GA-EP43T-USB3
GA-EP43T-USB3
LGA775 socket motherboard for Intel® Core™ processor family/
Intel® Pentium® processor family/Intel® Celeron® processor family
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-43TUSB3-1001R
Dec. 24, 2009
GA-EP43T-USB3
Motherboard
Dec. 24, 2009
Motherboard
GA-EP43T-USB3
Copyright
© 2009 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned in this manual are legally registered to their respective owners.
Disclaimer
Information in this manual is protected by copyright laws and is the property of GIGABYTE.
Changes to the specications and features in this manual may be made by GIGABYTE with-
out prior notice. No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, transmitted, or
published in any form or by any means without GIGABYTE's prior written permission.
Documentation Classications
In order to assist in the use of this product, GIGABYTE provides the following types of documentations:
For quick set-up of the product, read the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.
For detailed product information, carefully read the User's Manual.
For instructions on how to use GIGABYTE's unique features, read or download the information
on/from the Support&Downloads\Motherboard\Technology Guide page on our website.
For product-related information, check on our website at:
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw
Identifying Your Motherboard Revision
The revision number on your motherboard looks like this: "REV: X.X." For example, "REV: 1.0"
means the revision of the motherboard is 1.0. Check your motherboard revision before updating
motherboard BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.
Example:
Table of Contents
Box Contents ...................................................................................................................6
Optional Items .................................................................................................................6
GA-EP43T-USB3 Motherboard Layout ............................................................................7
GA-EP43T-USB3 Motherboard Block Diagram ...............................................................8
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .....................................................................................9
1-1 Installation Precautions .................................................................................... 9
1-2 Product Specications .................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler ............................................................... 13
1-3-1 Installing the CPU ...................................................................................................13
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler .......................................................................................15
1-4 Installing the Memory ..................................................................................... 16
1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Conguration .....................................................................16
1-4-2 Installing a Memory ...............................................................................................17
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card ......................................................................... 18
1-6 Back Panel Connectors .................................................................................. 19
1-7 Internal Connectors ........................................................................................ 21
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................31
2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 32
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 33
2-3 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ........................................................................ 35
2-4 Standard CMOS Features .............................................................................. 43
2-5 Advanced BIOS Features .............................................................................. 45
2-6 Integrated Peripherals .................................................................................... 48
2-7 Power Management Setup ............................................................................. 51
2-8 PnP/PCI Congurations ................................................................................. 53
2-9 PC Health Status ............................................................................................ 54
2-10 Load Fail-Safe Defaults .................................................................................. 56
2-11 Load Optimized Defaults ................................................................................ 56
2-12 Set Supervisor/User Password ...................................................................... 57
2-13 Save & Exit Setup .......................................................................................... 58
2-14 Exit Without Saving ........................................................................................ 58
- 4 -
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ........................................................................................59
3-1 Installing Chipset Drivers ............................................................................... 59
3-2 Application Software ...................................................................................... 60
3-3 Technical Manuals .......................................................................................... 60
3-4 Contact ........................................................................................................... 61
3-5 System ........................................................................................................... 61
3-6 Download Center ........................................................................................... 62
3-7 New Utilities ................................................................................................... 62
Chapter 4 Unique Features ...........................................................................................63
4-1 Xpress Recovery2 .......................................................................................... 63
4-2 BIOS Update Utilities ..................................................................................... 66
4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility .............................................................66
4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility .............................................................69
4-3 EasyTune 6 .................................................................................................... 70
4-4 Dynamic Energy Saver Advanced .................................................................. 71
4-5 Q-Share .......................................................................................................... 73
4-6 SMART Recovery........................................................................................... 74
4-7 Auto Green ..................................................................................................... 75
Chapter 5 Appendix ......................................................................................................77
5-1 Conguring Audio Input and Output ............................................................... 77
5-1-1 Conguring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio ...................................................................77
5-1-2 Conguring S/PDIF In/Out ......................................................................................79
5-1-3 Conguring Microphone Recording ........................................................................81
5-1-4 Using the Sound Recorder .....................................................................................83
5-2 Troubleshooting.............................................................................................. 84
5-2-1 Frequently Asked Questions ..................................................................................84
5-2-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ....................................................................................85
5-3 Regulatory Statements ................................................................................... 87
- 5 -
Box Contents
GA-EP43T-USB3 motherboard
Motherboard driver disk
User's Manual
Quick Installation Guide
One IDE cable
Two SATA 3Gb/s cables
I/O Shield
• The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you obtain.
