Intel GA-8I915PL-G User Manual

GA-8I915PL-G

Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 Processor Motherboard

User's Manual

Rev. 1001

12ME-8I915PLG-1001

Jan. 25, 2005

GA-8I915PL-G

Motherboard

Jan. 25, 2005

GA-8I915PL-G

Motherboard

The trademarks mentioned in the manual are legally registered to their respective companies.

Notice

The written content provided with this product is the property of Gigabyte.

No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, or transmitted in any form or by any

means without Gigabyte's prior written permission. Specifications and features are subject to

change without prior notice.

Product Manual Classification

In order to assist in the use of this product, Gigabyte has categorized the user manual in the

following:

 For quick installation, please refer to the "Hardware Installation Guide" included with the

product.

 For detailed product information and specifications, please carefully read the

"Product User Manual".

 For detailed information related to Gigabyte's unique features, please go to "Technology

Guide" section on Gigabyte's website to read or download the information you need.

For more product details, please click onto Gigabyte's website at www.gigabyte.com.tw

Table of Contents

GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard Layout ............................................................................. 6

Block Diagram ............................................................................................................... 7

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation.................................................................................... 9

1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation ................................................................. 9

1-2 Feature Summary .......................................................................................... 10

1-3 Installation of the CPU and Heatsink ............................................................ 12

1-3-1 Installation of the CPU .......................................................................................... 12

1-3-2 Installation of the Heatsink ................................................................................... 13

1-4 Installation of Memory ................................................................................... 14

1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards .................................................................... 16

1-6 I/O Back Panel Introduction .......................................................................... 17

1-7 Connectors Introduction ................................................................................ 18

Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ............................................................................................... 29

The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : D2) ....................................................... 30

2-1 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 31

2-2 Advanced BIOS Features ............................................................................. 34

2-3 Integrated Peripherals ................................................................................... 36

2-4 Power Management Setup ............................................................................ 39

2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations ................................................................................ 41

2-6 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 42

2-7 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ...................................................................... 43

2-8 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................ 46

2-9 Load Optimized Defaults ............................................................................... 46

2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 47

2-11 Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................... 48

2-12 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 48

- 4 -

Chapter 3 Install Drivers ............................................................................................ 49

3-1 Install Chipset Drivers ................................................................................... 49

3-2 Software Applications .................................................................................... 50

3-3 Driver CD Information ................................................................................... 50

3-4 Hardware Information .................................................................................... 51

3-5 Contact Us ..................................................................................................... 51

Chapter 4 Appendix ................................................................................................... 53

4-1 Unique Software Utilities ............................................................................... 53

4-1-1 EasyTune 5 Introduction ....................................................................................... 54

4-1-2 Xpress Recovery Introduction .............................................................................. 55

4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction .......................................................................... 58

4-1-4 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction ........................................... 67

4-1-5 Jack-Sensing and UAJ Introduction ..................................................................... 71

4-2 Troubleshooting............................................................................................. 73

- 5 -

GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard Layout

KB_MS

R_USB

USB

AUDIO1

AUDIO2

CODEC

COMA

LPT

COMB

F_AUDIO

Marvell

8001

LAN

BIOS

SPDIF_IO

IT8712

CD_IN

ATX_12V

PCIE_1

PCIE_2

LGA775

Intel 915PL

F_USB1

PCI1

PCI2

PCI3

CPU_FAN

PCIE_16

CLR_CMOS

BAT

GA-8I915PL-G

DDR1

ICH6

IDE1

FDD

F_USB2

PWR_LED

ATX

DDR2

SATA3

SATA2

SATA1

SATA0

SYS_FAN

F_PANEL

- 6 -

Block Diagram

PCI-ECLK

(100MHz)

PCI-ECLK

(100MHz)

3 PCI

PCI Express x16

2 PCI Express x 1 Ports

PCI Express x1 Bus

PCI Bus

Marvell

8001

RJ45

LGA775

Processor

Intel

915PL

MCH

CODEC

MIC

Line-Out

Interface

Intel

ICH6

Line-In

SPDIF In

CPUCLK+/-(200/133MHz)

Host

MCHCLK (133/200MHz)

