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)

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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)

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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 -