Intel GA-8N-SLI PRO, GA-8N-SLI, GA-8N-SLI ROYAL User Manual

GA-8N-SLI Royal/ GA-8N-SLI Pro/ GA-8N-SLI

Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition Intel® Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 LGA775 Processor Motherboard

User's Manual

Rev. 1004

12ME-8NSLIRO-1004

May 6, 2005

GA-8N-SLI Royal

Motherboard

May 6, 2005

GA-8N-SLI Royal

Motherboard

June 2, 2005

GA-8N-SLI Pro

Motherboard

June 2, 2005

GA-8N-SLI Pro

Motherboard

Oct. 26, 2005

Motherboard

GA-8N-SLI

Oct. 26, 2005

GA-8N-SLI

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-8N-SLI Royal / GA-8N-SLI Pro / GA-8N-SLI Motherboard Layout .......................... 8

Block Diagram ................................................................................................................ 9

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation ....................................................................................11

1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation ................................................................... 11

1-2 Feature Summary .......................................................................................... 12

1-3 Installation of the CPU and Heatsink .............................................................. 14

1-3-1 Installation of the CPU ......................................................................................... 14

1-3-2 Installation of the Heatsink .................................................................................. 15

1-4 Installing/Removing Cool-Plus (Northbridge Cooling Fan) ......................... 16

1-5 Installation of Memory .................................................................................... 16

1-6 Installation of Expansion Cards ...................................................................... 18

1-7 Installation of U-Plus DPS (Universal Plus Dual Power System) ................. 19

1-8 Setup of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) Configuration ....................................... 20

1-9 I/O Back Panel Introduction ........................................................................... 23

1-10 Connectors Introduction .................................................................................. 24

Chapter 2 BIOS Setup................................................................................................ 35

The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : GA-8N-SLI Royal F3l) ......................... 36

2-1 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 38

2-2 Advanced BIOS Features.............................................................................. 40

2-3 Integrated Peripherals ..................................................................................... 42

2-4 Power Management Setup ............................................................................. 45

2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations................................................................................. 47

2-6 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 48

2-7 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ....................................................................... 50

2-8 Select Language ............................................................................................. 53

2-9 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................... 53

2-10 Load Optimized Defaults ................................................................................. 53

2-11 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 54

2-12 Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................... 55

2-13 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 55

Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal. Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.

- 6 -

Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ...................................................................................... 57

3-1 Install Chipset Drivers .................................................................................... 57

3-2 Software Application ....................................................................................... 58

3-3 Software Information ....................................................................................... 58

3-4 Hardware Information ..................................................................................... 59

3-5 Contact Us..................................................................................................... 59

Chapter 4 Appendix ................................................................................................... 61

4-1 Unique Software Utilities ................................................................................ 61

4-1-1 EasyTune 5 Introduction ..................................................................................... 62

4-1-2 Xpress Recovery2 Introduction ......................................................................... 63

4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction ........................................................................ 65

4-1-4 Serial ATA BIOS Setting Utility Introduction ...................................................... 76

4-1-5 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction ...................................... 87

4-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 91

- 7 -

GA-8N-SLI Royal / GA-8N-SLI Pro / GA-8N-SLI Motherboard Layout

COAXIAL

SPDIF_O

KB_MS

COMA

USB

AUDIO1

AUDIO2

Marvell

8053 (LAN1)

LPT

F_AUDIO

Backup BIOS

CODEC

CD_IN

LAN2

LAN1

Main BIOS

VRM_CONN

CPU_FAN

ATX_12V

PCIE_12V

Marvell Phy (LAN2)

PCIE_2

SPDIF_IN

RF_ID

NB_FAN

PCIE_1

SLI Switch Module Socket

LGA775

nVIDIA

nForce 4 SLI

Intel Edition

PCIE_16_1

PCIE_16_2

PCI1

PCI2

TSB81BA3

ATX

FDD

IDE2

IDE1

DDRII1

DDRII2

DDRII3

DDRII4

GA-8N-SLI Royal (Pro)/GA-8N-SLI

TSB82AA2

ESATAII1

nVIDIA

MCP-04

PDC20779

SATAII2

BATTERY

SATAII1

IDE3

SYS_FAN

CLR_CMOS

PWR_FAN

IT8712F

F1_1394

F2_1394

F_USB1

F_USB2

Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal. Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.

