MACHINIST X99-PR9-A Motherboard Kit User Manual

1. Overview of Components

This section provides a visual guide to the MACHINIST X99-PR9-A motherboard and its included accessories.

1.1. Package Contents

• X99 PR9-A Motherboard x 1
• SATA Cable x 1
• I/O Blocking x 1
• LGA2011-3 Cooler Bracket Mounting Kit x 1

1.2. Product Video Overview

Watch this video for a quick overview of the motherboard's features and design.

2. Specifications

The following table details the technical specifications of the MACHINIST X99-PR9-A motherboard.

3. Setup and Installation

3.1. Install CPU & Fan

Please install the CPU into the CPU socket (LGA 2011-3) as shown in the diagram below.

Important CPU Installation Notes:

• Ensure the motherboard supports the CPU.
• Always unplug the power cord before installing or removing the CPU to prevent hardware damage.
• Retain the CPU protective cap after installation.
• Do not power on the computer without the CPU cooler installed to prevent overheating.
• Confirm the CPU heatsink forms a tight seal with the CPU.
• Apply an even layer of thermal paste between the CPU and heatsink.
• Protect CPU socket pins with a plastic cap when the CPU is not installed.
• Align pin one of the CPU socket and CPU. Gently place the CPU, lower the locking lever, and latch it.
• Do not force the CPU into the socket.
• Connect the CPU heatsink's 4-pin fan power connector to the 4-pin CPU fan header on the motherboard.
• Ensure the 8-PIN power supply is connected to power the CPU.

3.2. Install Memory

The motherboard provides 4 DDR4 DIMM slots, each with 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.
3. Flip the latches on both sides of the slot to lock the memory.

Important Memory Installation Notes:

• Ensure the motherboard supports the memory. Using memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips is recommended.
• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord before installing memory.
• Memory modules have a foolproof design; they can only be installed in one direction.
• The stability and compatibility of installed memory depend on the CPU and devices when overclocking.
• This motherboard supports quad-channel technology. Install 4 memory modules for quad-channel mode, or 2 for dual-channel mode.
• When installing memory, install into the slot closest to the CPU first.

('Y'=Install memory, '--'=No Memory)

3.3. Install Expansion Card

The motherboard provides 1 PCI Express 3.0 x16 expansion slot and 1 PCI Express 3.0 x1 expansion slot. Place the expansion card in an available PCI Express slot and press it until it is fully inserted.

Important Expansion Card Notes:

• Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cable when adding or removing expansion cards.
• Incorrect installation can cause a short circuit, damaging the card or motherboard.

3.4. Back Panel Connectors

The back panel provides various ports for connecting peripherals.

• USB 2.0 Ports: Supports USB 2.0 specification for USB devices.
• USB 3.0 Ports: Supports USB 3.0 specification and is compatible with USB 2.0.
• RJ45 LAN Port: Gigabit Ethernet LAN port for Internet connection up to 1000Mbps/s.
• Audio Ports: Line-in (for devices like optical drives, walkmans), Line-out, Mic-in.
• PS/2 Port: Green for mouse, blue for keyboard.

3.5. Internal Connectors

These connectors are located on the motherboard for internal components and front panel connections.

F_PANEL1 Connector (Front Panel Header)

Connects to the front panel power LED, power switch, HDD LED, and reset switch.

SPK1 Connector (Speaker Header)

Connects to the internal speaker for system beeps.

F_AUDIO1 Connector (Front Panel Audio Header)

Connects to the front panel audio jacks.

M.2 Slot

This motherboard has an M.2 slot supporting NVME M.2/NGFF M.2 SSDs. Adjust the jumper cap to switch the M.2 mode. Insert your M.2 SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle and secure it with the screw.

JCMOS1: Clear CMOS

Use this jumper to clear the BIOS configuration and reset CMOS values to factory defaults. To clear CMOS, touch the two pins for a few seconds with a metal object like a screwdriver.

ATXPWR1, PW1: Power Connectors

These connectors provide stable power to all motherboard components. Ensure the power supply is off and all devices are installed before connecting. ATXPWR1 is the 24-pin connector for motherboard power, and PW1 is the 8-pin connector for CPU power.

CPU_FAN1~2: Fan Connectors

These 4-pin fan interfaces for CPU radiators feature PWM intelligent speed regulation, controlling fan speed based on load and temperature.

JUSBA1: USB 3.0 Connector

This header conforms to USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 specifications and connects to front panel USB 3.0 ports.

F_USB2: USB 2.0 Connector

This header conforms to USB 2.0 specification and connects to front panel USB 2.0 ports.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1. BIOS Setup

The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) records hardware parameters and manages system startup. It performs a Power-On Self-Test (POST), saves system parameters, and loads the operating system. The BIOS Setup program allows users to modify basic system configuration settings or activate specific features. A battery on the motherboard supplies power to the CMOS to retain configuration values when the system is off.

