Gigabyte GA-8I915GM-G: Chapter 1 Hardware Installation
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation: Gigabyte GA-8I915GM-G
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 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.
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
915G Express chipset
®
Southbridge: Intel
ICH6
(Note 1)
Memory 4 DDR DIMM memory slots (supports up to 4GB memory)
Supports dual channel DDR400/333 DIMM
Supports 2.5V DDR DIMM
Slots 1 PCI Express x 16 slot
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)
Onboard Realtek 8100C chip (10/100 Mbit)
1 RJ 45 port
Onboard Audio ALC880 CODEC
High Definition Audio
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
(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.
Only for GA-8I915G-MF.
Only for GA-8I915GM.
GA-8I915G-MF/GA-8I915GM Motherboard - 10 -
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
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CPU temperature detection
CPU / System fan speed detection
CPU warning temperature
CPU / System fan failure warning
CPU smart fan control
BIOS Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Supports Q-Flash
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
Supports EasyTune5 (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.
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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: 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.
plastic covering 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-8I915G-MF/GA-8I915GM Motherboard - 12 -
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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-8I915G-MF/GA-8I915GM Motherboard - 14 -
GA-8I915G-MF/GA-8I915GM supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the Dual
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Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will double.
GA-8I915G-MF/GA-8I915GM 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. Only one 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. Three DDR memory modules are installed: Please note that The Dual Channel Technology
will not operate when three DDR memory modules are installed; part of them will not be
detected.
4. 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 tables include all memory-installed combination types:
z Figure 1: Dual Channel Technology (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
z Figure 2: Don't operate Dual Channel Technology (DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side)
DDR 1 DDR 2 DDR 3 DDR 4
1 memory module
DS/SS X X X
X DS/SS X X
X X DS/SS X
X X X DS/SS
2 memory modules
DS/SS DS/SS X X
X X DS/SS DS/SS
3 memory modules
DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS X
DS/SS DS/SS X DS/SS
DS/SS X DS/SS DS/SS
X 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
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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 white-
drawable 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.
GA-8I915G-MF/GA-8I915GM Motherboard - 16 -
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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.
The provided Internet connection is fast Ethernet, providing data transfer speeds of 10/100Mbps.
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-8I915G-MF.
Only for GA-8I915GM.
Hardware Installation- 17 -
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Connect the Center/Subwoofer speakers to this connector.
Side Speaker Out
English
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
14
4
1
5
10
6
17
16
7
11
9
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) S_ATA0 / S_ATA1 / S_ATA2 / S_ATA3
16) CLR_CMOS
8) F_PANEL
17) BAT
9) PWR_LED
Only for GA-8I915G-MF.
GA-8I915G-MF/GA-8I915GM 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
3
1
3 +12V
4 +12V
Pin No. Definition
1 3.3V
13
1
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-8I915G-MF/GA-8I915GM 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) S_ATA0/S_ATA1/S_ATA2/S_ATA3 (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
Power
Message LED/
Switch
Power/
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-8I915G-MF/GA-8I915GM Motherboard - 22 -
9) PWR_LED
English
PWR_LED is connect with the system power indicator to indicate whether the system is on/off. It
will blink when the system enters suspend mode.
Pin No. Definition
1 MPD+
1
2 MPD-
3 MPD-
10) AZALIA_FP (Front Audio 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 FAUOIO_JD
7 N/A
8 No Pin
8 No Pin
9 LINE2_L
9 N/A
10 FSENSE2
10 Line Out (L)
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-8I915G-MF/GA-8I915GM 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
you connect 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.
Pin No. Definition
2
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
Only for GA-8I915G-MF.
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.
Open: Normal
1
1
Short :Clear CMOS
GA-8I915G-MF/GA-8I915GM 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-8I915G-MF/GA-8I915GM Motherboard - 28 -