- 8 -

F_USB3

ESATAII0

PWR_LED

SATAII3

SATAII0

F_PANEL

Block Diagram

1 PCIE x 16

PCI-ECLK

(100MHz)

Normal Mode

PCI-ECLK

(100MHz)

2 PCI Express x 1

2 PCIE x 8

Switch

PCI Express x 16 Bus

PCI Express Bus

x1 x1

LAN 2

PCI Bus

PDC20779

TSB82AA2

TSB81BA3

SLI Mode

Marvell

8053

RJ45

LAN 1

RJ45

PHY

Marvell

LGA775

Processor

nVIDIA

nForce 4 SLI

Intel Edition

nVIDIA

MCP-04

CODEC

Host

Interface

CPUCLK+/-(1066/800/533MHz)

DDRII 667/533MHz DIMM

Dual Channel Memory

NBCLK (25MHz)

HCLK+/- (133/200/266MHz)

33MHz 25MHz 48MHz

Dual BIOS

4 SATA 3Gb/s

ATA33/66/100/133 IDE Channels

LPC BUS

IT8712F

24 MHz

ROMCLK33MHz

Floppy

LPT Port

COM Port

MIC

Line-In

Line-Out

SPDIF In

Side Speaker Out

2PCI

2 SATA 3Gb/s

3 IEEE1394b

Surround Speaker Out

ATA33/66/100/133 IDE Channel

PCICLK

(33MHz)

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out

Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal. Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.

- 9 -

10 USB

Ports

SPDIF Out

24.576MHz

PS/2 KB/Mouse

33 MHz

- 10 -

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 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- 11 -

English

1-2 Feature Summary

Motherboard  GA-8N-SLI Royal or GA-8N-SLI Pro or GA-8N-SLI CPU  Supports LGA775 Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition/ Pentium® D /

Pentium® 4

 Supports 1066/800/533MHz FSB  L2 cache varies with CPU

Chipset  Northbridge: nVIDIA® nForce 4 SLI Intel Edition (Crush 19)

 Southbridge: nVIDIA® MCP-04  Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems

Memory  4 DDR II DIMM memory slots (supports up to 8GB memory)

 Supports dual channel DDR II 667/533 unbuffered DIMM  Supports 1.8V DDR II DIMM

Slots  2 PCI Express x 16 slots

 2 PCI Express x 1 slots  2 PCI slots

IDE Connections  2 ports from MCP-04 (IDE1/IDE2) (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100/ATA 133),

allows connection of 4 IDE devices

- Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems

 1 port from PDC20779 (IDE3)(UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100/ATA 133), allows

connection of 2 IDE hard drives

- Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems FDD Connections  1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices Onboard SATA 3Gb/s  6 SATA 3Gb/s ports:

4 ports from MCP-04 controller (SATAII0, SATAII1, SATAII2, SATAII3)

- Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems

2 ports from PDC20779 controller (ESATAII0, ESATAII1)

- Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems Peripherals  1 parallel port supporting Normal/EPP/ECP mode

 1 Serial port (COMA)  10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (rear x 4, front x 6 via cable)  3 IEEE1394b connectors (requires cable)  1 front audio connector  1 PS/2 keyboard port  1 PS/2 mouse port

Onboard LAN  Onboard Marvell 8053 chip (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN1)

 Onboard Marvell 88E1111/88E1115 phy (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN2)

- Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems

 2 RJ45 ports

(Note 1)

(Note 1) In SLI Mode, the two PCIE x 16 slots can run at up to x 8 respectively. In Normal Mode,

only the first PCIE x 16 slot (PCIE_16_1, color-coded blue) is available and can run at up to x 16.

Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal. Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.

