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 Socket 939 for AMD AlthlonTM 64 X2 Dual-Core / AlthlonTM 64 FX /
AlthlonTM 64 / SempronTM processor (K8)
Supports core frequencies in excess of 3000+ and faster
System Bus 1600MHz
Chipset nVIDIA® nForce4-4X chipset
LAN Onboard VITESSE 8201 phy (10/100/1000Mbit)
Audio Onboard Realtek ALC850 CODEC chip
Supports 2 / 4 / 6/ 8 channel audio
Supports Jack Sensing (Connector Sensing)
Supports SPDIF In/Out connection
Supports CD In connectionIEEE 1394 Onboard SNO82AA2/SNO81BA3 chip
3 IEEE1394b ports
Storage nVIDIA® nForce4-4X chipset
-1 FDD connector, allowing connection of 2 FDD devices
-2 IDE connectors (IDE1, IDE2) with UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100/ATA 133
suppport, allowing connection of 4 IDE devices
-4 SATA connectors (SATAII0_1, SATAII2_3), allowing connection of 4
SATA devices
-Supports data striping (RAID 0), mirroring (RAID 1),
striping + mirroring (RAID 0+1) for Serial ATA
O.S Support Microsoft Windows 2000/XP
Memory 4 DDR DIMM memory slots (supports up to 4GB memory)
1 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 floppy connector
2 IDE connectors
4 SATA connectors
1 CPU fan connector
1 system fan connector
1 front panel connector
1 front audio connector
1 CD In connector
3 USB 2.0/1.1 connectors for additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports by cables
2 IEEE1394b connectors for 3 additional IEEE1394 ports by cables
1 power LED connector
(Note 1)
GA-K8NF-9-RH Motherboard- 10 -
Rear Panel I/O 1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
1 parallel port
1 SPDIF in port
1 SPDIF out port
1 serial port (COMA)
4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 RJ-45 port
6 audio jacks (Line In / Line Out / MIC In / Surround Speaker Out (Rear
Speaker Out) / Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out / Side Speaker Out)
I/O Control IT8712 chip
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU temperature detection
CPU / System fan speed detection
CPU warning temperature
CPU fan failure warning
CPU smart fan control
(Note 2)
BIOS 1 4Mbit flash ROM
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
Supports Download Center
Supports Q-Flash
Supports EasyTune
Bundle Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Form Factor ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 21.0cm
English
(Note 1) Due to standard PC architecture, a certain amount of memory is reserved for system usage
and therefore the actual memory size is less than the stated amount.
For example, 4 GB of memory size will instead be shown as 3.xxGB memory during system
startup.
(Note 2) Whether the CPU Smart FAN Control function is supported will depend on the CPU you install.
For more detailed information please check at the FAQ section on GIGABYTE's website.
(Note 3) EasyTune functions may vary depending on different motherboards.
Hardware Installation- 11 -
1-3Installation of the CPU and Fan Heat Sink
English
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 pin 1 marking (the small triangle) on 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.
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU
Check the CPU pins to see that none are bent. Move the socket lever to the unlocked position as shown
in Fig. 1 (90o to the plane of the motherboard) prior to inserting the CPU. The pin 1 location is designated
on the CPU by a small triangle that corresponds to a triangle marking on the socket as shown in Fig.
2. Align the CPU to the socket and gently lower it into place. Do not force the CPU into the socket.
Socket lever
Fig.1
Position lever at a 90 degree angle.
Fig.2
Pin 1 location on the socket and processor.
Gently place the CPU into position making sure that the CPU pins fit
perfectly into their holes. Once the CPU is positioned into its socket,
place one finger down on the middle of the CPU and gently press the
metal lever back into its original position.
Pin One
Please use extra care when installing the CPU. The CPU will not fit if positioned incorrectly.
Rather than applying force, please change the positioning of the CPU.
GA-K8NF-9-RH Motherboard- 12 -
1-3-2 Installation of the Fan Heat Sink
Fig.1
Before installing the heat sink, please first add an even layer of heat sink
paste on the surface of the CPU. Install all the heat sink components (Please
refer to the heat sink manual for detailed installation instructions).
Fig.2
Please connect the heat sink power connector to the CPU_FAN connector
located on the motherboard so that the heat sink can properly function to
prevent CPU overheating.
The heat sink may adhere to the CPU as a result of hardening of the heat sink 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 heat sink.
English
Hardware Installation- 13 -
English
1-4Installation of Memory
Before installing the memory modules, please comply with the following conditions:
1. Please make sure that the memory used is supported by the motherboard. It is
recommended that memory of similar capacity, specifications and brand be used.