The box contents are subject to change without notice.
• The motherboard image is for reference only.
Optional Items
Floppy disk drive cable (Part No. 12CF1-1FD001-7*R)
2-port USB 2.0 bracket (Part No. 12CR1-1UB030-5*R)
2-port SATA power cable (Part No. 12CF1-2SERPW-0*R)
S/PDIF In cable (Part No. 12CR1-1SPDIN-0*R)
COM port cable (Part No. 12CF1-1CM001-3*R)
LPT port cable (Part No. 12CF1-1LP001-0*R)
- 6 -
GA-EP43T-USB3 Motherboard Layout
R_SPDIF
KB_MS
R_USB_2
R_USB_1
R_USB30
USB_LAN
AUDIO
RTL8111D
SPDIF_O
CODEC
SPDIF_I
F_AUDIO
ATX_12V
NEC
SYS_FAN1
PCIEX1_1
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX1_3
PCI1
LGA775
B_BIOSM_BIOS
CLR_CMOS
Intel® P43
BAT
PHASE_LED
Intel® ICH10
CPU_FAN PWR_FAN
GA-EP43T-USB3
DDR3_1
DDR3_2
JMicron 368
DDR3_3
SATA2_3
SATA2_4
SATA2_5
ATX
FDD
SYS_FAN2
DDR3_4
SATA2_0
SATA2_1
SATA2_2
CD_IN
IT8718
PCI2
IDE
F_PANEL
F_USB2LPTCOMA F_USB1
- 7 -
GA-EP43T-USB3 Motherboard Block Diagram
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
3 PCI Express x1
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
PCI Express Bus
ATA-133/100/66/33 IDE
Channel
PCI Bus
1 PCI Express x16
PCI Express x16
LAN
RJ45
RTL8111D
x1x1x1
x1
JMicron
368
2 USB 3.0
NEC
LGA775
CPU
Host
Interface
Intel® P43
x1
x1
Intel® ICH10
CODEC
CPU CLK+/-
(400 (O.C.)/333/266/200 MHz)
DDR3 1600 (O.C.)/1333/
1066/800 MHz
Dual Channel Memory
MCH CLK
(400(O.C.)/333/266/200 MHz)
Dual BIOS
6 SATA 3Gb/s
12 USB 2.0/1.1
IT8718
(Note)
Floppy
LPT Port
COM Port
2 PCI
Surround Speaker Out
PCI CLK
(33 MHz)
(Note) Two share the same ports with USB 3.0.
MIC
Line In
Line Out
S/PDIF In
S/ PDIF Out
Side Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
- 8 -
PS/2 KB/Mouse
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation
1-1 Installation Precautions
The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can
become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Prior to installation, carefully read
the user's manual and follow these procedures:
• Prior to installation, do not remove or break motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or
warranty sticker provided by your dealer. These stickers are required for warranty validation.
• Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet before
installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components.
• When connecting hardware components to the internal connectors on the motherboard,
make sure they are connected tightly and securely.
• When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
• It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling electronic com-
ponents such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap,
keep your hands dry and rst touch a metal object to eliminate static electricity.
• Prior to installing the motherboard, please have it on top of an antistatic pad or within an
electrostatic shielding container.
• Before unplugging the power supply cable from the motherboard, make sure the power sup-
ply has been turned off.
• Before turning on the power, make sure the power supply voltage has been set according to
the local voltage standard.
• Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors of your hard-
ware components are connected.
• To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact with the
motherboard circuit or its components.
• Make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or
within the computer casing.
