Gigabyte GA-8N-SLI QUAD ROYAL User Manual

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal

Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition
Intel® Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 LGA775 Processor Motherboard

User's Manual

Rev. 1002

12ME-8NSLIQU-1002R

* The WEEE marking on the product indicates this product must not be disposed of with user's other household waste

and must be handed over to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment!!

* The WEEE marking applies only in European Union's member states.

Nov. 16, 2005

GA-8N-SLl QUAD Royal

Motherboard

Nov. 16, 2005

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal

Motherboard

Copyright

© 2005 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.

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

Notice

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

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

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

change without prior notice.

Product Manual Classification

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

following:

 For quick installation, please refer to the "Hardware Installation Guide" included with the

product.

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

"Product User Manual".

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

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

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

Table of Contents

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard Layout ............................................................... 6

Block Diagram ................................................................................................................ 7

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation ..................................................................................... 9

1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation .................................................................... 9

1-2 Feature Summary .......................................................................................... 10

1-3 Installation of the CPU and Heatsink .............................................................. 12

1-3-1 Installation of the CPU ......................................................................................... 12

1-3-2 Installation of the Heatsink .................................................................................. 13

1-4 Installing/Removing Cool-Plus (Northbridge Cooling Fan) .............................. 14

1-5 Installation of Memory .................................................................................... 14

1-6 Installation of Expansion Cards ...................................................................... 16

1-7 Setup of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) Configuration ....................................... 17

1-7-1 Before You Begin ................................................................................................. 17

1-7-2 Combination of SLI Applications ........................................................................ 20

1-7-3 Graphic Cards Support List ................................................................................ 20

1-8 Configuring a Multi View System................................................................... 22

1-8-1 Combination of Multi View Applications .......................................................... 23

1-8-2 Graphic Cards Support List ................................................................................ 23

1-9 I/O Back Panel Introduction ........................................................................... 24

1-10Connectors Introduction ...................................................................................... 25

Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ................................................................................................ 37

The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : F1) ....................................................... 38

2-1 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 40

2-2 Advanced BIOS Features.............................................................................. 43

2-3 Integrated Peripherals ..................................................................................... 45

2-4 Power Management Setup ............................................................................. 49

2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations................................................................................. 51

2-6 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 52

2-7 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ....................................................................... 53

2-8 Select Language ............................................................................................. 58

2-9 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................... 58

2-10 Load Optimized Defaults ................................................................................. 58

2-11 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 59

2-12 Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................... 60

2-13 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 60

- 4 -

Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ...................................................................................... 61

3-1 Install Chipset Drivers .................................................................................... 61

3-2 Software Application ....................................................................................... 62

3-3 Software Information ....................................................................................... 62

3-4 Hardware Information ..................................................................................... 63

3-5 Contact Us ..................................................................................................... 63

Chapter 4 Appendix ................................................................................................... 65

4-1 Unique Software Utilities ................................................................................ 65

4-1-1 EasyTune 5 Introduction ..................................................................................... 66

4-1-2 Xpress Recovery2 Introduction ......................................................................... 67

4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction ........................................................................ 70

4-1-4 Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s) (Controller: nVIDIA nForce4 SLI) ............... 81

4-1-5 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction ...................................... 96

4-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 100

4-3 POST Error Code ........................................................................................ 101

- 5 -

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard Layout

SPDIF_RCA

SPDIF_O

1394_6P

KB_MS

USB

USB

AUDIO1

AUDIO2

F_AUDIO

CD_IN

SPDIF_IN

IT8712

1394_CON

LPT

LAN1

LAN2

ET1310

ALC850

TSB43AB23

88E1111

IR

PCIEX8_1

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX16_1

PCIEX1_2

PCIEX16_2

PCI

PCIEX8_2

COMA

SYS_FAN

LGA775

ATX_12V

NB_FAN

SLI Switch Module Socket

Main

Backup

BIOS

BIOS

FDD

NVIDIA C19

F_USB1

CPU_FAN

GA-8N- SLI QUAD Royal

DDRII1

DDRII2

NVIDIA CK804

BATTERY

F_USB2

F_USB3

PWR_LED

FUSB_PSEL

RF_ID

F_PANEL

DDRII3

DDRII4

SB_FAN

S_ATA3

S_ATA2

CLR_CMOS

W83L951F

MEN_FAN

RUSB_PSEL

IDE1

AUX_FAN

7_SEG_LED

ATXPWR

PWR_FAN

IDE2

S_ATA1

S_ATA0

- 6 -

Block Diagram

Slot1 / Slot2

2 PCIEx16

LGA775

Processor

CPUCLK+/-(1066/800/533MHz)

PCI-ECLK

(100MHz)

PCI Express x 16 Bus

PCI-ECLK

(100MHz)

2 PCI Express x 1

PCI Express x 16 Bus

PCI-ECLK

(100MHz)

2 PCIEx16

Slot3 / Slot4

PCI Express Bus

x1 x1

ET1310I

RJ45

LAN 1

RJ45

LAN 2

PCI Bus

TSB43AB23

1PCI

PCICLK

(33MHz)

Interface

®

nVIDIA

C19

x1

®

Marvell

nVIDIA

88E1111

CK804

CODEC

MIC

3 IEEE1394a

Line-In

Line-Out

Side Speaker Out

Surround Speaker Out

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out

Host

NBCLK (25MHz)

HCLK+/- (133/200/266MHz)

BIOS

LPC BUS

10 USB

Ports

SPDIF In

SPDIF Out

24.576MHz

DDRII 667/533MHz DIMM

Dual Channel Memory

33MHz
25MHz
48MHz

ROMCLK33MHz

4 SATA 3Gb/s

ATA33/66/100/133
IDE Channels

Floppy

LPT Port

IT8712F

COM Port

PS/2KB

PS/2 Mouse

33 MHz

24 MHz

- 7 -

- 8 -

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- 9 -

English

1-2 Feature Summary

CPU  Supports LGA775 Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition/ Pentium® D /

Pentium® 4

 Supports 1066/800/533MHz FSB
 L2 cache varies with CPU

Chipset  Northbridge: nVIDIA® nForce 4 SLI Intel Edition (Crush 19)

 Southbridge: nVIDIA® CK804
 Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems

Memory  4 DDR II DIMM memory slots (supports up to 4 GB memory)

 Supports dual channel DDR II 667/533 unbuffered DIMM
 Supports 1.8V DDR II DIMM

Slots  4 PCI Express x 16 slots

 2 PCI Express x 1 slots
 1 PCI slots

IDE Connections  2 ports from CK804 (IDE1/IDE2) (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100/ATA 133),

allows connection of 4 IDE devices

- Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
FDD Connections  1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices
Onboard SATA 3Gb/s  4 SATA 3Gb/s ports:

4 ports from CK804 controller (SATA0, SATA1, SATA2, SATA3)

- Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
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 IEEE1394a connectors (requires cable)
 1 front audio connector
 1 PS/2 keyboard port
 1 PS/2 mouse port

Onboard LAN  Onboard Agere ET1310 chip (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN1)

 Onboard Marvell 88E1111 phy (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN2)

- Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems

 2 RJ45 ports

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 10 -

Onboard Audio  ALC850 CODEC

 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 connection
 SPDIF_Out (optical+coaxial) connection
 CD_IN connection

I/O Control  IT8712F
Hardware Monitor  System voltage detection

 CPU / NB / Power IC / temperature detection
 CPU / System / Power / Auxilliary / Memory fan speed detection
 CPU warning temperature
 CPU / system / power fan failure warning

Onboard SATA 3Gb/s  Onboard nVIDIA® CK804 chipset
RAID - supports data striping (RAID 0) or mirroring (RAID 1), striping +

mirroring (RAID 0+1) or RAID 5 function

- supports data transfer rate of up to 300 MB/s

- supports hot plugging function

- supports a maximum of 4 SATA 3Gb/s connections

- supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
BIOS  Use of licensed AWARD BIOS

 Supports Dual BIOS/Q-Flash/Multilanguage BIOS

Additional Features  Supports @BIOS

 Supports EasyTune 5

Overclocking  Over Voltage via BIOS (FSB/DIMM/PCIE/CPU/North Bridge/South Bridge)

 Over Clock via BIOS (CPU/DIMM/PCIE)

Form Factor  ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm

(Note 1)

English

(Note 1) EasyTune 5 functions may vary depending on different motherboards.

Hardware Installation- 11 -

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.

6. Suggest CPU Fan speed must be over 3000rpm.

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: A NVIDIA® 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

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-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 12 -

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

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- 13 -

1-4 Installing/Removing Cool-Plus (Northbridge Cooling Fan)

English

Fig.1
To attach Cool-Plus to
a heatsink, align the
extensions on both
sides with the grooves
in the heatsink as
shown. Firmly press
down until it snaps into
position.

Fig.3
Before proceeding, first check to make sure that the fan's power cable is
disconnected. Then, while applying pressure to the top of the fan, carefully
use a screwdriver to dislodge the extension on one side.

Exerting too much pressure on the fan during removal might
cause the side extensions to break-off.

Fig.2
Once the fan is prop­erly affixed onto the
heatsink, plug the
power cable into the
NB_FAN connector.

1-5 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.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 14 -

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.

Dual Channel DDR II

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the Dual Channel
Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will double.

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 memory cannot be used if one or three DDR II memory
modules are installed.

2. To enable Dual Channel mode with 2 or 4 memory modules, it is
recommended to use memory modules of identical brand, size, chips,
and speed.

We'll strongly recommend our user to slot two DDR II memory modules into the DIMMs of the same
color in order for Dual Channel Technology to work.

English

The following table is for Dual Channel Technology combination: (DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side)

DDR II 1 DDR II 2 DDR II 3 DDR II 4

2 memory modules

4 memory modules

DS/SS X DS/SS X

X DS/SS X DS/SS

DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS

Hardware Installation- 15 -

English

1-6 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 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-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 16 -

1-7 Setup of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) Configuration

The nVIDIA® nForce 4 SLI Intel Edition chipset offers blistering graphics performance with the ability to
bridge two NVIDIA SLI-ready PCI ExpressTM graphics cards! The SLI design takes advantage of the
increased bandwidth of the PCI ExpressTM bus architecture, features hardware and software innova­tions within NVIDIA GPU (graphics processing unit) and the nVIDIA nForce 4 SLI Intel Edition chipset.
Together, the NVIDIA SLI technologies work seamlessly to allow two graphics cards to operate in
parallel and share the work and deliver heart-pounding PC performance. This section introduces steps
to configure an SLI system on the GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal motherboard.

1-7-1 Before You Begin

I. Understanding the components:

 The SLI bridge connector (GC-SLICON)

The GC-SLICON is used to bridge two SLI-capable graphics cards
in order to set up an SLI configuration.

 The SLI switch module (GC-SLISW-C19)

The GC-SLISW-C19 switch module is installed in the SLI switch
module socket by factory default. This SLI switch module has gold
edge connectors on two sides. One is SLI Mode and the other is
Normal mode.

 The SLI switch module (GC-SLISW-3D1)

For users who wish to install the GIGABYTE GV-3D1 graphics
card on this motherboard, they must insert the GC-SLISW-3D1
switch module in the 3D1 Mode direction.
(The Normal Mode is the same as that of the GC-SLISW-C19
module.)

GC-SLICON

GC-SLISW-C19

GC-SLISW-3D1

English

We do not recommend removing the SLI switch module (GC-SLISW-C19 or GC-SLISW-

3D1) from the motherboard because in that case, both of the PCIE x 16 slots will not be

available.

II. Power Requirements:
Before installation, assure that the power supply you use is able to provide sufficient power to fully
support an SLI configuration and other components in your system. We recommend a power supply
that provides at least 20A 5V and 12V current and a minimum of 500W wattage. Please note that the
exact power requirements will depend on your overall system configurations.

