Gigabyte GA-MA790FX-DQ6 User Manual
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Gigabyte GA-MA790FX-DQ6 User Manual

Gigabyte GA-MA790FX-DQ6 User Manual

Am2+/am2 socket motherboard for amd phenom fx processor/ amd phenom processor/ amd athlon 64 fx processor/ amd athlon 64 x2 dual-core processor/ amd athlon 64 processor/amd sempron processor
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GA-MA790FX-DQ6
AM2+/AM2 socket motherboard for
AMD Phenom
FX processor/
TM
AMD Phenom
processor/
TM
AMD Athlon
64 FX processor/
TM
AMD Athlon
64 X2 Dual-Core processor/
TM
AMD Athlon
64 processor/AMD Sempron
processor
TM
TM
User's Manual
Rev. 1003
12ME-MA79FX6-1003R

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Summary of Contents for Gigabyte GA-MA790FX-DQ6

  • Page 1 GA-MA790FX-DQ6 AM2+/AM2 socket motherboard for AMD Phenom FX processor/ AMD Phenom processor/ AMD Athlon 64 FX processor/ AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core processor/ AMD Athlon 64 processor/AMD Sempron processor User's Manual Rev. 1003 12ME-MA79FX6-1003R...

  • Page 3: Identifying Your 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-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard Layout ............... 7 Block Diagram ........................ 8 Chapter 1 Hardware Installation ..................9 Installation Precautions ..................9 Product Specifications ..................10 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler .............. 13 1-3-1 Installing the CPU ....................
  • Page 5 Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s) ..............77 5-1-1 Configuring AMD SB600 SATA Controllers ............77 5-1-2 Configuring GIGABYTE SATA2 SATA Controller ..........83 5-1-3 Making a SATA RAID/AHCI Driver Diskette ............. 90 5-1-4 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System ...... 91 Configuring Audio Input and Output ..............

  • Page 6: Box Contents

    Box Contents GA-MA790FX-DQ6 motherboard Motherboard driver disk User's Manual Quick Installation Guide One IDE cable and one floppy disk drive cable Four SATA 3Gb/s cables One SATA bracket I/O Shield • The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on product package you obtain.

  • Page 7: Ga-Ma790Fx-Dq6 Motherboard Layout

    GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard Layout CPU_FAN KB_MS ATX_12V_2X Socket AM2 OPTICAL COAXIAL V1394 USB_LAN1 USB_LAN2 USB_ESATA RTL8111B AUDIO F_AUDIO AMD 790FX RTL8111B PCIE_1 NB_FAN PCIE_16_A CLR_CMOS GIGABYTE SATA2 PCIE_8_A AMD SB600 BATTERY PCIE_8_B CODEC SATAII1 SATAII0 Backup BIOS CD_IN SPDIF_OUT SATAII3 SATAII2...

  • Page 8: Block Diagram

    RJ45 PCIe CLK RTL8111B RTL8111B (100 MHz) Dual BIOS ATA-133/100/66/33 IDE Channel PCI Express Bus AMD SB600 4 SATA 3Gb/s GIGABYTE 4 SATA 3Gb/s SATA2 x 2 10 USB Ports Floppy PCI Bus LPT Port IT8718 TSB43AB23 COM Port CODEC...

  • 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

    AMD Athlon 64 FX processor/AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core processor/ AMD Athlon 64 processor/AMD Sempron processor (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.) Hyper Transport Bus 5200/2000 MT/s Chipset North Bridge: AMD 790FX South Bridge: AMD SB600 Memory 4 x 1.8V DDR2 DIMM sockets supporting up to 16 GB of system memory...
  • Page 11 Integrated in the South Bridge Up to 10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 on the back panel, 4 via the USB brackets connected to the internal USB headers) Internal Connectors 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector 1 x 4-pin PCIe 12V power connector 1 x floppy disk drive connector 1 x IDE connector...
  • Page 12 (Note 5) Whether the CPU/system fan speed control function is supported will depend on the CPU/ system cooler you install. (Note 6) Available functions in Easytune may differ by motherboard model. (Note 7) The adjustable CPU voltage range depends on the CPU being used. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 12 -...

