Gigabyte GA-8I915MD-G: Chapter 1 Hardware Installation
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation: Gigabyte GA-8I915MD-G
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Chapter 1 Hardware Installation
1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation
Preparing Your Computer
The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can
become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Thus, prior to installation, please
follow the instructions below:
1. Please turn off the computer and unplug its power cord.
2. When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
3. It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) cuff when handling electronic components
(CPU, RAM).
4. Prior to installing the electronic components, please have these items on top of an antistatic pad or
within a electrostatic shielding container.
5. Please verify that the power supply is switched off before unplugging the power supply connector
from the motherboard.
Installation Notices
1. Prior to installation, please do not remove the stickers on the motherboard. These stickers are required
for warranty validation.
2. Prior to the installation of the motherboard or any hardware, please first carefully read the information
in the provided manual.
3. Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors are connected.
4. To prevent damage to the motherboard, please do not allow screws to come in contact with the
motherboard circuit or its components.
5. Please make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or
within the computer casing.
6. Please do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.
7. Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system
components as well as physical harm to the user.
8. If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the product,
please consult a certified computer technician.
Instances of Non-Warranty
1. Damage due to natural disaster, accident or human cause.
2. Damage as a result of violating the conditions recommended in the user manual.
3. Damage due to improper installation.
4. Damage due to use of uncertified components.
5. Damage due to use exceeding the permitted parameters.
6. Product determined to be an unofficial Gigabyte product.
Hardware Installation- 11 -
1-2 Feature Summary
Motherboard GA-8I915MD-G or GA-8I915MD-GV
®
®
CPU Supports the latest Intel
Pentium
4 LGA775 CPU
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Supports 800/533MHz FSB
L2 cache varies with CPU
®
Chipset Northbridge: Intel
915G / 915GV Express Chipset
®
Southbridge: Intel
ICH6
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
Memory 2 DDR II DIMM memory slots (supports up to 2GB memory)
Supports 1.8V DDR II DIMM
(Note 1)
Supports dual channel DDR II 600
533/400 DIMM
(Note 2)
Slots 1 PCI Express x 16 slot
3 PCI slots
IDE Connections 1 IDE connection (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100), allows connection of
2 IDE devices
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
FDD Connections 1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices
Onboard SATA 2 Serial ATA ports
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
Peripherals 1 parallel port supporting Normal/EPP/ECP mode
1 VGA port, 1 COMA port, onboard COMB connection
8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (rear x 4, front x 4 via cable)
1 front audio connector
1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
®
Onboard VGA Built-in Intel
915G / 915GV Express Chipset
Onboard LAN Onboard RTL8110S chip (10/100/1000Mbit)
Onboard RTL8100C chip (10/100Mbit)
1 RJ 45 port
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
Onboard Audio Realtek ALC655 CODEC
Supports Line In ; Line Out ; MIC In
Supports 2 / 4 / 6 channel audio
SPDIF In/Out connection
CD In connection
AUX In connection
I/O Control IT8712
(Note 1) To use a DDRII 600 memory module on the motherboard, you must install an 800MHz FSB
processor and overclock in BIOS.
(Note 2) The GA-8I915MD-GV supports up to PCI Express x 4 mode (please refer to the VGA cards
support list on page 18~19). The GA-8I915MD-G supports up to PCI Express x16 mode.
Only for GA-8I915MD-G. Only for GA-8I915MD-GV.
GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 12 -
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
(Note 3)
Supports EasyTune 5 (only supports Hardware Monitor function)
Form Factor Micro ATX form factor; 24.4cm x 21.5cm
(Note 3) EasyTune functions may vary depending on different motherboards.
Hardware Installation- 13 -
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 located
properly inserted,
on the edge of the CPU
please replace the
socket. Align the
load plate and
indented corner of the
push the metal lever
back into its original
CPU with the triangle and gently insert the CPU into
position.
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-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 14 -
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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 is
the surface of the installed CPU.