III. Supported Operating Systems:
Only Windows XP operating system is currently supported by the NVIDIA SLI technology.

Note: As the SLI on GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal supports various multiple video outputs combination,

we suggest you follow the "Optimal Performance" or “Recommended” combinations provided
in this guide.

Hardware Installation- 17 -

English

Enabling SLI Mode--

Set the SLI switch module:
Note that as the switch module (GC-SLISW-C19) is preinstalled in the Normal Mode direction by factory default,
the first step to enable SLI mode on your system is to take out the module from the socket, turn it around and
insert it in the SLI Mode direction.

Step 1: Gently spread the retaining clips of the socket and the

module may then be removed from the socket. Hold the
module by the edges and lift it away from the socket.

Step 2: Position the SLI Mode side of the module above the socket at

a 25o angle. Align the small notch at the top edge of the module
with the key in the socket.

Step 3: Insert the top edge of the module into the socket. Make sure

the gold edge connectors are fully inserted.

Step 4: Gently press down on the two ends of the module until it is

locked in place by the socket clips. (You should hear a "click"
when the module is attached.)

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 18 -

Connecting Two Graphics Cards:
Step 1: Observe the steps in "1-6 Installation of Expansion

Cards" on page 16 and install two SLI-ready graphics
cards of the same model to the PCIEX16_1(SLOT2) and
PCIEX16_2(SLOT3) slots.

Step 2: Insert the SLI bridge (the GC-SLICON) to the SLI gold

edge connector on top of both cards. Make sure the
two mini female slots on the bridge connector
securely fit onto the SLI gold edge connetors of both
cards.

Female slots on the bridge connector

Gold edge connector on the top of

graphics card

Step 3: In order to securely fix the bridge connector be-

tween the two cards, you must install the retention
bracket included with the motherboard and secure
the retention bracket to the chassis back panel with
a screw.

place this part on the top of

the bridge connector.

retention bracket

English

Graphics Card Driver Setting:
Step 1: After installing graphics card driver in operating

system, right-click the NVIDIA icon in your sys­tem tray and then select NVIDIA Display. The
NVIDIA control panel will appear.

Step 2: Select SLI multi-GPU from the side menu and

then select the Enable SLI multi-GPU checkbox
in the SLI multi-GPU dialog box. System will
restart after you click Apply. Then the SLI
configuration is completed.

Hardware Installation- 19 -

English

1-7-2 Combination of SLI Applications

Please make sure the BIOS settings and graphics cards conforms to the following conditions, to enable
the SLI function.

Condition 1: SLI function will use graphic cards of identical brand and chips.

(For example: GIGABYTE GV-NX66T128D).

Condition 2: Set PCIex16 Slot Lanes to “Auto” in BIOS setup.

(Please refer to page 55).

NB SLI Switch VGA Driver SLI Video Remark

Module SLI Enabled Mode Outputs

PCIEX8_2

(SLOT4)

GC-SLISW-C19 YES x16-x16 2 Optimal

(Normal Mode) (NB+SB) Performance
GC-SLISW-C19 YES x8-x8 2

(SLl Mode) (NB)

Don’t Care YES x8-x8 2

(SB)

(Note1)

Combination

1
Combination

2
Combination

3

North Bridge

PCIEX8_1

PCIEX16_1

(SLOT1)

(SLOT2)

nVidia (x16) nVidia (x16)

nVidia (x8) nVidia (x8)

South Bridge

PCIEX16_2

(SLOT3)

nVidia (x8) nVidia (x8)

Note 1. Video output quantity is based on to graphic card.

Due to nVidia driver’s limition, the SLI function is not used when more than 2 pieces nVidia
graphic cards are installed.

1-7-3 Graphic Cards Support List

(The items below are all supported under the Windows XP operating system.)

Graphic cards support listed below are for reference only.
Due to massive graphic cards on the market, we can only verify some of them.
Graphic cards not listed below does not mean they are not supported by this M/B.
For more detail support lists please click onto Gigabyte’s website at
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw

Figure 1-1. Combination 1 (2 slots on Sourth Bridge + North Bridge)

Graphics Chip Maker Model Name GPU

Nvidia Gigabyte * GV-NX66T128D Geforce 6600GT (NV43GT)

Gigabyte * GV-NX68T256DH Geforce 6800GT (NV45GT)
Gigabyte * GV-NX68U256D Geforce 6800 Ultra (NV45 Ultra)
Gigabyte GV-3D1 Geforce 6600GT x 2
Gigabyte * GV-NX68256D Geforce 6800
Gigabyte GV-NX78X256V-B Geforce 7800GTX
Gigabyte * GV-NX78T256V-B Geforce 7800GT

Note: Models above marked with "*" may experience problems display issues when resuming from

S1 standby due to nVidia driver limitations.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 20 -

Figure 1-2. Combination 2 (2 slots on North Bridge)

Graphics Chip Maker Model Name GPU

Nvidia Gigabyte GV-NX66T128D Geforce 6600GT (NV43GT)

Gigabyte GV-NX68T256DH Geforce 6800GT (NV45GT)
Gigabyte GV-NX68U256D Geforce 6800 Ultra (NV45 Ultra)
Gigabyte GV-3D1 Geforce 6600GT x 2
Gigabyte GV-NX68256D Geforce 6800
Gigabyte GV-NX78X256V-B Geforce 7800GTX
Gigabyte GV-NX78T256V-B Geforce 7800GT

Figure 1-3. Combination 3 (2 slots on Sourth Bridge)

Graphics Chip Maker Model Name GPU

Nvidia Gigabyte GV-NX66T128D Geforce 6600GT (NV43GT)

Gigabyte GV-NX68T256DH Geforce 6800GT (NV45GT)
Gigabyte GV-NX68U256D Geforce 6800 Ultra (NV45 Ultra)
Gigabyte GV-3D1 Geforce 6600GT x 2
Gigabyte GV-NX68256D Geforce 6800
Gigabyte GV-3D1-68GT Geforce 6800GT x 2
Gigabyte GV-NX78T256V-B Geforce 7800GT

English

Hardware Installation- 21 -

English

1-8 Configuring a Multi View System

This function is supported only on Windows XP operating system.
With Multi View technology from GIGABYTE, Quad Graphic enabled motherboards offer multiple
display support on up to eight separate monitors. This improves the capabilities and productivity of the
user by allowing them to spread multiple windows over eight monitors and view them simultaneously.

Multiple display support for increasing productivity

Multiple display support for immersive video / gaming experience

Before you begin--

I. Power requirement:

The exact power requirement will depend on your overall system configurations. You need a
power supply that can provide sufficient and stable power to your system and the two graphics
cards. We recommend a power supply that supplies 500W (or above) and 25A (or above) +12V
current.

II. NVIDIA video driver of version later than 7.7.7.2 should be used.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 22 -

1-8-1 Combination of Multi View Applications

The Multi View function must establish in the BIOS setup item comfirms to the condition.

Condition 1: It will set PCIex16 Slot Lanes to “Auto” in BIOS setup item .

(Please refer to page 55).

North Bridge South Bridge

PCIEX8_1 PCIEX16_1 PCIEX16_2 PCIEX8_2

(SLOT1) (SLOT2) (SLOT3) (SLOT4)

nVidia/ATI(x8) nVidia/ATI (x8) nVidia/ATI (x8) nVidia/ATI (x8)

NB SLI Switch VGA Driver SLI Video Remark

Module SLI Enabled Mode Outputs

GC-SLISW-C19 NO N/A 8 Recommended

(SLl Mode)

(Note1)

1-8-2 Graphic Cards Support List

Figure 1-1. 4 slots on Sourth Bridge + North Bridge

Graphics Chip Maker Model Name GPU

Nvidia Gigabyte GV-NX78X256V-B x2 Geforce 7800GTX
ATI Gigabyte GV-RX60P128DE x2 Radeon X600Pro

English

Hardware Installation- 23 -

English

1-9 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.

COAXIAL (SPDIF_RCA)

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.

OPTICAL (SPDIF_O)

The SPDIF optical output port is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or com
pressed AC3 data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder via an optical cable.

IEEE1394 Port

Connects the IEEE1394 devices to this connector.

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
sureyour 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.

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.

Rear Speaker Out

Connect the rear surround speakers to this connector.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 24 -

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out

Connect the Center/Subwoofer 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.

1-10 Connectors Introduction

English

6

15

16

17

25

23

1) ATX_12V

2) ATX (Power Connector)

3) CPU_FAN

4) SYS_FAN

5) PWR_FAN

6) NB_FAN

7) SB_FAN

8) AUX_FAN

9) MAN_FAN

10) FD D

11) IDE1 / IDE2

12) SATA0/1/2/3

13) PWR_LED

1

4

21

10

3

26

19

9

20

2

5

7

11

12
22
24

18

13
8

14

14) F_PANEL

15) F_AUDIO

16) CD_IN

17) SPDIF_IN

18) F_USB1 / F_USB2/F_USB3

19) FUSB_PSEL

20) RUSB_PSEL

21) COMA

22) BATTERY

23) 1394_CON

24) CLR_CMOS

25) I R

26) RF_ID

Hardware Installation- 25 -

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 (350W
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 3.3V

2 3.3V

13

Pin No. Definition

5

1

8

4

1 GND

2 GND

3 GND

4 GND

5 +12V

6 +12V

7 +12V

8 +12V

24

1

12

3 GND

4 +5V

5 GND

6 +5V

7 GND

8 Power Good

9 5V SB(stand by +5V)

10 +12V

11 +12V

12 3.3V

(Only for 24pins ATX)

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

24 GND

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 26 -

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/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

1

CPU_FAN

1

PWR_FAN

1

SYS_FAN

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

2 +12V

3 Sense

4 Speed Control

(Only for CPU_FAN)

6/7) NB_FAN / SB_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)

1

NB_FAN

1

Pin No. Definition

1 +12V

2 GND

SB_FAN

Hardware Installation- 27 -

English

8/9) AUX_FAN / MEN_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)

1

AUX_FAN

MEM_FAN

Pin No. Definition

1

1 GND

2 +12V

3 Sense

10) 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.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 28 -

2

1

34

33

11) 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).

3940

12

12) SATA0/1/2/3 (SATA 3Gb/s Connectors, Controlled by CK804)

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.

English

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

2 TXP

1

7

3 TXN

4 GND

5RXN

6 RXP

7 GND

Hardware Installation- 29 -

English

13) PWR_LED

PWR_LED 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

1 MPD+

2 MPD-

3 MPD-

14) 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.

Message LED/

Power/

Sleep LED

MSG+

2
1

HD+

MSG-

HD-

Power
Switch

PW+

RES-

PW-

RES+

Speaker Connector

SPEAK+

NC

SPEAK-

20

19

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

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 30 -

Reset Switch

IDE Hard Disk Active LED

15) F_AUDIO (Front Audio 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
assigments on the cable are the same as the pin assigments 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.

Pin No. Definition

10 9

2

1

1 MIC

2 GND

3 MIC_BIAS

4 POWER

5 FrontAudio(R)

6 Rear Audio (R)/ Return R

7NC

8 No Pin

9 FrontAudio (L)

10 Rear Audio (L)/ Return L

16) CD_IN (CD IN)

Connect CD-ROM or DVD-ROM audio out to the connector.

English

Pin No. Definition

1 CD-L

1

2 GND

3 GND

4 CD-R

Hardware Installation- 31 -

English

17) SPDIF_IN (SPDIF In)

Use SPDIF IN feature only when your device has digital output function.
Be careful with the polarity of the SPDIF_IN connector. Check the pin assignment carefully while
yo u 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.

Pin No. Definition

1

1 Power

2 SPDIFI

3 GND

18) 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

1 Power(5V)

2 Power(5V)

10

2

1

9

3 USB DX-

4 USB Dy-

5 USB DX+

6 USB Dy+

7 GND

8 GND

9 No Pin

10 NC

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 32 -

19/20) RUSB_PSEL / FUSB_PSEL

These 2 jumpers are used to select the power of the rear & front USB devices.
Normal 5V (jumper set to 1-2) and standby 5V (jumper set to 2-3) are available. When standby 5V
is selected, users can wake up system from USB devices.

