DFI CMS171/CMS173 User's Manual
Document Date: July 09, 2025
Manufacturer: DFI Inc.
Copyright and Trademarks
This publication is protected by copyright. No part may be reproduced or adapted without prior written permission from the copyright holders. The information is provided for informational purposes only, and DFI disclaims all warranties. Users assume all risks associated with the use of this document. DFI reserves the right to revise this publication at any time.
Trademarks appearing in this manual are for identification purposes only and belong to their respective owners.
FCC and DOC Statement on Class B
This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules for Class B digital devices. It is designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. If interference occurs, users are encouraged to:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase separation between equipment and receiver.
- Connect equipment to a different circuit than the receiver.
- Consult a dealer or experienced radio/TV technician.
Notice: Modifications not expressly approved may void the user's authority to operate the equipment. Shielded interface cables are required to comply with emission limits.
Table of Contents
This document contains the following chapters:
- Chapter 1 - Introduction (Specifications, Block Diagram, Dimension)
- Chapter 2 - Hardware Installation (Board Layout, Heat Sink Installation, Jumper Settings, Pin Assignments for various connectors like System Fan, SATA Power, CPU Fan, DIO Power, SATA, COM1, Front Audio, Front Panel, DIO, LPC; System Memory installation; Expansion Slots including M.2 module installation)
- Chapter 3 - BIOS Settings (Overview, Updating BIOS, Main menu, Advanced settings covering RC ACPI, CPU Configuration, Power & Performance, PCH-FW Configuration, Trusted Computing, Super IO Configurations, HW Monitor, Smart Fan Function, Serial Port Console Redirection, USB Configuration, Network Stack, CSM Configuration, USB Power Control, Chipset settings like Graphics Configuration, PEG Port Configuration, PCH-IO Configuration, Security settings like Administrator Password and Secure Boot, Boot options, Save & Exit)
About this Manual
This manual can be downloaded from the DFI website. It is subject to change without notice. For the latest editions, please visit the website or contact sales representatives.
Warranty
The warranty does not cover damages from misuse, inability to use, unauthorized replacement/alteration, physical abuse, improper installation, modification, accidents, or unauthorized repair. Service, adjustments, or repairs must be performed by authorized personnel. DFI is not liable for indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages.
Static Electricity Precautions
Static discharge can damage components. Take precautions:
- Keep the system board in its anti-static bag until ready for installation.
- Wear an antistatic wrist strap.
- Perform work on a static-free surface.
- Handle devices by their edges, avoiding contact with components or connections.
- Avoid touching pins or contacts on modules and connectors.
Important: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage sensitive components. Use an ESD workstation or wear an antistatic wrist strap connected to the system chassis.
Safety Measures
- Use the correct AC input voltage range to avoid system damage.
- Unplug the power cord before opening the system chassis for installation or servicing. Ensure the chassis is covered before plugging the power cord back in.
About the Package
The package typically includes:
- 1 x CMS171/CMS173 motherboard
- 1 x Serial ATA data cable (500mm)
- 1 x Serial ATA power Y cable (300mm)
- 1 x COM port cable (250mm)
Package contents may vary by sales region or model. Contact your dealer for specifics.
Before Using the System Board
For system board installation, you will need:
- Memory module
- Storage device (e.g., hard disk drive)
- Power supply
External peripherals like a keyboard, mouse, and monitor are also required.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Specifications
| SYSTEM | ||
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 10th Gen Intel® LGA 1200 Socket Processors, TDP support up to 65W. Includes various Intel® Xeon®, Core™ i9, i7, i5, i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® models with specific core counts, cache sizes, clock speeds, and TDPs. | |
| Chipset | Intel® Q470E Chipset | |
| Memory | Two 260-pin SODIMM up to 64GB, Dual Channel DDR4 2933MHz | |
| BIOS | AMI SPI 256Mbit | |
| GRAPHICS | Controller | Intel® UHD Graphics 630 (supports 610 for specific Pentium/Celeron models) |