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 are
the push pins aim to the pin hole on the
joined closely. (for detailed installation instructions,
motherboard.Pressing down the push pins
please refer to the heatsink installation section of the
diagonally.
user manual)
Fig. 6
Fig. 5
Finally, please attach the power connector of the
Please check the back of motherboard after
heatsink to the CPU fan header located on the
installing. If the push pin is inserted as the picture,
motherboard.
the installation is complete.
The heatsink may adhere to the CPU as a result of hardening of the heatsink paste.To prevent
such an occurrence, it is suggested that either thermal tape rather than heat sink paste be used for
heat dissipation or using extreme care when removing the heatsink.
Hardware Installation- 15 -
1-4 Installation of Memory
Before installing the memory modules, please comply with the following conditions:
1. Please make sure that the memory used is supported by the motherboard. It is recommended that
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memory of similar capacity, specifications and brand be used.
2. Before installing or removing memory modules, please make sure that the computer power is switched
off to prevent hardware damage.
3. Memory modules have a foolproof insertion design. A memory module can be installed in only one
direction. If you are unable to insert the module, please switch the direction.
The motherboard supports DDR II memory modules, whereby BIOS will automatically detect memory
capacity and specifications. Memory modules are designed so that they can be inserted only in one direction.
The memory capacity used can differ with each slot.
Notch
DDR II
Fig.1
The DIMM socket has a notch, so the DIMM memory module
can only fit in one direction. Insert the DIMM memory module
vertically into the DIMM socket. Then push it down.
Fig.2
Close the plastic clip at both edges of the DIMM sockets to
lock the DIMM module.
Reverse the installation steps when you wish to remove the
DIMM module.
GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 16 -
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Dual Channel Memory Configuration
The GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV supports the Dual Channel Technology.
After operating the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus
will add double.
The GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV includes 2 DIMM sockets.
If you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please note the following explanations
due to the limitation of Intel chipset specifications.
1. Dual Channel mode will not be enabled if only one DDR II memory module is installed.
2. To enable Dual Channel mode, please insert two DDR II memory modules (it is recom-
mended to use memory modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed) into DDRII1
and DDRII memory sockets.
Hardware Installation- 17 -
1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards
You can install your expansion card by following the steps outlined below:
1. Read the related expansion card's instruction document before install the expansion card into the
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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 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 latch at the end of the PCI
Express x 16 slot. When you try uninstall
the VGA card, please press the latch as the
picture to the left shows to release the card.
1-5-1 Graphics Card Support List *
(The items below are all supported under the Windows XP operating system. When using an
add-on graphics card, please first delete the onboard graphics driver before installing the driver
for the add-on graphics card.)
Figure 1-1. PCI Express x16 Cards
Graphics Chip Maker Model Name
Nvidia Gigabyte GV-NX53128D
Gigabyte GV-NX57128D
Gigabyte GV-NX59128D
Gigabyte GV-NX62128D
Gigabyte GV-NX66256D
Gigabyte GV-NX66T128VP
"*" Only for GA-8I915MD-GV.
To be continued...
GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 18 -
Figure 1-2. PCI Express x16 Cards
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Graphics Chip Maker Model Name
Nvidia Gigabyte GV-NX66T128D
Gigabyte GV-NX68T256DH
Gigabyte GV-NX55128DP
Gigabyte GV-NX68U256D
Gigabyte GV-NX62TC256D
ASUS EN6600/TD/128
ATi Gigabyte GV-RX30S128D
Gigabyte GV-RX60P128D
Gigabyte GV-RX60X128V
Gigabyte GV-RX70128D
Gigabyte GV-RX70P128D
Gigabyte GV-RX80T256V
Gigabyte GV-RX80L256V
Gigabyte GV-RX80256D
ASUS AX800XT
ASUS AX700PRO
MSI RX600 XT-TD128
Hardware Installation- 19 -
1-6 I/O Back Panel Introduction
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PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Connector
To install a PS/2 port keyboard and mouse, plug the mouse to the upper port (green) and the keyboard
to the lower port (purple).
