Gigabyte GA-8I915GL-MF: Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation: Gigabyte GA-8I915GL-MF

English

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation

Preparing Your Computer

The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can

become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Thus, prior to installation, please

follow the instructions below:

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

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

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

(CPU, RAM).

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

within a electrostatic shielding container.

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

from the motherboard.

Installation Notices

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

for warranty validation.

2. Prior to the installation of the motherboard or any hardware, please first carefully read theinformation

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.

Instances of Non-Warranty

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

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

3. Damage due to improper installation.

4. Damage due to use of uncertified components.

5. Damage due to use exceeding the permitted parameters.

6. Product determined to be an unofficial Gigabyte product.

Hardware Installation- 9 -

1-2 Feature Summary

CPU Supports the latest Intel

®

Pentium

®

4 LGA775 CPU

Supports 800/533MHz FSB

English

L2 cache varies with CPU

Chipset Northbridge: Intel

®

915GL Express chipset

Southbridge: Intel

®

ICH6

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

(Note 1)

Supports dual channel DDR400/333/266 DIMM

Supports 2.5V DDR DIMM

Slots 1 PCI Express x 1 slot

2 PCI slots

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

devices

FDD Connections 1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices

Onboard SATA 4 Serial ATA connections

Peripherals 1 parallel port supporting Normal/EPP/ECP mode

1 VGA port, onboard COMA/COMB connection

8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (rear x 4, front x 4 via cable)

3 IEEE1394 ports (requires cable)

1 front audio connector

1 IR connector

1 PS/2 keyboard port

1 PS/2 mouse port

Onboard LAN Onboard Realtek 8110S chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)

1 RJ 45 port

Onboard Audio ALC880 CODEC

Supports Jack Sensing function

Supports 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 channel audio

Supports Line In ; Line Out (Front Speaker Out) ; MIC ;

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

;Side Speaker Out connection

Supports SPDIF In/Out connection

CD In

I/O Control IT8712

Hardware Monitor System voltage detection

CPU temperature detection

CPU / System fan speed detection

CPU warning temperature

CPU / System fan failure warning

CPU smart fan control

(Note 1) Due to standard PC architecture, a certain amount of memory is reserved for system usage

and therefore the actual memory size is less than the stated amount.

For example, 4 GB of memory size will instead be shown as 3.xxGB memory during system

startup.

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 10 -

BIOS Use of licensed AWARD BIOS

English

Supports Q-Flash

Additional Features Supports @BIOS

Supports EasyTune 5 (only supports Hardware Monitor function)

Overclocking Over Clock via BIOS (DDR)

Form Factor Micro ATX form factor; 24.4 cm x 24.4 cm

Hardware Installation- 11 -

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.

English

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 re-

quires all of the following platform components:

- CPU: An Intel

®

Pentium 4 Processor with HT Technology

- Chipset: An Intel

®

Chipset that supports HT Technology

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

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

1-3-1 Installation of the CPU

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Metal Lever

Gently lift the metal

Remove the plastic

lever located on the

covering on the CPU

CPU socket to the

socket.

upright position.

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Notice the small gold

Once the CPU is

colored triangle

properly inserted,

located on the edge of

please replace the

the CPU socket.

load plate and

Align the

push the metal lever

indented corner of the

back into its original

CPU with the triangle and gently insert the CPU

position.

into position. (Grasping the CPU firmly between

your thumb and forefinger, carefully place it into

the socket in a straight and downwards motion.

Avoid twisting or bending motions that might cause

damage to the CPU during installation.)

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 12 -

English

1-3-2 Installation of the Heatsink

Male Push Pin

The top of Female Push Pin

Female Push Pin

Fig.1

Fig. 2

Please apply an even layer of heatsink paste on

(Turning the push pin along the direction of arrow

the surface of the installed CPU.

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. 3

Fig. 4

Place the heatsink atop the CPU and make sure

Please make sure the Male and Female push pin

the push pins aim to the pin hole on the

are joined closely. (for detailed installation

motherboard.Pressing down the push pins

instructions, please refer to the heatsink installation

diagonally.

section of the user manual)

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Please check the back of motherboard after

Finally, please attach the power connector of the

installing. If the push pin is inserted as the picture,

heatsink to the CPU fan header located on the

the installation is complete.

motherboard.

The heatsink may adhere to the CPU as a result of hardening of the heatsink paste.To prevent

such an occurrence, it is suggested that either thermal tape rather than heat sink paste be used

for heat dissipation or using extreme care when removing the heatsink.

Hardware Installation- 13 -

1-4 Installation of Memory

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

English

1. Please make sure that the memory used is supported by the motherboard. It is

recommended that memory of similar capacity, specifications and brand be used.

2. Before installing or removing memory modules, please make sure that the computer

power is switched off to prevent hardware damage.

3. Memory modules have a foolproof insertion design. A memory module can be installed

in only one direction. If you are unable to insert the module, please switch the direction.

The motherboard supports DDR memory modules, whereby BIOS will automatically detect memory

capacity and specifications. Memory modules are designed so that they can be inserted only in one

direction. The memory capacity used can differ with each slot.