P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 12 -

Onboard Audio  ALC850 CODEC

 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

 SPDIF_IN connection  SPDIF_Out (optical+coaxial) connection  CD_IN connection

I/O Control  IT8712F Hardware Monitor  System voltage detection

 CPU temperature detection  CPU / system / power fan speed detection  CPU warning temperature  CPU / system / power fan failure warning  CPU smart fan control

Onboard SATA 3Gb/s  Onboard nVIDIA® MCP-04 chipset RAID - supports data striping (RAID 0) or mirroring (RAID 1), striping +

mirroring (RAID 0+1) or RAID 5 function

- supports data transfer rate of up to 300 MB/s

- supports hot plugging function

- supports a maximum of 4 SATA 3Gb/s connections

- supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems

 Onboard Promise PDC20779 chip

- supports data striping (RAID 0) or mirroring (RAID 1) function

- supports data transfer rate of up to 300 MB/s

- supports hot plugging function

- supports a maximum of 2 SATA 3Gb/s connections

- supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems BIOS  Use of licensed AWARD BIOS

 Supports Dual BIOS /Q-Flash/Multilanguage BIOS

Additional Features  Supports U-Plus DPS

 Supports @BIOS  Supports EasyTune 5

Overclocking  Over Voltage via BIOS (FSB/DIMM/PCIE/SATA II/CPU)

 Over Clock via BIOS (CPU/DIMM/PCIE)

Form Factor  ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm

(Note 2)

English

(Note 2) EasyTune 5 functions may vary depending on different motherboards.

Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal. Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.

Hardware Installation- 13 -

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: A NVIDIA® 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.)

P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 14 -

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- 15 -

1-4 Installing/Removing Cool-Plus (Northbridge Cooling Fan)

English

Fig.1 To attach Cool-Plus to a heatsink, align the extensions on both sides with the grooves in the heatsink as shown. Firmly press down until it snaps into position.

Fig.3 Before proceeding, first check to make sure that the fan's power cable is disconnected. Then, while applying pressure to the top of the fan, carefully use a screwdriver to dislodge the extension on one side.

Exerting too much pressure on the fan during removal might cause the side extensions to break-off.

Fig.2 Once the fan is properly affixed onto the heatsink, plug the power cable into the NB_FAN connector.

1-5 Installation of Memory

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

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

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

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

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

Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal. Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.

P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 16 -

Notch

DDR II

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.

Dual Channel DDR II

GA-8N-SLI Royal/GA-8N-SLI Pro/GA-8N-SLI supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will double.

If you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please note the following explanations due to the

limitation of Intel chipset specifications.

1. Dual channel memory cannot be used if one or three DDR II memory modules are installed.

2. To enable Dual Channel mode with 2 or 4 memory modules, it is recommended to use memory modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed.

We'll strongly recommend our user to slot two DDR II memory modules into the DIMMs of the same color in order for Dual Channel Technology to work.

English

The following table is for Dual Channel Technology combination: (DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side)

DDR II 1 DDR II 2 DDR II 3 DDR II 4

2 memory modules

4 memory modules

DS/SS X DS/SS X

X DS/SS X DS/SS

DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS

Hardware Installation- 17 -

English

1-6 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.

P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 18 -

The PCIE_12V power connector supplies extra power to the PCI Express x 16 slots. Connect this connector depending on your system requirements.

1-7 Installation of U-Plus DPS (Universal Plus Dual Power System)

The U-Plus Dual Power System (U-Plus D.P.S.) is a revolutionary eight-phase power circuit built for ultimate system protection. Designed to withstand varying current levels and changes, the U-Plus DPS provides an immensely durable and stable power circuit to the CPU for solid system stability. These characteristics make it the ideal companion with the latest LGA775 Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor as well as future Intel® processors. As well, 4 blue LED's are mounted on the U-Plus D.P.S. for intelligent indication of system loading.

The U-Plus DPS can work in a Dual Power System: Parallel Mode-U-Plus DPS and motherboard CPU power can work simultaneously, providing a total of 8-phase power circuit.

How to install U-Plus DPS?

1. The U-Plus DPS socket (VRM_CONN) has a notch, so the U-Plus DPS can only fit in one direction.

2. Insert the U-Plus DPS vertically into the socket and then push it down.

3. Fix the U-Plus DPS on the motherbard with the clip.

4. Reverse the installation steps if you want to remove the U-Plus DPS.

English

Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.

