Gigabyte GA-8I945GZME-RH: Chapter 1Hardware Installation
Chapter 1Hardware Installation: Gigabyte GA-8I945GZME-RH
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 LGA775 Intel
Pentium
4 Processor
L2 cache varies with CPU
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Front Side Bus Supports 800/533MHz FSB
®
Chipset Northbridge: Intel
945GZ
®
Southbridge: Intel
ICH7
LAN Marvell 8001 chip (10/100/1000Mbit)
Audio Onboard Realtek ALC883 CODEC chip
Supports High Definition Audio
Supports 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 channel audio
Supports SPDIF In/Out connection
Supports CD In connection
®
Storage Intel
ICH7
- 1 FDD connector, allowing connection of 1 FDD device
- 1 IDE connector (IDE) with UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100 support,
allowing connection of 2 IDE devices
- 4 SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATAII0, SATAII1, SATAII2, SATAII3),
allowing connection of 4 SATA 3Gb/s devices
O.S Support Microsoft Windows 2000/XP
Memory 2 DDRII DIMM memory slots (supports up to 2GB memory)
Supports dual channel DDRII 533 DIMMs
Supports 1.8V DDRII DIMMs
(Note 2)
Expanstion Slots 1 PCI Express x16 slot
3 PCI slots
Internal Connectors 1 24-pin ATX power connector
1 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 floppy connector
1 IDE connector
4 SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 CPU fan connector
1 system fan connector
1 front panel connector
1 front audio connector
1 CD In connector
1 COMB connector
1 power LED connector
2 USB 2.0/1.1 connectors for additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports by cables
1 SPDIF In/Out connector
1 HDA_SUR connector
GA-8I945GZME-RH Motherboard - 10 -
Rear Panel I/O 1 PS/2 keyboard port
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1 PS/2 mouse port
1 parallel port
1 VGA port
1 COMA port
4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 RJ-45 ports
3 audio jacks (Line In / Line Out / MIC In)
I/O Control IT8718 chip
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU temperature detection
CPU / System fan speed detection
CPU warning temperature
CPU / System fan failure warning
Supports CPU Smart Fan function
BIOS 1 4Mbit flash ROM
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
Supports Download Center
Supports Q-Flash
(Note 3)
Supports EasyTune
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 22.0cm
(Note 1) For further CPU support information, please go to GIGABYTE's website.
(Note 2) The GA-8I945GZME-RH supports up to PCI Express x4 mode. (please refer to the VGA cards
support list on page 16)
(Note 3) 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 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 lo-
properly inserted,
cated on the edge of
please replace the
the CPU socket.
plastic covering and
Align the indented cor-
push the metal lever
ner of the CPU with
back into its original
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-8I945GZME-RH Motherboard - 12 -
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1-3-2 Installation of the Heatsink
Male Push Pin
The top of Female Push Pin
Female Push Pin
Fig.1
Fig. 2
Please apply an even layer of heatsink paste on
(Turning the push pin along the direction of arrow
the surface of the installed CPU.
is to remove the heatsink, on the contrary, is to
install.)
Please note the direction of arrow sign on the male
push pin doesn't face inwards before installation.
(This instruction is only for Intel boxed fan)
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Place the heatsink atop the CPU and make sure
Please make sure the Male and Female push pin
the push pins aim to the pin hole on the
are joined closely. (for detailed installation
motherboard.Pressing down the push pins
instructions, please refer to the heatsink installation
diagonally.
section of the user manual)
Fig. 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- 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 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
DDRII
Fig.1
The DIMM socket has a notch, so the DIMM memory mod-
ule 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-8I945GZME-RH Motherboard - 14 -
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Dual Channel Memory Configuration
The GA-8I945GZME-RH supports the Dual Channel Technology. After oper-
ating the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will
double.
Due to CPU limitation, if you wish to operate the Dual Channel Technology, follow the guidelines below:
1. Dual Channel mode will not be enabled if only one memory module is installed.
2. To enable Dual Channel mode with two memory modules (it is recommended to use memory
modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed), you must install them into DIMM sockets
of the same color.
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
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 x16 expansion card:
Please carefully pull out the small white-
drawable bar at the end of the PCI
Express x16 slot when you try to install/
uninstall the VGA card. Please align the
VGA card to the onboard PCI Express
x16 slot and press firmly down on the
slot. Make sure your VGA card is locked
by the small white-drawable bar.
To install a VGA card or to release an
installed card, users can also press the
latch on the back of the drawable bar as
the picture to the left shows.
Hardware Installation- 15 -
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
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for the add-on graphics card.)