8 USB

Ports

SPDIF Out

DDR 400/333MHz DIMM

Dual Channel Memory

66MHz 33MHz

14.318MHz 48MHz

BIOS

4 Serial ATA

ATA33/66/100

IDE1 Channels

Floppy

LPT Port

IT 8712

COM Ports

24MHz

33MHz

PS/2 KB/Mouse

PCICLK

(33MHz)

Side Speaker Out

Surround Speaker Out

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out

- 7 -

- 8 -

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation

Preparing Your Computer

The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Thus, prior to installation, please follow the instructions below:

1. Please turn off the computer and unplug its power cord.

2. When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.

3. It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) cuff when handling electronic components (CPU, RAM).

4. Prior to installing the electronic components, please have these items on top of an antistatic pad or within a electrostatic shielding container.

5. Please verify that you the power supply is switched off before unplugging the power supply connector from the motherboard.

Installation Notices

1. Prior to installation, please do not remove the stickers on the motherboard. These stickers are required for warranty validation.

2. Prior to the installation of the motherboard or any hardware, please first carefully read the information in the provided manual.

3. Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors are connected.

4. To prevent damage to the motherboard, please do not allow screws to come in contact with the motherboard circuit or its components.

5. Please make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or within the computer casing.

6. Please do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.

7. Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system components as well as physical harm to the user.

8. If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the product, please consult a certified computer technician.

English

Instances of Non-Warranty

1. Damage due to natural disaster, accident or human cause.

2. Damage as a result of violating the conditions recommended in the user manual.

3. Damage due to improper installation.

4. Damage due to use of uncertified components.

5. Damage due to use exceeding the permitted parameters.

6. Product determined to be an unofficial Gigabyte product.

Hardware Installation- 9 -

English

1-2 Feature Summary

CPU  Supports the latest Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 CPU

 Supports 800/533MHz FSB  L2 cache varies with CPU

Chipset  Northbridge: Intel® 915PL Express Chipset

 Southbridge: Intel® ICH6

Memory  2 DDR DIMM memory slots (supports up to 2GB memory)

 Supports 2.5V DDR DIMM  Supports dual channel DDR 400/333 DIMM

Slots  1 PCI Express x 16 slot

 2 PCI Express x 1 slots  3 PCI slots

IDE Connections  1 IDE connection (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100), allows connection of 2

IDE devices(IDE1) FDD Connections  1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices Onboard SATA  4 Serial ATA connections Peripherals  1 parallel port supporting Normal/EPP/ECP mode

 2 Serial port (COMA/COMB)  8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (rear x 4, front x 4 via cable)  1 front audio connector  1 IR connector  1 PS/2 keyboard port  1 PS/2 mouse port

Onboard LAN  Onboard Marvell 8001 chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)

 1 RJ 45 port

Onboard Audio  ALC850 CODEC (UAJ)

 Supports Jack Sensing function  Supports 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 channel audio  Supports Line In ; Line Out (Front Speaker Out) ; MIC ; Surround Speaker Out

(Rear Speaker Out) ; Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out ;

Side Speaker Out connection

 Supports SPDIF In/Out connection  CD In

GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard - 10 -

I/O Control  IT8712 Hardware Monitor  System voltage detection

 CPU temperature detection  CPU / System fan speed detection  CPU warning temperature  CPU / System fan failure warning  CPU smart fan control

BIOS  Use of licensed AWARD BIOS

 Supports Q-Flash

Additional Features  Supports @BIOS

 Supports EasyTune 5

Overclocking  Over Voltage via BIOS (CPU/DDR/PCI-E/FSB)

 Over Clock via BIOS (CPU/DDR/PCIE)

Form Factor  ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 22.0cm

English

Hardware Installation- 11 -

English

1-3 Installation of the CPU and Heatsink

Before installing the CPU, please comply with the following conditions:

1. Please make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.

2. Please take note of the one indented corner of the CPU. If you install the CPU in the wrong direction, the CPU will not insert properly. If this occurs, please change the insert direction of the CPU.

3. Please add an even layer of heat sink paste between the CPU and heatsink.

4. Please make sure the heatsink is installed on the CPU prior to system use, otherwise overheating and permanent damage of the CPU may occur.

