Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD4, GA-P55A-UD4P User Manual

GA-P55A-UD4P

GA-P55A-UD4

LGA1156 socket motherboard for Intel® Core™ i7 processor family/ Intel® Core™ i5 processor family

User's Manual

Rev. 1002

12ME-P55AU4P-1002R

dr aobr eht o M

GA-P55A-UD4P/GA-P55A-UD4

Motherboard

GA-P55A-UD4P /

GA-P55A-UD4

Oct. 16, 2009

Oct. 16, 2009

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 specifications and features in this manual may be made by GIGABYTE without 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 Classifications

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-P55A-UD4P/GA-P55A-UD4 Motherboard Layout.....................................................			7
Block Diagram..................................................................................................................			8
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation......................................................................................			9
1-1	Installation Precautions.....................................................................................		9
1-2	Product Specifications....................................................................................		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 Configuration......................................................................			16
1-4-2		Installing a Memory ................................................................................................	17
1-5	Installing an Expansion Card..........................................................................		18
1-6	Setup of ATI CrossFireX™/NVIDIA SLI Configuration......................................		19
1-7	Back Panel Connectors..................................................................................		20
1-8	Internal Connectors........................................................................................		22
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup...................................................................................................			35
2-1	Startup Screen................................................................................................		36
2-2	The Main Menu...............................................................................................		37
2-3	MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)........................................................................		39
2-4	Standard CMOS Features..............................................................................		48
2-5	Advanced BIOS Features...............................................................................		50
2-6	Integrated Peripherals....................................................................................		52
2-7	Power Management Setup.............................................................................		56
2-8	PC Health Status............................................................................................		58
2-9	Load Fail-Safe Defaults..................................................................................		60
2-10	Load Optimized Defaults................................................................................		60
2-11	Set Supervisor/User Password.......................................................................		61
2-12	Save & Exit Setup...........................................................................................		62
2-13	Exit Without Saving.........................................................................................		62
2-14	Security Chip Configuration j ......................................................................		63
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation........................................................................................			65
3-1	Installing Chipset Drivers................................................................................		65
3-2	Application Software.......................................................................................		66
3-3	Technical Manuals..........................................................................................		66

- 4 -

3-4	Contact...........................................................................................................		67
3-5	System............................................................................................................		67
3-6	Download Center............................................................................................		68
3-7	New Utilities....................................................................................................		68
Chapter 4 Unique Features...........................................................................................			69
4-1	Xpress Recovery2..........................................................................................		69
4-2	BIOS Update Utilities......................................................................................		72
4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility.............................................................			72
4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility..............................................................			75
4-3	EasyTune 6.....................................................................................................		76
4-4	Dynamic Energy Saver™ 2..............................................................................		77
4-5	Q-Share..........................................................................................................		79
4-6	Smart 6™.........................................................................................................		80
4-7	Smart TPM j ......................................................................................		83
4-8	Auto Green.....................................................................................................		84
4-9	eXtreme Hard Drive (X.H.D)...........................................................................		85
4-10	Teaming j ..........................................................................................		86
Chapter 5 Appendix		.......................................................................................................	87
5-1	Configuring .SATA Hard Drive(s) ....................................................................		87
5-1-1 Configuring Intel P55 SATA Controllers ..................................................................			87
5-1-2 .		Configuring JMB362 SATA Controller ....................................................................	95
5-1-3 ............................................................Configuring Marvell 9128 SATA Controller			101
5-1-4 ..........................................................Making a SATA RAID/AHCI Driver Diskette			106
5-1-5 ..............................Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System			108
5-2	Configuring ..............................................................Audio Input and Output		121
5-2-1 .................................................................		Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1 - Channel Audio	121
5-2-2 ....................................................................................		Configuring S/PDIF In/Out	123
5-2-3 ........................................................Enabling the Dolby Home Theater Function			125
5-2-4 .......................................................................		Configuring Microphone Recording	126
5-2-5 ....................................................................................Using the Sound Recorder			128
5-3	Troubleshooting............................................................................................		129
5-3-1 ................................................................................		Frequently Asked Questions	129
5-3-2 ...................................................................................		Troubleshooting Procedure	130
5-4	Regulatory .................................................................................Statements		132

j Only for GA-P55A-UD4P.

