenom

and later desktop processors (socket

AM3+)

• Supports HyperTransport

(HT) 3.0 interface speeds

This motherboard uses a socket AM3+ that carries the following features:

SB950 (SB)

AMD 990FX

(NB)

• One x4 A-Link Express III interface for connection to

an AMD Southbridge. The A-Link Express III is a propri-

etary interface developed by AMD basing on the PCI

Express technology, with additional Northbridge-

Southbridge messaging functionalities. It supports the

PCIe Gen 2 transfer rate of 5 GT/s, and is backward

compatible with the A-Link Express II interface.

• Supports three x16 PCI-Express Gen2 graphics link

• Fully supports ACPI states S1, S3, S4 and S5

• Complies with all relevant Windows Logo Program

(WLP) requirements from Microsoft

for WHQL certifi-

cation.

• Supports 16-bit up/down HyperTransport (HT) 3.0 in-

terface up to 5.2 GT/s.

The AMD 990FX Northbridge (NB) and SB950 Southbridge (SB) chipsets are

based on an innovative and scalable architecture with proven reliability and

performance.

Chipset

Memory

• Supports DDR3 2133 (OC)/1866/1600/1333 DDR3 SDRAM with Dual-

channel architecture

• Accommodates four unbuffered DIMMs

• Compliant with PCI 2.3 specification at 33 MHz

• Four-lane PCI Express

(PCIe

) 2.0 interface, support-

ing up to two general purpose devices. Supported

configurations include: § 1x4 § 2x4 § 1x2+2x1 § 4x1

• Supports six Serial ATA devices which speeds up to 6

Gb/s and one IDE ATA133

• Supports two eSATA3 which speeds up to 6.0 Gb/s

through the bundled eSATA3 bracket

• Integrated USB 3.0 Host Controller supporting up to

two USB 3.0 ports

• Integrated USB 2.0 Host Controller supporting up to

twelve USB 2.0 ports

• Supports integrated RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID

10 functionality across all 6 ports (RAID 10 requires

use of 4 or more SATA ports, and RAID 5 requires use

of 3 or more SATA ports)

Introducing the Motherboard

Expansion Options

• Three PCI Express x16 slots for Graphics Interface

• Two PCI Express x1 slots

• One 32-bit PCI v2.3 compliant slot

• Six 7-pin SATA connectors

• One IDE ATA133 connector

Integrated I/O

The motherboard has a full set of I/O ports and connectors:

• One CLR CMOS button

• Two ESATA port

• One Bluetooth

• One PS/2 keyboard and mouse combo port

• Eight USB 2.0 ports

• Two USB 3.0 blue ports

• Two LAN ports

• One optical SPDIFO port

• Audio jacks for microphone, line-in and 8-ch line-out

BIOS Firmware

• Power management

• Wake-up alarms

• CPU parameters

• CPU and memory timing

The firmware can also be used to set parameters for different processor clock

speeds.

The motherboard uses AMI BIOS that enables users to configure many sys-

tem features including the following:

1. Some hardware specifications and software items are subject to change

without prior notice.

2. Due to chipset limitation, we recommend that motherboard be operated in

the ambiance between 0 and 50°C.

Onboard LAN

• Supports PCI Express

2.0

• Integrated 10/100/1000 transceiver

• Wake-on-LAN and remote wake-up support

Audio

• 7.1+2 Channel High Definition Audio Codec

• Meets Microsoft WLP3.x (Windows Logo Program) audio require-

ments

• All DACs supports 44.1k/48k/96k/192kHz sample rate

• Software selectable 2.5V/3.2V/4.0V VREFOUT

• Direct Sound 3D. compatible

• Power Support: Digital: 3.3V; Analog: 5.0V

The motherboard comes with the following expansion options:

• Up to 32 GB per DIMM with maximum memory size up to 128 GB

Introducing the Motherboard

• NB: AMD 990FX SB: SB950

• AMD Phenom

and later desktop processors (socket AM3+)