English

1

Pin No. Definition

1-2 Short Normal 5V

2-3 Short Standby 5V

21) COMA (Serial Port Connector)

Be careful with the polarity of the COMA connector. Check the pin assignment carefully while you
connect the COMA cable, incorrect connection between the cable and connector will make the
device unable to work or even damage it. For optional COMA cable, please contact your local
dealer.

Pin No. Definition

1 NDCDA-

2

10

9

1

2 NSINA

3 NSOUTA

4 NDTRA-

5GND

6 NDSRA-

7 NRTSA-

8 NCTSA-

9 NRIA-

10 No Pin

Hardware Installation- 33 -

English

22) BAT(Battery)

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.

23) 1394_CON (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.

15

16

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 34 -

Pin No. Definition

1 Power (12V)

2 Power (12V)

1

2

3 TPA1+

4 TPA1-

5 GND

6 GND

7 TPB1+

8 TPB1-

9 Power (12V)

10 Power (12V)

11 TPA2+

12 TPA2-

13 GND

14 No Pin

15 TPB2+

16 TPB2-

24) 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 of this header.

1-2 Short : Clear CMOS

1

2-3 Short : Normal (Default value)

1

25) IR

Be careful with the polarity of the IR connector while you connect the IR. Please contact your
nearest dealer for optional IR device.

English

Pin No. Definition

1

1 VCC

2 No Pin

3 IR RX

4 GND

5 IR TX

Hardware Installation- 35 -

English

26) RF_ID

This connector allows you to connect external devices to use extra function. Check the pin
assignments before you connect the external device cable. Please contact your nearest
dealer for the optional GIGABYTE external device.

Pin No. Definition

1

1 Power

2 RFID_RI-

3 RF_TXD

4 RF_RXD

5NC

6 GND

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 36 -

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
<F3> Select Language
<F5> Restore the previous CMOS value from CMOS, only for Option Page Setup

Menu
<F6> Load the fail-safe default CMOS value from BIOS default table
<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>.

Because BIOS flashing is potentially risky, please do it with caution and avoid inadequate
operation that may result in system malfunction.

BIOS Setup- 37 -

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. : F1)

Once you enter Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility, the Main Menu (as figure below) will appear on the screen.
Use arrow keys to select among the items and press <Enter> to accept or enter the sub-menu.

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

` Standard CMOS Features
` Advanced BIOS Features
` Integrated Peripherals
` Power Management Setup
` PnP/PCI Configurations
` PC Health Status
` MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)

ESC: Quit F3: Change Language
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash F10: Save & Exit Setup

Time, Date, Hard Disk Type...

If you can't find the setting you want, please press "Ctrl+F1" to search the advanced option
hidden.Please Load Optimized Defaults in the BIOS when somehow the system works not
stable as usual. This action makes the system reset to the default for stability.



 Standard CMOS Features



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



 Advanced BIOS Features



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



 Integrated Peripherals



This setup page includes all onboard peripherals.



 Power Management Setup



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



 PnP/PCI Configuration



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



 PC Health Status



This setup page is the System auto detect Temperature, voltage, fan, speed.



 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)



This setup page is control CPU clock and frequency ratio.



 Select Language



This setup page is to select multi languages.

Select Language
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 38 -



 Load Fail-Safe Defaults



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



 Load Optimized Defaults



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



 Set Supervisor Password



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



 Set User Password



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



 Save & Exit Setup



Save CMOS value settings to CMOS and exit setup.



 Exit Without Saving



Abandon all CMOS value changes and exit setup.

English

BIOS Setup- 39 -

English

2-1 Standard CMOS Features

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

Date (mm:dd:yy) Tue, Mar 15 2005
Time (hh:mm:ss) 14:42:37

` IDE Channel 0 Master [None]
` IDE Channel 0 Slave [None]
` IDE Channel 1 Master [None]
` IDE Channel 1 Slave [None]
` IDE Channel 2 Master [None]
` IDE Channel 3 Master [None]
` IDE Channel 4 Master [None]
` IDE Channel 5 Master [None]

Drive A [1.44M, 3.5"]
Drive B [None]
Floppy 3 Mode Support [Disabled]

Halt On [All, But Keyboard]

Base Memory 640K

KLJI: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

F5: Previous Values F7: Optimized Defaults

Standard CMOS Features

Item Help
Menu Level`

Change the day, month,
year

<Week>
Sun. to Sat.

<Month>
Jan. to Dec.

<Day>
1 to 31 (or maximum
allowed in the month)

<Year>
1999 to 2098

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

Extended Memory 511M
Total Memory 512M

KLJI: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

F5: Previous Values F7: Optimized Defaults

Integrated Peripherals

Item Help
Menu Level`

Date

The date format is <week>, <month>, <day>, <year>.

Week The week, from Sun to Sat, determined by the BIOS and is display only
Month The month, Jan. Through Dec.
Day The day, from 1 to 31 (or the maximum allowed in the month)
Year The year, from 1999 through 2098

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.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 40 -

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 Device Setup. You can use one of three methods:

Auto Allows BIOS to automatically detect IDE devices during POST(default)
None Select this if no IDE devices are used and the system will skip the automatic

detection step and allow for faster system start up.

Manual User can manually input the correct settings

Access Mode Use this to set the access mode for the hard drive. The four options are:

CHS/LBA/Large/Auto(default:Auto)

IDE Channel 2/3/4/5 Master

IDE HDD Auto-Detection Press "Enter" to select this option for automatic device detection.
Extended IDE Drive SATA devices setup. You can use one of two methods:

Auto Allows BIOS to automatically detect SATA IDE devices during POST.

(Default value)

None Select this if no SATA IDE devices are used and the system will skip the

automatic detection step and allow for faster system start up.

Access Mode Use this to set the access mode for the hard drive. The two options are:

Large/Auto(default:Auto)

Capacity Capacity of currently installed hard disk.
Hard drive information should be labeled on the outside drive casing. Enter the appropriate option
based on this information.

Cylinder Number of cylinders

Head Number of heads

Precomp Write precomp

Landing Zone Landing zone

Sector Number of sectors

Drive A / Drive B

The category identifies the types of floppy disk drive A or drive B that has been installed in the
computer.

None No floppy drive installed.

360K, 5.25" 5.25 inch PC-type standard drive; 360K byte capacity.

1.2M, 5.25" 5.25 inch AT-type high-density drive; 1.2M byte capacity.
(3.5 inch when 3 Mode is Enabled).

720K, 3.5" 3.5 inch double-sided drive; 720K byte capacity .

1.44M, 3.5" 3.5 inch double-sided drive; 1.44M byte capacity.

2.88M, 3.5" 3.5 inch double-sided drive; 2.88M byte capacity.

Floppy 3 Mode Support (for Japan Area)

Disabled Normal Floppy Drive. (Default value)
Drive A Drive A is 3 mode Floppy Drive.
Drive B Drive B is 3 mode Floppy Drive.
Both Drive A & B are 3 mode Floppy Drives.

English

BIOS Setup- 41 -

English

Halt on

The category determines whether the computer will stop if an error is detected during power up.

No Errors The system boot will not stop for any error that may be detected and you

ill be prompted.

All Errors Whenever the BIOS detects a non-fatal error the system will be stopped.
All, But Keyboard The system boot will not stop for a keyboard error; it will stop for all other

errors. (Default value)

All, But Diskette The system boot will not stop for a disk error; it will stop for all other errors.
All, But Disk/Key The system boot will not stop for a keyboard or disk error; it will stop for all

other errors.

Memory

The category is display-only which is determined by POST (Power On Self Test) of the BIOS.

Base Memory

The POST of the BIOS will determine the amount of base (or conventional) memory installed in the
system.
The value of the base memory is typically 512K for systems with 512K memory installed on the
motherboard, or 640K for systems with 640K or more memory installed on the motherboard.

Extended Memory

The BIOS determines how much extended memory is present during the POST.
This is the amount of memory located above 1 MB in the CPU's memory address map.

Total Memory

This item displays the memory size that used.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 42 -

2-2 Advanced 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]
CPU Hyper-Threading
Limit CPUID Max. to 3 [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2)
CPU EIST Function
Full Screen LOGO Show [Enabled]

KLJI: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

F3: Language F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults

(Note)

#

(Note)

(Note)

"#" : This option is available only when the processor you install supports Intel® Hyper-

Threading Technology.

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

Floppy Select your boot device priority by Floppy.
LS120 Select your boot device priority by LS120.
Hard Disk Select your boot device priority by Hard Disk.
CDROM Select your boot device priority by CDROM.
ZIP Select your boot device priority by ZIP.
USB-FDD Select your boot device priority by USB-FDD.
USB-ZIP Select your boot device priority by USB-ZIP.
USB-CDROM Select your boot device priority by USB-CDROM.
USB-HDD Select your boot device priority by USB-HDD.
Legacy LAN Select your boot device priority by LAN.
Disabled Disable 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.

Enabled BIOS 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.

Disabled BIOS 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)

Advanced BIOS Features

(Note)

[Enabled]

[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]

Item Help
Menu Level`

Select Hard Disk Boot
Device Priority

English

(Note) This item will show up when you install a processor that supports this function.

BIOS Setup- 43 -

English

Password Check

System The system can not boot and can not access to Setup page will be denied if the

correct password is not entered at the prompt.

Setup The system will boot, but access to Setup will be denied if the correct password

is not entered at the prompt. (Default value)

CPU Hyper-Threading

This option appears only when the processor you install supports Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology.

Enabled Enable CPU Hyper-Threading feature. Please note that this feature only works

for operating system with multiprocessors mode supported. (Default value)

Disabled Disable CPU Hyper-Threading.

Limit CPUID Max. to 3

Enabled Limit CPUID Maximum value to 3 when using older OS like NT4.
Disabled Disable CPUID Limit for Windows XP.(Default value)

No-Execute Memory Protect

Enabled Enable No-Execute Memory Protect function.(Default value)
Disabled Disable No-Execute Memory Protect function.

CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)

Enabled Enable CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) function.(Default value)
Disabled Disable CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) function.

CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2)

Enabled Enable CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2) function.(Default value)
Disabled Disable CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2) function.

CPU EIST Function

Enabled Enable CPU EIST function.(Default value)
Disabled Disable CPU EIST function.

(Note)

(Note)

(Note)

(Note)

Full Screen LOGO Show

Enabled Display Full Screen Logo during POST. (Defaults value)
Disabled Do not display Full Screen Logo.

(Note) This item will show up when you install a processor that supports this function.
GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 44 -

2-3 Integrated Peripherals

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

` IDE/SATAII RAID Config [Press Enter]

On-Chip USB [V1.1+V2.0]
USB Keyboard Support [Disabled]
USB Mouse Support [Disabled]
AC97 Audio [Auto]
Legacy USB Storage detect [Enabled]
Onboard LAN2 Function [Auto]
Onboard 1394 Function [Enabled]
Onboard LAN Function [Enabled]
Onboard Serial Port 1 [3F8/IRQ4]
i-Lock [Enabled]
UART Mode Select [Normal]

x UR2 Duplex Mode Half

Onboard Parallel Port [378/IRQ7]
Parallel Port Mode [SPP]

KLJI: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

F3: Language F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults

Integrated Peripherals

Item Help
Menu Level`

English

IDE/SATAII RAID Config

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

On-Chip IDE Channel0 [Enabled]
On-Chip IDE Channel1 [Enabled]
IDE1 Conductor Cable [Auto]
IDE2 Conductor Cable [Auto]

Serial-ATAII 1 [Enabled]
Serial-ATAII 2 [Enabled]

IDE/SATAII RAID function [Disabled]

x IDE Primary Master RAID [Disabled]
x IDE Primary Slave RAID [Disabled]
x IDE Secndry Master RAID [Disabled]
x IDE Secndry Slave RAID [Disabled]
x SATAII 1 Primary RAID [Disabled]
x SATAII 1 Secondary RAID [Disabled]
x SATAII 2 Primary RAID [Disabled]
x SATAII 2 Secondary RAID [Disabled]

KLJI: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

F3: Language F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults

IDE/SATAII RAID Config

Item Help
Menu Level`

On-Chip IDE Channel0

Enabled Enable onboard 1st channel IDE port. (Default value)
Disabled Disable onboard 1st channel IDE port.

