Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD7 User Manual

GA-X58A-UD7

LGA1366 socket motherboard for Intel® Core™ i7 processor family

User's Manual

Rev. 2001

12ME-X58AUD7-2001R

dr aobr eht o M

GA-X58A-UD7

Motherboard

GA-X58A-UD7

Jun. 7, 2010

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-X58A-UD7 Motherboard Layout................................................................................			7
GA-X58A-UD7 Motherboard 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 Hybrid Silent-Pipe Module.........................................................		16
1-5	Installing the Memory......................................................................................		17
1-5-1 Dual/3 Channel Memory Configuration...................................................................			17
1-5-2		Installing a Memory ................................................................................................	18
1-6	Installing an Expansion Card..........................................................................		19
1-7	Setting up ATI CrossFireX™/NVIDIA SLI Configuration...................................		20
1-8	Installing the SATA Bracket.............................................................................		21
1-9	Back Panel Connectors..................................................................................		22
1-10	Onboard LEDs and Switches..........................................................................		24
1-11	Internal Connectors........................................................................................		27
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup...................................................................................................			37
2-1	Startup Screen................................................................................................		38
2-2	The Main Menu...............................................................................................		39
2-3	MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)........................................................................		41
2-4	Standard CMOS Features..............................................................................		51
2-5	Advanced BIOS Features...............................................................................		53
2-6	Integrated Peripherals....................................................................................		55
2-7	Power Management Setup.............................................................................		59
2-8	PC Health Status............................................................................................		61
2-9	Load Fail-Safe Defaults..................................................................................		63
2-10	Load Optimized Defaults................................................................................		63
2-11	Set Supervisor/User Password.......................................................................		64
2-12	Save & Exit Setup...........................................................................................		65
2-13	Exit Without Saving.........................................................................................		65

- 4 -

Chapter 3 Drivers Installation........................................................................................			67
3-1	Installing Chipset Drivers................................................................................		67
3-2	Application Software.......................................................................................		68
3-3	Technical Manuals..........................................................................................		68
3-4	Contact...........................................................................................................		69
3-5	System............................................................................................................		69
3-6	Download Center............................................................................................		70
3-7	New Utilities....................................................................................................		70
Chapter 4 Unique Features...........................................................................................			71
4-1	Xpress Recovery2..........................................................................................		71
4-2	BIOS Update Utilities......................................................................................		74
	4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility.............................................................		74
	4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility..............................................................		77
4-3	EasyTune 6.....................................................................................................		78
4-4 Dynamic Energy Saver™ 2..............................................................................			79
4-5	Q-Share..........................................................................................................		81
4-6	Smart 6™ .........................................................................................................		82
4-7	Auto Green.....................................................................................................		85
4-8 eXtreme Hard Drive (X.H.D)...........................................................................			86
4-9	Teaming ...............................................................................................		87
Chapter 5 Appendix		.......................................................................................................	89
5-1	Configuring .SATA Hard Drive(s) ....................................................................		89
	5-1-1 .Configuring Intel ICH10R SATA Controllers ..........................................................		89
	5-1-2 Configuring JMicron JMB362/GIGABYTE SATA2 SATA Controller.........................		97
	5-1-3 ............................................................Configuring Marvell 9128 SATA Controller		103
	5-1-4 ..........................................................Making a SATA RAID/AHCI Driver Diskette		108
	5-1-5 ..............................Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System		110
5-2 Configuring ..............................................................Audio Input and Output			123
	5-2-1 .................................................................	Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1 - Channel Audio	123
	5-2-2 ....................................................................................	Configuring S/PDIF In/Out	125
	5-2-3 ........................................................Enabling the Dolby Home Theater Function		127
	5-2-4 .......................................................................	Configuring Microphone Recording	128
	5-2-5 ....................................................................................Using the Sound Recorder		130
5-3	Troubleshooting............................................................................................		131
	5-3-1 ................................................................................	Frequently Asked Questions	131
	5-3-2 ...................................................................................	Troubleshooting Procedure	132
5-4	POST .........................................................................................Error Code		134
5-5	Regulatory .................................................................................Statements		138