• Supports HyperTransport

(HT) 3.0 interface speeds

• 140W TDP

• Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture

• 4 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets support up to 128 GB

• Supports DDR3 DDR3 2133 (OC)/1866/1600/1333 SDRAM

• 3 x PCI Express Gen2 x16 slots

• 2 x PCI Express x1 slots (Gen2)

• 1 x PCI slot

• Supported by AMD SB950 Express Chipset

-6 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s Host Controllers

-Supports RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10

-1 x IDE ATA133

• Supported by Marvell 9128

-2 x eSATA 6 Gb/s devices

• ALC892 8-Channel

• Dual Realtek 8111E Giga Lan

• 1 x CLR CMOS button

• 2 x eSATA ports

• 1 x Bluetooth

• 1 x PS/2 keyboard and mouse combo port

• 8 x USB 2.0 ports

• 2 x USB 3.0 blue ports

• 2 x RJ45 LAN ports

• 1 x Audio port (Line in, microphone in, line out, and optical

SPDIF out)

• 1 x 24-pin ATX Power Supply connector

• 1 x 8-pin ATX12V connector

• 6 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors

• 2 x eSATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors through the bundled eSATA3

bracket

• 1 x IDE ATA133 support by Marvell 9128

• 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports

• 1 x USB 3.0 header

• 1 x Front panel header

• 1 x Chassis Intrusion Detect header

• 1 x SPDIF out header

• 1 x Front panel audio header

• 1 x POST Debug LED

• 1 x Buzzer

• 1 x Reset button

• 1 x Power button

• 1 x CLR_COMS header

• 1 x 4-pin CPU_FAN connector

Chipset

Memory

Expansion

Slots

Storage

Audio

LAN

Rear Panel I/O

Internal I/O

Connectors &

Headers

CPU

Specifications

Introducing the Motherboard

• AMI BIOS with 32Mb SPI Flash ROM

• Supports Plug and Play, STR (S3) / STD (S4) , Hardware

monitor, Multi Boot

• Supports ACPI & DMI

• Audio, LAN, can be disabled in BIOS

• F7 hot key for boot up devices option

• Supports FSB adjustment, increase in a increase of 1MHz.

• Support Over-Clocking

• Support Dual Display

• Support PgUp clear CMOS Hotkey Has PS2 KB Model only

System

BIOS

Form Factor • ATX Size, 305mm x 244mm

• 1 x 3-pin SYS_FAN connector

• 1 x 3-pin PWR_FAN connector

Introducing the Motherboard

Motherboard Components

The above image is for reference only; please take the actual

motherboard for detailed parts.

Introducing the Motherboard

Table of Motherboard Components

This concludes Chapter 1. The next chapter explains how to install the motherboard.

LABEL COMPONENTS

1. CPU Socket

AMD Phenom

and later desktop processors

(socket AM3+)

