The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can
become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Thus, prior to installation, please
follow the instructions below:
1. Please turn off the computer and unplug its power cord.
2. When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
3. It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) cuff when handling electronic components
(CPU, RAM).
4. Prior to installing the electronic components, please have these items on top of an antistatic
pad or within a electrostatic shielding container.
5. Please verify that the power supply is switched off before unplugging the power supply connector
from the motherboard.
Installation Notices
1. Prior to installation, please do not remove the stickers on the motherboard. These stickers
are required for warranty validation.
2. Prior to the installation of the motherboard or any hardware, please first carefully read the
information in the provided manual.
3. Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors are connected.
4. To prevent damage to the motherboard, please do not allow screws to come in contact with
the motherboard circuit or its components.
5. Please make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard
or within the computer casing.
6. Please do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.
7. Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system
components as well as physical harm to the user.
8. If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the
product, please consult a certified computer technician.
English
Instances of Non-Warranty
1. Damage due to natural disaster, accident or human cause.
2. Damage as a result of violating the conditions recommended in the user manual.
3. Damage due to improper installation.
4. Damage due to use of uncertified components.
5. Damage due to use exceeding the permitted parameters.
6. Product determined to be an unofficial Gigabyte product.
Hardware Installation- 9 -
English
1-2Feature Summary
CPU Supports LGA775 Intel® Core
TM
2 Extreme / Core
Pentium® 4
L2 cache varies with CPU
Front Side Bus Supports 800/533MHz FSB
ChipsetNorthbridge: Intel® 945PL Express Chipset
-1 FDD connector, allowing connection of 1 FDD devices
-1 IDE connector (IDE1) with UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100 support,
allowing connection of 2 IDE devices
-4 SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATAII0, SATAII1, SATAII2, SATAII3),
allowing connection of 4 SATA 3Gb/s devices
O.S Support Microsoft Windows 2000/XP
Memory 4 DDRII DIMM memory slots (supports up to 2GB memory)
Supports dual channel DDRII 400/533
(Note 2)
Supports 1.8V DDRII DIMMs
Expanstion Slots 1 PCI Express x16 slot
3 PCI Express x1 slots
3 PCI slots
Internal Connectors 1 24-pin ATX power connector
1 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 floppy connector
1 IDE connector
4 SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 CPU fan connector
1 system fan connector
1 front panel connector
1 front audio connector
1 CD In connector
1 power LED connector
2 USB 2.0/1.1 connectors for additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports by cables
1 SPDIF In/Out connector
1 HDA_SUR connector
TM
2 Duo / Pentium® D /
DIMMs
GA-945PL-S3 Motherboard- 10 -
Rear Panel I/O 1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
1 parallel port
1 serial port (COMA)
4 USB 2.0/1.1 port
1 RJ-45 ports
3 audio jacks (Line In / Line Out / MIC In)
I/O Control IT8718 chip
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU temperature detection
CPU / System fan speed detection
CPU warning temperature
CPU / System fan failure warning
Supports CPU Smart Fan function
Bundle Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Form Factor ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 19.3cm
(Note 3)
English
(Note 1) To set up an 8 channel audio configuration, you must use 5.1/7.1 Surround Cable (optional).
(Note 2) Some memory configurations will result in memory frequency being reduced from 533MHz
down to 400MHz. (Please refer to to Page 15 for more information.)
(Note 3) EasyTune functions may vary depending on different motherboards.
Hardware Installation- 11 -
English
1-3Installation of the CPU and CPU Cooler
Before installing the CPU, please comply with the following conditions:
1. Please make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.
2. Please take note of the 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 CPU cooler.
4. Please make sure the CPU cooler is installed on the CPU prior to system use,
otherwise overheating and permanent damage of the CPU may occur.
5. Please set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the processor specifications. It
is not recommended that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specifications since it does not meet the required standards for the peripherals. If you wish to set
the frequency beyond the proper specifications, please do so according to your hardware specifications including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.
HT functionality requirement content :
Enabling the functionality of Hyper-Threading Technology for your computer system
requires all of the following platform components:
- CPU: An Intel® Pentium 4 Processor with HT Technology
- Chipset: An Intel® Chipset that supports HT Technology
- BIOS: A BIOS that supports HT Technology and has it enabled
- OS: An operation system that has optimizations for HT Technology
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU
Metal Lever
Fig. 1
Gently lift the metal
lever located on the
CPU socket to the
upright position.
