GA-8I915PL-G

Intel Pentium 4 LGA775 Processor Motherboard

User's Manual

Rev. 2001 12ME-8I915PLG-2001

Motherboard GA-8I915PL-G

Motherboard

Apr. 22, 2005

Copyright
2005 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved. The trademarks mentioned in the manual are legally registered to their respective companies.

Notice

The written content provided with this product is the property of Gigabyte. No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, or transmitted in any form or by any means without Gigabyte's prior written permission. Specifications and features are subject to change without prior notice.
Product Manual Classification
In order to assist in the use of this product, Gigabyte has categorized the user manual in the following: For quick installation, please refer to the "Hardware Installation Guide" included with the product. For detailed product information and specifications, please carefully read the "Product User Manual". For detailed information related to Gigabyte's unique features, please go to "Technology Guide" section on Gigabyte's website to read or download the information you need. For more product details, please click onto Gigabyte's website at www.gigabyte.com.tw

Table of Contents

GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard Layout.... 6 Block Diagram.... 7 Chapter 1 Hardware Installation... 9
1-1 1-2 1-3 Considerations Prior to Installation... 9 Feature Summary... 10 Installation of the CPU and Heatsink.. 12
1-3-1 1-3-2 Installation of the CPU... 12 Installation of the Heatsink... 13

1-4 1-5 1-6 1-7

Installation of Memory... 14 Installation of Expansion Cards... 16 I/O Back Panel Introduction... 17 Connectors Introduction... 18
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup.... 29
The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : F2).. 30 2-1 2-2 2-3 2-4 2-5 2-6 2-7 2-8 Standard CMOS Features.... 31 Advanced BIOS Features.... 34 Integrated Peripherals... 36 Power Management Setup... 39 PnP/PCI Configurations... 41 PC Health Status... 42 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)... 43 Load Fail-Safe Defaults... 46
2-9 Load Optimized Defaults... 46 2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password... 47 2-11 Save & Exit Setup.... 48 2-12 Exit Without Saving.... 48
Chapter 3 Install Drivers.... 49
3-1 3-2 3-3 3-4 3-5 Install Chipset Drivers... 49 Software Applications... 50 Driver CD Information... 50 Hardware Information... 51 Contact Us.... 51
Chapter 4 Appendix.... 53
4-1 Unique Software Utilities... 53
4-1-1 4-1-2 4-1-3 4-1-4 4-1-5 EasyTune 5 Introduction.... 54 Xpress Recovery Introduction... 55 Flash BIOS Method Introduction... 58 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction.. 67 Jack-Sensing and UAJ Introduction... 71

Troubleshooting... 73

GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard Layout

CPU_FAN LGA775

ATX_12V
AUDIO1 AUDIO2 IT8712 F_AUDIO

Intel 915PL

PCIE_16

Marvell 8001

PCIE_1 ICH6 PCIE_2 PCI1
FDD SYS_FAN SATA3 SATA2 SATA1 SATA0
CODEC CD_IN PCI2 VT6410 PCI3 BIOS SPDIF_IO CI IR F_USB2 F_USB1 PWR_LED
IDE3 IDE2 CLR_CMOS F_PANEL BAT

Block Diagram

PCI-ECLK (100MHz) LGA775 Processor CPUCLK+/-(200/133MHz)
Host Interface Intel 915PL MCH
DDR 400/333MHz DIMM Dual Channel Memory

PCI Express xPCI Express x1 PCI-ECLK (100MHz) x1 x1 PCI Express Bus PCI Bus VT6410 IDE RAID Marvell 8001 RJ45
MCHCLK (133/200MHz) 66MHz 33MHz 14.318MHz 48MHz BIOS

Intel ICH6

4 Serial ATA ATA33/66/100 IDE1 Channels Floppy IT 8712 LPT Port
COM Ports CODEC IDE2/IDEPCI
Surround Speaker Out Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out Side Speaker Out MIC Line-Out Line-In SPDIF In SPDIF Out

24MHz 8 USB Ports 33MHz

PS/2 KB/Mouse

PCICLK (33MHz)

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation
1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation

Preparing Your Computer

The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Thus, prior to installation, please follow the instructions below: 1. Please turn off the computer and unplug its power cord. 2. When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors. 3. It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) cuff when handling electronic components (CPU, RAM). 4. Prior to installing the electronic components, please have these items on top of an antistatic pad or within a electrostatic shielding container. 5. Please verify that the power supply is switched off before unplugging the power supply connector from the motherboard.

English

Installation Notices
1. Prior to installation, please do not remove the stickers on the motherboard. These stickers are required for warranty validation. 2. Prior to the installation of the motherboard or any hardware, please first carefully read the information in the provided manual. 3. Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors are connected. 4. To prevent damage to the motherboard, please do not allow screws to come in contact with the motherboard circuit or its components. 5. Please make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or within the computer casing. 6. Please do not place the computer system on an uneven surface. 7. Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system components as well as physical harm to the user. 8. If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the product, please consult a certified computer technician.
Instances of Non-Warranty
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Damage due to natural disaster, accident or human cause. Damage as a result of violating the conditions recommended in the user manual. Damage due to improper installation. Damage due to use of uncertified components. Damage due to use exceeding the permitted parameters. Product determined to be an unofficial Gigabyte product.

-9Hardware Installation

Feature Summary
Supports the latest Intel Pentium 4 LGA775 CPU Supports 800/533MHz FSB L2 cache varies with CPU Northbridge: Intel 915PL Express Chipset Southbridge: Intel ICH6 Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems 2 DDR DIMM memory slots (supports up to 2GB memory) Supports 2.5V DDR DIMM Supports dual channel DDR 400/333 DIMM 1 PCI Express x 16 slot 2 PCI Express x 1 slots 3 PCI slots 1 IDE connection (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100), allows connection of 2 IDE devices(IDE1) - Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems 2 IDE connection (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100/ATA 133), compatible with RAID, allows connection of 4 IDE devices(IDE2,IDE3) (Note 1) 1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices 4 Serial ATA connections Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems 1 parallel port supporting Normal/EPP/ECP mode 2 Serial port (COMA/COMB) 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (rear x 4, front x 4 via cable) 1 front audio connector 1 IR connector 1 PS/2 keyboard port 1 PS/2 mouse port Onboard Marvell 8001 chip (10/100/1000 Mbit) 1 RJ 45 port ALC850 CODEC (UAJ) Supports Jack Sensing function Supports 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 channel audio Supports Line In ; Line Out (Front Speaker Out) ; MIC ; Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) ; Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out ; Side Speaker Out connection Supports SPDIF In/Out connection CD In

The motherboard supports DDR memory modules, whereby BIOS will automatically detect memory capacity and specifications. Memory modules are designed so that they can be inserted only in one direction. The memory capacity used can differ with each slot.
Fig.1 The DIMM socket has a notch, so the DIMM memory module can only fit in one direction. Insert the DIMM memory module vertically into the DIMM socket. Then push it down.
Fig.2 Close the plastic clip at both edges of the DIMM sockets to lock the DIMM module. Reverse the installation steps when you wish to remove the DIMM module.