5. Please set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the processor specifications. It is not recommended that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specifications since it does not meet the required standards for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency beyond the proper specifications, please do so according to your hardware specifications including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.

HT functionality requirement content :

Enabling the functionality of Hyper-Threading Technology for your computer system requires all of the following platform components:

- CPU: An Intel® Pentium 4 Processor with HT Technology

- Chipset: An Intel® Chipset that supports HT Technology

- BIOS: A BIOS that supports HT Technology and has it enabled

- OS: An operation system that has optimizations for HT Technology

1-3-1 Installation of the CPU

Metal Lever

Fig. 1 Gently lift the metal lever located on the CPU socket to the upright position.

Fig. 2 Remove the plastic covering on the CPU socket.

Fig. 3 Notice the small gold colored triangle located on the edge of the CPU socket. Align the indented corner of the

CPU with the triangle and gently insert the CPU into position. (Grasping the CPU firmly between your thumb and forefinger, carefully place it into the socket in a straight and downwards motion. Avoid twisting or bending motions that might cause damage to the CPU during installation.)

GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard - 12 -

Fig. 4 Once the CPU is properly inserted, please replace the load plate and push the metal lever back into its original position.

1-3-2 Installation of the Heatsink

English

Male Push Pin

The top of Female Push Pin

Female Push Pin

Fig.1 Please apply an even layer of heatsink paste on the surface of the installed CPU.

Fig. 3 Place the heatsink atop the CPU and make sure the push pins aim to the pin hole on the motherboard.Pressing down the push pins diagonally.

Fig. 5 Please check the back of motherboard after installing. If the push pin is inserted as the picture, the installation is complete.

Fig. 2 (Turning the push pin along the direction of arrow is to remove the heatsink, on the contrary, is to install.) Please note the direction of arrow sign on the male push pin doesn't face inwards before installation. (This instruction is only for Intel boxed fan)

Fig. 4 Please make sure the Male and Female push pin are joined closely. (for detailed installation instructions, please refer to the heatsink installation section of the user manual)

Fig. 6 Finally, please attach the power connector of the heatsink to the CPU fan header located on the motherboard.

The heatsink may adhere to the CPU as a result of hardening of the heatsink paste.To prevent such an occurrence, it is suggested that either thermal tape rather than heat sink paste be used for heat dissipation or using extreme care when removing the heatsink.

Hardware Installation- 13 -

1-4 Installation of Memory

English

Before installing the memory modules, please comply with the following conditions:

1. Please make sure that the memory used is supported by the motherboard. It is recommended that memory of similar capacity, specifications and brand be used.

2. Before installing or removing memory modules, please make sure that the computer power is switched off to prevent hardware damage.

3. Memory modules have a foolproof insertion design. A memory module can be installed in only one direction. If you are unable to insert the module, please switch the direction.

The motherboard supports DDR memory modules, whereby BIOS will automatically detect memory capacity and specifications. Memory modules are designed so that they can be inserted only in one direction. The memory capacity used can differ with each slot.

Notch

DDR

Fig.1 The DIMM socket has a notch, so the DIMM memory module can only fit in one direction. Insert the DIMM memory module vertically into the DIMM socket. Then push it down.

Fig.2 Close the plastic clip at both edges of the DIMM sockets to lock the DIMM module. Reverse the installation steps when you wish to remove the DIMM module.

GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard - 14 -

Dual Channel DDR

GA-8I915PL-G supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will add double. GA-8I915PL-G includes 2 DIMM sockets, and each Channel has two DIMM sockets as following:

Channel A : DDR 1

Channel B : DDR 2 If you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please note the following explanations due to the limitation of Intel chipset specifications.

1. If one DDR memory modules are installed: The Dual Channel Technolog cannot operate when one

DDR memory modules are installed.

2. If two DDR memory modules are installed, please use memory of the same storage capacity in

order to use dual channel memory and for BIOS to detect all the DDR memory modules.