  • Page 13: Installing The Cpu And Cpu Cooler

    Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU: • Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU. (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.) • Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the CPU to prevent hardware damage.
  • Page 14 CPU, lowering the locking lever and latch- ing it into the fully locked position. Do not force the CPU into the CPU socket. The CPU cannot fit in if oriented incorrectly. Adjust the CPU orientation if this occurs. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 14 -...

  • Page 15: Installing The Cpu Cooler

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

  • 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 memory support list.) • Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the memory to prevent hardware damage.

  • 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. DDR2 DIMMs are not compatible to DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install DDR2 DIMMs on this motherboard.

  • Page 18: Installing An Expansion Card

    • Installing a Graphics Card: Gently insert the graphics card into the PCI Ex- press x16 slot. Make sure the graphics card is locked by the latch at the end of the PCI Ex- press x16 slot. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 18 -...
  • Page 19 • Removing the Card (PCIE_16_A, PCIE_16_B slots): Gently push back on the lever on the slot and then lift the card straight out from the slot. • Removing the Card (PCIE_8_A, PCIE_8_B slots): Press the white latch at the end of the PCI Express x16 slot to release the card and then pull the card straight up from the slot.

  • Page 20: Installing The Sata Bracket

    SATA device. For SATA device in external enclosure, you only need to connect the SATA signal cable. Before connecting the SATA signal cable, make sure to turn off the power of the external enclosure. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 20 -...

  • Page 21: Back Panel Connectors

    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. Serial Port Use the serial port to connect devices such as a mouse, modem or other peripherals. Optical S/PDIF Out Connector This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital optical audio.
  • Page 22 3Gb/s Port The eSATA 3Gb/s port supported by the GIGABYTE SATA2 chip conforms to SATA 3Gb/s standard and is compatible with SATA 1.5Gb/s standard. Use the port to connect an external SATA device or a SATA port multiplier. Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out Jack (Orange) Use this audio jack to connect center/subwoofer speakers in a 5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration.

  • Page 23: Internal Connectors

    Internal Connectors ATX_12V_2X F_PANEL ATX (Power Connector) F_AUDIO CPU_FAN CD_IN SYS_FAN1/SYS_FAN2 SPDIF_IN PWR_FAN SPDIF_OUT NB_FAN F_USB1/F_USB2 PCIE_12V F1_1394/F2_1394 BATTERY SATAII0/1/2/3 GSATAII_1/GSATAII_2 CLR_CMOS PWR_LED Read the following guidelines before connecting external devices: • First make sure your devices are compliant with the connectors you wish to connect. •...
  • Page 24 3.3V -12V PS_ON(soft On/Off) Power Good 5V SB(stand by +5V) +12V +12V (Only for 2x12 pin ATX) +5V (Only for 2x12 pin ATX) 3.3V (Only for 2x12 pin ATX) GND (Only for 2x12 pin ATX) GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 24 -...
  • Page 25 3/4/5) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/SYS_FAN2/PWR_FAN (Fan Headers) The motherboard has a 4-pin CPU fan header (CPU_FAN), a 4-pin (SYS_FAN1) and a 3-pin (SYS_FAN2) system fan header, and a 3-pin power fan header (PWR_FAN). Each fan header supplies a +12V power voltage and possesses a foolproof insertion design. When connecting a fan cable, be sure to connect it in the correct orientation.
  • Page 26 360 KB, 720 KB, 1.2 MB, 1.44 MB, and 2.88 MB. Before connecting a floppy disk drive, be sure to locate pin 1 of the connector and the floppy disk drive cable. The pin 1 of the cable is typically designated by a stripe of different color. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 26 -...
  • Page 27 9) IDE (IDE Connector) The IDE connector supports up to two IDE devices such as hard drives and optical drives. Before attaching the IDE cable, locate the foolproof groove on the connector. If you wish to connect two IDE devices, remember to set the jumpers and the cabling according to the role of the IDE devices (for example, master or slave).
  • Page 28 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 GIGABYTE SATA2 controller supports RAID 0 and RAID 1. Refer to Chapter 5, "Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s)," for instructions on configuring a RAID array.