Important BIOS Notes:

• BIOS flashing is potentially risky. If you are not experiencing issues with the current BIOS version, it is recommended not to flash the BIOS. Proceed with caution if you do, as inadequate flashing can lead to system malfunction.
• The default BIOS settings offer optimal performance and stability. Avoid altering them unless necessary, as incorrect changes can cause system instability or boot failure.
• BIOS items are regularly updated. Descriptions are for reference and may vary slightly from the latest BIOS.

4.2. Enter BIOS Setup

When the computer powers on, the BIOS performs a self-test. Once complete, a message like "Press DEL key to enter Setup Menu" will appear. Press the <DEL> key to enter BIOS Setup, or <F11> for Quick Launch Items. If the message disappears, power cycle the computer or press <Reset>. You can also press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> to restart.

4.3. Reset BIOS

To restore default BIOS settings:

• Go to BIOS and press F6 to load optimized defaults.
• Short the Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard (refer to section 3.5 for JCMOS1). Ensure the computer is off before clearing CMOS data.

5. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your motherboard.

• Keep Clean: Regularly clean dust from the motherboard and components using compressed air or a soft brush. Ensure the system is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
• Check Connections: Periodically verify that all cables (power, SATA, USB, etc.) are securely connected to prevent intermittent issues.
• Thermal Management: Ensure CPU and case fans are functioning correctly and that thermal paste on the CPU is not dried out. Good airflow is crucial for preventing overheating.
• BIOS Updates: While not always necessary, occasional BIOS updates can improve system stability and compatibility. Always follow official guidelines for BIOS updates.

6. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter.

6.1. No Boot

If the computer does not respond when the boot button is pressed (fan not rotating, indicator light off):

1. Clear CMOS.
2. Check CPU model compatibility with the motherboard.
3. Verify motherboard and CPU power supplies are plugged in, and the chassis power switch is on.
4. Check if the chassis power-on cable is properly plugged in.
5. Ensure the power supply is functional.
6. Unplug the graphics card, hard disk, USB, and other devices, then attempt to boot. (Shorting the switch pins with a metal object can rule out chassis switch issues).
7. Replace the CPU.

6.2. Start-up - Shutdown

If the computer starts briefly (fan turns) then shuts down:

1. Clear CMOS.
2. Check CPU model compatibility with the motherboard.
3. Replace the CPU to troubleshoot if it is faulty.
4. Replace the RAM and check if it is faulty.
5. Unplug the graphics card, hard disk, and USB devices, then reboot.

6.3. Repeated Reboots

If the computer restarts repeatedly:

1. Clear CMOS.
2. Check CPU model compatibility with the motherboard.
3. Replace the CPU to troubleshoot if it is faulty.
4. Replace the RAM and check if it is faulty.
5. Unplug the graphics card, hard disk, and USB devices, then reboot.

6.4. No Display

If the fan is rotating, but the keyboard indicator (Caps Lock) does not respond:

1. Clear CMOS.
2. Check motherboard and CPU power supplies are plugged in.
3. Check memory stick installation. Ensure memory is correctly inserted (some motherboard memory slots may not be randomly inserted; if unsure, contact support).
4. Check CPU and memory model compatibility.
5. Replace the CPU to check if it is faulty.
6. Replace the memory to check if it is faulty.

If the fan is rotating, and the keyboard light responds:

1. Check if the monitor is on.
2. Check if the monitor display cable (DP, HDMI, DVI, VGA) is plugged in.
3. If using integrated graphics (no external graphics card), ensure the CPU has integrated graphics (e.g., Intel Xeon series CPUs often require an external graphics card).
4. Ensure the monitor cable is inserted into the correct display interface (motherboard display interface for integrated graphics, graphics card display interface for external graphics card).
5. Replace the monitor cable to check if it is faulty.
6. Replace the graphics card to check if it is faulty.

6.5. Blue Screen, Crash

1. Check for proper heat dissipation: CPU cooler fan rotation, tight fit between cooler base and CPU, and thermal paste application.
2. Replace the CPU.
3. Replace the memory.
4. Replace the hard disk.
5. Replace the system.
6. Replace the power supply.

7. User Tips

• TPM Support: The specifications do not explicitly list support for TPM 2.0. If this feature is critical for your use case, further investigation or direct inquiry with the manufacturer may be necessary.
• CPU Compatibility: This motherboard is designed for Intel Xeon E5 V3 and V4 series LGA2011-3 socket processors, including the E5 2680 V4 mentioned in the product title.
• RAM Capacity: The motherboard supports a maximum of 128GB DDR4 RAM across its four slots (32GB per slot).
• Aesthetics: The motherboard features a white/silver aesthetic, as shown in product images.

8. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, please refer to the official documentation provided with your purchase. If you encounter any problems or require further assistance, please feel free to contact us. You can also refer to the comprehensive user manual in PDF format for additional instructions and specifications.

Download User Manual (PDF): Click here to view the PDF manual