Gigabyte GA-8I945GMBX: Chapter 1Hardware Installation
Chapter 1Hardware Installation: Gigabyte GA-8I945GMBX
English
Chapter 1Hardware 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- 9 -
1-2 Feature Summary
®
®
®
(Note 1)
CPU Supports Intel
Pentium
D / Pentium
4 LGA775 CPU
Supports 1066/800/533MHz FSB
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L2 cache varies with CPU
®
Chipset Northbridge: Intel
945G Express Chipset
®
Southbridge: Intel
ICH7R
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
(Note 2)
Memory 4 DDR II DIMM memory slots (supports up to 4GB memory)
(Note 3)
Supports dual channel DDR II 667
/533/400 DIMM
Supports 1.8V DDR II 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 IDE devices
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
FDD Connections 1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices
Onboard SATA 3Gb/s 4 SATA 3Gb/s connections
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
Peripherals 1 parallel port supporting Normal/EPP/ECP mode
2 serial port (COMA, onboard COMB), 1 VGA port
8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (rear x 4, front x 4 via cable)
3 IEEE1394 ports (rear x 1, front x 2 via cable)
1 front audio connector
1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
®
Onboard VGA Built-in Intel
945G Express Chipset
Onboard LAN Onboard Intel Tekoa 82573V chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
1 RJ 45 port
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
(Note 1) For further CPU support information, please go to GIGABYTE's website.
(Note 2) 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.
(Note 3) To use a DDRII 667 memory module on the motherboard, you must install an 800/1066MHz FSB
processor .
GA-8I945GMBX Motherboard - 10 -
Onboard Audio ALC882 CODEC
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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
SPDIF In connection
SPDIF Out connection
CD In connection
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
I/O Control IT8712
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU / System temperature detection
CPU / System fan speed detection
CPU / System warning temperature
CPU / System fan failure warning
CPU / System smart fan control
®
Onboard SATA 3Gb/s Onboard Intel
ICH7R chipset
RAID supports data striping (RAID 0), mirroring (RAID 1),
striping + mirroring (RAID 0+1), or RAID 5
supports data transfer rate of up to 300 MB/s
supports a maximum of 4 SATA 3Gb/s connections
supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
BIOS Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Supports Q-Flash
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
(Note 4)
Supports EasyTune (only supports Hardware Monitor function)
Form Factor Micro BTX form factor; 26.7cm x 26.4cm
(Note 4) EasyTune functions may vary depending on different motherboards.
Hardware Installation- 11 -
1-3 Installation of the CPU and Heatsink
Before installing the CPU, please comply with the following conditions:
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1. Please make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.
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 load
socket. Align the
plate and push the
indented corner of the
metal lever back into its
original position.
CPU with the triangle and gently insert the CPU 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-8I945GMBX Motherboard - 12 -
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1-3-2 Installation of the Fan Heatsink
Fig.1
Apply an even layer of thermal paste on the surface of the installed CPU.
Fig.2
Install the motherboard in the chassis. Align the fan heatsink with the screw
holes and place it onto the motherboard.
Fig.3
Fasten the fan heatsink with screws. Assure that the fan heatsink is securely
attached to the motherboard and chassis. (For detailed installation
instructions, please refer to the user's manual for your fan heatsink.)
Fig.4
Finally, please attach the power connector of the fan heatsink to the CPU
fan header located on the motherboard.
The fan heatsink may adhere to the CPU as a result of hardening of the thermal paste. To prevent
such an occurrence, it is suggested that either thermal tape rather than thermal paste be used for
heat dissipation or using extreme care when removing the fan heatsink.
Hardware Installation- 13 -
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
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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 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.
DDRII
Notch
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-8I945GMBX Motherboard - 14 -
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Dual Channel DDR II Memory Configuration
The GA-8I945GMBX supports the Dual Channel Technology. When the Dual
Channel Technology is activated, the bandwidth of memory bus will be double
the original one.