On-Chip IDE Channel1

Enabled Enable onboard 2nd channel IDE port. (Default value)
Disabled Disable onboard 2nd channel IDE port.

BIOS Setup- 45 -

English

IDE1 Conductor Cable

Auto BIOS autodetects IDE1 conductor cable .(Default Value)
ATA66/100/133 Set IDE1 Conductor Cable to ATA66/100/133 (Please make sure your IDE

device and cable are compatible with ATA66/100/133).

ATA33 Set IDE1 Conductor Cable to ATA33. (Please make sure your IDE device

and cable are compatible with ATA33)

IDE2 Conductor Cable

Auto BIOS autodetects IDE2 conductor cable. (Default Value)
ATA66/100/133 Set IDE2 Conductor Cable to ATA66/100/133. (Please make sure your IDE

device and cable are compatible with ATA66/100/133)

ATA33 Set IDE2 Conductor Cable to ATA33. (Please make sure your IDE device

and cable are compatible with ATA33)

Serial-ATAII 1 (Onboard nVIDIA chipset)

Enabled Enable Serial-ATAII 1 support. (Default Value)
Disabled Disable Serial-ATAII 1 support.

Serial-ATAII 2 (Onboard nVIDIA chipset)

Enabled Enable Serial-ATAII 2 support. (Default Value)
Disabled Disable Serial-ATAII 2 support.

IDE/SATAII RAID function

Enabled Enable IDE/SATAII function.
Disabled Disable IDE/SATAII function.(Default value)

IDE Primary Master RAID

Enabled Enable 1st master channel IDE RAID function.
Disabled Disable this function. (Default value)

IDE Primary Slave RAID

Enabled Enable 1st slave channel IDE RAID function.
Disabled Disable this function. (Default value)

IDE Secndry Master RAID

Enabled Enable 2nd master channel IDE RAID function.
Disabled Disable this function. (Default value)

IDE Secndry Slave RAID

Enabled Enable 2nd slave channel IDE RAID function.
Disabled Disable this function. (Default value)

SATAII 1 Primary RAID

Enabled Enable SATAII 1 1st SATA RAID function.
Disabled Disable this function.(Default value)

SATAII 1 Secondary RAID

Enabled Enable SATAII 1 2nd SATA RAID function.
Disabled Disable this function.(Default value)

SATAII 2 Primary RAID

Enabled Enable SATAII 2 1st SATA RAID function.
Disabled Disable this function.(Default value)

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 46 -

SATAII 2 Secondary RAID

Enabled Enable SATAII 2 2nd SATA RAID function.
Disabled Disable this function.(Default value)

On-Chip USB

V1.1+V2.0 Enable USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 controllers. (Default Value)
V1.1 Enable only USB 1.1 controller
Disabled Disable onchip USB support.

USB Keyboard Support

Enabled Enable USB keyboard support.
Disabled Disable USB keyboard support. (Default value)

USB Mouse Support

Enabled Enable USB mouse support.
Disabled Disable USB mouse support. (Default value)

AC97 Audio

Auto Autodetect onboard AC'97 audio function. (Default value)
Disabled Disable this function.

Legacy USB storage detect

Enabled Enable USB storage device boot.(Default value)
Disabled Disable this function.

Onboard LAN2 Function (Marvell 88E1111)

Auto Autodetect onboard LAN2 chip function.(Default value)
Disabled Disable onboard LAN2 chip function.

Onboard 1394 Function

Enabled Enable onboard IEEE1394 function.(Default value)
Disabled Disable onboard IEEE1394 function.

Onboard LAN Function (Agere ET1310)

Enabled Enable onboard LAN chip function. (Default value)
Disabled Disable onboard LAN chip function.

Onboard Serial Port 1

Auto BIOS will automatically setup the port 1 address.
3F8/IRQ4 Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 3F8/IRQ4. (Default value)
2F8/IRQ3 Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 2F8/IRQ3.
3E8/IRQ4 Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 3E8/IRQ4.
2E8/IRQ3 Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 2E8/IRQ3.
Disabled Disable onboard Serial port 1.

i-LOCK

Enabled Enable the i-Lock function. (Default value)
Disabled Disable i-Lock function.

UART Mode Select

This item allows you to determine which Infra Red(IR) function of Onboard I/O chip.

Normal Set onboard I/O chip UART to Normal Mode. (Default Value)
IrDA Set onboard I/O chip UART to IrDA Mode.
ASKIR Set onboard I/O chip UART to ASKIR Mode.
SCR Set onboard I/O chip UART to SCR Interface.

English

BIOS Setup- 47 -

English

UR2 Duplex Mode

This feature allows you to seclect IR mode.
This function will available when "UART Mode Select" doesn't set at Normal/SCR.

Half IR Function Duplex Half. (Default Value)
Full IR Function Duplex Full.

Onboard Parallel Port

Disabled Disable onboard LPT port.
378/IRQ7 Enable onboard LPT port and address is 378/IRQ7. (Default value)
278/IRQ5 Enable onboard LPT port and address is 278/IRQ5.
3BC/IRQ7 Enable onboard LPT port and address is 3BC/IRQ7.

Parallel Port Mode

SPP Using Parallel port as Standard Parallel Port. (Default value)
EPP Using Parallel port as Enhanced Parallel Port.
ECP Using Parallel port as Extended Capabilities Port.
ECP+EPP Using Parallel port as ECP and EPP mode.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 48 -

2-4 Power 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 [Enabled]
Modem Ring On [Enabled]
USB Resume from Suspend [Enabled]

Power-On by Alarm [Disabled]

x Day of Month Alarm Everyday
x Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm 0 : 0 : 0

Power On By Mouse [Disabled]

Power On By Keyboard [Disabled]

x KB Power ON Password Enter

AC BACK Function [Soft-Off]

KLJI: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

F3: Language F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: 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-Off Press 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.

Disabled Disable this function.
Enabled Enable PME as wake up event. (Default value)

Modem Ring On

An incoming call via modem can awake the system from any suspend state.

Disabled Disable this function.
Enabled Enable Modem Ring On function. (Default value)

USB Resume from Suspend

Disabled Disable this function.
Enable Enable USB device wake up system from suspend mode.(Default value)

Power-On by Alarm

You can set "Power-On by Alarm" item to enabled and key in Date/Time to power on system.

Disabled Disable this function. (Default value)
Enabled Enable alarm function to POWER ON system.

If Power-On by Alarm is Enabled.

Day of Month Alarm : Everyday, 1~31
Time (hh: mm: ss) Alarm : (0~23) : (0~59) : (0~59)

Power Management Setup

Item Help
Menu Level`

English

BIOS Setup- 49 -

English

Power On By Mouse

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

Power On By Keyboard

Disabled Disabled this function. (Default value)
Keyboard 98 If your keyboard have "POWER Key" button, you can press the key to power

on the system.

Password Set password to power on the system.

KB Power ON Password

When "Power On by Keyboard" is set to Password, you can set the password here.

Enter Input password (from 1 to 5 characters) and press Enter to set the Keyboard

Power On password.

AC BACK Function

Soft-Off When AC-power back to the system, the system will be in "Off" state.

(Default value)

Full-On When AC-power back to the system, the system always in "On" state.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 50 -

2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

PCI 1 IRQ Assignment [Auto]

KLJI: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

F3: Language F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults

PCI 1 IRQ Assignment

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

PnP/PCI Configurations

Item Help

Menu Level`

Assign PCI IRQ For
Device

English

BIOS Setup- 51 -

English

2-6 PC Health Status

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

Vcore OK

DDR18V OK

+3.3V OK

+5V OK

+12V OK

Current CPU Temperature 38oC

Current NB Temperature 39oC

Power IC Temperature 54oC

Current CPU FAN Speed 2109 RPM

Current POWER FAN Speed 0 RPM

Current SYSTEM FAN Speed 0 RPM

Auxilliary Fan Speed 0 RPM

Memory Fan Speed 0 RPM

CPU Warning Temperature [Disabled]

CPU FAN Fail Warning [Disabled]

POWER FAN Fail Warning [Disabled]

SYSTEM FAN Fail Warning [Disabled]

KLJI: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

F3: Language F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults

Current Voltage(V) Vcore / DDR18V / +3.3V / +5V / +12V

Detect system's voltage status automatically.

Current CPU / NB / Power IC Temperature

Detect CPU / NB / Power IC temperature automatically.

Current CPU/POWER/SYSTEM/Auxilliary/Memory FAN Speed (RPM)

Detect CPU/Power/System/Auxilliary/Memory fan speed status automatically.

CPU Warning Temperature

60oC / 140oF Monitor CPU temperature at 60oC / 140oF.
70oC / 158oF Monitor CPU temperature at 70oC / 158oF.
80oC / 176oF Monitor CPU temperature at 80oC / 176oF.
90oC / 194oF Monitor CPU temperature at 90oC / 194oF.
Disabled Disable this function. (Default value)

CPU/POWER/SYSTEM FAN Fail Warning

Disabled Disable CPU/Power/System fan fail warning function. (Default value)
Enabled Enable CPU/Power/System fan fail warning function.

PC Health Status

Item Help

Menu Level `

[Disabled]
Don’t reset case
open status

[Enabled]
Clear case open status
and set to be Disabled
at next boot

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 52 -

2-7 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

(Note)

C.A.M.

CPU Clock Ratio

C.I.A.2 [Disabled]

FSB Turbo Mode [Disabled]

System Clock Mode [Optimal]

Current FSB Speed (QDR) 800.0 MHz

Target FSB Speed (QDR) 800.0 Mhz
x New FSB Speed (QDR) Auto

Current MEM Speed (DDR) 533.3 MHZ

Target MEM Speed (DDR) 533.3 MHZ
x New MEM Speed (DDR) Auto

PCIe x16 Slot Lanes [Auto]

Init Display First [PEG(SLOT2)]

SLI Broadcast Aperture [Disabled]

Robust Graphics Booster [Auto]

` Advanced Voltage Control [Press Enter]
` Advanced Freq. Control [Press Enter]

KLJI: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

(Note)

F3: Language F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)

[High]
[16x]

Item Help

Menu Level`

English

Advanced Voltage Control

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

CPU Voltage Control [Normal]

Normal CPU Vcore 1.3875V

DIMM OverVoltage Control [Normal]
N.Bridge OverVoltage Control [Normal]
S.Bridge OverVoltage Control [Normal]
FSB OverVoltage Control [Normal]

KLJI: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

F3: Language F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults

Advanced Voltage Control

Item Help
Menu Level`

Advanced Freq. Control

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

PCIE Frequency(MHz) [100.0000]
LDT Frequency [4X]

KLJI: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

F3: Language F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults

Incorrect using these features may cause your system broken. For power end-user use only.

Advanced Freq. Control

Item Help
Menu Level`

(Note) This item will show up when you install a processor that supports this function.

BIOS Setup- 53 -

English

(Note)

C.A.M.

High Set clock ratio for frequency-locked CPU to High. (Default value)
Low Set clock ratio for frequency-locked CPU to Low.

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.

(Note)

C.I.A.2

C.I.A.2 (CPU Intelligent Accelerator 2) is designed to detect CPU loading during software program
executing, and automatically adjust CPU computing power to maximize system performance.