| Feature | OpenGL 4.5, DirectX 12, OpenCL 2.1. Supports HW Decode (AVC/H.264, MPEG2, VC1/WMV9, JPEG/MJPEG, HEVC/H265, VP8, VP9) and HW Encode (AVC/H.264, MPEG2, JPEG, HEVC/H265, VP8, VP9). | |
| Display | 2 x DP++, resolution up to 4096 x 2106 @ 60Hz | |
| Dual Displays | 2 x DP++ | |
| EXPANSION | Interface |
|
| AUDIO | Audio Codec | Realtek ALC888 |
System Specifications Summary
| ETHERNET | Controller | 1 x Intel® I219LM PHY with iAMT12 and vPro (10/100/1000Mbps), 1 x Intel® I211AT PCIe (10/100/1000Mbps) |
| REAR I/O | Ethernet | 2 x GbE (RJ-45) |
| Serial | 1 x RS-232/422/485 (RS-232 w/ power) (DB-9) | |
| USB | 8 x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4 x USB 3.2 | |
| Display | 2 x DP++ | |
| INTERNAL I/O | Serial | 1 x RS-232/422/485 (RS-232 w/ power) (2.0mm pitch) |
| Audio | 1 x Front Audio Header | |
| SATA | 2 x SATA 3.0 (up to 6Gb/s), 1 x SATA Power, RAID 0/1 | |
| DIO | 1 x 8-bit DIO | |
| LPC | 1 x LPC | |
| SMBus | 1 x SMBus | |
| WATCHDOG TIMER | Output & Interval | System Reset, Programmable via Software from 1 to 255 Seconds |
| SECURITY | TPM | Infineon TPM1.2/2.0 (optional) |
| POWER | Type | Single 12V +/-10% DC (CMS171), Wide Range 15~36V (CMS173) |
| Connector | 8-pin ATX 12V power, 24-pin ATX power | |
| Consumption | TBD | |
| RTC Battery | CR2032 Coin Cell | |
| OS SUPPORT | Microsoft | Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2019 RS5 |
| Linux | Ubuntu 20.04 | |
| ENVIRONMENT | Temperature | Operating: -5 to 65°C, Storage: -40 to 85°C |
| Humidity | Operating: 5 to 90% RH, Storage: 5 to 90% RH | |
| MECHANISM | MTBF | TBD |
| Dimensions | Mini-ITX Form Factor: 170mm (6.7") x 170mm (6.7") | |
| Height | PCB: 1.6mm |
Block Diagram
The block diagram illustrates the system architecture, showing connections between the CPU (LGA 1200), Chipset (Q470E), DDR4 SODIMM slots (Channel A & B), PCIe slots (x16, x1), M.2 slots (E key, M key, B key), SATA ports, USB controllers (ASM3042), LAN controllers (I219LM, I211AT), Audio codec (Realtek ALC888), LPC, SMBus, DIO, and front panel headers. It details the connectivity and data paths within the motherboard.
Dimension
The motherboard follows the Mini-ITX form factor with dimensions of 170mm (width) x 170mm (height). Mounting hole locations are indicated in a diagram.
Chapter 2: Hardware Installation
Board Layout
The board layout diagram identifies key connectors and components on the motherboard, numbered for reference:
- 1. Front Audio Header
- 2. DP++ Display Port
- 3. USB 3.2 ports
- 4. USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
- 5. USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
- 6. USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
- 7. COM1 Serial Port
- 8. DC-in Power Connector
- 9. PCIe x16 Slot
- 10. SPI BIOS Chip
- 11. SATA1 Connector
- 12. SATA0 Connector
- 13. SO-DIMM1 Slot
- 14. SO-DIMM2 Slot
- 15. SATA Power Connector
- 16. CPU Fan Header
- 17. Buzzer
- 18. CLEAR CMOS Jumper (JP1)
- 19. SIM Card Slot
- 20. Case Open Header
- 21. COM1 Serial Port Header
- 22. 8-bit DIO Header
- 23. Power Selection COM 1 Jumper (JP2)
- 24. DIO Power Header
- 25. Battery Connector
- 26. LPC Header
- 27. System Fan Header
- 28. Front Panel Header
Installing the Heat Sink
To prevent CPU overheating, a heat sink must be installed. Apply thermal paste to the CPU surface before mounting the heat sink. Ensure the heat sink's spring screws align with the motherboard's mounting holes. Tighten screws diagonally.
Jumper Settings
- Clear CMOS (JP1): Use pins 1-2 for default operation; use pins 2-3 to clear CMOS settings.
- Power Selection COM 1 (JP2): Use pins 1-3 and 2-4 for RS232 Standard (default); use pins 3-5 and 4-6 for RS232 with Power.
Pin Assignment
Detailed pin assignments are provided for various connectors:
- System Fan (J9): Pin 1: GND, Pin 2: PWM, Pin 3: TACH.
- SATA Power (CN1): Pin 1: +12V DC, Pin 2: GND, Pin 3: GND, Pin 4: +5V DC.
- CPU Fan (J10): Pin 1: GND, Pin 2: 12V, Pin 3: RPM, Pin 4: CTRL.
- DIO Power (J12): Pin 1: 12V, Pin 2: GND, Pin 3: 5VDU, Pin 4: 5V.
- SATA0 (J1) & SATA1 (J2): Pins include GND, TXP, TXN, RXN, RXP.
- COM1 RS232/RS422/RS485 (J17): Provides pinouts for RS232, RS422 (Full Duplex), and RS485 data lines, along with control signals like DCD, RX, TX, DTR, etc.
- Front Audio (AUJ2): Pin assignments for MIC2_L, MIC2_R, GND, -ACZ_DET, LINE2_R, FSENSE1, FAUDIO_JD, NC, LINE2_L, FSENSE2.
- Front Panel (J11): Pins for NC, V_SUS_LED, 3V3, SUS_LED, HDD_LED, GND, SYS_RST-, PWR_BTN-.
- DIO (J13): Pins for DIO0 through DIO7.
- LPC (J14): Pins include CLK, LAD1, RST#, LAD0, FRAME#, VCC3, LAD3, GND1, LAD2, SERIRQ, GND2, 5VSB, 5V.