• Do not place the computer system on an uneven surface
• Do not place the computer system in a high-temperature environment.
• Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to sys-
tem components as well as physical harm to the user.
• If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the
product, please consult a certied computer technician.
.
- 9 - Hardware Installation
1-2 Product Specications
CPU w Support for an Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme processor/
Intel® Core™ 2 Quad processor/Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor/
Intel® Pentium® processor/Intel® Celeron® processor in the LGA775 package
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
w L2 cache varies with CPU
Front Side Bus w 1666 (O.C.)/1333/1066/800 MHz FSB
Chipset
Memory w 4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 16 GB of system memory
w Support for DDR3 1600 (O.C.)/1333/1066/800 MHz memory modules
w Support for non-ECC memory modules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.)
Audio
w
wHigh Denition Audio
w2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
w
w
LAN w 1 x Realtek RTL8111D chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Slots w 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16
w 3 x PCI Express x1 slots
Storage Interface w South Bridge:
- 6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors supporting up to 6 SATA 3Gb/s devices
w
- 1 x IDE connector supporting ATA-133/100/66/33 and up to 2 IDE devices
w iTE IT8718 chip:
- 1 x oppy disk drive connector supporting up to 1 oppy disk drive
USB w South Bridge:
- Up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
connected to the internal USB headers)
w
- Up to 2 USB 3.0 ports on the back panel
North Bridge: Intel® P43 Express Chipset
w
South Bridge: Intel® ICH10
w
Dual channel memory architecture
w
Realtek ALC888 codec
Support for S/PDIF In/Out
Support for CD In
2 x PCI slots
w
JMicron JMB368:
(Note 2)
(8 on the back panel, 4 via the USB brackets
NEC Chip:
(Note 1)
Hardware Installation - 10 -
Internal w 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
Connectors w 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
w 1 x oppy disk drive connector
w 1 x IDE connector
w 6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
w 1 x CPU fan header
w 2 x system fan headers
w 1 x power fan header
w 1 x front panel header
w 1 x front panel audio header
w 1 x CD In connector
w 1 x S/PDIF Out header
w 1 x S/PDIF In header
w 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
w
w
1 x serial port header
1 x parallel port header
w 1 x clearing CMOS jumper
Back Panel w 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
Connectors w 1 x PS/2 mouse port
w 1 x coaxial S/PDIF Out connector
w 1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
w 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
w 2 x USB 3.0 ports
w 1 x RJ-45 port
w 6 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out/Rear Speaker Out/
Side Speaker Out/Line In/Line Out/Microphone)
I/O w iTE IT8718
Hardware Monitor w System voltage detection
w CPU/System temperature detection
w CPU/System/Power fan speed detection
w CPU overheating warning
w CPU/System/Power fan fail warning
w CPU/System fan speed control
(Note 3)
BIOS w 2 x 8 Mbit ash
w Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
w Support for DualBIOS
™
w PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 1.0b
- 11 - Hardware Installation
Unique Features w Support for @BIOS
w Support for Q-Flash
w Support for Xpress BIOS Rescue
w Support for Download Center
w Support for Xpress Install
w Support for Xpress Recovery2
w Support for EasyTune
(Note 4)
w Support for Dynamic Energy Saver Advanced
w Support for Smart Recovery
w Support for Auto Green
w Support for Q-Share
Bundled Software w Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating System w Support for Microsoft® Windows® 7/Vista/XP
Form Factor w ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 21cm
(Note 1) Due to Windows 32-bit operating system limitation, when more than 4 GB of physical memory is
installed, the actual memory size displayed will be less than 4 GB.
(Note 2) Two share the same ports with USB 3.0.
(Note 3) Whether the CPU/system fan speed control function is supported will depend on the CPU/system
cooler you install.
(Note 4) Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.
Hardware Installation - 12 -
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU:
• Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing
the CPU to prevent hardware damage.
• Locate the pin one of the CPU. The CPU cannot be inserted if oriented incorrectly. (Or you may
locate the notches on both sides of the CPU and alignment keys on the CPU socket.)
• Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the CPU.
• Do not turn on the computer if the CPU cooler is not installed, otherwise overheating and dam-
age of the CPU may occur.
• Set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the CPU specications. It is not recommended
that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specications since it does not meet the
standard requirements for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency beyond the standard
specications, please do so according to your hardware specications including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.
1-3-1 Installing the CPU
A. Locate the alignment keys on the motherboard CPU socket and the notches on the CPU.
LGA775 CPU Socket
Alignment KeyAlignment Key
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
LGA775 CPU
Notch Notch
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU
- 13 - Hardware Installation
B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.
Before installing the CPU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from
the power outlet to prevent damage to the CPU.
CPU Socket Lever
Step 1:
Completely raise the CPU socket lever.
Step 3:
Remove the protective socket cover from the
load plate. (To protect the CPU socket, always
replace the protective socket cover when the
CPU is not installed.)
Step 5:
Once the CPU is properly inserted, replace the
load plate and push the CPU socket lever back
into its locked position.
Step 2:
Lift the metal load plate from the CPU socket.
(DO NOT touch socket contacts.)
Step 4:
Hold the CPU with your thumb and index ngers.
Align the CPU pin one marking (triangle) with the
pin one corner of the CPU socket (or you may
align the CPU notches with the socket alignment
keys) and gently insert the CPU into position.
Hardware Installation - 14 -
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler
Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the motherboard. (The following procedure uses
Intel® boxed cooler as the example cooler.)
Male Push
Direction of the
Arrow Sign on
the Male Push
Pin
Pin
The Top
of Female
Push Pin
Female
Push Pin
Step 1:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease
on the surface of the installed CPU.
Step 3:
Place the cooler atop the CPU, aligning the four
push pins through the pin holes on the motherboard. Push down on the push pins diagonally.
Step 2:
Before installing the cooler, note the direction of
the arrow sign on the male push pin. (Turning the push pin along the direction of arrow is to
remove the cooler, on the contrary, is to install.)
Step 4:
You should hear a "click" when pushing down
each push pin. Check that the Male and Female
push pins are joined closely. (Refer to your CPU
cooler installation manual for instructions on
installing the cooler.)
Step 5:
After the installation, check the back of the moth-
erboard. If the push pin is inserted as the picture
above shows, the installation is complete.
Step 6:
Finally, attach the power connector of the CPU
cooler to the CPU fan header (CPU_FAN) on the
motherboard.
Use extreme care when removing the CPU cooler because the thermal grease/tape between the
CPU cooler and CPU may adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cooler may damage
the CPU.
- 15 - Hardware Installation
1-4 Installing the Memory
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory:
• Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of the
same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.)
• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing
the memory to prevent hardware damage.
• Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only one direction. If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Conguration
This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the
memory is installed, the BIOS will automatically detect the specications and capacity of the memory. Enabling Dual Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.
The four DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as
following:
Channel 0: DDR3_1, DDR3_2
Channel 1: DDR3_3, DDR3_4
DDR3_1
DDR3_2
Dual Channel Memory Congurations Table
Two Modules
Four Modules
(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)
DDR3_3
DDR3_4
DDR3_1 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4
DS/SS - - DS/SS - -
- - DS/SS - - DS/SS
DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
Due to chipset limitations, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode.
1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one DDR3 memory module is installed.
2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two or four memory modules, it is recommended that
memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used and installed in the same colored
DDR3 sockets for optimum performance.
Hardware Installation - 16 -
1-4-2 Installing a Memory
Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power
cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module.
DDR3 and DDR2 DIMMs are not compatible to each other or DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install
DDR3 DIMMs on this motherboard.
Notch
DDR3_1
DDR3_2
DDR3_3
DDR3_4
DDR3 DIMM
A DDR3 memory module has a notch, so it can only t in one direction. Follow the steps below to correctly
install your memory modules in the memory sockets.
