Hardware Setup

2-1

 

 

Chapter 2. Hardware Setup

Before the Installation: Turn off the power supply switch (fully turn off the +5V standby power), or disconnect the power cord before installing or unplugging any connectors or add-on cards. Failing to do so may cause the motherboard components or add-on cards to malfunction or damaged.

2-1. Install The Motherboard

Most computer chassis have a base with many mounting holes to allow motherboard to be securely attached on and at the same time, prevented from short circuits. There are two ways to attach the motherboard to the chassis base:

1.use with studs

2.or use with spacers

In principle, the best way to attach the board is to use with studs. Only if you are unable to do this should you attach the board with spacers. Line up the holes on the board with the mounting holes on the chassis. If the holes line up and there are screw holes, you can attach the board with studs. If the holes line up and there are only slots, you can only attach with spacers. Take the tip of the spacers and insert them into the slots. After doing this to all the slots, you can slide the board into

position aligned with slots. After the board has been positioned, check to make sure everything is OK before putting the chassis back on.

ATTENTION: To prevent shorting the PCB circuit, please REMOVE the metal studs or spacers if they are already fastened on the chassis base and are without mounting-holes on the motherboard to align with.

2-2. Install CPU and Heatsink

Note

Installing a heatsink and cooling fan is necessary for heat to dissipate from your processor. Failing to install these items may result in overheating and processor damage.

The AMD Socket A processor will produce a lot of heat while operating, so you need to use a large heat sink that is especially designed for the AMD socket A processor. Otherwise, it may result in overheating and processor damage.

If your processor fan and its power cable are not installed properly, never plug the ATX power cable into the motherboard. This can prevent possible processor damage.

Please refer to your processor installation manual or other documentation with your processor for detailed installation instructions.

User’s Manual

Page 11
Image 11
Abit NF7-M, NF7-S2G user manual Hardware Setup, Install The Motherboard, Install CPU and Heatsink

NF7, NF7-S2G, NF7-M, NF7-S2, NF7-S specifications

The Abit NF7 series of motherboards, which includes the NF7-S, NF7-S2, NF7-M, NF7-S2G, and NF7, is renowned for its performance, stability, and advanced features tailored for AMD processors during the early 2000s. These boards were particularly popular for enthusiasts and gamers seeking to build high-performance systems with the nForce2 chipset, which significantly enhanced system capabilities.

The NF7-S, the flagship model, stood out due to its comprehensive feature set. It supported a broad range of AMD processors, including the Athlon XP and Duron, which made it an appealing choice for various users. One of its main attractions was the dual-channel memory technology, permitting up to 2GB of DDR RAM, effectively doubling memory bandwidth and improving performance in memory-intensive applications.

Another significant feature of the NF7-S was its integrated Universal Audio Codec, delivering high-quality sound without the need for a separate sound card. Additionally, it offered a fast 133MHz FSB (Front Side Bus), enabling remarkable speed in data transfer, thereby enhancing the overall system performance. The motherboard also featured several expansion slots, including AGP 8x and PCI slots, allowing users to install a range of graphics cards and peripherals.

The NF7-S2, a slightly reduced version, maintained many capabilities of the NF7-S while providing essential features suitable for budget-conscious builders. It came with single-channel memory support but still leveraged the strengths of the nForce2 chipset, ensuring solid performance for general computing and light gaming.

The NF7-M was tailored for micro-ATX systems, representing a compact solution for those who needed a smaller footprint without sacrificing performance. With similar specs to its larger counterparts, it also supported dual-channel memory and offered significant connectivity options.

The NF7-S2G included integrated graphics capabilities, catering to users who preferred a more straightforward setup without dedicated graphics cards. This model offered a great balance for everyday computing tasks and casual gaming.

In summary, the Abit NF7-series motherboards were pivotal in advancing desktop performance during their time, providing users with robust options filled with innovative technologies and a variety of features designed for different needs, solidifying their legacy in the history of computer hardware.