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.
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.
English
Instances of Non-Warranty
1. Damage due to natural disaster, accident or human cause.
2. Damage as a result of violating the conditions recommended in the user manual.
3. Damage due to improper installation.
4. Damage due to use of uncertified components.
5. Damage due to use exceeding the permitted parameters.
6. Product determined to be an unofficial Gigabyte product.
Hardware Installation- 9 -
English
1-2Feature Summary
CPU Socket 939 for AMD AthlonTM 64 / 64 FX processor (K8)
2000MT/s system bus
Supports core frequencies in excess of 3000+ and faster
Chipset nVIDIA® nForce4 Ultra Chipset
Memory 4 DDR DIMM memory slots (supports up to 4GB memory)
Supports dual channel DDR 400/333/266/200 DIMM
Slots 1 PCI Express x 16 slot
2 PCI Express x 1 slots
3 PCI slots
IDE Connections 2 IDE connection (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100/ATA 133), allows connection
of 4 IDE devices
FDD Connections 1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices
Onboard SATA 4 SATA 3Gb/s ports from nVIDIA® nForce4 Ultra controller (S_ATA0_SB,
S_ATA1_SB, S_ATA2_SB, S_ATA3_SB);
4 SATA ports from SiI3114 controller (SATA0_SII, SATA1_SII, SATA2_SII,
SATA3_SII)
Peripherals 1 parallel port supporting Normal/EPP/ECP mode
1 serial port (COMA)
10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (rear x 4, front x 6 via cable)
3 IEEE1394b ports (requires cable)
1 front audio connector
1 IR/CIR connector
1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
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
SPDIF In/Out connection
CD In connection
I/O Control IT8712F
(Note)
(Note) Due to standard PC architecture, a certain amount of memory is reserved for system usage and
therefore the actual memory size is less than the stated amount.
For example, 4 GB of memory size will instead be shown as 3.xxGB memory during system startup.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 10 -
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU temperature detection
CPU / System/ Power fan speed detection
CPU warning temperature
CPU fan failure warning
CPU smart fan control
-supports data striping (RAID 0), mirroring (RAID 1),
striping + mirroring (RAID 0+1), or RAID 5
-supports data transfer rate of up to 150 MB/s
-supports hot plugging function
-supports a maximum of 4 SATA connections
-supported on the Win 2003/2000/XP operating systems
BIOS Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Supports Dual BIOS/Q-Flash
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
Supports EasyTune 5
OverclockingOver Voltage via BIOS (CPU/ DDR/Core Power/ HT-Link)
Form Factor ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm
(Note)
English
(Note) EasyTune 5 functions may vary depending on different motherboards.
Hardware Installation- 11 -
English
1-3Installation of the CPU and Fan Heat Sink
Before installing the CPU, please comply with the following conditions:
1. Please make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.
2. Please take note of the one indented corner of the CPU. If you install the CPU in the wrong
direction, the CPU will not insert properly. If this occurs, please change the insert direction
of the CPU.
3. Please add an even layer of heat sink paste between the CPU and fan heat sink.
4. Please make sure the fan heat sink is installed on the CPU prior to system use,
otherwise overheating and permanent damage of the CPU may occur.
5. Please set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the processor specifications. It
is not recommended that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specifications since it does not meet the required standards for the peripherals. If you wish to set
the frequency beyond the proper specifications, please do so according to your hardware specifications including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU
Check the processor pins to see that none are bent. Move the socket lever to the unlocked position as shown
in Figure 1.(90o to the plane of the motherboard) prior to inserting the processor. The pin 1 location is
designated on the processor by a copper triangle that matches up to a triangle on the socket as shown in
Figure 2. Align the processor to the socket and gently lower it into place. Do not force the processor into the
socket.
Socket lever
Please use extra care when installing the CPU. The CPU will not fit if positioned incorrectly.
Rather than applying force, please change the positioning of the CPU.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 12 -
Fig.1
Position lever at a 90 degree angle.
Fig.2
A gold-colored triangle is marked one edge of the CPU. Please align this
edge with the socket edge closest to the CPU lever. Gently place the CPU
into position making sure that the CPU pins fit perfectly into their holes.
Once the CPU is positioned into it socket, place one finger down on the
middle of the CPU and gently press the metal lever back into its original
position.
1-3-2 Installation of the Fan Heat Sink
Fig.1
Before installing the fan heat sink, please first add an even layer of heat
sink paste on the surface of the CPU. Install all the fan heat sink
components (Please refer to the heat sink manual for detailed installation
instructions).
Fig.2
Please connect the fan heat sink power connector to the CPU_FAN
connector located on the motherboard so that the heat sink can properly
function to prevent CPU overheating.
The heat sink may adhere to the CPU as a result of hardening of the heat sink paste. To prevent
such an occurrence, it is suggested that either thermal tape rather than heat sink paste be used for
heat dissipation or using extreme care when removing the heat sink.
English
Hardware Installation- 13 -
English
1-4Installation 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.
Notch
DDR
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.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 14 -
Dual Channel Memory Configuration
The GA-K8N Ultra-9 supports the Dual Channel Technology. When the Dual Channel Technology is
activated, the bandwidth of memory bus will be double the original one.
Due to CPU limitation, if you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please follow the guidelines
below for Dual Channel memory configuration.
1. Dual Channel mode will not be enabled if only one DDR memory module is installed.
2. To enable Dual Channel mode with 2 memory modules (it is recommended to use memory
modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed), you must install them into DIMM sockets
of the same color.
3. To enable Dual Channel mode with 4 memory modules, it is recommended to use memory
modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed.
The following is a Dual Channel Memory configuration table: (DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side)
DDR 1DDR 2DDR 3DDR 4
2 memory modules
4 memory modules
If two memory modules are to be used to achieve Dual Channel mode, we recommend
installing them in DDR1 and DDR2 DIMM sockets.
All of the memory configurations below will cause system unable to boot.
(DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side)
1 memory module
2 memory modules
3 memory modules
DS/SSDS/SSXX
XXDS/SSDS/SS
DS/SSDS/SSDS/SSDS/SS
DDR 1DDR 2DDR 3DDR 4
XDS/SSXX
XXXDS/SS
XDS/SSDS/SSX
DS/SSXXDS/SS
XDS/SSXDS/SS
DS/SSDS/SSDS/SSX
XDS/SSDS/SSDS/SS
DS/SSXDS/SSDS/SS
DS/SSDS/SSXDS/SS
English
Hardware Installation- 15 -
English
1-5Installation 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 carefully pull out the small whitedrawable bar at the end of the PCI Express
x 16 slot when you try to install/uninstall the
VGA 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 small white-drawable
bar.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 16 -
1-6I/O Back Panel Introduction
PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Connector
To install a PS/2 port keyboard and mouse, plug the mouse to the upper port (green) and the keyboard to the
lower port (purple).
Parallel Port
The parallel port allows connection of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices.
SPDIF_I (SPDIF In)
Use SPDIF In feature only when your device has digital output function.
SPDIF_O (SPDIF Out)
The SPDIF output is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or compressed AC3
data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder.
COMA (Serial Port)
Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.
LAN Port 2
The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet, providing data transfer speeds of 10/100/
1000Mbps.
LAN Port 1
The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet(PCI Express Gigabit), providing data transfer
speeds of 10/100/1000Mbps.
USB port
Before you connect your device(s) into USB connector(s), please make sure your device(s) such as
USB keyboard, mouse, scanner, zip, speaker...etc. have a standard USB interface. Also make sure
your OS supports USB controller. If your OS does not support USB controller, please contact OS ven
dor for possible patch or driver upgrade. For more information please contact your OS or device(s)
vendors.
Line In
Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.
Line Out (Front Speaker Out)
Connect the stereo speakers, earphone or front surround speakers to this connector.