Step 1:
Note the orientation of the memory module. Spread the retaining
clips at both ends of the memory socket. Place the memory module
on the socket. As indicated in the picture on the left, place your ngers on the top edge of the memory, push down on the memory and
insert it vertically into the memory socket.
Step 2:
The clips at both ends of the socket will snap into place when the
memory module is securely inserted.
- 17 - Hardware Installation
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion card:
• Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that came
with your expansion card.
• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing
an expansion card to prevent hardware damage.
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot
PCI Slot
Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.
1. Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis back panel.
2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.
3. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.
4. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. After installing all expansion cards, replace the chassis cover(s).
6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for your
expansion card(s).
7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.
Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card:
• Installing a Graphics Card:
Gently push down on the top edge of the card until
it is fully inserted into the PCI Express slot. Make
sure the card is securely seated in the slot and
does not rock.
• Removing the Card:
Press the white latch at the end of the PCI Express slot to release the card and then
pull the card straight up from the slot.
Hardware Installation - 18 -
1-6 Back Panel Connectors
PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Port
Use the upper port (green) to connect a PS/2 mouse and the lower port (purple) to connect a PS/2
keyboard.
Optical S/PDIF Out Connector
This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital optical audio.
Before using this feature, ensure that your audio system provides an optical digital audio in connector.
Coaxial S/PDIF Out Connector
This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital coaxial audio.
Before using this feature, ensure that your audio system provides a coaxial digital audio in connector.
USB 2.0/1.1 Port
The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specication. Use this port for USB devices such as a USB
keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB ash drive and etc.
USB 3.0/2.0 Port
The USB 3.0 port supports the USB 3.0 specication and is compatible to the USB 2.0/1.1 specication.
Use this port for USB devices such as a USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB ash drive and etc.
RJ-45 LAN Port
The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 1 Gbps data rate. The following
describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.
Connection/
Speed LED
LAN Port
Activity LED
Connection/Speed LED:
State Description
Orange 1 Gbps data rate
Green 100 Mbps data rate
Off 10 Mbps data rate
Activity LED:
State Description
Blinking Data transmission or receiving is occurring
Off No data transmission or receiving is occurring
• When removing the cable connected to a back panel connector, rst remove the cable from your
device and then remove it from the motherboard.
• When removing the cable, pull it straight out from the connector. Do not rock it side to side to
prevent an electrical short inside the cable connector.
- 19 - Hardware Installation
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out Jack (Orange)
Use this audio jack to connect center/subwoofer speakers in a 5.1/7.1-channel audio conguration.
Rear Speaker Out Jack (Black)
Use this audio jack to connect rear speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio conguration.
Side Speaker Out Jack (Gray)
Use this audio jack to connect side speakers in a 7.1-channel audio conguration.
Line In Jack (Blue)
The default line in jack. Use this audio jack for line in devices such as an optical drive, walkman, etc.
Line Out Jack (Green)
The default line out jack. Use this audio jack for a headphone or 2-channel speaker. This jack can be
used to connect front speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio conguration.
Mic In Jack (Pink)
The default Mic in jack. Microphones must be connected to this jack.
In addition to the default speakers settings, the ~ audio jacks can be reconfigured to
perform different functions via the audio software. Only microphones still MUST be connected to
the default Mic in jack ( ). Refer to the instructions on setting up a 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel audio
conguration in Chapter 5, "Conguring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio."
Hardware Installation - 20 -
1-7 Internal Connectors
12
4
18
14
13
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN1/2
5) PWR_FAN
6) FDD
7) IDE
8) SATA2_0/1/2/3/4/5
9) BAT
10) CD_IN
1
17 1610 15
11) F_PANEL
12) F_AUDIO
13) SPDIF_I
14) SPDIF_O
15) F_USB1/F_USB2
16) LPT
17) COMA
18) CLR_CMOS
19) PHASE_LED
3 519
2
6
4
9
8
7
11
Read the following guidelines before connecting external devices:
• First make sure your devices are compliant with the connectors you wish to connect.
• Before installing the devices, be sure to turn off the devices and your computer. Unplug the
power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the devices.
