Gigabyte GA-8I915MD-GV User Manual

GA-8I915MD-G/ GA-8I915MD-GV

Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 Processor Motherboard

User's Manual

Rev. 1003

12ME-8I915MDS-1003R

Sept. 1, 2005

GA-8I915MD-G

Motherboard

Sept. 1, 2005

GA-8I915MD-G

Motherboard

Sept. 1, 2005

GA-8I915MD-GV

Motherboard

Sept. 1, 2005

GA-8I915MD-GV

Motherboard

The trademarks mentioned in the manual are legally registered to their respective companies.

Notice

The written content provided with this product is the property of Gigabyte.

No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, or transmitted in any form or by any

means without Gigabyte's prior written permission. Specifications and features are subject to

change without prior notice.

Product Manual Classification

In order to assist in the use of this product, Gigabyte has categorized the user manual in the

following:

 For detailed product information and specifications, please carefully read the

"Product User Manual".

 For detailed information related to Gigabyte's unique features, please go to "Technology

Guide" section on Gigabyte's website to read or download the information you need.

For more product details, please click onto Gigabyte's website at www.gigabyte.com.tw

Table of Contents

GA-8I915MD-G / GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard Layout ............................................... 7

Block Diagram (GA-8I915MD-G) ................................................................................... 8

Block Diagram (GA-8I915MD-GV) ................................................................................. 9

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation ....................................................................................11

1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation ................................................................... 11

1-2 Feature Summary .......................................................................................... 12

1-3 Installation of the CPU and Heatsink .............................................................. 14

1-3-1 Installation of the CPU ......................................................................................... 14

1-3-2 Installation of the Heatsink .................................................................................. 15

1-4 Installation of Memory .................................................................................... 16

1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards ...................................................................... 18

1-5-1 Graphics Card Support List * ............................................................................. 18

1-6 I/O Back Panel Introduction ........................................................................... 20

1-7 Connectors Introduction .................................................................................. 21

Chapter 2 BIOS Setup................................................................................................ 31

The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : GA-8I915MD-G F3a) ........................... 32

2-1 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 34

2-2 Advanced BIOS Features .............................................................................. 36

2-3 Integrated Peripherals ..................................................................................... 38

2-4 Power Management Setup ............................................................................. 40

2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations ................................................................................. 41

2-6 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 42

2-7 Frequency/Voltage Control ............................................................................. 44

2-8 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................... 45

2-9 Load Optimized Defaults ................................................................................. 45

2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 46

2-11 Save & Exit Setup......................................................................................... 47

2-12 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 47

"*" Only for GA-8I915MD-GV.

- 5 -

Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ...................................................................................... 49

3-1 Install Chipset Drivers .................................................................................... 49

3-2 Software Applications ..................................................................................... 50

3-3 Driver CD Information .................................................................................... 50

3-4 Hardware Information ..................................................................................... 51

3-5 Contact Us ..................................................................................................... 51

Chapter 4 Appendix ................................................................................................... 53

4-1 Unique Software Utilities ................................................................................ 53

4-1-1 EasyTune 5 Introduction ..................................................................................... 54

4-1-2 Xpress Recovery2 Introduction ......................................................................... 55

4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction ........................................................................ 57

4-1-4 2 / 4 / 6 Channel Audio Function Introduction ................................................. 66

4-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 72

- 6 -

GA-8I915MD-G / GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard Layout

KB_MS

COMA

VGA

USB

AUDIO

RTL8110S / RTL8100C

CD_IN

CODEC

SUR_CEN

LPT

ATX_12V

LAN

AUX_IN

F_AUDIO

SPDIF_IO

COMB

LGA775

Intel 915G /

Intel 915GV

SYS_FAN

PCIE_16

PCI1

PCI2

PCI3

F_USB1

CPU_FAN

IT8712

ATX

IDE1

GA-8I915MD-G or GA-8I915MD-GV

DDRII1

Intel ICH6

F_USB2

SATA1

SATA0

BIOS

DDRII2

BAT

CLR_CMOS

FDD

PWR_LED

F_PANEL

Only for GA-8I915MD-G. Only for GA-8I915MD-GV.

