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Gigabyte GA-A55-DS3P User Manual

Gigabyte GA-A55-DS3P User Manual

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GA-A55-DS3P
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-A55DS3P-1001R

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Summary of Contents for Gigabyte GA-A55-DS3P

  • Page 1 GA-A55-DS3P User's Manual Rev. 1001 12ME-A55DS3P-1001R...

  • Page 3: Identifying Motherboard Revision

    GIGABYTE's prior written permission. Documentation Classifications In order to assist in the use of this product, GIGABYTE provides the following types of documentations:  For quick set-up of the product, read the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Box Contents ........................6 Optional Items .........................6 GA-A55-DS3P Motherboard Layout ................7 GA-A55-DS3P Motherboard Block Diagram ..............8 Chapter 1 Hardware Installation ..................9 Installation Precautions ..................9 Product Specifications ..................10 Installing the APU and APU Cooler ..............13 1-3-1 Installing the APU ....................13...
  • Page 5 Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ..................55 Installing Chipset Drivers ................55 Application Software ..................56 Technical Manuals ..................56 Contact ......................57 System ......................57 Download Center ................... 58 New Utilities ....................58 Chapter 4 Unique Features ...................59 Xpress Recovery2 ..................59 BIOS Update Utilities ..................

  • Page 6: Box Contents

    Box Contents GA-A55-DS3P motherboard Motherboard driver disk User's Manual Quick Installation Guide Four SATA cables I/O Shield The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you obtain. The box contents are subject to change without notice.

  • Page 7: Ga-A55-Ds3P Motherboard Layout

    GA-A55-DS3P Motherboard Layout KB_MS SYS_FAN2 CPU_FAN OPTICAL ATX_12V HDMI Socket FM1 R_USB2 PWR_FAN R_USB1 USB_LAN AUDIO PCIEX1_1 GA-A55-DS3P Realtek PCIEX16 RTL8111E PCIEX1_2 B_BIOS M_BIOS CODEC SATA2_5 PCI1 SATA2_4 SATA2_3 AMD A75/A55 PCIEX4 SATA2_2 SATA2_1 SATA2_0 PCI2 PCI3 SYS_FAN CLR_CMOS F_AUDIO...

  • Page 8: Ga-A55-Ds3P Motherboard Block Diagram

    GA-A55-DS3P Motherboard Block Diagram 1 PCI Express x16 APU CLK+/- (100 MHz) 1 PCI Express x4 DISP CLK+/- (100 MHz) PCIe CLK RJ45 AMD APU DDR3 1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz (100 MHz) Realtek RTL8111E Dual Channel Memory HDMI PCI Express Bus 2 PCI Express x1...

  • Page 9: Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

    Chapter 1 Hardware Installation Installation Precautions The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Prior to installation, carefully read the user's manual and follow these procedures: Prior to installation, do not remove or break motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or •...

  • Page 10: Product Specifications

    * The1866 MHz memory speed is supported only when one or two DDR3 1866 MHz DIMMs are installed. It is not supported when four DIMMs are installed. (Dual channel memory mode must be enabled when installing two DIMMs.) (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and memory modules.) Onboard APU: Š...
  • Page 11 Internal 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector Š Connectors 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector Š 6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors Š 1 x APU fan header Š 2 x system fan headers Š 1 x power fan header Š...
  • Page 12 Support for Microsoft Windows 7/Vista/XP Š ® System Form Factor ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 22.5cm Š * GIGABYTE reserves the right to make any changes to the product specifications and product-related information without prior notice. Hardware Installation - 12 -...

  • Page 13: Installing The Apu And Apu Cooler

    Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the APU: Make sure that the motherboard supports the APU. • (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest APU support list.) Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing •...
  • Page 14 B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the APU into the motherboard APU socket. Before installing the APU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the • power outlet to prevent damage to the APU. Do not force the APU into the APU socket.

  • Page 15: Installing The Apu Cooler

    1-3-2 Installing the APU Cooler Follow the steps below to correctly install the APU cooler on the APU. (The following procedure uses the GI- GABYTE cooler as the example.) Step 1: Step 2: Place the APU cooler on the APU. Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the installed APU.