• After installing the device and before turning on the computer, make sure the device cable has
been securely attached to the connector on the motherboard.
- 21 - Hardware Installation
1/2) ATX_12V/ATX (2x2 12V Power Connector and 2x12 Main Power Connector)
With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all the com-
ponents on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, rst make sure the power supply
is turned off and all devices are properly installed. The power connector possesses a foolproof design.
Connect the power supply cable to the power connector in the correct orientation. The 12V power connector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the 12V power connector is not connected, the computer will
not start.
• To meet expansion requirements, it is recommended that a power supply that can withstand
high power consumption be used (500W or greater). If a power supply is used that does not
provide the required power, the result can lead to an unstable or unbootable system.
• The power connectors are compatible with power supplies with 2x2 12V and 2x10 power
connectors. When using a power supply providing a 2x4 12V and a 2x12 power connector,
remove the protective covers from the 12V power connector and the main power connector on
the motherboard. Do not insert the power supply cables into pins under the protective covers
when using a power supply providing a 2x2 12V and a 2x10 power connector.
ATX_12V:
Pin No. Denition
3
1
4
2
ATX_12V
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
4 +12V
ATX:
2412
131
ATX
Pin No. Denition
1 3.3V
2 3.3V
3 GND
4 +5V
5 GND
6 +5V
7 GND
8 Power Good
9 5VSB (stand by +5V)
10 +12V
11 +12V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)
12 3.3V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)
Hardware Installation - 22 -
Pin No. Denition
13 3.3V
14 -12V
15 GND
16 PS_ON (soft On/Off)
17 GND
18 GND
19 GND
20 -5V
21 +5V
22 +5V
23 +5V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)
24 GND (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)
3/4/5) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/SYS_FAN2/PWR_FAN (Fan Headers)
The motherboard has a 4-pin CPU fan header (CPU_FAN), a 4-pin (SYS_FAN2) and a 3-pin (SYS_FAN1)
system fan headers, and a power fan header (PWR_FAN). Most fan headers possess a foolproof insertion design. When connecting a fan cable, be sure to connect it in the correct orientation (the black connector wire is the ground wire). The motherboard supports CPU fan speed control, which requires the
use of a CPU fan with fan speed control design. For optimum heat dissipation, it is recommended that a
system fan be installed inside the chassis.
1
CPU_FAN
1
SYS_FAN2
1
SYS_FAN1/PWR_FAN
• Be sure to connect fan cables to the fan headers to prevent your CPU and system from overheating. Overheating may result in damage to the CPU or the system may hang.
• These fan headers are not conguration jumper blocks. Do not place a jumper cap on the
headers.
CPU_FAN:
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 +12V / Speed Control
3 Sense
4 Speed Control
SYS_FAN2:
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 +12V / Speed Control
3 Sense
4 Reserve
SYS_FAN1/PWR_FAN
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 +12V
3 Sense
6) FDD (Floppy Disk Drive Connector)
This connector is used to connect a oppy disk drive. The types of oppy disk drives supported are:
360 KB, 720 KB, 1.2 MB, 1.44 MB, and 2.88 MB. Before connecting a oppy disk drive, be sure to locate
pin 1 of the connector and the oppy disk drive cable. The pin 1 of the cable is typically designated by
a stripe of different color. For purchasing the optional oppy disk drive cable, please contact the local
dealer.
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33
1
7) IDE (IDE Connector)
The IDE connector supports up to two IDE devices such as hard drives and optical drives. Before attach-
ing the IDE cable, locate the foolproof groove on the connector. If you wish to connect two IDE devices,
remember to set the jumpers and the cabling according to the role of the IDE devices (for example,
master or slave). (For information about conguring master/slave settings for the IDE devices, read the
instructions from the device manufacturers.)
139
240
8) SATA2_0/1/2/3/4/5 (SATA 3Gb/s Connectors)
The SATA connectors conform to SATA 3Gb/s standard and are compatible with SATA 1.5Gb/s standard.
Each SATA connector supports a single SATA device.
