Product Overview
The MACHINIST H81M-PRO is a Micro ATX motherboard designed for desktop PCs, featuring an Intel LGA 1150 socket. It supports Intel 4th generation Core i3/i5/i7, Xeon E3/V3 series, Celeron G series, and Pentium G series processors. This motherboard is equipped with dual-channel DDR3 memory slots, an NVME M.2 slot, and various high-performance interfaces for a robust computing experience.
What's in the Box
The standard package for the MACHINIST H81M-PRO motherboard includes the following items:
- 1 x MACHINIST H81M-PRO Motherboard
- 1 x SATA Cable
- 1 x I/O Baffle
Important Note: The CR2032 battery for the motherboard is not included in the package and must be purchased separately. A physical user manual is also not included; this digital document serves as the user manual.
Key Features and Components
The MACHINIST H81M-PRO motherboard integrates several key components and features to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
Intel LGA 1150 Socket
This motherboard is designed with an LGA 1150 socket, supporting a range of Intel 4th generation processors including Core i3, i5, i7, Xeon E3/V3 series, Celeron G series, and Pentium G series. Examples include Core i7-4790K, Core i7-4770, Core i5-4670, Core i5-4590, Core i3-4170, Xeon E3-1285 v3, Pentium G3470, and Celeron G1830.
Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Slots
The motherboard features two DDR3 non-ECC desktop memory slots. These unbuffered slots support effective frequencies of 1280MHz, 1333MHz, 1600MHz, and 1866MHz, with a maximum total capacity of 16GB.
NVME M.2 Interface
An NVME M.2 slot is provided, supporting NVME M.2 hard drives with data transfer speeds up to 3600MB/s via PCIe 3.0 x4 bandwidth. Note: This slot does not support NGFF/SATA M.2 SSDs. The SATA 3.0 interface and M.2 interface are mutually exclusive. If a SATA M.2 hard drive is used, the two SATA 3.0 ports will be unavailable. Conversely, if the SATA 3.0 interface is utilized, the M.2 interface will not be available. To enable SATA 3.0, four small black parts on the right end of the M.2 slot must be moved to the right slot. For M.2 usage, no movement is required.
Stable Power Supply
The motherboard utilizes an 8-pin CPU power supply, significantly enhancing CPU power delivery and stability. It features a 10-layer PCB material and a high-intensity power supply interface for reliable operation.
I/O and Expansion Interfaces
The H81M-PRO motherboard offers a comprehensive set of input/output and expansion interfaces:
- PS/2 Interface: Dedicated ports for mouse (green) and keyboard (purple).
- Graphics Card Interface: Compatible with HDMI and VGA for dual display output.
- USB Interface: Includes 2 x USB 2.0 and 2 x USB 3.0 ports on the rear I/O, plus front panel headers for 1 x USB 2.0 and 1 x USB 3.0.
- Network Interface: Gigabit LAN for high-speed network connectivity.
- Audio Jack: 4-channel sound card via Realtek ALC662 audio chip.
- Power Socket: 24-pin + 8-pin DC power input.
- CPU Fan Socket: 1 x 3-pin and 1 x 4-pin fan slots.
- Graphics Slot: 1 x PCIe 2.0 X16 and 1 x PCIe 2.0 X1 slots.
- Memory Slot: 2 x DDR3 memory slots (Max 16GB).
- SATA Slot: 2 x SATA 3.0 and 2 x SATA 2.0 slots.
- Chipset: Intel H81 chip.
Setup and Installation
Pre-Installation Checklist
- Ensure you have all necessary components: CPU, RAM, storage device (NVME M.2 SSD or SATA SSD/HDD), power supply, and PC case.
- Acquire a CR2032 battery for the motherboard's CMOS.
- Prepare a Windows 10 installation media, as it is recommended for driver compatibility.
- Familiarize yourself with your PC case and its mounting points for Micro ATX motherboards.
CPU Installation
- Gently lift the CPU socket retention lever.
- Align the triangular mark on your Intel LGA 1150 CPU with the corresponding mark on the socket.
- Carefully place the CPU into the socket without forcing it.
- Lower the retention lever to secure the CPU in place.
Memory (RAM) Installation
- Open the clips on both ends of the DDR3 memory slots.
- Align the notch on the DDR3 memory module with the key in the slot.
- Press down firmly on both ends of the memory module until the clips snap into place.
Storage Device Installation (NVME M.2 / SATA)
For NVME M.2 SSD:
- Insert the NVME M.2 SSD into the M.2 slot at an angle.
- Gently push down the SSD and secure it with the provided screw.
- Important: If using an NVME M.2 SSD, the two SATA 3.0 ports will be disabled.
For SATA SSD/HDD:
- Connect one end of the SATA cable to a SATA port on the motherboard (SATA 2.0 or SATA 3.0).