Hardware Installation- 19 -

English

1-8 Setup of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) Configuration

The nVIDIA® nForce 4 SLI Intel Edition chipset offers blistering graphics performance with the ability to bridge two NVIDIA SLI-ready PCI ExpressTM graphics cards! The SLI design takes advantage of the increased bandwidth of the PCI ExpressTM bus architecture, features hardware and software innovations within NVIDIA GPU (graphics processing unit) and the nVIDIA nForce 4 SLI Intel Edition chipset. Together, the NVIDIA SLI technologies work seamlessly to allow two graphics cards to operate in parallel and share the work and deliver heart-pounding PC performance. This section introduces steps to configure an SLI system on the GA-8N-SLI Royal/GA-8N-SLI Pro/GA-8N-SLI motherboard.

Before You Begin--

I. Understanding the components:

 The SLI bridge connector (GC-SLICON)

The GC-SLICON is used to bridge two SLI-capable graphics cards in order to set up an SLI configuration.

GC-SLICON

 The SLI switch module (GC-SLISW-C19)

The GC-SLISW-C19 switch module is installed in the SLI switch module socket by factory default. This SLI switch module has gold edge connectors on two sides. One is SLI Mode and the other is Normal mode.

Normal Mode: When the SLI switch module is set to Normal Mode, the first PCIE x 16 slot (PCIE_16_1, color coded blue) is available and can operate at up to x 16 speed. Please note that the second PCIE x 16 slot is not available in Normal Mode.

SLI Mode: In SLI Mode, the two PCIE x 16 slots can operate in two ways:

1. You can install two SLI-capable PCIE x 16 graphics cards of the same model (Example:

GIGABYTE GV-NX66T128D) and link them together with the GC-SLICON bridge to enable SLI function to provide enhanced performance.

2. You can use them as two individual PCIE x16 slots and each slot provides up to x8

bandwidth.

 The SLI switch module (GC-SLISW-3D1)

For users who wish to install the GIGABYTE GV-3D1 graphics card on this motherboard, they must insert the GC-SLISW-3D1 switch module in the 3D1 Mode direction. (The Normal Mode is the same as that of the GC-SLISW-C19 module.)

GC-SLISW-C19

GC-SLISW-3D1

We do not recommend removing the SLI switch module from the motherboard because in that

case, both of the PCIE x 16 slots will not be available.

II. Power Requirements: Before installation, assure that the power supply you use is able to provide sufficient power to fully support an SLI configuration and other components in your system. We recommend a power supply that provides at least 20A 5V and 12V current and a minimum of 400W wattage. Please note that the exact power requirements will depend on your overall system configurations.

P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 20 -

III. Supported Operating Systems: Only Windows XP operating system is currently supported by the NVIDIA SLI technology.

Enabling SLI Mode--

Set the SLI switch module: Note that as the switch module (GC-SLISW-C19) is preinstalled in the Normal Mode direction by factory default, the first step to enable SLI mode on your system is to take out the module from the socket, turn it around and insert it in the SLI Mode direction.

Step 1: Gently spread the retaining clips of the socket and the

module may then be removed from the socket. Hold the module by the edges and lift it away from the socket.

Step 2: Position the SLI Mode side of the module above the socket at

a 25o angle. Align the small notch at the top edge of the module with the key in the socket.

Step 3: Insert the top edge of the module into the socket. Make sure

the gold edge connectors are fully inserted.

English

Step 4: Gently press down on the two ends of the module until it is

locked in place by the socket clips. (You should hear a "click" when the module is attached.)

Connecting Two Graphics Cards: Step 1: Observe the steps in "1-6 Installation of Expansion Cards" on

page 16 and install two SLI-ready graphics cards of the same model to the PCIE_16_1 and PCIE_16_2 slots.

Hardware Installation- 21 -

English

Step 2: Insert the SLI bridge (the GC-SLICON) to the SLI gold

edge connector on top of both cards. Make sure the two mini female slots on the bridge connector securely fit onto the SLI gold edge connetors of both cards.

Female slots on the bridge connector

Gold edge connector on the top of

graphics card

Step 3: In order to securely fix the bridge connector be-

tween the two cards, you must install the retention bracket included with the motherboard and secure the retention bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.

place this part on the top of

the bridge connector.

retention bracket

Step 4: Plug the display cable into either one of the two

graphics cards for display output. If you plug the display cable to the card on the PCIE_16_1 slot, make sure to set Init Display First in BIOS Setup to PEG; if you plug the display cable to the card on the PCIE_16_2 slot, set Init Display First to PEG(Slot2).