- 5 -

Box Contents

GA-P55A-UD4P or GA-P55A-UD4 motherboard

Motherboard driver disk

User's Manual

Quick Installation Guide

One IDE cable

Four SATA 3Gb/s cables 2-Way SLI bridge connector 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 IEEE 1394a bracket (Part No. 12CF1-1IE008-0*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-P55A-UD4P/GA-P55A-UD4 Motherboard Layout

CPU_FAN

KB_USB

SYS_FAN1

R_SPDIF

ATX_12V_2X4

LGA1156

JMB362

USB_1394_ESATA_2

USB_1394_ESATA_1

USB_LAN2 j

USB30_LAN1

F_AUDIO

RTL8111D

AUDIO NEC

PCIEX1_1(Note 1)

PCIEX16

RTL8111D j

PCIEX1_2

GA-P55A-UD4P / GA-P55A-UD4

DDR3 2 DDR3 1

DDR3 4 DDR3 3

PHASE LED

PWR_FAN

ATX

Marvell 9128

CODECI O

CD IN_ _SPDIF_SPDIF

IT8720

PCIEX1_3

PCIEX8

PCI1

PCI2

				GSATA3_7
BAT		Intel® P55	B_BIOS	GSATA3_6
			M_BIOS	SATA2_1
				SATA2_0
TPM IC j(Note 2)
			PCH_FAN	SATA2_3
				SATA2_2
			SYS_FAN2
		CLR_CMOS		SATA2_5
	TSB43AB23
			IT8213	SATA2_4
F1_1394		IDE

LPT

FDD F_USB2

F_USB1

F_PANEL

COMA

j Only for GA-P55A-UD4P.

(Note 1) Due to a hardware limitation, the PCIEX1_1 slot can only accommodate a shorter PCI Express x1 expansion card. For a longer expansion card, use other expansion slots.

(Note 2) This feature is optional due to different regional policy.

- 7 -

Block Diagram

PCIe CLK

(100 MHz)

1 PCI Express x16

or

2 PCI Express x8

x16

x8

Switch

PCI

Express

Bus

LAN

LAN

2 USB 3.0/2.0

RJ45

RJ45

RTL8111D

RTL8111D j

NEC

x1

x1

x1

PCI Express Bus

x1

x1

x1

PCIe CLK

(100 MHz)

x1

3 PCI Express x1

2 SATA 6Gb/s

Marvell 9128

PCI Bus

TSB43AB23

IT8213

LGA1156				CPU CLK+/- (133 MHz)
					DDR3 2200/1333/1066/800 MHz
CPU
							Dual Channel Memory
	DMI
	Interface
							PCI Express Bus

x1

2 SATA 3Gb/s

JMB362

Intel® P55

Dual BIOS

6 SATA 3Gb/s

12 USB 2.0/1.1

LPC Bus

IT8720

Floppy

COM Port

CODEC

PS/2 KB/Mouse

TPM j(Note)

3 IEEE 1394a

2 PCI

PCI CLK

(33 MHz)

ATA-133/100/66/33 IDE Channel

Side Speaker Out

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out

Surround Speaker Out

In	S/PDIFIn S/PDIFOut
Out
MIC Line
Line

j Only for GA-P55A-UD4P.

(Note)	This feature is optional due to different regional policy.
	- 8 -

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 components such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap, keep your hands dry and first 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 supply 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 hardware 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 system 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 certified computer technician.

- 9 -

Hardware Installation

1-2	Product Specifications
	CPU	 Support for an Intel® Core™ i7 series processor/Intel® Core™ i5 series processor
		in the LGA1156 package
		(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)