- Connect the other end of the SATA cable to your SSD/HDD.
- Connect a SATA power cable from your power supply to the SSD/HDD.
- Important: If using SATA 3.0 ports, ensure the four black small parts on the right end of the M.2 slot are inserted into the right slot. This will disable the M.2 slot.
Power Supply Connection
- Connect the 24-pin ATX power connector from your power supply to the main power socket on the motherboard.
- Connect the 8-pin CPU power connector from your power supply to the 8-pin CPU power socket near the CPU.
Front Panel Connections
Connect the front panel headers (power button, reset button, HDD LED, power LED, USB, audio) from your PC case to the corresponding pins on the motherboard. Refer to the motherboard's silkscreen labels for correct orientation.
Operating Instructions
First Boot and BIOS Access
After assembling your system, connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Power on your PC. To enter the BIOS setup utility, continuously press the "Del" key immediately after pressing the power button. Do not wait for the startup logo to appear, as it may be too late to access the BIOS.
Operating System Installation
Insert your Windows 10 installation media (USB drive or DVD). Boot from the installation media and follow the on-screen prompts to install your operating system. Windows 10 is recommended for optimal driver support.
Driver Installation
After operating system installation, install the necessary drivers for the motherboard's components (chipset, audio, LAN, etc.). These drivers are typically provided on a CD/DVD with the motherboard or can be downloaded from the MACHINIST official website. If you are unsure where to download drivers, using Windows 10 will often automatically install many essential drivers.
Maintenance and Care
- Dust Removal: Regularly clean dust from the motherboard and other components using compressed air. Ensure the system is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
- BIOS Updates: Periodically check the manufacturer's website for BIOS updates. Only update the BIOS if necessary and follow the instructions carefully to avoid system instability.
- Component Checks: Ensure all cables and components are securely seated. Loose connections can lead to system instability or failure.
- Environmental Conditions: Operate the motherboard in a well-ventilated area, away from excessive heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues and Solutions
| Problem | Possible Cause / Solution |
|---|---|
| No Display / No Boot | 1. Ensure all power cables (24-pin ATX, 8-pin CPU) are securely connected. 2. Reseat RAM modules firmly in their slots. 3. Reseat the CPU and check for bent pins. 4. If using a dedicated graphics card, ensure it is properly seated and powered. 5. Try clearing CMOS (remove CR2032 battery for 30 seconds or use CMOS clear jumper). 6. Use an eraser to clean the metal pins on memory, CPU, or graphics card. |
| No Network Connection | 1. Ensure LAN cable is properly connected to the motherboard and router/modem. 2. Install or update the LAN driver. 3. Check network settings in the operating system. |
| No Sound | 1. Ensure audio cables are correctly connected to speakers/headphones and motherboard audio jacks. 2. Install or update the audio driver (Realtek ALC662). 3. Check sound settings in the operating system. |
| SATA / M.2 Incompatibility | Remember that the SATA 3.0 and M.2 interfaces are mutually exclusive. Ensure only one is active based on your storage device. Adjust the black small parts near the M.2 slot if you need to use SATA 3.0. |
| CPU Integrated Graphics Not Working (Xeon E3 V3) | Most Intel Xeon E3 V3 series CPUs do not have integrated graphics. Only models with a "5" suffix (e.g., E3-1245 v3) support integrated graphics. Ensure your CPU has integrated graphics or use a dedicated graphics card. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | MACHINIST |
| Model Name | H81M-PRO (H81 pro) |
| CPU Socket | LGA 1150 |
| Compatible Processors | Intel 4th Gen Core i3/i5/i7, Xeon E3/V3 series, Celeron G series, Pentium G series |
| Chipset Type | Intel H81 |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR3 (non-ECC, unbuffered) |
| Memory Slots | 2 (Dual Channel) |
| Max Memory Capacity | 16GB |
| Supported Memory Frequencies | 1280/1333/1600/1866MHz |
| Storage Interfaces | 1 x NVME M.2 (PCIe 3.0 x4), 2 x SATA 3.0, 2 x SATA 2.0 (M.2 and SATA 3.0 are mutually exclusive) |
| Expansion Slots | 1 x PCIe 2.0 X16, 1 x PCIe 2.0 X1 |
| USB Ports (Rear I/O) | 2 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.0 |
| USB Headers (Front Panel) | 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0 |
| Video Output | VGA, HDMI (Dual Output) |
| LAN | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Audio | Realtek ALC662 (4-channel sound) |
| Form Factor | Micro ATX |
| Product Dimensions | 8.66 x 6.69 x 1.57 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.34 pounds |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official MACHINIST website or contact their customer service directly. The product details page on Amazon may also provide specific warranty terms and contact details for the seller.
Online Resources:
- Official Brand Store: MACHINIST Amazon Store
- User Manual (PDF): Download PDF Manual