Fig. 2
Remove the plastic
covering on the CPU
socket.
Fig. 3
Notice the small gold
colored triangle
located on the edge of
the CPU socket.
Align the indented
corner of the CPU with the triangle and gently
insert the CPU into position. (Grasping the CPU
firmly between your thumb and forefinger, carefully place it into the socket in a straight and downwards motion. Avoid twisting or bending motions
that might cause damage to the CPU during
installation.)
GA-945PL-S3 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.
1-3-2 Installation of the Cooler
English
Male Push Pin
The top of Female Push Pin
Female Push Pin
Fig.1
Please apply an even layer of CPU cooler paste
on the surface of the installed CPU.
Fig. 3
Place the CPU cooler 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 CPU cooler, 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 CPU cooler installation section of the user manual)
Fig. 6
Finally, please attach the power connector of the
CPU cooler to the CPU fan header located on the
motherboard.
The CPU cooler may adhere to the CPU as a result of hardening of the heat paste. To prevent
such an occurrence, it is suggested that either thermal tape rather than heat paste be used for
heat dissipation or using extreme care when removing the CPU cooler.
Hardware Installation- 13 -
English
1-4Installation of Memory
Before installing the memory modules, please comply with the following conditions:
1. Please make sure that the memory used is supported by the motherboard. It is
recommended that memory of similar capacity, specifications and brand be used.
2. Before installing or removing memory modules, please make sure that the computer power
is switched off to prevent hardware damage.
3. Memory modules have a foolproof insertion design. A memory module can be installed in
only one direction. If you are unable to insert the module, please switch the direction.
The motherboard supports DDRII memory modules, whereby BIOS will automatically detect memory
capacity and specifications. Memory modules are designed so that they can be inserted only in one direction.
The memory capacity used can differ with each slot.
Notch
DDRII
Fig.1
The DIMM socket has a notch, so the DIMM memory module can only fit in one direction. Insert the DIMM memory
module vertically into the DIMM socket. Then push it down.
Fig.2
Close the plastic clip at both edges of the DIMM sockets to
lock the DIMM module.
Reverse the installation steps when you wish to remove
the DIMM module.
GA-945PL-S3 Motherboard- 14 -
Dual Channel Memory Configuration
GA-945PL-S3 supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the
Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will add double.
GA-945PL-S3 includes 4 DIMM sockets, and each Channel has two DIMM
sockets as following:
Channel 0 : DDRII1, DDRII2
Channel 1 : DDRII3, DDRII4
If you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please note the following explanations due
to the limitation of Intel chipset specifications.
1. Dual Channel mode will not be enabled if only one/three DDRII memory module is
installed.
2. To enable Dual Channel mode with two or four memory modules (it is recommended to
use memory modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed), install the memory
according to the dual channel memory configuration table below (Figure 1).
Memory configurations in Figure 2 will result in memory frequency being reduced from 533MHz down
to 400MHz. (DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side, X: Empty)
2 memory modules
3 memory modules
4 memory modules
DS/SSXDS/SSX
DS/SSXXDS/SS
XDS/SSDS/SSX
XDS/SSXDS/SS
SSSSSSSS
Figure 1
DDRII1DDRII2DDRII3DDRII4
SSSSXX
XXSSSS
SSSSDS/SSX
SSSSXDS/SS
DS/SSXSSSS
XDS/SSSSSS
SSSSSSSS
Figure 2
English
Because of chipset limitations, do not populate both DIMM sockets of the same channel with
double-sided memory modules to prevent system's failure to start or incorrect detection of
memory modules,
Hardware Installation- 15 -
English
1-5Installation of Expansion Cards
You can install your expansion card by following the steps outlined below:
1. Read the related expansion card's instruction document before install the expansion card into the
computer.