System Memory
Installing the SO-DIMM Module: Ensure the PC is powered down and peripherals disconnected. Align the notch on the memory card with the key in the socket. Press the module into the socket until the eject tabs secure it.
The system supports Single Channel (64-bit data access) and Dual Channel (128-bit data access) memory configurations for improved performance.
Expansion Slots
Installing the M.2 Module: Ensure the PC is powered down and peripherals disconnected. Locate the M.2 socket, align the card's notch with the socket's key, and remove the standoff screw. Insert the card at an angle, press it down, and secure it with the standoff screw.
Chapter 3: BIOS Settings
Overview
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) manages communication between the CPU and peripherals. It allows system configuration and saves settings in CMOS memory. BIOS versions are updated for performance improvements; screens shown are for reference.
Legends: Keys like arrow keys, Enter, F1-F10, and Esc are used for navigation and control within the BIOS utility.
Default Configuration: Most settings are predefined. Some may need adjustment based on system configuration.
Entering the BIOS Setup Utility: Press the DEL key during system startup. If the prompt disappears, restart or press the Reset button. Ctrl+Alt+Del also restarts the system.
Updating the BIOS
To update the BIOS, obtain the new BIOS file and a flash utility from technical support or sales representatives.
Notice: BIOS SPI ROM
The Intel® Management Engine is integrated. The BIOS (SPI ROM) chip cannot be removed or used on other boards. Using non-original BIOS may render the Management Engine ineffective. Users cannot update NVM or MAC addresses.
Main Menu
The initial screen upon entering the BIOS Setup Utility, displaying system information like BIOS version, CPU details, memory information, and system date/time settings.
Advanced Menu
This menu allows detailed system configuration for basic operation and performance enhancement. Incorrect settings may cause malfunctions.
- RC ACPI Settings: Configure Wake System from S5 via RTC and State After G3 (S0, S5, Last State).
- CPU Configuration: Settings for Intel (VMX) Virtualization Technology, Active Processor Cores, and Hyper-Threading.
- Power & Performance: Options for Intel® SpeedStep™ Technology, Turbo Mode, and C states to optimize power consumption and performance.
- PCH-FW Configuration: Settings related to ME State, Manageability Features State, AMT BIOS Features, AMT Configuration, ME Unconfig on RTC Clear, and Firmware Update Configuration.
- Trusted Computing: Options for Security Device Support (e.g., TPM 2.0) and Pending Operation (e.g., TPM Clear).
- NCT6126D Super IO Configuration: Settings for WatchDog Output Options (Mode1, Mode2, Mode3), WatchDog Timer Unit, and SuperIO WatchDog Timer. Includes Serial Port 1 Configuration.
- NCT5525D Super IO Configuration: Settings for Serial Port 1 Configuration (Enable/Disable, COM Mode, Terminal Type, Baud Rate, Data Bits, Parity, Stop Bits, Flow Control).
- NCT6126D HW Monitor: Displays system health information including temperatures, fan speeds, and voltage readings. Includes Smart Fan Function settings to control fan speeds based on temperature boundaries.
- Serial Port Console Redirection: Enables console redirection via COM ports, with settings for Terminal Type, Baud Rate, Data Bits, Parity, Stop Bits, and Flow Control.
- USB Configuration: Settings for Legacy USB Support, XHCI Hand-off, and USB Mass Storage Driver Support.
- Network Stack Configuration: Options to enable/disable UEFI network stack, IPv4/IPv6 PXE support, PXE boot wait time, and media detect count.
- CSM Configuration: Controls Compatibility Support Module (CSM) for Legacy/UEFI ROMs priority, including boot option filters for Network, Storage, Video, and Other PCI devices.
- USB Power Control: Configures USB power settings, including support for system wake-up via USB keyboard/mouse.
- Chipset:
- Graphics Configuration: Sets Primary Display (IGFX, PEG, PCI) and Internal Graphics (Enabled/Disabled/Auto).
- PEG Port Configuration: Options to Enable Root Port and set Max Link Speed for PEG ports.
- PEG Port Feature Configuration: Detects Non-Compliance PCI Express Devices.
- PCH-IO Configuration: Includes settings for PCI Express, SATA and RST, HD Audio, LAN1 (I219), Wake on LAN, Above 4GB MMIO BIOS assignment, Max TOLUD, VT-d, Control IOMMU Pre-boot Behavior, DMA Control Guarantee, and Hybrid Storage Mode.
- Security:
- Administrator Password: Set or clear the BIOS administrator password.
- Secure Boot: Enables secure boot to ensure only authorized operating systems can boot. Includes Secure Boot Mode (Standard/Custom), Restore Factory Keys, and Reset To Setup Mode options.
- Boot: Configures Setup Prompt Timeout, Bootup NumLock State, Quiet Boot, and Boot Option Priorities.
- Save & Exit: Options to Save Changes and Reset, Discard Changes and Reset, Restore Defaults, Boot Override, Save Setting to file, and Restore Setting from file.