- 5 -

Box Contents

GA-X58A-UD7 motherboard

Motherboard driver disk

User's Manual

Quick Installation Guide

One IDE cable

Four SATA cables

One SATA bracket

I/O Shield

One Hybrid Silent-Pipe module kit

One waterblock

One 2-Way SLI bridge connector

One 3-Way SLI bridge connector

•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)

- 6 -

GA-X58A-UD7 Motherboard Layout

KB_MS	CPU_FAN
KB_MS
ATX_12V_2X	CPU Voltage L1/2/3
R_SPDIF	CPU TEMP L1/2
CMOS_SW	LGA1366
CMOS_SW
USB_1394_ESATA_2
USB_1394_ESATA_1

USB_LAN			-UD7
USB30_LAN			X58A
JMicron JMB362
			GA-
AUDIOF	NEC	TEMPL1/2
AUDIOF		TEMPL1/2
AUDIO	D720200F1
	D720200F1
	PCIEX1_1 (Note 1)		Intel® X58
Realtek		NB	Intel® X58
RTL8111E	PCIEX1_2
Realtek
RTL8111E		NB Voltage L1/2/3
	NB_FAN		PCIEX16_1
			PCIEX16_1
SPDIF_I

FREQ. LED

SW	PHASE LED
RST_
	PW_SW

	VoltageDDRLED	FANPWR	ATX
			ATX
2 1	4 3 6 5 PHASELED	DDR PHASE LED
DDR3 DDR3	DDR3 DDR3 DDR3 DDR3 NB	SYS_FAN1
		SYS_FAN1
SB Voltage L1/2/3			SATA2_1
			SATA2_1
	BAT		SATA2_0
	BAT		SATA2_3
			SATA2_3
			SATA2_2

CODEC
	CD_IN
iTE		PCI
iTE	O
IT8720	O
	SPDIF	PCIEX8_2
		PCIEX8_2

M_BIOS

B_BIOS

PCIEX8_1	Marvell 9128	SATA2_5
	Marvell 9128	SATA2_4
	Intel® ICH10R	GSATA3_7
PCIEX16_2		GSATA3_7
PCIEX16_2		GSATA3_6
		GSATA2_9
		GSATA2_8
T.I. TSB43AB23	GIGABYTE SATA2 Debug
T.I. TSB43AB23	LED (Note 2)
F_1394	LED (Note 2)
F_1394
SYS_FAN3		IDE
SYS_FAN3	F_PANEL
	F_PANEL
FDD
SYS_FAN2 F_USB3 F_USB2	F_USB1

(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) For error code information, please refer to Chapter 5. - 7 -

GA-X58A-UD7 Motherboard Block Diagram

2 PCI Express x16

4 PCI Express x8

PCIe CLK

CPU CLK+/- (133 MHz)

(100 MHz)

LGA1366

CPU

DDR3 2200/1333/1066/800 MHz

Dual/3 Channel Memory

QPI

x16

Interface

IOH CLK (133 MHz)

Switch

Intel® X58

PCI Express Bus

LAN1

LAN2

PCIe CLK

(100 MHz)

PCIe CLK

RJ45

NEC

Marvell 9128

Realtek

D720200F1

(100 MHz)

Realtek

2 SATA 6Gb/s

RTL8111E

PCI Express Bus

2 USB

3.0/2.0

PCIe CLK

Dual BIOS

(100 MHz)

Intel® ICH10R

6 SATA 3Gb/s

JMicron JMB362

2 PCI Express x1

2 SATA 3Gb/s

12 USB 2.0/1.1 (Note)

2 SATA 3Gb/s

GIGABYTE

ATA-133/100/66/33 IDE Channel

SATA2

LPC

Floppy

PCI Bus

Bus

iTE

T.I. TSB43AB23

IT8720

CODEC

PS/2 KB/Mouse

			Out Out Out
	3 IEEE	1394a	Out Out Out
			Speaker Speaker Speaker
			Center/Subwoofer Side
(33 MHz)			Center/Subwoofer Side
			Surround
1 PCI

PCI CLK

(Note) Two share the same ports with eSATA.