  • Page 29: F_Panel Front Panel Header

    13) F_PANEL (Front Panel Header) Connect the power switch, reset switch, speaker and system status indicator on the chassis front panel to this header according to the pin assignments below. Note the positive and negative pins before connecting the cables. Message/Power/ Power Speaker...

  • Page 30: F_Audio Front Panel Audio Header

    15) CD_IN (CD In Connector, Black) You may connect the audio cable that came with your optical drive to the header. Pin No. Definition CD-L CD-R GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 30 -...

  • Page 31: S/Pdif In Header, Red

    16) SPDIF_IN (S/PDIF In Header, Red) This header supports digital S/PDIF in and can connect to an audio device that supports digital audio out via an optional S/PDIF in cable. For purchasing the optional S/PDIF in cable, please contact the local dealer. Pin No.

  • Page 32: F_Usb1/F_Usb2 Usb Headers, Yellow

    • To connect an IEEE 1394a device, attach one end of the device cable to your computer and then attach the other end of the cable to the IEEE 1394a device. Ensure that the cable is securely connected. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 32 -...

  • Page 33: Battery

    20) LPT (Parallel Port Header) The LPT header can provide one parallel port via an optional LPT port cable. For purchasing the optional LPT port cable, please contact the local dealer. Pin No. Definition Pin No. Definition STB- AFD- ERR- INIT- ACK- SLIN-...

  • Page 34: Clearing Cmos Jumper

    Failure to do so may cause damage to the motherboard. • After system restart, go to BIOS Setup to load factory defaults (select Load Optimized Defaults) or manually configure the BIOS settings (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," for BIOS configurations). GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 34 -...

  • Page 35: 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 •...

  • Page 36: Startup Screen

    Startup Screen The following screen may appear when the computer boots. Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG, An Energy Star Ally Copyright (C) 1984-2007, Award Software, Inc. AMD 790FX BIOS for GA-MA790FX-DQ6 D28 Motherboard Model BIOS Version Function Keys <DEL>: BIOS Setup <F9>: XpressRecovery2 <F12>: Boot Menu <End>: Qflash...

  • Page 37: The Main Menu

    The Main Menu Once you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main Menu (as shown below) appears on the screen. Use arrow keys to move among the items and press <Enter> to accept or enter a sub-menu. (Sample BIOS Version: D28) CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2007 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Load Fail-Safe Defaults...
  • Page 38 (Pressing <F10> can also carry out this task.) Exit Without Saving Abandon all changes and the previous settings remain in effect. Pressing <Y> to the confirmation message will exit BIOS Setup. (Pressing <Esc> can also carry out this task.) GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 38 -...

  • Page 39: Standard Cmos Features

    Standard CMOS Features CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2007 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Date (mm:dd:yy) Wed, Aug 22 2007 Item Help Time (hh:mm:ss) 18:25:04 Menu Level IDE Channel 0 Master [None] IDE Channel 0 Slave [None] IDE Channel 2 Master [None] IDE Channel 2 Slave [None]...
  • Page 40 None. Options are: None, 360K/5.25", 1.2M/5.25", 720K/3.5", 1.44M/3.5", 2.88M/3.5". Floppy 3 Mode Support Allows you to specify whether the installed floppy disk drive is 3-mode floppy disk drive, a Japanese standard floppy disk drive. Options are: Disabled (default), Drive A. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 40 -...
  • Page 41 Halt on Allows you to determine whether the system will stop for an error during the POST. No Errors The system boot will not stop for any error. All Errors Whenever the BIOS detects a non-fatal error the system boot will stop. All, But Keyboard The system boot will not stop for a keyboard error but stop for all other errors.

