1. Setup Instructions
1.1 Package Contents
The package for your MACHINIST H81M-PRO S1 motherboard should include the following items:
- MACHINIST H81M-PRO S1 Motherboard (1 piece)
- I/O Shield (1 piece)
- SATA Cable (1 piece)
Note: Accessories are subject to change without prior notice. Please check the package contents upon receipt.
1.2 Overview of Components
Familiarize yourself with the layout of your motherboard. The diagram below highlights key components and connectors.

1.3 Install CPU & Fan
Please install the CPU into the CPU socket as shown in the following steps:
- Gently lift the CPU socket lever.
- Align the CPU with the socket, ensuring the triangular mark on the CPU matches the mark on the socket.
- Carefully place the CPU into the socket without forcing it.
- Lower the lever back into place to secure the CPU.
- Apply an even layer of thermal paste to the CPU.
- Install the CPU cooler, ensuring it is securely attached and the heatsink forms a tight seal with the CPU.
- Connect the CPU cooler's 4-pin fan power connector to the CPU_FAN1 header on the motherboard.

Important Safety Notes:
- Always unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing the CPU to prevent hardware damage.
- Retain the CPU protective cap after installing the processor.
- Do not turn on the computer if the CPU cooler is not installed; overheating and damage may occur.
- Whenever the CPU is not installed, protect the CPU socket pins with a plastic cap.
1.4 Install Memory
The motherboard provides two DDR3 DIMM slots with a maximum capacity of 16GB (8GB x 2). Follow these steps to install memory modules:
- Wrench the latches on both sides of the memory slot outwards.
- Insert the memory module into the slot, aligning the notch on the module with the key in the slot.
- Flip the latches on both sides of the slot inwards to lock the memory module in place.

Important Notes:
- Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord before installing memory.
- Memory modules have a foolproof design; they can only be inserted in one direction. Do not force them.
- This motherboard supports Dual Channel Technology. Dual-Channel mode requires two memory modules.
1.5 Install Expansion Card
The motherboard provides one PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot and one PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot. To install an expansion card:
- Select an available PCI Express slot (PCIEXP1: PCIe 2.0 x16 or PCIE2: PCIe 2.0 x1).
- Align the expansion card with the chosen slot.
- Press the expansion card firmly until it is fully inserted and secured in the slot.

Important Safety Notes:
- Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cable before adding or removing expansion cards.
- Incorrect installation can cause short circuits and damage to the card or motherboard.
1.6 Back Panel Connectors
The back panel provides various ports for connecting external devices:

- PS/2 Ports (x2): One green for mouse, one purple for keyboard.
- HDMI Port (x1): Supports 4K and 1080p for connecting HDMI-supported monitors.
- VGA Port (x1): Supports analog video signal transmission for high-resolution displays.
- USB 3.0 Ports (x2): Compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices.
- USB 2.0 Ports (x2): For connecting USB 2.0 devices.
- RJ45 LAN Port (x1): Gigabit Ethernet port for Internet connection (up to 1000Mbps/s).
- Audio Ports (x3): Line-in (blue), Line-out (green), Mic-in (pink).
1.7 Internal Connectors
The motherboard features several internal connectors for various components:
F_PANEL1 Connector (Front Panel Header)
This header connects to the front panel buttons and indicators of your PC case. Ensure correct polarity for proper function.
SPEAK1 Connector (Speaker Header)
Connects to the internal speaker for system beeps and alerts.
JAUDIO1 Connector (Front Panel Audio Header)
This connector allows you to connect audio jacks on the front panel of your case.
| Pin | Signal | Pin | Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MIC L | 2 | Ground |
| 3 | MIC R | 4 | NC |
| 5 | Head Phone R | 6 | MIC Detection |
| 7 | SENSE_SEND | 8 | No Pin |
| 9 | Head Phone L | 10 | Head Phone Detection |
Important: An incorrect connection can prevent the device from working or even damage it.
SATA1~2: SATA 3.0 Connectors; SATA3~4: SATA 2.0 Connectors
These connectors are for connecting SATA storage devices (HDDs, SSDs). SATA 3.0 ports offer 6Gb/s transfer speeds, while SATA 2.0 ports offer 3Gb/s.
M.2 Slot
The motherboard includes an M.2 slot for NVMe M.2 SSDs. To install an M.2 SSD:
- Insert your M.2 SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle.
- Gently push down the SSD.
- Secure the M.2 SSD in place with the provided screw.