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Dual Channel DDR
GA-8I915PL-G supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will add double. GA-8I915PL-G includes 2 DIMM sockets, and each Channel has two DIMM sockets as following: Channel A : DDR 1 Channel B : DDR 2 If you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please note the following explanations due to the limitation of Intel chipset specifications. 1. If one DDR memory modules are installed: The Dual Channel Technolog cannot operate when one DDR memory modules are installed. 2. If two DDR memory modules are installed, please use memory of the same storage capacity in order to use dual channel memory and for BIOS to detect all the DDR memory modules. We'll strongly recommend our user to slot two DDR memory modules into the DIMMs with the same color in order for Dual Channel Technology to work. The following table is for Dual Channel Technology combination: (DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side)
DDR memory modules DS/SS DDR 2 DS/SS

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Installation of Expansion Cards
You can install your expansion card by following the steps outlined below: 1. Read the related expansion card's instruction document before install the expansion card into the computer. 2. Remove your computer's chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the computer. 3. Press the expansion card firmly into expansion slot in motherboard. 4. Be sure the metal contacts on the card are indeed seated in the slot. 5. Replace the screw to secure the slot bracket of the expansion card. 6. Replace your computer's chassis cover. 7. Power on the computer, if necessary, setup BIOS utility of expansion card from BIOS. 8. Install related driver from the operating system. Installing a PCI Express x 16 expansion card:
Please align the VGA card to the onboard PCI Express x 16 slot and press firmly down on the slot. Make sure your VGA card is locked by the latch at the end of the PCI Express x 16 slot. When you try uninstall the VGA card, please press the latch as the picture to the left shows to release the card.

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I/O Back Panel Introduction
PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Connector

CONTROL KEYS

< >< >< <Enter> <Esc> >< > Move to select item Select Item Main Menu - Quit and not save changes into CMOS Status Page Setup Menu and Option Page Setup Menu - Exit current page and return to Main Menu Increase the numeric value or make changes Decrease the numeric value or make changes General help, only for Status Page Setup Menu and Option Page Setup Menu Item Help Restore the previous CMOS value from CMOS, only for Option Page Setup Menu Load the file-safe default CMOS value from BIOS default table Load the Optimized Defaults Q-Flash utility System Information Save all the CMOS changes, only for Main Menu
<Page Up> <Page Down> <F1> <F2> <F5> <F6> <F7> <F8> <F9> <F10>

Main Menu

The on-line description of the highlighted setup function is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Status Page Setup Menu / Option Page Setup Menu
Press F1 to pop up a small help window that describes the appropriate keys to use and the possible selections for the highlighted item. To exit the Help Window press <Esc>.

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BIOS Setup
The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : F2)
Once you enter Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility, the Main Menu (as figure below) will appear on the screen. Use arrow keys to select among the items and press <Enter> to accept or enter the sub-menu.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Advanced BIOS Features Integrated Peripherals Power Management Setup PnP/PCI Configurations PC Health Status MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ESC: Quit F8: Q-Flash Load Fail-Safe Defaults Load Optimized Defaults Set Supervisor Password Set User Password Save & Exit Setup Exit Without Saving : Select Item F10: Save & Exit Setup Time, Date, Hard Disk Type.
If you can't find the setting you want, please press "Ctrl+F1" to search the advanced option hidden. Please Load Optimized Defaults in the BIOS when somehow the system works not stable as usual. This action makes the system reset to the default for stability.

Standard CMOS Features

This setup page includes all the items in standard compatible BIOS.

Advanced BIOS Features

This setup page includes all the items of Award special enhanced features.

Integrated Peripherals

This setup page includes all onboard peripherals.

Power Management Setup

This setup page includes all the items of Green function features.

PnP/PCI Configuration

This setup page includes all the configurations of PCI & PnP ISA resources.

PC Health Status

This setup page is the System auto detect Temperature, voltage, fan, speed.
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
This setup page is control CPU clock and frequency ratio.

Load Fail-Safe Defaults

Fail-Safe Defaults indicates the value of the system parameters which the system would be in safe configuration.

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Load Optimized Defaults
Optimized Defaults indicates the value of the system parameters which the system would be in best performance configuration.

Set Supervisor Password

Change, set, or disable password. It allows you to limit access to the system and Setup, or just to Setup.

Set User Password

Change, set, or disable password. It allows you to limit access to the system.

Save & Exit Setup

Save CMOS value settings to CMOS and exit setup.

Exit Without Saving

Abandon all CMOS value changes and exit setup.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Date (mm:dd:yy) Time (hh:mm:ss) IDE Channel 0 Master IDE Channel 0 Slave IDE Channel 2 Master IDE Channel 2 Slave IDE Channel 3 Master IDE Channel 3 Slave Drive A Drive B Floppy 3 Mode Suport Halt On Base Memory Extended Memory Total Memory Thu, Jan 14:9:35 [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [1.44M, 3.5"] [None] [Disabled] [All, But Keyboard] 640K 511M 512M <Year> 1999 to 2098 Item Help Menu Level Change the day, month, year <Week> Sun. to Sat. <Month> Jan. to Dec. <Day> 1 to 31 (or maximum allowed in the month)
: Move Enter: Select F5: Previous Values
+/-/PU/PD: Value F6: Fail-Safe Defaults

F10: Save

ESC: Exit F1: General Help F7: Optimized Defaults
The date format is <week>, <month>, <day>, <year>. Week The week, from Sun to Sat, determined by the BIOS and is display only Month The month, Jan. Through Dec. Day The day, from 1 to 31 (or the maximum allowed in the month) Year The year, from 1999 through 2098

The times format in <hour> <minute> <second>. The time is calculated base on the 24-hour military-time clock. For example, 1 p.m. is 13:00:00.

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IDE Channel 0 Master, Slave
IDE HDD Auto-Detection Press "Enter" to select this option for automatic device detection. IDE Device Setup. You can use one of three methods: Auto Allows BIOS to automatically detect IDE devices during POST(default) None Select this if no IDE devices are used and the system will skip the automatic detection step and allow for faster system start up. Manual User can manually input the correct settings Access Mode Use this to set the access mode for the hard drive. The four options are: CHS/LBA/Large/Auto(default:Auto)
IDE Channel 2/3 Master, Slave
IDE HDD Auto-Detection Press "Enter" to select this option for automatic device detection. Extended IDE Drive SATA devices setup. You can use one of two methods: Auto Allows BIOS to automatically detect SATA IDE devices during POST. (Default value) None Select this if no SATA IDE devices are used and the system will skip the automatic detection step and allow for faster system start up. Access Mode Use this to set the access mode for the hard drive. The two options are: Large/Auto(default:Auto) Capacity Capacity of currently installed hard disk. Hard drive information should be labeled on the outside drive casing. Enter the appropriate option based on this information. Cylinder Number of cylinders Head Number of heads Precomp Write precomp Landing Zone Landing zone Sector Number of sectors

Drive A / Drive B

The category identifies the types of floppy disk drive A or drive B that has been installed in the computer. None No floppy drive installed 360K, 5.25" 5.25 inch PC-type standard drive; 360K byte capacity. 1.2M, 5.25" 5.25 inch AT-type high-density drive; 1.2M byte capacity (3.5 inch when 3 Mode is Enabled). 720K, 3.5" 3.5 inch double-sided drive; 720K byte capacity 1.44M, 3.5" 3.5 inch double-sided drive; 1.44M byte capacity. 2.88M, 3.5" 3.5 inch double-sided drive; 2.88M byte capacity.
Floppy 3 Mode Support (for Japan Area)
Disabled Drive A Drive B Both Normal Floppy Drive. (Default value) Drive A is 3 mode Floppy Drive. Drive B is 3 mode Floppy Drive. Drive A & B are 3 mode Floppy Drives.