  • Page 42: Advanced Bios Features

    Password item in the BIOS Main Menu. Setup A password is only required for entering the BIOS Setup program. (Default) System A password is required for booting the system and for entering the BIOS Setup program. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 42 -...
  • Page 43 HDD S.M.A.R.T. Capability Enables or disables the S.M.A.R.T. (Self Monitoring and Reporting Technology) capability of your hard drive. This feature allows your system to report read/write errors of the hard drive and to issue warnings when a third party hardware monitor utility is installed. (Default: Disabled) Away Mode Enables or disables Away Mode in Windows XP Media Center operating system.

  • Page 44: Integrated Peripherals

    CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2007 Award Software IDE Configuration Item Help OnChip IDE Channel0 [Enabled] Menu Level : Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 44 -...
  • Page 45 OnChip IDE Channel0 Enables or disables the integrated IDE controller. (Default: Enabled) OnChip SATA Controller (AMD SB600 chip) Enables or disables the integrated SATA controller. (Default: Enabled) OnChip SATA Type (AMD SB600 chip) Configures the operating mode of the integrated SATA controller. Native IDE Allows the SATA controller to operate in Native IDE mode.
  • Page 46 Explanation: A fault or short might occur at about 1.6m on Pair 1-2. Note: Pair 4-5 and Pair 7-8 are not used in a 10/100 Mbps environment, so their Status fields will show Open, and the length shown is the approximate length of the attached LAN cable. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 46 -...
  • Page 47 (Default: Enabled) Onboard ESATA-II Ctrl1 Mode (GIGABYTE SATA2 Chip, eSATA 3Gb/s ports) Enables or disables RAID for the SATA controller integrated in the GIGABYTE SATA 2 chip or configures the SATA controller to AHCI mode. Disables RAID for the SATA controller and configures the SATA controller to PATA mode.
  • Page 48 ECP Mode Use DMA Selects DMA channel for the LPT port in ECP mode. This item is configurable only if Parallel Port Mode is set to ECP or ECP+EPP mode. Options are: 3 (default), 1. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 48 -...

  • Page 49: Power Management Setup

    Power Management Setup CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2007 Award Software Power Management Setup ACPI Suspend Type [S1(POS)] Item Help Soft-Off by Power button [Instant-off] Menu Level Modem Ring Resume [Disabled] USB Wake Up from S3 [Enabled] PME Event Wake Up [Disabled] HPET Support [Enabled]...
  • Page 50 Note: When using this function, avoid inadequate shutdown from the operating system or removal of the AC power, or the settings may not be effective. (Note) Supported on Windows Vista operating system only. ® ® GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 50 -...

  • Page 51: Pnp/Pci Configurations

    PnP/PCI Configurations CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2007 Award Software PnP/PCI Configurations PCI1 IRQ Assignment [Auto] Item Help PCI2 IRQ Assignment [Auto] Menu Level : Move Enter: Select +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save ESC: Exit F1: General Help F5: Previous Values F6: Fail-Safe Defaults F7: Optimized Defaults PCI1 IRQ Assignment Auto...

  • Page 52: Pc Health Status

    CI header. If the system chassis cover is removed, this field will show "Yes", otherwise it will show "No". To clear the chassis intrusion status record, set Reset Case Open Status to Enabled, save the settings to CMOS, and then restart your system. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 52 -...
  • Page 53 Current Voltage(V) Vcore/DDR2 1.8V/+3.3V/+12V Displays the current system voltages. 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.

  • Page 54: Mb Intelligent Tweaker(M.i.t.)

