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 AM2 for AMD AthlonTM 64 FX / AthlonTM 64 X2 Dual-Core /
1 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 4-pin PCIE 12V power connector
1 floppy connector
2 IDE connectors
4 SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 CPU fan connector
1 system fan connector
1 power 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
1 power LED connector
2 IEEE1394a connectors for additional 2 port by cable
1 SPDIF In connector
1 CI connector
(Note 1)
GA-M55SLI-S4 Motherboard
- 10 -
Rear Panel I/O 1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
1 parallel port
1 SPDIF In jack
1 SPDIF Out jack
1 serial port (COMA)
4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 RJ-45 port
1 IEEE1394 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 IT8716 chip
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU / System temperature detection
CPU / Power / System fan speed detection
CPU / System warning temperature
CPU fan failure warning
Supports CPU Smart Fan function
(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 23.4cm
English
(Note 1) Due to the limitation of Windows 32-bit operating system, when more than 4GB of physical
memory is installed, the actual memory available for the operating system will be less than
4GB; Windows 64-bit operating system doesn't have such limitation.
(Note 2) Whether the CPU Smart FAN Control function is supported will depend on the CPU you install.
(Note 3) EasyTune functions may vary depending on different motherboards.
Hardware Installation- 11 -
1-3Installation of the CPU and CPU Cooler
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 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 specifica
tions 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.
Fig.1
Socket Lever
Position lever at a 90 degree angle.
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-M55SLI-S4 Motherboard
Fig.2
Pin 1 location on the socket and processor.
Gently place the CPU into position making sure that the CPU pins
fitperfectly into their holes. Once the CPU is positioned into its socket,
place one finger down on the middle of the CPU and gently press
themetal lever back into its original position.
- 12 -
1-3-2 Installation of the CPU cooler
Fig.1
Before installing the CPU cooler, please first add an even layer of heat
paste on the surface of the CPU. Install all the CPU cooler
components (Please refer to the heat sink manual for detailed installation
instructions).
Fig.2
Please connect the CPU cooler power connector to the CPU_FAN connector located on the motherboard so that the CPU cooler can properly
function to prevent CPU overheating.
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.
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 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.
Notch
DDR II
GA-M55SLI-S4 Motherboard
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.
- 14 -
Dual Channel Memory Configuration
The GA-M55SLI-S4 supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating
the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will add 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 II 1DDR II 2DDR II 3DDR II 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 DDRII 1 and DDRII 2 DIMM sockets.
DS/SSDS/SS- -- -
- -- -DS/SSDS/SS
DS/SSDS/SSDS/SSDS/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 x 16 expansion 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 latch at the end of
the PCI Express x 16 slot. When you try
uninstall the VGA card, please press the
latch as the picture to the left shows to
release the card.
GA-M55SLI-S4 Motherboard
The PCIE_12V power connector supplies
extra power to the PCIEx 16 slots. Connect this connector depending on your
system requirements.
- 16 -
1-6Setup of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) Configuration
NVIDIA nForce4 SLI offers blistering graphics performance with the ability to bridge two NVIDIA SLIready 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 nForce4 chipset. Together, the NVIDIA SLI technologies work
seamlessly to allow two graphics cards to operate in parallel and share the work and deliver heartpounding PC performance. This section introduces steps to configure an SLI system on the
GA-M55SLI-S4 motherboard.
Before You Begin--
I. Understanding the GIGABYTE SLI Jumper:
You can find an SLI switch module socket inserted with an SLI switch module between the first and
second PCIE x16 slots. 1-2 close for SLI mode, 2-3 close for Normal mode.
1-2 close: SLI mode
NV_SLI2
1
1
NV_SLI1NV_SLI4NV_SLI5
2-3 close: Normal mode (Default)
NV_SLI2
1
NV_SLI3
NV_SLI3
SLI Mode:
In SLI Mode, the two PCIE x16 slots can run in two
modes. You can either use them as two individual
x8 slots or install two SLI-ready PCIE x16 cards
(Example: GIGABYTE GV-NX66T128D) of the
same model and link them together with an SLI
bridge connector to enable SLI function to provide
enhanced performance.
Normal Mode:
Only the first PCIE x16 slot is available and can
operate at up to x16 in Normal Mode.
English
1
NV_SLI1NV_SLI4NV_SLI5
As not all PCIE slots are available while in SLI or Normal Mode, please refer to the table below to check
PCIE slots available in SLI or Normal Mode before installation.
Please double check SLI jumper setting when it's not available might damage the system.
Hardware Installation- 17 -
English
II. Power Requirements:
The exact power requirements 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 SLI graphics cards.
Please refer to the table below to check recommended power for different systems.
III. Supported Operating Systems:
Only Windows XP operating system is currrently supported by the NVIDIA SLI technology.
Enabling SLI Mode--
Step 1: 2-3 close : Normal (Default)
NV_SLI2
NV_SLI3
1
1
NV_SLI1NV_SLI4NV_SLI5
2-3 close : Normal (Default)
Step 2: 1-2 close : SLI mode
NV_SLI2
1
1
NV_SLI1NV_SLI4NV_SLI5
NV_SLI3
1-2 close : SLI mode
Please double check SLI jumper setting when it's not available might damage the system.
GA-M55SLI-S4 Motherboard
- 18 -
Connecting Two Graphics Cards:
Step 1: Observe the steps in "1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards"
and install two SLI-ready graphics cards of the same
model to the PCIE_16_1 and PCIE_16_2 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.
