MACHINIST MR9A-PRO-MAX

Overview

This document serves as the user's manual for the MACHINIST MR9A-PRO-MAX motherboard. It provides comprehensive information regarding the motherboard's specifications, components, installation procedures, connector details, and BIOS setup. The MR9A-PRO-MAX is designed for Intel 5th/6th generation Core i7 processors and XEON E5 V3/V4 series processors, supporting LGA2011-3 socket and 4-Channel DDR4 memory.

Specifications

Overview of Components

The motherboard features a comprehensive layout of components and connectors designed for high performance and expandability. Key areas include the CPU socket (LGA2011-3), multiple DDR4 memory slots, several PCI Express slots (x16, x4, x1) for expansion cards, M.2 slots for NVMe, SATA, and WiFi SSDs, and SATA 3.0/2.0 connectors for storage devices. The rear I/O panel provides essential connectivity, while numerous internal headers allow for front panel connections, fan control, and system monitoring.

Package List:

• MR9A PRO MAX Motherboard * 1
• SATA Cable * 1
• I/O Blocking * 1
• CPU fan bracket * 1
• DC-Fan * 1

Installation Guides

Install CPU & Fan

To install the CPU and fan:

1. Lift the CPU socket retention lever.
2. Align the CPU's triangle mark with the socket's triangle mark and gently place the CPU into the socket.
3. Lower the retention lever to secure the CPU.
4. Apply thermal paste evenly onto the CPU surface.
5. Mount the CPU cooler heatsink onto the CPU.
6. Connect the CPU heatsink's 4-pin fan power connector to the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.

⚠️ Important:

• Ensure the motherboard supports the CPU.
• Always unplug the power cord before installing or removing the CPU.
• Retain the CPU protective cap after installation.
• Do not power on the system if the CPU cooler is not installed.
• Confirm the CPU heatsink forms a tight seal with the CPU.
• Protect CPU socket pins with a plastic cap when the CPU is not installed.
• Do not force the CPU into the socket; ensure the lever is lifted.

Install Memory

To install memory modules:

1. Wrench the latches on both sides of the memory slot outwards.
2. Align the memory module's notch with the slot's notch.
3. Insert the memory module firmly into the slot.
4. Flip the latches on both sides of the slot to lock the memory module in place.

⚠️ Important:

• Ensure memory compatibility with the motherboard. Using memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips is recommended for stability.
• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord before installing memory.
• Memory modules have a foolproof design; if it doesn't fit, try rotating it.
• Memory stability and compatibility can depend on the CPU and overclocking.
• This motherboard supports 4-Channel Technology, requiring at least two modules for dual-channel and four for quad-channel. Server and desktop memory cannot be mixed.

Install Expansion Card

The motherboard provides three PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots, one PCI Express 3.0 x4 slot, and one PCI Express 3.0 x1 slot. To install an expansion card:

1. Remove the corresponding expansion slot cover from the computer case.
2. Align the expansion card with the desired PCI Express slot.
3. Press the expansion card firmly into the slot until it is fully seated.

⚠️ Important:

• Always turn off the power supply and unplug the power cable before adding or removing expansion cards.
• Improper installation can cause short circuits.

Connectors

Back Panel Connectors

The rear I/O panel provides the following connectivity:

• PS/2 Ports (x2): For keyboard (purple) and mouse (green).
• USB 3.0 Ports (x2): For high-speed USB devices.
• USB 2.0 Ports (x4): For standard USB devices.
• Gigabit LAN Port: For network connectivity up to 1000Mbps/s.
• Audio Jacks: Line-in, Line-out, and Mic-in.

USB 2.0 Port

These USB ports support the USB 2.0 specification for connecting USB devices.

USB 3.0 Port

These USB ports support the USB 3.0 specification and are backward compatible with USB 2.0, offering higher data transfer speeds.

RJ45 LAN Port

The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 1000Mbps/s. The LAN port LEDs indicate connection status:

Audio Port

The motherboard features standard audio jacks:

• Line-in Port: For input devices like optical drives or walkmans.
• Line-out Port: For audio output to speakers or headphones.
• Mic-in Port: For connecting a microphone.

PS/2 Port

This PS/2 port can be connected to a keyboard or mouse. The green port is typically for the mouse, and the purple port is for the keyboard.

Internal Connectors

F_PANEL1 Connector

This connector is for the front panel power button, reset button, and power/HDD LEDs.

SPEAK1 Connector

This connector is for the system speaker (buzzer).

JAUDIO1 Connector

This connector allows you to connect front panel audio jacks.

⚠️ Important:

An incorrect connection between the module connector and the motherboard header can render the device inoperable or cause damage.

4* SATA 3.0 Connectors and 2* SATA 2.0 Connectors

These SATA connectors are SATA 6Gb/s interface ports, each supporting 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 provided screw.

JCMOS1: CMOS Discharge

This jumper is used to clear the CMOS settings. The default state is pins 1 and 2 connected. To discharge CMOS:

1. Ensure the computer is powered off and unplugged.
2. Move the jumper cap to cover pins 2 and 3.
3. Wait for approximately 3 minutes for the discharge to complete.
4. Restore the jumper cap to its original position (pins 1 and 2).

⚠️ Important:

Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before discharging CMOS.

JCOM1: Serial Port Connector

The COM connector provides one serial port via an optional COM port cable.

ATXPWR1, JATXPWR1: Power Connectors

These connectors supply stable power to the motherboard components. Ensure the power supply is turned off and devices are installed before connecting.

⚠️ Important:

A power supply of at least 500W is recommended. Insufficient power can lead to system instability.

ATXPWR1 (24-pin):

JATXPWR1 (8-pin):

CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~3: Fan Connectors

CPU_FAN is a 4-pin PWM connector for CPU radiator fan speed control. SYS_FAN connectors are 3-pin for system case fans, lacking PWM capability.

CPU_FAN (4-pin):

SYS_FAN (3-pin):

JUSB2, JUSB4: USB 2.0 Connectors

These headers conform to USB 2.0 specification for connecting front panel USB 2.0 ports.

FUSB3: USB 3.0 Connector

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

BIOS Setup

What is BIOS?

BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) is firmware that records hardware parameters and initializes the system upon startup. It performs the Power-On Self-Test (POST), identifies, configures, and tests hardware, and connects the computer to the operating system. The BIOS Setup program allows modification of basic system configuration settings.

When the computer is off, the motherboard's battery supplies power to the CMOS to retain BIOS configuration values.

⚠️ Important:

BIOS flashing is risky. It is recommended not to flash the BIOS unless necessary, and to do so with caution to avoid system malfunction.

BIOS Setup Utility

The default BIOS settings are optimized for system stability. It is recommended not to alter them unless required, to prevent instability or boot failures.

⚠️ Important:

BIOS items are updated regularly for performance improvements. Descriptions are for reference only and may differ slightly from the latest BIOS versions.

Entering BIOS Setup

When the computer starts, it performs a self-test. Upon completion, a message like "Press DEL key to enter Setup Menu" is displayed. Press the DEL key at this time. If the message disappears quickly, restart the computer (using the reset button or Ctrl+Alt+Delete) and repeatedly press the "Del" key immediately after starting to ensure entry into BIOS mode.

Reset BIOS

To restore default BIOS settings, you can:

• Enter BIOS Setup and press F6 to load optimized defaults.
• Short the Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard.

⚠️ Important:

Ensure the computer is powered off before clearing CMOS data. Refer to the Clear CMOS jumper section for details.