Disabled Disable this function. (Default value)
Cruise Set C.I.A.2 to Cruise. Automatically increase CPU frequency(5%,7%) by CPU

loading.

Sports Set C.I.A.2 to Sports. Automatically increase CPU frequency(7%,9%) by CPU

loading.

Racing Set C.I.A.2 to Racing. Automatically increase CPU frequency(9%,11%) by CPU

loading.

Turbo Set C.I.A.2 to Turbo. Automatically increase CPU frequency(15,17%) by CPU

loading.

Full Thrust Set C.I.A.2 to Full Thrust. Automatically increase CPU frequency(17%,19%) by

CPU loading.

Warning: Stability is highly dependent on system components.

FSB Turbo Mode

Disabled Disable FSB Turbo Mode. (Default value)
Enabled Enable FSB Turbo Mode.

System Clock Mode

Optimal Set FSB and memory speed automatically. (Default value)
Linked Allows FSB and memory speed to be overclocked proportionally.
Expert Enter FSB and memory speed manually.

Current FSB Speed (QDR)

Displays the current CPU FSB speed.

Target FSB Speed (QDR)

This item depends on the value set in New FSB Speed (QDR).

New FSB Speed (QDR)

This item becomes active when System Clock Mode is set to Linked or Expert. Type in a new
FSB speed or use the PLUS SIGN (+)/MINUS SIGN (-) to set the FSB speed.

Current MEM Speed (DDR)

Displays the current memory speed.

Target MEM Speed (DDR)

The value changes based on the value set in New FSB Speed (QDR) and New MEM Speed
(DDR).

New MEM Speed (DDR)

This item becomes active when System Clock Mode is set to Expert. Type in a new memory
speed or use the PLUS SIGN (+)/MINUS SIGN (-) to set the memory speed.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 54 -

PCIe x16 Slot Lanes

It is dependent on setting of the SLI switch module (GC-SLISW-C19).
SLI Mode:

Auto / 8-8-16-0 / 8-8-8-8 / 0-3D1-16-1 / 0-3D1-3D1-1 (Default value: Auto)

Normal Mode:

Auto / 1-16-16-1 / 0-16-8-8 / 1_16-3D1-1 (Default value: Auto)
[Auto] Automatic select the most optimized setting.
[1-16-16-1]

PEG in blue= x16
PEG in black=x1

[0-16-8-8]

PEG1=Disabled
PEG2=x16, PEG3&4=x8

[8-8-16-0]

PEG1&2=x8, PEG3=x16
PEG4=Disabled

[8-8-8-8]

PEGs are all x8

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 Slot Set Init Display First to PCI VGA card.

PEG (SLOT2) Set Init Display First to PCI Express VGA card (Slot2). (Default value)

PEG (SLOT1) Set Init Display First to PCI Express VGA card (Slot1).

PEG (SLOT3) Set Init Display First to PCI Express VGA card (Slot3).

PEG (SLOT4) Set Init Display First to PCI Express VGA card (Slot4).

SLI Broadcast Aperture

Auto Set SLI Broadcast Aperture to Auto.

Disabled Disable this function. (Default value)

Robust Graphics Booster

Select the options can enhance the VGA graphics card bandwidth to get higher performance.

Auto Set Robust Graphics Booster to Auto. (Default value)

Fast Set Robust Graphics Booster to Fast.

Turbo Set Robust Graphics Booster to Turbo.

CPU Voltage Control

Supports adjustable CPU Voltage at 0.0125V. (Default value: Normal)
Warning: CPU may be damaged or CPU life-cycle may be reduced when CPU is over-voltage.

English

BIOS Setup- 55 -

English

DIMM OverVoltage Control

Supports adjustable DIMM OverVoltage at 0.05V.

Normal Set DIMM OverVoltage Control to Normal. (Default value)

+0.10V Set DIMM OverVoltage Control to +0.10V.

+0.15V Set DIMM OverVoltage Control to +0.15V.

+0.20V Set DIMM OverVoltage Control to +0.20V.

+0.25V Set DIMM OverVoltage Control to +0.25V.

+0.30V Set DIMM OverVoltage Control to +0.30V.

+0.35V Set DIMM OverVoltage Control to +0.35V.

+0.40V Set DIMM OverVoltrage Control to +0.40V.

+0.45V Set DIMM OverVoltage Control to +0.45V.

+0.50V Set DIMM OverVoltrage Control to +0.50V.

+0.55V Set DIMM OverVoltage Control to +0.55V.

Warning: Increase DIMM Voltage may get more stable for overclock but it may make damage to DIMM
module.

N. Bridge Voltage Control

Supports adjustable North Bridge OverVoltage at 0.05V.

Normal Set N. Bridge Voltage Control to Normal. (Default value)

+0.10V Set N. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.10V.

+0.15V Set N. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.15V.

+0.20V Set N. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.20V.

+0.25V Set N. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.25V.

+0.30V Set N. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.30V.

+0.35V Set N. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.35V.

+0.40V Set N. Bridge Voltrage Control to +0.40V.

+0.45V Set N. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.45V.

+0.50V Set N. Bridge Voltrage Control to +0.50V.

+0.55V Set N. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.55V.

Warning: Increase N. Bridge Voltage may get more stable for overclock but it may make damage to
PCI-E Device.

S. Bridge Voltage Control

Supports adjustable Sourth Bridge OverVoltage at 0.05V.

Normal Set S. Bridge Voltage Control to Normal. (Default value)

+0.10V Set S. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.10V.

+0.15V Set S. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.15V.

+0.20V Set S. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.20V.

+0.25V Set S. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.25V.

+0.30V Set S. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.30V.

+0.35V Set S. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.35V.

+0.40V Set S. Bridge Voltrage Control to +0.40V.

+0.45V Set S. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.45V.

+0.50V Set S. Bridge Voltrage Control to +0.50V.

+0.55V Set S. Bridge Voltage Control to +0.55V.

Warning: Increase S. Bridge Voltage may get more stable for overclock but it may make damage to
PCI-E Device.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 56 -

FSB OverVoltage Control

Supports adjustable Front Side Bus OverVoltage at 0.025V.

Normal Set FSB OverVoltrage Control to Normal. (Default value)

+0.025V Set FSB OverVoltrage Control to +0.025V.

+0.050V Set FSB OverVoltrage Control to +0.050V.

+0.075V Set FSB OverVoltrage Control to +0.075V.

+0.100V Set FSB OverVoltrage Control to +0.100V.

+0.125V Set FSB OverVoltrage Control to +0.125V.

+0.150V Set FSB OverVoltrage Control to +0.150V.

+0.175V Set FSB OverVoltrage Control to +0.175V.

PCIE Frequency(MHz)

Display your PCIE Frequency.

LDT Frequency(MHz)

Set LDT Frequency to 1X.

Set LDT Frequency to 2X.

Set LDT Frequency to 3X.

Set LDT Frequency to 4X.(Default value)

Set LDT Frequency to 5X.

Set LDT Frequency to 3.5X.

English

BIOS Setup- 57 -

English

2-8 Select Language

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

` Standard CMOS Features
` Advanced BIOS Features
` Integrated Peripherals
` Power Management Setup
` PnP/PCI Configurations
` PC Health Status
` MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)

ESC: Quit F3: Change Language
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash F10: Save & Exit Setup

Multi-language supports 7 languages. There are English, French, German, Spanish, Traditional Chinese,
Simplified Chinese, and Japanese.

Select Language
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving

2-9 Load Fail-Safe 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
` MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)

Esc: Quit F3: Change Language
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash F10: Save & Exit Setup

Load Fail-Safe Defaults (Y/N)? N

Load Fail-Safe Defaults

Select Language
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving

Fail-Safe defaults contain the most appropriate values of the system parameters that allow minimum
system performance.

2-10 Load 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
` MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)

Esc: Quit F3: Change Language
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash F10: Save & Exit Setup

Load Optimized Defaults (Y/N)? N

Load Optimized Defaults

Select Language
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving

Selecting this field loads the factory defaults for BIOS and Chipset Features which the system automati­cally detects.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 58 -

2-11 Set Supervisor/User Password

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

` Standard CMOS Features
` Advanced BIOS Features
` Integrated Peripherals
` Power Management Setup
` PnP/PCI Configurations
` PC Health Status
` MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)

Esc: Quit F3: Change Language
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash F10: 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.
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.

Select Language
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving

English

BIOS Setup- 59 -

English

2-12 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
` MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)

Esc: Quit F3: Change Language
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash F10: Save & Exit Setup

Save to CMOS and EXIT (Y/N)? Y

Save & Exit Setup

Select Language
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
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.

2-13 Exit Without Saving

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

` Standard CMOS Features
` Advanced BIOS Features
` Integrated Peripherals
` Power Management Setup
` PnP/PCI Configurations
` PC Health Status
` MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)

Esc: Quit F3: Change Language
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash F10: Save & Exit Setup

Quit Without Saving (Y/N)? N

Abandon all Data

Select Language
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving

Type "Y" will quit the Setup Utility without saving to RTC CMOS.
Type "N" will return to Setup Utility.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 60 -

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.

3-1 Install Chipset Drivers

After insert the driver CD, "Xpress Install" will scan automatically the system and then list all the drivers that
recommended to install. 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.

11

1

11

11

1

11

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- 61 -

English

3-2 Software 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.

3-3 Software Information

This page lists the contents of software and drivers in this CD-title.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 62 -

3-4 Hardware Information

This page lists all device you have for this motherboard.

3-5 Contact Us

Please see the last page for details.

English

Drivers Installation- 63 -

English

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 64 -

Chapter 4 Appendix

4-1 Unique Software Utilities

(Not all model support these Unique Software Utilities, please check your MB features.)

U-PLUS D.P.S. (Universal Plus Dual Power System)

The U-Plus Dual Power System (U-Plus DPS) is a revolutionary eight-phase power circuit
built for ultimate system protection. Designed to withstand varying current levels and
changes, the U-Plus D.P.S. provides an immensely durable and stable power circuit to the
CPU for solid system stability. These characteristics make it the ideal companion with the
latest LGA775 Intel
blue LED's are mounted on the U-Plus D.P.S. for intelligent indication of system loading.

M.I.T. (Motherboard Intelligent Tweaker)

Motherboard Intelligent Tweaker (M.I.T.) allows user to access and change BIOS feature
settings with relative speed and ease. Through GIGABYTE M.I.T. feature the user is no
longer required to switch into different modes within BIOS setup in order to change system
settings such as the CPU system bus, memory timings or to enabled Gigabyte's unique
C.I.A. 2 and M.I.B. 2 features. M.I.T.'s integration of all platform performance settings into
a single mode now gives any user the ability to control and enhance their computer system
to the desired level.

C.I.A.2 (CPU Intelligent Accelerator 2)

GIGABYTE CPU Intelligent Accelerator 2(C.I.A. 2) is designed to automatically adjust CPU
computing power to maximize system performance. When enabled, the program detects
the current CPU loading and automatically accelerates the CPU computing performance to
allow for a faster and smoother execution of programs. When the function is disabled, the
CPU is returned to its initial status.

M.I.B.2 (Memory Intelligent Booster 2)

Built on the original M.I.B., the new Memory Intelligent Booster 2 (M.I.B. 2) is designed
especially to maximize memory performance and boost memory bandwidth up to 10%.
With added branded memory module information, users are able to optimize memory
performance by selecting from a recommended memory module list.

®

Pentium® 4 Processor as well as future Intel® processors. As well, 4

English

S.O.S. (System Overclock Saver)

System Overclock Saver (S.O.S.) is a unique feature that eliminates system boot-up errors
resulting from system over-enhancement by the user. With GIGABYTE's proprietary
S.O.S. feature, users no longer need to open up the PC chassis and short-circuit the "Clear
CMOS" pins or the battery on the motherboard to reset the system back to factory default
settings. Instead, S.O.S. automatically resets the overclocked system settings back to their
factory defaults to provide a more user-friendly and reliable platform for users.