We'll strongly recommend our user to slot two DDR memory modules into the DIMMs with the same color in order for Dual Channel Technology to work. The following table is for Dual Channel Technology combination: (DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side)

DDR 1 DDR 2

2 memory modules

DS/SS DS/SS

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Hardware Installation- 15 -

English

1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards

You can install your expansion card by following the steps outlined below:

1. Read the related expansion card's instruction document before install the expansion card into the computer.

2. Remove your computer's chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the computer.

3. Press the expansion card firmly into expansion slot in motherboard.

4. Be sure the metal contacts on the card are indeed seated in the slot.

5. Replace the screw to secure the slot bracket of the expansion card.

6. Replace your computer's chassis cover.

7. Power on the computer, if necessary, setup BIOS utility of expansion card from BIOS.

8. Install related driver from the operating system.

Installing a PCI Express x 16 expansion card:

Please carefully pull out the small whitedrawable bar at the end of the PCI Express x 16 slot when you try to install/Uninstall the VGA card. Please align the VGA card to the onboard PCI Express x 16 slot and press firmly down on the slot .Make sure your VGA card is locked by the small white-drawable bar.

GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard - 16 -

1-6 I/O Back Panel Introduction

PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Connector

To install a PS/2 port keyboard and mouse, plug the mouse to the upper port (green) and the keyboard to the lower port (purple).

Parallel Port

The parallel port allows connection of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices.

/ COM A/COM B (Serial Port)

Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.

USB Port

Before you connect your device(s) into USB connector(s), please make sure your device(s) such as USB keyboard, mouse, scanner, zip, speaker...etc. have a standard USB interface. Also make sure your OS supports USB controller. If your OS does not support USB controller, please contact OS vendor for possible patch or driver upgrade. For more information please contact your OS or device(s) vendors.

LAN Port

The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet, providing data transfer speeds of 10/100/1000Mbps.

Line In

Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.

Line Out (Front Speaker Out)

Connect the stereo speakers, earphone or front surround speakers to this connector.

MIC In

Microphone can be connected to MIC In jack.

Rear Speaker Out

Connect the rear surround speakers to this connector.

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out

Connect the Center/Subwoofer speakers to this connector.

Side Speaker Out

Connect the side surround speakers to this connector.

English

You can use audio software to configure 2-/4-/6-/8-channel audio functioning.

Hardware Installation- 17 -

English

1-7 Connectors Introduction

1) ATX_12V

2) ATX (Power Connector)

3) CPU_FAN

4) SYS_FAN

5) FDD

6) IDE1

7) SATA0 / SATA1 / SATA2 / SATA3

8) F_PANEL

9) PWR_LED

4 5

131117

916

10) F_AUDIO

11) CD_IN

12) SPDIF_IO

13) F_USB1 / F_USB2

14) IR

15) CI

16) CLR_CMOS

17) BAT

GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard - 18 -

1/2) ATX_12V/ATX (Power Connector)

With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all the components on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, please make sure that all components and devices are properly installed. Align the power connector with its proper location on the motherboard and connect tightly. The ATX_12V power connector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the ATX_12V power connector is not connected, the system will not start. Caution! Please use a power supply that is able to handle the system voltage requirements. It is recommended that a power supply that can withstand high power consumption be used (300W or greater). If a power supply is used that does not provide the required power, the result can lead to an unstable system or a system that is unable to start. If you use a 24-pin ATX power supply, please remove the small cover on the power connector

on the motherboard before plugging in the power cord ; Otherwise, please do not remove it.

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

2 GND

3 +12V

4 +12V

Pin No. Definition

1 3.3V

2 3.3V

3 GND

4 +5V

5 GND

6 +5V

7 GND

8 Power Good

9 5V SB(stand by +5V)

10 +12V

11 +12V

12 3.3V(Only for 24pins ATX)

13 3.3V

14 -12V

15 GND

16 PS_ON(soft On/Off)

17 GND

18 GND

19 GND

20 -5V

21 +5V

22 +5V

23 +5V

24 GND

English

Hardware Installation- 19 -

English

3/4) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN (Cooler Fan Power Connector)

The cooler fan power connector supplies a +12V power voltage via a 3-pin/4-pin (only for CPU_FAN) power connector and possesses a foolproof connection design. Most coolers are designed with color-coded power connector wires. A red power connector wire indicates a positive connection and requires a +12V power voltage. The black connector wire is the ground wire (GND). Please remember to connect the power to the cooler to prevent system overheating and failure. Caution! Please remember to connect the power to the CPU fan to prevent CPU overheating and failure.