  • Page 16: Installing The Memory

    Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of the • same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used. (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and memory modules.) Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing •...

  • Page 17: Installing A Memory

    1-4-2 Installing a Memory Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module. DDR3 and DDR2 DIMMs are not compatible to each other or DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install DDR3 DIMMs on this motherboard.

  • Page 18: Installing An Expansion Card

    Installing an Expansion Card Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion card: Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that came • with your expansion card. Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing •...

  • Page 19: Setup Of The Amd Dual Graphics Configuration

    Setup of the AMD Dual Graphics Configuration Combining the onboard GPU with a discrete graphics card, AMD's Dual Graphics technology can provide significantly advanced display performance for AMD platform. Read the following instructions on configuring a Dual Graphics system. A. System Requirements - AMD A series processor - Windows 7 operating system - An AMD Dual Graphics technology-supported motherboard and correct driver...

  • Page 20: Back Panel Connectors

    1-7 Back Panel Connectors PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Port Use the upper port (green) to connect a PS/2 mouse and the lower port (purple) to connect a PS/2 keyboard. Optical S/PDIF Out Connector This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital optical audio. Before using this feature, ensure that your audio system provides an optical digital audio in connector.
  • Page 21 USB 2.0/1.1 Port The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Use this port for USB devices such as a USB key- board/mouse, USB printer, USB flash drive and etc. RJ-45 LAN Port The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 1 Gbps data rate. The following describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.

  • Page 22: Internal Connectors

    Internal Connectors ATX_12V F_PANEL CPU_FAN F_AUDIO SYS_FAN/SYS_FAN2 SPDIF_O PWR_FAN F_USB1/F_USB2/F_USB3/F_USB4 CLR_CMOS SATA2_0/1/2/3/4/5 Read the following guidelines before connecting external devices: First make sure your devices are compliant with the connectors you wish to connect. • Before installing the devices, be sure to turn off the devices and your computer. Unplug the •...
  • Page 23 1/2) ATX_12V/ATX (2x4 12V Power Connector and 2x12 Main Power Connector) With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all the com- ponents on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, first make sure the power supply is turned off and all devices are properly installed.
  • Page 24 3/4/5) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN/SYS_FAN2/PWR_FAN (Fan Headers) The motherboard has a 4-pin APU fan header (CPU_FAN), a 3-pin (SYS_FAN2) and a 4-pin (SYS_FAN) system fan headers, and a 3-pin power fan header (PWR_FAN). Most fan headers possess a foolproof insertion design. When connecting a fan cable, be sure to connect it in the correct orientation (the black connector wire is the ground wire).

  • Page 25: Bat Battery

    7) SATA2_0/1/2/3/4/5 (SATA 3Gb/s Connectors) The SATA connectors conform to SATA 3Gb/s standard and are compatible with SATA 1.5Gb/s standard. Each SATA connector supports a single SATA device. The AMD A75/A55 Chipset supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, and JBOD. Refer to Chapter 5, "Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s)," for instructions on configuring a RAID array.

  • Page 26: F_Panel Front Panel Header

    9) F_PANEL (Front Panel Header) Connect the power switch, reset switch, speaker, chassis intrusion switch/sensor and system status indicator on the chassis to this header according to the pin assignments below. Note the positive and negative pins before connecting the cables. Message/Power/ Power Speaker...
  • Page 27 10) F_AUDIO (Front Panel Audio Header) The front panel audio header supports Intel High Definition audio (HD) and AC'97 audio. You may connect your chassis front panel audio module to this header. Make sure the wire assignments of the module con- nector match the pin assignments of the motherboard header.

  • Page 28: Serial Port Header

    12) F_USB1/F_USB2/F_USB3/F_USB4 (USB Headers) The headers conform to USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Each USB header can provide two USB ports via an optional USB bracket. For purchasing the optional USB bracket, please contact the local dealer. Pin No. Definition Power (5V) Power (5V) USB DX- USB DY-...
  • Page 29 BIOS S DB_PORT 14) TPM (Trusted Platform Module Header) You may connect a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to this header. Voltage measurement module(X58A-OC) w/housing Pin No. Definition Pin No. Definition LCLK LAD0 PCIe power connector (SATA)(X58A-OC) LFRAME No Pin LRESET SB3V SERIRQ LAD3...
  • Page 30 Hardware Installation - 30 -...