MIC In
Microphone can be connected to MIC In jack.
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Connect the Center/Subwoofer speakers to this connector.
Hardware Installation- 17 -
English
English
Rear Speaker Out
Connect the rear surround speakers to this connector.
Side Speaker Out
Connect the side surround speakers to this connector.
You can use audio software to configure 2-/4-/6-/8-channel audio functioning.
1-7Connectors Introduction
11
13
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
5) PWR_FAN
6) NB_FAN
7) FDD
8) IDE1 / IDE2
9) S_ATA0/1/2/3_SB
10) SATA0/1/2/3_SII
13
15
8
2
5
7
19
6
18
9
12
14
4
16
10
17
11) F_AUDIO
12) F_PANEL
13) CD_IN
14) PWR_LED
15) IR/CIR
16) F_USB1 / F_USB2/F_USB3
17) F1_1394/F2_1394
18) CLR_CMOS
19) BATTERY
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 18 -
1/2) ATX_12V/ATX (Power Connector)
With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all the
components on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, please make sure that all
components and devices are properly installed. Align the power connector with its proper location on
the motherboard and connect tightly.
The ATX_12V power connector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the ATX_12V power connector
is not connected, the system will not start.
Caution!
Please use a power supply that is able to handle the system voltage requirements. It is
recommended that a power supply that can withstand high power consumption be used (300W or
greater). If a power supply is used that does not provide the required power, the result can lead to an
unstable system or a system that is unable to start.
Please remove the sticker on the motherboard before plugging in while the ATX power supplier is 24
pins; Otherwise, please do not remove it.
Pin No.Definition
1
2
3
4
1GND
2GND
3+12V
4+12V
English
12
113
24
Pin No.Definition
13.3V
23.3V
3GND
4+5V
5GND
6+5V
7GND
8Power Good
95V SB(stand by +5V)
10+12V
11+12V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
12 3.3V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
Pin No.Definition
133.3V
14-12V
15GND
16PS_ON(soft On/Off)
17GND
18GND
19GND
20-5V
21+5V
22+5V
23+5V (Only for 24-pin ATX)
24GN D(Only for 24-pin ATX)
Hardware Installation- 19 -
English
3/4/5) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN/ PWR_FAN (Cooler Fan Power Connector)
The cooler fan power connector supplies a +12V power voltage via a 3-pin 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.Definition
1
CPU_FAN
SYS_FAN
PWR_FAN
1
1
1GND
2+12V
3Sense
6) NB_FAN (Chip Fan Power Connector)
If you installed wrong direction, the chip fan will not work. Sometimes will damage the chip fan.
(Usually black cable is GND)
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 20 -
1
Pin No.Definition
1+12V
2GND
7) FDD (FDD 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.
English
34
2
33
1
8) IDE1 / IDE2 (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).
40
39
2
1
Hardware Installation- 21 -
English
9) S_ATA0/1/2/3_SB (SATA 3Gb/s Connectors, Controlled by nForce4 Ultra)
10) SATA0/1/2/3_SII (SATA Connectors, Controlled by Sil3114)
SATA 3Gb/s can provide up to 300MB/s transfer rate while SATA provides up to 150MB/s
transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the SATA controller(s)and install the proper
driver in order to work properly.
7
S_ATA_SB
(Controlled by nForce4 Ultra)
7
1
SATA_SII
(Controlled by Sil3114)
1
Pin No.Definition
1GND
2TXP
3TXN
4GND
5RXN
6RXP
7GND
11) F_AUDIO (Front Audio Panel Connector)
If you want to use Front Audio connector, you must remove 5-6, 9-10 Jumper.
In order to utilize the front audio header, your chassis must have front audio connector. Also please
make sure the pin assigment on the cable is the same as the pin assigment on the MB header. To find
out if the chassis you are buying support front audio connector, please contact your dealer. Please note,
you can have the alternative of using front audio connector or of using rear audio connector to play
sound.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 22 -
910
12
Pin No.Definition
1MIC
2GND
3MIC_BIAS
4Power
5Front Audio (R)
6Rear Audio (R)/ Return R
7NC
8No Pin
9Front Audio (L)
10Rear Audio (L)/ Return L
12) 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.
19
PW-
MSG-
20
NC
RES+
RES-
HD-
HD+
12
Speaker Connector
Power Switch
Message LED/
Power/
Sleep LED
HD (IDE Hard Disk Active LED) (Blue)Pin 1: LED anode(+)
Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
SPEAK (Speaker Connector) (Amber)Pin 1: Power
Pin 2- Pin 3: NC
Pin 4: Data(-)
RES (Reset Switch) (Green)Open: Normal
Close: Reset Hardware System
PW (Power Switch) (Red)Open: Normal
Close: Power On/Off
MSG(Message LED/Power/Sleep LED)Pin 1: LED anode(+)
(Yellow)Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
NC ( Purple)NC
SPEAK-
SPEAK+
PW+
MSG+
Reset Switch
IDE Hard Disk
Active LED
English
Hardware Installation- 23 -
English
13) CD_IN (CD In Connector)
Connect CD-ROM or DVD-ROM audio out to the connector.
Pin No.Definition
1
1CD-L
2GND
3GND
4CD-R
14) PWR_LED
PWR_LED is connect with the system power indicator to indicate whether the system is on/off. It will
blink when the system enters suspend mode.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 24 -
Pin No.Definition
1MPD+
2MPD-
1
3MPD-
15) IR_CIR
Make sure the pin 1 on the IR device is align with pin one the connector. To enable the IR/CIR function,
you are required to purchase an optional IR/CIR module. To use IR function only, please connect IR
module to Pin 1 to Pin 5. Be careful with the polarity of the IR/CIR connector. Check the pin
assignment carefully while you connect the IR/CIR cable, incorrect connection between the cable
and connector will make the device unable to work or even damage it. For optional IR/CIR cable,
please contact your local dealer.
Pin No.Definition
610
15
1Power
2NC
3IRRX
4GND
5IRTX
6NC
7CIRRX
8+5VSB
9CIRTX
10NC
16) F_ USB1 / F_USB2/F_USB3 (Front USB Connector)
Be careful with the polarity of the front USB connector. Check the pin assignment carefully while you
connect the front USB cable, incorrect connection between the cable and connector will make the
device unable to work or even damage it. For optional front USB cable, please contact your local
dealer.
English
2910
1
Pin No.Definition
1Power
2Power
3USB DX-
4USB Dy-
5USB DX+
6USB Dy+
7GND
8GND
9No Pin
10NC
Hardware Installation- 25 -
English
17) F1_1394/F2_1394 (IEEE 1394 Connectors)
Serial interface standard set by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which has features
like high speed, high bandwidth and hot plug. Be careful with the polarity of the IEEE1394
connector. Check the pin assignment carefully while you connect the IEEE1394 cable, incorrect
connection between the cable and connector will make the device unable to work or even damage
it. For optional IEEE1394 cable, please contact your local dealer. IEEE1394b can approach the
maximum speed to 800Mb/S, but the speed can be achieved only when you use particular
IEEE1394b cable.
2
F1_1394
1
Pin No.Definition
1TPA0+
2TPA0-
3GND
4GND
5TPB0+
6TPB0-
7No Pin
8Power
9Power
10GND
10
9
2
F2_1394
1
Pin No.Definition
1Power
2Power
3TPA1+
4TPA1-
5GND
6GND
7TPB1+
8TPB1-
9Power
10Power
11TPA2+
12TPA2-
13GND
14No Pin
15TPB2+
16TPB2-
18) CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS)
You may clear the CMOS data to its default values by this header. To clear CMOS, temporarily
short 1-2 pin. Default doesn't include the jumper to prevent from improper use this header.