    If this occurs, clear the CMOS values and reset the board to default values.) • When the System Voltage Optimized item blinks in red, it is recommended that you set the System Voltage Control item to Auto to optimize the system voltage settings. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 54 -...
  • Page 55 CPU Clock Ratio Allows you to alter the clock ratio for the installed CPU. The adjustable range is dependent on the CPU being used. CPU Host Clock Control Enables or disables the control of CPU host clock. Auto (default) allows BIOS to automatically adjust the CPU host frequency.
  • Page 56 Options are: 3T, 4T (default), 5T, 6T. RAS to RAS Delay Options are: 2T, 3T (default), 4T, 5T. Row Precharge Time Options are: 3T, 4T (default), 5T, 6T. Minimum RAS Active Time Options are: 5T~18T (Default: 11T) GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 56 -...
  • Page 57 System Voltage Control Determines whether to manually set the system voltages. Auto lets BIOS automatically set the system voltages as required. Manual allows all voltage control items below to be configurable. (Default: Auto) CPU Voltage Control Allows you to set the CPU voltage. Normal sets the CPU voltage as required. The adjustable range is dependent on the CPU being installed.

  • Page 58: Load Fail-Safe Defaults

    Press <Enter> on this item and then press the <Y> key to load the optimal BIOS default settings. The BIOS defaults settings helps the system to operate in optimum state. Always load the Optimized defaults after updating the BIOS or after clearing the CMOS values. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 58 -...

  • Page 59: Set Supervisor/User Password

    2-12 Set Supervisor/User Password CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2007 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Load Fail-Safe Defaults Advanced BIOS Features Load Optimized Defaults Integrated Peripherals Set Supervisor Password Power Management Setup Set User Password PnP/PCI Configurations Save & Exit Setup Enter Password: PC Health Status Exit Without Saving...

  • Page 60: Save & Exit Setup

    Press <Enter> on this item and press the <Y> key. This exits the BIOS Setup without saving the changes made in BIOS Setup to the CMOS. Press <N> or <Esc> to return to the BIOS Setup Main Menu. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 60 -...

  • Page 61: Chapter 3 Drivers Installation

    Chapter 3 Drivers Installation • Before installing the drivers, first install the operating system. (The following instructions use Windows XP as the example operating system.) • After installing the operating system, insert the motherboard driver disk into your optional drive. The driver Autorun screen is automatically displayed which looks like that shown in the screen shot below.

  • Page 62: Software Applications

    Software Applications This page displays all the tools and applications that GIGABYTE develops and some free software. You may press the Install button following an item to install it. Driver CD Information This page provides information about the drivers, applications and tools in this driver disk.

  • Page 63: Hardware Information

    Hardware Information This page provides information about the hardware devices on this motherboard. Contact Us Check the contacts information of the GIGABYTE headquarter in Taiwan and the overseas branch offices on the last page of this manual. - 63 -...
  • Page 64 GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 64 -...

  • Page 65: Chapter 4 Unique Features

    Chapter 4 Unique Features Xpress Recovery2 Xpress Recovery2 is an 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. Before You Begin: •...
  • Page 66 Recovery2 (10 GB or more is recommended; actual size requirements vary, depending on the amount of data) (Figure 2). Figure 2 Figure 1 3. Select a file system (for example, NTFS) and begin the installation of the operating system (Figure 3). Figure 3 GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 66 -...
  • Page 67 4. After the operating system is installed, right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop and select Manage (Figure 4). Go to Computer Management to check disk allocation. Xpress Recovery2 will save the backup file to the unallocated space (black stripe along the top)(Figure 5). Please note that if there is no enough unallocated space, Xpress Recovery2 cannot save the backup file.
  • Page 68 If you wish to enter Xpress Recovery2 later, simply press <F9> during the POST (Figure 9). Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG, An Energy Star Ally Copyright (C) 1984-2007, Award Software, Inc. AMD 790FX BIOS for GA-MA790FX-DQ6 D28 <DEL>: BIOS Setup <F9>: XpressRecovery2 <F12>: Boot Menu <End>: Qflash Figure 9 08/28/2007-790FX-SB600-6A66AG01C-00 C.
  • Page 69 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 (Figure 13, 14). Figure 13 Figure 14 E.