  • Page 31: Chapter 2 Bios Setup

    To see more advanced BIOS Setup menu options, you can press <Ctrl> + <F1> in the main menu of the BIOS Setup program. To upgrade the BIOS, use either the GIGABYTE Q-Flash or @BIOS utility. • Q-Flash allows the user to quickly and easily upgrade or back up BIOS without entering the operating system.

  • Page 32: Startup Screen

    A. The LOGO Screen (Default) Function Keys B. The POST Screen Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG Copyright (C) 1984-2011, Award Software, Inc. GA-A55-DS3P F1a Motherboard Model BIOS Version Function Keys <DEL>: BIOS Setup <F9>: XpressRecovery2 <F12>: Boot Menu <End>: Qflash 06/18/2011-Llano-Hudson-7A66HG08C-00 Function Keys: <TAB>: POST SCREEN...

  • Page 33: The Main Menu

    The Main Menu Once you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main Menu (as shown below) appears on the screen. Use ar- row keys to move among the items and press <Enter> to accept or enter a sub-menu. (Sample BIOS Version: F1a) CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2011 Award Software MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) Load Fail-Safe Defaults...

  • Page 34: Integrated Peripherals

     The Functions of the <F11> and <F12> keys (For the Main Menu Only)  F11: Save CMOS to BIOS This function allows you to save the current BIOS settings to a profile. You can create up to 8 profiles (Profile 1-8) and name each profile.

  • Page 35: Mb Intelligent Tweaker(M.i.t.)

    MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2011 Award Software MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) Item Help  IGX Configuration [Press Enter] Menu Level  CPU Clock Ratio [Auto] 2400Mhz CPU NorthBridge Freq. [Auto] Core Performance Boost (Note) [Enabled] CPB Ratio [Auto] 2700Mhz (Note) CPU Host Clock Control [Auto] x CPU Frequency(MHz) PCIe Spread Spectrum [Disabled] Set Memory Clock...
  • Page 36 IGX Configuration CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2011 Award Software IGX Configuration Item Help UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto] Menu Level  VGA Core Clock control [Auto] x VGA Core Clock(MHz) higf: Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults UMA Frame Buffer Size Frame buffer size is the total amount of system memory allocated solely for the onboard graphics con-...
  • Page 37 CPU Frequency(MHz) Allows you to manually set the CPU host frequency. This option is configurable only when CPU Host Clock Control is set to Manual. Important It is highly recommended that the CPU frequency be set in accordance with the CPU specifications. PCIe Spread Spectrum Enables or disables PCIe Spread Spectrum.
  • Page 38 Minimum RAS Active Time Options are: Auto (default), 15T~36T. TwTr Command Delay Options are: Auto (default), 4T~8T. Trfc0 for DIMM1, DIMM3 Options are: Auto (default), 90ns, 110ns, 160ns, 300ns, 350ns. Trfc1 for DIMM2, DIMM4 Options are: Auto (default), 90ns, 110ns, 160ns, 300ns, 350ns. Write Recovery Time Options are: Auto (default), 5T~8T, 10T, 12T, 14T, 16T.
  • Page 39 DDR VTT Voltage Control Allows you to set the DDR VTT voltage. Normal Supplies the South Bridge voltage as required. (Default) 0.515V ~ 1.145V The adjustable range is from 0.515V to 1.145V. Note: Increasing memory voltage may result in damage to the memory or reduce the useful life of the memory.