Notch

DDR

1. The DIMM slot has a notch, so the DIMM

memory module can only fit in one direction.

2. Insert the DIMM memory module vertically

into the DIMM slot. Then push it down.

3. Close the plastic clip at both edges of the DIMM

slots to lock the DIMM module.

Reverse the installation steps when you wish

to remove the DIMM module.

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 14 -

GA-8I915GL-MF supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the Dual Channel Technology,

English

the bandwidth of Memory Bus will double.

GA-8I915GL-MF includes 4 DIMM sockets, and each Channel has two DIMM sockets as following:

Channel A : DDR 1, DDR 2

Channel B : DDR 3, DDR 4

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

to the limitation of Intel chipset specifications.

1. One/three DDR memory module is installed: The Dual Channel Technology can't operate

when only one DDR memory module is installed.

2. Two DDR memory modules are installed (the same memory size and type): The Dual

Channel Technology will operate when two memory modules are inserted individually into

Channel A and B. If you install two memory modules in the same channel, the Dual Channel

Technology will not operate.

3. Four DDR memory modules are installed: If you install four memory modules at the same

time, the Dual Channel Technology will operate only when those modules have the same

memory size and type.

We'll strongly recommend our user to slot two DDR memory modules into the DIMMs with the same

color in order for Dual Channel Technology to work.

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

DDR 1 DDR 2 DDR 3 DDR 4

2 memory modules

DS/SS X DS/SS X

X DS/SS X DS/SS

4 memory modules

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

Hardware Installation- 15 -

1-5 Install 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

English

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 expansion card:

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 16 -

English

1-6 I/O Back Panel Introduction

PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Connector

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

keyboard o the lower port (purple).

Parallel Port

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

SPDIF_O (SPDIF Out)

The SPDIF output is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or compressed AC3

data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder.

SPDIF_I (SPDIF In)

Use SPDIF In feature only when your device has digital output function.

VGA Port

Monitor can be connected to VGA port.

USB port

Before you connect your device(s) into USB connector(s), please make sure your device(s) such

as USB keyboard, mouse, scanner, zip, speaker...etc. have a standard USB interface.

Also make sure your OS supports USB controller. If your OS does not support USB controller,

please contact OS vendor for possible patch or driver upgrade. For more information please

contact your OS or device(s) vendors.

LAN Port

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

1000Mbps.

Line In

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

Line Out (Front Speaker Out)

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

MIC In

Microphone can be connected to MIC In jack.

Rear Speaker Out

Hardware Installation- 17 -

Connect the rear surround speakers to this connector.

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out

Connect the Center/Subwoofer speakers to this connector.

English

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.

1-7 Connectors Introduction

3

2

9

14

4

1

5

10

6

17

16

7

11

8

1315

12

1) ATX_12V

10) AZALIA_FP

2) ATX (Power Connector)

11) CD_IN

3) CPU_FAN

12) F_USB1 / F_USB2

4) SYS_FAN

13) F1_1394 / F2_1394

5) FDD

14) IR

6) IDE

15) COMA / COMB

7) SATA0 / SATA1 / SATA2 / SATA3

16) CLR_CMOS

8) F_PANEL

17) BAT

9) CI

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 18 -

1/2) ATX_12V/ATX (Power Connector)

English

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.

4

2

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

2 GND

13

3 +12V

4 +12V

Pin No. Definition

13

1

1 3.3V

2 3.3V

3 GND

4 VCC

5 GND

6 VCC

7 GND

8 Power Good

9 5V SB(stand by +5V)

10 +12V

11 +12V

12 3.3V(Only for 24pins ATX)

24

12

13 3.3V

14 -12V

15 GND

16 PS_ON(soft On/Off)

17 GND

18 GND

19 GND

20 -5V

21 VCC

22 VCC

23 VCC

24 GND

Hardware Installation- 19 -

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

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

CPU_FAN) power connector and possesses a foolproof connection design.

Most coolers are designed with color-coded power connector wires. A red power connector

English

wireindicates 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

Pin No. Definition

CPU_FAN

1 GND

2 +12V

3 Sense

4 Speed Control

1

(Only for CPU_FAN)

SYS_FAN

5) FDD (Floppy Connector)

The FDD connector is used to connect the FDD cable while the other end of the cable connects to the

FDD drive. The types of FDD drives supported are: 360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, 1.44MB and 2.88MB.

Please connect the red power connector wire to the pin1 position.

34

33

2

1

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 20 -

6) IDE (IDE Connector)

English

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).

3940

2

1

7) SATA0/SATA1/SATA2/SATA3 (Serial ATA Connector, Controlled by ICH6)

Serial ATA can provide 150MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the Serial ATA

and install the proper driver in order to work properly.

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

1

7

2 TXP

3 TXN

4 GND

5 RXN

6 RXP

7 GND

Hardware Installation- 21 -

8) F_PANEL (Front Panel Jumper)

Please connect the power LED, PC peaker, reset switch and power switch etc of your chassis front

panel to the F_PANEL connector according to the pin assignment below.