- 7 -

Block Diagram (GA-8I915MD-G)

PCI-ECLK

(100MHz)

PCI Express x16

VGA

PCI Bus

RTL8110S

RJ45

LGA775

Processor

Intel 915G MCH

Intel

ICH6

CPUCLK+/-(200/133MHz)

Host

Interface

MCHCLK (200/133MHz)

DDRII 600

(Note)

Dual Channel Memory

66MHz 33MHz

14.318MHz 48MHz

BIOS

2 Serial ATA

ATA33/66/100 IDE1 Channel

IT8712

/533/400MHz DIMM

Floppy

LPT Port

COM Ports

CODEC

8 USB

Ports

3 PCI

PCICLK (33MHz)

(Note) To use a DDRII 600 memory module on the motherboard, you must install an 800MHz FSB

processor and overclock in BIOS.

MIC

Line-Out

Line-In

- 8 -

24MHz

33MHz

PS/2 KB/Mouse

Block Diagram (GA-8I915MD-GV)

PCI-ECLK

(100MHz)

VGA

PCI Express x4

PCI Bus

RTL8100C

RJ45

LGA775

Processor

Intel

915GV

MCH

Intel

ICH6

CPUCLK+/-(200/133MHz)

Host

Interface

MCHCLK (200/133MHz)

DDRII 600

(Note)

Dual Channel Memory

66MHz 33MHz

14.318MHz

48MHz

BIOS

2 Serial ATA

ATA33/66/100 IDE1 Channel

IT8712

533/400MHz DIMM

Floppy

LPT Port

COM Ports

CODEC

8 USB

Ports

3 PCI

PCICLK (33MHz)

(Note) To use a DDRII 600 memory module on the motherboard, you must install an 800MHz FSB

processor and overclock in BIOS.

MIC

Line-Out

Line-In

- 9 -

24MHz

33MHz

PS/2 KB/Mouse

- 10 -

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation

Preparing Your Computer

The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Thus, prior to installation, please follow the instructions below:

1. Please turn off the computer and unplug its power cord.

2. When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.

3. It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) cuff when handling electronic components (CPU, RAM).

4. Prior to installing the electronic components, please have these items on top of an antistatic pad or within a electrostatic shielding container.

5. Please verify that the power supply is switched off before unplugging the power supply connector from the motherboard.

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- 11 -

English

1-2 Feature Summary

Motherboard  GA-8I915MD-G or GA-8I915MD-GV CPU  Supports the latest Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 CPU

 Supports 800/533MHz FSB  L2 cache varies with CPU

Chipset  Northbridge: Intel®915G / 915GV Express Chipset

 Southbridge: Intel® ICH6  Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems

Memory  2 DDR II DIMM memory slots (supports up to 2GB memory)

 Supports 1.8V DDR II DIMM  Supports dual channel DDR II 600

Slots  1 PCI Express x 16 slot

 3 PCI slots

IDE Connections  1 IDE connection (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100), allows connection of

2 IDE devices

 Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems FDD Connections  1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices Onboard SATA  2 Serial ATA ports

 Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems Peripherals  1 parallel port supporting Normal/EPP/ECP mode

 1 VGA port, 1 COMA port, onboard COMB connection

 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (rear x 4, front x 4 via cable)

 1 front audio connector

 1 PS/2 keyboard port

 1 PS/2 mouse port

Onboard VGA  Built-in Intel® 915G / 915GV Express Chipset Onboard LAN  Onboard RTL8110S chip (10/100/1000Mbit)

 Onboard RTL8100C chip (10/100Mbit)

 1 RJ 45 port

 Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems Onboard Audio  Realtek ALC655 CODEC

 Supports Line In ; Line Out ; MIC In

 Supports 2 / 4 / 6 channel audio

 SPDIF In/Out connection

 CD In connection

 AUX In connection

I/O Control  IT8712

(Note 2)

(Note 1)

533/400 DIMM

(Note 1) To use a DDRII 600 memory module on the motherboard, you must install an 800MHz FSB

processor and overclock in BIOS.

(Note 2) The GA-8I915MD-GV supports up to PCI Express x 4 mode (please refer to the VGA cards

support list on page 18~19). The GA-8I915MD-G supports up to PCI Express x16 mode.