The GA-8I945GMBX includes 4 DIMM sockets, and each Channel has 2 DIMM sockets as following:
Channel A : DDR II 1, DDR II 2
Channel B : DDR II 3, DDR II 4
Due to chipset limitation, if you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please follow the guidelines
below for Dual Channel memory configuration.
1. Dual channel memory cannot be used if one or three DDR II memory modules are installed.
2. If two DDR II memory modules are installed (same storage capacity), one must be added to the
Channel A slot and the other in the Channel B slot in order to use dual channel memory. Dual
channel memory cannot function if both DDR II memory modules are installed on the same channel.
3. If four DDR II memory modules are installed, please use memory of the same storage capacity in
order to use dual channel memory and for BIOS to detect all the DDR II memory modules.
We'll strongly recommend our user to slot two DDR II memory modules into the DIMMs with the same color
in order for Dual Channel Technology to work.
The following is a Dual Channel Memory configuration table: (DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side)
DDR II 1 DDR II 2 DDR II 3 DDR II 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 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 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-8I945GMBX 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 to the
lower port (purple).
IEEE1394 Port
Connects the IEEE1394 devices to this connector.
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 ven
dor 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.
Parallel Port
The parallel port allows connection of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices.
VGA Port
Monitor can be connected to VGA port.
COM A (Serial Port)
Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.
Line In
The default Line In jack. Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.
Line Out (Front Speaker Out)
The default Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack. Stereo speakers, earphone or front surround speakers
can be connected to Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack.
MIC In
The default MIC In jack. Microphone must be connected to MIC In jack.
Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out)
The default Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack. Rear surround speakers can be connected
to Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack.
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
The default Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack. Center/Subwoofer speakers can be connected to
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack.
Hardware Installation- 17 -
Side Speaker Out
The default Side Speaker Out jack. Surround side speakers can be connected to Side Speaker Out
jack.
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In addition to the default speakers settings, the ~ audio jacks can be reconfigured to perform
different functions via the audio software. Only microphones still MUST be connected to the
default Mic In jack ( ) . Please refer to the 2-/4-/6-/8- channel audio setup steps for detailed
software configuration information.
1-7 Connectors Introduction
16 10
15
818
14
17
9
3
5
6
7
2
4
12
1
11
13
1) ATX_12V
10) F_PANEL
2) ATX (Power Connector)
11) F_AUDIO
3) CPU_FAN
12) CD_IN
4) SYS_FAN
13) SPDIF_IO
5) FDD
14) F_USB / GREEN_USB
6) IDE
15) F1_1394 / F2_1394
7) SATAII0_1 / SATAII2_3
16) COMB
8) PWR_LED
17) CLR_CMOS
9) BATTERY
18) CI
GA-8I945GMBX 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.
31
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
42
4 +12V
Pin No. Definition
1 3.3V
2 3.3V
3 GND
4 +5V
5 GND
6 +5V
24 13
7 GND
8 Power Good
9 5V SB(stand by +5V)
12 1
10 +12V
11 +12V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
12 3.3V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
13 3.3V
14 -12V
15 GND
16 PS_ON(soft On/Off)
17 GND
18 GND
19 GND
20 -5V
21 +5V
22 +5V
23 +5V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
24 GND(Only for 24-pin ATX)
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 wire
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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
1 GND
2 +12V
CPU_FAN
3 Sense
4 Speed Control
(Only for CPU_FAN)
1
SYS_FAN
5) FDD (FDD 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.
2
34
1
33
GA-8I945GMBX Motherboard - 20 -
6) IDE1 (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).
2
40
1
39
7) SATAII0_1 / SATAII2_3 (SATA 3Gb/s Connector)
SATA 3Gb/s can provide up to 300MB/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
7
1
2 TXP
3 TXN
7
1
4 GND
5RXN
6 RXP
7 GND
Hardware Installation- 21 -
8) PWR_LED
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.