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Halt on
The category determines whether the computer will stop if an error is detected during power up. No Errors The system boot will not stop for any error that may be detected and you will be prompted. All Errors Whenever the BIOS detects a non-fatal error the system will be stopped. All, But Keyboard The system boot will not stop for a keyboard error; it will stop for all other errors. (Default value) All, But Diskette The system boot will not stop for a disk error; it will stop for all other errors. All, But Disk/Key The system boot will not stop for a keyboard or disk error; it will stop for all other errors.

USB Controller

Enabled Disabled Enable USB Controller. (Default value) Disable USB Controller.

USB 2.0 Controller

Disable this function if you are not using onboard USB 2.0 feature. Enabled Enable USB 2.0 Controller. (Default value) Disabled Disable USB 2.0 Controller.

USB Keyboard Support

Enabled Disabled Enable USB Keyboard Support. Disable USB Keyboard Support. (Default value) Enable USB Mouse Support. Disable USB Mouse Support. (Default value) Auto detect AC97 audio function. (Default value) Disable this function. Enable Onboard H/W RAID function. (Default value) Disable this function. Enable Onboard H/W LAN function. (Default value) Disable this function.

USB Mouse Support

Enabled Disabled

AC97 Audio

Auto Disabled

Onboard H/W RAID

Onboard H/W LAN

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Onboard LAN Boot ROM
This function decide whether to invoke the boot ROM of the onboard LAN chip. Enabled Enable this function. Disabled Disable this function. (Default value)

Onboard Serial Port 1

Auto 3F8/IRQ4 2F8/IRQ3 3E8/IRQ4 2E8/IRQ3 Disabled Auto 3F8/IRQ4 2F8/IRQ3 3E8/IRQ4 2E8/IRQ3 Disabled This item allows Normal ASKIR IrDA BIOS will automatically setup the port 1 address. Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 3F8/IRQ4. (Default value) Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 2F8/IRQ3. Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 3E8/IRQ4. Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 2E8/IRQ3. Disable onboard Serial port 1. BIOS will automatically setup the port 2 address. Enable onboard Serial port 2 and address is 3F8/IRQ4. Enable onboard Serial port 2 and address is 2F8/IRQ3. (Default value) Enable onboard Serial port 2 and address is 3E8/IRQ4. Enable onboard Serial port 2 and address is 2E8/IRQ3. Disable onboard Serial port 2. you to determine which Infra Red(IR) function of Onboard I/O chip. Set onboard I/O chip UART to Normal Mode. (Default Value) Set onboard I/O chip UART to ASKIR Mode. Set onboard I/O chip UART to IrDA Mode.

Onboard Serial Port 2

UART Mode Select

UR2 Duplex Mode

This feature allows you to seclect IR mode. This function will available when "UART Mode Select" doesn't set at Normal. Half IR Function Duplex Half. (Default value) Full IR Function Duplex Full.

Onboard Parallel port

Disabled 378/IRQ7 278/IRQ5 3BC/IRQ7 SPP EPP ECP ECP+EPP Disable onboard LPT port. Enable onboard LPT port and address is 378/IRQ7. (Default value) Enable onboard LPT port and address is 278/IRQ5. Enable onboard LPT port and address is 3BC/IRQ7. Using Parallel port as Standard Parallel Port. (Default value) Using Parallel port as Enhanced Parallel Port. Using Parallel port as Extended Capabilities Port. Using Parallel port as ECP & EPP mode. Set ECP Mode Use DMA to 3. (Default value) Set ECP Mode Use DMA to 1.

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PnP/PCI Configurations
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software PnP/PCI Configurations PCI 1 IRQ Assignment PCI 2 IRQ Assignment PCI 2 IRQ Assignment [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] Item Help Menu Level

PCI 1 IRQ Assignment

Auto 3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15 Auto assign IRQ to PCI 1. (Default value) Set IRQ 3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15 to PCI 1. Auto assign IRQ to PCI 2. (Default value) Set IRQ 3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15 to PCI 2. Auto assign IRQ to PCI 3. (Default value) Set IRQ 3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15 to PCI 3.

PCI 2 IRQ Assignment

Auto 3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15

PCI 3 IRQ Assignment

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CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software PC Health Status Reset Case Open Status Case Opened Vcore DDRV +3.3V +12V Current CPU Temperature Current CPU FAN Speed Current SYSTEM FAN Speed CPU Warning Temperature CPU FAN Fail Warning SYSTEM FAN Fail Warning CPU Smart FAN Control CPU Smart FAN Mode [Disabled] No OK OK OK OK 33oC 4687 RPM 0 RPM [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto] Item Help Menu Level

Reset Case Open Status

Disabled Enabled Don't reset case open status. (Default value) Clear case open status at next boot.

Case Opened

If the case is closed, "Case Opened" will show "No". If the case have been opened, "Case Opened" will show "Yes". If you want to reset "Case Opened" value, set "Reset Case Open Status" to "Enabled" and save CMOS, your computer will restart.
Current Voltage(V) Vcore / DDRV / +3.3V / +12V
Detect system's voltage status automatically.

Current CPU Temperature

Detect CPU temperature automatically.
Current CPU/SYSTEM FAN Speed (RPM)
Detect CPU/SYSTEM Fan speed status automatically.

CPU Warning Temperature

60 oC / 140 o F 70 oC / 158 o F 80 oC / 176 o F 90 oC / 194 o F Disabled Disabled Enabled Monitor CPU temperature at 60 oC / Monitor CPU temperature at 70 oC / Monitor CPU temperature at 80 oC / Monitor CPU temperature at 90 oC / Disable this function. (Default value) 140oF. 158oF. 176oF. 194oF.
CPU/SYSTEM FAN Fail Warning
Fan warning function disable. (Default value) Fan warning function enable.

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CPU Smart FAN Control
Disabled Enabled Disable this function. When this function is enabled, CPU fan will run at different speed depending on CPU temperature. Users can adjust the fan speed with Easy Tune based on their requirements. (Default Value)

CPU Smart FAN Mode

This option is available only when CPU Smart FAN Control is enabled. Auto BIOS autodetects the type of CPU fan you installed and sets the optimal CPU Smart FAN control mode for it. (Default Value) Voltage Set to Voltage when you use a CPU fan with a 3-pin fan power cable. PWM Set to PWM when you use a CPU fan with a 4-pin fan power cable. Note: In fact, the Voltage option can be used for CPU fans with 3-pin or 4-pin power cables. However, some 4-pin CPU fan power cables are not designed following Intel 4-Wire fans PWM control specifications. With such CPU fans, selecting PWM will not effectively reduce the fan speed.

Fail-Safe defaults contain the most appropriate values of the system parameters that allow minimum system performance.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Load Fail-Safe Defaults Advanced BIOS Features Load Optimized Defaults Integrated Peripherals Set Supervisor Password Power Management Setup Set User Password Load Optimized Defaults (Y/N)?Exit Setup PnP/PCI Configurations Save & N PC Health Status Exit Without Saving MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ESC: Quit F8: Q-Flash : Select Item F10: Save & Exit Setup Load Optimized Defaults
Selecting this field loads the factory defaults for BIOS and Chipset Features which the system automatically detects.