SATA2_3
7
SATA2_4
7
SATA2_5
7
Hardware Installation - 24 -
Pin No. Denition
SATA2_0
1
7
SATA2_1
1
7
SATA2_2
1
7
1
1
1
1 GND
2 TXP
3 TXN
4 GND
5 RXN
6 RXP
7 GND
Please connect the L-shaped end of
the SATA 3 Gb/s cable to your SATA
hard drive.
9) BAT (Battery)
The battery provides power to keep the values (such as BIOS congurations, date, and time information)
in the CMOS when the computer is turned off. Replace the battery when the battery voltage drops to a
low level, or the CMOS values may not be accurate or may be lost.
You may clear the CMOS values by removing the battery:
1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Gently remove the battery from the battery holder and wait for one
minute. (Or use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the positive
and negative terminals of the battery holder, making them short for 5
seconds.)
3. Replace the battery.
4. Plug in the power cord and restart your computer.
• Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord before replacing the battery.
• Replace the battery with an equivalent one. Danger of explosion if the battery is replaced with
an incorrect model.
• Contact the place of purchase or local dealer if you are not able to replace the battery by yourself or uncertain about the battery model.
• When installing the battery, note the orientation of the positive side (+) and the negative side (-)
of the battery (the positive side should face up).
• Used batteries must be handled in accordance with local environmental regulations.
10) CD_IN (CD In Connector)
You may connect the audio cable that came with your optical drive to the header.
Pin No. Denition
1 CD-L
2 GND
1
3 GND
4 CD-R
- 25 - Hardware Installation
11) F_PANEL (Front Panel Header)
Connect the power switch, reset switch, speaker, chassis intrusion switch/sensor and system status
indicator on the chassis to this header according to the pin assignments below. Note the positive and
negative pins before connecting the cables.
Message/Power/
Sleep LED
2
1
Hard Drive
Activity LED
MSG+
MSG-
HD-
HD+
Power
Switch
PW+
Reset
Switch
RES-
PW-
CI+
RES+
CI-
Chassis Intrusion
Header
Speaker
SPEAK+
PWR+
Power LED
SPEAK-
20
19
PWR-
• MSG/PWR (Message/Power/Sleep LED, Yellow/Purple):
System Status LED
S0 On
S1 Blinking
S3/S4/S5 Off
Connects to the power status indicator on the chassis front panel. The LED
is on when the system is operating. The LED keeps blinking when the system is in S1 sleep state. The LED is off when the system is in S3/S4 sleep
state or powered off (S5).
• PW (Power Switch, Red):
Connects to the power switch on the chassis front panel. You may congure the way to turn off your
system using the power switch (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Power Management Setup," for
more information).
• SPEAK (Speaker, Orange):
Connects to the speaker on the chassis front panel. The system reports system startup status by is-
suing a beep code. One single short beep will be heard if no problem is detected at system startup. If
a problem is detected, the BIOS may issue beeps in different patterns to indicate the problem. Refer
to Chapter 5, "Troubleshooting," for information about beep codes.
• HD (Hard Drive Activity LED, Blue)
Connects to the hard drive activity LED on the chassis front panel. The LED is on when the hard drive
is reading or writing data.
• RES (Reset Switch, Green):
Connects to the reset switch on the chassis front panel. Press the reset switch to restart the computer
if the computer freezes and fails to perform a normal restart.
• CI (Chassis Intrusion Header, Gray):
Connects to the chassis intrusion switch/sensor on the chassis that can detect if the chassis cover
has been removed. This function requires a chassis with a chassis intrusion switch/sensor.
The front panel design may differ by chassis. A front panel module mainly consists of power
switch, reset switch, power LED, hard drive activity LED, speaker and etc. When connecting your
chassis front panel module to this header, make sure the wire assignments and the pin assignments are matched correctly.
