Gigabyte GA-8I945GMMFY-RH: Chapter 1 Hardware Installation
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation: Gigabyte GA-8I945GMMFY-RH
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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- 9 -
1-2 Feature Summary
®
TM
CPU Supports Intel
Core
Duo Processor
L2 cache varies with CPU
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Front Side Bus Supports 667/533MHz FSB
®
Chipset Northbridge:Intel
945GM
®
Southbridge: Intel
ICH7M-DH
LAN Onboard Intel 82573 chip(10/100/1000Mbit)
Audio Onboard ALC880 chip
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 CD In connection
Supports SPDIF In/Out connection
IEEE 1394 Onboard Ti TSB43AB23 chip
3 IEEE1394 ports
®
Storage Intel
ICH7M-DH Southbrigde
- 1 FDD connector, allowing connection of 2 FDD devices
- 1 IDE connector (IDE1) with UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100 support,
allowing connection of 2 IDE devices
- 2 SATA connectors (SATAII_0/SATAII_2), allowing connection
of 2 SATA devices
- Supports data striping (RAID 0), mirroring (RAID 1) for Serial ATA
O.S Support Microsoft Windows 2000/XP
(Note 1)
Memory 2 DDRII DIMM memory slots (supports up to 4GB memory)
Supports dual channel DDRII 667/533/400 DIMM
Supports 1.8V DDRII DIMMs
Expanstion Slots 1 PCI Express x 16 slot
1 PCI Express x 1 slot
2 PCI slots
Internal Connectors 1 24-pin ATX power connector
1 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 floppy connector
1 IDE connector
2 SATA connectors
1 CPU fan connector
1 system fan connector
1 front panel connector
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Internal Connectors 1 front audio connector
1 COMB connector
1 CD In connector
1 SPDIF_IO connector
1 power LED connector
2 USB 2.0/1.1 connectors for additional 4 ports by cables
1 TPM connector
2 1394 connectors
Rear Panel I/O 1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
1 parallel port
1 serial port (COMA)
1 VGA port
4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 1394 port
1 RJ-45 port
6 audio jacks (Line In / Line Out / MIC In/Surround Speaker Out (Rear
Speaker Out)/Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out/Side Speaker Out)
I/O Control IT8712 chip
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU / System temperature detection
CPU / System fan speed detection
CPU / System warning temperature
CPU / System fan failure warning
CPU smart fan control
BIOS 1 4Mbit flash ROM
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
Supports Download Center
Supports Q-Flash
(Note 2)
Supports EasyTune (only supports Hardware Monitor function)
Supports Xpress Install
Supports Xpress Recovery2
Supports Xpress BIOS Rescue
Bundle Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Form Factor Micro ATX form factor; 24.4cm x 24.4cm
(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.
(Note 2) EasyTune functions may vary depending on different motherboards.
Hardware Installation- 11 -
1-3 Installation of the CPU and CPU Cooler
Before installing the CPU, please comply with the following directions:
1. Ensure that the motherboard supports the CPU.
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2. When inserting the CPU, carefully align the CPU pin one marking with pin one (the
indented corner) on the CPU socket. The CPU will not fit if inserted incorrectly.
3. Please add an even thin layer of heat paste between the CPU and CPU cooler.
4. Ensure that the CPU cooler is installed on the CPU prior to system use, otherwise
overheating and permanent damage of the CPU may occur.
5. Set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the CPU specifications. It is not
recommended that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specifica-
tions 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 hard
ware specifications including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU
Check the CPU pins to see that none are bent. Use a flathead screwdriver to turn the screw on the CPU
socket to the unlocked position ( ) (Figure 1). Align the CPU pin one marking (the gold triangle
marking) with the pin one (the indented corner) on the CPU socket. Gently insert the CPU into the socket
and ensure that all pins are properly inserted (Figure 2). Note: If you install the CPU in the wrong
direction, the CPU will not insert properly. If this occurs, rather than applying force, change the insert
direction of the CPU. Finally, make sure to turn the socket screw to the locked position ( ) to secure
the CPU (Figure 3).
The instructions on installing the CPU below are for reference only. CPU socket design may slightly
differ depending on CPU socket supplier. For example, on some CPU sockets, is to release
the CPU and is to lock the CPU in place. Installation of the CPU is dependent on the design of
the CPU socket on your motherboard.
Figure 1.
Figure 2
Turn the screw to the unlocked position ( ).
Align the CPU pin one marking (the gold triangle
marking) with pin one on the CPU socket. Care-
fully and gently insert the CPU into the socket.
GA-8I945GMMFY-RH Motherboard - 12 -
Figure 3
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Finally, turn the screw to the locked position ( )
1. Check the triangle marking (or the pointer) on the screw on the CPU socket first.
Before inserting the CPU, turn the screw on the CPU socket to the unlocked position
( ), so the CPU can be installed. To lock the CPU in place, turn the screw to the
locked ( ) position.
2. It may take a little force to turn the screw to the unlocked ( ) and locked ( )
positions. Turn the screw to the locked position after ensuring that the CPU is properly
and correctly placed into the CPU socket.
1-3-2 Installation of the CPU Cooler
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Place the CPU cooler onto the CPU. Align the
To prevent applying force unevenly and thus dam-
clip latches to the retention mechanism hooks
age to the CPU, we suggest that you install the
and place the clips on the CPU cooler.
second clip in the reverse orientation of the first
one.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Press down on the clip levers at the same time
Attach the CPU cooler fan connector to the
till the clips are secured to the retention mecha-
CPU_FAN header on the motherboard to prevent
nism hooks.
overheating or damage of the CPU.