Download Center

Download Center allows users to quickly download and update their BIOS as well as the
latest drivers for their system. Download Center automatically runs a system check of the
user PC and provides the user with the current system information as well as displaying a
detailed list of all new drivers with the option for download.

C.O.M. (Corporate Online Management)

A web-based system management tool that allows system hardware information such as
CPU, memory, graphics card, etc. to be monitored and controlled via the Internet, C.O.M.
allows corporate MIS engineers to easily maintain corporate computers such as providing
the most up-to-date drivers and BIOS.(Do not use C.O.M. and @BIOS at the same time.)

Appendix- 65 -

English

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

Button / Display Description

1. Overclocking Enters 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-Fan Enters the Smart-Fan setting page

4. PC Health Enters the PC Health setting page

5. GO Confirmation and Execution button

6. "Easy Mode" & "Advance Mode" Toggles between Easy and Advance Mode

7. Display screen Display panel of CPU frequency

8. Function display LEDs Shows the current functions status

9. GIGABYTE Logo Log on to GIGABYTE website

10. Help button Display EasyTuneTM 5 Help file

11. Exit or Minimize button Quit or Minimize EasyTuneTM 5 software

(Note)

(Note) EasyTune 5 functions may vary depending on different motherboards.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 66 -

4-1-2 Xpress Recovery2 Introduction

Xpress Recovery2 is designed to provide quick backup and restora­tion of hard disk data. Supporting Microsoft operating systems including
Windows XP/2000/NT/98/Me and DOS, and file systems including
FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS, Xpress Recovery2 is able to back up data

on hard disks on PATA and SATA IDE controllers. After Xpress Recovery2 is executed from CD-ROM
for the first time, it will stay permanent in your hard disk. If you wish to run Xpress Recovery2 later, you
can simply press F9 during system bootup to enter Xpress Recovery2 without the CD-ROM.

System requirements:

1. Intel x86 platforms

2. At least 64M bytes of system memory

3. VESA-supported VGA cards

How to use the Xpress Recovery2

Initial access by booting from CD-ROM and subsequent access by pressing the F9 key:
Steps: After entering BIOS Setup, go to Advanced BIOS Feature and set to boot from CD-ROM. Save

the settings and exit the BIOS Setup. Insert the provided driver CD into your CD-ROM drive. Upon
system restart, the message which says "Boot from CD/DVD:" will appear in the bottom left corner
of the screen. Press any key to enter Xpress Recovery2.
After the steps above are completed, subsequent access to Xpress Recovery2 can be made
by simply pressing the <F9> key during system power-on.

.
.
Boot from CD/DVD:

Press any key to startup XpressRecovery2.....

Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG, An Energy Star Ally
Copyright (C) 1984-2004, Award Software, Inc.

Intel 945 BIOS for 8I945GME E7
.
.
.
.

<DEL>:BIOS Setup/Q-Flash, <F9>: Xpress Recovery2, <F12>For Boot Menu
11/07/2005-I945-6A79HG0GC-00

Boot from CD/DVD:

<F9> Xpress Recovery2

English

1. If you have already entered Xpress Recovery2 by booting from the CD-ROM, you can
enter Xpress Recovery2 by pressing the <F9> key in the future.

2. System storage capacity and the reading/writing speed of the hard disk will affect
the data backup speed.

3. It is recommended that Xpress Recovery2 be immediately installed once you com­plete installations of OS and all required drivers as well as software.

Appendix- 67 -

English

The Main Screen of Xpress Recovery2

1. RESTORE:

Restore the backed-up data to your hard disk.
(This button will not appear if there is no backup
file.)

2. BACKUP:

Back up data from hard disk.

3. REMOVE:

Remove previously-created backup files
to release disk space.
(This button will not appear if there is no backup
file.)

4. REBOOT:

Exit the main screen and restart the system.

Limitations:

1. Not compatible to Xpress Recovery.

2. For the use of Xpress Recovery2, a primary partition must be reserved.

3. Xpress Recovery2 will store the backup file at the end of the hard disk, so free space available
on the hard disk for the backup file must be allocated in advance. (A minimum 4GB is recom­mended but the actual space is dependent on the size of the data to be backed up)

4. Capable of backing up hard disks installed with Windows operating systems including DOS and
Windows XP/2000/NT/9x/Me.

5. USB hard disks are currently not supported.

6. Does not support RAID/AHCI (class code 0104/0106) hard disks.

7. Capable of backing up and restoring only the first physical hard disk.

Hard disks detection sequence is as follows:

a. PATA IDE primary channel
b. PATA IDE secondary channel
c. SATA IDE channel 1
d. SATA IDE channel 2
e. SATA IDE channel 3
f. SATA IDE channel 4

Precautions:

1. When using hard disks with more than 128G under Windows 2000, be sure to execute the
EnableBigLba.exe program from the driver CD before data backup.

2. It is normal that data backup takes longer time than data restoration.

3. Xpress Recovery2 is compliant with the GPL regulations.

4. On a few motherboards based on Nvidia chipsets, BIOS update is required for Xpress Recovery2
to correctly identify RAID and SATA IDE mode. Please contact your motherboard manufacturer.

5. Xpress Recovery2 supports only PATA hard disks and not SATA hard disks on the following
motherboards (As this is a BIOS-related issue, it can be solved by BIOS update)

GA-K8U
GA-K8U-9
GA-K8NXP-SLI
GA-K8N Ultra-SLI
GA-K8N Pro-SLI

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 68 -

GA-K8NXP-9
GA-K8N Ultra-9
GA-K8NF-9 (PCB Ver. 1.0)
GA-K8NE (PCB Ver. 1.0)
GA-K8NMF-9

GA-8N-SLI Royal
GA-8N-SLI Pro
GA-8N-SLI

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

` Standard CMOS Features
` Advanced BIOS Features
` Integrated Peripherals
` Power Management Setup
` PnP/PCI Configurations
` PC Health Status
` MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)

ESC: Quit KLJI: Select Item
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash F10: Save & Exit Setup

Time, Date, Hard Disk Type...

b. Dual BIOS / Q-Flash Programming Utility

Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving

English

Boot From................................................. Main Bios

Dual BIOS Utility V1.33

Main ROM Type/Size............................... SST 49LF004A 512K

Backup ROM Type/Size........................... SST 49LF004A 512K

Wide Range Protection Disable

Boot From Main Bios

Auto Recovery Enable

Halt On Error Disable

Keep DMI Data Enable

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 KL: Move ESC: Reset F10: Power Off

Appendix- 69 -

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-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 70 -

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- 71 -

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: Quit F3: Change Language
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash F10: 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.

Task menu for

Dual BIOS

utility

Task menu for

TM

utility

Q-Flash

Boot From...................................... Main Bios

Main ROM Type/Size...................... SST 49LF004A 512K

Backup ROM Type/Size.................. SST 49LF004A 512K

Wide Range Protection Disable

Copy Main ROM Data to Backup

Enter : Run KL: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-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 72 -

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.

Boot From...................................... Main Bios

Main ROM Type/Size...................... SST 49LF004A 512K

Backup ROM Type/Size.................. SST 49LF004A 512K

Wide Range Protection Disable

8KNXPU.Fba 512K

Total size : 1.39M Free size : 911.50K

Copy Main ROM Data to Backup

F5 : Refresh DEL : Delete

Enter : Run KL:Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off

After pressing Enter, you'll then see the progress of reading the BIOS file from the floppy disk.

Boot From...................................... Main Bios

Main ROM Type/Size...................... SST 49LF004A 512K

Backup ROM Type/Size.................. SST 49LF004A 512K

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 KL: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 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

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

BIOS file in the floppy

disk.

Do not trun off power or

reset your system at this

stage!!

Appendix- 73 -

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.

Boot From...................................... Main Bios

Main ROM Type/Size...................... SST 49LF004A 512K

Backup ROM Type/Size.................. SST 49LF004A 512K

Wide Range Protection Disable

Copy Main ROM Data to Backup

Enter : Run KL:Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off

Dual BIOS Utility

Boot From Main Bios

Auto Recovery Enable

!! Copy BIOS completed - Pass !!

Halt On Error Disable

Please press any key to continue

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

You can repeat Step 1 to

4 to flash the backup

BIOS, too.

5. Press Esc and then Y button to exit the Q-Flash utility. The computer will restart automatically after

you exit Q-Flash.

Boot From...................................... Main Bios

Main ROM Type/Size...................... SST 49LF004A 512K

Backup ROM Type/Size.................. SST 49LF004A 512K

Wide Range Protection Disable

Copy Main ROM Data to Backup

Enter : Run KL:Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off

Dual BIOS Utility

Boot From Main Bios

Auto Recovery Enable

Are you sure to RESET ?

Halt On Error Disable

[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-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 74 -

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: Quit F3: Change Language
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash F10: 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: Quit F3: Change Language
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash F10: 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: Quit F3: Change Language
F8: Q-Flash F10: 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- 75 -

English

Exploring the Q-FlashTM utility screen

The Q-FlashBIOS utility screen consists of the following key components.

Q-FlashTM utility bar

Action bar

Task menu for

TM

utility

Q-Flash

Flash Type/Size.................................SST 49LF003A 256K

Enter : Run KL:Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off

Q-Flash Utility V1.30

Keep DMI Data Enable

Update BIOS from Floppy

Save BIOS to Floppy

Task menu for Q-Flash utility:

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.

Flash Type/Size.................................SST 49LF003A 256K

8GE800.F4 256K

Total size : 1.39M Free size : 1.14M

Enter : Run KL:Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off

F5 : Refresh DEL : Delete

Q-Flash Utility V1.30

1 file(s) found

Keep DMI Data Enable

Update BIOS from Floppy

Save BIOS to Floppy

BIOS file in the floppy

disk.

Flash Type/Size.................................SST 49LF003A 256K

Reading BIOS file from floppy ...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.....................

Enter : Run KL:Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off

Don't Turn Off Power or Reset System

Q-Flash Utility V1.30

Keep DMI Data Enable

Update BIOS from Floppy

Save BIOS to Floppy

Do not trun off power or

reset your system at

this stage!!

After BIOS file is read, you'll see a confirmation dialog box asking you "Are you sure to update BIOS?"

Please do not take out the floppy disk when it begins flashing BIOS.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 76 -

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 shown at the same time.

Flash Type/Size.................................SST 49LF003A 256K

Enter : Run KL:Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off

Don't Turn Off Power or Reset System

Q-Flash Utility V1.30

Keep DMI Data Enable

Updating BIOS Now

Update BIOS from Floppy

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.........................

Save BIOS to Floppy

Do not trun off power or

reset your system

at this stage!!

4. Press any keys to return to the Q-Flash menu when the BIOS updating procedure is completed.

English

Flash Type/Size.................................SST 49LF003A 256K

Enter : Run KL:Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off

Q-Flash Utility V1.30

Keep DMI Data Enable

!! Copy BIOS completed - Pass !!

Update BIOS from Floppy

Save BIOS to Floppy

Please press any key to continue

5. Press Esc and then Y button to exit the Q-Flash utility. The computer will restart automatically after

you exit Q-Flash.

Flash Type/Size.................................SST 49LF003A 256K

Enter : Run KL:Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off

Q-Flash Utility V1.30

Keep DMI Data Enable

Are you sure to RESET ?

Update BIOS from Floppy

Save BIOS to Floppy

[Enter] to continure or [Esc] to abort...