2. Before installing or removing memory modules, please make sure that the computer power
is switched off to prevent hardware damage.
3. Memory modules have a foolproof insertion design. A memory module can be installed in
only one direction. If you are unable to insert the module, please switch the direction.
The motherboard supports DDR memory modules, whereby BIOS will automatically detect memory
capacity and specifications. Memory modules are designed so that they can be inserted only in one direction.
The memory capacity used can differ with each slot.
Notch
DDR
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-K8NF-9-RH Motherboard- 14 -
Dual Channel Memory Configuration
The GA-K8NF-9-RH supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the Dual Channel Technology,
the bandwidth of Memory Bus will double.
Due to CPU limitation, if you wish to operate the Dual Channel Technology, follow the guidelines below:
1. Dual Channel mode will not be enabled if only one memory module is installed.
2. To enable Dual Channel mode with two memory modules (it is recommended to use memory
modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed), you must install them into DIMM sockets
of the same color.
3. To enable Dual Channel mode with four memory modules, it is recommended to use memory
modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed.
The following is a Dual Channel Memory configuration table:
(DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side, "--": Empty)
DDR 1DDR 2DDR 3DDR 4
2 memory modules
4 memory modules
If two memory modules are to be used to achieve Dual Channel mode, we recommend
installing them in DDR1 and DDR2 DIMM sockets.
All of the memory configurations below will cause system unable to boot.
(DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side)
1 memory module
2 memory modules
3 memory modules
DS/SSDS/SS- -- -
- -- -DS/SSDS/SS
DS/SSDS/SSDS/SSDS/SS
DDR 1DDR 2DDR 3DDR 4
- -DS/SS- -- -
- -- -- -DS/SS
- -DS/SSDS/SS- -
DS/SS- -- -DS/SS
- -DS/SS- -DS/SS
DS/SSDS/SSDS/SS- -
- -DS/SSDS/SSDS/SS
DS/SS- -DS/SSDS/SS
DS/SSDS/SS- -DS/SS
English
Hardware Installation- 15 -
English
1-5Installation of Expansion Cards
You can install your expansion card by following the steps outlined below:
1. Read the related expansion card's instruction document before install the expansion card into the
computer.
2. Remove your computer's chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the computer.
3. Press the expansion card firmly into expansion slot in motherboard.
4. Be sure the metal contacts on the card are indeed seated in the slot.
5. Replace the screw to secure the slot bracket of the expansion card.
6. Replace your computer's chassis cover.
7. Power on the computer, if necessary, setup BIOS utility of expansion card from BIOS.
8. Install related driver from the operating system.
Installing a PCI Express x16 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 x16 slot and press
firmly down on the slot. Make sure your VGA
card is locked by the small white-drawable
bar.
GA-K8NF-9-RH 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).
Parallel Port
The parallel port allows connection of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices.
SPDIF_I (SPDIF In)
Use SPDIF In feature only when your device has digital output function.
SPDIF_O (SPDIF Out)
The SPDIF output is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or compressed AC3
data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder.
COMA (Serial Port)
Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.
LAN Port
The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet, 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
sure your OS supports USB controller. If your OS does not support USB controller, please contact
OS vendor for possible patch or driver upgrade. For more information please contact your OS or
device(s) vendors.
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.
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Connect the Center/Subwoofer speakers to this connector.
Rear Speaker Out
Connect the rear surround speakers to this connector.
English
Hardware Installation- 17 -
Side Speaker Out
Connect the side surround speakers to this connector.
English
You can use audio software to configure 2-/4-/6-/8-channel audio functioning.
1-7Connectors Introduction
3
1
11
12
6
2
5
10
8
7
4
15
9
1)ATX_12V
2)ATX (Power Connector)
3)CPU_FAN
4)SYS_FAN
5)FDD
6)IDE1 / IDE2
7)SATAII0_1 / SATAII2_3
8)PWR_LED
GA-K8NF-9-RH Motherboard- 18 -
13
14
9)BATTERY
10)F_PANEL
11)F_AUDIO
12)CD_IN
13)F_USB1 / F_USB2 / F_USB3
14)F1_1394 / F2_1394
15)CLR_CMOS
1/2) ATX_12V / ATX (Power Connector)
With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all the
components on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, please make sure that
all components and devices are properly installed. Align the power connector with its proper
location on the motherboard and connect tightly.