L3 cache varies with CPU

Chipset		Intel® P55 Express Chipset
Memory		4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 16 GB of system memory (Note 1)
	 Dual channel memory architecture
	 Support for DDR3 2200/1333/1066/800 MHz memory modules
	 Support for non-ECC memory modules
	 Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules
		(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.)
Audio		Realtek ALC889 codec
		High Definition Audio
		2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
	 Support for Dolby® Home Theater
	 Support for S/PDIF In/Out
	 Support for CD In
LAN		2 x RTL8111D chips (10/100/1000 Mbit) j
	 1 x RTL8111D chip (10/100/1000 Mbit) k
	 Support for Teaming j
	 Support Smart Dual LAN j
Expansion Slots		1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16) (Note 2)
	 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x8 (PCIEX8) (Note 3)
		(The PCIEX16 and PCIEX8 slots conforms to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
	 3 x PCI Express x1 slots
	 2 x PCI slots
Multi-Graphics		Support for ATI CrossFireX™/NVIDIA SLI technology
Technology
Storage Interface		Chipset:
		-	6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATA2_0, SATA2_1, SATA2_2, SATA2_3,
			SATA2_4, SATA2_5) supporting up to 6 SATA 3Gb/s devices
		-	Support for SATA RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10
		Marvell 9128 chip:
		-	2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (GSATA3_6, GSATA3_7) supporting up to
			2 SATA 6Gb/s devices
		-	Support for SATA RAID 0 and RAID 1
		JMB362 SATA2 chip:
		-	2 x eSATA 3Gb/s connectors on the back panel supporting up to 2 SATA
			3Gb/s devices
		-	Support for SATA RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD
		iTE IT8213 chip:
		-	1 x IDE connector supporting ATA-133/100/66/33 and up to 2 IDE devices
		iTE IT8720 chip:
		-	1 x floppy disk drive connector supporting up to 1 floppy disk drive
j Only for GA-P55A-UD4P.
k Only for GA-P55A-UD4.
Hardware Installation			- 10 -

USB		Chipset:
		- Up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (8 on the back panel, 4 via the USB brackets
		connected to the internal USB headers)
		NEC chip:
		- Up to 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports on the back panel
IEEE 1394		T.I. TSB43AB23 chip
		- Up to 3 IEEE 1394a ports (2 on the back panel, 1 via the IEEE 1394a
		bracket connected to the internal IEEE 1394a header)
Internal	w	1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
Connectors	w	1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
	w 1 x floppy disk drive connector
	w 1 x IDE connector
	w 6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
	w 2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
	w 1 x CPU fan header
	w 2 x system fan headers
	w 1 x power fan header
	w 1 x PCH chip 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 In header
	w 1 x S/PDIF Out header
	w 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
	w 1 x IEEE 1394a header
	w 1 x serial port header
	w 1 x parallel port header
	w 1 x clearing CMOS jumper
Back Panel	w	1 x PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse port
Connectors	w	1 x coaxial S/PDIF Out connector
	w 1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
	w 2 x IEEE 1394a ports
	w 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
	w 2 x USB 3.0 ports
	w 2 x eSATA 3Gb/s ports
	w 2 x RJ-45 ports j
	w 1 x RJ-45 port k
	w 6 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out/Rear Speaker Out/
		Side Speaker Out/Line In/Line Out/Microphone)
I/O Controller	w	iTE IT8720 chip

j Only for GA-P55A-UD4P. k Only for GA-P55A-UD4.

- 11 -

Hardware Installation

Hardware Monitor w System voltage detection

w CPU/System temperature detection

wCPU/System/Power fan speed detection

wCPU overheating warning

wCPU/System/Power fan fail warning

wCPU/System fan speed control (Note 4)

BIOS	w	2 x 16 Mbit flash
	w	Use of licensed AWARD BIOS

wSupport for DualBIOS™

wPnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 1.0b

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 5)

w Support for Dynamic Energy Saver™ 2 w Support for Smart TPM j

w Support for Smart 6™ w Support for Auto Green

w Support for eXtreme Hard Drive 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 24.4cm

j Only for GA-P55A-UD4P.

(Note 1) Due to Windows Vista/XP 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) For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot

(Note 3) The PCIEX8 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16 slot. When the PCIEX8 slot is populated with a PCI Express graphics card, the PCIEX16 slot will operate at up to x8 mode.

(Note 4) Whether the CPU/system fan speed control function is supported will depend on the CPU/system cooler you install.

(Note 5) 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 damage of the CPU may occur.

•Set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the CPU specifications. It is not recommended that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specifications since it does not meet the standard requirements for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency beyond the standard specifications, please do so according to your hardware specifications 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.

LGA1156 CPU Socket

Alignment Key

Alignment Key

Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket

LGA1156 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.

Step 1:

Gently press the CPU socket lever handle down and away from the socket with your finger. Then completely lift the CPU socket lever and the metal load plate will be lifted as well.

Step 3:

Hold the CPU with your thumb and index fingers.

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.

Step 5:

Push the CPU socket lever back into its locked position.

