MACHINIST X99 PR9-H Motherboard Kit User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of your MACHINIST X99 PR9-H Motherboard kit. This kit typically includes the X99 PR9-H motherboard, an Intel Xeon E5 2650 V4 CPU, and DDR4 RAM modules. Please read this manual carefully before proceeding with installation to ensure proper setup and operation.

For a comprehensive PDF version of this manual, please refer to the official document: MACHINIST X99 PR9-H User Manual (PDF).

Figure 1: MACHINIST X99 PR9-H Motherboard Kit (Example Configuration)

2. Specifications

The MACHINIST X99 PR9-H Motherboard offers robust performance for various computing needs. Below are the detailed specifications:

Figure 2: X99 PR9-H Motherboard Features Overview

3. Setup and Installation

3.1. CPU Installation

Please install the CPU into the CPU socket (LGA 2011-3) as shown in the diagram below. Ensure the motherboard supports your specific CPU model.

1. Press the lever with your hand and lift it up.
2. Lift the CPU slot buckle cover and remove the black protective cover.
3. Align the CPU base with the card slot on top of the CPU. After confirming it is correct, lower the CPU carefully and place it in place.
4. After installation, put down the CPU slot buckle cover and snap back the lever.

Figure 3: CPU Installation Diagram

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, otherwise overheating and damage to the CPU may occur.
• Confirm that the CPU heat sink has formed a tight seal with the CPU before booting your system.
• Apply an even layer of thermal paste (or thermal tape) between the CPU and the heatsink to enhance heat dissipation.
• Whenever the CPU is not installed, always protect the CPU socket pins by covering the socket with a plastic cap.
• Do not force the CPU into the CPU socket before the CPU socket locking lever is lifted up, or damage to the CPU and CPU socket may occur.
• Connect the CPU 8-pin power connector to the 8-pin CPU power header on the motherboard.
• Please be sure to plug in the 8-PIN power supply to power the CPU.

3.2. Memory Installation

The motherboard provides 4x DDR4 DIMM slots. Each slot supports a maximum capacity of 32GB.

1. Wrench the latches on both sides of the memory slot outwards.
2. Insert the memory into the slot by aligning it with the notch in the slot.
3. Flip the latches on both sides of the slot to lock the memory.

Memory Slot Population:

• If installing one RAM module, please install it in the ④ slot only.
• If installing two RAM modules, please install them in the ① slot and ④ slot.

Figure 4: DDR4 Dual Channel Memory Installation Diagram

Important Notes:

• Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.
• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the memory to prevent hardware damage.
• Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only one direction. If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
• Dual-Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one memory module is installed.

3.3. Expansion Card Installation

The motherboard provides one PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot and one PCI Express 2.0 x1 expansion slot. Insert the expansion card into an available PCI Express slot and press it until it is fully inserted and secured.

Figure 5: PCIe Expansion Slots

Important Notes:

• When adding or removing expansion cards, always turn off the power supply and unplug the power supply power cable from the power outlet to prevent hardware damage.
• If the expansion card is not installed correctly, it may cause a short circuit throughout the metal pins, which could burn out the expansion card or the motherboard.

3.4. Connecting Peripherals and Power

3.4.1. Back Panel Connectors

Connect your peripherals to the appropriate ports on the back I/O panel.

Figure 6: Back Panel Connectors and Motherboard Layout

• PS/2 Port: Supports mini-DIN plugs for connecting a mouse or keyboard.
• USB 2.0 Ports: Six USB 2.0 interfaces with 480Mbps speed and hot-swappable function for connecting multiple USB 2.0 devices.
• RJ45 LAN Port: Features a Realtek RTL8111H chip for internet connection up to 1000Mbps/s.
• Audio Ports: Three audio jacks (Line-in, Line-out, Mic-in).

3.4.2. Internal Connectors

Connect front panel headers and other internal devices.

Figure 7: Motherboard Internal Connectors

• F_PANEL1 Connector: For Power LED, Power Switch, HDD LED, Reset Switch.
• SPK1 Connector: For Buzzer and Speaker.
• F_AUDIO1 Connector: For front panel audio jacks (MIC L, Ground, MIC R, Head Phone R, MIC Detection, SENSE_SEND, No Pin, Head Phone L, Head Phone Detection).
• Fan Connectors (CPU_FAN1, CPU_FAN2, P_FAN1): 4-pin interfaces for CPU coolers and 2-pin for MOS tube-cooling fan. Note that 4-pin fan connectors on this board do not have PWM speed regulation.
• USB Connectors (F_USB, JUSB3_1): Front USB 2.0 connectors for additional USB ports.

Important Note:

• An incorrect connection between the module connector and the motherboard header will make the device unable to work or even damage it.

3.4.3. Storage Port Connections (SATA, M.2)

The motherboard features 3 SATA 2.0 (3Gb/s) connectors and 1 M.2 socket.

• SATA1-SATA3: Connect your SATA hard drives or SSDs to these ports. Each SATA connector supports a single SATA device.
• M.2 Slot: Insert your M.2 SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle and secure it with the screw. The M.2 slot supports both NGFF (SATA protocol) and NVMe (PCIe protocol) M.2 SSDs.

Figure 8: M.2 Mode Switcher

3.4.4. ATX Power Connections

Ensure the 24-pin main power connector and the 8-pin CPU power connector from your power supply are securely connected to the motherboard. Make sure the power supply is turned off and all devices are properly installed before connecting.