The ATX_12V power connector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the ATX_12V power connector is not connected, the system will not start.
Caution!
Please use a power supply that is able to handle the system voltage requirements. It is recommended that a power supply that can withstand high power consumption be used (300W or
greater). If a power supply is used that does not provide the required power, the result can lead
to an unstable system or a system that is unable to start.
If you use a 24-pin ATX power supply, please remove the small cover on the power connector on
the motherboard before plugging in the power cord ; otherwise, please do not remove it.
Pin No.Definition
1GND
34
12
12
113
24
2GND
3+12V
4+12V
Pin No.Definition
13.3V
23.3V
3GND
4+5V
5GND
6+5V
7GND
8Power Good
95V SB(stand by +5V)
10+12V
11+12V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
12 3.3V(Only for 24 -pin ATX)
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)
24G ND(Only for 24-pin ATX)
English
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 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.
Pin No.Definition
1
CPU_FAN
1
SYS_FAN
1GND
2+12V
3Sense
5) 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.
GA-K8NF-9-RH Motherboard- 20 -
34
2
33
1
6) 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).
Before attaching the IDE cable, please take note of the foolproof groove in the IDE connector.
English
40
2
IDE2IDE1
39
1
7) SATAII0_1 / SATAII2_3 (Serial ATA Connectors, Controlled by nForce4-4X)
Serial ATA can provide up to 150MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the Serial
ATA and install the proper driver in order to work properly.
7
1
1
1
7
17
7
SATAII_1
SATAII_0
SATAII_3
SATAII_2
Pin No.Definition
1GND
2TXP
3TXN
4GND
5RXN
6RXP
7GND
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
1MPD+
1
2MPD-
3MPD-
9) BATTERY
GA-K8NF-9-RH Motherboard- 22 -
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. Gently take out the battery and put it aside for about one
minute. (Or you can use a metal object to connect the
positive and negative pins in the battery holder to make them
short for five seconds.)
3. Re-install the battery.
4. Plug the power cord in and turn on the computer.
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.
19
PW-
MSG-
20
NC
RES+
RES-
HD-
HD+
12
Speaker Connector
Power Switch
Message LED/
Power/
Sleep LED
SPEAK-
SPEAK+
PW+
MSG+
SPEAK (Speaker Connector)Pin 1: VCC(+)
(Amber)Pin 2- Pin 3: NC
Pin 4: Data(-)
PW (Power Switch)Open: Normal Operation
(Red)Close: Power On/Off
MSG (Message LED/Power/Sleep LED)Pin 1: LED anode(+)
(Yellow)Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
RES (Reset Switch)Open: Normal Operation
(Green)Close: Reset Hardware System
HD (IDE Hard Disk Active LED)Pin 1: LED anode(+)
(Blue)Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
NC (Purple)NC
Reset Switch
IDE Hard Disk
Active LED
English
Hardware Installation- 23 -
English
11) F_AUDIO (Front Audio Panel 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 assignments for the cable are the same as the pin assignments for the front audio
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
910
2
1
1MIC
2GND
3MIC_BIAS
4Power
5Front Audio(R)
6Rear Audio(R)/Return R
7NC
8No Pin
9Front Audio(L)
10Rear Audio(L)/Return L
12) CD_IN (CD In Connector)
Connect CD-ROM or DVD-ROM audio out to the connector.
GA-K8NF-9-RH Motherboard- 24 -
1
Pin No.Definition
1CD-L
2GND
3GND
4CD-R
13) 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.
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.
2
F1_1394
1
Pin No.Definition
1TPA0+
2TPA0-
3GND
4GND
5TPB0+
6TPB0-
7No Pin
8Power (12V)
9Power (12V)
10GND
10
9
2
F2_1394
1
Pin No.Definition
1Power (12V)
2Power (12V)
3TPA1+
4TPA1-
5GND
6GND
7TPB1+
8TPB1-
9Power (12V)
10Power (12V)
11TPA2+
12TPA2-
13GND
14No Pin
15TPB2+
16TPB2-
16
15
Hardware Installation- 25 -
English
15) CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS)
You may clear the CMOS data to its default values by this header. To clear CMOS, temporarily
short the two pins. Default doesn't include the jumper to avoid improper use of this header.
Open: Normal
Short: Clear CMOS
GA-K8NF-9-RH Motherboard- 26 -
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, pressing 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".
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
<F5>Restore the previous CMOS value from CMOS, only for Option Page Setup Menu
<F7>Load the Optimized Defaults
<F8>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- 27 -
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