Hardware Installation

- 14 -

Step 2:

Remove the CPU socket cover as shown. Hold your index finger down on the rear side of the socket cover and use your thumb to lift up the front edge (next to the "REMOVE" mark) of the socket cover and remove it. (DO NOT touch socket contacts. To protect the CPU socket, always replace the protective socket cover when the CPU is not installed.)

Step 4:

Once the CPU is properly inserted, use one hand to hold the socket lever and use the other to lightly replace the load plate. When replacing the load plate, make sure the front end of the load plate is under the shoulder screw.

NOTE:

Hold the CPU socket lever by the handle, not the lever base portion.

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.)

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.

					Male Push
Direction of the					Pin
Arrow Sign on					The Top
the Male Push
					of Female
Pin
					Push Pin
					Female
					Push Pin

Step 2:

Before installing the cooler, note the direction of the arrow signon 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 motherboard. 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 Configuration

This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the memory is installed, the BIOS will automatically detect the specifications 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

Dual Channel Memory Configurations Table

	DDR3_2	DDR3_1 DDR3_4		DDR3_3
Two Modules	- -	DS/SS	- -	DS/SS
Four Modules	DS/SS	DS/SS	DS/SS	DS/SS

(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)

DDR3_3

DDR3_4

DDR3_1

DDR3_2

Due to CPU 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 for optimum performance. When

enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules, be sure to install them in the DDR3_1 and DDR3_3 sockets.

If only one DDR3 memory module is installed, it is recommended to install it in the DDR3_1 or DDR3_3 sockets.

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 DIMM

A DDR3 memory module has a notch, so it can only fit 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 fingers 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 Setup of ATI CrossFireX™/NVIDIA SLI Configuration

A.System Requirements

-Windows Vista or Windows XP operating system

-A CrossFireX/SLI-supported motherboard with two PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver

-Two CrossFireX/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver

-Two CrossFire (Note)/SLI bridge connectors

-A power supply with sufficient power is recommended (Refer to the manual of your graphics cards for the power requirement)

B.Connecting the Graphics Cards

Step 1:

Observe the steps in "1-5 Installing an Expansion Card" and install two CrossFireX/SLI graphics cards on the PCI Express x16 slots.

Step 2:

Insert the CrossFire (Note)/SLI bridge connectors in the CrossFireX/SLI gold edge connectors on top of the two cards.

Step 3:

Plug the display cable into the graphics card on the PCIEX16 slot.

C. Configuring the Graphics Card Driver

C-1. To Enable CrossFireX Function

After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to the ATI Catalyst Control Center. Browse to the CrossFireX menu and ensure the Enable CrossFireX™ check box is selected.

C-2. To Enable SLI Function

After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to the NVIDIA Control Panel. Browse to the Set SLI Configuration screen and ensure the Enable SLI technology check box is selected.

(Note) The bridge connectors may be needed or not depending on your graphics cards.

Procedure and driver screen for enabling CrossFireX/SLI technology may differ by graphics cards. Refer to the manual that came with your graphics cards for more information about enabling CrossFireX/SLI technology.

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Hardware Installation

1-7 Back Panel Connectors

j

USB 2.0/1.1 Port

The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Use this port for USB devices such as a USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB flash drive and etc.

PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Port

Use this port to connect a PS/2 keyboard or mouse.

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.

IEEE 1394a Port

The IEEE 1394 port supports the IEEE 1394a specification, featuring high speed, high bandwidth and hotplug capabilities. Use this port for an IEEE 1394a device.

eSATA 3Gb/s Port

The eSATA 3Gb/s port conforms to SATA 3Gb/s standard and is compatible with SATA 1.5Gb/s standard.

Use the port to connect an external SATA device. Refer to Chapter 5, "Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s)," for instructions on configuring a RAID array.

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/

Activity LED

Connection/Speed LED:

Activity LED:

Speed LED

State

Description

State

Description

Orange

1 Gbps data rate

Blinking

Data transmission or receiving is occurring

Green

100 Mbps data rate

Off

No data transmission or receiving is occurring

LAN Port

Off

10 Mbps data rate

jOnly for GA-P55A-UD4P.

•When removing the cable connected to a back panel connector, first 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.

Hardware Installation

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USB 3.0/2.0 Port

The USB 3.0 port supports the USB 3.0 specification and is compatible to the USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Use this port for USB devices such as a USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB flash drive and etc.