In	S/PDIFIn S/PDIFOut
Out
MIC Line
Line

- 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 in the LGA1366 package
	(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)

L3 cache varies with CPU

QPI		4.8GT/s, 6.4GT/s

Chipset		North Bridge: Intel® X58 Express Chipset
	 South Bridge: Intel® ICH10R
Memory		6 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 24 GB of system memory (Note 1)
	 Dual/3 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 supported memory speeds and
		memory modules.)
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 Realtek RTL8111E chips (10/100/1000 Mbit)
		Support for Teaming
	 Support for Smart Dual LAN
Expansion Slots		2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x16 (PCIEX16_1/PCIEX16_2) (Note 2)
	 2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x8 (PCIEX8_1/PCIEX8_2) (Note 3)
		(The PCIEX16_1, PCIEX16_2, PCIEX8_1 and PCIEX8_2 slots conform to PCI
		Express 2.0 standard.)
	 2 x PCI Express x1 slots
	 1 x PCI slot
Multi-Graphics		Support for 2-Way/3-Way ATI CrossFireX™/NVIDIA SLI technology
Technology
Storage Interface		South Bridge:
		-	6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATA2_0~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
		GIGABYTE SATA2 chip:
		-	1 x IDE connector supporting ATA-133/100/66/33 and up to 2 IDE devices
		-	2 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (GSATA2_8, GSATA2_9) supporting up to
			2 SATA 3Gb/s devices
		-	Support for SATA RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD

Hardware Installation

- 10 -

Storage Interface		JMicron JMB362 chip:
		- 2 x eSATA 3Gb/s connectors (eSATA/USB Combo) on the back panel sup-
		porting up to 2 SATA 3Gb/s devices
		- Support for SATA RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD
		iTE IT8720 chip:
		- 1 x floppy disk drive connector supporting up to 1 floppy disk drive
USB		South Bridge:
		- Up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 on the back panel, including 2 eSATA/USB
		Combo, 6 via the USB brackets connected to the internal USB headers)
		NEC D720200F1 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 8 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
	w 2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
	w 1 x CPU fan header
	w 3 x system fan headers
	w 1 x power fan header
	w 1 x North Bridge 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 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
	w 1 x IEEE 1394a header
	w 1 x power button
	w 1 x reset button
Back Panel	w 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
Connectors	w 1 x PS/2 mouse port
	w 1 x coaxial S/PDIF Out connector
	w 1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
	w 1 x clearing CMOS button
	w 2 x IEEE 1394a ports
	w 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
	w 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
	w 2 x eSATA/USB Combo connectors
	w 2 x RJ-45 ports
	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


	- 11 -	Hardware Installation

Hardware Monitor w System voltage detection

w CPU/System/North Bridge temperature detection

wCPU/System/Power fan speed detection

wCPU overheating warning

wCPU 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 6™

w Support for Auto Green

w Support for eXtreme Hard Drive (X.H.D) w Support for ON/OFF Charge

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

(Note 1) Due to Windows 32-bit operating system limitation, when more than 4 GB of physical memory is installed, the actual memory size displayed will be less than 4 GB.

(Note 2) For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16_1 slot; if you are installing two PCI Express graphics cards, it is recommended that you install them in the PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2 slots.

(Note 3) The PCIEX8_1 and PCIEX8_2 slots share bandwidth with the PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2 slots respectively. When PCIEX8_1 is populated with an expansion card, the PCIEX16_1 slot will operate at up to x8 mode; when PCIEX8_2 is populated with an expansion card, the PCIEX16_2 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.

LGA1366 CPU Socket

Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket

									Alignment Key	Alignment Key
									LGA1366 CPU	Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU

Notch

- 13 -

Hardware Installation

B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.

Before installing the CPU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the CPU.

CPU Socket Lever

Step 1:

Completely raise the CPU socket lever.

Step 3:

Use your thumb and index finger to hold the protective socket cover as indicated and lift it up vertically. (DO NOT touch socket contacts. To protect the CPU socket, always replace the protective socket cover when the CPU is not installed.)

Step 2:

Lift the metal load plate from the CPU socket.

Step 4:

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:

Once the CPU is properly inserted, replace the load plate and push the CPU socket lever back into its locked position.