2. CPU_FAN CPU cooling fan connector

3. DDR3_1/2/3/4 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM slots

4. BZ Buzzer

5. ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX power connector

6. POST POST Debug LED

7. PWR_FAN Power cooling fan connector

8. IDE Primary IDE channel

9. SATA1~6 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors

10. PANEL Front panel switch/LED header

11. PWR_BTN Power on button

12. RST_BTN Reset button

13. F_USB2 Front panel USB 2.0 header

14. CLR_CMOS Clear CMOS jumper

15. F_USB1

Front panel USB 2.0 header

（

with EZ Charge

function

）

16. USB3F Front panel USB 3.0 header

17. CASE Case open header

18. SYS_FAN System cooling fan connector

19. SPDIFO SPDIF out header

20. F_AUDIO Front panel audio header

21. PCI 32-bit add-on card slot

22. PCIEX16_S PCI Express slot for graphics interface

23. PCIE1~2 PCI Express x1 slots

24. PCIEX16_1~2 PCI Express slots for graphics interface

25. ATX12V 8-pin +12V power connector

Introducing the Motherboard

Memo

Installing the Motherboard

Chapter 2

Installing the Motherboard

Safety Precautions

• Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard

• Wear a grounding strap attached to a grounded device to avoid dam-

age from static electricity

• Discharge static electricity by touching the metal case of a safely

grounded object before working on the motherboard

• Leave components in the static-proof bags they came in

• Hold all circuit boards by the edges. Do not bend circuit boards

Choosing a Computer Case

There are many types of computer cases on the market. The motherboard complies

with the specifications for the ATX system case. Some features on the motherboard

are implemented by cabling connectors on the motherboard to indicators and switches

on the system case. Make sure that your case supports all the features required. Make

sure that your case has sufficient power and space for all drives that you intend to

install.

Most cases have a choice of I/O templates in the rear panel. Make sure that the I/O

template in the case matches the I/O ports installed on the rear edge of the

motherboard.

This motherboard carries an ATX form factor of 305 X 244 mm. Choose a case that

accommodates this form factor.

Installing the Motherboard in a Case

Refer to the following illustration and instructions for installing the motherboard in

a case.

Most system cases have mounting brackets installed in the case, which correspond

the holes in the motherboard. Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets

and secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with screws.

Ensure that your case has an I/O template that supports the I/O ports and expansion

slots on your motherboard.

Installing the Motherboard

Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard.

Checking Jumper Settings

This section explains how to set jumpers for correct configuration of the motherboard.

Setting Jumpers

Use the motherboard jumpers to set system configuration options. Jumpers with

more than one pin are numbered. When setting the jumpers, ensure that the jumper

caps are placed on the correct pins.

The illustrations show a 2-pin jumper. When

the jumper cap is placed on both pins, the

jumper is SHORT. If you remove the jumper

cap, or place the jumper cap on just one pin,

the jumper is OPEN.

This illustration shows a 3-pin jumper. Pins

1 and 2 are SHORT.

SHORT OPEN

Installing the Motherboard

Checking Jumper Settings

The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is

labeled.

To avoid the system unstability after clearing CMOS, we recommend

users to enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Default Settings”

and then “Save Changes and Exit”.

Name Type Description

Setting (default)

CLR_CMOS

3-pin

Clear CMOS

1-2: NORMAL

2-3: CLEAR

Before clearing the

CMOS, make sure to

turn off the system.

CLR_CMOS

1 23

Installing the Motherboard

Installing Hardware

Installing the Processor

Caution: When installing a CPU heatsink and cooling fan make sure that

you DO NOT scratch the motherboard or any of the surface-mount resis-

tors with the clip of the cooling fan. If the clip of the cooling fan scrapes

across the motherboard, you may cause serious damage to the motherboard

or its components.

On most motherboards, there are small surface-mount resistors near the

processor socket, which may be damaged if the cooling fan is carelessly

installed.

Avoid using cooling fans with sharp edges on the fan casing and the clips.

Also, install the cooling fan in a well-lit work area so that you can clearly

see the motherboard and processor socket.

This motherboard has a socket AM3+ processor socket. When choosing a processor,

consider the performance requirements of the system. Performance is based on the

processor design, the clock speed and system bus frequency of the processor, and the

quantity of internal cache memory and external cache memory.

Before installing the Processor

This motherboard automatically determines the CPU clock frequency and system

bus frequency for the processor. You may be able to change these settings by making

changes to jumpers on the motherboard, or changing the settings in the system Setup

Utility. We strongly recommend that you do not over-clock processors or other

components to run faster than their rated speed.

Warning:

1. Over-clocking components can adversely affect the reliability of the

system and introduce errors into your system. Over-clocking can perma-

nently damage the motherboard by generating excess heat in components

that are run beyond the rated limits.

2. Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the

power outlet before installing or removing the motherboard or other hard-

ware components.