16
15
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 26 -
Open: Normal
1
Short: Clear CMOS
1
19) BATTERY
English
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended
by the manufacturer.
Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer's
instructions.
If you want to erase CMOS...
1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Take out the battery gently and put it aside for about 10 minutes.
(Or you can use a metal object to connect the positive and negative pins in the battery holder to makethem short for one
minute.)
3. Re-install the battery.
4. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
Hardware Installation- 27 -
English
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 28 -
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) includes a CMOS SETUP utility which allows user to configure
required settings or to activate certain system features.
The CMOS SETUP saves the configuration in the CMOS SRAM of the motherboard.
When the power is turned off, the battery on the motherboard supplies the necessary power to the CMOS
SRAM.
When the power is turned on, pushing the <Del> button during the BIOS POST (Power-On Self Test) will
take you to the CMOS SETUP screen. You can enter the BIOS setup screen by pressing "Ctrl + F1".
When setting up BIOS for the first time, it is recommended that you save the current BIOS to a disk in the
event that BIOS needs to be reset to its original settings. If you wish to upgrade to a new BIOS, either
Gigabyte's Q-Flash or @BIOS utility can be used.
Q-Flash allows the user to quickly and easily update or backup BIOS without entering the operating system.
@BIOS is a Windows-based utility that does not require users to boot to DOS before upgrading BIOS but
directly download and update BIOS from the Internet.
CONTROL KEYS
< >< >< >< > Move to select item
<Enter>Select Item
<Esc>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
<Page Up>Increase the numeric value or make changes
<Page Down>Decrease the numeric value or make changes
<F1>General help, only for Status Page Setup Menu and Option Page Setup Menu
<F2>Item Help
<F5>Restore the previous CMOS value from CMOS, only for Option Page Setup Menu
<F7>Load the Optimized Defaults
<F8>Dual BIOS/Q-Flash utility
<F9>System Information
<F10>Save all the CMOS changes, only for Main Menu
English
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>.
BIOS Setup- 29 -
English
The BIOS Setup menus described in this chapter are for reference only and may differ from the
exact settings for your motherboard.
The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : D1)
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
`St andard CMOS Features
`Advanced BIOS Features
`Integrated Peripherals
`Power Management Setup
`PnP/PCI Configurations
`PC Health Status
Esc: QuitKLJI: Select Item
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-FlashF10: 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 about system autodetect temperature, voltage, fan speed, etc.
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
This setup page is to control CPU clock and frequency ratio.
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.
` MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 30 -
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.
English
BIOS Setup- 31 -
English
2-1Standard CMOS Features
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
Date (mm:dd:yy)Thu, Jun 17 2004
Time (hh:mm:ss)22:31:24
` IDE Channel 0 Master[None]
` IDE Channel 0 Slave[None]
` IDE Channel 1 Master[None]
` IDE Channel 1 Slave[None]
KLJI: MoveEnter: Select+/-/PU/PD: ValueF10: SaveESC: ExitF1: General Help
F5: Previous Value s F7: Optimized Defaults
Date
The date format is <week>, <month>, <day>, <year>.
WeekThe week, from Sun to Sat, determined by the BIOS and is display only
MonthThe month, Jan. Through Dec.
DayThe day, from 1 to 31 (or the maximum allowed in the month)
YearThe year, from 1999 through 2098
Time
The times format in <hour> <minute> <second>. The time is calculated based on the 24-hour
military time clock. For example, 1 p.m. is 13:00:00.
IDE Channel 0 Master/Slave; IDE Channel 1 Master/Slave
IDE HDD Auto-Detection Press "Enter" to select this option for automatic device detection.
IDE Channel 0 Master/Slave; IDE Channel 1 Master/Slave devices setup. You can use one of
three methods:
AutoAllows BIOS to automatically detect IDE devices during POST. (Default
value)
NoneSelect this if no IDE devices are used and the system will skip the automatic
detection step and allow for faster system start up.
ManualUser can manually input the correct settings.
Access ModeUse this to set the access mode for the hard drive. The four options are:
CHS/LBA/Large/Auto(default:Auto)
CapacityCapacity of currently installed hard drive.
Hard drive information should be labeled on the outside drive casing. Enter the appropriate option
based on this information.
CylinderNumber of cylinders
HeadNumber of heads
PrecompWrite precomp
Landing ZoneLanding zone
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 32 -
SectorNumber of sectors
If a hard disk has not been installed, select NONE and press <Enter>.
Drive A
The category identifies the types of floppy disk drive A that has been installed in the computer.
NoneNo 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)
DisabledNormal Floppy Drive. (Default value)
Drive ADrive A is 3 mode Floppy Drive.
Halt on
The category determines whether the computer will stop if an error is detected during power up.
No ErrorsThe system boot will not stop for any error that may be detected and you
will be prompted.
All ErrorsWhenever 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 DisketteThe 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
English
BIOS Setup- 33 -
English
2-2Advanced BIOS Features
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
` Hard Disk Boot Priority[Press Enter]
First Boot Device[Floppy]
Second Boot Device[Hard Disk]
Third Boot Device[ CDROM]
Boot Up Floppy Seek[Disabled]
Password Check[Setup]
Init Display First[PEG]
Advanced BIOS Features
Item Help
Menu Level`
Select Hard Disk Boot
Device Priority
KLJI: MoveEnter: Select+/-/PU/PD: ValueF10: SaveESC: ExitF1: General Help
F5: Previous ValuesF7: Optimized Defaults
Hard Disk Boot Priority
Select boot sequence for onboard(or add-on cards) SCSI, RAID, etc.
Use < > or < > to select a device, then press<+> to move it up, or <-> to move it down the list. Press
<ESC> to exit this menu.
First / Second / Third Boot Device
FloppySelect your boot device priority by Floppy.
LS120Select your boot device priority by LS120.
Hard DiskSelect your boot device priority by Hard Disk.
CDROMSelect your boot device priority by CDROM.
ZIPSelect your boot device priority by ZIP.
USB-FDDSelect your boot device priority by USB-FDD.
USB-ZIPSelect your boot device priority by USB-ZIP.
USB-CDROM Select your boot device priority by USB-CDROM.
USB-HDDSelect your boot device priority by USB-HDD.
Legacy LAN Select your boot device priority by LAN.
DisabledDisable this function.
Boot Up Floppy Seek
During POST, BIOS will determine the floppy disk drive installed is 40 or 80 tracks. 360K type is 40
tracks 720K, 1.2M and 1.44M are all 80 tracks.
EnabledBIOS searches for floppy disk drive to determine it is 40 or 80 tracks. Note that BIOS
can not tell from 720K, 1.2M or 1.44M drive type as they are all 80 tracks.
DisabledBIOS will not search for the type of floppy disk drive by track number. Note that
there will not be any warning message if the drive installed is 360K. (Default
value)
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 34 -
Password Check
SystemThe system can not boot and can not access to Setup page will be denied if the
correct password is not entered at the prompt.
SetupThe system will boot, but access to Setup will be denied if the correct password is
not entered at the prompt. (Default value)
Init Display First
This feature allows you to select the first initiation of the monitor display from which card when you
install a PCI card and a PCI Express VGA card on the motherboard.
PCI SlotSet Init Display First to PCI VGA card.