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out Jack (Orange)

Use this audio jack to connect center/subwoofer speakers in a 5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration.

Rear Speaker Out Jack (Black)

Use this audio jack to connect rear speakers in a 7.1-channel audio configuration.

Side Speaker Out Jack (Gray)

Use this audio jack to connect side speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration.

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 configuration.

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 con-

figuration in Chapter 5, "Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio."

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Hardware Installation

1-8 Internal Connectors

1		3		4		22

				5
12				2
				20
				6
21				10
13				9
14
15				4
				8
				11
19	18	7	17	16

1)	ATX_12V_2X4	12)	F_AUDIO
2)	ATX	13)	CD_IN
3)	CPU_FAN	14)	SPDIF_I
4)	SYS_FAN1/2	15)	SPDIF_O
5)	PWR_FAN	16)	F_USB1/F_USB2
6)	PCH_FAN	17)	F1_1394
7)	FDD	18)	LPT
8)	IDE	19)	COMA
9)	SATA2_0/1/2/3/4/5	20)	CLR_CMOS
10)	GSATA3_6/7	21)	BAT
11)	F_PANEL	22)	PHASE LED

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.

Hardware Installation

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1/2) ATX_12V_2X4/ATX (2x4 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 components on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, first 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.

• Use of a power supply providing a 2x4 12V power connector is recommended by the CPU manufacturer when using an Intel Extreme Edition CPU (130W).

•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_2X4:
			8	4	Pin No.	Definition
					1	GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
					2	GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
			5	1	3	GND
					4	GND
			ATX_12V_2X4
					5	+12V (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
					6	+12V (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
					7	+12V
					8	+12V
		ATX:
12	24	Pin No.	Definition		Pin No.	Definition
		1	3.3V		13	3.3V
		2	3.3V		14	-12V
		3	GND		15	GND
		4	+5V		16	PS_ON (soft On/Off)
		5	GND		17	GND
		6	+5V		18	GND
		7	GND		19	GND
		8	Power Good		20	-5V
		9	5VSB (stand by +5V)		21	+5V
		10	+12V		22	+5V
		11	+12V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)		23	+5V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)
1	13	12	3.3V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)		24	GND (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)

ATX

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Hardware Installation

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 two 3-pin (SYS_ FAN1) system fan headers, and a 3-pin 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.

CPU_FAN:

Pin No.

Definition

1

1

GND

2

+12V / Speed Control

CPU_FAN

3

Sense

4

Speed Control

SYS_FAN2:

Pin No.

Definition

1

1

GND

2

+12V / Speed Control

SYS_FAN2

3

Sense

4

Reserve

SYS_FAN1/PWR_FAN:

1

Pin No.

Definition

1

GND

SYS_FAN1/PWR_FAN

2

+12V

3

Sense

6)PCH_FAN (Chipset Fan Header)

Connect the Chipset fan cable to this header. The fan header has a foolproof insertion design. When connecting a fan cable, be sure to connect it in the correct orientation. Most fans are designed with colorcoded power connector wires. A red power connector wire indicates a positive connection and requires a +12V voltage. The black connector wire is the ground wire.

																		Pin No.	Definition
																		1	GND
																	1	2	+12V
																		3	NC

•Be sure to connect fan cables to the fan headers to prevent your CPU, Chipset and system from overheating. Overheating may result in damage to the CPU/Chipset or the system may hang.

•These fan headers are not configuration jumper blocks. Do not place a jumper cap on the headers.

Hardware Installation

- 24 -

7)FDD (Floppy Disk Drive Connector)

This connector is used to connect a floppy disk drive. The types of floppy disk drives supported are: 360 KB, 720 KB, 1.2 MB, 1.44 MB, and 2.88 MB. Before connecting a floppy disk drive, be sure to locate pin 1 of the connector and the floppy disk drive cable. The pin 1 of the cable is typically designated by a stripe of different color. For purchasing the optional floppy disk drive cable, please contact the local dealer.

33	1
34	2

8)IDE (IDE Connector)

The IDE connector supports up to two IDE devices such as hard drives and optical drives. Before attaching 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 configuring master/slave settings for the IDE devices, read the instructions from the device manufacturers.)

39	1
40	2

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Hardware Installation

9)SATA2_0/1/2/3/4/5 (SATA 3Gb/s Connectors, Controlled by P55 Chipset)

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. The P55 Chipset supports RAID 0,

RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10. Refer to Chapter 5, "Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s)," for instructions on configuring a RAID array.