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Pin No. Definition
1 MPD+
1
2 MPD-
3 MPD-
9) 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-8I945GMBX Motherboard - 22 -
10) F_PANEL (Front Panel Jumper)
English
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.
IDE Hard Disk
Active LEDReset Switch
NC
RES-
HD+
RES+
HD-
19
1
20
2
PW-
MSG-
SPEAK-
SPEAK+
PW+
MSG+
Speaker Connector
Power
Message LED/
Switch
Power/
Sleep LED
HD (IDE Hard Disk Active LED) Pin 1: LED anode(+)
Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
SPEAK (Speaker Connector) Pin 1: Power (+)
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
Hardware Installation- 23 -
11) F_AUDIO (Front Audio Connector)
This connector supports either HD (High Definition) or AC97 front panel audio module. If you wish to
use the front audio function, connect the front panel audio module to this connector. Check the pin
assignments carefully while you connect the front panel audio module. Incorrect connection between
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the module and connector will make the audio device unable to work or even damage it. For optional
front panel audio module, please contact your chassis manufacturer.
19
10
2
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
4NC
5 Line2_R
5 Line Out (R)
6 FSENSE1
6NC
7 FAUDIO_JD
7NC
8 No Pin
8 No Pin
9 LINE2_L
9 Line Out (L)
10 FSENSE2
10 NC
By default, the audio driver is configured to support HD Audio. To connect an AC97 front panel
audio module to this connector, please refer to the instructions on Page 74 about the software
settings.
12) CD_IN (CD In Connector)
Connect CD-ROM or DVD-ROM audio out to the connector.
Pin No. Definition
1 CD-L
1
2 GND
3 GND
4 CD-R
GA-8I945GMBX Motherboard - 24 -
13) SPDIF_IO (SPDIF In/Out Connector)
English
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 and
output 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
15
1 Power
26
2 No Pin
3 SPDIF
4 SPDIFI
5 GND
6 GND
14) F_ USB / GREEN_USB (Front USB Connector)
Be careful with the polarity of the front USB connector. Check the pin assignments 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 GREEN_USB connector provides no standby power when system is off and it does not support
(note)
USB device to wake up from S3 mode. Users who wish to shut down the standby power
for their
USB devices during system power-off can connect the devices to this connector via the optional front
USB cable.
Pin No. Definition
2
10
1 Power
1
9
2 Power
GREEN_USB
3 USB DX-
4 USB Dy-
2
10
5 USB DX+
1
9
6 USB Dy+
F_USB
7 GND
8 GND
9 No Pin
10 NC
(Note) When the standby power is shut down, USB devices (example: optical mouses) will not light on
during system power-off.
Hardware Installation- 25 -
15) F1_1394 / F2_1394 (Front IEEE 1394 Connector)
Serial interface standard set by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which has features like
high speed, highbandwidth 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
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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
1TPA+
2
10
2TPA-
1
9
3 GND
4 GND
5 TPB+
6 TPB-
7 Power
8 Power
9 No Pin
10 GND
16) COMB (Serial Port Connector)
Be careful with the polarity of the COMB connector. Check the pin assignment carefully while you
connect the COMB cable, incorrect connection between the cable and connector will make the device
unable to work or even damage it. For optional COMB cable, please contact your local dealer.
Pin No. Definition
1 NDCDB-
2
10
19
2 NSINB
3 NSOUTB
4 NDTRB-
5 GND
6 NDSRB-
7 NRTSB-
8 NCTSB-
9 NRIB-
10 No Pin
GA-8I945GMBX Motherboard - 26 -
17) CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS)
English
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
Short: Clear CMOS
1
18) 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- 27 -
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GA-8I945GMBX Motherboard - 28 -
Оглавление
- GA-8I945GMBX Motherboard Layout
- Block Diagram
- Chapter 1Hardware Installation
- Chapter 2 BIOS Setup
- Chapter 3Drivers Installation
- Chapter 4 Appendix