PEGSet Init Display First to PCI Express VGA card. (Default value)
English
BIOS Setup- 35 -
English
2-3Integrated Peripherals
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
On-Chip IDE Channel0[Enabled]
On-Chip IDE Channel1[Enabled]
IDE DMA transfer access[Enabled]
On-Chip MAC Lan[Auto]
On-Chip LAN BOOT ROM[Enabled]
IDE/SATA RAID function[Enabled]
IDE Primary Master RAID[Disabled]
IDE Primary Slave RAID[Disabled]
IDE Secndry Master RAID[Disabled]
IDE Secndry Slave RAID[Disabled]
Serial-ATA 1[Enabled]
SATA 1 Primary RAID[Enabled]
SATA 1 Secondary RAID[Enabled]
Serial-ATA 2[Enabled]
SATA 2 Primary RAID[Enabled]
SATA 2 Secondary RAID[Enabled]
IDE Prefetch Mode[Enabled]
On-Chip USB[V1.1+V2.0]
USB Memory Type[SHADOW]
KLJI: MoveEnter: Select+/-/PU/PD: ValueF10: SaveESC: ExitF1: General Help
USB Keyboard Support[Disabled]
USB Mouse Support[Disabled]
AC97 Audio[Auto]
Onboard 1394[Enabled]
Onboard LAN control[Enabled]
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM[Disabled]
SATA RAID-5 Function[Enabled]
Onboard Serial Port 1[3F8/IRQ4]
Onboard IrDA Port[2F8/IRQ3]
Onboard Parallel Port[378/IRQ7]
Parallel Port Mode[SPP]
x ECP Mode Use DMA3
CIR Port Address[Disabled]
x CIR Port IRQ11
F5: Previous ValuesF7: Optimized Defaults
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
Integrated Peripherals
Integrated Peripherals
Item Help
Menu Level`
Item Help
Menu Level`
KLJI: MoveEnter: Select+/-/PU/PD: ValueF10: SaveESC: ExitF1: General Help
F5: Previous ValuesF7: Optimized Defaults
On-Chip IDE Channel0
EnabledEnable onboard 1st channel IDE port. (Default value)
DisabledDisable onboard 1st channel IDE port.
On-Chip IDE Channel1
EnabledEnable onboard 2nd channel IDE port. (Default value)
DisabledDisable onboard 2nd channel IDE port.
IDE DMA transfer access
EnabledEnable IDE DMA transfer access. (Default Value)
DisabledDisable IDE DMA transfer access.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 36 -
On-Chip MAC Lan (LAN 2)
AutoEnable on-chip LAN function. (Default value)
DisabledDisable on-chip LAN function.
On-Chip LAN BOOT ROM
This function decide whether to invoke the boot ROM of the onboard LAN chip.
EnabledEnable this function. (Default value)
DisabledDisable this function.
EnabledEnable onboard LAN chip function.(Default value)
DisabledDisable onboard LAN chip function.
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM
This function decide whether to invoke the boot ROM of the onboard LAN chip.
EnabledEnable this function.
DisabledDisable this function. (Default value)
SATA RAID-5 Function (Controlled by Sil3114 chip)
This option is to enable or disable the Serial ATA function of the Sil3114 controller. To set either RAID
or non-RAID mode, you have to enter the Sil3114 RAID BIOS utility. (Upon system reboot, press
<Ctrl+S> or <F4> key to enter Sil3114 RAID BIOS). If you want to set up a non-RAID configuration,
please select JBOD mode from the RAID BIOS.
EnabledEnable onboard Serial ATA Chip.(Default value)
DisabledDisable onboard Serial ATA Chip.
Onboard Serial Port 1
AutoBIOS will automatically setup the port 1 address.
3F8/IRQ4Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 3F8/IRQ4. (Default value)
2F8/IRQ3Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 2F8/IRQ3.
3E8/IRQ4Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 3E8/IRQ4.
2E8/IRQ3Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 2E8/IRQ3.
DisabledDisable onboard Serial port 1.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 38 -
Onboard IrDA Port
AutoBIOS will automatically setup the IrDA port address.
3F8/IRQ4Enable onboard IrDA port and address is 3F8/IRQ4.
2F8/IRQ3Enable onboard IrDA port and address is 2F8/IRQ3.(Default value)
3E8/IRQ4Enable onboard IrDA port and address is 3E8/IRQ4.
2E8/IRQ3Enable onboard IrDA port and address is 2E8/IRQ3.
DisabledDisable onboard IrDA port.
Onboard Parallel Port
DisabledDisable onboard LPT port.
378/IRQ7Enable onboard LPT port and address is 378/IRQ7. (Default value)
278/IRQ5Enable onboard LPT port and address is 278/IRQ5.
3BC/IRQ7Enable onboard LPT port and address is 3BC/IRQ7.
Parallel Port Mode
SPPUsing Parallel port as Standard Parallel Port. (Default value)
EPPUsing Parallel port as Enhanced Parallel Port.
ECPUsing Parallel port as Extended Capabilities Port.
ECP+EPPUsing Parallel port as ECP and EPP mode.
ECP Mode Use DMA
3Set ECP Mode Use DMA to 3. (Default value)
1Set ECP Mode Use DMA to 1.
CIR Port Address
310Set CIR Port Address to 310.
320Set CIR Port Address to 320.
DisabledDisable this function. (Default value)
CIR Port IRQ
5Set CIR Port IRQ to 5.
11Set CIR Port IRQ to 11. (Default value)
English
BIOS Setup- 39 -
English
2-4Power Management Setup
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
ACPI Suspend Type[S1(POS)]
Soft-Off by Power button[Instant-Off]
PME Event Wake Up[Disabled]
Modem Ring On[Disabled]
USB Resume from Suspend[Disabled]
Power-On by Alarm[Disabled]
x Day of Month AlarmEveryday
x Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm0 : 0 : 0
Power On By Mouse[Disabled]
Power On By Keyboard[Disabled]
AC BACK Function[Soft-Off]
Power Management Setup
Item Help
Menu Level`
KLJI: MoveEnter: Select+/-/PU/PD: ValueF10: SaveESC: ExitF1: General Help
F5: Previous ValuesF7: Optimized Defaults
ACPI Suspend Type
S1(POS)Set ACPI suspend type to S1/POS(Power On Suspend). (Default value)
S3(STR)Set ACPI suspend type to S3/STR(Suspend To RAM).
Soft-Off by Power button
Instant-OffPress power button then Power off instantly. (Default value)
Delay 4 Sec. Press power button 4 sec. to Power off. Enter suspend if button is pressed
less than 4 sec.
PME Event Wake Up
This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the 5VSB lead.
DisabledDisable this function.(Default value)
EnabledEnable PME as wake up event.
Modem Ring On
An incoming call via modem can awake the system from any suspend state.
DisabledDisable this function. (Default value)
EnabledEnable Modem Ring On function.
USB Resume from Suspend
DisabledDisable this function. (Default value)
EnableEnable USB device wake up system from suspend mode.
Power-On by Alarm
You can set "Power-On by Alarm" item to enabled and key in Date/Time to power on system.
DisabledDisable this function. (Default value)
EnabledEnable alarm function to POWER ON system.
If Power-On by Alarm is Enabled.
Day of Month Alarm :Everyday, 1~31
Time (hh: mm: ss) Alarm : (0~23) : (0~59) : (0~59)
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 40 -
Power On By Mouse
DisabledDisabled this function. (Default value)
Double ClickDouble click on PS/2 mouse left button to power on the system.
Power On By Keyboard
DisabledDisabled this function. (Default value)
Keyboard 98 If your keyboard have "POWER Key" button, you can press the key to power on the
system.
Any KEYPress any keys on your keyboard to power on the system.
AC BACK Function
Soft-OffWhen AC-power back to the system, the system will be in "Off" state.
(Default value)
Full-OnWhen AC-power back to the system, the system always in "On" state.
English
BIOS Setup- 41 -
English
2-5PnP/PCI Configurations
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
PCI 1 IRQ Assignment[Auto]
PCI 2 IRQ Assignment[Auto]
PCI 3 IRQ Assignment[Auto]
On-board Device IRQ Assign[Auto]
PnP/PCI Configurations
Item Help
Menu Level`
Device(s) using this
INT:
KLJI: MoveEnter: Select+/-/PU/PD: ValueF10: SaveESC: ExitF1: General Help
F5: Previous ValuesF7: Optimized Defaults
PCI 1 IRQ Assignment
AutoAuto assign IRQ to PCI 1. (Default value)
3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15Set IRQ 3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15 to PCI 1.