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2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Advanced BIOS Features Integrated Peripherals Power Management Setup PnP/PCI Configurations Enter Password: PC Health Status MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ESC: Quit F8: Q-Flash Load Fail-Safe Defaults Load Optimized Defaults Set Supervisor Password Set User Password Save & Exit Setup Exit Without Saving : Select Item F10: Save & Exit Setup Change/Set/Disable Password
When you select this function, the following message will appear at the center of the screen to assist you in creating a password. Type the password, up to eight characters, and press <Enter>. You will be asked to confirm the password. Type the password again and press <Enter>. You may also press <Esc> to abort the selection and not enter a password. To disable password, just press <Enter> when you are prompted to enter password. A message "PASSWORD DISABLED" will appear to confirm the password being disabled. Once the password is disabled, the system will boot and you can enter Setup freely. The BIOS Setup program allows you to specify two separate passwords: SUPERVISOR PASSWORD and a USER PASSWORD. When disabled, anyone may access all BIOS Setup program function. When enabled, the Supervisor password is required for entering the BIOS Setup program and having full configuration fields, the User password is required to access only basic items. If you select "System" at "Password Check" in Advance BIOS Features Menu, you will be prompted for the password every time the system is rebooted or any time you try to enter Setup Menu. If you select "Setup" at "Password Check" in Advance BIOS Features Menu, you will be prompted only when you try to enter Setup.

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2-11 Save & Exit Setup
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Load Fail-Safe Defaults Advanced BIOS Features Load Optimized Defaults Integrated Peripherals Set Supervisor Password Power Management Setup Set User Password PnP/PCI Configurations Save & Exit Setup Save to CMOS and EXIT (Y/N)? Y Saving PC Health Status Exit Without MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ESC: Quit F8: Q-Flash : Select Item F10: Save & Exit Setup Save Data to CMOS
Type "Y" will quit the Setup Utility and save the user setup value to RTC CMOS. Type "N" will return to Setup Utility.

2-12 Exit Without Saving

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Advanced BIOS Features Integrated Peripherals Power Management Setup PnP/PCI Configurations PC Health Status MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ESC: Quit F8: Q-Flash Load Fail-Safe Defaults Load Optimized Defaults Set Supervisor Password Set User Password Quit Without Saving (Y/N)? NExit Setup Save & Exit Without Saving : Select Item F10: Save & Exit Setup Abandon all Data
Type "Y" will quit the Setup Utility without saving to RTC CMOS. Type "N" will return to Setup Utility.

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Chapter 3 Install Drivers
Pictures below are shown in Windows XP. Insert the driver CD-title that came with your motherboard into your CD-ROM drive, the driver CD-title will auto start and show the installation guide. If not, please double click the CD-ROM device icon in "My computer", and execute the Run.exe.

Install Chipset Drivers

After insert the driver CD, "Xpress Install" will scan automatically the system and then list all the drivers that recommended to install. Please pick the item that you want and press "install" followed the item; or you can press "Xpress Install" to install all items defaulted.
Some device drivers will restart your system automatically. After restarting your system the "Xpress Install" will continue to install other drivers. System will reboot automatically after install the drivers, afterward you can install others application. For USB2.0 driver support under Windows XP operating system, please use Windows Service Pack. After install Windows Service Pack, it will show a question mark "?" in "Universal Serial Bus controller" under "Device Manager". Please remove the question mark and restart the system (System will auto-detect the right USB2.0 driver).

In this example, we only download one BIOS file to the floppy disk so only one BIOS file, 8KNXPU.Fba, is listed.
Please confirm again you have the correct BIOS file for your motherboard.
Wide Range Protection Disable 1 file(s) found Boot From Main Bios 8KNXPU.Fba 512K Auto Recovery Enable Halt On Error Disable Total size Copy Main ROM Data to Backup : 1.39M Free size : 911.50K F5 : Refresh DEL : Load Default SettingsDelete Save Settings to CMOS Q-Flash Utility Load Main BIOS from Floppy Load Backup BIOS from Floppy Save Main BIOS to Floppy Save Backup BIOS to Floppy Enter : Run :Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off
BIOS file in the floppy disk.
After pressing Enter, you'll then see the progress of reading the BIOS file from the floppy disk.
Dual BIOS Utility Boot From... Main Bios Main ROM Type/Size..SST 49LF003A Backup ROM Type/Size..SST 49LF003A Wide Range Protection Disable Boot From Main Bios Reading BIOS file from floppy. Auto Recovery Enable >>>>>>>>>>>>>>. Halt On Error Disable Copy Main ROM Data to Backup Don't Turn Off Power or Reset System Load Default Settings Save Settings to CMOS Q-Flash Utility Load Main BIOS from Floppy Load Backup BIOS from Floppy Save Main BIOS to Floppy Save Backup BIOS to Floppy :Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off
Do not turn off power or reset your system at this stage!!

Enter : Run

After BIOS file is read, you'll see a confirmation dialog box asking you "Are you sure to update BIOS?" GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard - 60 -
3. Press Y button on your keyboard after you are sure to update BIOS. Then it will begin to update BIOS. The progress of updating BIOS will be displayed. Please do not take out the floppy disk when it begins flashing BIOS. 4. Press any keys to return to the Q-Flash menu when the BIOS updating procedure is completed.
Wide Range Protection Disable Boot From Main Bios Auto Recovery Enable !! Copy BIOS completed - Pass !! Halt On Error Disable Copy Main ROM Data to continue Please press any key Backup Load Default Settings Save Settings to CMOS Q-Flash Utility Load Main BIOS from Floppy Load Backup BIOS from Floppy Save Main BIOS to Floppy Save Backup BIOS to Floppy Enter : Run :Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off
You can repeat Step 1 to 4 to flash the backup BIOS, too.

Press Esc and then Y button to exit the Q-Flash utility. The computer will restart automatically after you exit Q-Flash.
Wide Range Protection Disable Boot From Main Bios Auto Recovery Enable Are you sure to RESET ? Halt On Error Disable Copy Main ROM Data to Backup [Enter] to continure or [Esc] to abort. Load Default Settings Save Settings to CMOS Q-Flash Utility Load Main BIOS from Floppy Load Backup BIOS from Floppy Save Main BIOS to Floppy Save Backup BIOS to Floppy Enter : Run :Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off
After system reboots, you may find the BIOS version on your boot screen becomes the one you flashed.
The BIOS file becomes Fab after updating.
Intel i875P AGPset BIOS for 8KNXP Ultra Fba Check System Health OK , VCore = 1.5250 Main Processor : Intel Pentium(R) 4 1.6GHz (133x12) <CPUID : 0F27 Patch ID : 0027> Memory Testing : 131072K OK Memory Frequency 266 MHz in Single Channel Primary Master : FUJITSU MPE3170AT ED-03-08 Primary Slave : None Secondary Master : CREATIVEDVD-RM DVD1242E BC101 Secondary Slave : None
Press DEL to enter SETUP / Dual BIOS / Q-Flash / F9 For Xpress Recovery 09/23/2003-i875P-6A79BG03C-00

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Press Del to enter BIOS menu after system reboots. When you are in BIOS menu, move to Load Fail-Safe Defaults item and press Enter to load BIOS Fail-Safe Defaults. Normally the system redetects all devices after BIOS has been upgraded. Therefore, we highly recommend reloading the BIOS defaults after BIOS has been upgraded.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Select Language Advanced BIOS Features Load Fail-Safe Defaults Integrated Peripherals Load Optimized Defaults Power Management Setup Set Supervisor Password Load Fail-Safe Defaults (Y/N)? Y PnP/PCI Configurations Set User Password PC Health Status Save & Exit Setup MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) Exit Without Saving ESC: Quit F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash F3: Change Language F10: Save & Exit Setup Time, Date, Hard Disk Type.