Hardware Installation

- 14 -

1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler

Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the motherboard. (The following procedure uses Intel® boxed cooler as the example cooler.)

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

Step 1:

Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the installed CPU.

Step 3:

Place the cooler atop the CPU, aligning the four push pins through the pin holes on the motherboard. Push down on the push pins diagonally.

Step 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 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 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 Hybrid Silent-Pipe Module

Read the following guideline before you begin to install the Hybrid Silent-Pipe module:

If you want to connect the front audio module from your chassis to the F_AUDIO connector on the motherboard, be sure to connect it before installing the Hybrid Silent-Pipe module to avoid interference.

Tools needed:

1.A Philip's screwdriver

2.Thermal grease

3.Screws included with the motherboard

Hybrid Silent-Pipe

Follow the steps below to install the Hybrid Silent-Pipe module:

Step 1:

Apply an even thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the North Bridge heatsink base and its grooves.

Step 3:

Secure the Hybrid SilentPipe heatsink to the heatsink base by the included screws. (Use one hand to hold the top of the fins to avoid shaking.)

Step 2:

Position the heatpipe underneath the heatsink of the Hybrid Silent-Pipe module into the tunnel of the North Bridge heatsink base.

Step 4:

The picture on the left shows that four screws are fastened to the heatsink and heatsink base.

Step 5:

Secure the Hybrid Silent-Pipe bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw to complete the installation.

If you want to set up a water cooling system, be sure to replace the North Bridge heatsink fins with the waterblock before installing the Hybrid Silent-Pipe module:

Remove the screws from the heatsink fins, install the included waterblock (apply an even thin layer of thermal grease between the waterblock and heatsink), and then fasten it with screws.

For the waterblock, please use 3/8" ID x 1/2" OD or 3/8" ID x 5/8" OD tube. After connecting the tubes, make sure they are attached to the waterblock securely and tightly and there is no leak.

(Note) The components received may vary in appearance from the products illustrated.

Hardware Installation

- 16 -

1-5 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 supported memory speeds and momery moudles.)

•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.

1-5-1 Dual/3 Channel Memory Configuration

This motherboard provides six DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual/3 Channel Technology. After the memory is installed, the BIOS will automatically detect the

specifications and capacity of the memory. Dual or 3 Channel memory mode may double or triple the original memory bandwidth.

The six DDR3 memory sockets are divided into three channels:

Channel 0: DDR3_1, DDR3_2

Channel 1: DDR3_3, DDR3_4 Channel 2: DDR3_5, DDR3_6

DDR3_2 DDR3_1 DDR3_4 DDR3_3 DDR3_6 DDR3_5

Dual Channel Memory Configurations Table

	DDR3_2	DDR3_1	DDR3_4	DDR3_3	DDR3_6	DDR3_5
Two Modules	- -	DS/SS	- -	DS/SS	- -	- -

Four Modules	DS/SS	DS/SS	DS/SS	DS/SS	- -	- -

3 Channel Memory Configurations Table

	DDR3_2	DDR3_1	DDR3_4	DDR3_3	DDR3_6	DDR3_5
Three Modules	- -	DS/SS	- -	DS/SS	- -	DS/SS

Four Modules	DS/SS	DS/SS	- -	DS/SS	- -	DS/SS

Six Modules	DS/SS	DS/SS	DS/SS	DS/SS	DS/SS	DS/SS

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

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

Due to chipset limitation, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual or 3 Channel mode.

Dual Channel--

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 modules, it is recommended that memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules, be sure to install them in the DDR3_1 and DDR3_3 sockets.

3 Channel--

1.3 Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one or two DDR3 memory modules are installed.

2.When enabling 3 Channel mode with three, four or six modules, it is recommended that memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used. When enabling 3 Channel mode with three memory modules, be sure to install them in the DDR3_1, DDR3_3 and DDR3_5 sockets. When enabling 3 Channel mode with four memory modules, be sure to install them in the DDR3_1, DDR3_2, DDR3_3 and DDR3_5 sockets.

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Hardware Installation

1-5-2 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.

Hardware Installation

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1-6 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.