English

Message LED/

Power

Power/

Switch

Speaker Connector

Sleep LED

PW+

SPEAK+

SPEAK-

MSG+

MSG-

PW-

2

20

1

19

HD+

RES-

NC

HD-

RES+

IDE Hard Disk

Reset Switch

Active LED

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

Pin 2: LED cathode(-)

SPEAK (Speaker Connector) Pin 1: VCC(+)

Pin 2- Pin 3: NC

Pin 4: Data(-)

RES (Reset Switch) Open: Normal Operation

Close: Reset Hardware System

PW (Power Switch) Open: Normal Operation

Close: Power On/Off

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

Pin 2: LED cathode(-)

NC NC

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 22 -

9) CI (Chassis Intrusion, Case Open)

English

This 2-pin connector allows your system to enable or disable the "Case Open" item in BIOS, if the

system case begin remove.

Pin No.Definition

1 Signal

1

2 GND

10) AZALIA_FP(Front Audio Panel Connector)

This connector is supported to connect HD(High Definition) Audio and AC'97 Audio. Check the pin

assignment carefully while you connect the audio panel cable, incorrect connection between the

cable and connector will make the device unable to work or even damage it. For optional audio

panel cable, please contact your local dealer.

10

9

2

1

HD Audio: AC'97 Audio:

Pin No. Definition

Pin No. Definition

1 MIC2_L

1 MIC

2 GND

2 GND

3 MIC2_R

3 MIC Power

4 -ACZ_DET

4 N/A

5 Line2_R

5 Line Out (R)

6 FSENSE1

6 N/A

7 FAUDIO_JD

7 N/A

8 No Pin

8 No Pin

9 LINE2_L

9 Line Out (L)

10 FSENSE2

10 N/A

HD Audio is the default setting for this connector. To enable AC'97 Audio, from BIOS

settings, set Front Panel Type under Integrated Peripherals to AC97.

Hardware Installation- 23 -

11) CD_IN (CD IN)

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

English

1 Pin No. Definition

1 CD-L

2 GND

3 GND

4 CD -R

12) F_ USB1 / F_USB2 (Front USB Connector)

Be careful with the polarity of the front USB connector. Check the pin assignment carefully while

you connect the front USB cable, incorrect connection between the cable and connector will make

the device unable to work or even damage it. For optional front USB cable, please contact your

local dealer.The "USB Device Wake up From S3" is only supported by rear USB ports.

Pin No. Definition

1 Power

2 Power

9

1

3 USB DX-

4 USB Dy-

5 USB DX+

10

2

6 USB Dy+

7 GND

8 GND

9 No Pin

10 NC

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 24 -

13) F1_1394/F2_1394 (IEEE 1394 Connector)

English

Serial interface standard set by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which has features

like high speed, high bandwidth and hot plug.

Be careful with the polarity of the IEEE1394 connector. Check the pin assignment carefully while

youconnect the IEEE1394 cable, incorrect connection between the cable and connector will make

the device unable to work or even damage it. For optional IEEE1394 cable, please contact your

local dealer.

2

Pin No. Definition

16

1 Power

2 Power

1

15

3 TPA0+

F2_1394

4 TPA0-

2

10

5 GND

6 GND

1

9

7 TPB0+

F1_1394

8 TPB0-

Pin No. Definition

9 Power

1 TPA2+

10 Power

2 TPA2-

11 TPA1+

3 GND

12 TPA1-

4 GND

13 GND

5 TPB2+

14 No Pin

6 TPB2-

15 TPB1+

7 No Pin

16 TPB1-

8 Power

9 Power

10 GND

14) IR

Be careful with the polarity of the IR connector while you connect the IR. Please contact your

nearest dealer for optional IR device.

Pin No. Definition

1 VCC

2 No Pin

3 IR RX

1

4 GND

5 IR TX

Hardware Installation- 25 -

15) COMA/COMB (Serial Port Connector)

Be careful with the polarity of the COM connector. Check the pin assignment carefully while you

connect the COM cable, incorrect connection between the cable and connector will make the

device unable to work or even damage it. For optional COM cable, please contact your local

English

dealer.

Pin No. Definition

1 NDCD A/B-

2 NSIN A/B

2

10

3 NSOUT A/B

4 NDTR A/B-

19

5 GND

6 NDSR A/B-

7 NRTS A/B-

8 NCTS A/B-

9 NRI A/B-

10 No Pin

16) CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS)

You may clear the CMOS data to its default values by this jumper. To clear CMOS, temporarily

short 1-2 pin. Default doesn't include the "Shunter" to prevent from improper use this jumper.

1

Open: Normal

1

Short :Clear CMOS

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 26 -

17) BAT(Battery)

English

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.

Replace only with the same or equivalent type

recommended by the manufacturer.

Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer's

instructions.

If you want to erase CMOS...

1.Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2.Remove the battery, wait for 30 second.

3.Re-install the battery.

4.Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

Hardware Installation- 27 -

English

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 28 -