  • Page 40: Standard Cmos Features

    Standard CMOS Features CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2011 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Item Help Date (mm:dd:yy) Mon, Jun 20 2011 Menu Level  Time (hh:mm:ss) 22:31:24  IDE Channel 0 Master [None]  IDE Channel 0 Slave [None]  IDE Channel 1 Master [None]  IDE Channel 1 Slave [None]  IDE Channel 2 Master [None]  IDE Channel 3 Master [None]...
  • Page 41 Halt On Allows you to determine whether the system will stop for an error during the POST. All Errors Whenever the BIOS detects a non-fatal error the system boot will stop. No Errors The system boot will not stop for any error. All, But Keyboard The system boot will not stop for a keyboard error but stop for all other errors.

  • Page 42: Advanced Bios Features

    Advanced BIOS Features CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2011 Award Software CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2011 Award Software Advanced BIOS Features Advanced BIOS Features Item Help Item Help  IGX Configuration [Press Enter] Menu Level  Menu Level  AMD C6 Support [Disabled] Virtualization [Disabled] AMD K8 Cool&Quiet control [Auto] C-state Pmin [Auto]  Hard Disk Boot Priority...
  • Page 43 (Default: Disabled) Full Screen LOGO Show Allows you to determine whether to display the GIGABYTE Logo at system startup. Disabled displays normal POST message. (Default: Enabled) Init Display First Specifies the first initiation of the monitor display from the installed PCI graphics card, PCI Express graphics card, or the onboard graphics.

  • Page 44: Integrated Peripherals

    Integrated Peripherals CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2011 Award Software Integrated Peripherals Item Help OnChip SATA Controller [Enabled] Menu Level  OnChip SATA Type [Native IDE] x OnChip SATA Port4/5 Type x OnChip SATA Port as ESP Press Enter Onboard LAN Function [Enabled] Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]  SMART LAN [Press Enter] Onboard Audio Function [Enabled] USB Controllers [Enabled]...
  • Page 45 Port0 as ESP/Port1 as ESP/Port2 as ESP/Port3 as ESP This option is configurable only when OnChip SATA Type is set to AHCI. Enabled will speed up the hot plug detection of the connected SATA device. (Default: Disabled) Port4 as ESP/Port5 as ESP This option is configurable only when OnChip SATA Type is set to AHCI and OnChip SATA Type Port4/5 is set to As SATA Type.
  • Page 46 When a Cable Problem Occurs... If a cable problem occurs on a specified pair of wires, the Status field will show Short and then length shown will be the approximate distance to the fault or short. Example: Part1-2 Status = Short / Length Explanation: A fault or short might occur at about 2m on Part 1-2.

  • Page 47: Power Management Setup

    Power Management Setup CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2011 Award Software Power Management Setup Item Help Soft-Off by Power button [Instant-off] Menu Level  USB Wake Up from S3 [Enabled] Modem Ring Resume [Disabled] PME Event Wake Up [Enabled] HPET Support [Enabled] (Note) Power On By Mouse [Disabled] Power On By Keyboard [Disabled] x KB Power ON Password Enter AC Back Function [Soft-Off] Power-On by Alarm [Disabled] x Date (of Month) Everyday x Resume Time (hh:mm:ss)
  • Page 48 Power On By Keyboard Allows the system to be turned on by a PS/2 keyboard wake-up event. Note: you need an ATX power supply providing at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Disabled Disables this function. (Default) Password Set a password with 1~5 characters to turn on the system. Any KEY Press any key on the keyboard to turn on the system.

  • Page 49: Pc Health Status

    PC Health Status CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2011 Award Software PC Health Status Item Help Reset Case Open Status [Disabled] Menu Level  Case Opened Vcore 1.312V DDR3 1.5V 1.488V +3.3V 3.328V +12V 12.112V Current System Temperature Current CPU Temperature Current CPU FAN Speed 1184 RPM Current SYSTEM FAN1 Speed 0 RPM...
  • Page 50 Current System/CPU Temperature Displays current system/CPU temperature. Current CPU/SYSTEM/POWER FAN Speed (RPM) Displays current CPU/system/power fan speed. CPU Warning Temperature Sets the warning threshold for CPU temperature. When CPU temperature exceeds the threshold, BIOS will emit warning sound. Options are: Disabled (default), 60 C/140 F, 70 C/158...