Only for GA-8I915MD-G. Only for GA-8I915MD-GV.

GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 12 -

Hardware Monitor  System voltage detection

 CPU temperature detection

 CPU / System fan speed detection

 CPU warning temperature

 CPU / System fan failure warning

 CPU smart fan control BIOS  Use of licensed AWARD BIOS

 Supports Q-Flash Additional Features  Supports @BIOS

 Supports EasyTune 5 (only supports Hardware Monitor function) Form Factor  Micro ATX form factor; 24.4cm x 21.5cm

English

(Note 3)

(Note 3) EasyTune functions may vary depending on different motherboards.

Hardware Installation- 13 -

English

1-3 Installation of the CPU and Heatsink

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 heatsink.

4. Please make sure the heatsink 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.

HT functionality requirement content :

Enabling the functionality of Hyper-Threading Technology for your computer system requires all of the following platform components:

- CPU: An Intel® Pentium 4 Processor with HT Technology

- Chipset: An Intel® Chipset that supports HT Technology

- BIOS: A BIOS that supports HT Technology and has it enabled

- OS: An operation system that has optimizations for HT Technology

1-3-1 Installation of the CPU

Metal Lever

Fig. 1 Gently lift the metal lever located on the CPU socket to the upright position.

Fig. 2 Remove the plastic covering on the CPU socket.

Fig. 3 Notice the small gold colored triangle located on the edge of the CPU socket. Align the indented corner of the

CPU with the triangle and gently insert the CPU into position. (Grasping the CPU firmly between your thumb and forefinger, carefully place it into the socket in a straight and downwards motion. Avoid twisting or bending motions that might cause damage to the CPU during installation.)

GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 14 -

Fig. 4 Once the CPU is properly inserted, please replace the load plate and push the metal lever back into its original position.

1-3-2 Installation of the Heatsink

English

Male Push Pin

The top of Female Push Pin

Female Push Pin

Fig.1 Please apply an even layer of heatsink paste on the surface of the installed CPU.

Fig. 3 Place the heatsink atop the CPU and make sure the push pins aim to the pin hole on the motherboard.Pressing down the push pins diagonally.

Fig. 5 Please check the back of motherboard after installing. If the push pin is inserted as the picture, the installation is complete.

Fig. 2 (Turning the push pin along the direction of arrow is to remove the heatsink, on the contrary, is to install.) Please note the direction of arrow sign on the male push pin doesn't face inwards before installation. (This instruction is only for Intel boxed fan)

Fig. 4 Please make sure the Male and Female push pin are joined closely. (for detailed installation instructions, please refer to the heatsink installation section of the user manual)

Fig. 6 Finally, please attach the power connector of the heatsink to the CPU fan header located on the motherboard.

The heatsink may adhere to the CPU as a result of hardening of the heatsink 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 heatsink.

Hardware Installation- 15 -

English

1-4 Installation of Memory

Before installing the memory modules, please comply with the following conditions:

1. Please make sure that the memory used is supported by the motherboard. It is recommended that memory of similar capacity, specifications and brand be used.

2. Before installing or removing memory modules, please make sure that the computer power is switched off to prevent hardware damage.

3. Memory modules have a foolproof insertion design. A memory module can be installed in only one direction. If you are unable to insert the module, please switch the direction.

The motherboard supports DDR II 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-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 16 -

Dual Channel Memory Configuration

The GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus

will add double. The GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV includes 2 DIMM sockets. If you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please note the following explanations due to the limitation of Intel chipset specifications.

1. Dual Channel mode will not be enabled if only one DDR II memory module is installed.

2. To enable Dual Channel mode, please insert two DDR II memory modules (it is recommended to use memory modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed) into DDRII1 and DDRII memory sockets.

English

Hardware Installation- 17 -

English

1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards

You can install your expansion card by following the steps outlined below:

1. Read the related expansion card's instruction document before install the expansion card into the computer.

2. Remove your computer's chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the computer.

3. Press the expansion card firmly into expansion slot in motherboard.

4. Be sure the metal contacts on the card are indeed seated in the slot.

5. Replace the screw to secure the slot bracket of the expansion card.

6. Replace your computer's chassis cover.

7. Power on the computer, if necessary, setup BIOS utility of expansion card from BIOS.

8. Install related driver from the operating system.

Installing a PCI Express x 16 expansion card:

Please align the VGA card to the onboard PCI Express x 16 slot and press firmly down on the slot. Make sure your VGA card is locked by the latch at the end of the PCI Express x 16 slot. When you try uninstall the VGA card, please press the latch as the picture to the left shows to release the card.

