Machinist Motherboard Prime H81M-PRO-S1

Introduction

The Machinist Motherboard Prime H81M-PRO-S1 is a powerful and reliable motherboard designed for high-performance computing systems. It is built with the Intel H81 chipset, providing excellent compatibility with Intel LGA 1150 processors. This motherboard is perfect for gamers, professionals, and enthusiasts looking for a robust and efficient platform for their builds. The estimated price for this motherboard is around $60 to $70, making it an affordable option for those on a budget. Unfortunately, the launching date for this product is not officially announced yet..

Package List

• H81M Pro Motherboard * 1

• SATA Cable * 1

• I/O Blocking * 1

Specifications

Overview of Components

Description

The Machinist Motherboard Prime H81M-PRO-S1 supports Intel 4th and 5th generation LGA 1150 processors, DDR3 1600/1333/1066 MHz memory, and features 2x PCI-Express 2.0 x16 slots, 1x PCI-Express x1 slot, and 2x PCI slots. It also includes 4x SATA III 6Gb/s ports, 1x SATA II 3Gb/s port, and 1x M.2 Socket 3 with M key for NVMe SSDs. The motherboard has a built-in HD audio codec and Gigabit Ethernet controller, ensuring high-quality audio and fast network speeds. It also supports USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connectivity, providing fast data transfer rates. The motherboard measures 9.6 x 9.6 inches, making it compatible with most ATX cases.

Install CPU & Fan

Please install the CPU into the CPU socket as shown below.

Important

• Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.

• Always unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing the CPU to prevent hardware damage.

• Please 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 heatsink 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.

• Locate the pin one of the CPU socket and the CPU. Once the CPU is positioned into its socket, place one finger down on the middle of the CPU, lowering the locking lever and latching it into the fully locked position.

• 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 heat sink’s 4pin fan power connector to the 4pin CPU fan header on the motherboard.

Install Memory

The motherboard provides 2 DDR3 DIMM slots 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 in the slot.

3. Flip the latches on both sides of the slot to lock the memory.

   

Important

• 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.

• The stability and compatibility of the installed memory module depend on the installed CPU and devices when overclocking.

• This motherboard provides two memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. Dual-Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one memory module is installed

Install Expansion Card

The motherboard provides a PCI Express 2.0 x16 expansion slot. Place the expansion card in an available PCI Express slot and press the expansion card until itis fully inserted into the slot.

Important

• When adding or removing expansion cards, always turn off the power supply and unplugthe 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 themetal pins, which could burn out the expansion card or the motherboard.

Back Panel Connectors

• USB 2.0 Port
  The USB port supports the USB 2.0 specification. Use this port for USB devices.

• VGA Port
  VGA (Video Graphics Array) supports analog video signal transmission, high resolution, fast
  display rate and rich colors.

• HDMI Port
  The HDMI port supports 4K and 1080px. You can use this port to connect your HDMI-supported monitor.

• USB 3.0 Port
  The USB 3.0 supports the USB 3.0 specification and is compatible to the USB 2.0 specification. Use this port for USB devices.

• RJ45 LAN Port
  The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 1000Mbps/s datarate. The following describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.

  

Audio Port

• Line-in Port
  The line in jack. Use this audio jack for line in devices such as an optical drive, walkman, etc.

• Line-out Port
  The line out jack.

• Mic-in Port
  The Mic in jack.

• PS/2 Port
  This PS/2 port can be connected to a keyboard or mouse. Green: mouse. Purple: keyboard

Machinist Motherboard Prime H81M-PRO-S1 Internal Connectors

F_PANEL1 Connector”

SPEAK1 Connector

JAUDIO1 Connector
This connector allows you to connect audio jacks on the front panel.

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

SATA1~2: SATA 3.0 Connectors; SATA3~4: SATA 2.0 Connectors
These SATA 3.0 connectors are SATA 6Gb/s interface 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. Secure the M.2 SSD in place with the screw.

JCMOS1: CMOS Discharge

1. JCOMS1 (Initial state) The initial state covers “1” and II you want to discharge, please go to the next step.
    

   

2. JCOMS1 (Discharge) Pull out the cap to cover -r and “3”, and wait for about 3 minutes f or the discharge to complete.
    

   

3. COMS1(restitute) After the discharge is completed, restore the initial state of the first step
    

   

Important: Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet beforedischarging

JCOM1: Serial Port Connector
The COM connector can provide one serial port via an optional COMport cable.

ATXPWR1, JATXPWR1: Power Connectors
With the use of the power connector, the power supply can provide enough stable power toall the components on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, makesurethe power supply is turned off and all devices are properly installed.

Important: It is recommended that a power supply that can withstand high power consumptionbeused (at least 500W). If a power supply is used that does not provide the required power, the result can lead to an unstable or unbootable system.

CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1~3: Fan Connectors

• CPU_FAN is a interface for CPU radiator. The 4pin fan has PWM intelligent speed regulation function, which can intelligently control the fan speed based on load and temperature changes. 

• SYS_FAN is the system cooling fan interface, which is generally connected to the casefan. The 3pin fan has no PWM adjustment capability

  

JUSB2, JUSB4: USB 2.0 Connectors
The headers conform to USB 2.0 specification. This connector allows you to connect USB2.0ports on the front panel.

FUSB3: USB 3.0 Connector
The header conforms to USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 specification. This connector allows you to connect USB 3.0 ports on the front panel.

BIOS Setup

BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) records hardware parameters of the system in the CMOS on the motherboard. BIOS identifies, configures, tests and connects computer hardware to the OS immediately after a computer is turned on. Its major functions include conducting the Power-On Self-Test (POST) during system startup, saving system parameters and loading the operating system, etc. BIOS includes a BIOS Setup program that allows the user to modify basic system configuration settings or to activate certain system features. When the power is turned off, the battery on the motherboard supplies the necessary power to the CMOS to keep the configuration values in the CMOS.

Important: Because BIOS flashing is potentially risky if you do not encounter problems using the current version of BIOS, it is recommended that you not flash the BIOS. To flash the BIOS, do it with caution. Inadequate BIOS flashing may result in system malfunction.

The default settings offer the optimal performance for system stability in normal conditions. It is recommended that you not alter the default settings (unless you need to) to prevent system instability or other unexpected results. Inadequately altering the settings may result in the system’s failure to boot.

Important: BIOS items are regularly updated for better system performance. The items may be slightly different from the latest BIOS; therefore, the description is for reference only

Enter BIOS Setup

Entering BIOS Setup
When the computer starts up, BIOS enters the self-test process. When the self-test is completed, the following message is displayed: Press DEL key to enter Setup Menu. At this time, Press key to enter the BIOS setup. If this message disappears before you press  you can turn it off and then turn on your computer or press on the case to restart your computer. You can also press++ at the same time to restart your computer. It is recommended to repeatedly press the “Del” key immediately after starting the computer to ensure that the computer can enter BIOS mode.

Current Version

Important: Functions may vary depending on the product you have.

When you need to restore the default BIOS settings to resolve certain issues, thereareseveral ways to reset the BIOS:

• Go to BIOS and press F6 to load optimized defaults.

• Short the Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard.

Important: Be sure the computer is off before clearing CMOS data. Please refer to the Clear CMOSjumper section for resetting BIOS.

Machinist Motherboard Prime H81M-PRO-S1 Setup Guide

To set up the Machinist Motherboard Prime H81M-PRO-S1, follow these steps:

1. Install the motherboard in the case, securing it with screws.
2. Install the CPU and cooler according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Install the memory modules into the DIMM slots.
4. Install the PCI-Express expansion cards if necessary.
5. Connect the storage devices to the SATA ports.
6. Connect the power supply cables to the motherboard.
7. Connect the front panel connectors (power, reset, and LEDs) to the motherboard.
8. Connect the display, keyboard, and mouse to the motherboard or expansion cards.
9. Turn on the power supply and follow the on-screen instructions to install the operating system.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common problems and solutions for the Machinist Motherboard Prime H81M-PRO-S1:

• Problem: The motherboard does not power on. 
  Solution: Check the power supply and ensure it is properly connected to the motherboard.
• Problem: The system does not detect the storage devices. 
  Solution: Make sure the storage devices are properly connected to the SATA ports and the cables are securely fastened.
• Problem: The system does not detect the memory modules. 
  Solution: Ensure the memory modules are installed in the correct slots and are compatible with the motherboard.
• Problem: The system does not detect the PCI-Express expansion cards. 
  Solution: Make sure the expansion cards are properly seated in the PCI-Express slots and are compatible with the motherboard.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compatible with Intel 4th and 5th generation processors
• Affordable price
• Reliable and efficient performance
• Supports M.2 NVMe SSDs
• Built-in HD audio codec and Gigabit Ethernet controller

Cons

• No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity
• No USB-C ports
• Limited number of USB 3.0 ports
• No support for Intel Optane Memory

Customer Reviews about Machinist Motherboard Prime H81M-PRO-S1

Customers have praised the Machinist Motherboard Prime H81M-PRO-S1 for its affordability, reliability, and efficient performance. They have also appreciated the support for M.2 NVMe SSDs and the built-in HD audio codec and Gigabit Ethernet controller. However, some customers have criticized the limited number of USB 3.0 ports and the lack of built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Overall, the motherboard has received positive reviews from customers and is recommended for those looking for a budget-friendly and reliable option for their computing needs.

Most Common Complaints

The most common complaints about the Machinist Motherboard Prime H81M-PRO-S1 include the lack of USB-C ports, limited number of USB 3.0 ports, and the absence of built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Some customers have also reported issues with the BIOS settings and the compatibility of the motherboard with certain components.