JCOM1: Serial Port Connector
This connector can provide one serial port via an optional COM port cable.
ATXPWR1, JATXPWR1: Power Connectors
These are the main power connectors for the motherboard. ATXPWR1 is the 24-pin main power connector, and JATXPWR1 is the 8-pin CPU power connector. Ensure your power supply is sufficient (at least 500W recommended) and properly connected before powering on.
CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~3: Fan Connectors
- CPU_FAN1 (4-pin): For the CPU cooler fan. Supports PWM intelligent speed regulation based on load and temperature.
- SYS_FAN1~3 (3-pin): For case fans. Does not support PWM adjustment.
JUSB2, JUSB4: USB 2.0 Connectors
These headers conform to the USB 2.0 specification and allow you to connect USB 2.0 ports on the front panel of your case.
FUSB3: USB 3.0 Connector
This header conforms to the USB 3.0 specification and allows you to connect USB 3.0 ports on the front panel of your case.
2. Operating Instructions
2.1 BIOS Setup
The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) manages hardware parameters and initiates the system boot process. It identifies, configures, tests, and connects computer hardware to the OS.
Entering BIOS Setup
To enter the BIOS Setup Menu, repeatedly press the DEL key immediately after starting the computer. If the message disappears before you press DEL, restart your computer and try again.

Important: Functions and screens may vary slightly depending on the specific BIOS version.
3. Maintenance
3.1 Reset BIOS
If you encounter issues or need to restore default settings, you can reset the BIOS using one of the following methods:
- Through BIOS Menu: Enter BIOS Setup and press F6 to load optimized defaults.
- Clear CMOS Jumper: Short the Clear CMOS jumper (JCMOS1) on the motherboard.
Important: Always ensure the computer is powered off and unplugged before clearing CMOS data using the jumper.
3.2 CMOS Discharge (Clear CMOS)
To discharge the CMOS and reset BIOS settings:
- Locate the JCMOS1 jumper on the motherboard. In its initial state, pins 1 and 2 are covered.
- To discharge, move the jumper cap to cover pins 2 and 3.
- Wait for approximately 3 minutes for the discharge to complete.
- Restore the jumper cap to its initial position (covering pins 1 and 2).

Important: Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before discharging the CMOS.
4. Troubleshooting
- System won't boot: Ensure all power connectors (24-pin and 8-pin) are securely attached. Verify CPU and RAM are correctly installed. Check if the power supply is sufficient (at least 500W recommended).
- NVMe M.2 SSD not recognized: Ensure the M.2 SSD is properly seated in the slot. Check BIOS settings to confirm M.2 support is enabled and configured correctly. Some M.2 slots may share bandwidth with SATA ports; ensure no conflicts.
- BIOS update issues: BIOS flashing is potentially risky. Only update if necessary to resolve specific problems. Inadequate flashing can lead to system malfunction. Refer to the BIOS section for reset procedures if issues arise after an update attempt.
- Incorrect component installation: Always ensure components like CPU, RAM, and expansion cards are installed correctly and without force. Incorrect installation can cause hardware damage.
5. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor | Supports Intel 4th generation Core i3/i5/i7, Xeon E3/V3 series, Celeron G series and Pentium G series processors (LGA 1150 socket) |
| Chipset | Intel H81 |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX (220mm x 170mm) |
| Memory | Dual channel DDR3, 2 x DIMM slots, Max 16GB (8GB x 2), Supports 800/1066/1333/1600/1866/2400MHz |
| Expansion Slots | 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 2.0 x1 |
| Storage | 2 x SATA 3.0, 2 x SATA 2.0, 1 x NVMe M.2 slot (2280) |
| USB Ports | Rear: 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0; Front Headers: 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0 |
| Video Output | 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA |
| LAN | 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) |
| Audio | 2.1 Channel Audio (Mic-in, Line-out, Line-in) |
| Internal Connectors | 24-pin Main Power, 8-pin CPU Power, CPU Fan, System Fan, Front Panel, Front Audio, COM Port, CMOS Discharge |
| Quality Certification | CE, ROHS |
| Operating Environment | Temperature: 0~50°C, Humidity: 5%~95% |
| Storage Environment | Temperature: -20~70°C, Humidity: 5%~95% |
| Weight (incl. packaging) | Approx. 0.7kg |
6. User Tips
- Power Supply: This motherboard requires a stable and sufficient power supply. A 500W (or higher) branded power supply is strongly recommended for optimal performance and stability.
- Memory Compatibility: For best compatibility and stability, use DDR3 desktop memory from international brands such as Samsung, Kingston, Sandee, Micron, or Hynix. Other brands may not be fully compatible.
- NVMe M.2 Support: The motherboard supports NVMe M.2 SSDs. If you encounter issues with recognition, ensure the drive is properly seated and check BIOS settings.
- BIOS Updates: Only update the BIOS if absolutely necessary to address specific issues. Incorrect BIOS flashing can lead to system instability.
- CPU Compatibility: This motherboard is designed for Intel LGA 1150 processors (4th generation Core i3/i5/i7, Xeon E3/V3, Celeron G, Pentium G series). It is not compatible with newer generations like 7th or 9th gen Intel CPUs (e.g., i7 6700k, i3 9100f) or Xeon E5 series processors (e.g., E5 2620 V3/V4).
7. Warranty and Support
For technical support, warranty claims, or any questions not covered in this manual, please contact the seller or MACHINIST official support channels.
A detailed user manual in PDF format is available for download. You can access it via the following link: MACHINIST H81M-PRO S1 User Manual (PDF).