1-5-1 Graphics Card Support List *

(The items below are all supported under the Windows XP operating system. When using an add-on graphics card, please first delete the onboard graphics driver before installing the driver for the add-on graphics card.)

Figure 1-1. PCI Express x16 Cards

Graphics Chip Maker Model Name Nvidia Gigabyte GV-NX53128D

Gigabyte GV-NX57128D Gigabyte GV-NX59128D Gigabyte GV-NX62128D Gigabyte GV-NX66256D Gigabyte GV-NX66T128VP

"*" Only for GA-8I915MD-GV. GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 18 -

To be continued...

Figure 1-2. PCI Express x16 Cards

Graphics Chip Maker Model Name Nvidia Gigabyte GV-NX66T128D

Gigabyte GV-NX68T256DH Gigabyte GV-NX55128DP Gigabyte GV-NX68U256D Gigabyte GV-NX62TC256D ASUS EN6600/TD/128

ATi Gigabyte GV-RX30S128D

Gigabyte GV-RX60P128D Gigabyte GV-RX60X128V Gigabyte GV-RX70128D Gigabyte GV-RX70P128D Gigabyte GV-RX80T256V Gigabyte GV-RX80L256V Gigabyte GV-RX80256D ASUS AX800XT ASUS AX700PRO MSI RX600 XT-TD128

English

Hardware Installation- 19 -

English

1-6 I/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.

COMA (Serial Port)

Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.

VGA Port

Monitor can be connected to VGA port.

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 LAN port provides Internet connection.

Line In

Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.

Line Out

Connect the stereo speakers or earphone to this connector.

MIC In

Microphone can be connected to MIC In jack.

You can use audio software to configure 2-/4-/6-channel audio functioning.

GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 20 -

1-7 Connectors Introduction

English

1) ATX_12V

2) ATX (Power Connector)

3) CPU_FAN

4) SYS_FAN

5) FDD

6) IDE1

7) SATA0 / SATA1

8) F_AUDIO

9) PWR_LED

10) F_PANEL

10 9

814

1813

716 19

11) CD_IN

12) AUX_IN

13) SPDIF_IO

14) SUR_CEN

15) F_USB1/F_USB2

16) COMB

17) CI

18) CLR_CMOS

19) BAT

Hardware Installation- 21 -

English

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. 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

1 GND

2 GND

3 +12V

4 +12V

Pin No. Definition

1 3.3V

2 3.3V

3 GND

4 +5V

5 GND

6 +5V

7 GND

8 Power Good

9 5V SB(stand by +5V)

10 +12V

11 +12V(Only for 24-pin ATX)

12 3.3V(Only for 24-pin ATX)

GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 22 -

Pin No. Definition

13 3.3V

14 -12V

15 GND

16 PS_ON(soft On/Off)

17 GND

18 GND

19 GND

20 -5V

21 +5V

22 +5V

23 +5V (Only for 24-pin ATX)

24 GN D(Only for 24-pin ATX)

3/4) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN (Cooler Fan Power Connector)

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

English

CPU_FAN

SYS_FAN

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

2 +12V

3 Sense

4 Speed Control

(Only for CPU_FAN)

5) FDD (Floppy Connector)

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

Hardware Installation- 23 -

English

6) IDE1 (IDE Connector)

An IDE device connects to the computer via an IDE connector. One IDE connector can connect to one IDE cable, and the single IDE cable can then connect to two IDE devices (hard drive or optical drive). If you wish to connect two IDE devices, please set the jumper on one IDE device as Master and the other as Slave (for information on settings, please refer to the instructions located on the IDE device).

3940

7) SATA0/SATA1 (SATA Connector)

SATA can provide up to 150MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the Serial ATA and install the proper driver in order to work properly.

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

2 TXP

3 TXN

4 GND

5 RXN

6 RXP

7 GND

GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 24 -

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