STEP 2 : Following installation of the audio driver, you find a Sound Effect icon on the lower right hand taskbar. Click the icon to select the function.

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STEP 3: Click "Speaker Configuration" then click on the left selection bar and select "2CH Speaker" to complete 2 channel audio configuration.

4 Channel Audio Setup

STEP 1 : Connect the front channels to "Front Speaker Out", the rear channels to "Rear Speaker Out".

Front Speaker Out

STEP 3: Click "Speaker Configuration" then click on the left selection bar and select "4CH Speaker" to complete 4 channel audio configuration.

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6 Channel Audio Setup
STEP 1 : Connect the front channels to "Front Speaker Out", the rear channels to "Rear Speaker Out", and the Center/Subwoofer channels to "Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out".
Front Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
STEP 3: Click "Speaker Configuration" then click on the left selection bar and select "6CH Speaker" to complete 6 channel audio configuration.

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8 Channel Audio Setup
STEP 1 : Connect the front channels to "Front Speaker Out", the rear channels to "Rear Speaker Out", the Center/ Subwoofer channels to "Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out", and the side channels to "Side Speaker Out".
Front Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out Side Speaker Out
Sound Effect Configuration: At the sound effect menu, users can adjust sound option settings as desired.

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4-1-5 Jack-Sensing and UAJ Introduction
Jack-Sensing provides audio connectors error-detection function.
Install Microsoft DirectX8.1 or later version before to enable Jack-Sensing support for Windows 98/98SE/2000/ME.
Jack-Sensing includes 2 parts: AUTO and MANUAL. Following is an example for 2 channels (Windows XP):
Introduction of audio connectors You may connect CDROM, Walkman or others audio input devices to Line In jack, speakers, earphone or others output devices to Line Out jack, and microphone to MIC In jack.
Auto-detecting: Please connect the devices to the right jacks as above. A window will appear as right picture if you setup the devices properly. Please note that 3D audio function will only appear when 3D audio inputs.

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If you set wrong with the connectors, the warning message will come out as right picture.
Manual setting: If the device picture shows different from what you set, please press "Manual Selection" to set.

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Installation of Memory
Before installing the memory modules, please comply with the following conditions: 1. Please make sure that the memory used is supported by the motherboard. It is recommended that memory of similar capacity, specifications and brand be used. 2. Before installing or removing memory modules, please make sure that the computer power is switched off to prevent hardware damage. 3. Memory modules have a foolproof insertion design. A memory module can be installed in only one direction. If you are unable to insert the module, please switch the direction.
The motherboard supports DDR memory modules, whereby BIOS will automatically detect memory capacity and specifications. Memory modules are designed so that they can be inserted only in one direction. The memory capacity used can differ with each slot.
Fig.1 The DIMM socket has a notch, so the DIMM memory module can only fit in one direction. Insert the DIMM memory module vertically into the DIMM socket. Then push it down.
Fig.2 Close the plastic clip at both edges of the DIMM sockets to lock the DIMM module. Reverse the installation steps when you wish to remove the DIMM module.

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Dual Channel DDR
GA-8I915PL-G supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will add double. GA-8I915PL-G includes 2 DIMM sockets, and each Channel has two DIMM sockets as following: Channel A : DDR 1 Channel B : DDR 2 If you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please note the following explanations due to the limitation of Intel chipset specifications. 1. If one DDR memory modules are installed: The Dual Channel Technolog cannot operate when one DDR memory modules are installed. 2. If two DDR memory modules are installed, please use memory of the same storage capacity in order to use dual channel memory and for BIOS to detect all the DDR memory modules. We'll strongly recommend our user to slot two DDR memory modules into the DIMMs with the same color in order for Dual Channel Technology to work. The following table is for Dual Channel Technology combination: (DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side)
DDR memory modules DS/SS DDR 2 DS/SS

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Installation of Expansion Cards
You can install your expansion card by following the steps outlined below: 1. Read the related expansion card's instruction document before install the expansion card into the computer. 2. Remove your computer's chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the computer. 3. Press the expansion card firmly into expansion slot in motherboard. 4. Be sure the metal contacts on the card are indeed seated in the slot. 5. Replace the screw to secure the slot bracket of the expansion card. 6. Replace your computer's chassis cover. 7. Power on the computer, if necessary, setup BIOS utility of expansion card from BIOS. 8. Install related driver from the operating system. Installing a PCI Express x 16 expansion card:

Pin No.

Definition GND GND +12V +12V

Pin No. 11

Definition 3.3V 3.3V GND +5V GND +5V GND Power Good 5V SB(stand by +5V) +12V +12V 3.3V(Only for 24pins ATX) 3.3V -12V GND PS_ON(soft On/Off) GND GND GND -5V +5V +5V +5V GND

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CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN (Cooler Fan Power Connector)
The cooler fan power connector supplies a +12V power voltage via a 3-pin/4-pin (only for CPU_FAN) power connector and possesses a foolproof connection design. Most coolers are designed with color-coded power connector wires. A red power connector wire indicates a positive connection and requires a +12V power voltage. The black connector wire is the ground wire (GND). Please remember to connect the power to the cooler to prevent system overheating and failure. Caution! Please remember to connect the power to the CPU fan to prevent CPU overheating and failure.

Pin No. 3 4

Definition GND +12V Sense Speed Control (Only for CPU_FAN)

CPU_FAN

5) FDD (Floppy Connector)
The FDD connector is used to connect the FDD cable while the other end of the cable connects to the FDD drive. The types of FDD drives supported are: 360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, 1.44MB and 2.88MB. Please connect the red power connector wire to the pin1 position.

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6) IDE1 (IDE Connector)
An IDE device connects to the computer via an IDE connector. One IDE connector can connect to one IDE cable, and the single IDE cable can then connect to two IDE devices (hard drive or optical drive). If you wish to connect two IDE devices, please set the jumper on one IDE device as Master and the other as Slave (for information on settings, please refer to the instructions located on the IDE device).
7) SATA0/SATA1/SATA2/SATA3 (Serial ATA Connector)
Serial ATA can provide 150MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the Serial ATA and install the proper driver in order to work properly.

Pin No. 1

Definition GND TXP TXN GND RXN RXP GND

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8) F_PANEL (Front Panel Jumper)
Please connect the power LED, PC speaker, reset switch and power switch etc of your chassis front panel to the F_PANEL connector according to the pin assignment below.

(Note)

This item will show up when you install a processor which supports this function. - 34 -

Password Check

The system will boot but will not access to Setup page if the correct password is not entered at the prompt. (Default value) System The system will not boot and will not access to Setup page if the correct password is not entered at the prompt. If you want to cancel the setting of password, please just press ENTER to make [SETUP] empty. Setup

CPU Hyper-Threading

Enabled Disabled Enabled Disabled Enabled Disabled Enabled Disabled Enabled Disabled Enables CPU Hyper Threading Feature. Please note that this feature is only working for operating system with multi processors mode supported. (Default value) Disables CPU Hyper Threading. Limit CPUID Maximum value to 3 when use older OS like NT4. Disables CPUID Limit for windows XP. (Default value) Enables No-Execute Memory Protect function. Disables No-Execute Memory Protect function. (Default value) Enables CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) function. Disables CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) function. (Default value) Enable CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2) function. Disable CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2) function. (Default value)