																			Pin No.	Definition
															SATA2_5	SATA2_3	SATA2_1		1	GND
						7												1	2	TXP
																			3	TXN
						7												1
																			4	GND
															SATA2_4	SATA2_2	SATA2_0
																			5	RXN
																			6	RXP
																			7	GND

10)GSATA3_6/7 (SATA 6Gb/s Connectors, Controlled by Marvell 9128)

The SATA connectors conform to SATA 6Gb/s standard and are compatible with SATA 3Gb/s and SATA

1.5Gb/s standards. Each SATA connector supports a single SATA device. The Marvell 9128 supports

RAID 0 and RAID 1. Refer to Chapter 5, "Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s)," for instructions on configuring a RAID array.

																	Pin No.	Definition
																	1	GND
																	2	TXP
															GSATA3_7		3	TXN
						7										1	4	GND
																	5	RXN
						7										1
																	6	RXP
															GSATA3_6
																	7	GND

Please connect the L-shaped end of the SATA 3Gb/s cable to your SATA hard drive.

•A RAID 0 or RAID 1 configuration requires at least two hard drives. If more than two hard drives are to be used, the total number of hard drives must be an even number.

•A RAID 5 configuration requires at least three hard drives. (The total number of hard drives does not have to be an even number.)

•A RAID 10 configuration requires at least four hard drives and the total number of hard drives must be an even number.

Hardware Installation

- 26 -

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/

Power

Sleep LED

Switch

Speaker

MSG+ MSG

-PW

SPEAK+

-SPEAK

2

- PW+

20

1

19

HD-

RES+

CI+

PWR+

PWR-

HD+

RES-

CI

-

Hard Drive

Reset

Power LED

Activity LED

Switch

Chassis Intrusion

Header

• 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 configure 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 issuing 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.

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Hardware Installation

12)F_AUDIO (Front Panel Audio Header)

The front panel audio header supports Intel High Definition 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:
						1										2	Pin No.	Definition		Pin No.	Definition
																	1	MIC2_L		1	MIC
																	2	GND		2	GND
						9										10	3	MIC2_R		3	MIC Power
																	4	-ACZ_DET		4	NC
																	5	LINE2_R		5	Line Out (R)
																	6	GND		6	NC
																	7	FAUDIO_JD		7	NC
																	8	No Pin		8	No Pin
																	9	LINE2_L		9	Line Out (L)
																	10	GND		10	NC

•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, "Configuring 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, "Configuring 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.

13)CD_IN (CD In Connector)

You may connect the audio cable that came with your optical drive to the header.

																			Pin No.	Definition
																			1	CD-L
																			2	GND
																			3	GND
																1
																			4	CD-R

Hardware Installation

- 28 -

14)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.

																			Pin No.	Definition
																			1	Power
																			2	SPDIFI
																			3	GND
																1

15)SPDIF_O (S/PDIF Out Header)

This header supports digital S/PDIF Out and connects a S/PDIF digital audio cable (provided by expansion 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.

	Pin No.	Definition
	1	SPDIFO
1	2	GND

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Hardware Installation

16)F_USB1/F_USB2 (USB Headers)

The headers conform to USB 2.0/1.1 specification. 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.	Definition
																				1	Power (5V)
						9													1	2	Power (5V)
																				3	USB DX-
						10													2
																				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.

17)F1_1394 (IEEE 1394a Header)

The header conforms to IEEE 1394a specification. The IEEE 1394a header can provide one IEEE 1394a port via an optional IEEE 1394a bracket. For purchasing the optional IEEE 1394a bracket, please contact the local dealer.

																				Pin No.	Definition
																				1	TPA+
						9													1	2	TPA-
						10													2	3	GND
																				4	GND
																				5	TPB+
																				6	TPB-
																				7	Power (12V)
																				8	Power (12V)
																				9	No Pin
																				10	GND

•Do not plug the USB bracket cable into the IEEE 1394a header.

•Prior to installing the IEEE 1394a bracket, be sure to turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the IEEE 1394a bracket.

•To connect an IEEE 1394a device, attach one end of the device cable to your computer and then attach the other end of the cable to the IEEE 1394a device. Ensure that the cable is securely connected.

Hardware Installation

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