Parallel Port
The parallel port allows connection of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices.
COMA (Serial Port)
Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.
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 LAN port provides Internet connection.
Line In
Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.
Line Out
Connect the stereo speakers or earphone to this connector.
MIC In
Microphone can be connected to MIC In jack.
You can use audio software to configure 2-/4-/6-channel audio functioning.
GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 20 -
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1-7 Connectors Introduction
13
17
2
5
6
10
11
9
12
814
4
15
716 19
1813
1) ATX_12V
11) CD_IN
2) ATX (Power Connector)
12) AUX_IN
3) CPU_FAN
13) SPDIF_IO
4) SYS_FAN
14) SUR_CEN
5) FDD
15) F_USB1/F_USB2
6) IDE1
16) COMB
7) SATA0 / SATA1
17) CI
8) F_AUDIO
18) CLR_CMOS
9) PWR_LED
19) BAT
10) F_PANEL
Hardware Installation- 21 -
1/2) ATX_12V/ATX (Power Connector)
With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all the
components on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, please make sure that all
components and devices are properly installed. Align the power connector with its proper location on
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the motherboard and connect tightly.
The ATX_12V power connector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the ATX_12V power
connector is not connected, the system will not start.
Caution!
Please use a power supply that is able to handle the system voltage requirements. It is
recommended that a power supply that can withstand high power consumption be used (300W or
greater). If a power supply is used that does not provide the required power, the result can lead to an
unstable system or a system that is unable to start.
If you use a 24-pin ATX power supply, please remove the small cover on the power connector
on the motherboard before plugging in the power cord ; Otherwise, please do not remove it.
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
4
2
2 GND
3 +12V
4 +12V
13
12
24
Pin No. Definition
Pin No. Definition
1 3.3V
13 3.3V
2 3.3V
14 -12V
3 GND
15 GND
4 +5V
16 PS_ON(soft On/Off)
5 GND
17 GND
6 +5V
18 GND
7 GND
19 GND
8 Power Good
20 -5V
9 5V SB(stand by +5V)
21 +5V
10 +12V
22 +5V
11 +12V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
23 +5V (Only for 24-pin ATX)
1
13
12 3.3V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
24 GND(Only for 24-pin ATX)
GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 22 -
3/4) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN (Cooler Fan Power Connector)
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The cooler fan power connector supplies a +12V power voltage via a 3-pin/4-pin (only for CPU_FAN)
power connector and possesses a foolproof connection design.
Most coolers are designed with color-coded power connector wires. A red power connector wire
indicates a positive connection and requires a +12V power voltage. The black connector wire is
the ground wire (GND).
Please remember to connect the power to the cooler to prevent system overheating and failure.
Caution!
Please remember to connect the power to the CPU fan to prevent CPU overheating and failure.
1
Pin No. Definition
CPU_FAN
1 GND
2 +12V
3 Sense
1
4 Speed Control
SYS_FAN
(Only for CPU_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
Hardware Installation- 23 -
6) IDE1 (IDE Connector)
An IDE device connects to the computer via an IDE connector. One IDE connector can connect to one
IDE cable, and the single IDE cable can then connect to two IDE devices (hard drive or optical drive).
If you wish to connect two IDE devices, please set the jumper on one IDE device as Master and the
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other as Slave (for information on settings, please refer to the instructions located on the IDE device).
3940
2
1
7) SATA0/SATA1 (SATA Connector)
SATA can provide up to 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
2 TXP
3 TXN
4 GND
1
7
5 RXN
6 RXP
7 GND
GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 24 -
8) F_AUDIO (Front Audio Panel Connector)
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If you want to use Front Audio connector, you must remove 5-6, 9-10 Jumper.
In order to utilize the front audio header, your chassis must have front audio connector. Also please
make sure the pin assigment on the cable is the same as the pin assigment on the MB header. To
find out if the chassis you are buying support front audio connector, please contact your dealer.
Please note, you can have the alternative of using front audio connector or of using rear audio
connector to play sound.