  • Page 51: Load Fail-Safe Defaults

    Load Fail-Safe Defaults CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2011 Award Software MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) Load Fail-Safe Defaults  Standard CMOS Features Load Optimized Defaults  Advanced BIOS Features Set Supervisor Password  Integrated Peripherals Set User Password  Power Management Setup Save &...

  • Page 52: Set Supervisor/User Password

    2-11 Set Supervisor/User Password CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2011 Award Software MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) Load Fail-Safe Defaults  Standard CMOS Features Load Optimized Defaults  Advanced BIOS Features Set Supervisor Password  Integrated Peripherals Set User Password  Power Management Setup Save &...

  • Page 53: Save & Exit Setup

    2-12 Save & Exit Setup CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2011 Award Software MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) Load Fail-Safe Defaults  Standard CMOS Features Load Optimized Defaults  Save to CMOS and EXIT (Y/N)? Y Advanced BIOS Features Set Supervisor Password  Integrated Peripherals Set User Password ...
  • Page 54 BIOS Setup - 54 -...

  • Page 55: Chapter 3 Drivers Installation

    After "Xpress Install" installs all of the drivers, a dialog box will appear asking whether to install • new GIGABYTE utilities. Click Yes to automatically install the utilities. Or click No if you want to manually select the utilities to install on the Application Software page later.

  • Page 56: Application Software

    Application Software This page displays all the utilities and applications that GIGABYTE develops and some free software. You can click the Install button on the right of an item to install it. Technical Manuals This page provides GIGABYTE's application guides, content descriptions for this driver disk, and the mother- board manuals.

  • Page 57: Contact

    Contact For the detailed contact information of the GIGABYTE Taiwan headquarter or worldwide branch offices, click the URL on this page to link to the GIGABYTE website. System This page provides the basic system information. - 57 - Drivers Installation...

  • Page 58: Download Center

    The latest version of the BIOS, drivers, or applications will be displayed. New Utilities This page provides a quick link to GIGABYTE's lately developed utilities for users to install. You can click the Install button on the right of an item to install it.

  • Page 59: Chapter 4 Unique Features

    Chapter 4 Unique Features Xpress Recovery2 Xpress Recovery2 is a utility that allows you to quickly compress and back up your system data and perform restoration of it. Supporting NTFS, FAT32, and FAT16 file systems, Xpress Recovery2 can back up data on PATA and SATA hard drives and restore it.
  • Page 60 Step 3: Step 4: When partitioning your hard drive, make sure to After the operating system is installed, click Start, leave unallocated space (10 GB or more is recom- right-click the Computer and select Manage. Go to mended; actual size requirements vary, depending Disk Management to check disk allocation.
  • Page 61 D. Using the Restore Function in Xpress Recovery2 Select RESTORE to restore the backup to your hard drive in case the system breaks down. The RESTORE option will not be present if no backup is created before. E. Removing the Backup Step 1: Step 2: If you wish to remove the backup file, select...

  • Page 62: Bios Update Utilities

    4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility A. Before You Begin From GIGABYTE's website, download the latest compressed BIOS update file that matches your moth- erboard model. Extract the file and save the new BIOS file (e.g. A55DS3P.F1) to your USB flash drive, or hard drive.
  • Page 63 B. Updating the BIOS When updating the BIOS, choose the location where the BIOS file is saved. The following procedure as- sumes that you save the BIOS file to a USB flash drive. Step 1: Insert the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file into the computer. In the main menu of Q-Flash, use the up or down arrow key to select Update BIOS from Drive and press <Enter>.
  • Page 64 Step 4: Press <Esc> and then <Enter> to exit Q-Flash and reboot the system. As the system boots, you should see the new BIOS version is present on the POST screen. Step 5: During the POST, press <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup. Select Load Optimized Defaults and press <Enter> to load BIOS defaults.

  • Page 65: Updating The Bios With The @Bios Utility

    BIOS or a system that is unable to start. Do not use the G.O.M. (GIGABYTE Online Management) function when using @BIOS. GIGABYTE product warranty does not cover any BIOS damage or system failure resulting from an inad- equate BIOS flashing.