2. Remove your computer's chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the computer.
3. Press the expansion card firmly into expansion slot in motherboard.
4. Be sure the metal contacts on the card are indeed seated in the slot.
5. Replace the screw to secure the slot bracket of the expansion card.
6. Replace your computer's chassis cover.
7. Power on the computer, if necessary, setup BIOS utility of expansion card from BIOS.
8. Install related driver from the operating system.
Installing a PCI Express x16 expansion card:
Please align the VGA card to the onboard
PCI Express x16 slot and press firmly
down on the slot. Make sure your VGA
card is locked by the latch at the end of
the PCI Express x16 slot. When you try
uninstall the VGA card, please gently
press the latch as the picture to the left
shows to release the card.
GA-945PL-S3 Motherboard- 16 -
1-6I/O Back Panel Introduction
PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Connector
To install a PS/2 port keyboard and mouse, plug the mouse to the upper port (green) and the keyboard
to the lower port (purple).
LPT (Parallel Port)
The parallel port allows connection of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices.
COMA (Serial Port)
Devices like mouses, modems, and etc. can be connected to Serial port.
USB port
Before you connect your device(s) into USB connector(s), please make sure your device(s) such
as USB keyboard, mouse, scanner, zip, speaker...etc. have a standard USB interface. Also make
sure your OS supports USB controller. If your OS does not supportUSB controller, please contact OS vendor for possible patch or driver upgrade. For more information please contact your
OS or device(s) vendors.
LAN Port
The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet, providing data transfer speeds of 10/100/
1000Mbps.
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.
English
You can use audio software to configure 2-/4-/6-/8- channel audio functioning.
Hardware Installation- 17 -
English
1-7Connectors Introduction
1
9
13
15
3
2
16
17
7
5
10
11
1)ATX_12V
2)ATX (Power Connector)
3) CPU_FAN
4)SYS_FAN
5)IDE1
6) FDD
7)SATAII0 / 1 / 2 / 3
8) PWR_LED
12
64
10)F_PANEL
11)CD_IN
12) SPDIF_IO
13)HDA_SUR
14) F_USB1 / F_USB2
15)C I
16)CLR_CMOS
17)BAT
9) F_AUDIO
GA-945PL-S3 Motherboard- 18 -
8
14
1/2)ATX_12V/ATX (Power Connector)
With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all
the components on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, please make sure
that all components and devices are properly installed. Align the power connector with its
proper location on the motherboard and connect tightly.
The ATX_12V power connector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the ATX_12V power
connector is not connected, the system will not start.
Caution!
Please use a power supply that is able to handle the system voltage requirements. It is
recommended that a power supply that can withstand high power consumption be used (300W
or greater). If a power supply is used that does not provide the required power, the result can
lead to an unstable system or a system that is unable to start.
If you use a 24-pin ATX power supply, please remove the small cover on the power connector
on the motherboard before plugging in the power cord ; otherwise, please do not remove it.
English
3
1
12
1
24
13
Pin No.Definition
13.3V
23.3V
3GND
4+5V
5GND
6+5V
7GND
8Power Good
95V SB(stand by +5V)
10+12V
11+12V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
12 3.3V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
4
2
Pin No.Definition
1GND
2GND
3+12V
4+12V
Pin No.Definition
133.3V
14-12V
15GND
16PS_ON(soft On/Off)
17GND
18GND
19GND
20-5V
21+5V
22+5V
23+5V (Only for 24-pin ATX)
24GND(Only for 24-pin ATX)
Hardware Installation- 19 -
English
3/4) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN (Cooler Fan Power Connector)
The cooler fan power connector supplies a +12V power voltage via a 3-pin/4-pin (only for
CPU_FAN) power connector and possesses a foolproof connection design.
Most coolers are designed with color-coded power connector wires. A red power connector
wire indicates a positive connection and requires a +12V power voltage. The black connector
wire is the ground wire (GND).
Remember to connect the CPU/system fan cable to the CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN connector to prevent
CPU damage or system hanging caused by overheating.
CPU_FAN:
Pin No.Definition
1
CPU_FAN
1GND
2+12V/Speed Control
3Sense
4Speed Control
1
SYS_FAN
SYS_FAN:
Pin No.Definition
1GND
2+12V
3Sense
5) IDE1 (IDE Connector)
An IDE device connects to the computer via an IDE connector. One IDE connector can connect to
one IDE cable, and the single IDE cable can then connect to two IDE devices (hard drive or optical
drive). If you wish to connect two IDE devices, please set the jumper on one IDE device as Master
and the other as Slave (for information on settings, please refer to the instructions located on the IDE
device). Before attaching the IDE cable, please take note of the foolproof groove in the IDE connector.