PCI 2 IRQ Assignment
AutoAuto assign IRQ to PCI 2. (Default value)
3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15Set IRQ 3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15 to PCI 2.
PCI 3 IRQ Assignment
AutoAuto assign IRQ to PCI 3. (Default value)
3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15Set IRQ 3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15 to PCI 3.
On-board Device IRQ Assign
AutoAuto assign IRQ to onboard device. (Default value)
3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15Set IRQ 3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15 to onboard device.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 42 -
2-6PC Health Status
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
VcoreOK
DDR25VOK
+3.3VOK
+12VOK
Current CPU Temperature38oC
Current CPU FAN Speed3245 RPM
Current POWER FAN Speed0 RPM
Current SYSTEM FAN Speed0 RPM
CPU Warning Temperature[Disabled]
CPU FAN Fail Warning[Disabled]
CPU Smart FAN Control[Enabled]
PC Health Status
Item Help
Menu Level`
[Disabled]
Don't monitor
current temperature
[60oC-90oC]
Alarm when current
temperature over than
the selected
temperature
English
KLJI: MoveEnter: Select+/-/PU/PD: ValueF10: SaveESC: ExitF1: General Help
F5: Previous ValuesF7: Optimized Defaults
Current Voltage(V) Vcore / DDR25V / +3.3V / +12V
Detect system's voltage status automatically.
Current CPU Temperature
Detect CPU temperature automatically.
Current CPU/POWER/SYSTEM FAN Speed (RPM)
Detect CPU/Power/System fan speed status automatically.
CPU Warning Temperature
60oC / 140oFMonitor CPU temperature at 60oC / 140oF.
70oC / 158oFMonitor CPU temperature at 70oC / 158oF.
80oC / 176oFMonitor CPU temperature at 80oC / 176oF.
90oC / 194oFMonitor CPU temperature at 90oC / 194oF.
DisabledDisable this function. (Default value)
CPU FAN Fail Warning
DisabledDisable CPU fan fail warning function. (Default value)
EnabledEnable CPU fan fail warning function.
CPU Smart FAN Control
DisabledDisable this function.
EnabledWhen 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)
BIOS Setup- 43 -
English
2-7MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
CPU Frequency[200]
CPU Spread Spectrum[Center Spread]
PCIE Clock[100Mhz]
K8 CPU Clock Ratio[Default]
Robust Graphics Booster[Auto]
CPU Voltage Control[Normal]
Normal CPU Vcore1.500V
Core Power voltage control[Normal]
HT-Link voltage control[Normal]
DDR voltage control[Normal]
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Item Help
Menu Level`
KLJI: MoveEnter: Select+/-/PU/PD: ValueF10: SaveESC: ExitF1: General Help
F5: Previous ValuesF7: Optimized Defaults
Incorrect using these features may cause your system broken. For power end-user use only.
CPU Frequency
200~400MHzSet CPU Frequency from 200MHz to 400MHz.
CPU Spread Spectrum
DisabledDisable CPU Spread Spectrum.
Center SpreadSet CPU Spread Spectrum to Center Spread. (Default value)
PCIE Clock
100~150MHzSet PCIE Clock from 100MHz to 150MHz.
K8 CPU Clock Ratio
This setup option will automatically assign by CPU detection. The option will display "Locked" and
read only or will not show up if the CPU ratio is not changeable.
Robust Graphics Booster
Select the options can enhance the VGA graphics card bandwidth to get higher performance.
AutoSet Robust Graphics Booster to Auto. (Default value)
FastSet Robust Graphics Booster to Fast.
TurboSet Robust Graphics Booster to Turbo.
CPU Voltage Control
Supports adjustable CPU Vcore from 0.800V to 1.750V by 0.025V step. (Default value: Normal)
Warning: CPU may be damaged or CPU life-cycle may be reduced when CPU is over-voltage.
Normal CPU Vcore
Display your CPU normal voltage.
Core Power voltage control
NormalSet core power voltage as required. (Default value)
+0.1vIncrease core power voltage +0.1V.
+0.2vIncrease core power voltage +0.2V.
+0.3vIncrease core power voltage +0.3V.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 44 -
HT-Link voltage control
NormalSupply HT-Link voltage as HT-Link required. (Default value)
+0.1VIncrease HT-Link voltage +0.1V.
+0.2VIncrease HT-Link voltage +0.2V.
+0.3VIncrease HT-Link voltage +0.3V.
DDR voltage control
Please note that by overclocking your system through the increase of the DDR voltage, damage
to the memory may occur.
NormalSupply DDR voltage as DDR required. (Default value)
+0.1VIncrease DDR voltage +0.1V.
+0.2VIncrease DDR voltage +0.2V.
2-8Load Optimized Defaults
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
ESC: QuitKLJI: Select Item
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-FlashF10: Save & Exit Setup
Load Optimized Defaults (Y/N)? N
Load Optimized Defaults
Selecting this field loads the factory defaults for BIOS and Chipset Features which the system automatically
detects.
` MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
English
2-9Set 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
`PC Health Status
ESC: QuitKLJI: Select Item
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-FlashF10: Save & Exit Setup
Enter Password:
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.
` MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
BIOS Setup- 45 -
English
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.
2-10 Save & Exit Setup
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
ESC: QuitKLJI: Select Item
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-FlashF10: Save & Exit Setup
Save to CMOS and EXIT (Y/N)? Y
Save & Exit Setup
` MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
Type "Y" will quit the Setup Utility and save the user setup value to RTC CMOS.
Type "N" will return to Setup Utility.
2-11Exit 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
ESC: QuitKLJI: Select Item
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-FlashF10: Save & Exit Setup
Quit Without Saving (Y/N)? N
Type "Y" will quit the Setup Utility without saving to RTC CMOS.
Type "N" will return to Setup Utility.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 46 -
` MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
Abandon all Data
Chapter 3Drivers Installation
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 Setup.exe.
3-1Install Chipset Drivers
After insert the driver CD, "Xpress Install" will scan automatically the system and then list all the drivers that
recommended to install. The "Xpress Install" uses the"Click and Go" technology to install the drivers
automatically. Just select the drivers you want then click the "GO" button. The "Xpress Install" will execute
the installation for you automatically.
English
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).
Drivers Installation- 47 -
English
3-2Software Application
This page displays all the tools that Gigabyte developed and some free software, you can choose anyone
you want and press "install" to install them.
3-3Software Information
This page lists the contents of software and drivers in this CD-title.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 48 -
3-4Hardware Information
This page lists all device you have for this motherboard.
3-5Contact Us
Please see the last page for details.
English
Drivers Installation- 49 -
English
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 50 -
Chapter 4 Appendix
4-1Unique Software Utilities
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.
User Interface Overview
(Note)
English
Button / DisplayDescription
1.OverclockingEnters the Overclocking setting page
2.C.I.A./C.I.A.2 and M.I.B./M.I.B.2 Enters the C.I.A./2 and M.I.B./2 setting page
3.Smart-FanEnters the Smart-Fan setting page
4.PC HealthEnters the PC Health setting page
5.GOConfirmation and Execution button
6."Easy Mode" & "Advance Mode"Toggles between Easy and Advance Mode
7.Display screenDisplay panel of CPU frequency
8.Function display LEDsShows the current functions status
9.GIGABYTE LogoLog on to GIGABYTE website
10.Help buttonDisplay EasyTuneTM 5 Help file
11.Exit or Minimize buttonQuit or Minimize EasyTuneTM 5 software
(Note) EasyTune 5 functions may vary depending on different motherboards.