Figure 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
Gigabyte GV-NX66T128D
Gigabyte GV-NX68T256DH
Gigabyte GV-NX55128DP
Gigabyte GV-NX68U256D
Gigabyte GV-NX62TC256D
Gigabyte GV-NX62TC128D
Gigabyte GV-NX66L128DP
Gigabyte GV-NX68256D
Gigabyte GV-NX78X256V-B
Gigabyte GV-NX78T256V-B
Gigabyte GV-NX79T256DP-RH
Gigabyte GV-NX76G256D-RH
Gigabyte GV-NX73G128D-RH
Gigabyte GV-NX73L128D-RH
Nvidia P502/P602
Nvidia 7900GTX
ASUS EN6600/TD/128
MSI NX6800GT-TD256E
WinFast PX6600GT TDH
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
Gigabyte GV-RX30HM128D
Gigabyte GV-RX55128D
Gigabyte GV-RX85T256V-B
Gigabyte GV-RC850T256D-B
Gigabyte GV-RX13P256D-RH
Gigabyte GV-RX16P256D-RH
Gigabyte GV-RX18L256V-B
Gigabyte GV-RX18T512V-B
ASUS AX800XT
ASUS AX700PRO
MSI RX600 XT-TD128
GA-8I945GZME-RH 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).
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.
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.
You can use audio software to configure 2-/4-/6-/8- channel audio functioning.
Hardware Installation- 17 -
1-7 Connectors Introduction
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1
3
2
4
5
6
9
13
7
18
16
11
10
12
15
14 17
8
1) ATX_12V
10) F_PANEL
2) ATX (Power Connector)
11) CD_IN
3) CPU_FAN
12) SPDIF_IO
4) SYS_FAN
13) HDA_SUR
5) IDE
14) F_USB1 / F_USB2
6) FDD
15) COMB
7) SATAII0 / SATAII1 /S ATAII2 / SATAII3
16) CI
8) PWR_LED
17) CLR_CMOS
9) F_AUDIO
18) BAT
GA-8I945GZME-RH Motherboard - 18 -
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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 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
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
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wire indicates a positive connection and requires a +12V power voltage. The black connector
wire is the ground wire (GND).
Remember to connect the CPU/system fan cable to the CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN connector to prevent
CPU damage or system hanging caused by overheating.
Pin No. Definition
1
1 GND
CPU_FAN
2 +12V
3 Sense
4 Speed Control
(Only for CPU_FAN)
1
SYS_FAN
5) IDE (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). Before attaching the IDE cable, please take note of the foolproof groove in the IDE connector.
40
39
2
1
GA-8I945GZME-RH Motherboard - 20 -
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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.Before attaching the FDD cable, please take note of the foolproof groove in the FDD
connector.
34
33
2
1
7) SATAII0 / SATAII1 / SATAII2 / SATAII3 (SATA 3Gb/s Connectors)
SATA 3Gb/s can provide up to 300MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the
SATA 3Gb/s and install the proper driver in order to work properly.
1
7
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
SATAII2
SATAII3
2 TXP
3 TXN
4 GND
7
1
1
7
5 RXN
6 RXP
7 GND
SATAII1SATAII0
7
1
Hardware Installation- 21 -
8) 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.
English
Pin No. Definition
1 MPD+
1
2 MPD-
3 MPD-
9) 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 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.
910
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 65 about the software
settings.
GA-8I945GZME-RH Motherboard - 22 -
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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.
Speaker Connector
Message LED/
Power/
Power
Sleep LED
Switch
PW+
MSG+
MSG-
PW-
SPEAK+
SPEAK-
2
20
1
19
HD-
RES+
NC
HD+
RES-
Reset Switch
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- 23 -
11) CD_IN (CD In Connector)
Connect CD-ROM or DVD-ROM audio out to the connector.
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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
2 No Pin
5
1
3 SPDIF
4 SPDIFI
62
5 GND
6 GND
GA-8I945GZME-RH Motherboard - 24 -
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13) HDA_SUR (Surround Center Connector)
Please connect the connector of the Surround Kit module to this connector.
Pin No. Definition
1 LEF_P
2 SURR_RR
3 CEN_P
2
14
4 SURR_LL
5 CEN_JD
1
13
6 SURR_JD
7 GND
8 -SUR_DET
9 GND
10 NA
11 GND
12 S_SURR_JD
13 S_SURR_LL
14 SURR_RR
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 Power (5V)
3 USB DX-
19
4 USB Dy-
5 USB DX+
10
2
6 USB Dy+
7 GND
8 GND
9 No Pin
10 NC
Hardware Installation- 25 -
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.
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Pin No. Definition
1 NDCDB-
2 NSINB
3 NSOUTB
4 NDTRB-
9
1
5 GND
6 NDSRB-
10
2
7 NRTSB-
8 NCTSB-
9 NRIB-
10 No Pin
16) 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 Signal
1
2 GND
GA-8I945GZME-RH Motherboard - 26 -
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17) 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
18) 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. Gently take out the battery and put it aside for about one minute.
(Or you can use a metal object to connect the positive and
negative pins in the battery holder to makethem short for five
seconds.)
3. Re-install the battery.
4. Plug the power cord in and turn on the computer.
Hardware Installation- 27 -
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GA-8I945GZME-RH Motherboard - 28 -