Limit CPUID Max. to 3

No-Execute Memory Protect (Note)
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) (Note)
CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2) (Note)
This item will show up when you install a processor which supports this function. - 35 BIOS Setup
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software Integrated Peripherals [Enabled] [Auto] Ch.0 Master/Slave Ch.2 Master/Slave Ch.3 Master/Slave [Enabled] [Enabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [Normal] Half [378/IRQ7] [SPP] 3 +/-/PU/PD: Value F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F10: Save Item Help Menu Level
On-Chip Primary PCI IDE On-Chip SATA Mode x PATA IDE Set to SATA Port 0/2 Set to SATA Port 1/3 Set to USB Controller USB 2.0 Controller USB Keyboard Support USB Mouse Support AC97 Audio Onboard H/W LAN Onboard LAN Boot ROM Onboard Serial Port 1 Onboard Serial Port 2 UART Mode Select x UR2 Duplex Mode Onboard Parallel Port Parallel Port Mode x ECP Mode Use DMA : Move Enter: Select F5: Previous Values

On-Chip Primary PCI IDE

Enabled Disabled Enable onboard 1st channel IDE port. (Default value) Disable onboard 1st channel IDE port. Disable this function. BIOS will auto detect. (Default value) Set On-Chip SATA mode to Combined, you can use up to 4 HDDs on the motherboard; 2 for SATA and the other for PATA IDE. Set On-Chip SATA mode to Enhanced, the motherboard allows up to 6 HDDs to use. Set On-Chip SATA mode to Non-Combined, SATA will be simulated to PATA mode. Set PATA IDE to Ch. 1 Master/Slave. Set PATA IDE to Ch. 0 Master/Slave. (Default value)

UR2 Duplex Mode

This feature allows you to seclect IR mode. This function will available when "UART Mode Select" doesn't set at Normal. Half IR Function Duplex Half. (Default value) Full IR Function Duplex Full.

Onboard Parallel port

Disabled 378/IRQ7 278/IRQ5 3BC/IRQ7 SPP EPP ECP ECP+EPP Disable onboard LPT port. Enable onboard LPT port and address is 378/IRQ7. (Default value) Enable onboard LPT port and address is 278/IRQ5. Enable onboard LPT port and address is 3BC/IRQ7. Using Parallel port as Standard Parallel Port. (Default value) Using Parallel port as Enhanced Parallel Port. Using Parallel port as Extended Capabilities Port. Using Parallel port as ECP & EPP mode. Set ECP Mode Use DMA to 3. (Default value) Set ECP Mode Use DMA to 1.

Parallel Port Mode

ECP Mode Use DMA

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CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software Power Management Setup [S1(POS)] [Instant-off] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Disabled] Everyday 0:0:0 [Disabled] [Disabled] Enter [Soft-Off] Item Help Menu Level
ACPI Suspend Type Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN PME Event Wake Up Power On by Ring Resume by Alarm x Date (of Month) Alarm x Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm Power On By Mouse Power On By Keyboard x KB Power ON Password AC Back Function

ACPI Suspend Type

S1(POS) S3(STR) Instant-off Delay 4 Sec. Set ACPI suspend type to S1/POS(Power On Suspend). (Default value) Set ACPI suspend type to S3/STR(Suspend To RAM). Press power button then Power off instantly. (Default value) Press power button 4 sec. to Power off. Enter suspend if button is pressed less than 4 sec. Disable this function. Enable PME Event Wake up. (Default value) Disable Power on by Ring function. Enable Power on by Ring function. (Default value)

Soft-off by PWR-BTTN

PME Event Wake Up
Disabled Enabled Disabled Enabled

Power On by Ring

Resume by Alarm
You can set "Resume by Alarm" item to enabled and key in Date/time to power on system. Disabled Disable this function. (Default value) Enabled Enable alarm function to POWER ON system. If RTC Alarm Lead To Power On is Enabled. Date (of Month) Alarm : Everyday, 1~31 Time (hh: mm: ss) Alarm : (0~23) : (0~59) : (0~59)

Power On By Mouse

Disabled Double Click Disabled this function. (Default value) Double click on PS/2 mouse left button to power on the system.

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Power On By Keyboard

Detect system's voltage status automatically.

Current CPU Temperature

Detect CPU temperature automatically.
Current CPU/SYSTEM FAN Speed (RPM)
Detect CPU/SYSTEM Fan speed status automatically.

CPU Warning Temperature

60 oC / 140 o F 70 oC / 158 o F 80 oC / 176 o F 90 oC / 194 o F Disabled Disabled Enabled Monitor CPU temperature at 60 oC / Monitor CPU temperature at 70 oC / Monitor CPU temperature at 80 oC / Monitor CPU temperature at 90 oC / Disable this function. (Default value) 140oF. 158oF. 176oF. 194oF.
CPU/SYSTEM FAN Fail Warning
Fan warning function disable. (Default value) Fan warning function enable.

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CPU Smart FAN Control
Disabled Enabled Disable this function. Enable CPU Smart Fan control function. (Default value) a. When the CPU temperature is higher than 65 degrees Celsius, CPU fan will run at full speed. b. The speed of CPU fan will increase linearly depand on the temperature if the temperature is more than 41 degree and less than 65 degree. c. When the CPU temperature is lower than 40 degrees Celsius, CPU fan will be disable.

CPU Smart FAN Mode

This option is available only when CPU Smart FAN Control is enabled. Auto BIOS autodetects the type of CPU fan you installed and sets the optimal CPU Smart FAN control mode for it. (Default Value) Voltage Set to Voltage when you use a CPU fan with a 3-pin fan power cable. PWM Set to PWM when you use a CPU fan with a 4-pin fan power cable. Note: In fact, the Voltage option can be used for CPU fans with 3-pin or 4-pin power cables. However, some 4-pin CPU fan power cables are not designed following Intel 4-Wire fans PWM control specifications. With such CPU fans, selecting PWM will not effectively reduce the fan speed.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) [15X] [Auto] [Disabled] [Disabled] 200 Auto [Auto] 533 [Normal] [Normal] [Normal] [Normal] Item Help Menu Level
CPU Clock Ratio Robust Graphics Booster C.I.A. 2 CPU Host Clock Control x CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) x PCI Experss Frequency (Mhz) Memory Frequency For Memory Frequency (Mhz) DIMM OverVoltage Control PCI-E OverVoltage Control FSB OverVoltage Control CPU Voltage Control
Incorrect using these features may cause your system broken. For power end-user use only.

CPU Clock Ratio

This setup option will automatically assign by CPU detection. The option will display "Locked" and read only if the CPU ratio is not changeable.