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Hardware Installation

1-7 Setting up ATI CrossFireX™/NVIDIA SLI Configuration

A.System Requirements

-The 2-Way CrossFireX/SLItechnology currently supports Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 operating systems

-The 3-Way CrossFireX/SLI technology currectly supports Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems only

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

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

(Current ATI GPUs that support 3-Way CrossFireX technology include the Radeon HD 3800 series, Radeon HD 4800 and Radeon HD 58XX series. Current NVIDIA GPUs that support 3-Way SLI technology include the 8800 GTX, 8800 Ultra, 9800 GTX, GTX 260 and GTX 280.)

-One/two CrossFireX (Note)/SLI bridge connectors

-Apower 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/three CrossFireX/SLI graphics cards on the PCI

Express x16 slots. (To set up a 2-Way configuration, we recommend installing the graphics cards on the PCIEX16_1 and

PCIEX16_2 slots.)

Step 2:

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

Step 3:

Plug the display cable into the graphics card on the PCIEX16_1 slot.

C. Configuring the Graphics Card Driver

C-1. To Enable CrossFireX Function

For 2-Way CrossFireX: After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to the Catalyst Control Center. Browse to the

CrossFireX menu and select the Enable CrossFireX™ check box. Click OK to apply.

For 3-Way CrossFireX: Browse to the CrossFireX menu, select the Enable CrossFireX™ check box, and select the 3 GPUs combination. Click OK to apply.

C-2. To Enable SLI Function

	For 2-Way SLI:	For 3-Way SLI:
	After installing the graph-	Browse to the Set SLI
	ics card driver in the	and PhysX configura-
	ics card driver in the	and PhysX configura-
	operating system, go	tion screen and ensure
	operating system, go	tion screen and ensure
	to the NVIDIA Control	PhysX and 3-way are
	Panel. Browse to the	enabled.
	S e t S L I a n d P h y s X
	configuration screen and
	ensure PhysX and SLI
	are enabled.
(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 Cross-

FireX technology.

Hardware Installation

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1-8 Installing the SATA Bracket

The SATA bracket allows you to connect external SATA device(s) to your system by expanding the internal SATA port(s) to the chassis back panel.

•Turn off your system and the power switch on the power supply before installing or removing the SATA bracket and SATA power cable to prevent damage to hardware.

•Insert the SATA signal cable and SATA power cable securely into the corresponding connectors when installing.

SATA Bracket	SATA Signal Cable		SATA Power Cable

	The SATA bracket includes one SATA bracket, one
External SATA	SATA signal cable, and one SATA power cable.
Connector	Power Connector
	External SATA Connector

Follow the steps below to install the SATA bracket:

Step 1:

Locate one free PCI slot and secure the SATA bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.

Step 3:

Connect the power c a b l e f r o m t h e bracket to the power supply.

Step 5:

Step 2:

Connect the SATA cable from the bracket to the SATA port on your motherboard.

Step 4:

Plug one end of the SATA signal cable into the external SATA c o n n e c t o r o n t h e bracket. Then attach the SATA power cable to the power connector on the bracket.

Connect the other ends of the SATA signal cable and SATA power cable to your SATA device. For SATA device in external enclosure, you only need to connect the SATA signal cable. Before connecting the SATA signal cable, make sure to turn off the power of the external enclosure.

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Hardware Installation

1-9 Back Panel Connectors

clr CMOS

PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Port

Use the upper port (green) to connect a PS/2 mouse and the lower port (purple) to connect a PS/2 keyboard.

Optical S/PDIF Out Connector

This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital optical audio. Before using this feature, ensure that your audio system provides an optical digital audio in connector.

Coaxial S/PDIF Out Connector

This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital coaxial audio. Before using this feature, ensure that your audio system provides a coaxial digital audio in connector.

Clearing CMOS Button

Press the clearing CMOS switch to clear CMOS values.

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.

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.

eSATA/USB Combo Connector

This connector supports SATA 3Gb/s and USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Use the port to connect an external

SATA device or a SATA port multiplier; or use this port for USB devices such as a USB keyboard/mouse,

USB printer, USB flash drive and etc.

RJ-45 LAN Port

The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 1 Gbps data rate. The following describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.