Appendix- 51 -
English
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. Supports FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS formats
2. Must be connected to the IDE1 Master
3. Allows installation of only one OS
4. Must be used with an IDE hard disk supporting HPA
5. The first partition must be set as the boot partition. When the boot partition is backed up,
please do not alter its size.
6. 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.
1. If you have already entered Xpress Recovery by booting from the CD-ROM, you can enter
Xpress Recovery in the future by pressing the F9 key.
2. System storage capacity as well as drive reading/writing speed will affect backup speed.
3. It is recommended that Xpress Recovery be immediately installed after OS and all required
driver and software installations are complete.
Appendix- 53 -
English
1. Execute Backup Utility:
Press B to Backup your System or Esc to Exit
The backup utility will automatically scan your system and back up data as a backup image in your hard
drive.
Not all systems support access to Xpress Recovery by pressing the F9 key during computer power
on. If this is the case, please use the boot from CD-ROM method to enter Xpress Recovery.
2. Execute Restore Utility:
This program will recover your system to factory default.
Press R to restore your system back to factory default or press Esc to exit
Restores backup image to original state.
3. Remove Backup Image:
Remove backup image. Are you sure? (Y/N)
Remove the backup image.
4. Set Password:
Please input a 4-16 character long password (a-z or 0-9) or press Esc to exit
You can set a password to enter Xpress Recovery to protect your hard disk data. Once this is done,
password input will be required to enter Xpress Recovery during the next as well as subsequent system
restarts. If you wish to remove the need for password entry, please select "Set Password" and under
"New Password/Confirm Password", make sure there is no entry and then press "Enter" to remove
password requirement.
5. Exit and Restart:
Exit and restart your computer.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 54 -
4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction
A. What is Dual BIOS Technology?
Dual BIOS means that there are two system BIOS (ROM) on the
motherboard, one is the Main BIOS and the other is Backup BIOS.
Under the normal circumstances, the system works on the Main BIOS. If the Main BIOS is corrupted or
damaged, the Backup BIOS can take over while the system is powered on. This means that your PC
will still be able to run stably as if nothing has happened in your BIOS.
B. How to use Dual BIOS and Q-Flash Utility?
a. After power on the computer, pressing <Del> immediately during POST (Power On Self Test) it will
allow you to enter Award BIOS CMOS SETUP, then press <F8> to enter Flash utility.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
Main ROM Type/Size...............................SST 49LF004A 512K
Backup ROM Type/Size...........................SST 49LF004A 512K
Wide Range ProtectionDisable
Boot FromMain Bios
Auto RecoveryEnable
Halt On ErrorDisable
Keep DMI DataEnable
Copy Main ROM Data to Backup
Load Default Settings
Save Settings to CMOS
Q-Flash Utility
Update Main BIOS from Floppy
Update Backup BIOS from Floppy
Save Main BIOS to Floppy
Save Backup BIOS to Floppy
PgDn/PgUp: Modify: MoveESC: ResetF10: Power Off
Appendix- 55 -
English
c. Dual BIOS Item explanation:
Wide Range Protection: Disable(Default), Enable
Status 1:
If any failure (ex. Update ESCD failure, checksum error or reset? occurs in the Main BIOS, just before
the Operating System is loaded and after the power is on, and that the Wide Range Protection is set to
"Enable", the PC will boot from Backup BIOS automatically.
Status 2:
If the ROM BIOS on peripherals cards(ex. SCSI Cards, LAN Cards,..) emits signals torequest restart
of the system after the user make any alteration on it, the boot up BIOS will not be changed to the
Backup BIOS.
Boot From : Main BIOS(Default), Backup BIOS
Status 1:
The user can set to boot from main BIOS or Backup BIOS.
Status 2:
If one of the main BIOS or the Backup BIOS fails, this item "Boot From : Main BIOS(Default)" will
become gray and will not be changed by user.
Auto Recovery : Enable(Default), Disable
When one of the Main BIOS or Backup BIOS occurs checksum failure, the working BIOS will automatically recover the BIOS of checksum failure.
(In the Power Management Setup of the BIOS Setting, if ACPI Suspend Type is set to Suspend to RAM,
the Auto Recovery will be set to Enable automatically.)
(If you want to enter the BIOS setting, please press "Del" key when the boot screen appears.)
Halt On Error : Disable(Default), Enable
If the BIOS occurs a checksum error or the Main BIOS occurs a WIDE RANGE PROTECTION error and
Halt On Error set to Enable, the PC will show messages on the boot screen, and the system will pause
and wait for the user's instruction.
If Auto Recovery :Disable, it will show <or the other key to continue.>
If Auto Recovery :Enable, it will show <or the other key to Auto Recover.>
Keep DMI Data : Enable(Default), Disable
Enable: The DMI data won't be replaced by flashing new BIOS.(recommend)
Disable: The DMI data will be replaced by flashing new BIOS.
Copy Main ROM Data to Backup
(If you boot from Backup ROM, this item will change to Copy Backup ROM Data to Main)
Auto recovery message:
BIOS Recovery: Main to Backup
The means that the Main BIOS works normally and could automatically recover the Backup BIOS.
BIOS Recovery: Backup to Main
The means that the Backup BIOS works normally and could automatically recover the Main BIOS.
(This auto recovery utility is set by system automatically and can’t be changed by user.)
Load Default Settings
Load dual BIOS default value.
Save Settings to CMOS
Save revised setting.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 56 -
Method 1 : Q-FlashTM Utility
Q-FlashTM is a BIOS flash utility embedded in Flash ROM. With this utility,
users only have to stay in the BIOS menu when they want to update
BIOS. Q-FlashTM allows users to flash BIOS without any utility in DOS or
Windows. Using Q-FlashTM indicating no more fooling around with any complicated instructions and
operating system since it is in the BIOS menu.
Please note that because updating BIOS has potential risk, please do it with caution!! We are
sorry that Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd is not responsible for damages of system because of
incorrect manipulation of updating BIOS to avoid any claims from end-users.
Before You Begin:
Before you start updating BIOS with the Q-FlashTM utility, please follow the steps below first.
1. Download the latest BIOS for your motherboard from Gigabyte's website.
2. Extract the BIOS file downloaded and save the BIOS file (the one with model name.Fxx. For example,
8KNXPU.Fba) to a floppy disk.
3. 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-Flash
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.
TM
Utility on Dual BIOS Motherboards.
English
The BIOS file is Fa3
before updating
Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG, An Energy Star Ally
Copyright (C) 1984-2003, Award Software, Inc.
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
Appendix- 57 -
English
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: QuitF3: Change Language
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-FlashF10: Save & Exit Setup
Time, Date, Hard Disk Type...
Select Language
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
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.
Main ROM Type/Size.............................SST 49LF003A512K
Backup ROM Type/Size.........................SST 49LF003A512K
Wide Range Protection Disable
Copy Main ROM Data to Backup
Enter : Run :Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off
Dual BIOS Utility
Boot From Main Bios
Auto Recovery Enable
Halt On Error Disable
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
Dual BIOS utility bar
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.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 58 -
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.
Please confirm again you have the correct BIOS file for your motherboard.
Main ROM Type/Size.............................SST 49LF003A512K
Backup ROM Type/Size.........................SST 49LF003A512K
Wide Range Protection Disable
Reading BIOS file from floppy ...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.....................
Copy Main ROM Data to Backup
Don't Turn Off Power or Reset System
Enter : Run :Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off
After BIOS file is read, you'll see a confirmation dialog box asking you "Are you sure to update BIOS?"
Dual BIOS Utility
1 file(s) found
Boot FromMain Bios
Auto RecoveryEnable
Halt On ErrorDisable
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
Dual BIOS Utility
Boot FromMain Bios
Auto RecoveryEnable
Halt On ErrorDisable
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
BIOS file in the floppy
disk.