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Appendix
4-1-1 EasyTune 5 Introduction
EasyTune 5 presents the most convenient Windows based system performance enhancement and manageability utility. Featuring several powerful yet easy to use tools such as 1) Overclocking for enhancing system performance, 2) C.I.A. and M.I.B. for special enhancement for CPU and Memory, 3) Smart-Fan control for managing fan speed control of both CPU cooling fan and North-Bridge Chipset cooling fan, 4) PC health for monitoring system status.(Note)

User Interface Overview

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Button / Display Overclocking C.I.A./C.I.A.2 and M.I.B./M.I.B.2 Smart-Fan PC Health GO "Easy Mode" & "Advance Mode" Display screen Function display LEDs GIGABYTE Logo Help button Exit or Minimize button
Description Enters the Overclocking setting page Enters the C.I.A./2 and M.I.B./2 setting page Enters the Smart-Fan setting page Enters the PC Health setting page Confirmation and Execution button Toggles between Easy and Advance Mode Display panel of CPU frequency Shows the current functions status Log on to GIGABYTE website Display EasyTuneTM 5 Help file Quit or Minimize EasyTuneTM 5 software
EasyTune 5 functions may vary depending on different motherboards. - 54 -
4-1-2 Xpress Recovery Introduction
What is Xpress Recovery ?
Xpress Recovery is a utility used to back up and restore an OS partition. If the hard drive is not working properly, the user can restore the drive to its original state. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Supports FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS formats Must be connected to the IDE1 Master Allows installation of only one OS Must be used with an IDE hard disk supporting HPA The first partition must be set as the boot partition. When the boot partition is backed up, please do not alter its size. Xpress Recovery is recommended when using Ghost to return boot manager to NTFS format.
How to use the Xpress Recovery
1. Boot from CD-ROM (BMP Mode) Enter the BIOS menu, select "Advanced BIOS Feature" and set to boot from CD-ROM. Insert the provided driver CD into your CD drive, then save and exit the BIOS menu. Once the computer has restarted, the phrase "Boot from CD:" will appear at the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. When "Boot from CD:" appears, press any key to enter Xpress Recovery. Once you have completed this step, subsequent access to Xpress Recovery can also function by pressing the F9 key during computer power on.

Before You Begin:

Before you start updating BIOS with the Q-FlashTM utility, please follow the steps below first. 1. 2. 3. Download the latest BIOS for your motherboard from Gigabyte's website. Extract the BIOS file downloaded and save the BIOS file (the one with model name.Fxx. For example, 8KNXPU.Fba) to a floppy disk. Reboot your PC and press Del to enter BIOS menu.
The BIOS upgrading guides below are separated into two parts. If your motherboard has dual-BIOS, please refer to Part One. If your motherboard has single-BIOS, please refer to Part Two.
Part One: Updating BIOS with Q-FlashTM Utility on Dual BIOS Motherboards.
Some of Gigabyte motherboards are equipped with dual BIOS. In the BIOS menu of the motherboards supporting Q-Flash and Dual BIOS, the Q-Flash utility and Dual BIOS utility are combined in the same screen. This section only deals with how to use Q-Flash utility. In the following sections, we take GA-8KNXP Ultra as the example to guide you how to flash BIOS from an older version to the latest version. For example, from Fa3 to Fba.
Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG, An Energy Star Ally Copyright (C) 1984-2003, Award Software, Inc.
The BIOS file is Fa3 before updating
Intel i875P AGPset BIOS for 8KNXP Ultra Fa3 Check System Health OK , VCore = 1.5250 Main Processor : Intel Pentium(R) 4 1.6GHz (133x12) <CPUID : 0F27 Patch ID : 0027> Memory Testing : 131072K OK Memory Frequency 266 MHz in Single Channel Primary Master : FUJITSU MPE3170AT ED-03-08 Primary Slave : None Secondary Master : CREATIVEDVD-RM DVD1242E BC101 Secondary Slave : None
Press DEL to enter SETUP / Dual BIOS / Q-Flash / F9 For Xpress Recovery 08/07/2003-i875P-6A79BG03C-00

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Entering the Q-FlashTM utility:
Step1: To use Q-Flash utility, you must press Del in the boot screen to enter BIOS menu.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Advanced BIOS Features Integrated Peripherals Power Management Setup PnP/PCI Configurations PC Health Status MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ESC: Quit F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash Select Language Load Fail-Safe Defaults Load Optimized Defaults Set Supervisor Password Set User Password Save & Exit Setup Exit Without Saving F3: Change Language F10: Save & Exit Setup Time, Date, Hard Disk Type.
Step 2: Press F8 button on your keyboard and then Y button to enter the Dual BIOS/Q-Flash utility.
Exploring the Q-FlashTM / Dual BIOS utility screen

The Q-Flash / Dual BIOS utility screen consists of the following key components.
Dual BIOS Utility Boot From... Main Bios Main ROM Type/Size..SST 49LF003A Backup ROM Type/Size..SST 49LF003A

Dual BIOS utility bar

512K 512K
Task menu for Dual BIOS utility
Task menu for Q-FlashTM utility
Wide Range Protection Disable Boot From Main Bios Auto Recovery Enable Halt On Error Disable Copy Main ROM Data to Backup Load Default Settings Save Settings to CMOS Q-Flash Utility Load Main BIOS from Floppy Load Backup BIOS from Floppy Save Main BIOS to Floppy Save Backup BIOS to Floppy Enter : Run :Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off
Q-FlashTM utility title bar Action bar
Task menu for Dual BIOS utility:
Contains the names of eight tasks and two item showing information about the BIOS ROM type. Blocking a task and pressing Enter key on your keyboard to enable execution of the task.
Task menu for Q-Flash utility:
Contains the names of four tasks. Blocking a task and pressing Enter key on your keyboard to enable execution of the task.

Action bar:

Contains the names of four actions needed to operate the Q-Flash/Dual BIOS utility. Pressing the buttons mentioned on your keyboards to perform these actions.

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Using the Q-FlashTM utility:
This section tells you how to update BIOS using the Q-Flash utility. As described in the "Before you begin" section above, you must prepare a floppy disk having the BIOS file for your motherboard and insert it to your computer. If you have already put the floppy disk into your system and have entered the Q-Flash utility, please follow the steps below to flash BIOS.

Steps:

1. Press arrow buttons on your keyboard to move the light bar to "Load Main BIOS from Floppy" item in the Q-Flash menu and press Enter button. Later, you will see a box pop up showing the BIOS files you previously downloaded to the floppy disk. If you want to save the current BIOS for backup purpose, you can begin Step 1 with "Save Main BIOS to Floppy" item. 2. Move to the BIOS file you want to flash and press Enter.
In this example, we only download one BIOS file to the floppy disk so only one BIOS file, 8KNXPU.Fba, is listed.

Wide Range Protection Disable Boot From Main Bios Auto Recovery Enable Are you sure to RESET ? Halt On Error Disable Copy Main ROM Data to Backup [Enter] to continure or [Esc] to abort. Load Default Settings Save Settings to CMOS Q-Flash Utility Load Main BIOS from Floppy Load Backup BIOS from Floppy Save Main BIOS to Floppy Save Backup BIOS to Floppy Enter : Run :Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off
After system reboots, you may find the BIOS version on your boot screen becomes the one you flashed.
The BIOS file becomes Fab after updating.
Intel i875P AGPset BIOS for 8KNXP Ultra Fba Check System Health OK , VCore = 1.5250 Main Processor : Intel Pentium(R) 4 1.6GHz (133x12) <CPUID : 0F27 Patch ID : 0027> Memory Testing : 131072K OK Memory Frequency 266 MHz in Single Channel Primary Master : FUJITSU MPE3170AT ED-03-08 Primary Slave : None Secondary Master : CREATIVEDVD-RM DVD1242E BC101 Secondary Slave : None
Press DEL to enter SETUP / Dual BIOS / Q-Flash / F9 For Xpress Recovery 09/23/2003-i875P-6A79BG03C-00

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Press Del to enter BIOS menu after system reboots. When you are in BIOS menu, move to Load Fail-Safe Defaults item and press Enter to load BIOS Fail-Safe Defaults. Normally the system redetects all devices after BIOS has been upgraded. Therefore, we highly recommend reloading the BIOS defaults after BIOS has been upgraded.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Select Language Advanced BIOS Features Load Fail-Safe Defaults Integrated Peripherals Load Optimized Defaults Power Management Setup Set Supervisor Password Load Fail-Safe Defaults (Y/N)? Y PnP/PCI Configurations Set User Password PC Health Status Save & Exit Setup MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) Exit Without Saving ESC: Quit F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash F3: Change Language F10: Save & Exit Setup Time, Date, Hard Disk Type.
Press Y on your keyboard to load defaults. 7. Select Save & Exit Setup item to save the settings to CMOS and exit the BIOS menu. System will reboot after you exit the BIOS menu. The procedure is completed.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Select Language Advanced BIOS Features Load Fail-Safe Defaults Integrated Peripherals Load Optimized Defaults Power Management Setup Set Supervisor Password Save to CMOS and EXIT (Y/N)? Y PnP/PCI Configurations Set User Password PC Health Status Save & Exit Setup MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) Exit Without Saving ESC: Quit F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash F3: Change Language F10: Save & Exit Setup Time, Date, Hard Disk Type.