Connection/

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

•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

1-10 Onboard LEDs and Switches

Overvoltage LEDs

This motherboard contains 4 sets of overvoltage LEDs which indicate the overvoltage level of the CPU, memory, North Bridge, and South Bridge.

CPU Voltage		DDR Voltage
Off: Normal condition		Off: Normal condition
L1: Level 1	(Slight, green)	L1: Level 1	(Slight, green)
L2: Level 2	(Moderate, yellow)	L2: Level 2	(Moderate, yellow)
L3: Level 3	(High, red)	L3: Level 3	(High, red)

NB Voltage

SB Voltage

Off: Normal condition

L1: Level 1

(Slight, green)

L1: Level 1

(Slight, green)

L2: Level 2

(Moderate, yellow)

L2: Level 2

(Moderate, yellow)

L3: Level 3

(High, red)

L3: Level 3

(High, red)

Overclock LEDs

The onboard CPU overclock LEDs indicate on which level the CPU is overclocked. The higher the overclock level, the more the number of lighted LEDs.

FREQ. LED

Off: Normal condition F_LED1~F_LED5: Blue

Temperature Indicator LEDs

The two sets of temperature indicator LEDs indicate the temperature level of the CPU and North Bridge. The LEDs are off when the temperature is below 60oC; the green LED lights up when the temperature is between 61~80oC; the red LED is illuminated when the temperature exceeds 80oC.

									CPU TEMP	NB TEMP
									Off: Below 60oC	Off: Below 60oC
									L1: 61~ 80oC (green)	L1: 61~ 80oC (green)
									L2: Over 80oC (red)	L2: Over 80oC (red)

Hardware Installation

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Quick Switches

This motherboard has 2 quick buttons: power button and reset button. The power button and reset button allow users to quickly turn on/off or reset the computer in an open-case environment when they want to change hardware components or conduct hardware testing.

PW_SW: Power switch

RST_SW: Reset switch

PHASE LED

The number of lighted LEDs indicates the CPU loading. The higher the CPU loading, the more the number of lighted LEDs. To enable the Phase LED display function, please first enable Dynamic Energy Saver 2. Refer to Chapter 4, "Dynamic Energy Saver 2," for more details.

NB PHASE LED

The number of lighted LEDs indicates the North Bridge loading. The higher the North Bridge loading, the more the number of lighted LEDs.

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Hardware Installation

DDR PHASE LED

The number of lighted LEDs indicates the memory loading. The higher the memory loading, the more the number of lighted LEDs.

Hardware Installation

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1-11 Internal Connectors

1		3

14			12
			4
16			9
6			9
6
			11
15			10
17			19
			8
7	4	18	13

1)	ATX_12V_2X	11)	GSATA3_6/7
2)	ATX	12)	BAT
3)	CPU_FAN	13)	F_PANEL
4)	SYS_FAN1/2/3	14)	F_AUDIO
5)	PWR_FAN	15)	CD_IN
6)	NB_FAN	16)	SPDIF_I
7)	FDD	17)	SPDIF_O
8)	IDE	18)	F_USB1/F_USB2/F_USB3
9)	SATA2_0/1/2/3/4/5	19)	F_1394
10)	GSATA2_8/9

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.

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Hardware Installation

1/2) ATX_12V_2X/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.

					ATX_12V_2X:
			8	4	Pin No.	Definition
			8	4	1	GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
					1	GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
					2	GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
			5	1	3	GND
			5	1	4	GND
			ATX_12V_2X		4	GND
			ATX_12V_2X		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

Hardware Installation

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3/4/5) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/SYS_FAN2/SYS_FAN3/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/SYS_FAN3) 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

GND

CPU_FAN

+12V / Speed Control

Sense

Speed Control

SYS_FAN2:

Pin No.

Definition

GND

SYS_FAN2

+12V / Speed Control

Sense

Reserve

SYS_FAN1/SYS_FAN3/PWR_FAN:

Pin No.

Definition

SYS_FAN1/PWR_FAN

GND

+12V

Sense

SYS_FAN3

6)NB_FAN (North Bridge Fan Header)

Connect the North Bridge 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 color-coded 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	1	GND
	1	GND
	2	+12V



	3	NC

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

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

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Hardware Installation

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

Hardware Installation

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