Do not trun off power or
reset your system at this
stage!!
Appendix- 59 -
English
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.
English
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.
Main ROM Type/Size.............................SST 49LF003A512K
Backup ROM Type/Size.........................SST 49LF003A512K
Wide Range Protection Disable
Copy Main ROM Data to Backup
Enter : Run :Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off
Dual BIOS Utility
Boot FromMain Bios
Auto RecoveryEnable
Are you sure to RESET ?
Halt On ErrorDisable
[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
After system reboots, you may find the BIOS version on your boot screen becomes the one you flashed.
Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG, An Energy Star Ally
Copyright (C) 1984-2003, Award Software, Inc.
The BIOS file
becomes Fba 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
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 60 -
6. 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
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI Configurations
PC Health Status
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
ESC: QuitF3: Change Language
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-FlashF10: Save & Exit Setup
Load Fail-Safe Defaults (Y/N)? Y
Time, Date, Hard Disk Type...
Select Language
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
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
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI Configurations
PC Health Status
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
ESC: QuitF3: Change Language
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-FlashF10: Save & Exit Setup
Save to CMOS and EXIT (Y/N)? Y
Time, Date, Hard Disk Type...
Select Language
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
English
Press Y on your keyboard to save and exit.
Part Two:
Updating BIOS with Q-Flash
This part guides users of single-BIOS motherboards how to update BIOS using the Q-Flash
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI Configurations
PC Health Status
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
ESC: QuitF3: Change Language
F8: Q-FlashF10: Save & Exit Setup
TM
Utility on Single-BIOS Motherboards.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
Top Performance
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
Time, Date, Hard Disk Type...
TM
utility.
Appendix- 61 -
English
Exploring the Q-FlashTM utility screen
The Q-FlashBIOS utility screen consists of the following key components.
Contains the names of three 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 utility. Pressing the buttons mentioned on
your keyboards to perform these actions.
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 "Update 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 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,
8GE800.F4, is listed.
Please confirm again you have the correct BIOS file for your motherboard.
After system reboots, you may find the BIOS version on your boot screen becomes the one you flashed.
Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG, An Energy Star Ally
Copyright (C) 1984-2003, Award Software, Inc.
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
Press DEL to enter SETUP / Q-Flash
03/18/2003-I845GE-6A69YG01C-00
6. 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!!
Appendix- 63 -
English
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 utilityFig 2. Installation complete and run @BIOS
Click Start/ Programs/ GIGABYTE/@BIOS
Select @BIOS item.
Fig 3. The @BIOS utilityFig 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:
K8NU-9.D2).
e. Complete update process following the instruction.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 64 -
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
website for downloading and updating it according to method II.
IV. Please note that any interruption during updating will cause system unbooted.
V. Do not use @BIOS and C.O.M. (Corporate Online Management) at the same time.
English
Appendix- 65 -
English
4-1-4 Serial ATA BIOS Setting Utility Introduction
RAID Levels
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a method of combining two hard disk drives into one logical
unit. The advantage of an Array is to provide better performance or data fault tolerance. Fault tolerance is
achieved through data redundant operation, where if one drives fails, a mirrored copy of the data can be
found on another drive. This can prevent data loss if the operating system fails or hangs. The individual disk
drives in an array are called members. The configuration information of each member is recorded in the
reserved sector that identifies the drive as a member. All disk members in a formed disk array are recognized
as a single physical drive to the operating system.
Hard disk drives can be combined together through a few different methods. The different methods are
referred to as different RAID levels. Different RAID levels represent different performance levels, security
levels and implementation costs. The RAID levels which the nVIDIA® nForce4 Ultra chipset supports
are RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1 and JBOD.
RAID 0 (Striping)
RAID 0 reads and writes sectors of data interleaved between multiple drives. If any disk member fails, it
affects the entire array. The disk array data capacity is equal to the number of drive members times the
capacity of the smallest member. The striping block size can be set from 4KB to 128KB. RAID 0 does
not support fault tolerance.
RAID 1 (Mirroring)
RAID 1 writes duplicate data onto a pair of drives and reads both sets of data in parallel. If one of the
mirrored drives suffers a mechanical failure or does not respond, the remaining drive will continue to function.
Due to redundancy, the drive capacity of the array is the capacity of the smallest drive. Under a RAID 1
setup, an extra drive called the spare drive can be attached. Such a drive will be activated to replace a failed
drive that is part of a mirrored array. Due to the fault tolerance, if any RAID 1 drive fails, data access will not
be affected as long as there are other working drives in the array.
RAID 0+1 (Striping + Mirroring)
RAID 0+1 combines the performance of data striping (RAID 0) and the fault tolerance of disk mirroring (RAID
1). Data is striped across multiple drives and duplicated on another set of drives.
JBOD (Spanning)
A spanning disk array is equal to the sum of the all drives when the drives used are having different capacities.
Spanning stores data onto a drive until it is full, then proceeds to store files onto the next drive in the array.
When any disk member fails, the failure affects the entire array. JBOD is not really a RAID and does not
support fault tolerance.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 66 -
Please follow the steps below to construct a complete RAID array:
1) Have ready your hard drives for RAID construction.
Note: To achieve best performance, it is recommended that the hard drives used are of similar make
and storage capacity.
2) Please attach the hard drive connectors to their appropriate location on the motherboard ie. IDE, SCSI,
or SATA.
3) Enter the motherboard BIOS and locate RAID setup (Please refer to the section on Integrated Peripherals).
4) Enter RAID setup in the BIOS and select the RAID type (For instance, enter F10 to select NVIDIA RAID;
Ctrl + S to select Silicon Image).
5) Complete driver installation.
6) Complete RAID utility installation.
More information on steps 4 and 5 is provided. (For more detailed setup information, please visit "Support\
Motherboard\ Technology Guide section" on our website at http:\\www.gigabyte.com.tw to read or download
the information you need.)
Configuring the Nvidia RAID BIOS
The Nvidia RAID BIOS setup lets you choose the RAID array type and which hard drives you want to
make part of the array.
Entering the RAID BIOS Setup
1. After rebooting your computer, wait until you see the RAID software prompting you to press F10. The
RAID prompt appears as part of the system POST and boot process prior to loading the OS. You have a few
seconds to press F10 before the window disappears.
NVIDIA RAID IDE ROM BIOS 4.76
Copyright (C) 2004 NVIDIA Corp.
Detecting array ...
Press F10 to enter RAID setup utility ...
English
Press F10.
The NVIDIA RAID Utility - Define a New Array window appears (as Figure below).
NVIDIA RAID Utility Nov 5 2004
- Define a New Array -
RAID Mode: MirroringStriping Block: Optimal
Free Disks
LocDisk Model Name
2.0.M ST3120026AS
2.1.M ST3120026AS
[ESC] Quit [F6] Back [F7] Finish [TAB] Navigate [
[
[
Array Disks
LocDisk Model Name
] Add
] Del
] Select [ENTER] Popup
Appendix- 67 -
English
Using the "Define a New Array" Window
If necessary, press the tab key to move from field to field until the appropriate field is highlighted.
Selecting the RAID Mode
By default, this is set to Mirroring. To change to a different RAID mode, press the down arrow key until the
mode that you want appears in the RAID Mode box - either Mirroring, Striping, Spanning, or Stripe Mirroring.
Selecting the Striping Block Size
Striping block size is given in kilobytes, and affects how data is arranged on the disk. It is recommended to
leave this value at the default Optimal, which is 64KB, but the values can be between 4 KB and 128 KB.