CPU_FAN

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

2 +12V

3 Sense

4 Speed Control

(Only for CPU_FAN)

SYS_FAN

5) FDD (Floppy Connector)

The FDD connector is used to connect the FDD cable while the other end of the cable connects to the FDD drive. The types of FDD drives supported are: 360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, 1.44MB and 2.88MB. Please connect the red power connector wire to the pin1 position.

GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard - 20 -

6) IDE1 (IDE Connector)

An IDE device connects to the computer via an IDE connector. One IDE connector can connect to one IDE cable, and the single IDE cable can then connect to two IDE devices (hard drive or optical drive). If you wish to connect two IDE devices, please set the jumper on one IDE device as Master and the other as Slave (for information on settings, please refer to the instructions located on the IDE device).

English

7) SATA0/SATA1/SATA2/SATA3 (Serial ATA Connector)

Serial ATA can provide 150MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the Serial ATA and install the proper driver in order to work properly.

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

2 TXP

3 TXN

4 GND

5 RXN

6 RXP

7 GND

Hardware Installation- 21 -

English

8) F_PANEL (Front Panel Jumper)

Please connect the power LED, PC speaker, reset switch and power switch etc of your chassis front panel to the F_PANEL connector according to the pin assignment below.

Message LED/

Power/

Sleep LED

MSG+

2 1

HD+

IDE Hard Disk Active LED

HD (IDE Hard Disk Active LED) Pin 1: LED anode(+)

(Blue) Pin 2: LED cathode(-)

SPEAK (Speaker Connector) Pin 1: Power

(Amber) Pin 2- Pin 3: NC

Pin 4: Data(-)

RES (Reset Switch) Open: Normal

(Green) Close: Reset Hardware System

PW (Power Switch) Open: Normal

(Red) Close: Power On/Off

MSG(Message LED/Power/Sleep LED) Pin 1: LED anode(+)

(Yellow) Pin 2: LED cathode(-)

NC( Purple) NC

Power Switch

PW+

PW-

MSG-

HD-

RES+

RES-

Reset Switch

Speaker Connector

SPEAK+

SPEAK-

20 19

GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard - 22 -

9) PWR_LED

PWR_LED is connect with the system power indicator to indicate whether the system is on/off. It will blink when the system enters suspend mode.

Pin No. Definition

1 MPD+

2 MPD-

3 MPD-

10) F_AUDIO (Front Audio Connector)

If you want to use Front Audio connector, you must remove 5-6, 9-10 Jumper. In order to utilize the front audio header, your chassis must have front audio connector. Also please make sure the pin assigment on the cable is the same as the pin assigment on the MB header. To find out if the chassis you are buying support front audio connector, please contact your dealer.Please note, you can have the alternative of using front audio connector or of using rear audio connector to play sound.

English

Pin No. Definition

1 MIC

2 GND

3 MIC_BIAS

4 POWER

5 FrontAudio(R)

6 RearAudio(R)

7 Reserved

8 No Pin

9 FrontAudio (L)

10 RearAudio(L)

Hardware Installation- 23 -

English

11) CD_IN (CD IN)

Connect CD-ROM or DVD-ROM audio out to the connector.

Pin No. Definition

1 CD-L

2 GND

3 GND

4 CD-R

12) SPDIF_IO (SPDIF In/Out)

The SPDIF output is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or compressed AC3 data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder. Use this feature only when your stereo system has digital input function. Use SPDIF IN feature only when your device has digital output function. Be careful with the polarity of the SPDIF_IO connector. Check the pin assignment carefully while you connect the SPDIF cable, incorrect connection between the cable and connector will make the device unable to work or even damage it. For optional SPDIF cable, please contact your local dealer.

1625

GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard - 24 -

Pin No. Definition

1 Power

2 No Pin

3 SPDIF

4 SPDIFI

5 GND

6 GND

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