  • Page 66: Easytune 6

    EasyTune 6 GIGABYTE's EasyTune 6 is a simple and easy-to-use interface that allows users to fine-tune their system settings or do overclock/overvoltage in Windows environment. The user-friendly EasyTune 6 interface also includes tabbed pages for CPU and memory information, letting users read their system-related information without the need to install additional software.

  • Page 67: Q-Share

    Q-Share, you are able to share your data with computers on the same network, making full use of Internet resources. Directions for using Q-Share After installing Q-Share from the motherboard driver disk, go to Start>All Programs>GIGABYTE>Q-Share. exe to launch the Q-Share tool. Find the Q-Share icon in the notification area and right-click on this icon to configure the data sharing settings.

  • Page 68: Smart Recovery

    SMART Recovery With SMART Recovery, users can quickly create backups of changed data files or copy files from a spe- (Note 1) cific backup on PATA and SATA hard drives (partitioned on NTFS file system) in Windows 7/Vista. Instructions: In the main menu, click the Config button to open the Smart Recov- ery Preference dialog box.

  • Page 69: Auto Green

    Auto Green Auto Green is an easy-to-use tool that provides users with simple options to enable system power savings via a Bluetooth cell phone. When the phone is out of the range of the computer's Bluetooth receiver, the sys- tem will enter the specified power saving mode. The Configuration dialog box: First, you have to set your Bluetooth cell phone as a portable key.
  • Page 70 Unique Features - 70 -...

  • Page 71: Chapter 5 Appendix

    Chapter 5 Appendix Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s) To configure SATA hard drive(s), follow the steps below: A. Install SATA hard drive(s) in your computer. B. Configure SATA controller mode in BIOS Setup. C. Configure a RAID array in RAID BIOS. (Note 1) D.
  • Page 72 B. Configuring SATA controller mode in BIOS Setup Make sure to configure the SATA controller mode correctly in system BIOS Setup. Step 1: Turn on your computer and press <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup during the POST (Power-On Self-Test). Make sure OnChip SATA Controller is enabled. To enable RAID for the SATA2_0/1/2/3 connectors, set On- Chip SATA Type to RAID.
  • Page 73 C. Configuring RAID set in RAID BIOS Enter the RAID BIOS setup utility to configure a RAID array. Skip this step and proceed with the installation of Windows operating system for a non-RAID configuration. Step 1: After the POST memory test begins and before the operating system boot begins, look for a message which says "Press <Ctrl-F>...
  • Page 74 Option ROM Utility (c) 2011 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [ LD Define Menu ] LD No LD Name RAID Mode LD 1 Logical Drive 1 RAID 0 Stripe Block 64 KB Initialization Gigabyte Boundary Read Policy Read Ahead Write Policy WriteBack [ Drives Assignments ] Port:ID Drive Model Capabilities Capacity (GB) Assignment 01:00...
  • Page 75 In the following procedure, we'll create RAID 0 as an example. 1. Under the RAID Mode section, press the <SPACE> key to select RAID 0. 2. Set the Stripe Block size. 64 KB is the default. 3. Under the Drives Assignments section, press the up or down arrow key to highlight a drive. 4.
  • Page 76 View Drive Assignments The View Drive Assignments option in the Main Menu displays whether the attached hard drives are as- signed to a disk array or are unassigned. Under the Assignment column, drives are labeled with their as- signed disk array or shown as Free if unassigned. Option ROM Utility (c) 2011 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

  • Page 77: Installing The Sata Raid/Ahci Driver And Operating System

    5-1-2 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System With the correct BIOS settings, you are ready to install Windows 7/Vista/XP. A. Installing Windows 7/Vista (The following instructions use Windows 7 as the example operating system.) Step 1: Boot from the Windows 7/Vista setup disk and perform standard OS installation steps. When you arrive at the "Where do you want to install Windows?"...
  • Page 78 B. Installing Windows XP Before installing Windows XP, connect a USB floppy disk drive to your computer first because you need to in- stall the SATA RAID/AHCI driver from a floppy disk that contains the driver during the OS installation. Without the driver, the hard drive(s) may not be recognized during the Windows setup process.
  • Page 79 Refer to the following for installing the driver during the Windows setup process. Step 1: Restart your system to boot from the Windows XP setup disk and press <F6> as soon as you see the mes- sage "Press F6 if you need to install a 3rd party SCSI or RAID driver." A screen will then appear asking you to specify an additional SCSI adapter.
  • Page 80 Rebuilding an Array: Rebuilding is the process of restoring data to a hard drive from other drives in the array. Rebuilding applies only to fault-tolerant arrays such as RAID 1 or RAID 10. To replace the old drive, make sure to use a new drive of equal or greater capacity.