  • Page 70: Bios Update Utilities

    4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility A. Before You Begin: 1. From GIGABYTE's website, download the latest compressed BIOS update file that matches your motherboard model. 2. Extract the file and save the new BIOS file (e.g. MA79FXDQ6.F1) to your floppy disk, USB flash drive, or hard drive.
  • Page 71 B. Updating the BIOS When updating the BIOS, choose the location where the BIOS file is saved. The follow procedure assumes that you save the BIOS file to a floppy disk. Step 1: 1. Insert the floppy disk containing the BIOS file into the floppy disk drive. In the main menu of Q- Flash, use the up or down arrow key to select Update BIOS from Drive and press <Enter>.
  • Page 72 Load Optimized Defaults Press <Y> to load BIOS defaults Step 6: Select Save & Exit Setup and then press <Y> to save settings to CMOS and exit BIOS Setup. The procedure is complete after the system restarts. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 72 -...

  • Page 73: Updating The Bios With The @Bios Utility

    BIOS or a system that is unable to start. 3. Do not use the C.O.M. (Corporate Online Management) function when using @BIOS. 4. GIGABYTE product warranty does not cover any BIOS damage or system failure resulting from an inadequate BIOS flashing.
  • Page 74 • If the BIOS update file for your motherboard is not present on the @BIOS server site, please manually download the BIOS update file from GIGABYTE's website and follow the instructions in "Update the BIOS without Using the Internet Update Function" below.

  • Page 75: Easytune 5 Pro

    Display Area Displays the CPU frequency Function LEDs Shows the supported function(s) Live Update Go to GIGABYTE website to update EasyTune 5 Pro Help Opens EasyTune 5 Pro help file Exit/Minimize Quits or minimizes the EasyTune 5 Pro interface Turbo Boost...

  • Page 76: Windows Vista Readyboost

    • The USB flash drive must have at least 256 MB of space. • The recommended amount of memory to use for ReadyBoost acceleration is one to three times the amount of RAM installed in your computer. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 76 -...

  • Page 77: 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 78 The BIOS Setup menus described in this section may differ from the exact settings for your motherboard. The actual BIOS Setup menu options you will see shall depend on the motherboard you have and the BIOS version. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 78 -...
  • Page 79 C. Configuring RAID set in RAID BIOS Enter the RAID BIOS setup utility to configure a RAID array. Skip this step if you do not want to create RAID. 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 80 Cache Mode: WriteThru Drives Assignments] Channel:ID Drive Model Capacity (MB) Assignment 1:Mas WDC WD800JD-22LSA0 80026 2:Mas WDC WD800JD-22LSA0 80026 Keys Available] [ ] Up [ ] Down [ESC] Exit [Space] Change Option [Ctrl-Y] Save Figure 5 GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 80 -...
  • Page 81 In the following procedure, we'll create RAID 0 as an example. 1. Under the RAID Mode section, press the Spacebar 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 82 WriteThru Drives Assignments] Channel:ID Drive Model Capacity (MB) 1:Mas WDC WD800JD-22LSA0 80026 2:Mas WDC WD800JD-22LSA0 80026 Are you sure you want to delete this array? Press Ctrl-Y to Delete, or others to abort... Figure 8 GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 82 -...