Assigning the Disks
The disks that you enabled from the RAID Config BIOS setup page appear in the Free Disks block. These
are the drives that are available for use as RAID array disks. To designate a free disk to be used as a RAID
array disk,
1. Tab to the Free Disks section. The first disk in the list is selected.
2. Move it from the Free Disks block to the Array Disks block by pressing the right arrow key (). The
first disk in the list is moved, and the next disk in the list is selected and ready to be moved.
3. Continue pressing the right-arrow key () until all the disks that you want to use as RAID array disks
appear in the Array Disks block.
NVIDIA RAID Utility Nov 5 2004
- Define a New Array -
RAID Mode: MirroringStriping Block: Optimal
Free Disks
LocDisk Model Name
[
] Add
[
] Del
[ESC] Quit [F6] Back [F7] Finish [TAB] Navigate [
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 68 -
Array Disks
LocDisk Model Name
2.0.M ST3120026AS
2.1.M ST3120026AS
] Select [ENTER] Popup
Completing the RAID BIOS Setup
After assigning your RAID array disks, press F7. The Clear disk data prompt appears.
NVIDIA RAID Utility Nov 5 10 2004
- Define a New Array -
RAID Mode: MirroringStriping Block: Optimal
English
Free Disks
LocDisk Model Name
[ESC] Quit [F6] Back [F7] Finish [TAB] Navigate [
Clear disk data ?
[Y] YES [N] NO
[
[
Array Disks
LocDisk Model Name
1.0.M ST3120026AS
] Add
] Del
1.1.M ST3120026AS
] Select [ENTER] Popup
Press Y if you want to wipe out all the data from the RAID array, otherwise press N. You must choose Ye s if
the drives were previously used as RAID drives. The Array List window appears, where you can review the
RAID arrays that you have set up.
You can select a disk array as boot device if you want to boot operating system from an array. Use the arrow
keys to select the array, then press B to specify the array as bootable.
NVIDIA RAID Utility Nov 5 2004
- Array List -
BootIdStatusVendorArray Model Name
No2HealthyNVIDIAMIRROR 111.79G
[Ctrl-X] Exit [
] Select [B] Set Boot [N] New Array [ENTER] Detail
Appendix- 69 -
English
Press Enter to view and verify details. The Array Detail screen appears.
The Array Detail screen shows various information about the array that you selected, such as Striping Block
used, RAID Mode, Striping Width, Disk Model Name, and disk capacity.
[R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return
If you want to mark this disk as empty and wipe out all its contents, press C.
At the prompt, press Y to wipe out all the data, otherwise press N.
Press Enter again to go back to the previous screen and then press Ctrl + X to exit the RAID setup.
Now that the RAID setup has been configured from the RAID BIOS, the next step is to configure and load
drivers under Windows.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 70 -
Installing the RAID drivers
To install operating system onto a serial ATA hard disk successfully, you need to install the SATA
controller driver during OS installation. Without the driver, the hard disk may not be recognized during
the Windows setup process. First of all, copy the driver for the SATA controller from the motherboard
driver CD-ROM to a floppy disk. See the instructions below about how to copy the driver in MS-DOS
(Note1)
mode
Step 1: Insert the prepared startup disk and motherboard driver CD-ROM in your system. Boot from the
startup disk. Once at the A:\> prompt, change to the CD-ROM drive (example: D:\>). At the D:\>
prompt, type the following two commands. Press ENTER after each command (Fig.1):
cd bootdrv
menu
. Prepare a startup disk that has CD-ROM support and a blank formatted floppy disk.
English
Step 2: When the controller menu (Fig.2) appears, remove the startup disk and insert the blank formatted
disk. Select the controller driver by pressing the corresponding letter from the menu
(Note2)
. Your system
will then automatically zip and transfer this driver file to the floppy disk. Press 0 to exit when finished.
Fig.1
Fig.2
Step 3: After completing the steps, boot from the Windows installation disk to install the RAID drivers.
Press F6 as soon as you see the "Press F6 if you need to install a third party SCSI or RAID driver"
message, then supply serial ATA controller driver by this floppy disk. Follow the on-screen instructions
to complete the installation.
(Each time you add a new hard drive to a RAID array, the RAID driver will have to be installed under
Windows once for that hard drive. After that, the driver will not have to be installed.)
(Note 1): For users without a startup disk.
Use an alternative system and insert the GIGABYTE motherboard driver CD-ROM. From the
CD-ROM drive (example: D:\) double click the MENU.exe file in the BootDrv folder. A
command prompt window will open similar to that in Fig. 2.
(Note 2): If you wish to install operating system to SATA hard disks on the Sil3114 controller,
you must select the Sil3114 Raid5 item. Please refer to the provided Sil3114 SATA RAID
(RAID 5) function manual for detailed information about Sil3114 SATA RAID configuration.
Appendix- 71 -
English
4-1-5 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function
Introduction
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 Out (Front Speaker Out).
Connect microphone to Mic In.
Line In
Line Out
(Front Speaker Out)
Mic In
Connect the Center/Subwoofer channels to Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out.
Connect the rear channels to Rear Speaker Out.
Connect the side channels to Side Speaker Out.
The installation of audio software 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".
Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out
Rear Speaker Out
Side Speaker
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.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 72 -
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".
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.
English
Front Speaker Out
Rear Speaker
Out
STEP 3:
Click "Speaker Configuration" then click on the
left selection bar and select "4CH Speaker" to
complete 4 channel audio configuration.
Appendix- 73 -
English
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".
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.
STEP 3:
Click "Speaker Configuration" then click on the
left selection bar and select "6CH Speaker" to
complete 6 channel audio configuration.
Front Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out
Rear Speaker
Out
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 74 -
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".
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.
STEP 3:
Click "Speaker Configuration" then click on the
left selection bar and select "8CH Speaker" to
complete 8 channel audio configuration.
English
Front Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out
Rear Speaker
Out
Side Speaker Out
Sound Effect Configuration:
At the sound effect menu, users can adjust
sound option settings as desired.
Install Microsoft DirectX8.1 or later version before to enable Jack-Sensing support for Windows 2000.
Jack-Sensing includes 2 parts: AUTO and MANUAL. Following is an example for 2 channels (Following
pictures are in 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.
GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard- 76 -
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.
English
Appendix- 77 -
English
4-2Troubleshooting
Below is a collection of general asked questions. To check general asked questions based on a specific
motherboard model, please log on to www.gigabyte.com.tw
Question 1: I cannot see some options that were included in previous BIOS after updating BIOS. Why?
Answer: Some advanced options are hidden in new BIOS version. Please press Ctrl and F1 keys after
entering BIOS menu and you will be able to see these options.
Questions 2: Why is the light of my keyboard/optical mouse still on after computer shuts down?
Answer: In some boards, a small amount of electricity is kept on standby after computer shuts down
and that's why the light is still on.
Question 3: How do I clear CMOS?
Answer: If your board has a Clear CMOS jumper, please refer to the Clear CMOS steps in the manual.
If your board doesn't have such jumper, you can take off the on-board battery to leak voltage to clear
CMOS. Please refer to the steps below:
Steps:
1. Turn off power.
2. Disconnect the power cord from MB.
3. Take out the battery gently and put it aside for about 10 minutes (Or you can use a metal object
to connect the positive and negative pins in the battery holder to makethem short for one
minute).
4. Re-insert the battery to the battery holder.
5. Connect power cord to MB again and turn on power.
6. Press Del to enter BIOS and load Fail-Safe Defaults(or load Optimized Defaults).
7. Save changes and reboot the system.
Question 4: Why do I still get a weak sound after turning up the speaker to the maximum volume?
Answer: Please make sure the speaker you are using is equipped with an internal amplifier. If not,
please change another speaker with power/amplifier and try again later.
Question 5: 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 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
Contact Us
English
Taiwan (Headquarters)
GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LT D.
Address: No.6, Bau Chiang Road, Hsin-Tien, Taipei 231,