English
retention bracket
Step 4: Plug the display cable into either one of the two
graphics cards for display output. If you plug the
display cable to the card on the PCIE_16_1 slot,
make sure to set Init Display First in BIOS
Setup to PEG; if you plug the display cable to
the card on the PCIE_16_2 slot, set Init DisplayFirst to PEG(Slot2).
Hardware Installation- 19 -
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.
GA-M55SLI-S4 Motherboard
- 20 -
1-7I/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
The S/PDIF 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
The S/PDIF optical output port is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or
compressed AC3 data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder via an optical cable.
COMA (Serial Port)
Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.
IEEE 1394a Port
Serial interface standard set by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which has features
like high speed, highbandwidth and hot plug.
USB port
Before you connect your device(s) into USB connector(s), please make sure your device(s) such
as USB keyboard, mouse, scanner, zip, speaker...etc. have a standard USB interface. Also make
sure your OS supports USB controller. If your OS does not support USB controller, please contact
OS vendor for possible patch or driver upgrade. For more information please contact your OS or
device(s) vendors.
LAN Port
The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet, providing data transfer speeds of 10/100/
1000 Mbps.
Line In
Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.
Line Out (Front Speaker Out)
The default Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack. Stereo speakers, earphone or front surround
speakers can be connected to Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack.
MIC In
The default MIC In jack. Microphone must be connected to MIC In jack.
English
Hardware Installation- 21 -
English
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
The default Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack. Center/Subwoofer speakers can be connected to
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack.
Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out)
The default Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack. Rear surround speakers can be
connected to Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack.
Side Speaker Out
The default Side Speaker Out jack. Surround side speakers can be connected to Side Speaker Out
jack.
Please refer to the 2-/4-/6-/8- channel audio setup steps for detailed software configuration
information.
1-8Connectors Introduction
14
5
5
2
3
10
11
19
18
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) PCIE_12V
4) CPU_FAN
5) SYS_FAN
6) PWR_FAN
7) FDD
8) IDE1 / IDE2
9) SATAII0_1/ SATAII2_3
10) F_AUDIO
GA-M55SLI-S4 Motherboard
7
15
14
11) CD_IN
12) F_PANEL
13) PWR_LED
14) F_USB1 / F_USB2 / F_USB3
15) F1_1394 / F2_1394
16) CLR_CMOS
17) BATTERY
18) SPDIF_I
19) CI
- 22 -
8
9
16
17
13
12
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.
4
3
12
Pin No.Definition
1GND
2GND
3+12V
4+12V
English
12
113
24
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)
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)
24GN D(Only for 24-pin ATX)
Hardware Installation- 23 -
English
3) PCIE_12V (Power Connector)
The PCIE_12V power connector supplies extra power to the PCIE x16 slot. Connect this
connector depending on your system requirements.
1
PIin No.Definition
1NC
2GND
3GND
4+12V
4/5/6) 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 fool-proof 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 CPU/system fan cable to the CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN/PWR_FAN
connector to prevent the CPU/system/power from overheating and failure.
GA-M55SLI-S4 Motherboard
- 24 -
1
CPU_FAN
SYS_FAN
PWR_FAN
Pin No.Definition
1
1
1GND
2+12V
3Sense
4Speed Control
(Only for CPU_FAN)
7) 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.
Please connect the red power connector wire to the pin1 position.
Before attaching the FDD cable, please take note of the foolproof groove in the FDD connector.
English
2
1
34
33
8) 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.
SATA 3Gb/s can provide up to 300MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the Serial
ATA controller and install the proper driver in order to work properly.
SATAII 1
17
SATAII 0_1
1
7
1
7
SATAII 0
SATAII 3
1
SATAII 2_3
7
SATAII 2
Pin No.Definition
1GND
2TXP
3TXN
4GND
5RXN
6RXP
7GND
10) 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 assigment on the cable is the same as the pin assigment 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.
GA-M55SLI-S4 Motherboard
- 26 -
910
12
Pin No.Definition
1MIC
2GND
3MIC_BIAS
4Power
5Front Audio (R)
6Rear Audio (R)/ Return R
7NC
8No Pin
9Front Audio (L)
10Rear Audio (L)/ Return L
11) CD_IN (CD In Connector)
Connect CD-ROM or DVD-ROM audio out to the connector.
Pin No.Definition
1
1CD-L
2GND
3GND
4CD-R
12) 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.
Switch
PW+
MSG-
HD-
RES-
Power
PW-
RES+
NC
Speaker Connector
SPEAK+
SPEAK-
20
19
Message LED/
Power/
Sleep LED
2
1
MSG+
HD+
English
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
Reset Switch
IDE Hard Disk Active LED
Hardware Installation- 27 -
English
13) 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-
14) 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.
GA-M55SLI-S4 Motherboard
10
2
- 28 -
9
1
Pin No.Definition
1Power (5V)
2Power (5V)
3USB DX-
4USB Dy-
5USB DX+
6USB Dy+
7GND
8GND
9No Pin
10NC
15) F1_1394 / F2_1394 (IEEE 1394 Connector)
Serial interface standard set by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which has features
like high speed, highbandwidth 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.
Pin No.Definition
10
9
1
2
1TPA+
2TPA-
3GND
4GND
5TPB+
6TPB-
7Power(12V)
8Power(12V)
9No Pin
10GND
16) 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.
English
Open: Normal
Short: Clear CMOS
Hardware Installation- 29 -
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