  • Page 83: Configuring Gigabyte Sata2 Sata Controller

    "Chapter 1," Hardware Installation," to identify the SATA controller for the SATA port. (For example, on this motherboard, the GSATAII_1, GSATAII_2 and eSATA ports are supported by GIGABYTE SATA2.) Then connect the power connector from your power supply to the hard drive.
  • Page 84 The BIOS Setup menus described in this section may differ from the exact settings for your motherboard. The actual BIOS Setup menu options you will see shall depend on the motherboard you have and the BIOS version. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 84 -...
  • Page 85 Figure 3 In the main screen of the GIGABYTE SATA2 RAID BIOS utility (Figure 4), use the up or down arrow key to highlight through choices in the Main Menu block. Highlight the item that you wish to execute and press <Enter>.
  • Page 86 In the main screen, press <Enter> on the Create RAID Disk Drive item. Then the Create New RAID screen appears (Figure 5). GIGABYTE Technology Corp. PCIE-to-SATAII/IDE RAID Controller BIOSv1.06.59 [ Create New RAID ] [ Hard Disk Drive List ]...
  • Page 87 4. Set Block Size (RAID 0 only): Under the Block item, use the up or down arrow key to select the stripe block size (Figure 7), ranging from 4 KB to 128 KB. Press <Enter>. GIGABYTE Technology Corp. PCIE-to-SATAII/IDE RAID Controller BIOSv1.06.59 [ Create New RAID ]...
  • Page 88 When finished, the new RAID array will be displayed in the RAID Disk Drive List block (Figure 9). GIGABYTE Technology Corp. PCIE-to-SATAII/IDE RAID Controller BIOSv1.06.59 [ Main Menu ] [ Hard Disk Drive List ] Create RAID Disk Drive Model Name...
  • Page 89 7. Save and Exit Setup: After configuring the RAID array, select the Save And Exit Setup item in the main screen to save your settings before exiting the RAID BIOS utility, then press <Y> (Figure 11). GIGABYTE Technology Corp. PCIE-to-SATAII/IDE RAID Controller BIOSv1.06.59 [ Main Menu ]...

  • Page 90: Making A Sata Raid/Ahci Driver Diskette

    For GIGABYTE SATA2 SATA controller, select 1) GIGABYTE SATA-RAID Driver(x86) for Windows 32-bit operating system or 2) GIGABYTE SATA-RAID Driver(x64) for Windows 64-bit. Your system will then automatically zip and transfer this driver file to the floppy disk. Press <0> to exit when finished.

  • Page 91: Installing The Sata Raid/Ahci Driver And Operating System

    5-1-4 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System Now that you have prepared the SATA RAID/AHCI driver diskette and configured the required BIOS settings, you are ready to install Windows Vista/XP/2000 onto your hard drive(s). The following is an example of Windows XP and Vista installation.
  • Page 92 * If you do not have any device support disks from a mass storage device manufacturer, or do not want to specify additional mass storage devices for use with Windows, press ENTER. S=Specify Additional Device ENTER=Continue F3=Exit Figure 4 GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 92 -...
  • Page 93 Step 3: For GIGABYTE SATA2 SATA controller: When Setup correctly recognizes the GIGABYTE SATA2 SATA RAID/AHCI driver in the floppy disk, a controller menu similar to Figure 5 below will appear. Use the arrow keys to select one of the items displayed and press <Enter>.
  • Page 94 Windows (R) XP to run on your computer. To set up Windows XP now, press ENTER. To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R. To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3. Enter= Continue R=Repair F3=Exit Figure 7 GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 94 -...
  • Page 95 B. Installing Windows Vista (Note) (The procedure below assumes that only one RAID array exists in your system.) AMD SB600 SATA controllers: Step 1: Restart your system to boot from the Windows Vista setup disk and perform standard OS installation steps.
  • Page 96 When a screen as shown in Figure 10 appears, select AMD AHCI Compatible RAID Controller and press Next. Figure 10 Step 4: After the driver is loaded, the RAID drive will appear. Select the RAID drive and then press Next to continue the OS installation (Figure 11). Figure 11 GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 96 -...
  • Page 97 GIGABYTE SATA2 controllers: Step 1: Restart your system to boot from the Windows Vista setup disk and perform standard OS installation steps. When a screen similar to that below appears (RAID/AHCI hard drive(s) will not be detected at this stage), select Load Driver. (Figure 12).
  • Page 98 Step 3: When a screen as shown in Figure 14 appears, select GIGABYTE GBB36X Controller and press Next. Figure 14 Step 4: After the driver is loaded, select the RAID/AHCI drive(s) where you want to install the operating system and then press Next to continue the OS installation (Figure 15).

  • Page 99: 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. The picture to the right shows the default audio jack Center/Subwoofer Line In Speaker Out assignments. Front Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out The integrated HD (High Definition) audio provides Mic In...
  • Page 100 OK to activiate the AC'97 functionality. When using an AC'97 front panel audio module, you can only have audio signals present on either the front or the back panel audio connections, but not both at the same time. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 100 -...