2
1
40
39
GA-945PL-S3 Motherboard- 20 -
6) FDD (FDD Connector)
The FDD connector is used to connect the FDD cable while the other end of the cable connects to
the FDD drive. The types of FDD drives supported are: 360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, 1.44MB and
2.88MB.Before attaching the FDD cable, please take note of the foolproof groove in the FDD
connector.
English
33
34
7) SATAII0 / 1 / 2 / 3 (SATA 3Gb/s Connectors)
SATA 3Gb/s can provide up to 300MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the
SATA 3Gb/s and install the proper driver in order to work properly.
Pin No.Definition
7
1
SATAII0
SATAII1
SATAII2
7
1
1
7
SATAII3
1
7
1GND
2TXP
3TXN
4GND
5RXN
6RXP
7GND
1
2
Hardware Installation- 21 -
English
8) PWR_LED
The PWR_LED connector is connected with the system power indicator to indicate whether the
system is on/off. It will blink when the system enters suspend mode.
Pin No.Definition
1
1MPD+
2MPD-
3MPD-
9) F_AUDIO (Front Audio Connector)
This connector supports either HD (High Definition) or AC97 front panel audio module. If you wish
to use the front audio function, connect the front panel audio module to this connector. Check the pin
assignments carefully while you connect the front panel audio module. Incorrect connection
between the module and connector will make the audio device unable to work or even damage it.
For optional front panel audio module, please contact your chassis manufacturer.
12
910
HD Audio:
Pin No.Definition
1MIC2_L
2GND
3MIC2_R
4-ACZ_DET
5LINE2_R
6FSENSE1
7FAUDIO_JD
8No Pin
9LINE2_L
10FSENSE2
AC'97 Audio:
Pin No.Definition
1MIC
2GND
3MIC Power
4NC
5Line Out (R)
6NC
7NC
8No Pin
9Line Out (L)
10NC
By default, the audio driver is configured to support HD Audio. To connect an AC97 front panel
audio module to this connector, please refer to the instructions on Page 70 about the software
settings.
GA-945PL-S3 Motherboard- 22 -
10) F_PANEL (Front Panel Jumper)
Please connect the power LED, PC speaker, reset switch and power switch etc of your chassis
front panel to the F_PANEL connector according to the pin assignment below.
English
Message LED/
Power/
Sleep LED
Power
Switch
PW+
MSG+
MSG-
2
1
HD-
HD+
RES-
Reset Switch
IDE Hard Disk Active LED
HD (IDE Hard Disk Active LED)Pin 1: LED anode(+)
(Blue)Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
SPEAK (Speaker Connector)Pin 1: Power
(Amber)Pin 2- Pin 3: NC
Pin 4: Data(-)
RES (Reset Switch)Open: Normal
(Green)Close: Reset Hardware System
PW (Power Switch)Open: Normal
(Red)Cl ose: Pow er O n/Of f
MSG (Message LED/Power/Sleep LED)Pin 1: LED anode(+)
(Yellow)Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
NC ( Purple)NC
Speaker Connector
PW-
SPEAK+
RES+
NC
SPEAK-
20
19
Hardware Installation- 23 -
English
11) CD_IN (CD In Connector)
Connect CD-ROM or DVD-ROM audio out to the connector.
Pin No.Definition
1CD-L
1
2GND
3GND
4CD-R
12) SPDIF_IO (SPDIF In/Out)
The SPDIF output is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or compressed AC3
data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder. Use this feature only when your stereo system has
digital input function. Use SPDIF IN feature only when your device has digital output function.
Be careful with the polarity of the SPDIF_IO connector. Check the pin assignment carefully while
you connect the SPDIF cable, incorrect connection between the cable and connector will make the
device unable to work or even damage it. For optional SPDIF cable, please contact your local
dealer.
2
1
GA-945PL-S3 Motherboard- 24 -
Pin No.Definition
6
5
1Power
2No Pin
3SPDIF
4SPDIFI
5GND
6GND
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