Q-Flash Utility V1.30 Flash Type/Size..SST 49LF003A Keep DMI Data Enable Reading BIOS file from floppy. Update BIOS from >>>>>>>>>>>>>>. Floppy Save BIOS to Floppy Enter : Run :Move ESC:Reset Don't Turn Off Power or Reset System

Do not trun off power or

reset your system at this stage!!
After BIOS file is read, you'll see a confirmation dialog box asking you "Are you sure to update BIOS?" Please do not take out the floppy disk when it begins flashing BIOS. - 63 Appendix
Press Y button on your keyboard after you are sure to update BIOS. Then it will begin to update BIOS. The progress of updating BIOS will be shown at the same time.
Keep DMI Data BIOS Now Updating Enable Update BIOS from Floppy >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.. Save BIOS to Floppy Enter : Run :Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off Don't Turn Off Power or Reset System
Press any keys to return to the Q-Flash menu when the BIOS updating procedure is completed.
Keep DMI Data Enable !! Copy BIOS completed - Pass !! Update BIOS from Floppy Save BIOS to Floppy Please press any key to continue F10:Power Off :Move ESC:Reset
Keep DMI Data Enable Are you sure to RESET ? Update BIOS from Floppy Save BIOS to Floppy [Enter] to continure or [Esc] to abort. Enter : Run :Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off
The BIOS file becomes F4 after updating
Intel 845GE AGPSet BIOS for 8GE800 F4 Check System Health OK Main Processor : Intel Pentium(R) 4 1.7GHz (100x17.0) <CPUID : 0F0A Patch ID : 0009> Memory Testing : 122880K OK + 8192K Shared Memory Primary Master : FUJITSU MPE3170AT ED-03-08 Primary Slave : None Secondary Master : CREATIVEDVD-RM DVD1242E BC101 Secondary Slave : None
Press DEL to enter SETUP / Q-Flash 03/18/2003-I845GE-6A69YG01C-00
Press Del to enter BIOS menu after system reboots and "Load BIOS Fail-Safe Defaults". See how to Load BIOS Fail-Safe Defaults, please kindly refer to Step 6 to 7 in Part One.
Congratulation!! You have updated BIOS successfully!!

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Method 2 : @BIOSTM Utility
If you do not have a DOS startup disk, we recommend that you use the new @BIOS utility. @BIOS allows users to update their BIOS under Windows. Just select the desired @BIOS server to download the latest version of BIOS. Fig 1. Installing the @BIOS utility Fig 2. Installation Complete and Run @BIOS
Click Sart/ Programs/ GIGABYTE/@BIOS
Select @BIOS item than click Install

Fig 3. The @BIOS Utility

Fig 4. Select the desired @BIOS server

Click " "

Click "Update New BIOS"

1. Methods and steps:

I. Update BIOS through Internet a. Click "Internet Update" icon b. Click "Update New BIOS" icon c. Select @BIOSTM sever d. Select the exact model name on your motherboard e. System will automatically download and update the BIOS. II. Update BIOS NOT through Internet: a. Do not click "Internet Update" icon b. Click "Update New BIOS" c. Please select "All Files" in dialog box while opening the old file. d. Please search for BIOS unzip file, downloading from internet or any other methods (such as: 8I915PL-G.D2). e. Complete update process following the instruction.

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III. Save BIOS In the very beginning, there is "Save Current BIOS" icon shown in dialog box. It means to save the current BIOS version. IV. Check out supported motherboard and Flash ROM: In the very beginning, there is "About this program" icon shown in dialog box. It can help you check out which kind of motherboard and which brand of Flash ROM are supported.

2. Note:

I. In method I, if it shows two or more motherboard's model names to be selected, please make sure your motherboard's model name again. Selecting wrong model name will cause the system unbooted. II. In method II, be sure that motherboard's model name in BIOS unzip file are the same as your motherboard's. Otherwise, your system won't boot. III. In method I, if the BIOS file you need cannot be found in @BIOSTM server, please go onto Gigabyte's web site for downloading and updating it according to method II. IV. Please note that any interruption during updating will cause system unbooted

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4-1-4 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction
This motherboard provide 6 audio connector. You are able to use 2-/ 4-/6-/8-channnels audio feature by audio software selection.
Introduction of audio connectors:
You may connect CD-ROM/DVD-ROM, walkman or others audio input to Line In. The front channels or earphone can be connected to Line In Rear Speaker Out Line Out (Front Speaker Out). Line Out Center/Subwoofer (Front Speaker Out) Speaker Out Connect microphone to Mic In. Side Speaker Mic In Connect the rear channels to Rear Speaker Out. Out Connect the Center/Subwoofer channels to Center/ Subwoofer Speaker Out. Connect the side channels to Side Speaker Out. The installation of audio software for Windows 98/2000/ME/XP is very simple. Please follow the steps to install the function.(Following pictures are in Windows XP)
Stereo Speakers Connection and Settings:
We recommend that you use the speaker with amplifier to acquire the best sound effect if the stereo output is applied. STEP 1: Connect the stereo speakers or earphone to "Line Out". Line Out
STEP 2 : Following installation of the audio driver, you find a Sound Effect icon on the lower right hand taskbar. Click the icon to select the function.

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STEP 3: Click "Speaker Configuration" then click on the left selection bar and select "2CH Speaker" to complete 2 channel audio configuration.

4 Channel Audio Setup

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Question 7: Why cannot I use the IDE 2? Answer: Please refer to the user manual and check whether you have connected any cable that is not provided with the motherboard package to the USB Over Current pin in the Front USB Panel. If the cable is your own cable, please remove it from this pin and do not connect any of your own cables to it. Question 8: Sometimes I hear different continuous beeps from computer after system boots up. What do these beeps usually stand for? Answer: The beep codes below may help you identify the possible computer problems. However, they are only for reference purposes. The situations might differ from case to case. AMI BIOS Beep Codes *Computer gives 1 short beep when system boots successfully. *Except for beep code 8, these codes are always fatal. 1 beep Refresh failure 2 beeps Parity error 3 beeps Base 64K memory failure 4 beeps Timer not operational 5 beeps Processor error 6 beeps 8042 - gate A20 failure 7 beeps Processor exception interrupt error 8 beeps Display memory read/write failure 9 beeps ROM checksum error 10 beeps CMOS shutdown register read/write error 11 beeps Cache memory bad AWARD BIOS Beep Codes 1 short: System boots successfully 2 short: CMOS setting error 1 long 1 short: DRAM or M/B error 1 long 2 short: Monitor or display card error 1 long 3 short: Keyboard error 1 long 9 short: BIOS ROM error Continuous long beeps: DRAM error Continuous short beeps: Power error

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