  • Page 81: Configuring Audio Input And Output

    Configuring Audio Input and Output 5-2-1 Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio The motherboard provides six audio jacks on the back panel which support 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel audio. (Note) The picture to the right shows the default audio jack Center/Subwoofer Line In Speaker Out assignments. Rear Speaker Out Front Speaker Out The integrated HD (High Definition) audio provides...
  • Page 82 Step 2: Connect an audio device to an audio jack. The The cur- rent connected device is dialog box appears. Select the device according to the type of device you connect. Then click OK. Step 3: On the Speakers screen, click the Speaker Configura- tion tab.

  • Page 83: Configuring S/Pdif Out

    5-2-2 Configuring S/PDIF Out The S/PDIF Out jack can transmit audio signals to an external decoder for decoding to get the best audio quality. 1. Connecting a S/PDIF Out Cable: Connect a S/PDIF optical cable to the corresponding S/PDIF out connector as shown below and an external decoder for transmitting the S/PDIF digital audio signals.

  • Page 84: Configuring Microphone Recording

    5-2-3 Configuring Microphone Recording Step 1: After installing the audio driver, the HD Audio Manager icon will appear in the notification area. Double-click the icon to access the HD Audio Manager. Step 2: Connect your microphone to the Mic in jack (pink) on the back panel or the Mic in jack (pink) on the front panel.
  • Page 85 Step 5: After completing the settings above, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Sound Recorder to begin the sound recording. * Enabling Stereo Mix If the HD Audio Manager does not display the recording device you wish to use, refer to the steps below. The following steps explain how to enable Stereo Mix (which may be needed when you want to record sound from your computer).

  • Page 86: Using The Sound Recorder

    Step 4: Now you can access the HD Audio Manager to config- ure Stereo Mix and use Sound Recorder to record the sound. 5-2-4 Using the Sound Recorder A. Recording Sound 1. Make sure you have connected the sound input device (e.g. microphone) to the computer. 2.

  • Page 87: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting 5-3-1 Frequently Asked Questions To read more FAQs for your motherboard, please go to the Support & Downloads\FAQ page on GIGABYTE's website. Q: In the BIOS Setup program, why are some BIOS options missing? A: Some advanced options are hidden in the BIOS Setup program. Press <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup during the POST. In the Main Menu, press <Ctrl>+<F1>...

  • Page 88: Troubleshooting Procedure

    5-3-2 Troubleshooting Procedure If you encounter any troubles during system startup, follow the troubleshooting procedure below to solve the problem. START Turn off the power. Remove all peripherals, connecting cables, and power cord etc. Make sure the motherboard does not short-circuit with the chassis or Isolate the short circuit.
  • Page 89 The power supply, CPU or When the computer is turned on, is the CPU cooler running? CPU socket might fail. The problem is verified and solved. The graphics card, expansion slot, or monitor Check if there is display on your monitor. might fail.
  • Page 90 Appendix - 90 -...
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  • Page 95 Web address: http://latam.giga-byte.com TEL: +86-24-83992901 • Giga-Byte SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. - Singapore FAX: +86-24-83992909 WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.sg • GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY (INDIA) LIMITED - India • Thailand WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.in WEB address : http://th.giga-byte.com • Saudi Arabia • Vietnam WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.com.sa...
  • Page 96 WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.com.gr WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.kz • Czech Republic You may go to the GIGABYTE website, select your language WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.cz in the language list on the top right corner of the website. • GIGABYTE Global Service System...

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