Pin No. Definition
1 MIC
2 GND
2
10
3 MIC_BIAS
4 Power
1
9
5 Front Audio (R)
6 Rear Audio (R)/ Return R
7NC
8 No Pin
9 Front Audio (L)
10 Rear Audio (L)/ Return L
9) PWR_LED (Optional)
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-
Hardware Installation- 25 -
10) F_PANEL (Front Panel Jumper)
Please connect the power LED, PC speaker, reset switch and power switch etc of your chassis front
panel to the F_PANEL connector according to the pin assignment below.
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20
19
SPEAK-
Speaker Connector
SPEAK+
NC
PW-
RES+
Power Switch
Reset Switch
PW+
RES-
MSG-
HD-
Message LED/
IDE Hard Disk
MSG+
HD+
Power/
Active LED
12
Sleep LED
HD (IDE Hard Disk Active LED) (Blue) Pin 1: LED anode(+)
Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
SPEAK (Speaker Connector) (Amber) Pin 1: Power
Pin 2- Pin 3: NC
Pin 4: Data(-)
RES (Reset Switch) (Green) Open: Normal
Close: Reset Hardware System
PW (Power Switch) (Red) Open: Normal
Close: Power On/Off
MSG(Message LED/Power/Sleep LED) Pin 1: LED anode(+)
(Yellow) Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
NC ( Purple) NC
11) CD_IN (CD IN)
Connect CD-ROM or DVD-ROM audio out to the connector.
Pin No. Definition
1 CD-L
2 GND
1
3 GND
4 CD-R
GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 26 -
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12) AUX_IN (AUX In Connector)
Connect other device (such as PCI TV Tunner audio out) to the connector.
Pin No. Definition
1 AUX-L
2 GND
1
3 GND
4 AUX-R
13) SPDIF_IO (SPDIF In/Out)
The SPDIF output is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or compressed AC3
data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder. Use this feature only when your stereo system has
digital input function. Use SPDIF IN feature only when your device has digital output function.
Be careful with the polarity of the SPDIF_IO connector. Check the pin assignment carefully while
you connect the SPDIF cable, incorrect connection between the cable and connector will make the
device unable to work or even damage it. For optional SPDIF cable, please contact your local
dealer.
Pin No. Definition
1 Power
2 No Pin
62
3 SPDIF
4 SPDIFI
1
5
5 GND
6 GND
Hardware Installation- 27 -
14) SUR_CEN
Please contact your nearest dealer for optional SUR_CEN cable.
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Pin No. Definition
1 SUR OUTL
2
6
2 SUR OUTR
3 GND
1
5
4 No Pin
5 CENTER_OUT
6 BASS_OUT
15) F1_USB / F2_USB (Front USB Connectors)
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.
Pin No. Definition
1 Power
2 Power
9
1
3 USB DX-
210
4 USB Dy-
5 USB DX+
6 USB Dy+
7 GND
8 GND
9 No Pin
10 NC
GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 28 -
16) COMB (COMB Connector)
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Be careful with the polarity of the COMB connector. Check the pin assignments while you connect
the COMB cable. Please contact your nearest dealer for optional COMB cable.
Pin No. Definition
1 NDCDB-
2 NSINB
3 NSOUTB
4 NDTRB-
2
10
5GND
6 NDSRB-
1
9
7 NRTSB-
8 NCTSB-
9 NRIB-
10 No Pin
17) CI (Chassis Intrusion, Case Open)
This 2-pin connector allows your system to detect if the chassis cover is removed. You can check
the "Case Opened" status in BIOS Setup.
Pin No. Definition
1
1 Signal
2 GND
Hardware Installation- 29 -
18) 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.
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1
Open: Normal
1
Short: Clear CMOS
19) BAT(Battery)
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. Take out the battery gently and put it aside for about 10
minutes (Or you can use a metal object to connect the
positive and negative pins in the battery holder to make
them short for one minute).
3. Re-install the battery.
4. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
GA-8I915MD-G/GA-8I915MD-GV Motherboard - 30 -
