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 AM2 for AMD AthlonTM 64 FX / AthlonTM 64 X2 Dual-Core /
1 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 floppy connector
1 IDE connector
4 SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 CPU fan connector
1 system fan connector
1 power fan connector
1 front panel connector
1 front audio connector
1 CD In connector
1 SPDIF In connector
3 USB 2.0/1.1 connectors for additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports by cables
2 IEEE1394 connectors for additional 2 ports by cables
1 power LED connector
(Note 1)
GA-M55S-S3 Motherboard- 10 -
Rear Panel I/O 1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
1 parallel port
1 SPDIF out port (coaxial)
1 SPDIF out port (optical)
1 serial port (COMA)
4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 IEEE1394 port
1 RJ-45 port
6 audio jacks (Line In / Line Out / MIC In / Surround Speaker Out (Rear
Speaker Out) / Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out / Side Speaker Out)
I/O Control IT8716 chip
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU temperature detection
CPU / Power / System fan speed detection
CPU warning temperature
CPU fan failure warning
Supports CPU Smart Fan function
(Note 2)
BIOS 1 4Mbit flash ROM
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
Supports Download Center
Supports Q-Flash
Supports EasyTune
Bundle Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Form Factor ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 23.4cm
English
(Note 1) Due to the limitation of Windows 32-bit operating system, when more than 4GB of physical
memory is installed, the actual memory available for the operating system will be less than
4GB; Windows 64-bit operating system doesn't have such limitation.
(Note 2) Whether the CPU Smart FAN Control function is supported will depend on the CPU you install.
(Note 3) EasyTune functions may vary depending on different motherboards.
Hardware Installation- 11 -
English
1-3Installation of the CPU and CPU Cooler
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 pin 1 marking (the small triangle) on 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 paste between the CPU and CPU cooler.
4. Please make sure the CPU cooler 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 CPU pins to see that none are bent. Move the socket lever to the unlocked position as shown
in Fig. 1 (90o to the plane of the motherboard) prior to inserting the CPU. The pin 1 location is designated
on the CPU by a small triangle that corresponds to a triangle marking on the socket as shown in Fig.
2. Align the CPU to the socket and gently lower it into place. Do not force the CPU into the socket.
Fig.1
Socket Lever
Position lever at a 90 degree angle.
Fig.2
Pin 1 location on the socket and processor.
Gently place the CPU into position making sure that the CPU pins fit
perfectly into their holes. Once the CPU is positioned into its socket,
place one finger down on the middle of the CPU and gently press the
metal lever back into its original position.
Pin One
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-M55S-S3 Motherboard- 12 -
1-3-2 Installation of the CPU Cooler
Fig.1
Before installing the CPU cooler, please first add an even layer of heat
paste on the surface of the CPU. Install all the CPU cooler components
(Please refer to the cooler manual for detailed installation instructions).
Fig.2
Please connect the CPU cooler power connector to the CPU_FAN connector located on the motherboard so that the CPU cooler can properly
function to prevent CPU overheating.
The CPU cooler may adhere to the CPU as a result of hardening of the heat paste. To prevent
such an occurrence, it is suggested that either thermal tape rather than heat paste be used for
heat dissipation or using extreme care when removing the CPU cooler.
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 DDRII 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 II
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-M55S-S3 Motherboard- 14 -
Dual Channel Memory Configuration
The GA-M55S-S3 supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the
Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will double.
Due to CPU limitation, if you wish to operate the Dual Channel Technology, follow the guidelines below:
1. Dual Channel mode will not be enabled if only one memory module is installed.
2. To enable Dual Channel mode with two 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 four 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, "--": Empty)
DIMM Socket
2 memory modules
4 memory modules
If two memory modules are to be used to achieve Dual Channel mode, we recommend
installing them in DDRII_1 and DDRII_2 DIMM sockets.
DDRII_1DDRII_2DDRII_ 3DDRII_4
DS/SSDS/SS- -- -
- -- -DS/SSDS/SS
DS/SSDS/SSDS/SSDS/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 x16 expansion card:
Please carefully pull out the small whitedrawable bar at the end of the PCI Express x16 slot when you try to install/
uninstall the VGA card. Please align the
VGA card to the onboard PCI Express
x16 slot and press firmly down on the
slot. Make sure your VGA card is locked
by the small white-drawable bar.