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

Primary Master : FUJITSU MPE3170AT ED-03-08
Primary Slave : None
Secondary Master : CREATIVEDVD-RM DVD1242E BC101
Secondary Slave : None

Press DEL to enter SETUP / Q-Flash
03/18/2003-I845GE-6A69YG01C-00

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- 77 -

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 utility Fig 2. Installation complete and run @BIOS

Click Start/ Programs/ GIGABYTE/@BIOS

Select @BIOS item than click Install

Fig 3. The @BIOS utility Fig 4. Select the desired @BIOS server

Click "3" 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:

8NSLIQ.F1).

e. Complete update process following the instruction.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 78 -

III. Save BIOS
In the very beginning, there is "Save Current BIOS" icon shown in dialog box. It means to save the
current BIOS version.

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

2. Note:

I. In method I, if it shows two or more motherboard's model names to be selected, please make

sure your motherboard's model name again. Selecting wrong model name will cause the
system unbooted.

II. In method II, be sure that motherboard's model name in BIOS unzip file are the same as your

motherboard's. Otherwise, your system won't boot.

III. In method I, if the BIOS file you need cannot be found in @BIOSTM server, please go onto

Gigabyte's web site for downloading and updating it according to method II.
IV. Please note that any interruption during updating will cause system unbooted
V. Do not use @BIOS and C.O.M. (Corporate Online Management) at the same time.

English

Appendix- 79 -

English

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 80 -

4-1-4 Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s) (Controller: nVIDIA nForce4 SLI)

To configure SATA hard drive(s), follow the steps below:

(1) Install SATA hard drive(s) in your system.

(2) Configure SATA controller mode and boot sequence in BIOS Setup.

(3)* Configure RAID set in RAID BIOS.

(4) Make a floppy disk containing the SATA controller driver.

(5) Install the SATA controller driver during OS installation.

Before you begin

Please prepare:
(a) At least two SATA hard drives (to ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use two

hard drives with identical model and capacity). If you do not want to create RAID, you may prepare
only one hard drive.

(b) An empty formatted floppy disk.
(c) Windows XP/2000 setup disk.
(d) Driver CD for your motherboard.

(1) Installing SATA hard drive(s) in your computer

Attach one end of the SATA signal cable to the rear of the SATA hard drive and the other end to available
SATA port(s) on the motherboard. If there are more than one SATA controller on your motherboard, you
may refer to the motherboard user's manual to identify the SATA controller for the connector. Then
connect the power connector from your power supply to the hard drive.

English

(2) Configuring SATA controller mode and boot sequence in BIOS Setup

You have to make sure whether the SATA controller is configured correctly in system BIOS Setup and
set BIOS boot sequence for the SATA hard drive(s)/RAID array.

Step 1:
Turn on your computer and press Del to enter BIOS Setup during POST (Power-On Self Test). In the
example in Figure 1, make sure that Serial-ATAII 1 or Serial-ATAII 2 under the Integrated Periph-
erals menu is enabled (Serial-ATAII1 controls the SATAII0/1 connectors and Serial-ATAII2 controls the
SATAII2/3 connectors). If you wish to create RAID array, press ENTER on the IDE/SATAII RAID

Config item to enter the submenu .

"*" Skip this step if you do not want to create RAID array on the SATA controller.

Appendix- 81 -

English

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

 IDE/SATAII RAID Config [Press Enter]

On-Chip USB [V1.1+V2.0]
USB Keyboard Support [Disabled]
USB Mouse Support [Disabled]
AC97 Audio [Auto]
Onboard LAN2 Function [Auto]
Onboard LAN Function [Enabled]
Onboard 1394 Function [Enabled]
Onboard Serial Port 1 [3F8/IRQ4]
i-Lock [Enabled]
UART Mode Select [Normal]

x UR2 Duplex Mode Half

Onboard Parallel Port [378/IRQ7]
Parallel Port Mode [SPP]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

F3: Language F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults

Integrated Peripherals

Item Help
Menu Level

Figure 1

In the IDE/SATAII RAID Config submenu, enable IDE/SATAII RAID function. Then enable the SATA
ports with hard disks that you want to use for RAID. In the example in Figure 2, enable SATAII 1
Primary/Secondary RAID or SATAII 2 Primary/Secondary RAID). (For example, if you wish to
create RAID with hard disks on the SATAII0 and SATAII1 connectors, set SATAII 1 Primary/Secondary
RAID to Enabled).

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

On-Chip IDE Channel0 [Enabled]
On-Chip IDE Channel1 [Enabled]
IDE1 Conductor Cable [Auto]
IDE2 Conductor Cable [Auto]

Serial-ATAII 1 [Enabled]
Serial-ATAII 2 [Enabled]

IDE/SATAII RAID function [Enabled]
IDE Primary Master RAID [Disabled]
IDE Primary Slave RAID [Disabled]
IDE Secndry Master RAID [Disabled]
IDE Secndry Slave RAID [Disabled]
SATAII 1 Primary RAID [Enabled]
SATAII 1 Secondary RAID [Enabled]
SATAII 2 Primary RAID [Enabled]
SATAII 2 Secondary RAID [Enabled]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

F3: Language F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults

IDE/SATAII RAID Config

Item Help
Menu Level

Figure 2

The BIOS Setup menus described in this section may not show the exact settings for your
motherboard. The actual BIOS Setup menu options you will see shall depend on the motherboard
you have and the BIOS version.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 82 -

Step 2:
If you do not create RAID, select Hard Disk Boot Priority under the Advanced BIOS Features
menu. In the Hard Disk Boot Priority submenu, select the model of the SATA hard drive onto which
you wish to install Microsoft Windows 2000/XP. You should see a screen similar to Figure 3 below.

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

1. CH2 M. : ST3120026AS

2. CH3 M. : ST3120026AS

3. Bootable Add-in Cards

: Move PU/PD/+/-: Change Priority F10: Save ESC: Exit

Hard Disk Boot Priority

Item Help
Menu Level 

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.

Figure 3

After configuring the SATA controller mode in system BIOS, if you wish to create RAID, save the settings
and exit. Then go to RAID BIOS (refer to page 6) to configure the RAID array. After finished, re-enter the
system BIOS Setup to set hard disk boot priority before OS installation. Select Hard Disk Boot Priority
under the Advanced BIOS Features menu. In the Hard Disk Boot Priority submenu, select the
RAID array onto which you wish to install Microsoft Windows 2000/XP (Figure 4).

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

1. SCSI-0: NVIDIA MIRROR 111.7

2. Bootable Add-in Cards

Hard Disk Boot Priority

Item Help
Menu Level 

English

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.

: Move PU/PD/+/-: Change Priority F10: Save ESC: Exit

Figure 4

Appendix- 83 -

English

Step 3:
To boot from Windows installation CD-ROM, set First Boot Device under the Advanced BIOS
Features menu to CD-ROM (Figure 5).

 Hard Disk Boot Priority [Press Enter]

First Boot Device [CDROM]
Second Boot Device [Hard Disk]
Third Boot Device [CDROM]
Boot Up Floppy Seek [Disabled]
Password Check [Setup]
CPU Hyper-Threading
Limit CPUID Max. to 3 [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2)
CPU EIST Function
Full Screen LOGO Show [Enabled]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

F3: Language F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

#

(Note)

(Note)

(Note)

Advanced BIOS Features

(Note)

[Enabled]

[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]

Item Help
Menu Level

Select Hard Disk Boot
Device Priority

Figure 5

Step 4:
Save and exit BIOS Setup.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 84 -

(3) Configuring RAID set in RAID BIOS

Enter the RAID BIOS setup utility to configure a RAID array. Skip this step and proceed to Section 4 if
you do not want to create RAID.

Step 1:
After the POST memory test begins and before the operating system boot begins, look for a message
which says "Press F10 to enter RAID setup utility" (Figure 6). Hit the F10 key to enter the RAID BIOS
setup utility.

MediaShield IDE ROM BIOS 5.16
Copyright (C) 2005 NVIDIA Corp.

Detecting array ...

Press F10 to enter RAID setup utility ...

Figure 6

Step 2:
The Define a New Array screen is the first option screen when you enter the NVIDIA RAID setup utility.
(Figure 7). You can press the TAB key to highlight through options.

Step 3:
In the RAID Mode field, use the UP or DOWN ARROW key to select a RAID mode. The supported RAID
modes include Mirroring (default), Striping, Stripe Mirroring, Spanning and Raid 5. The following is an
example of RAID 0 array creation.

Step 4:
If RAID 0 (Striping) is selected, you can manually set the striping block size. In the Striping Block field,
use the UP or DOWN ARROW key to set the Striping Block size. The KB is the standard unit of Striping
Block size. We recommend you leaving it to the default setting--Optimal (64K). The size range is from
4K to 128K.

MediaShield RAID Utility Feb 8 2005

- Define a New Array -

RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Block: Optimal

English

Free Disks
Loc Disk Model Name

2.0.M ST3120026AS

2.1.M ST3120026AS

[ESC] Quit [F6] Back [F7] Finish [TAB] Navigate [



[

] Add





[

] Del



Figure 7

Array Disks
Loc Disk Model Name



] Select [ENTER] Popup



Appendix- 85 -

English

Step 5:
Next, select the hard drives which you wish to be included in the disk array. The Free Disks section
displays the information about the currently installed SATA hard drives. Press the TAB key to move to
the Free Disks section. Select the target hard drives using the UP or DOWN ARROW key and use the
RIGHT ARROW key to add the hard drives to the Array Disks section (Figure 8).

MediaShield RAID Utility Feb 8 2005

- Define a New Array -

RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Block: Optimal

Free Disks
Loc Disk Model Name

[

[

[ESC] Quit [F6] Back [F7] Finish [TAB] Navigate [

Array Disks
Loc Disk Model Name

2.0.M ST3120026AS



] Add





] Del



2.1.M ST3120026AS



] Select [ENTER] Popup



Figure 8

Step 6:
Press F7 after selecting the target hard disks. A message which says "Clear disk data?" will appear
(Figure 9). If you are sure to clear the data in the selected hard drives, press Y. (If the hard drives
contain previously created RAID array, you need to press Y to clear the data from the hard drives.)

MediaShield RAID Utility Feb 8 2005

- Define a New Array -

RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Block: Optimal

Free Disks
Loc Disk Model Name

Clear disk data ?

[

[Y] YES [N] NO

[

Array Disks
Loc Disk Model Name

1.0.M ST3120026AS



] Add





] Del



1.1.M ST3120026AS

[ESC] Quit [F6] Back [F7] Finish [TAB] Navigate [

Figure 9

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 86 -



] Select [ENTER] Popup



After that, the Array List screen displaying the RAID array you created will appear (Figure 10).
If you want to set the disk array as boot device, use the UP or DOWN ARROW key to select the array
and press B. The Boot section will show Yes.

MediaShield RAID Utility Feb 8 2005

Boot Id Status Vendor Array Model Name

No 2 Healthy NVIDIA MIRROR 111.79G

- Array List -

English

[Ctrl-X] Exit [



] Select [B] Set Boot [N] New Array [ENTER] Detail



Figure 10

To read more information about the RAID array, press ENTER to enter the Array Detail screen (Figure

11), where you should see detailed information about RAID mode, disk block size, disk model name,
and disk capacity, etc.

Array 2 : NVIDIA MIRROR 111.79G

- Array Detail -

RAID Mode: Mirroring
Striping Width : 1 Striping Block: 64K

Adapt Channel M/S Index Disk Model Name Capacity

2 0 Master 0 ST3120026AS 111.79GB
2 1 Master 1 ST3120026AS 111.79GB

[R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return

Figure 11

To delete the array, press D in the Array Detail screen. When the "Delete this array?" message appears,
press Y to confirm or N to cancel. Press ENTER to return to the Array List screen.

To exit the Nvidia RAID utility, press ESC in the main menu or Ctrl+X in the Array List screen.

Now, you can proceed to install the SATA controller driver and operating system.

Appendix- 87 -

English

«Â²±

(4) Making a SATA controller driver disk

To install Windows 2000/XP onto a SATA hard drive/RAID array on the nVIDIA nForce4 SLI controller
successfully, you need to install required driver for the SATA controller during OS installation. Without
the driver, the hard drive/RAID array may not be recognized during the Windows setup process.