  • Page 101: Installing The S/Pdif In Cable (Optional)

    5-2-2 Installing the S/PDIF In Cable (Optional) The S/PDIF in cable provides S/PDIF in functionality. Coaxial Optical S/PDIF In S/PDIF In S/PDIF In: The S/PDIF in jacks allow you to input digital audio signals to the computer for audio processing. A.
  • Page 102 C. Configuring S/PDIF out: Click the tool icon in the DIGITAL section. In the S/PDIF In/Out Settings dialog box, select an out- put sampling rate and select (or disable) the output source. Click OK to complete the configuration. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 102 -...

  • Page 103: Enabling The Dts (Digital Theater Systems) Function

    5-2-3 Enabling the DTS (Digital Theater Systems) Function Before DTS is enabled, you would get only 2-channel output signals (from the front speakers) when playing 2-channel music. You must play 4-, 5.1-, or 7.1- channel music sources to produce 4-, 5.1-, or 7.1- channel audio effects. With DTS enabled, the system will transform two-channel stereo source material into multi-channel audio output, creating a virtual surround sound environment (Note)

  • Page 104: Configuring Microphone Recording

    Note: The microphone functions on the front panel and back panel cannot be used at the same time. Step 3: Locate the Volume icon in your system tray and click it to open the volume control panel GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 104 -...
  • Page 105 Step 4: To hear the sound being recorded during the record- ing process when using the microphone function on the front panel, do not select the Mute check box under Front Pink In or Front Green In in Master Volume. It is recommended that you set the volume at a middle level.

  • Page 106: Using The Sound Recorder

    3. To play a sound file, click the Play button 4. To stop playing, click the Stop button 5. You may use the Fast Forward button move to the beginning of a file or the Fast Back- ward button to the end. GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 106 -...

  • Page 107: Troubleshooting

    5-3-1 Frequently Asked Questions To read more FAQs for your motherboard, please go to the Support\Motherboard\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.

  • Page 108: Troubleshooting Procedure

    Turn on the power to start the computer. Press <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup. Select "Load Fail-Safe Defaults" (or "Load Optimized Defaults"). Select "Save & Exit Setup" to save changes and exit BIOS Setup. (Continued...) GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 108 -...
  • Page 109 The power supply, When the computer is turned on, is the CPU cooler running? CPU or CPU socket might fail. The problem is verified and solved. The graphics card, expansion slot, or Check if there is display on your monitor. monitor might fail.

  • Page 110: Regulatory Statements

    "end of life" product. Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive Statement GIGABYTE products have not intended to add and safe from hazardous substances (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr+6, PBDE and PBB). The parts and components have been carefully selected to meet RoHS requirement.
  • Page 111 Finally, we suggest that you practice other environmentally friendly actions by understanding and using the energy-saving features of this product (where applicable), recycling the inner and outer packaging (including shipping containers) this product was delivered in, and by disposing of or recycling used batteries properly.
  • Page 112 GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 112 -...
  • Page 113 - 113 - Appendix...
  • Page 114 GA-MA790FX-DQ6 Motherboard - 114 -...
  • Page 115 Contact Us Taiwan (Headquarters) China GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. NINGBO G.B.T. TECH. TRADING CO., LTD. Address: No.6, Bau Chiang Road, Hsin-Tien, WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.cn Taipei 231, Taiwan Shanghai TEL: +886-2-8912-4888 TEL: +86-21-63410999 FAX: +886-2-8912-4003 FAX: +86-21-63410100 Tech. and Non-Tech. Support (Sales/Marketing) : Beijing http://ggts.gigabyte.com.tw...
  • Page 116 Czech Republic WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.co.yu Representative Office Of GIGA-BYTE Technology Co., Ltd. You may go to the GIGABYTE website, select your language in CZECH REPUBLIC in the language list on the top right corner of the website. WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.cz Turkey Representative Office Of GIGA-BYTE Technology Co., Ltd.

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