Only for GA-8I915ME-GV.
Only for GA-8I915ME-GL.
Only for GA-8I915ME-C.
Only for GA-8I915ME-G.
- 6 -
Block Diagram
PCI-ECLK
(100MHz)
2 PCI
1 G.E.A.R.
VGA
PCI Express x16
PCI Express x4
PCI Bus
RTL8100C
RTL8110S
RJ45
Processor
Intel 915GV
Intel 915GL
Intel 910GL
Intel 915G
AC97
CODEC
LGA775
Interface
Intel
GMCH
Intel
ICH6
AC97 Link
CPUCLK+/-(200/133 MHz)
Host
DDR400/333MHz DIMM
Dual Channel Memory
GMCHCLK (200/133MHz)
66MHz
33MHz
14.318MHz
48MHz
BIOS
2 Serial ATA
IT 8712F
24MHz
8 USB
33MHz
Ports
Floppy
LPT Port
COM Ports
PS/2 KB/Mouse
PCICLK
(33MHz)
Only for GA-8I915ME-GV.
Only for GA-8I915ME-GL.
Only for GA-8I915ME-C.
Only for GA-8I915ME-G.
MIC
Line-In
Line-Out
SPDIF In
SPDIF Out
(Note) GA-8I915ME-GV / GA-8I915ME-GL /
GA-8I915ME-C supports transfer up to
PCI Express x4 mode.
GA-8I915ME-G supports transfer up to
PCI Express x16 mode.
- 7 -
- 8 -
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation
1-1Considerations 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.
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 connections
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
Peripherals 1 parallel port supporting Normal/EPP/ECP mode
1 VGA port, onboard COM1/COM2 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 LAN Onboard RTL8100C chip (10/100 Mbit)
Onboard RTL8110S chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
1 RJ 45 port
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systemsOnboard Audio Realtek ALC655 CODEC
Supports Line In ; Line Out ; MIC In
Supports 2 / 4 / 6 channel audio
SPDIF In / Out connection
CD In / AUX In connection
Supports Jack-Sensing function
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
I/O Control IT8712F
(Note 1)
Only for GA-8I915ME-GV.
Only for GA-8I915ME-GL.
Only for GA-8I915ME-C.
Only for GA-8I915ME-G.
GA-8I915ME Series Motherboard- 10 -
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU temperature detection
CPU / System fan speed detection
CPU warning temperature
CPU / System fan failure warning
CPU smart fan controlBIOS Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
OverclockingOver Clock via BIOS (DDR)
Form Factor Micro ATX form factor; 24.4 cm x 23.6 cm
English
(Note 1) 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-8I915ME-C(910GL chipset) only supports up to 2GB memory.
(Note 2) GA-8I915ME-GV / GA-8I915ME-GL / GA-8I915ME-C supports transfer up to PCI Express
x4 mode.
GA-8I915ME-G supports transfer up to PCI Express x16 mode.
(Note 3) Please refer to the “Graphics Card Support List” for G.E.A.R slot on page 17 ~ page 19.
G.E.A.R supporting transfer up to 33MHz and compatible with AGP 8X slot.
Hardware Installation- 11 -
English
1-3Installation 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
Fig. 1
Metal Lever
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-8I915ME Series Motherboard- 12 -
Gently lift the metal
lever located on the
CPU socket to the
upright position.
Fig. 3
Notice the small gold
colored triangle
located on the edge of
the CPU socket.
Align the
indented corner of the
Fig. 2
Remove the plastic
covering on the CPU
socket.
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. 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. 5
Please check the back of motherboard after
installing. If the push pin is inserted as the picture,
the installation is complete.
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.
Fig. 6
Finally, please attach the power connector of the
heatsink to the CPU fan header located on the
motherboard.
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
1. The DIMM slot has a notch, so the DIMM
memory module can only fit in one direction.
2. Insert the DIMM memory module vertically
into the DIMM slot. Then push it down.
3. Close the plastic clip at both edges of the DIMM
slots to lock the DIMM module.
Reverse the installation steps when you wish
to remove the DIMM module.
GA-8I915ME Series Motherboard- 14 -
Dual Channel DDR
GA-8I915ME-GV/GA-8I915ME-GL/GA-8I915ME-C/GA-8I915ME-G supports the Dual Channel
Technology. After operating the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will add
double.
GA-8I915ME-GV/GA-8I915ME-GL/GA-8I915ME-C/GA-8I915ME-G includes 2 DIMM sockets, and each
Channel has two DIMM sockets as following:
Channel A : DIMM1
Channel B : DIMM2
If you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please note the following explanations due
to the limitation of Intel chipset specifications.
