GA-8N-SLI PRO
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
Copyright
© 2005 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
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
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
CI
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
or
Switch
PCI Express x 16 Bus
PCI Express Bus
x1
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
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
3
1
6
13
20
2
5
7
8
8
22
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
21
9
12
16
10
11
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
3
1
4
2
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
4 +12V
English
13
24
1
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)
12
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 -
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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.
1
CPU_FAN
SYS_FAN
1
PWR_FAN
Pin No. Definition
1
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 -
1
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
34
2
33
1
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.
12
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
71
17
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 -
1
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+
NC
SPEAK-
20
19
English
Hardware Installation- 29 -
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