Important Note:

• It is recommended that a power supply of at least 500W be used. An insufficient power supply can lead to an unstable or unbooted system.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1. BIOS Setting

The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) records the hardware parameters of the system in the CMOS on the motherboard. It identifies, configures, tests, and connects computer hardware to the OS immediately after power-on. Its major functions include conducting the Power-On Self-Test (POST) during system startup, saving system parameters, and loading the operating system.

Important Note on BIOS Flashing:

• BIOS flashing is potentially risky. If you do not encounter problems with the current BIOS version, it is recommended not to flash it. Inadequate BIOS flashing can result in system malfunction.

4.2. Enter BIOS Setup

When the computer is turned on, the BIOS enters the self-test process. After the self-test is completed, the message "Press DEL key to enter the BIOS Setup Menu" will display. Press the DEL key to enter the BIOS Setup Menu. Alternatively, you can use the "Quick Boot Key" F11.

If the message disappears before you press DEL, you can turn off and then turn on your computer, or press Reset on the case to restart. You can also press Ctrl+Alt+Delete at the same time to restart your computer.

Important Note:

• Functions may vary depending on the product version. If you have any troubles, please feel free to contact support.

5. Maintenance

5.1. Clear CMOS

To restore the default BIOS settings and resolve certain issues, you can clear the CMOS. This can be done by:

• Shorting the Clear CMOS jumper (JCMOS1) on the motherboard for about 5 seconds (if it's a 2-pin jumper).
• Alternatively, remove the CR2032 coin cell battery from its slot for a few minutes and then reinsert it.

Important Note:

• Be sure the computer is off and unplugged from the power outlet before clearing CMOS data.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1. Can't Boot

If the computer does not respond when pressing the power button (fan not rotating, indicator light off), try the following:

1. Clear the CMOS jumper.
2. Check if the CPU is compatible with the motherboard.
3. Check if the motherboard's power and CPU power supply are plugged in, and if the case power switch is turned on.
4. Check if the system panel power-on cable is plugged in properly.
5. Check if the power supply is in good condition (at least 500W recommended).
6. Remove the graphics card, hard disk, USB, and other devices, then try to boot. (You can directly short the switch pins with a metal object to rule out chassis switch problems).
7. Replace other CPUs and try again.

6.2. Start-up and then Shutdown

If the computer powers on briefly and then immediately shuts down, try the following:

1. Clear the CMOS jumper.
2. Verify the CPU model used is compatible.
3. Replace and troubleshoot if the CPU is damaged.
4. Replace other memory modules.
5. Remove the graphics card, hard drive, and USB device and test again.

6.3. Computer Keeps Restarting

If your computer automatically restarts or enters an endless reboot loop, try the following:

1. Clear the CMOS jumper.
2. Check if the CPU is compatible with the motherboard.
3. Check if the CPU is defective (replace with a new one if necessary).
4. Replace the RAM and check if it's faulty or incompatible.
5. Remove the graphics card, hard disk, USB, and other devices, and test again.

6.4. No Display

If the monitor shows no display, consider the following scenarios:

Scenario 1: Fan rotating, Caps Lock key unresponsive.

1. Clear the CMOS jumper.
2. Check if the motherboard's power supply and the CPU power supply are plugged in.
3. Check if the memory stick is installed in the correct slot (some motherboard's memory slots cannot be randomly inserted).
4. Check if the CPU and memory model are compatible with the motherboard.
5. Replace other CPUs.
6. Replace other memory modules.

Scenario 2: Fan rotating, Caps Lock key responsive.

1. Check if the monitor is turned on.
2. Check if the monitor display cable is plugged in (DP, HDMI, DVI, and VGA).
3. If using a CPU without integrated graphics (e.g., Intel Xeon series), a dedicated video graphics card needs to be installed.
4. Check if the display data cable is plugged into the correct display interface (motherboard's display interface if no discrete GPU, or discrete GPU's display interface if one is installed).
5. Replace the data cable connected to the monitor.
6. Replace a new graphics card and test again.

6.5. Blue Screen or Crash

If you experience blue screens or system crashes, try the following:

1. Check if the motherboard's heat dissipation is normal (e.g., CPU cooling fan working, cooler base tightly fitted, thermal paste applied).
2. Replace the CPU.
3. Replace the memory.
4. Replace the hard disk.
5. Reinstall the operating system.
6. Replace the power supply and test again.

Figure 9: Important Note on CPU Pin Handling

7. User Tips

• Power Supply: A powerful power supply is crucial for this platform. Ensure your power supply is at least 500W from a reputable brand for stable operation.
• Memory Installation: For optimal performance and to enable dual-channel mode, always install RAM modules in slots ① and ④ first. The middle slots (#2/#3) cannot function alone.
• CPU Cooler Bracket: The kit includes a CPU Cooling Fan Bracket for LGA 2011-3 sockets.
• CMOS Battery: The CR2032 CMOS battery is NOT included and will be removed before shipment due to logistics restrictions. Please acquire one separately if needed.
• Unpacking Video: For your personal rights, it is highly recommended to take a complete unpacking video (including order number) upon receiving the package. This is crucial if there are any issues like bent or broken CPU pins.
• M.2 SSD Compatibility: The M.2 slot supports both NVMe (PCIe protocol) and SATA (NGFF protocol) M.2 SSDs. Refer to the M.2 Mode Switcher diagram for configuration.

8. Warranty and Support

For any problems encountered while using the product, please contact MACHINIST official support promptly for technical assistance. Keep your purchase records and product serial numbers handy when seeking support.

Please refer to the official MACHINIST X99 PR9-H User Manual (PDF) for additional details and support information.