The CPU cooler may adhere to the CPU as a result of hardening of the heat paste. To prevent
such an occurrence, it is suggested that either thermal tape rather than heat paste be used for
heat dissipation or using extreme care when removing the CPU cooler.
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 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 DDRII 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.
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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 installing the expansion card into
the 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.
Hardware Installation- 15 -
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.
Serial Port (COMA)
Devices like mouses, modems, and etc. can be connected to Serial port.
VGA Port
Monitor can be connected to VGA port.
IEEE 1394 port
Connects to IEEE 1394 devices.
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 supportUSB controller, please con-
tact OS vendor for possible patch or driver upgrade. For more information please contact your
OS or device(s) vendors.
LAN Port
The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet, providing data transfer speeds of 10/100/
1000Mbps.
Line In
Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.
Line Out (Front Speaker Out)
Connect the stereo speakers, earphone or front surround speakers to this connector.
MIC In
Microphone can be connected to MIC In jack.
Rear Speaker Out
Connect the rear surround speakers to this connector.
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Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Connect the Center/Subwoofer speakers to this connector.
Side Speaker Out
Connect the side surround speakers to this connector.
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
17
5
1
2
4
3
10
18
7
6
8
11
12 1615 13
19
14
9
1) ATX_12V
11) CD_IN
2) ATX (Power Connector)
12) SPDIF_IO
3) CPU_FAN
13) F1_1394 / F2_1394
4) SYS_FAN
14) F_USB1 / F_USB2
5) IDE1
15) COMB
6) FDD
16) TPM
7) SATAII_0 / SATAII_2
17) C I
8) F_PANEL
18) CLR_CMOS
9) PWR_LED
19) BAT
10) F_AUDIO
Hardware Installation- 17 -
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
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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.
Pin No. Definition
4
2
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
3
1
4 +12V
Pin No. Definition
Pin No. Definition
12
24
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)
13
12 3.3V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
24 GND(Only for 24-pin ATX)
1
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3/4) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN (Cooler Fan Power Connector)
The cooler fan power connector supplies a +12V power voltage via a 3-pin 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 CPU/system fan cable to the CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN connector to
prevent the CPU/system from overheating and failure.
Pin No. Definition
1
1 GND
2 +12V
CPU_FAN
3 Sense
SYS_FAN
5) 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 other
as Slave (for information on settings, please refer to the instructions located on the IDE device).
40
39
21
Hardware Installation- 19 -
6) 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.
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34
33
2
1
7) SATAII_0/SATAII_2 (Serial ATA Connector,)
SATA can provide up to 150MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for theSerial ATA
and install the proper driver in order to work properly.
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
17
2TXP
3 TXN
4 GND
SATAII_0
SATAII_2
5 RXN
7
1
6 RXP
7 GND
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8) F_PANEL (Front Panel Connector)
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 assignments below.
Speaker Connector
1920
SPEAK-
Reset Switch
SPEAK+
NC
Power Switch
PW-
RES+
PW+
RES-
MSG-
HD-
Message LED/
MSG+
HD+
Power/
2
1
Sleep LED
IDE Hard Disk
Active 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
Close: Reset Hardware System
PW (Power Switch) Open: Normal
Close: Power On/Off
MSG(Message LED/Power/Sleep LED) Pin 1: LED anode(+)
Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
NC NC
Hardware Installation- 21 -
9) PWR_LED
The PWR_LED connector is connected 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+
2 MPD-
1
3 MPD-
10) F_AUDIO (Front Audio Panel 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 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.
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
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.
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11) CD_IN (CD IN Connector)
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
12) 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
62
2 No Pin
3 SPDIF
1
5
4 SPDIFI
5 GND
6 GND
Hardware Installation- 23 -
13) F1_1394/F2_1394 (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
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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
1TPA+
2TPA-
3 GND
4 GND
2
10
5 TPB+
1
9
6 TPB-
7 Power (12V)
8 Power (12V)
9 No Pin
10 GND
14) F_USB1 / F_USB2 (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 (5V)
2
2 Power (5V)
10
3 USB DX-
4 USB Dy-
1
9
5 USB DX+
6 USB Dy+
7 GND
8 GND
9 No Pin
10 NC
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15) COMB (COMB Connector)
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
5 GND
6 NDSRB-
7 NRTSB-
1
9
8 NCTSB-
9 NRIB-
10 No Pin
16) TPM Connector
Please contact your nearest dealer for optional TPM cable.
20
19
2
1
Pin No. Definition
Pin No. Definition
1 LCLK
11 LAD0
2 GND
12 GND
3 LFRAME
13 RSVO
4 No Pin
14 RSV1
5 LRESET
15 SB3V
6 VCC5
16 SERIRQ
7 LAD3
17 GND
8 LAD2
18 CLKRUN
9 VCC3
19 LPCPD
10 LAD1
20 RSV2
Hardware Installation- 25 -
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.
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Pin No. Definition
1 Signal
1
2 GND
18) CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS)
You may clear the CMOS data to its default values by this header. To clear CMOS, temporarily
short the two pins. Default doesn't include the jumper to avoid improper use of this header.
Open: Normal
Short: Clear CMOS
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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 1
minute (Or you can use a metal object to connect the
positive and negative pins in the battery holder to make
them short for 5 seconds).
3. Re-install the battery.
4. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
Hardware Installation- 27 -
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