GA-M55S-S3 Motherboard- 16 -
To install a VGA card or to release an
installed card, users can also press the
latch on the back of the drawable bar as
the picture to the left shows.
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_O (COATIAL)
The SPDIF coaxial output port is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or
compressed AC3 data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder via a coaxial cable.
SPDIFO_OPT (OPTICAL)
The SPDIF optical output port is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or
compressed AC3 data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder via an optical cable.
COMA (Serial Port)
Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.
IEEE 1394 Port
Serial interface standard set by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which has features
like high speed, highbandwidth and hot plug.
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 vendor for possible patch or driver upgrade. For more information please contact your
OS or device(s) vendors.
LAN Port
The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet , providing data transfer speeds of 10/100/
1000Mbps.
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
The default Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack. Center/Subwoofer speakers can be connected to
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack.
Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out)
The default Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack. Rear surround speakers can be
connected to Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack.
Side Speaker Out
The default Side Speaker Out jack. Surround side speakers can be connected to Side Speaker Out
jack.
English
Hardware Installation- 17 -
English
Line In
The default Line In jack. Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.
Line Out (Front Speaker Out)
The default Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack. Stereo speakers, earphone or front surround
speakers can be connected to Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack.
MIC In
The default MIC In jack. Microphone must be connected to MIC In jack.
In addition to the default speakers settings, the ~ audio jacks can be reconfigured to perform
different functions via the audio software. Only microphones still MUST be connected to the
default Mic In jack ( ). Please refer to the 2-/4-/6-/8- channel audio setup steps for detailed
software configuration information.
1-7Connectors Introduction
16
3
4
2
8
4
13
9
9
14
7
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) PCIE_12V
4) CPU_FAN
5) SYS_FAN
6) PWR_FAN
7) FDD
8) IDE1
9) SATAII1 / 2 / 3 / 4
12
1115161718
11) F_PANEL
12) PWR_LED
13) F_AUDIO
14) CD_IN
15) SPDIF_I
16) F_USB1 / F_USB2 / F_USB3
17) F1_1394 / F2_1394
18) CI
19) CLR_CMOS
10) BATTERY
Only for PCB REV. 1.0. Only for PCB REV. 1.1.
GA-M55S-S3 Motherboard- 18 -
19
10
5
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 (400W 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.
If you use a 24-pin ATX power supply, please remove the small cover on the power connector on
the motherboard before plugging in the power cord ; otherwise, please do not remove it.
Pin No.Definition
43
21
1GND
2GND
3+12V
4+12V
English
12
24
131
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)
24GND(Only for 24-pin ATX)
Hardware Installation- 19 -
English
3) PCIE_12V (Power Connector)
The PCIE_12V power connector supplies extra power to the PCIE x16 slot. Connect this connector
depending on your system requirements.
1
PIin No.Definition
1NC
2GND
3GND
4+12V
4/5/6) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN / PWR_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).
Remember to connect the CPU/system/power fan cable to the CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN/PWR_FAN
connector to prevent CPU damage or system hanging caused by overheating.
CPU_FAN
1
CPU_FAN
CPU_FAN :
Pin No.Definition
1GND
2+12V / Speed Control
3Sense
4Speed Control
CPU_FAN
SYS_FAN
PWR_FAN
GA-M55S-S3 Motherboard- 20 -
SYS_FAN / PWR_FAN :
1
1
Pin No.Definition
1GND
2+12V
3Sense
Only for PCB REV. 1.0.
Only for PCB REV. 1.1.
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. Before attaching the FDD cable, please take note of the foolproof groove in the FDD
connector.
133
234
8) 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).
Before attaching the IDE cable, please take note of the foolproof groove in the IDE connector.
SATA 3Gb/s can provide up to 300MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the SATA
3Gb/s and install the proper driver in order to work properly.
Pin No.Definition
1GND
2TXP
1
7
3TXN
4GND
5RXN
6RXP
7GND
SATAII4
SATAII1
SATAII2
SATAII3
10) BATTERY
If you want to erase CMOS...
1. Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Gently take out the battery and put it aside for about one minute.
3. Re-install the battery.
4. Plug the power cord in and turn on the computer.
GA-M55S-S3 Motherboard- 22 -
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.
(Or you can use a metal object to connect the positive and
negative pins in the battery holder to make them short for five
seconds.)
11) 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.
English
Message LED/
Sleep LED
Power
Power/
Switch
PW+
MSG+
MSG-
2
1
HD-
HD+
RES-
Reset Switch
IDE Hard Disk Active LED
RES+
MSG (Message LED/Power/Sleep LED)Pin 1: LED anode(+)
(Yellow)Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
PW (Power Switch)Open: Normal
(Red)Close: Power On/Off
SPEAK (Speaker Connector)Pin 1: Power
(Amber)Pin 2- Pin 3: NC
Pin 4: Data(-)
HD (IDE Hard Disk Active LED)Pin 1: LED anode(+)
(Blue)Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
RES (Reset Switch)Open: Normal
(Green)Close: Reset Hardware System
NC ( Purple)NC
Speaker Connector
PW-
SPEAK+
NC
SPEAK-
20
19
Hardware Installation- 23 -
English
12) PWR_LED
The PWR_LED connector is connected with the system power indicator to indicate whether the
system is on/off. It will blink when the system enters suspend mode.
Pin No.Definition
1
1MPD+
2MPD-
3MPD-
13) F_AUDIO (Front Audio Connector)
This connector supports either HD (High Definition) or AC97 front panel audio module. If you wish
to use the front audio function, connect the front panel audio module to this connector. Check the pin
assignments carefully while you connect the front panel audio module. Incorrect connection
between the module and connector will make the audio device unable to work or even damage it.
For optional front panel audio module, please contact your chassis manufacturer.
910
2
1
HD Audio:
Pin No.Definition
1MIC2_L
2GND
3MIC2_R
4-ACZ_DET
5LINE2_R
6FSENSE1
7FAUDIO_JD
8No Pin
9LINE2_L
10FSENSE2
AC'97 Audio:
Pin No.Definition
By default, the audio driver is configured to support HD Audio. To connect an AC97 front panel
audio module to this connector, please refer to the instructions on page 84 about the software
settings.
GA-M55S-S3 Motherboard- 24 -
1MIC
2GND
3MIC Power
4NC
5Line Out (R)
6NC
7NC
8No Pin
9Line Out (L)
10NC
14) CD_IN (CD In Connector)
Connect CD-ROM or DVD-ROM audio out to the connector.
Pin No.Definition
1CD-L
2GND
1
3GND
4CD-R
15) SPDIF_I (SPDIF In Connector)
Use SPDIF IN feature only when your device has digital output function. Be careful with the polarity
of the SPDIF_I connector. Check the pin assignment carefully while you connect the SPDIF cable,
incorrect connection between the cable and connector will make the device unable to work or even
damage it. For optional SPDIF cable, please contact your local dealer.
English
Pin No.Definition
1Power
2SPDIFI
1
3GND
Hardware Installation- 25 -
English
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.
Pin No.Definition
10 9
21
1Power (5V)
2Power (5V)
3USB DX-
4USB Dy-
5USB DX+
6USB Dy+
7GND
8GND
9No Pin
10NC
17) F1_1394 / F2_1394 (Front IEEE 1394 Connector)
Serial interface standard set by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which has features
like high speed, highbandwidth 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.
2
1
GA-M55S-S3 Motherboard- 26 -
Pin No.Definition
10
9
1TPA+
2TPA-
3GND
4GND
5TPB+
6TPB-
7No Pin
7Power (12V)
8Power (12V)
10GND
18) CI (Chassis Intrusion, Case Open)
This 2-pin connector allows your system to detect if the chassis cover is removed. You can check
the "Case Opened" status in BIOS Setup.
Pin No.Definition
1
1Signal
2GND
19) CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS)
You may clear the CMOS data to its default values by this header. To clear CMOS, temporarily
short the two pins. Default doesn't include the jumper to avoid improper use of this header.
English
Open: Normal
Short: Clear CMOS
Hardware Installation- 27 -
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