First of all, you need to copy the driver for the SATA controller from the motherboard driver CD to a
floppy disk. The instructions below explain how to copy the driver.

Step 1: Find an available system and insert the motherboard driver CD into the CD-ROM drive. The
installation utility will appear automatically. Quit the installation utility first.

Step 2: Go to My Computer and right-click the CD-ROM drive icon and select Open (Figure 12).

Figure 12

Step 3: Go to the BootDrv folder and look for an executable program named MENU.exe (Figure 13).

Figure 13

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 88 -

Step 4:
Double-click MENU.exe. An MS-DOS prompt screen similar to Figure 14 below will appear

Figure 14

Step 5:
Insert an empty floppy disk and select the nVIDIA Serial ATA driver by pressing the corresponding letter
from the menu (for example, from the menu in Figure 14, press C to select nVIDIA CK804 Series Raid
(XP) if you wish to install Windows XP or press E to select nVIDIA CK804 Series Raid (2K) if you
wish to install Windows 2000). Then it will take about one minute to copy the SATA driver from the
motherboard driver CD to the floppy disk.

Step 6:
Press 0 to exit when the procedure is complete.

(Note)

.

English

(Note): The name of the drivers in the menu might differ, depending on the version of your
driver CD-ROM disk.

Appendix- 89 -

English

(5) Installing SATA controller driver during OS installation

Now that you have prepared the SATA driver disk and configured BIOS settings, you are ready to install
Windows 2000/XP onto your SATA hard drive with the driver. The following is an example of Windows
XP installation.

Step 1: Restart your system to boot from the Windows 2000/XP Setup disk and press F6 as soon as
you see the "Press F6 if you need to install a 3rd party SCSI or RAID driver" message (Figure 15). After
pressing F6, there will be a few moments of some files being loaded before you see the next screen.

Windows Setup

Press F6 if you need to install a 3rd party SCSI or RAID driver.

Figure 15

Step 2:
When a screen similar to that below appears (Figure 16), insert the floppy disk containing the SATA
driver and press S.

Windows Setup

Setup could not determine the type of one or more mass storage devices
installed in your system, or you have chosen to manually specify an adapter.
Currently, Setup will load support for the following mass storage devices(s)

<none>

* To specify additional SCSI adapters, CD-ROM drives, or special

disk controllers for use with Windows, including those for
which you have a device support disk from a mass storage device
manufacturer, press S.

* If you do not have any device support disks from a mass storage

device manufacturer, or do not want to specify additional
mass storage devices for use with Windows, press ENTER.

S=Specify Additional Device ENTER=Continue F3=Exit

Figure 16

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 90 -

Step 3:
If Setup correctly recognizes the driver in the floppy disk, a controller menu similar to Figure 17 below
will appear. Use the ARROW keys to select NVIDIA RAID CLASS DRIVER* (Figure 17) and press
ENTER. Later, when a screen similar to Figure 18 appears, you must press S to select additional
driver. The screen will return to previous screen as shown in Figure 17. Select NVIDIA NForce
Storage Controller and press ENTER.

Windows Setup

You have chosen to configure a SCSI Adapter for use with Windows,
using a device support disk provided by an adapter manufacturer.

Select the SCSI Adapter you want from the following list, or press ESC
to return to the previous screen.

NVIDIA RAID CLASS DRIVER (required)
NVIDIA NForce Storage Controller (required)

ENTER=Select F3=Exit

Figure 17

Windows Setup

Setup will load support for the following mass storage device(s):

NVIDIA RAID CLASS DRIVER (required)

* To specify additional SCSI adapters, CD-ROM drives, or special

disk controllers for use with Windows, including those for
which you have a device support disk from a mass storage device
manufacturer, press S.

* If you do not have any device support disks from a mass storage

device manufacturer, or do not want to specify additional
mass storage devices for use with Windows, press ENTER.

English

S=Specify Additional Device Enter=Continue F3=Exit

Figure 18

If a message appears saying one or some file(s) cannot be found, please check the floppy disk
or copy the correct SATA driver again from the motherboard driver CD.

"*" If you want to create RAID, select both NVIDIA RAID CLASS DRIVER and then NVIDIA

NForce Storage Controller.

If you do not create RAID, select NVIDIA NForce Storage Controller only.

Appendix- 91 -

English

Step 4:
When the next screen (Figure 19) appears, press ENTER to continue the SATA driver installation from
the floppy disk.

Windows Setup

Setup will load support for the following mass storage device(s):

NVIDIA RAID CLASS DRIVER (required)
NVIDIA NForce Storage Controller (required)

* To specify additional SCSI adapters, CD-ROM drives, or special

disk controllers for use with Windows, including those for
which you have a device support disk from a mass storage device
manufacturer, press S.

* If you do not have any device support disks from a mass storage

device manufacturer, or do not want to specify additional
mass storage devices for use with Windows, press ENTER.

S=Specify Additional Device Enter=Continue F3=Exit

Figure 19

After the SATA controller driver installation is completed, you should see a screen similar to that below.
You can proceed with the Windows 2000/XP installation now.

WindowsXP Professional Setup

Welcome to Setup.
This port of the Setup program prepares Microsoft(R)
Windows (R) XP to run on your computer.

To set up Windows XP now, press ENTER.

To repair a Windows XP installation using
Recovery Console, press R.

To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.

Enter= Continue R=Repair F3=Exit

Figure 20

(6) Configuring a bootable RAID array with Microsoft Windows 2000

Problem: Users cannot install Windows 2000 with Service Pack 2 (or previous versions) to a bootable

RAID volume.
There are two solutions to resolve this issue.

Solutions 1:

Use the NVRAID tool (nForce Driver Version 5.xx) to convert the boot volume to a RAID array. Here
are the detailed step-by-step instructions:

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 92 -

Step 1:
Install Windows 2000 onto a selected hard drive. Download and install Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
from Microsoft's website.
Step 2:
After system restarts, press Del to enter system BIOS Setup during POST (Power-On Self Test). Under
the Integrated Peripherals menu (Figure 21) assure the SATA port connecting the SATA hard disk (the
one containing the Windows 2000) is Enabled (Figure 21/22). Save settings and exit the BIOS setup.

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

 IDE/SATAII RAID Config [Press Enter]

On-Chip USB [V1.1+V2.0]
USB Keyboard Support [Disabled]
USB Mouse Support [Disabled]
AC97 Audio [Auto]
Onboard LAN2 Function [Auto]
Onboard LAN Function [Enabled]
Onboard 1394 Function [Enabled]
Onboard Serial Port 1 [3F8/IRQ4]
i-Lock [Enabled]
UART Mode Select [Normal]

x UR2 Duplex Mode Half

Onboard Parallel Port [378/IRQ7]
Parallel Port Mode [SPP]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

F3: Language F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults

Integrated Peripherals

Item Help
Menu Level

Figure 21

English

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software

On-Chip IDE Channel0 [Enabled]
On-Chip IDE Channel1 [Enabled]
IDE1 Conductor Cable [Auto]
IDE2 Conductor Cable [Auto]

Serial-ATAII 1 [Enabled]
Serial-ATAII 2 [Enabled]

IDE/SATAII RAID function [Enabled]
IDE Primary Master RAID [Disabled]
IDE Primary Slave RAID [Disabled]
IDE Secndry Master RAID [Disabled]
IDE Secndry Slave RAID [Disabled]
SATAII 1 Primary RAID [Enabled]
SATAII 1 Secondary RAID [Enabled]
SATAII 2 Primary RAID [Enabled]
SATAII 2 Secondary RAID [Enabled]

: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help

F3: Language F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults

IDE/SATAII RAID Config

Item Help
Menu Level

Figure22

Appendix- 93 -

English

Step 3:
After system restarts, press F10 to enter the NVIDIA RAID setup utility. Select Striping in the RAID Mode
filed (Figure 23). Move to the Free Disks section with the TAB key. Select the desired disk and use the
RIGHT ARROW key to add it to Array Disks menu.

MediaShield RAID Utility Feb 8 2005

- Define a New Array -

RAID Mode: Striping Striping Block: Optimal

Free Disks
Loc Disk Model Name

[

[

[ESC] Quit [F6] Back [F7] Finish [TAB] Navigate [

Array Disks
Loc Disk Model Name

2.0.M ST3120026AS



] Add





] Del



2.1.M ST3120026AS



] Select [ENTER] Popup



Figure 23

Step 4:
After all the settings, press F7 to complete the configuration. When prompted to Clear Disk Data (Figure

24), press N. Then press CTRL+X to exit the NVIDIA RAID BIOS. Restart the computer to boot into
Windows 2000.

MediaShield RAID Utility Feb 8 2005

- Define a New Array -

RAID Mode: Striping Striping Block: Optimal

Free Disks
Loc Disk Model Name

[ESC] Quit [F6] Back [F7] Finish [TAB] Navigate [

Clear disk data ?

[Y] YES [N] NO

[

[

Array Disks
Loc Disk Model Name

1.0.M ST3120026AS



] Add





] Del



1.1.M ST3120026AS



] Select [ENTER] Popup



Figure 24

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 94 -

Step 5:
Install the NVIDIA nForce Driver Package while in Windows 2000 and reboot the system. Go to START>
Programs>Nvidia Corporation and select NVRAID manager. You should see the single disk RAID
array (in striping mode) that was created from the boot disk. Select the single boot disk RAID Array by
clicking on it. Select Convert Array under the System Tasks and select Next following the instructions.
Select the desired type of RAID array you want to convert and then select Next. You are prompted to
select the desired Free Disk(s) to add to the bootable RAID array. Press Finish then NVRAID will start
converting the single disk RAID array into a multi-disk RAID array in a bootable format.
Note: Conversion may take 1~2 hours depending on disk size.

Solutions 2:

Users must create a combination installation CD that includes Windows 2000 and Service Pack 3 or
Service Pack 4 fixes integrated in. To create the combination installation CD, refer to the following
website:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/servicepacks/sp4/HFdeploy.htm

Note: If users choose not to install Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 or 4, RAID is still supported on
Windows 2000. However, users will not be able to create a bootable RAID volume.

English

Appendix- 95 -

English

4-1-5 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- C hannel Audio Function

Introduction

This motherboard provide 6 audio connector. You are able to use 2-/
4-/6-/8-channnels audio feature by audio software selection.

Introduction of audio connectors:

You may connect CD-ROM/DVD-ROM, walkman or
others audio input to Line In.
The front channels or earphone can be connected to
Line Out (Front Speaker Out).
Connect microphone to Mic In.
Connect the rear channels to Rear Speaker Out.

Line In

Line Out

(Front Speaker Out)

Mic In

Connect the Center/Subwoofer channels to Center/
Subwoofer 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".

Rear Speaker Out

Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out

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.

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 96 -

Line Out

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- 97 -

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

Rear Speaker Out

Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 98 -

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

Rear Speaker Out

Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out

Side Speaker Out

Sound Effect Configuration:
At the sound effect menu, users can adjust sound
option settings as desired.

Appendix- 99 -

English

4-2 Troubleshooting

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 beep Refresh failure
2 beeps Parity error
3 beeps Base 64K memory failure
4 beeps Timer not operational
5 beeps Processor error
6 beeps 8042 - gate A20 failure
7 beeps Processor exception interrupt error
8 beeps Display memory read/write failure
9 beeps ROM checksum error
10 beeps CMOS shutdown register read/write error
11 beeps Cache memory bad

GA-8N-SLI QUAD Royal Motherboard - 100 -

 AWARD BIOS Beep Codes

1 short: System boots successfully
2 short: CMOS setting error
1 long 1 short: DRAM or M/B error
1 long 2 short: Monitor or display card
error
1 long 3 short: Keyboard error
1 long 9 short: BIOS ROM error
Continuous long beeps: DRAM error
Continuous short beeps: Power error