Hardware Installation - 26 -
12) F_AUDIO (Front Panel Audio Header)
The front panel audio header supports Intel High Denition audio (HD) and AC'97 audio. You may connect
your chassis front panel audio module to this header. Make sure the wire assignments of the module connector match the pin assignments of the motherboard header. Incorrect connection between the module
connector and the motherboard header will make the device unable to work or even damage it.
For HD Front Panel Audio: For AC'97 Front Panel Audio:
Pin No. Denition
1 2
9 10
1 MIC2_L
2 GND
3 MIC2_R
4 -ACZ_DET
5 LINE2_R
6 GND
7 FAUDIO_JD
8 No Pin
9 LINE2_L
10 GND
• The front panel audio header supports HD audio by default. If your chassis provides an AC'97
front panel audio module, refer to the instructions on how to activate AC'97 functionality via
the audio software in Chapter 5, "Conguring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio."
• Audio signals will be present on both of the front and back panel audio connections simultaneously. If you want to mute the back panel audio (only supported when using an HD front panel
audio module), refer to Chapter 5, "Conguring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio."
• Some chassis provide a front panel audio module that has separated connectors on each wire
instead of a single plug. For information about connecting the front panel audio module that
has different wire assignments, please contact the chassis manufacturer.
Pin No. Denition
1 MIC
2 GND
3 MIC Power
4 NC
5 Line Out (R)
6 NC
7 NC
8 No Pin
9 Line Out (L)
10 NC
13) SPDIF_I (S/PDIF In Header)
This header supports digital S/PDIF In and can connect to an audio device that supports digital audio out
via an optional S/PDIF In cable. For purchasing the optional S/PDIF In cable, please contact the local
dealer.
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- 27 - Hardware Installation
Pin No. Denition
1 Power
2 SPDIFI
3 GND
14) SPDIF_O (S/PDIF Out Header)
G.QBOFM
This header supports digital S/PDIF Out and connects a S/PDIF digital audio cable (provided by expan-
sion cards) for digital audio output from your motherboard to certain expansion cards like graphics cards
and sound cards. For example, some graphics cards may require you to use a S/PDIF digital audio cable
for digital audio output from your motherboard to your graphics card if you wish to connect an HDMI
display to the graphics card and have digital audio output from the HDMI display at the same time. For
information about connecting the S/PDIF digital audio cable, carefully read the manual for your expansion card.
1
Pin No. Denition
1 SPDIFO
2 GND
15) F_USB1/F_USB2 (USB Headers)
The headers conform to USB 2.0/1.1 specication. Each USB header can provide two USB ports via an
optional USB bracket. For purchasing the optional USB bracket, please contact the local dealer.
Pin No. Denition
9
10
1
2
1 Power (5V)
2 Power (5V)
3 USB DX-
4 USB DY-
5 USB DX+
6 USB DY+
7 GND
8 GND
9 No Pin
10 NC
• Do not plug the IEEE 1394 bracket (2x5-pin) cable into the USB header.
• Prior to installing the USB bracket, be sure to turn off your computer and unplug the power
cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the USB bracket.
Hardware Installation - 28 -
16) LPT (Parallel Port Header)
G.QBOFM
The LPT header can provide one parallel port via an optional LPT port cable. For purchasing the optional
LPT port cable, please contact the local dealer.
25
26
Pin No. Denition
1 STB-
2 AFD-
3 PD0
4 ERR-
5 PD1
6 INIT-
7 PD2
8 SLIN-
9 PD3
10 GND
11 PD4
12 GND
13 PD5
Pin No. Denition
14 GND
15 PD6
16 GND
17 PD7
18 GND
19 ACK-
20 GND
21 BUSY
22 GND
23 PE
24 No Pin
25 SLCT
26 GND
1
2
17) COMA (Serial Port Header)
The COMA header can provide one serial port via an optional COM port cable. For purchasing the op-
tional COM port cable, please contact the local dealer.
Pin No. Denition
9
10
1
2
1 NDCD-
2 NSIN
3 NSOUT
4 NDTR-
5 GND
6 NDSR-
7 NRTS-
8 NCTS-
9 NRI-
10 No Pin
- 29 - Hardware Installation
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