Installing the Motherboard

1 Install your CPU. Pull up the lever away from

the socket and lift up to 90-degree angle.

2 Locate the CPU cut edge (the corner with

the pin hold noticeably missing). Align and

insert the CPU correctly.

3 Press the lever down and apply thermal

grease on top of the CPU.

4 Put the CPU Fan down on the retention mod-

ule and snap the four retention legs of the

cooling fan into place.

5 Flip the levers over to lock the heat sink in

place and connect the CPU cooling Fan power

cable to the CPU FAN connector. This com-

pletes the installation.

CPU Installation Procedure

The following illustration shows CPU installation components.

To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that you

use a high quality fan with 4800 rpm at least. CPU fan and heatsink

installation procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan/heatsink sup-

plied. The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary.

Installing Memory Modules

This motherboard accommodates four memory modules. It can support four 240-pin

DDR3 2133 (OC)/1866/1600/1333. The total memory capacity is 128 GB.

DDR3 SDRAM memory module table

Do not remove any memory module from its antistatic packaging until

you are ready to install it on the motherboard. Handle the modules only

by their edges. Do not touch the components or metal parts. Always

wear a grounding strap when you handle the modules.

You must install at least one module in any of the four slots. Each module can be

installed with 32 GB of memory.

Memory module Memory Bus

DDR3 1333 667 MHz

Due to the limitation of AMD CPU spec, please refer to Memory QVL for

more information.

DDR3 1600 800 MHz

DDR3 1866 933 MHz

DDR3 2133 1067 MHz

* For reference only

Installing the Motherboard

Installation Procedure

Refer to the following to install the memory modules.

1 This motherboard supports unbuffered DDR3 SDRAM only.

2 Push the latches on each side of the DIMM slot down.

3 Align the memory module with the slot. The DIMM slots are keyed with

notches and the DIMMs are keyed with cutouts so that they can only be

installed correctly.

4 Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge connector match the

notches in the DIMM slot.

5 Install the DIMM module into the slot and press it firmly down until it

seats correctly. The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to

the edges of the DIMM.

6 Install any remaining DIMM modules.

For best performance and compatibility, we recommend that users install

DIMMs in the sequence of DIMM4, DIMM2, DIMM3 and DIMM1.

* For reference only

Installing the Motherboard

Expansion Slots

Installing Add-on Cards

The slots on this motherboard are designed to hold expansion cards and connect

them to the system bus. Expansion slots are a means of adding or enhancing the

motherboard’s features and capabilities. With these efficient facilities, you can in-

crease the motherboard’s capabilities by adding hardware that performs tasks that are

not part of the basic system.

PCIEX16_S

Slot

PCI Slot

This motherboard is equipped with one standard PCI slot.

PCI stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect and is a

bus standard for expansion cards, which for the most part, is

a supplement of the older ISA bus standard. The PCI slot on

this board is PCI v2.3 compliant.

The PCI Express x1 slots are fully compliant to the PCI

Express Gen2 (version 2.0).

PCIE1~2 Slots

Before installing an add-on card, check the documentation

for the card carefully. If the card is not Plug and Play, you

may have to manually configure the card before installa-

tion.

The PCI Express x16_S slot is used to install an external

PCI Express graphics card that is fully compliant to the PCI

Express Gen2 (version 2.0).

The PCI Express x16 slots are used to install external PCI

Express graphics cards that are fully compliant to the PCI

Express Gen2 (version 2.0).

PCIEX16_1~2

Slots

Installing the Motherboard

Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:

1 Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the

slot you are going to use.

2 Install the edge connector of the add-on card into the expansion slot.

Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot.

3 Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case with a screw.

* For reference only

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ECS A990FXM-A (V1.0) Specification

Brand: ECS

Model: A990FXM-A (V1.0)

Category: Motherboards

Type: Specification

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ECS A990FXM-A (V1.0) Specification

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