Graphics Card Driver Setting: Step 1: After installing graphics card driver in operating

system, right-click the NVIDIA icon in your system tray and then select NVIDIA Display. The NVIDIA control panel will appear.

Step 2: Select SLI multi-GPU from the side menu and

then select the Enable SLI multi-GPU checkbox in the SLI multi-GPU dialog box. System will restart after you click Apply. Then the SLI configuration is completed.

P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 22 -

1-9 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.

COAXIAL (SPDIF_O)

The SPDIF coaxial output port is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or compressed AC3 data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder via a coaxial cable.

OPTICAL (SPDIF_O)

The SPDIF optical output port is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or com pressed AC3 data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder via an optical cable.

COMA (Serial Port)

Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.

LAN Port 2

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

LAN Port 1

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

USB port

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

Line In

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

Line Out (Front Speaker Out)

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

MIC In

Microphone can be connected to MIC In jack.

Rear Speaker Out

Connect the rear surround speakers to this connector.

Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.

Hardware Installation- 23 -

English

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out

Connect the Center/Subwoofer speakers to this connector.

Side Speaker Out

Connect the side surround speakers to this connector.

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

1-10 Connectors Introduction

2 5

14 15

1719

1) ATX_12V

2) ATX (Power Connector)

3) CPU_FAN

4) SYS_FAN

5) PWR_FAN

6) NB_FAN

7) FDD

8) IDE1 / IDE2 / IDE3

9) SATAII0/1/2/3

10) ESATAII0/1

11) PWR_LED

12) F_PANEL

13) F_AUDIO

14) CD_IN

15) SPDIF_IN

16) F_USB1 / F_USB2/F_USB3

17) F1_1394/F2_1394

18) CLR_CMOS

19) C I

20) PCIE_12V

21) BATTERY

22) RF_ID

Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal. Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.

P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 24 -

4 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

English

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(Only for 24-pin ATX)

12 3.3V(Only for 24-pin ATX)

Pin No. Definition

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 (Only for 24-pin ATX)

24 GN D(Only for 24-pin ATX)

Hardware Installation- 25 -

English

3/4/5) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN/ PWR_FAN (Cooler Fan Power Connector)

The cooler fan power connector supplies a +12V power voltage via a 3-pin/4-pin (only for CPU_FAN)power connector and possesses a 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

SYS_FAN

PWR_FAN

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

2 +12V

3 Sense

4 Speed Control

(Only for CPU_FAN)

6) NB_FAN (Chip Fan Power Connector)

If you installed wrong direction, the chip fan will not work. Sometimes will damage the chip fan. (Usually black cable is GND)

Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal. Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.

P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 26 -

Pin No. Definition

1 +12V

2 GND

7) 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.

English

8) IDE1/IDE2/IDE3 (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). To ensure that an IDE CD-ROM drive can work properly, please attach it to the IDE 1/IDE 2 connector.

3940

Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.

Hardware Installation- 27 -

English

9) SATAII0/1/2/3 (SATA 3Gb/s Connectors, Controlled by MCP-04)

10) ESATAII0/1 (SATA 3Gb/s Connectors, Controlled by PDC20779)

SATA 3Gb/s can provide up to 300MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the SATA 3Gb/s 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

11) PWR_LED

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

Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.

P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 28 -

Pin No. Definition

1 MPD+

2 MPD-

3 MPD-

12 F_PANEL (Front Panel Jumper)

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

Message LED/

Power/

Sleep LED

MSG+

2 1

HD+

IDE Hard Disk Active LED

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

Pin 2: LED cathode(-)

SPEAK (Speaker Connector) (Amber) Pin 1: Power

Pin 2- Pin 3: NC

Pin 4: Data(-)

RES (Reset Switch) (Green) Open: Normal

Close: Reset Hardware System

PW (Power Switch) (Red) Open: Normal

Close: Power On/Off

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

(Yellow) Pin 2: LED cathode(-)

NC ( Purple) NC

Power Switch

PW+

MSG-

HD-

RES+

RES-

Reset Switch

Speaker Connector

PW-

SPEAK+

SPEAK-

20 19

English

Hardware Installation- 29 -

+ 67 hidden pages