1. If one DDR memory modules are installed: The Dual Channel Technolog cannot operate when
one DDR memory modules are installed.
2. If two DDR memory modules are installed, please use memory of the same storage capacity
in order to use dual channel memory and for BIOS to detect all the DDR memory modules.
We'll strongly recommend our user to slot two DDR memory modules into the DIMMs with the same
color in order for Dual Channel Technology to work.
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/G.E.A.R. expansion card:
Please carefully pull out the small whitedrawable bar at the end of the
PCI Express x 16/G.E.A.R. slot when
you try to install/Uninstall the VGA card.
Please align the VGA card to the onboard
PCI Express x 16/G.E.A.R. slot and press
firmly down on the slot .Make sure your
VGA card is locked by the small whitedrawable bar.
GA-8I915ME Series Motherboard- 16 -
1-5-1 What is G.E.A.R.?
The revolutionary and innovative G.E.A.R. (GIGABYTE Enhance AGP Riser) interface provides an
additional interface for traditional AGP Graphics card on Intel chipset based PCI Express solution
motherboard. It supports most of the AGP Graphics card available in the market from AGP 4X to AGP
8X graphics card.
Note:
1. Please remove the sticker on the G.E.A.R. slot before inserting your AGP graphics card.
2. G.E.A.R. interface is designed to provide a temporary AGP solution before the mass availability of
PCI Express graphics card. It is suggested to use PCI Express X 16 interface graphics card to avoid
the damage of your AGP graphics card.
3. G.E.A.R. interface is created through PCI interface signal and voltage switching to AGP interface,
due to this technical specification difference, it might cause AGP graphics card life-span shortens.
4. Please view the graphics cards support list currently validated by GIGABYTE enginneers. For more
updated information, please logon to GIGABYTE website at http://www.gigabyte.com.tw
1-5-2 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. 4X AGP Card
Graphics ChipMakerModel Name
NvidiaGigabyteGA-620
GigabyteGA-622
GigabyteGA-660 Plus
GigabyteGA-GF2560
Graphics ChipMakerModel Name
NvidiaGigabyteGV-N57L128D
GigabyteG V-N59X128D
ASUSV9180TD
ASUSV9480-TVD
ASUSV9520
MSIMX440-VTD8X MS-8888
MSITi4600-TD-8X
LeadtekW inFast A280LE T D
LeadtekW inFast A310 T D
AlbatronNVIDIA 5950
To install a PS/2 port keyboard and mouse, plug the mouse to the upper port (green) and the
keyboard o the lower port (purple).
Parallel Port
The parallel port allows connection of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices.
COM 1 (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 provided Internet connection is fast Ethernet, providing data transfer speeds of 10/100Mbps.
The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet, providing data transfer speeds of 10/100/
1000Mbps.
Line In
Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.
Line Out
Connect the stereo speakers, earphone or front surround speakers 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.
Only for GA-8I915ME-GV.
Only for GA-8I915ME-GL.
Only for GA-8I915ME-C.
Only for GA-8I915ME-G.
GA-8I915ME Series Motherboard- 20 -
1-7Connectors Introduction
English
11
16
1)ATX_12V
2)ATX (Power Connector)
3)CPU_FAN
4)SYS_FAN
5)FDD
6)IDE
7)SATA0 / SATA2
8)F_PANEL
9)WOL
10)PWR_LED
13
1215
13
17
9
14
2
21
11)F_AUDIO
12)CD_IN
13)AUX_IN
14)F_USB1 / F_USB2
15)COM2
16)SUR_CEN
17)SPIDF_IO
18)C I
19)CLR_CMOS
20)BIOS_WP
21)BAT
18
5
4
6
20
7
19
10
8
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.
3
1
13
24
4
2
1
12
Pin No.Definition
1GND
2GND
3+12V
4+12V
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
12 3.3V(Only for 24pins ATX)
133.3V
14-12V
15GND
16PS_ON(soft On/Off)
17GND
18GND
19GND
20-5V
21+5V
22+5V
23+5V
24GND
GA-8I915ME Series Motherboard- 22 -
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
wireindicates 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.
1
Pin No.Definition
CPU_FAN
1
1GND
2+12V
3Sense
4Speed Control
(Only for CPU_FAN)
SYS_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.
English
34
2
33
1
Hardware Installation- 23 -
English
6) IDE (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
2
1
7) SATA0/SATA2 (Serial ATA Connector, Controlled by ICH6)
Serial ATA 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
7
1GND
2TXP
3TXN
4GND
5RXN
6RXP
7GND
GA-8I915ME Series Motherboard- 24 -
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